Deliberate Removal Of Baeco From First Line Appliances

Conference notes with great concern the continued deliberate removal of the safety critical role of BAECO from first line appliances by some FRSs. This practice appears to be on the increase by FRSs with various reasons being given for doing so, including removing firefighters from fire appliances to ride vans and deliver CFS activities when they are on duty. FBU members are facing greater risks when dealing with fires and this risk is increased when rapid deployment procedures are routinely used as a means monitoring committed BA teams and is contrary to the guidance given in TB 1/97. Conference therefore calls upon the FBU to immediately raise this issue at a national level to bring about the necessary guidance being reiterated to FRSs in order for them to cease this dangerous and unnecessary practice.