Date of Request
02/12/2024
Request
Good morning,
I hope you are well. I’m putting together a white paper for FIRE magazine on communications systems in the context of the Grenfell Tower disaster and inquiry.
I was wondering if you might be able to tell me:
– Whether you have given consideration to providing all firefighters with digital radios
– Whether you provide all firefighters with digital radios
– Whether you reserve low power intrinsically safe radios as part of breathing apparatus only for situations in which there is a real risk of igniting flammable gases, and generally use radios of higher power.
Thanks
Response
We thank you for your request for information, which has been received by Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (the Service) and considered under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000
The Service can confirm that the information that you have requested is held and the information is below:
– Whether you have given consideration to providing all firefighters with digital radios – Yes and this is in place.
– Whether you provide all firefighters with digital radios – Digital radios are available to use for all firefighters on our frontline appliances.
– Whether you reserve low power intrinsically safe radios as part of breathing apparatus only for situations in which there is a real risk of igniting flammable gases, and generally use radios of higher power. Yes, breathing apparatus crews predominately use high powered digital radios. However, they also have access to intrinsically safe radios for situations where there is a risk of igniting flammable gases.
If you have any questions regarding your request, please contact Information Governance and Committee Services on tel: 0345 122 4454 or by e-mail informationrequests@hwfire.org.uk. In any such communication please include the reference number assigned (see Subject).
Should you have any queries regarding the management of your request and wish to make either a complaint or request a review of the information disclosed to you, please do so by using Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service’s complaints system: Comments and Complaints. This must be done within 40 working days of our response to your request. After this date and in line with ICO guidance the Service is not obliged to provide an internal review of your request.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the internal review, you may appeal the decision by contacting the Information Commissioner, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AF, Tel: 0303 123 1113 (alternatively 01625 545745) or E-mail: casework@ico.org.uk.
Further information on Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service may be viewed at the Service’s website: www.hwfire.org.uk
Thank you for your request for information.
Kind regards,
Information Governance Team