Uniform fire brigade uniforms: Austria takes a huge step

Uniform fire brigade uniforms: Austria takes a huge step

The Austrian fire brigade faces a significant step towards uniformity and cost savings. A new guideline for operational clothing was decided under the roof of the Austrian Federal Fire Brigade Association (ÖBFV). This is entitled KS-03 and is intended to ensure that all nine state fire brigade associations recognize a modern and uniform clothing directive. In the future, a uniform color will be sought in blue, which brings the fire brigade not only visually, but also in terms of procurement.

"The six professional fire brigades in Austria were the pioneers who started the standardization of their uniforms in 2022. Now it has been a milestone that all state fire brigade commanders also work together in this area," explained fire brigade president Robert Mayer, who is also the state fire brigade commander of Upper Austria. This means a doubling of the advantages: a uniform appearance and a significant reduction in costs in the procurement of operational clothing, which benefits around 4,500 fire brigades throughout Austria.

test procedures and professional support

On behalf of the ÖBFV, Bundeschriftung GmbH (BBG) was commissioned to carry out a tender for uniform operational clothing. In June 2024, a practical fitting and testing took place at the Lower Austrian fire brigade and security center in Tulln, in which 14 fire brigade members from all state fire brigade associations were involved. The BBG received support from experienced experts from the Army Clothing Institute who contributed valuable knowledge in the area of procurement and material definition. Brandrat Markus Reitbauer, responsible for the area of service and operational clothing at the ÖBFV, expressed his gratitude for this support.

"The completion of the KS-03 project shows that we take historical steps in places. It is noteworthy that all actors in our country are now pulling together," said Rudolf Robin, fire brigade vice president and Carinthian State Fire Brigade Commandant.

award and future steps

The award of the order went to Texport Handelsgesellschaft M.B.H., which now acts as a partner in the framework agreement with the BBG. This decision was made after a thorough examination of all offers and evaluation criteria. "The test results have produced a best bidder, the products of which can now be obtained from the BBG on demand," said Robin. An important prerequisite for the tender was to obtain a ÖBFV test number. Manufacturers who want to deliver uniforms according to the KS-03 requirements must contact the Austrian Technology Institute (ÖTI) to apply for such a test number. This number gives the fire brigades the certainty that the provider maintains the guidelines.

Another step in the implementation will be the planning and possible tender of fire protection clothing in order to further illustrate the standards presented.

The operational clothing according to KS-03 is only available via the BBG e-shop. A fundamental agreement with the BBG is necessary for access, which many municipalities have already completed. New customers can do without the fee for this agreement in the first year and in the three following years.

For more information on fire brigade clothing, the BBG website is a valuable resource that provides detailed information.