Vehicle & equipment provision

Introduction

1.1 Aims and Objectives

The purpose of this guide is to outline and assist FRS’s with Vehicle and Equipment procurement.

  • To provide guidance in ensuring Vehicle and Equipment assets are procured to meet any current and future operational requirements encompassed within the FRS’s Integrated Risk Management Plans.
  • FRS’s are committed to delivering a safe, effective and responsive service through the provision of a compliant and fit for purpose fleet with suitable equipment that supports all operational response, prevention and protection activities.
  • Ensure that Vehicles and Equipment are procured to the highest practical environmental standards available, consulting widely on reducing emissions, conserving energy and other resources regarding vehicle provision and use.
  • Develop and monitor key reporting figures and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

1.2 Strategic Context

Vehicles and equipment play a vital role in delivery of public safety services, both now and in the foreseeable future.  This strategy aims to ensure the FRS has the right vehicles and equipment in the right places at the right time.

Key goals for FRS Fleet, Transport and Engineering departments should be:

  • To maintain cost-effective and timely processes for repair and maintenance, commissioning, decommissioning and disposal of the vehicles and equipment.
  • To identify and meet the transport and equipment needs of the FRS, for operational and support functions.
  • To maintain an efficient and effective vehicle fleet, ensuring vehicles and equipment are replaced by following optimum replacement cycles, in line with the FRS’s Vehicle and Equipment Asset Management Strategies.
  • To extend opportunities for collaboration between FRS’s both regionally and nationally.

General

The Environment

To protect and enhance the environment through the FRS’s Environmental Policy.

The FRS should control and manage its fleet activities to ensure risks to the health, safety and welfare of its employees, customers and the general public are identified and action taken to minimise or eliminate those impacts. Vehicles should be evaluated considering environmentally beneficial alternatives, measurement of CO2 and other vehicle exhaust emissions. Different fuel types and engine efficiencies must also be considered where appropriate and operationally compatible recommended for purchase.

4.2 Sustainability

Sustainable development of the fleet is central to the planning of vehicle provision and in achieving an effective approach to operational response over time.  Fleet plans and procurements will be exposed to Sustainability Appraisal to promote sustainable development through the integration of fleet plans, environmental targets and considerations and economic factors.  Appraisals should be carried out in preparation for the procurement of new vehicles.

Equality and Diversity

For all vehicles and equipment procured, an equality impact assessment must be carried out within the vehicle specification/build process.  Use of national contracts, which embed this ethos, will ensure the vehicles and equipment purchased meet the diverse needs of the FRS.

All fire appliances are now built fitted-out and stowed using an ergonomic manual handling programme based on the anthropomorphic capabilities of firefighters (Firestore).  This reduces the manual handling risk to fire-fighters, as the software application model is based on the manual handling capabilities of both male and female firefighters, in order to ensure all new appliances meet the relevant equality and diversity requirements.

Collaboration

It should be an objective of FRS’s to collaborate both regionally and nationally to seek opportunities and benefits that can include but are not be limited to:

  • Fleet Management Systems
  • Fleet Management and reporting
  • Engineering support – specifications, knowledge and capacity
  • Procurement to standard types to generate framework discounts
  • Vehicle maintenance and support
  • Strategic management and support

Collaboration with specifications, procurement, contracts and compliance will reduce costs and improves safety and conformity through nationally and locally agreed specifications

Research and develop regional procurement on one ‘make’ vehicles and equipment in order to improve interoperability, service, spare parts availability and a standard approach to maintenance, thus improving downtime whilst increasing both regional and national operational resilience.