|
CITY OF VANCOUVER Administrative Report |
Date: |
May 31, 2004 | |
Author: |
Tom Easterbrook | |
Phone No.: |
604-665-6052 | |
RTS No.: |
03784 | |
CC File No.: |
3651 | |
Meeting Date: |
July 6, 2004 |
TO: |
Vancouver City Council |
FROM: |
General Manager/Fire Chief |
SUBJECT: |
Replacement Plan for Extrication Tools |
RECOMMENDATION
A. THAT Council approve the allocation of $488,000 from the Truck and Equipment Plant Account to replace eight (8) hydraulic extrication tools, and that Council approve the allocation of $540,000 from the Truck and Equipment Plant Account to replace thirty (30) electric extrication tools, for inclusion in Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services (VFRS) equipment fleet.
B. THAT Council approve funding of approximately $18,000 from the Contingency Reserve for 2004 Annual Capital Rental Rate charges and that Council approve an increase to VFRS Operating Budget of $81,000 starting in 2005 to cover the Annual Capital Rental Rate charges and anticipated maintenance charges. Further that Council approve an addition of $71,000 starting in 2006 to cover Annual Capital Rental Rate charges. Increases to VFRS Operating budget in 2005 and beyond are subject to budget review.
COUNCIL POLICY
a. Council approves allocations from Reserves, including the Truck and Equipment Plant Account.
b. Council approves all increases in service levels including the addition of equipment to the fleet.
BACKGROUND
Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services is the only agency in the city of Vancouver capable of rescuing people who are trapped in vehicles as a result of motor vehicle accidents. VFRS has been providing this service for at least 25 years. Our Extrication Tools are aging (some over 20 years old) and require replacement. The purpose of this report is to identify a replacement plan and appropriate funding.
DISCUSSION
Hydraulic Extrication Tools
VFRS utilizes 7 high pressure hydraulic systems of tools that combine cutters, spreaders, rams, and chains to allow forcing/cutting open of vehicle doors, hoods, removal of roofs or the lifting of the vehicle itself to aid in the extrication of victims trapped in damaged motor vehicles. These hydraulic rescue tools are carried on our Rescue trucks. Presently replacement of these auto extrication tools is funded from NNR's or on occasion from Operating Funds. Current tools are at or near the point of being worn out and old enough that, in some cases, replacement parts are no longer available. Advances in both materials and technology in new vehicle construction require that we keep our tools up to date as our aged tools are not effective when dealing with the new metal alloys. VFRS requires eight sets of hydraulic rescue tools, seven for first line use and one tool to be used as a backup when a first line tool requires maintenance or repair. The development of a replacement cycle, with Equipment Services, will keep all sets up to date and within their normal life span as well as reduce the chances of liability for operating out dated equipment. The Department requires the purchase of four sets of hydraulic rescue tools in 2004, the first year of the replacement cycle. To complete the replacement of hydraulic rescue tools, the remaining four sets of tools would be purchased in 2006. Each set of hydraulic rescue tools costs approximately $61,000
Electric Extrication Tools
The Department also operates 30 sets of electrically powered extrication/forcible entry tools. This equipment was purchased in 1997 and has proven to be a vital part of VFRS' response capability. They are used for extrication of individuals involved in minor motor vehicle accidents or to start the process while awaiting the arrival of the heavy duty hydraulic units discussed above. These tools are also an important component of our tool complement for forcible entry into structures. The crime rate in the City has caused many businesses and home owners to install security bars, heavy duty doors and locks. This heightened security has caused firefighters great problems in terms of gaining access to burning buildings for fire suppression and rescue purposes. The electric tools are a valuable required addition to our other manual forcible entry tools. These tools should be replaced on a regular replacement cycle. The introduction of the replacement process should start in 2004 with the replacement of 15 sets of tools. The remaining 15 sets of electric extrication tools should be replaced in 2006. Each set of electric extrication tools cost approximately $18,000.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
This report is seeking funding from the Truck and Equipment Plant Account to cover the purchase of 4 sets of hydraulic extrication tools and 15 sets of electric extrication tools in the first year of the introduction of the replacement program, 2004. The remaining 4 sets of hydraulic and 15 sets of electric extrication tools will be purchased in 2006. The Annual Capital Rental Rate charges for 2004 will only be $18,000, to be funded from Contingency Reserves, due to the fact that the expected purchase date would be in the Fall of 2004. The Rental Rate for 2005 would be $71,000 with an expected annual maintenance cost to be added into VFRS operating budget of $10,000, subject to the Operating Budget Review. Once the purchase is completed in 2006, the Annual Rental Rate charge would be $142,000 for all of this equipment.
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
This equipment would be put to tender immediately upon Council's approval.
CONCLUSION
VFRS requires a regular replacement plan for specialized extrication equipment. Ensuring that our extrication and forcible entry tools are in good condition and up to date will enhance firefighter safety and will better enable firefighters to effect rescues of civilians in motor vehicle accidents and fire situations.
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