Challenge to national operational guidance on BA wearers

Conference notes that within the National Operational Guidance for Breathing Apparatus (BA), under the subheading ‘Procedures for Breathing Apparatus Operations’ it is stated:

“BA teams will consist of at least two BA wearers; only those trained in the use of BA can be BA wearers. One BA team member should be a competent firefighter.”

Conference believes that the term “should” is open to abuse by fire and rescue services, leading to unsafe practices where two development and/or apprentice firefighters are allowed to wear BA together. Whilst this issue is being challenged locally, Conference feels that more could be done nationally.

Conference instructs the Executive Council, through the appropriate structures, to demand that the word “should” be changed to ‘will’, ensuring increased safety for firefighters and the public.