Hydraulic hose

Conference will be aware of the horrific hydraulic oil injury which was suffered by our
remember during a training exercise. The FBU's health and safety representative in
Scotland has now received a report on the destruction test of a length of hydraulic
hose on 13 May 2015.

A joint health and safety investigation into the cause of a serious high pressure
injection injury identified a manufacturing defect within an aftermarket hydraulic hose.
This lead to its agreed withdrawal and replacement with new manufacturers’ original
hose. Following use at an operational incident an inspection of this particular
manufacturers hose identified damage. Detailed independent testing was carried out
on the affected section of hose and has now reported that a similar manufacturing
defect exists.

As far as we are aware this hydraulic hose is in use throughout the UK Fire and
Rescue Services and has the potential to inflict further serious injuries to FBU
members and members of the public. The Scottish Region has taken a measured and
pragmatic approach throughout the investigation in recognition of the consequences
of demanding that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service withdraw all relevant
hydraulic hose from use. Understandably our members are becoming increasingly
concerned for their safety and, therefore, Conference calls upon the Executive
Council, as a matter of urgency, to;

● Undertake further investigations to confirm these findings
● Engage with the HSE at national level, UK Fire and Rescue Services, DCLG
and relevant government departments to identify and implement potential
solutions, including consideration of replacing hydraulic hose with a suitable
alternative
● Identify if the only practical safe measure is to demand the withdrawal of
hydraulic hose from use
● Report the findings of any further investigations, as soon as practicably
possible, to the FBU Health and Safety Committee, Regional and Brigade
Committees
● Issue recommendations and any necessary guidance from these findings