Toronto firefighters on the job as calls are made for $2 million for their station wear.
The Toronto Fire Services (TFS) is seeking almost $2 million for the supply and delivery of station wear, which includes trousers and shirts, for its thousands of firefighters citywide.
The TFS on March 12 filed a report to a City General Government Committee to enter into a contract with Safedesign Apparel Ltd., for station wear for firefighters.
The Services said it will cost about $1.9 million for one year, or $16.2 million, including HST, if the contract is extended for seven years.
Station wear includes the apparel worn in station houses by the city’s 3,150 firefighters.
They said Safedesign provided the best offer for the service.
“Station Wear is protective work apparel used by firefighters,” according to the report. “Station Wear is certified by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1975-2019 – Standard on Emergency Services Work Apparel.”
The report said NFPA certified station wear fabric provides an added layer of protection, improved quality, and extended durability over standard fabric.
Hardworking Toronto firefighters battling a stubborn blaze.
“NFPA certified trousers, and both long and short sleeve shirts, protect firefighting personnel by establishing specific criteria for thermally stable textiles that will not rapidly deteriorate, melt, shrink, or adhere to the wearer’s skin,” the TFS wrote.
They said fire staff are required to wear station wear as their uniform when on duty as part of their personal protective equipment ensemble.
The report said the provision of uniform station wear is a contractual obligation under the collective agreement between the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association, Local 3888 and the City of Toronto.
Proposals were received from three companies before Safedesign was selected for use.
Toronto has the largest fire service in Canada, and the fifth largest in North America, with 84 fire stations; 124 front line emergency vehicles.
A decision was reached after a comprehensive review and analysis by a Selection Committee made up of members from Toronto Fire Services, Toronto Professional Firefighter’s Association, People & Equity, Purchasing and Materials Management and an independent fairness consultant.
“Safedesign Apparel Ltd. successfully satisfied the requirements in Request for Proposal and is the highest scoring supplier meeting all specifications,” the report stated.
The TFS is the largest fire service in Canada, and the fifth largest in North America, with 84 fire stations; 124 front line emergency vehicles; and more than 3,150 staff.