Miscellaneous fire-protection equipment. The Defence Fire Risk Management Organisation (DFRMO) provides operational Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) to the Ministry of Defence operating at a variety of locations in the UK, Overseas and in Operational Theatres. DFRMO operational and training duties and responsibilities entail staff having to operate in high noise environments such as working in, on and near operational aircraft with engines running and fire appliances whilst pumping units are operating. Fire Fighters responding to emergency incidents will don full fire fighting PPE until the risk has been assessed and mitigating actions adopted. When operating in high noise environments and at emergency incidents where high noise levels are prevalent the fire fighting PPE takes priority over all other PPE to protect the fire fighter against the greatest prevailing hazard. This requires the fire fighter to wear the Gallet helmet which has no hearing protection qualities and consequently exposes them to noise levels in excess of the recommended safe limits.

It is essential that personnel are provided with the appropriate personal protective equipment to enable them to safely and effectively undertake their operational fire-fighting and rescue roles. A requirement exists to supply one set of custom moulded Hearing Protection Equipment (HPE) with full block filters to all in-scope operational fire fighters across DFRMO FRS. The supplied equipment is to be tested using the Field Microphone in Real Ear (F-MIRE) methodology. HQ DFRMO must be provided with documented evidence of the level of protection the HPE is affording an individual and the report must contain the results of the F-MIRE. The HPE must be fitted at each fire station location except operational theatres and be ready for immediate use.