Archived decisions

Evaluation of Current Workshops Facilities

Based on minutes of Workshop Management Team meeting - 5^th November 2004

Best Value Review

As part of the Workshop Best Value Review the Workshop Management Team were asked to evaluate the current workshop facilities in view of the potential move to a new purpose built Workshop at HQ. The Team referred to various issues with the present Workshops listed below, with additional comments / explanation where necessary.

1

Present accommodation is not compatible with the larger modern vehicles.

In time vehicles have become larger as more equipment is carried. As a consequence fire fighting vehicles have lengthened by 1.2 m over the last 30 years.

2

Restricted access to all areas except the top bay.

As above - due to the increased vehicle size some vehicles are either too long or too tall to go into any other work area other than the top bay.

3

Difficult to maintain a safe working area and gangway round vehicles due to lack of space.

Once again, due to the increase in vehicle size, working space and gangways are restricted which conflicts with Health & Safety and working practises.

4

Unable to provide the correct full arrest systems to all areas of the Workshop.

Health & Safety Working At Heights states that staff working on vehicle roofs must have either a secure platform to work from or a fall arrest system to which they are harnessed. The platforms are not practical due to lack of space so fall arrest systems are fitted, but only in certain areas of workshops. Technicians are restricted when using the system.

5

Poor amenities to work bays, power leads often become trip hazards as they trail across walkways etc. and should be 110v not 240v.

110v is safer than 240v.

6

Workshops departments are housed in separate buildings, creating inefficiency.

This creates more vehicle and personnel movement than being in one large workshop, which interrupts the continuity and increases the time spent servicing and repairing vehicles. Technicians have to continually move between working areas (including stores) to access vehicle parts or equipment, which can involve going outside in all weathers.

7

High maintenance costs.

Improved efficiencies in a new workshop would improve service and maintenance times which in turn would reduce service and maintenance costs.

8

Due to the lack of facilities some maintenance has to be carried out outside.

Some operations have to be done outside with no cover, such as steam cleaning, water tank removal, and light mast test etc - not ideal in inclement weather.

9

Poor lighting throughout Workshops.

Unsatisfactory, especially in the autumn & winter months.

10

Continually opening and closing roller shutter doors.

Due to excessive movement of vehicles between workshops the roller shutter doors are constantly being opened resulting in loss of heat in winter.

11

Inefficient heating and poor ventilation.

Poor heating (see above) and lack of ventilation mean uncomfortable working conditions.

12

Outside ramp in poor condition and in need of major overhaul.

Requires some refurbishment to improve its safety and prolong its life.

13

Main yard has an uneven surface with poor drainage.

The uneven surface is due to it having been repaired many times; the drains constantly get blocked which floods the yard.

14

Toilet, catering and recreation facilities are within the working environment, with the ladies toilet next to the rest room, which requires walking through the Workshop to access them.

The above facilities require office personnel to enter a protective foot wear area for access as the facilities which are in the main workshop. Visitors also must go through the workshops to use the toilet facilities. All facilities are basic and require modernisation.

15

Deliveries and visitors must navigate through the main Workshops to access the administration and stores areas, thus there is a lack of security. Poor reception and administration facilities.

Admin staff can not fully follow the Health & Safety procedures for visitors to the Workshop as they are not always aware of their attendance. Delivery drivers and visitors have inadequate parking facilities and must enter through the workshop where protective foot wear should be worn. Access to the reception area for visitors is through the Workshop Controller's office. The location of the reception and administration areas is therefore not ideal, and also lacks space and adequate lighting.

16

Security during the day is difficult as the main workshop gates are open and anyone can enter the Workshops without being noticed or questioned. Workshops has recently had a vehicle, tyres and a skip stolen. As the entrance gate to the workshops is not able to be controlled, visitors can not always be monitored and can enter the workshop premises unauthorised. At night the gates are locked and the buildings are alarmed but the gate would have be removed, or the surrounding fencing cut, in order for skips or vehicles to be stolen.

17

Some plant/ machinery in need of modernisation or replacement in order for it to meet present H&S standards.

Some machinery in use is old and requires constant modernising in order for the machinery to comply with the present Health & Safety Legislation.

18

If the Workshops were to remain on its present site a considerable investment would be needed to upgrade facilities, equipment and Health & Safety needs.

19

No sprinkler system.

Areas within workshops would be classed as high fire risk, although they have heat detectors there are no sprinkler systems to minimise potential property damage.

20

Stock kept at Workshops is difficult to control This due to equipment and stores being kept in several different areas.

21

No training or meeting facilities

There are no training facilities at Workshops. Training course are either done at HFRS HQ or in the canteen, which is not ideal. Meetings are constantly interrupted by visitors or delivery personnel.

22

Limited capacity to fulfil the ongoing needs of HFRS, or to cope with future legislation relating to Fire Service vehicle maintenance in the future.

The present Workshop was constructed in 1954 and does not fulfil today's needs. A new workshop would allow the HFRS workshops to encompass any future government initiatives such as rationalisation etc.

23

Ability to maintain the larger Civil Protection vehicles.

With the introduction of ever more larger vehicles the Service must provide the correct environment for such vehicles to be serviced & maintained within their own workshop facilities.

24

Capacity to increase non HFRS work.

At present Workshops provide a number of government and private establishments with specialist fire appliance and equipment service and maintenance. With improved facilities Workshops would be capable of increasing their outside work. (Royal Berkshire have shown interest in the HFRS Workshops submitting a tender for their vehicle service and maintenance work.)

25

Benefits of a new Workshops would include: (i) a joint stores facility with HQ Stores, which would provide improved security and control of stock, as well as better annual leave and sickness coverage; (ii) improved communication and ability to share HQ facilities / resources, i.e. financial facilities for processing orders and documentation.

The Management agreed to individually look at the points made above and develop them for next weeks MT meeting on 12^th November 2004.

Copies to :

All MT members

Notice board

File F5/5/4