MORE than £1million is being spent on new protective equipment for firefighters - after an investigation found almost half of it was unfit.

Firefighters across the county are asked to keep track of the state of their personal kit, including flameproof tunics and suits.

But an investigation by Lancashire and Fire Rescue Service found the system was "less than robust" and an urgent rethink was required.

Closer inspection of protective equipment showed that nearly half of such clothing, used by operational firefighters, needed to be withdrawn.

Some of the fire-resistant garments were eventually repaired but the brigade is still looking at a £319,000 bill over the next two years to replace worn-out uniforms.

Another £20,000 will provide transportation for the clothing between sites, £20,000 on providing new stores at each county fire station for the kit to be housed, and a computer system to keep tabs on the garments is set to cost another £75,000.

Extra costs over the next three years also include £124,000 in contracting payouts and £60,000 to staff the new initiative.

Fire chiefs acted after one south coast brigade was issued with a health and safety improvement notice by the Health and Safety Executive because of their sub-standard kit.

They insist the standard of equipment did not put firefighters at risk - in some cases the damage only amounted to a frayed cuff or small-scale rips or tears.

A spokesman said: "Safety was not compromised. We had an issue with the viability of a system where people had to check their own kit and report any problems.

"But by having a pooled arrangement we are able to keep control of the quality of protective equipment.

"Even a frayed cuff could lead to problems so this system was introduced."

The new system will mean firefighters' kit is held by the service rather than by individual staff.