Fire Equipment Services (FES)

facilities were closed down during government restrictions. The company’s workshops in Bayswater, Victoria, which provides the physical servicing of equipment, also had to be operated with the safety of FES’s workforce the core focus throughout the pandemic. The organisation continued the provision of its mental health and wellbeing support services and Employee Assistance Program during the pandemic. External advisory services and support were further provided for all staff and contractors, including extended families. The company would also check in with staff working remotely on a regular basis during lock-downs, in what was called “a continuity of contact”. Many of these measures remain in place, even as COVID-19 restrictions have been eased in Victoria. Yarnall notes, “An example is the continued deep steam cleaning of every piece of equipment being picked up from and returned to clients’ sites, to reduce the potential for Another aspect of FES culture is passion, with staff passionate about everything they do, from those in the workshops to those working in the field, not to mention office staff. “Whatever the role, our people are passionate about their role in community safety,” says Yarnall. In the spirit of its commitment to community safety, many of FES’ fire technicians are also volunteer firefighters with local Country Fire Authority brigades throughout Victoria. There are also staff members who dedicate their time and services to different charitable organisations. Yarnall dedicates his own free time to serving on the Board of Fire Protection Association Australia – the national industry association for fire protection services. Probably the most significant challenge for FES and the wider industry is how legislation, standards and regulations vary due to numerous factors, such as the age of buildings and the different states and territories throughout Fireworld fire extinguishers. Quality, when you need it most. Australia www.fireworld.com.au New Zealand www.safeworld.co.nz F I RE EQUI PMENT SERV I CES ( FES) exposure.” Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) continues to be provided to all field and workshops staff. Temperature checks and other safety protocols are also mandated by the company for employees. Furthermore, internal operations continue to be predominantly digital. Speaking to whether COVID-19 has changed the culture within FES, Yarnall makes it clear that context is everything. He emphasises being in a division within Fire Rescue Victoria and part of the public sector provides FES with a different context (and, thus, culture) compared to its competitors in the private sector. “The organisation is governed by an ethos of ‘public safety first and foremost,’ rather than driven by for-profit shareholder expectations. FES is instead run fundamentally on a commitment to public and community safety. Complete regulatory compliance, responsive service and fulfilment of duties is core to FES, including leadership in the industry and the integrity of our people.”