New Look For The Fire And Rescue Service

Today sees the start of a roll out of new uniform for the Fire and Rescue Service that has been specifically designed for a modern diverse workforce.

Until now the protective clothing and uniforms available for women firefighters have often been an adapted version of the men's. Better fitting protective clothing means that the firefighter is better protected. Better fitting corporate and station uniforms look more professional.

The range of clothing available now available includes personal protective clothing for use when attending fires and other incidents including boots, gloves and helmets, corporate and station uniforms, sports wear and maternity wear.

The new uniforms also recognise the needs of different cultures. For example, hajib (headscarf), full length skirts, long sleeved shirts and turban options are available.

In the long term the new colour of the uniform - grey with red - has the potential to give the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) an easily recognisable national identity, which they do not have at present.

The new clothing, covering all aspects of a firefighter's working day, has been subject to rigorous testing by volunteers from FRS from all over the country.

Communities and Local Government helped fund the garment testing, as part of its investment to ensure the modern FRS has the equipment it needs for the challenges of today's world. A key aim in developing the various clothing options is to encourage the widest possible range of people to consider a career in the Fire and Rescue Service. The testing was designed to identify the physiological impact and to ensure that the items worked when worn together.

Fire and Rescue Services now have the opportunity to order the clothing as their existing kit needs replacing.

The procurement process has been managed by Firebuy Ltd, a government company that manages national procurement projects for England's Fire and Rescue Service. The successful tenderer was Bristol Uniforms Ltd.

(JM/BMcC)