Bott provides welfareunits for hard working firefighters

Bott, the leading manufacturer of in-vehicle storage solutions, has worked closely with Grampian Fire and Rescue Service to design two welfare units; offering somewhere for fire fighters to rest when involved in complex incidents that last for long periods of time.
Fire fighters can often be at the scene of a fire or rescue operation for many hours, even days, and therefore need facilities in which to rest and re-energise. Bott’s demountable welfare units, placed on the back of Scania trucks to be transported to an incident, usually include a living space, kitchen and toilet facilities, as well as electricity and running water.
Grampian Fire and Rescue recently required two new welfare units to support its 872 fire fighters when at incidents. Based at its headquarters in Aberdeen, they provide a valuable resource to the team who serve 8,736 sq km across the north east of Scotland. To ensure the units were designed in a durable, efficient and ergonomic way, Raymond Cheyne, fleet manager at the service, contacted Bott.
Raymond explains: “The welfare of our fire fighters is one of our main concerns, and these units will help to ensure they are not put at unnecessary risk by working long periods without a break. We needed to work with a company that would design the units with our specific needs in mind and provide equipment that is durable and long-lasting – that’s why we contacted Bott.”
Bott has a specialist vehicle enhancement service, which designed and installed the Grampian Fire and Rescue welfare units. James Dale, project manager from Bott comments: “We’ve worked with many fire and rescue teams before, so had a good understanding of what the needs and requirements of Grampian Fire and Rescue Service would be. It was important that the welfare units were designed with the demanding role of the fire fighter in mind, and we also looked at ways to maximise space in each area of the unit so more than one person could utilise it at the same time.”
The welfare units comprise a seating and relaxing quarter, kitchen area with plumbed in hot and cold water and power points, and two bathrooms (one male and one female) with fully flushing toilets and sinks. All of the equipment installed needed to be hard-wearing and easy to wash down.
Raymond continues: “Our fire fighters operate in extremely stressful and arduous situations and need facilities that can withstand wear and tear and exposure to soot, dirt, mud and oil. Bott’s excellent design and installation service is second to none – they ensured our requirements were taken on board and used strong, durable and easy-to-clean products, which were installed to the highest standard.”
As well as providing bespoke designs and equipment, Bott’s vehicle enhancement division offers a standard range of storage modules comprising in-vehicle racking, drawers and cupboards to create well-organised interiors – allowing tools and equipment to be safely and efficiently carried.
For further information on Bott’s range of in-vehicle storage products, telephone 01530 410600 or visit www.specialistvehicleconversions.co.uk
or
www.bottltd.co.uk.