To consider the report relating to the Approval of Expenditure for PPE Laundry (CFO/22/2526).

Chief Fire Officer, Nick Searle, explained to Members that the existing laundry contract between Elis UK Ltd and the Authority began on 24^th September 2022 and was extended until 23^rd September 2026. He advised that there had been a significant increase in the number of items sent for cleaning which was due to positive health and safety culture, reducing firefighters to exposure of contaminants.

The Chief Fire Officer added that contract costs had risen by approximately 20% over the last two years and it was anticipated that the demand for the service would remain high and laundry costs could increase further prior to the contract ending in September 2026. Members noted that at the end of the current contract period, the Authority would re-tender to secure the most economically advantageous arrangement available.

It was confirmed that expenditure under the contract was forecast to exceed £300k over its lifetime and the current spend to date was £278k. Members noted that the estimated expenditure up to 23^rd September 2026 was between £347k and £382k. The Chief Fire Officer stated that whilst expenditure was projected to surpass the original approval threshold, efficiency measures identified were expected to deliver savings across the current Medium Term Financial Plan. Members were advised that the Authority would use internal Service couriers to collect and deliver laundry from all locations to create a single collection and drop off location, with an annual saving of £50k. The Chief added that current structural firefighting kit had a maximum wash life of 40 cycles, however, the Authority was considering the introduction of a full technical rescue ensemble which could reduce the cost by a further £20k which would create an annual saving of up to £70k. Additional expenditure would be funded from the current budgets.

Councillor James Roberts praised how the Authority was taking tackling contaminants so seriously to protect the health of firefighters and staff. He drew Members’ attention to paragraph 20 on page 41 of the agenda which explained the wash life of structural firefighting kit having a maximum wash life of 40 cycles and technical rescue PPE having no wash life limitation which would reduce washing frequency. Councillor James Roberts queried whether the priority of tackling contaminants was still taking place if the kits were being washed less frequently.

The Chief Fire Officer stated that the contaminants were predominately on the structural firefighting kit as these were used in big fires such as house fires where maximum protection was necessary.. Members noted that  technical rescue jackets were worn more frequently for other types of incidents such as road traffic collisions, the kit being utilised appropriately would allow  the use of the structural firefighting kit to be reduced and therefore the 40 washing cycles would be spread out over a longer period of time..

Councillor Dave Hanratty asked for reassurance that there would be no cross contamination for the couriers who were picking up contaminated kits. The Chief Fire Officer noted that cross contamination was taken very seriously and when kit was utilised at an operational incident, this kit was double bagged, labelled and placed in a set area in the station where the contamination was contained.

It was queried by Councillor Jeanette Banks whether the training and research into the new equipment would continue to be used for future use and this was confirmed as correct. Councillor Les Byrom asked for clarity around ensuring the correct kit was being worn. The Chief Fire Officer stated that  staff were very well trained and strict around the level of PPE worn at an operational incident. It was acknowledged that all firefighters would know what kit to wear anyway, however, the Officer In Charge would step in if necessary to inform the team which kit was required to be worn.

Councillor Grahame McManus drew Members’ attention to paragraph 8 on page 40 where it read that the re-tendering process would begin at the end of the current contract period. He wondered if the re-tender started prior to the end of the contract or at the end of the contract. The Chief Fire Officer confirmed that the re-tender would begin prior the end of the current contract.

RESOLVED that:

a)    the contents of the report be noted; and

b)    the additional expenditure with Elis UK Ltd  in line with the current contract framework be approved.