CODE OF PRACTICE (Adopted  April 1998)

1. Introduction

1.1. Members should conduct themselves in a safe and responsible manner at all times, with particular regard to the safety of themselves, fellow members and members of the public. All effort should be made to uphold the good name of the FSPG. Particular regard should be given to maintaining a good relationship with all Fire & Rescue Services.
It is recommended that members operating equipment should be competent in its use.

2. Uniform

 2.1 Participants in arena displays will wear full fire kit. Where possible this should he of a pattern in keeping with the period of the display. An exemption will he made for the use of manual pumps.

2.2 Rank markings and badges or buttons bearing the motif or insignia of a current Fire Service or Brigade must not be worn unless en route to or from, or taking part in a display or if the wearer is entitled to do so by way of association or employment. Where applicable, formal permission must he obtained from the appropriate authority.

2.3 Crew members riding on the sides of open style appliances will wear helmets and be offered the use of a suitable belt or strap to attach themselves to the vehicle, the use of which to be at their own discretion, or that of the driver.

3. Displays

3.1.      Displays will be carried out with strict regard for the safety of both the observing public and participants.  A minimum of two Marshals, who have been introduced to participating crews prior to the arena events, will supervise throughout the proceedings.  They will be instantly recognisable by the wearing of armbands, tabards or similar items.

3.2.      All crew members must be conversant with the Drill Book Commands:

                                    "WELL !"        "REST !"        "STILL !"

3.3    Provision should be made for supervised junior displays if there is enough interest from junior members. Junior members under 12 can take part in other displays ONLY if the event organiser or the person in charge of the display and the appliance owner which the junior is to crew are all in agreement. The member under 12 must have a nominated competent supervisor for the duration of the display. All participants should be advised that junior members are taking part in the display.

3.4.      Any comic displays must be designed so as to leave the public in no doubt the comedy is intentional.  Such display must not by its content reflect adversely on the Fire Service.

3.5.      No water fights or similar activities will be permitted using any of the following:

            a)  Main Jets.

            b)  Hose reels above 50 psi pump pressure.

            c)  Any form of extinguisher.

3.6.      When any member of the FSPG attends a Rally, Gala or Fete with a vehicle and a public address system is available, no display should be given until an announcement has been made to the effect that: "The following display is being given by enthusiasts for their and your entertainment using appliances no longer connected with current fire brigades".

3.7.      Display Assistants involved with pyrotechnics, preparation or other 'behind the scenes' activities will wear the appropriate protective clothing and safety helmets with eye protection.  They will be instantly recognisable, and have at their disposal basic fire protection (extinguishers).  Event organisers will ensure that at least one Display Assistant is delegated the responsibility of setting up and controlling "exclusion zones" behind scenery and within live fire areas to which any unauthorised personnel will be forbidden access.

3.8.      Event organisers and individual members should be aware that the Group's Safety Adviser will provide information and advice on all aspects of safety in relation to the Group's activities upon request.

4. Appliances and Equipment at Shows

4.1.      No vehicle shall be left running unattended

4.2.      Each appliance shall be in presentable condition whilst in the public view.

4.3.      All drivers of any vehicle being driven on a show ground must conform to Road Traffic Act requirements.

4.4.      All appliances whilst parked on static display must have its wheels chocked to prevent it rolling away should the parking brake be accidentally released.

4.5.      Appliances being driven at show sites will not exceed ten miles per hour, or the maximum speed as laid down by local by-laws.  When moving through heavy pedestrian traffic at least one crew member or other responsible individual should clear the way in front of the vehicle.

4.6.      Appliances will not be reversed without someone to assist the driver by watching the rear of the vehicle.

4.7.      All ladders must be secured by straps on head and heel when shipped in addition to any securing gear fitted.  Escape carriage wheels must be secured to prevent rotation when shipped.

4.8.      Operational BA sets must not be used by unqualified wearers.  Ideally BA cylinders should be empty and marked "M.T."

4.9.      Each charged cylinder must possess a current test certificate, to be available for inspection.

4.10.    Turntable Ladders and other Aerial Appliances:

            a)  Turntable Ladders and other Aerial appliances must ONLY be operated by experienced persons.   Guidelines set out in the 'Manual of Firemanship' must be strictly adhered to.

            b) Special regard must be given to the ground conditions and axle locks, jacking blocks or plates and chocks must always be used.

            c)  Under NO circumstances will untrained persons be allowed to climb elevated or extended TL's.  A tested safety belt must always be used, plus appropriate fire gear.

            d)  Live rescues by line must never be carried out.

            e)  TL's and Aerial appliances should NOT be elevated and extended over members of the public, and they must never be left unattended in the elevated or extended position.

4.11.    Audible or visual warning devices will NOT be used on the public highway without the formal permission of a Police Officer in uniform or a Fire Brigade Officer of senior rank. Those responsible for appliances are to ensure that such permission has been granted either verbally or in writing, and in cases of verbal authorisation a written record should be kept of the name, rank and number of the authoriser along with details of two witnesses.

5. Members

5.1.      Any member witnessing an incident which they consider contrary to the Group's Constitution, Code of Practice, or general good name shall inform the offender at the time of the incident and note the response.  Should the matter be unresolved, a formal complaint should be made in writing to the Executive Committee, who will consider any appropriate action to be taken.

(Amended November 2005)