Aviation Fire Fighters Receive High Tech Protective Equipment

Aviation Fire Fighters Receive High Tech Protective Equipment

Airservices fire fighters are now equipped with the latest in 'smart' personal protective equipment as part of a $2.4 million national upgrade of fire fighting gear.

The high-tech turn out gear ensures members of the Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) service are well placed to protect life and property at our airports.

ARFF General Manager Andrew Rushbrook said the new clothing replaced gear which had been in use for more than 15 years in some cases.

"This new equipment has been extensively tested and fully complies with, or exceeds, the relevant Australian standards.

"It offers our fire fighters significantly better protection than the clothing it replaces," Mr Rushbrook said.

He said the new equipment was the result of an exhaustive tender process and close collaboration with the successful provider, PAC Fire Australia.

"We've made several modifications during trials to ensure the clothing is suited to Australian aviation fire fighting environments from Tasmania to the Northern Territory," Mr Rushbrook said.

ARFF provides a critical aviation rescue and fire fighting service at 21 of the nation's busiest capital city and regional airports.

The new clothing is now being rolled out to all operational ARFF personnel nationally.

It will be supported by the introduction of sophisticated inventory management systems. Each clothing item is fitted with a radio frequency identification (RFI) chip to log care and maintenance activities and provide a comprehensive record of its fire service.

The purchase of the new gear is part of a wider $70 million, five year investment in modernising Australia's aviation fire and rescue services. The program involves the purchase of new equipment, fire trucks, training facilities, and new fire stations at selected airports.

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SOURCE: Airservices