Firefighters across North Yorkshire are sporting smart new kit, following the recent delivery of brand-new, state-of-the-art PPE from MSA Bristol. Last year, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) ordered top-to-toe structural firefighting kit for 670 firefighters working out of 38 stations across the county, working to a go-live date of 25 October. Purchased through the UK Collaborative Framework, the new PPE was delivered by MSA Bristol on time and to budget, despite the continuing challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Run by Kent FRS, the Collaborative Framework gives UK FRSs access to high quality PPE ensembles and volume discounts through a streamlined procurement process. FRSs can sign up via a purchase-only or fully managed service contract to procure PPE that has been independently evaluated and tested, saving considerable time and costs. North Yorkshire FRS opted for an eight-year fully managed services contract via the Framework. The selected PPE includes MSA Bristol’s light-weight structural firefighting coats and trousers, offering excellent fit and comfort along with superior ergonomic performance. The outer shell is made from Hainsworth’s TITAN 1260 fabric with PBI fibres, developed to offer maximum protection whilst minimising the risk of heat stress. This is combined with a Goretex moisture barrier and an Axion thermal liner for additional thermal protection. Mark Naylor, Head of Response and Resilience at North Yorkshire FRS commented, “The high-quality garments provide essential protection from fire and reduce the physiological effects of heat on the body, thereby enhancing the performance of our firefighting teams and helping them to provide a first class service to our communities” In addition, one of the most compelling benefits of procuring via the Collaborative Framework is the service it can provide in the cleaning and maintenance of PPE. Simon Garnett-Spence, Head of Assets at North Yorkshire FRS commented, “We opted for the fully managed services contract which means that after an incident, dirty or damaged kit will be collected by MSA Bristol and professionally laundered and repaired at one of their service centres before being returned back to us within seven days. We can also benefit from MSA Bristol’s huge stock holding nationwide, in that if required, replacement kit of any size can be delivered to us within two hours. As a fairly small fire service, we would never have the budget or storage space for such volumes of spare stock.” He continued, “So far, we have been very impressed with MSA Bristol’s service. Everything has been delivered on time as initially agreed, and any minor issues or adjustments have been handled swiftly.” Sarah Walsh from Kent Fire and Rescue Service commented, “The Framework Authority wishes to welcome North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to the Collaborative PPE Framework. In joining the other Participating Authorities on the Framework they will access fit for purpose PPE designed with the safety of wearers in mind and enjoy the benefits of economies of scale. We would also like to thank MSA Bristol for ensuring continuity of supplies for all existing Participating Authorities and the efforts they have made to ensure that ‘Go Lives’ continued to happen with minimal disruption throughout the Pandemic.”   Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com