To consider report CFO/003/23 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning the outcome of the tender for the supply of firecoats and overtrousers for Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service (MFRS) as well as all other Fire and Rescue Services in the North West.

Chief Fire Officer, Phil Garrigan presented the report on supply of firecoats and overtrousers for the Authority and other Authorities across the North West as part of a consortium procurement.

Members were advised that the kit had been tested to ensure it was fit for purpose from a fire fighting perspective and to ensure that the kit reflected the diversity of the workforce.

Councillor Janet Grace queried the life span of a firecoat and it was explained that it was dependent on the extent of use and how challenging the environment was  as the number of washes predicated the life span. As an estimate, coats were expected to last between three to five years but it was noted that technological advancements could lead to the replacement of kit before it reached that point. The Chief Fire Officer suggested that a further report be submitted to a future meeting on cleaning and contamination of fire kit.

Councillor Byrom noted that each piece of kit had a barcode so that its lifespan could be monitored and to ensure it provided the level of protection that the firefighters needed.

RESOLVED that the award of a call-off contract to Ballyclare Limited for the supply of firecoats and overtrousers for a period of 4 years, with an option to extend for up a further of 12 months subject to satisfactory performance be approved.