VFBV

Issue 4, 24 March 2013

Quick snapshot of the priority issues and actions worked through at the most recent Joint Committee meeting between CFA and VFBV. (Meeting held 27/10/2012)

PROTOTYPE HEAVY TANKERS

VFBV has written to the Chief Officer expressing deep dissatisfaction and concern over the revised specifications of the 10 Prototype Heavy Tankers due to go out to Brigades shortly for evaluation. Due to a change in the transmission ordered for these trucks, the vehicle is limited to a maximum of speed of 10km per hour when operating the pump. Delegates have requested the Chief Officer provide written advice and an operational review of the truck to ascertain any safety implications of this limitation, as well as the effect on operational effectiveness and to ensure any brigade receiving the truck for evaluation is aware of the limitation.

Disappointingly, this change to specification was made without any input or consultation of the working party or committee. The committee has raised concern over how this change may prejudice the evaluation of the Iveco cab chassis which provides greater torque, weight allowance and small turning circles, but has been crippled by a down spec’d transmission. A transmission without this limitation is available from the manufacturer. The committee will continue to seek resolution so that a fair and robust evaluation of these vehicles can be made across the state.

The Committee is evaluating one of the Heavy Tanker Prototypes that has been fitted with a tyre inflation kit. The vehicle is undergoing user testing and feedback in Districts 17 & 18. The kit allows the tyres to be automatically deflated/inflated to match sandy conditions. This would potentially resolve the issue of having to use ‘Super Singles’ on tankers earmarked for Sandy conditions – which come with a much reduced weight capacity.

RED PLATING OF BRIGADE OWNED VEHICLES

A State Council Discussion paper that outlines a CFA proposal to red-plate Brigade Owned Vehicles has now been sent to all District Councils for feedback & discussion prior to endorsement at April’s State Council on the 21^st April. The committee has recommended State Council endorse the proposal in principle, with a couple of amendments to ensure brigades can be adequately consulted and engaged during the process.

NEW CONCEPT LIGHT TANKER & SLIP-ON EVALUATIONS

The committee has agreed to piggy back on the work that DSE are currently undertaking, which is seeing the DSE trial 6 new concept vehicles consisting of 3 Light Tankers, and 3 Slip-ons. The committee is seeking to monitor and review DSE’s evaluation, with the possibility of a joint agency approach to these light vehicles. Further information and specifications is being requested from the DSE.

5 YEAR STATION TOILET PROGRAM

The committee is monitoring a new 5 year strategy which seeks to ensure every brigade would have sufficient toilet and washroom facilities. 21 toilets have been funded for the current financial year.