STELLENBOSCH FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION
MEMBERS CODE OF CONDUCT: STELLENBOSCH FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION
1 Motivation
1.1 Good corporate governance is being introduced throughout the world as a business imperative offering strategic success.
Investors (of time and money) and institutions prefer to co operate with other stakeholders that uphold the key elements of
corporate governance, namely discipline, transparency, independence, accountability, responsibility, fairness and social
responsibility.
1.2 If we unpack the main objective of a Fire Protection Association which states that “Owners may form an association for the
purpose of predicting, preventing, managing and extinguishing veld fires” and that “a fire protection association may be formed
by owners who wish to co-operate for the purpose referred to above”, it becomes clear that if we wish to co-operate (not
forced) and wish others to co-operate, we need a code of conduct that will promote the “wish to co-operate” among all
landowners.
1.3 The conduct of the members of the Association impacts on the ability to deliver on our strategic objectives efficiently and
effectively. A high standard of conduct is essential to the growth, development and sustainability of the Association.
1.4 A common code of conduct will guide and regulate the behaviour of parties engaged and is necessary to establish the standards
of behaviour that participants may expect from each other and against which their behaviour can be measured.
2 Code of Conduct
2.1 This code of conduct represents an important step in the management of integrity and the creation of an environment of
fairness and transparency within which the Association can operate.
2.2 In this context, the development of the Association will be promoted by members that foster the following principles that will
set an example and illustrate good conduct against which we can measure ourselves and be measured.
3 Principles of Good Conduct
All members hereby undertake to:
3.1 Participation in good faith;
3.2 Show dedication towards the causes of the Association
3.3 Be open minded, transparent but considerate;
3.4 Pursue solutions after identifying and defining problems;
3.5 Utilize the correct forums first for resolving issues;
3.6 Endeavour that discussions revolve around issues and not personalities;
3.7 Recognise the sensitivity of certain issues;
3.8 Have clearly stated and enacted values;
3.9 Ensure that they perform efficiently, responsibly, accountably and with probity;
3.10 Recognise the legitimacy of interest of defined stakeholders;
3.11 Engage in long-term relationships;
3.12 Give due recognition to the respect for human rights;
3.13 Practice and encourage greater environmental and social responsibility;
3.14 Promote collaborative partnerships with communities;
3.15 Recognise need for co-operation and collaboration to ensure a vibrant and sustainable effort;
3.16 Guard against abuse of power by the stronger party’s’ in contractual relationships;
3.17 Recognise the inherently dangerous nature of our environment and give priority to occupational health and the safety of all
participants and the public;
3.18 Engage with and share best practice;
3.19 Discharge duties and obligations timeously and with integrity; and
3.20 Not maliciously or recklessly injure or attempt to injure the reputation of another party.
4 Adherence to the code of conduct
The proactive way is for all parties to commit to adhere to the code of conduct. The reactive measures will be in the
realisation that this code of conduct forms part of the Rules and that the Constitution (Annexure G Section 11.4) makes
provision for the sanctioning of a member.
Documents
Rules of the Stellenbosch Fire Protection Association
1. Firebreaks – Legislative Requirements
Firebreaks must be viewed as an integral part of the fire management strategy and not as a separate protection measure.
Every owner on whose land a veld fire may start or burn or from whose land it may spread must prepare and maintain a
firebreak on his or her side of the boundary between his or her land and any adjoining land except where exempted. The
Minister will grant exemptions where the veldfire management strategy of an FPA provides for specified owners or classes of
owners to dispense with firebreaks on specified boundaries or under specified conditions. In such cases the Minister will
need to be satisfied that the alternative measures are adequate to protect the public interest.
Owners of adjoining land may agree to position a common firebreak away from the boundary.
An owner who is obliged to prepare and maintain a firebreak must ensure that, with due regard to weather, climate, terrain
and vegetation of the area (Section 13, of the Act):-
-
It is wide and long enough to have a reasonable chance of preventing a veld fire from spreading to or from neighboring land;
-
It does not cause soil erosion; and
-
It is reasonable free of flammable material capable of carrying a veld fire across it.
1.1 Minimum firebreak requirements of the SFPA
All members are responsible for the creation of firebreaks and must comply with the minimum firebreak requirements.
It is difficult to document prescriptions for firebreaks. Each firebreak with its individual circumstances will determine what
type and width will be applicable.
-
Members must comply with the national policy applicable to exemptions.
-
Firebreaks must meet the requirements of the NEMA act and the Environmental conservation act. (If in doubt contact the FPO).
-
Firebreaks not covered in the table below, must be at least one and a half times the average height of adjoining vegetation.
-
All orchards and vineyards must be cleared of flammable material in excess of standard agricultural practices.
1.2 Position
Because of economical and practical reasons, the position of the firebreaks will be determined by factors of mutual
agreement, between mutual landowners or a group of landowners as mentioned in this document.
1.3 Width
|
Land Type |
Prescribed width (where practically possible) |
Recommended method |
|
Orchards / Vineyards internal |
4 meters |
First four rows in orchard to be cleared of flammable material
|
|
Orchards / Vineyards external (Between natural / agricultural interface and separate landowners)
|
10 meters
|
brush cut, hoeing allowed on slopes less than 30 degrees only |
|
Fynbos / Natural veld / Agricultural Land interface |
1 and a half times the height of the natural vegetation
|
brush cut, hoeing allowed on slopes less than 30 degrees only
|
|
Road Verges (Provincial and district roads)
|
3 meters on either side |
brush cut and remove cut material
|
|
Alien Infestations |
3 times the height of the vegetation
|
brush cut, hoe
|
|
Refuse Sites |
30 meters
|
|
|
Open erven inside a town that is earmarked for development
|
3 meters |
brush cut, hoe
|
|
Forestry |
As in management plans
|
|
|
Labour cottages, Farm infrastructure and Homesteads bordering onto natural veld |
Adequate measures to prevent property loss |
Under advisement of the technical committee |
1.4 Maintenance
Fire belts can be reviewed annually and treated according to the re-growth and fuel loads. Cut or raked material can be
chipped, removed or burnt on site. It should preferably not be spread above the belt.
1.5 Exemptions from preparing firebreaks
The application for exemption of the firebreaks will be determined by factors of mutual agreement between the FPA and
mutual landowners or a group of landowners as mentioned in this document.
1.6 Rules for time of preparation
Besides burning, firebreaks must be prepared and maintained on an annual basis and must be completed by no later then
the end of November.
For maintenance of firebreaks, burns will be considered with special permission from the FPA and local authority.
1.7 Initial preparation and clearing of firebreaks
-
All the material may be burnt, chipped or removed.
-
It is preferred where possible not to redistribute material adjacent to cleared breaks.
-
Use natural boundaries and roads and cultivated lands.
-
Avoid wetlands and rare/endangered plant communities.
2. Rules regarding arrangements between neighbours
By agreement of adjoining landowners breaks may be moved from the common boundary to a more practical and effective
position, but within the scope of legislation and FPA rules.
3. Rules regarding protection of soil and biodiversity
Rules of good governance must apply to all members within the FPA, in order to prevent disturbance to the soil and
biodiversity, within the scope of agricultural and environmental legislation.
4. Minimum fire fighting equipment requirements
All members must comply with Chapter 5 of the National Veld and Forest Fire Act by having equipment, protective clothing
and trained personnel as is reasonable for the extent of the member’s property.
-
All members must have fire fighting equipment as stipulated below
-
All members must ensure that in their absence there is a responsible person present on or near the property who will assist in extinguishing the fire and take reasonable steps to alert the FPO and neighbouring landowners/their agents.
Where members are required to provide fire-fighting resources as stipulated in the rules, the
following requirements need to be maintained:-
-
Maintain fire-fighting equipment in good condition, inspect and test weekly during the fire season.
-
Minimum fire fighting equipment for prescribed burns must comply with the conditions of each permit
-
Resources will be shared in an emergency, where a landowner has insufficient equipment
-
Subject to approval by the FPA, landowners may enter into mutual written agreements with regards to assistance and resources
-
A water-filling point for the use of emergency services must be supplied at each farm/property
5. Equipment requirements
Minimum requirements for fire fighting equipment to be met by private members of the SFPA (within 2 years of joining)
|
Member Category |
Fire Beaters
|
Rake Hoes / Spades
|
First Aid kit
|
Cell phones
|
Trailer pump or bakkie sakkies
|
|
|
Land use |
Land area hectares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All |
1 – 12 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
- |
|
13 – 200 |
10 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
1 or 1 |
|
|
201 - |
20 |
10 |
1 |
1 |
1 or 2 |
|
6. Personnel requirements
Minimum numbers of competent personnel in different job categories
|
Member Category |
Man power
|
|
|
Land use |
Land area, hectares |
|
|
All |
1 – 12 |
1 |
|
13 – 200 |
6 |
|
|
201 - + |
10 |
|
|
Man power will be trained as per objectives in the Business plan
|
||
7. Minimum fire fighting training requirements
-
Members/occupiers of land or their staff performing fire fighting must be trained in a basic fire fighting course by a component Training Institution or have had previous practical experience in veld fire fighting.
-
The Cape Winelands District Municipality assisted by the SFPA will conduct fire training for members and their staff free of charge.
7.1 Competence Standards for fire-fighters and related personnel
-
The SFPA(FPO) have the following responsibilities with regards to training -
-
Schedule courses for persons in charge of fires or fire-fighters.
-
Schedule refresher training on a regular basis for trained persons.
-
Ensure that training is conducted on an acceptable level.
-
A member has the following responsibilities in regard to training -
-
Make persons available for scheduled courses.
-
Carry the cost of refresher training,
-
Keep a register of all trained persons in their service.
-
The register must include name, ID, type of course, training institution, and copy of certificate.
8. Minimum safety equipment and protective clothing
For any person involved in fire fighting:
-
One-piece cotton long-sleeve overall (or cotton long-sleeve shirt and trousers)
-
A cotton T-shirt as under layer
-
One pair safety boots (rubber sole)
-
Goggles (optional)
9. General rules regarding the use of fire
Fires used for preparing meals, beverages or for warmth during cold conditions in the veld by farm or other workers should
be located in fire-safe areas only. Fires should not be left unattended and should be properly extinguished with water
after Use. Fires should not be made:-
-
if the weather conditions are unsuitable (fire danger rating is high: orange or red)
-
in areas that have not been sufficiently cleared of combustible material;
-
in areas with a deep litter layer;
-
near thickets of dense vegetation or any other combustible material;
-
in areas near wetlands with a thick peat layer; and
-
if the fire is to be left unattended.
Domestic/social fires used outside of residences should be managed carefully in designated safe areas. Where
situations arise that people have to prepare domestic meals on an outside fire, they should be trained
/educated in this regard with regular inspections by the property owner.
10. Smoking
No person may drop or throw down any lighted cigarette, match or other burning object anywhere within the SFPA area
where there is a potential fire risk. No person may light or carry a lighted cigarette or match within 15m of any of stacks
of grain, hay or straw or any standing crops, dry grass, crop residue, plantation slash or combustible liquids.
11. Rules governing mutual aid agreements
The SFPA may enter into mutual aid agreement with local authorities or any other service provider
12. Fire prevention and preparedness during periods of high fire danger
No cutting torches, welding, brush cutters or angle grinders to be used on red or orange days, except in designated areas.
Refer to Annexure B: FDI
13. Fire prevention and preparedness during periods of moderate fire danger:
No open fires will be allowed in the defined periods listed below
14. Fire restriction periods (replace fire prohibitions under the old Forest Act)
14.1 Definition of periods
15 November – 30 April of each year
15. Conditions for the issuing of permits to burn
Members intending to conduct a prescribed burn must obtain a Burning Permit from the Fire Protection Officer (L. Morta
tel: (021) 808 8888) to conduct the burn at any time. Neighbours, the SAPS and the Fire Protection Officer should be
notified at least 24 hours before any fire is lit, and weather conditions should be monitored. A responsible person should
be in attendance for the whole time a fire is lit and for a suitable mopping up period. All conditions of the Fire Permit
should be observed.
Members must observe all conditions of their Burning Permit (Annexure D).
16. Rubbish sites
These sites can only be burned with the necessary Burning Permit being issued.
17. Special precautions applicable
Members are responsible to isolate any hazard area that is present or likely to develop on their property to eliminate any
danger it may create to adjoining property.
Where members are in doubt regarding the danger of a specific area they must contact the FPO for advice.
18. Requirements during seasons of early onset
Apply same rules as point 1.5
19. Appropriate fire regimes for prescribed burning
Not yet formulated (this will be affected by the Catchments protection plan)
20. Smoke management and pollution control
Not yet formulated
21. Catchments protection (protection of soil and water values)
Not yet formulated
22. Management of alien invasive plants
Not yet formulated
23. Enforcement
23.1 The following will be the enforcement officers regarding provisions under the Act,
by-laws affecting fires, and the rules of the SFPA as applied within the area of the
SFPA:
23.2. The Fire Protection Officer (with appropriatedelegation of authority in terms of
the Fire Brigade Services Act with respect to by-laws)
23.3. The Chief Fire Officer and person to whom powers have been delegated, i.e. the
Deputy Fire Officer and Traffic Officers
23.4. Forest Officers of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry
23.5. Members of the SAPS.
24. By-laws for non-members:
24.1. Municipal by-laws in terms of the Fire Brigade Services Act apply to the areas within declared townships and require
homeowners to meet prescribed building standards with regard to fire protection and to keep their erfs clear of
flammable material within 10 m of and structure.
Constitution of the Stellenbosch Fire Protection Association
1. Name of the fire protection association
The name of the association is the Stellenbosch Fire Protection Association (“the association”), which falls within
the Cape Wineland Municipality and the Stellenbosch Local Municipality.
2. Address of the Fire Protection Association
Physical address: Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, Jonkershoek Valley, Stellenbosch
Postal address: P.O. Box 200, Simondium, 7670, Western Cape, South Africa
3. Area of the fire protection association
The SFPA area is the entire Stellenbosch municipal district. Also included in the area are portions of the Drakenstein
Municilatily from the Simonsberg to the N1 near Klapmuts.
The SFPA is divided into the following wards:
-
Franschhoek
-
Simonsberg
-
Jonkershoek
-
Helderberg
-
Spier
-
Bottelary
4. Application of the Act to this constitution
This constitution is in accordance with Chapter 2 of the National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998 (No. 101 of 1998) (“the
Act”) and the regulations under it.
5. Aim of the fire protection association
The aim of the association is to predict, prevent, manage and extinguish veld fires in its area.
6. Duties of the association
The duties of the association are to—
(a) develop and apply a veld fire management strategy for its area;
(b) provide in the strategy for agreed mechanisms for the co-ordination of actions with
adjoining fire protection associations;
(c) make rules which bind its members;
(d) identify the ecological conditions that affect the fire danger;
(e) regularly communicate the fire danger rating referred to in sections 9 and 10 of the Act to
its members;
(f) organise and train its members in fire-fighting, management and prevention;
(g) inform its members of equipment and technology available for preventing and fighting veld
fires;
(h) provide management services, training and support for communities in their efforts to
manage and control veld fires;
(i) supply the Minister with statistics about veld fires in its area at least once every 12 months.
(j) give any information requested by the Minister to prepare or maintain the fire danger rating
system;
(k) exercise the powers and perform the duties delegated to it by the Minister;
(l) appoint a fire protection officer.
7. Membership
(1) Any owner in the area of the association may at any time become a member, provided he
or she undertakes to abide by this constitution and the rules of the fire protection
association.
(2) Every municipality with a fire service and every owner in respect of State land in the area
must become a member.
(3) A member is a person whose name is in the register of members referred to in clause 8(3)
of this constitution.
8. Register of members
(1) Every member must give the secretary—
(a) the name of his, her or its property or properties, and where necessary, a sketch map of the boundaries of
the property;
(b) his or her name, address and if available, telephone number, cell phone number, e-mail address, fax number and
radio frequency; and
(c) the name, address, and if available, telephone number, cell phone number, e-mail address, fax number and radio
frequency of his or her agents or representatives.
(2) Any—
(a) change of address or contact details; and
(b) transfer of property or change in ownership must be communicated to the secretary within a reasonable time.
(3) The Secretary must keep all the details referred to in sub-paragraphs (1) and (2), and other
relevant information, in a register of members.
9. Voting rights
At any meeting where voting is required, each member will have one vote.
10. Rights and duties of members
A member of the association—
(a) must pay any fees and charges set by the association from time to time;
(b) is entitled to enjoy all the benefits of membership;
(c) must comply with the rules of the association; and
(d) does not have a right to any of the money, property or assets of the association.
11. Termination of membership
(1) A member may terminate his or her membership by written notice to the chairperson,
except in the case of municipalities and owners in respect of State land.
(2) If a member terminates his or her membership, he or she automatically gives up all fees
and charges already paid by him or her to the association.
(3) Membership is automatically terminated if a member does not pay the membership fees,
charges or interest within 60 days—
(a) after the annual general meeting, or
(b) after these fees, charges or interest are due.
(4) The association may terminate membership of any member who fails to comply with the
rules within a reasonable period of time after receiving a notice of failure to comply with an
agreed rectification plan from the fire protection officer, with the exception of municipal
owners and owners in respect of State land.
12. Fees, charges and interest
(1) The executive committee may from time to time—
(a) fix fees for registration and membership and charges for services that are necessary
for the proper management of the association; and
(b) levy interest on unpaid fees and charges that the law allows.
(2) The fees and charges of the association will be determined by the association in terms of
its rules.
(3) The association may exempt any member from the payment of fees and charges, and
accord him or her full membership status.
(4) Annual membership fees must be paid on or before the 1st day of October every year.
(5) Any increase in registration and membership fees or charges for services must be decided
at an annual general meeting; and if not decided at an annual general meeting, by the majority of members present at a
general meeting called for that purpose.
13. Liability of members
Members are not personally liable for any claims against, debts owed by or omissions to carry out duties of the association, but
they do have to pay unpaid fees, charges or interest owed by them in their individual capacities as members.
14. Assets
The Association may acquire and dispose of any asset.
15. The executive committee
(1) The executive committee of the association consists of—
(a) the chairperson;
(b) the secretary;
(c) deputy chairperson and
(d) an additional member.
(2) Any member of the association may be elected to the executive committee.
(3) The chairperson is elected for a period of three years, but may stand for re-election at the end
of this period.
(4) The secretary and other members are elected for a period of three years, but may stand for re-
election at the end of this period.
(5) If any member of the executive committee resigns, dies, becomes incapacitated or
disqualified, or is removed from office by a majority vote of the association, his or her position
becomes vacant.
(6) A member of the executive committee becomes disqualified if he or she—
(a) is declared to be of unsound mind by a court;
(b) is declared insolvent by a court;
(c) is convicted of a crime involving dishonesty; or
(d) has been absent without an apology and a good reason at two consecutive meetings of the executive committee.
(7) If there is a vacancy in the executive committee, it must be filled by the election or co-option of
another member for the remaining period of service.
16. Employees
(1) The executive committee may employ any person it deems suitable to help the association in
carrying out its functions.
(2) The employment of any person, or any change to the contract of employment of any
employee, must be approved by a resolution of the executive committee.
17. Finances
(1) The financial year of the association runs from the date of its registration to 31 March of the
following year, and then from 1 April every year to 31 March of the next year.
(2) The secretary is responsible for all the financial business of the association and must keep
a record of all its business transactions.
(3) The secretary must present an audited financial statement of the association’s accounts
for the previous financial year, including full details of any salary paid to members of the
executive committee and employees of the association every year at the annual general
meeting.
(4) The financial statement must be available for inspection at reasonable times by any
member for a period of eight (8) weeks from the date of the annual general meeting.
18. Annual general meeting
(1) An annual general meeting must be called by the executive committee—
(a) within 60 days of the end of the financial year; and
(b) on 21 days’ notice to all members.
(2) In addition to any other business, the annual general meeting must deal with—
(a) the chairperson’s annual report on the general affairs of the association; (b) the
audited financial statements of the association; and the introduction and approval of
any increase in fees, charges or interest.
(3) A quorum for the annual general meeting will be 15 % of the total number of all members of
the association.
(4) If there is no quorum, members must be given notice that the meeting is adjourned for at
least seven days.
(5) If there is no quorum at the next meeting, the members present form a quorum.
(6) Only those members whose registration and membership fees are fully paid up have a right
to vote.
19. Special general meeting
(1) The executive committee may convene a special general meeting at any time on 14
(fourteen) days’ notice.
(2) A special general meeting must be convened by the executive committee if—
(a) 10% of paid-up members request this meeting in writing and identify the issues to be
dealt with, and
(b) the requested meeting is to be held at least 60 (sixty) days before an annual general
meeting.
(3) A quorum will be 20% of all members of the association.
(4) If there is no quorum at a special general meeting, the meeting must be closed, and the
agenda for discussion will be deferred to the next annual general meeting.
20. Dispute resolution
(1) In the case of a dispute between members, members must negotiate to resolve the dispute.
(2) If such negotiations fail, any member may approach the executive committee, which must
appoint an arbitrator whose decision will be final.
21. Dissolution
(1) The association may be dissolved—
(a) by a resolution passed at an annual general meeting or a special general meeting
Called for that purpose and by its deregistration by the Minister in terms of section 8 of the Act; or
(b) by its deregistration by the Minister in terms of section 8 of the Act.
(2) The resolution to dissolve the association must be passed by a two-thirds majority of
members present who constitute a quorum.
(3) After confirmation of the dissolution and at that meeting, the members must pass a
resolution for the appointment of a liquidator to dispose of the association’s assets, pay its
debts, and settle all its liabilities.
ANNEXURE D
BURNING PERMIT
APPLICATION :AUTHORITY FOR CONTROLLED BURNING
………………. 2013
Mr/Me …………………….……………...…………………….............................................................................................
Hereby permission is granted for controlled burning at ……......................................................................................
The following conditions must be adhered to:
-
All the surrounding neighbours must be informed, and their approval must be obtained.
-
Fire breaks must be made around the proposed area.
-
Sufficient water resources must be available on the day of burning and supervision must be kept at all times.
-
Weather conditions must be taken into account.
-
On the day of the controlled burning, Stellenbosch Fire Department must be informed at (021) 808 8888.
-
Controlled burning is authorised only on Weekdays, between the hours of 06:00 and 16:00.
………………….
BJ BRANDSEN
REGIONAL COMMANDER: FIRE PREVENTION
APPLICANT:
…………………………………………………………………………..........................................................................................
TELEPHONE NUMBER: …………………………………………………………..............................................................................
The 10 Standing Fire Orders
Fire Behavior
1. Keep informed on fire weather conditions and forecasts.
2. Know what your fire is doing at all times.
3. Base all actions on current and expected behavior of the fire.
Fireline Safety
4. Identify escape routes and safety zones and make them known.
5. Post lookouts when there is possible danger.
6. Be alert. Keep calm. Think clearly. Act decisively.
Organizational Control
7. Maintain prompt communications with your forces, your supervisor and adjoining forces.
8. Give clear instructions and insure they are understood.
9. Maintain control of your forces at all times.
(If 1-9 are considered, then...)
10. Fight fire aggressively, having provided for safety first.
The 10 Standard Fire Orders are firm. We don’t break them; we don’t bend them. All firefighters have the right to a safe assignment.
L.A.C.E.S
Lookouts: should be in place at hazardous areas and be able to see the fire line.
Awareness: be Aware of : - Fire location and behaviour;
- Predicted weather and changes in weather;
- What is the plan and plan your actions based on current and correct information.
Communications: - Fire boss, crew leaders and fire fighters should have a effective way of communicating with each other;
- Establish regular reporting times;
- The communications link down to FF level is by word of mouth stay within calling distance of one another.
Escape Routes: - Identify escape routes( more than 1 is preferable);
- Everyone must know where they are and what triggers a escape.
Safety Zones: - Identify safety zones that are suitable based on the terrain and fuels.
- In general burnt veld in a safety zone.
- Stay close to the black.
Correct use of PPE
(Review minimum standards and use of PPE)
Trainers are to empasize the following:
No one is allowed on a fire line without the appropriate PPE.
Review minimum standards below:
Ground Crew and Proto Team Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Standards:
Each worker shall have the following minimum PPE
2 piece overall or shirt and pants x 1(Cape nature standard issue)
T –shirt x1
Leather boots x 1 pair
Hard hat x 1 ( With visor and neck shroud or alternately fire proof belaclava worn with goggles and hard hat)
Goggles x 1
Leather gloves x 1 pair
Water bottles with minimum of 2 l capacity
Backpack ( suitable to carry water and basic equipment.)
Torch/ headlamp ( with spare batteries)
The purpose of the various items must be discussed with the all staff as well as maintenance and care.
Additional information:
The double layer:
Experience throughout the world has shown that fire fighters wearing a double layer on their chests saves lives. This means under the overall top a 100 % cotton t shirt should be worn. The spacing prevents conduction heat from burning the chest.
Emphasize this.
Leather Army style boots:
The most common injury at a fire is twisted ankles according to health and safety stats. It is therefore vital that boots with suitable ankle support is used. Army style boots are therefore key in reducing this injury.
Care of fire suites:
Flame Resistant Fabrics
88% Cotton 12% Nylon
CLEAN GARMENT THOROUGHLY
DETERGENT ONLY. DRY CLEANABLE
WASH UP TO 60 DEGREE CELCIUS (140 FARENHEIT)
NO CHLORINE BLEACH OR HYDROGEN PEROXIDE EITHER
SEPARATELY OR IN DETERGENTS
NO SOFTENERS OR STARCH
FAILURE TO LAUNDER PROPERLY
COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE
FLAME RESISTANCE OF THE FABRIC