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Teledyne FLIR releases Boson+ Longwave Thermal Camera

News Desk /

Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, announced the Boson+ with thermal sensitivity of 20 millikelvin (mK) or less, making it the most sensitive longwave infrared (LWIR) camera in the market. It shares the SWaP of the widely deployed and real-world-proven Boson thermal camera module. With identical mechanical, electrical, and optical interfaces, the Boson+ is a drop-in upgrade that also includes updated image processing to deliver enhanced sharpness and contrast for defense and commercial applications. “Improved thermal sensitivity and automatic gain control (AGC) allows for more scene detail in the image for better detection, specifically in outdoor low-contrast scenes,” said Dan Walker,  Vice President, product management, OEM cores, Teledyne FLIR. “Improved thermal performance and proven market-leading reliability make it the ideal uncooled thermal module for integration in unmanned platforms, security applications, handhelds, wearables, and thermal sights.” Made in the USA, the Boson+ includes a redesigned 640 x 512 resolution, 12-micron pixel pitch detector with a noise equivalent differential temperature (NEDT) of 20 mK or less which offers significantly enhanced detection, recognition and identification (DRI) performance. Improved video latency enhances tracking, seeker performance and decision support. The shared Boson series interface and access to the US-based Teledyne FLIR Technical Services team reduce development risk and shorten time to market. Truly designed for integrators, the Boson+ is available with a variety of lens options, comprehensive product documentation, an easy-to-use SDK, and a user-friendly GUI. Boson+ is dual use and classified under US Department of Commerce jurisdiction as EAR 6A003.b.4.a. The Teledyne FLIR Boson+ is available for purchase globally from Teledyne FLIR and its authorised dealers. Read more exclusive features and latest news please see our March issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Wichita Falls Fire orders 11 Pierce Fire Apparatus

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Pierce Manufacturing announced an order from the Wichita Falls Fire Department in Texas for 11 custom fire apparatus built on the Pierce Enforcer chassis, including eight pumpers, one Ascendant 100’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower, one Ascendant 107’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Ladder, and one Heavy-Duty Non-Walk-In Rescue. Purchased through Texas-based Pierce dealer Siddons Martin Emergency Group, the order is anticipated to be completed by April 2023. “We’ve had a great experience with the Pierce apparatus currently in our fleet with regard to performance, drivability, configuration of the PUC, and maintenance support,” said Ken Prillaman, City of Wichita Falls Fire Chief. “The new apparatus will replace our entire current frontline, with some of the existing apparatus moving into reserve status. We look forward to the fleet updates and welcoming the new trucks into service as the department expands to meet the needs of our community.” Wichita Falls Fire Department’s new fire apparatus will feature: 8 Pierce Enforcer Pumpers • Enforcer chassis • 750-gallon water tank • PUC 1500 gpm pump • Cummins L9 450 hp engine • TAK-4 Independent Suspension • HAAS Collision Mitigation System • Husky 3 Foam System Ascendant 100’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower • Enforcer chassis with 13” frame rails • 300-gallon water tank • PACCAR MX-13, 510 hp big block engine • TAK-4 Independent Suspension • HAAS Collision Mitigation System • Side roll and frontal impact protection • Integrated ground pads • 20’ setback capability • 20-degree below grade operation Ascendant 107’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Ladder • Enforcer chassis with 13” frame rails • 500-gallon water tank • PUC 1500 gpm pump • PACCAR MX-13, 510 hp big block engine • TAK-4 Independent Suspension • Heavy-duty 107’ steel ladder • Quint, aluminum body • Single rear axle • HAAS Collision Mitigation System • Side roll and frontal impact protection Heavy-Duty Non-Walk-In Rescue • Enforcer chassis • Cummins L9, 400 hp engine • TAK-4 Independent Suspension • Aluminum body, non-walk-in • HAAS Collision Mitigation System • Side roll and frontal impact protection • 3000 lb rope anchors on body roof • Harrison 6kw hydraulic generator • Will-Burt light tower • Plywood storage rack • Shelves, trays, tool boards and tool drawers The Wichita Falls Fire Department has eight fire stations and 160 sworn personnel that respond to over 13,500 calls per year. It is credited with being the first fire department west of the Mississippi River to have a motorised fire apparatus and a 100’ aerial apparatus. “We have worked with the Wichita Falls Fire Department for over 20 years, and we are very proud that with this order, their entire fleet will be made up of Pierce fire apparatus, including reserve vehicles,” said Travis Ownby, Sales Representative with Siddons-Martin Emergency Group. “We value our long-standing relationship and look forward to continuing our partnership as the department expands its resources to support emergency response across the Wichita Falls region.” To read more exclusive features and latest news please see our March issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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AinsCo Fire and Security drives business growth

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AinsCo Fire and Security is using BigChange field service management software and mobile workforce management technology to drive business growth. The company designs, supplies, installs and maintains bespoke fire and security systems working alongside organisations such as the NHS, Network Rail, Alstom Transport, Mersey Rail and Light Cinemas. Using the cloud-based platform, AinsCo has made efficiency gains across the board, reduced operational costs and improved customer service. “Since implementing BigChange we have achieved many wins that, when we look at the bigger picture, have had a massive impact on the business overall,” commented Dan Ainscough, Operations and Finance Manager at Wirral-based AinsCo Fire and Security. “We have reduced our carbon footprint, made efficiency savings across sales, operations and finance, reduced call out rates and increased first time fixes. We have lowered our costs and charges, whilst improving the service we provide and protection we offer.” AinsCo Fire and Security, formerly M P Electronic Fire and Security, turned to BigChange when it was looking to invest in technology as part of a major rebranding exercise. Prior to this the Wirral-based company had used industry specific software that required in-house servers to run and offered little visibility and even less automation of processes. AinsCo reviewed several solutions before selecting BigChange basing its decision on system capabilities, user-friendliness, and the ability to customise. “Most of the systems we considered had a focus on sales and marketing and, like our old system, were very defined and restrictive,” continued Ainscough. “Our focus was on system functionality, and we knew we needed the ability to tailor the solution to meet our specific requirements. BigChange met all our benchmarking criteria, and the support and training were fantastic. We now feel we own our system rather than the other way round!” Since implementing the complete job management solution, which incorporates customer relationship management (CRM), job scheduling, live tracking, field resource management, job finance and business intelligence in one simple to use and easy to integrate platform, AinsCo has achieved a number of milestones in the management of its mobile operation. AinsCo uses the BigChange CRM to streamline new client onboarding resulting in efficiency savings across sales, operations and finance. All AinsCo vehicles are tracked giving real time visibility and intelligence to respond to reactive jobs and the introduction of automated van stock has resulted in an increase in first time fix rates. BigChange is also helping AinsCo introduce new working practices and reporting processes with improved health and safety monitoring, including COVID risk assessments and method statements, job completion reports, complete with photographs, daily job cards and contactless sign-offs. “BigChange has allowed us to streamline our business and has been instrumental in allowing us to scale-up our operation whilst still maintaining the high levels of customer service we demand and our customers expect,” Ainscough concluded. “As a family business we are only as strong as our relationships, and we value BigChange, and the team behind it, as a key relationship which has already contributed to our success and will continue to positively impact the future of our business.” To read more exclusive features and latest news please see our February issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Hochiki fire detection devices for Dubai Metro

News Desk, Technology /

Hochiki life safety devices reduce false alarms and help make the 75km long Dubai Metro transport network safe for passengers Dafoos Fire and Security were commissioned to run the fire detection installation project on the entirety of the Dubai Metro. Trusted as a market leader in the Fire Protection Industry in the United Arab Emirates, Dafoos specialises in providing end-to-end design, erection and commissioning and maintenance of both active and passive Fire Protection Systems, and partners with some of the best OEMs in the world, including Hochiki. With tens of thousands of passengers using the network daily and the system itself operating in a hot and sandy environment, any false alarm could potentially cause mass disruption and cost the operator financially, especially during peak service times. The company’s Marketing Director, Vijay Chandran said about the project: “it was especially important as part of the life safety system design process to negate false alarms. Hochiki fire detection devices were chosen as they have a reputation for being the best in the market for their quality and their reliability when it comes to false alarm reduction. Our selection of Hochiki was confidently backed by the operators RTA and Serco” The Hochiki sensors were to be installed inside the metro and tram coaches. This is considered an extremely sensitive area with thousands of people transiting at a time, thus posing a higher chance of triggering false alarms. Any fire alarm trigger was programmed to send a command to the central station, and this would halt the operations within the entire network until the problem is rectified. The Hochiki technical team also worked closely with the Dafoos team to negate the challenge of frequent dust build up in the chambers. It was advised that periodic maintenance of the sensors was moved from every 6 months to every two instead, which is customary practice for commercial buildings in the region. “Hochiki Smoke Sensors have been installed across the entire Dubai Metro and tram coaches; they have been functioning with minimal issues for the last three years. Periodic maintenance has been conducted in conjunction with Hochiki’s technical team recommendation. Our team would not hesitate to recommend Hochiki life safety systems and products to be used in other projects within the transport industry”. To read more exclusive features and latest news please see our February issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Inauguration of 8 Magirus CITY 2020

News Desk /

On 2 April 2022 in Omegna in the Italian Province Verbano-Cusio-Ossala (VCO), in the presence of local authorities, the President of the Italian Firefighter Association, the Provincial Commander of the volunteer fire brigades VCO, the Presidents of the Cariplo Foundation and the VCO Community Foundation as well as representatives of local volunteer fire departments, eight Magirus CITY 2020 tank pumpers were handed over to the fire brigades of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola. Magirus won the tender from the Italian Ministry of the Interior by offering its CITY 2020, a very compact urban fire-fighting vehicle. Andrea Mantoan, President of the local firefighter association “Vigili del Fuoco Volontari Sezione del VCO” commented “We chose the CITY 2020 for its versatility and compactness. Thanks to its short wheelbase, this fire engine can be manoeuvred with great ease. Magirus offered us the ideal combination of state-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge performance”.  The CITY 2020 features the “Made in Brescia” double cab, the Iveco Eurocargo chassis, the high-performance fire pump (2,000 l/min at 10 bar and 350 l/min at 40 bar), a water tank with 2,200 litres and a foam tank with 120 litres. Its compact measurements, large loading capacities, the short wheelbase of only 3,105 mm and the vehicle height of 3,100 mm improve its turning radius and lower its centre of gravity.  These technical features make the vehicle complete, easy to manoeuvre and usable on a variety of operations. The goal of the volunteer fire brigades to buy eight fire-fighting vehicles was ambitious, but thanks to the help of many it was achieved: the association of local volunteer fire brigades managed to raise the money needed to renew the vehicle fleet that was more than thirty years old. This success, made up of team spirit, a strong sense of belonging and love for the territory, has its roots in 2017.  In that year, the VCO association set up the foundation “FONDO SOCCORSO SICURO” at the Community Foundation of the VCO to support volunteer fire brigades, with the main aim of replacing the outdated vehicle fleet. The following year the project was put forward in the Cariplo Foundation’s call for proposals and the municipalities of the VCO were asked to cooperate. In 2019, the Cariplo Foundation and 74 municipalities raised the necessary funds. The contract for the purchase of the eight CITY 2020 Magirus fire-fighting vehicles was then signed.   To read more exclusive features and latest news please see our February issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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What happened at Fire Buyer Live 2022?

Event News /

Fire Buyer Live (FBLive), the new, dedicated online experience, took place between 23-24 February 2022  FBLive is the new dedicated online experience for the entire international fire sector to source the latest equipment and systems, develop important relationships and generate new business opportunities. The event will be returning in 2023 and all of the content from this year can be accessed on demand, you can register on the FBLive website!  Sessions  On Wednesday 23 February 2022, FBLive launched for the first time attracting viewers from its international audience. There were a diverse range of speakers discussing trending topics that are relevant in the fire industry. Sessions include:  ‘Helping firefighters influence future technical developments in the industry’:  Bernie Higgins, Director at the Fire Industry Association (FIA) and Steve Hamm, Chief Executive Officer at The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) look at how the IFE and FIA can help firefighters influence future technical developments in the industry.  ‘Fire unpredictability and prevention methods’:  This session is led by Karen Trigg, Business Development Manager at Allegion UK. Karen discusses different methods of fire safety.  ‘A new era of testing and certification for the construction industry’:  Marcus Parnham, Commercial Director at Profab Access explores the importance of superseding minimum levels of compliance to ensure the long-term safety of a building by specifying, installing and maintaining building products that have undergone adequate product testing and certification.  ‘Flexible evacuation solutions to meet BS 8629’:  Ken Bullock, Business Development Manager – Evacuation Alert Systems at Advanced explains the scope and definitions of BS 8629, evacuation alert zone, sounders, siting of devices, evacuation alert control and indicating equipment, responsibilities of the installer and commissioning and handover.   ‘How do British Standards play a role in global fire safety?’:  Dr Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter, Chairman at Coltraco Ultrasonics is the speaker for this session.   ‘Build your own talent’:  David Scott, Managing Director of Skills for Security explores the necessities of recruiting and upskilling in the fire and security industries..   ‘Code harmonisation in a multi-jurisdictional world – A Canadian example’:  Thomas Roche, Senior Consultant at Business Sprinkler Alliance (BSA) covers the English Building Regulations as a way to understand the material.   ‘HighRise tactics used by Toronto’s HighRise Unit’:  Brent Brooks, specialist HighRise Firefighter presents a collection of short videos showing solutions for HighRise buildings.  On Thursday 24 February, the second and final day of FBLive continued with more groundbreaking sessions.  ‘Decade of Action, reinventing global fire standards’:  Gary Strong BSc (Hons), Global Building Standards Director, Fire Safety Lead, RICS – Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Director of The International Fire Safety Standards (IFSS) Coalition, highlights who the coalition are, their importance and why they were formed with support from the United Nations.  ‘The moral identity of Fire Safety’:  Gavin Skelly, Founder of Fire Aware, explains how we can identify businesses that care about the safety of the people that occupy the building’s they create.  ‘Fire Safety in a post-Grenfell world: do the proposed legislative changes go far enough?’:  Kizzy Augustin, Partner at Russell-Cooke Solicitors discusses the way the government and lawmakers have responded to the risks identified as a result of the Grenfell Public Enquiry.   ‘Fire Training in today’s challenging world’: Arnaud Lefebvre, Sales Director and John Kop, Business Development Manager at LION lead this session. LION is an innovative technology company providing worldwide fire training equipment for firefighters and first responders  ‘Making fireground rehab a tactical consideration!’:  Michael Robinson, CEO at HeatSeeker tells a story that changed his way of thinking regarding safety and how important it is.  ‘The Evolution of the Technical Rescue Search Camera – USAR’:  Alan Jakobsen, North American Sales Manager at Agility Technologies goes over the changes that have occurred since the first introduction of search cameras until today.  ‘Special Hazards Fire Protection’:  Lance Harry, President and CEO of Fireaway, provides a broad overview of extinguishing agents and their role in special hazard fire protection.     FBLive cannot wait to return in 2023 with more innovative content. Please register on our website (firebuyerlive.com/call-for-content/) to catch all of the above sessions on demand.  To read more exclusive features and latest news please see our February issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Communication challenges and technology

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How can effective communication using technology help aid firefighters in increasingly challenging environments?  Every year, wildfires break new records. By August of 2021 alone, over two million acres of land have been burned, hundreds of homes and other structures destroyed, and many more families displaced. Thousands of firefighters and other emergency workers are continually at risk of serious injury or death. Businesses close, entire communities grind to a halt. And worse yet? The fires are getting more severe, and wildfire seasons are lasting longer.  While an obvious hazard to anyone, wildfires can be particularly challenging for businesses. One of the biggest challenges they face during a wildfire is communication. Wildfires can grow from a small brush fire into an inferno that engulfs thousands of acres in a matter of hours, leaving little time to react.  In 2020 the LA Times reported the challenges that county officials in California faced when trying to send evacuation alerts. Some messages were delivered to too many people, others to too few, and still others failed to send at all—due to the complexity of the county’s emergency communication system and coding errors.  Having the right technology, processes and training in place can ensure those in harm’s way are given the information they need to protect themselves and their loved ones at a moment’s notice. In this article, we’ll go over best practices and tools you can use to make sure your wildfire communication is poised to save lives and protect your organisation.  Preparation for all  Government agencies and businesses alike struggle to effectively manage a wildfire situation. Often, their challenges begin with the misconception that, as long as first responders and business leaders can communicate with each other, the emergency response plan is sufficient.  In fact, one of the most common mistakes made by government agencies and businesses is to simply not communicate about threats until it’s too late. As Stan Szyptek, President and CEO at Fire & Life Safety, says about his experiences with his clients, “Where many [businesses] could have done better was that they didn’t have communication capabilities in place to provide that warning.”  Communication with these groups can be difficult, but there are some best practices to keep in mind when doing so. Communication challenges before, during and after a wildfire can be solved with the following strategies:  Before a wildfire  There’s no use waiting until you’re forced to evacuate to think about wildfire preparedness. Rather, make sure to prepare ahead of time. Before a disaster like a wildfire strikes, it’s important to know how you’re able to get in touch with everyone in your organisation. And not just your employees. You might also need to reach your customers, suppliers, or even the public, depending on your location and the type of work your organisation does. This plan should also include a mass notification system that can reliably reach that wide audience.  Gather as much contact information from your audience as possible, such as phone numbers, emails, home addresses, and the like. These redundancies will allow you to take advantage of multi-channel emergency notification systems later. Some tools even allow you to monitor user locations via location data from a mobile app.  Seek out tools and methods to help you assess your organisation’s level of wildfire risk, as well as the risk to individuals and specific business units. Communicate expectations to your team so they are prepared if and when a wildfire sparks to life in your area.  When a wildfire is approaching, the last thing you want to have to do is troubleshoot technology. After preparing your communication plan and tools, you need to test everything to make sure it’s ready to go. Send your audience test messages, and identify anyone who didn’t receive them to expose errors.  To read more exclusive features and latest news please see our February issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Product spotlight – LION

Exclusives /

This exclusive Product Spotlight feature sees renowned company LION discuss their new ChimerX™ Product Line  LION is an innovative technology company devoted to utilising smart technology to develop life-saving products. Our mission is to apply cutting-edge technology to improve the life-safety conditions of the global workforce. Our goal is to grow consistently, utilising profits from existing products to support and advance current solutions while drawing from experience and research to develop a suite of revolutionary safety products.  LION is big enough to deliver on the most significant contracts but small enough to ensure that every emergency responder and firefighter who uses our equipment gets the features they need to be safe and successful on every call. LION is one of the largest providers of training equipment and facilities for first responders. We also have a dedicated in-house research and development team to understand the best solutions you need. We are Ready for Action. Before. During. and After.  We deliver training solutions for all types of first responders: Fire Brigades, Police | Army | Naval Forces, Airports, Petrochemical Industry, Maritime Industry, Oil & Gas Industry, and Training Academies.  At LION, we believe that training should be as practical as possible while providing a real learning experience.  With our new product line, LION ChimerX™, we produce a turnkey solution: A trustworthy and reliable training unit, ready in a blink of an eye. Safe and realistic training units at the same time. Best-in-class LION ChimerX Training Systems put your firefighters in any real-life situation imaginable, so they come prepared for any challenge ahead. ChimerX has decades of firefighting knowledge and expertise from experienced firefighters like you. Check our dedicated website: WWW.LIONCHIMERX.COM  and see for yourself with our training unit configurator.  What do we propose:  >      Turnkey training units  >      Short delivery time frame  >      Attractive pricing  Our product line includes:      LION ChimerX® DFT training unit: using our patented Digital Fire Technology, you can perform clean Training within a Realistic Environment that can be made mobile using a hook-lift system. This is one of the most cost-effective training proposals on the market at this point.     LION ChimerX® BAT training unit: Confined Space Training is critical; inside a safe & controlled environment, create versatile & realistic scenarios. You can give a clean training and make the unit mobile.     LION ChimerX® GFT training unit: This All-inclusive Training Stage, Modular & Expendable Unit based on gas Fire Technology, will give you the best experience within a supervised Training Environment.     LION ChimerX® HMT training unit: All type leakages can be recreated; Mobile and Realistic this is your new HazMat Training Tool!     LION ChimerX® CFT Hybrid training unit: train with Wood & Gas Fire Technology. You can ally with Realistic Wood-burning scenarios with the benefit of the Rapid & Easily Repeatable Training thanks to the integrated gas ignition. Always within a Safe & Controlled Environment and Smoke Treatment Compatible. LION ChimerX® CFT training unit: train traditional class A scenario with our qualitative and reliable unit. They are built to last for the most challenging training session to come. LION ChimerX® DCT training unit: damage control and calamity training will have no secret for you after going through our unit. Will you keep your cool when you are elbow-deep in danger? Our offer for this line includes only modules and setups that are pre-engineered and standardized to provide a complete training experience.    To read more exclusive features and latest news please see our March issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Cover story – Ziamatic Corp

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Ziamatic Corp explores the dangers of using firefighting equipment and examines how the innovation from ZICO has led to safe and efficient use  There was a time when SCBA was stored in cases. An apparatus would arrive on scene, the crew would disembark, and this case would be pulled from a compartment somewhere. Until ZICO developed a spring clip bracket that would mount the pack to a wall, and eventually, inside a seat for fast, simple, and comfortable donning. Ladders and portable tanks once required a lot of climbing, struggling, and straining to access, until ZICO developed lowering devices for each, to the relief of backs and knees everywhere.   For over 50 years Ziamatic Corp has developed products for first responders and with every new design, the company strives to meet the ever-evolving demands of the fire service with fresh forward thinking and cutting edge development. As an industry leader, ZICO works diligently to stay at the forefront of firefighting technology, with exciting new engineering designed to make tasks faster, safer, and easier than ever before. New products are put through rigorous and extensive in-house and third-party testing to confirm they exceed the highest standards of safety and durability. And older products are continually upgraded and improved upon as opportunities arise and standards change.  “The goal has always been to get first responders home in the same condition they left,” said Keith Creely, Ziamatic Vice President. “We design and test many of our products to withstand a collision of course, but we look at the little injuries too. Repetitive strains from lifting can lead to hernias and slipped discs. Exposure to toxic particulates can lead to an increased risk of cancer. The dangers are not always instant, or even visible, and they often build slowly over time. We aim to identify and minimize those dangers if not remove them entirely.”  To this end, the company has recently introduced two new solutions aimed at reducing firefighter exposure to harmful chemicals and carcinogens without having to sacrifice their speed, comfort, and efficiency on the fire scene.   “Now more than ever, departments want to reduce their exposure to these dangerous materials,” said Creely. “But they have found that moving SCBA from the seats to the side compartments often meant trading away operational speed and personal comfort in the process. With our two new brackets firefighters are no longer forced to choose. They can protect themselves and still do their jobs efficiently and effectively. Everybody wins.”  The QUIC-SWING Flip-Down 180°, Model QS-FD-180, stores SCBA away from the door to minimize snags, then slides out and flips end over end for easy access.   “With the Flip-Down 180°, the SCBA faces the rear of the compartment.” said Creely, “So all your straps, all your hoses are stored tucked away from the compartment doors, the roll-up doors, and you reduce the risk of pinching or damaging the equipment.”  The QUIC-SLIDE Swing-Down, Model QSSD, allows donning from two different heights, providing more comfort and flexibility for personnel of varying body types.  “The Swing-Down is different in that you can access your SCBA from two different heights,” said Creely. “You can release the lever and bring the SCBA down to a lower level, or if you’re a taller firefighter, you can just slide out and don the SCBA as is. You don’t have to deploy the swing. It gives a department that bit of added flexibility.”  In addition to SCBA storage solutions, ZICO continues to develop new and improved options for tool mounting.     To read more exclusive features and latest news please see our March issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Sustainability challenges

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When a building is destroyed by fire, is this a regulatory success? Chair of the BSA, Iain Cox explores this notion exclusively for Fire Buyer magazine  Iain Cox is Chair of the Business Sprinkler Alliance (BSA), the National Fire Sprinkler Network (NSFN) and the Fire Risk Assessment Competency Council. Iain retired from the Fire Service in June 2013 after 34 years, the last ten of which he served as Chief Fire Officer of Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service. From 2009 to 2011 he was a Board member of the Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) with responsibilities for Prevention and Protection. He was awarded the Queen’s Fire Service medal in 2009. Iain has a BSc in Physical Geography from the University of Reading and an MA in Management from Coventry University.  “As a serving fire officer, and as the National Lead for the Chief Fire Officers Association on Fire Safety, I have seen the benefits that sprinkler protection can bring to business, communities and individuals. Unfortunately, I have also witnessed the devastation that is wrought by fire in unprotected premises. I sincerely believe that if more businesses understood the real benefits – and the true costs – of fire sprinklers, then more companies would install them.”   Iain Cox, Chair of the Business Sprinkler Alliance provides exclusive insight, for Fire Buyer magazine, into regulations and guidance and why we need to understand that current UK Building Regulations are ‘life safety’ based and not designed to achieve resilience to fire.  Businesses are being pressed to increase their spend on sustainability; to conserve, reuse and recycle more. We must therefore question as to why a building, which is built to meet regulations, can burn down and be counted as a regulatory success. It may come as a surprise that nearly seven out of 10 (69%) businesses are unaware that building regulations in the UK do not adequately prevent and protect against the devastating risk of fire.   From industrial and commercial buildings to residential buildings and schools, people are surprised by the impact and devastation caused by fire and just how many buildings are vulnerable to fire. In May last year, we witnessed over 100 firefighters tackle a large night-time blaze at a laundry business in London. The fire and rescue service prevented the fire from spreading to other buildings, but sadly the laundry business was devastated by the fire. It followed similar fires in Dewsbury which destroyed a bed manufacturer and a fire in Carrickfergus which devastated an upholstery business.  In contrast, a fire at another upholstery business, Love2Sleep in Manchester, had a very different outcome, with an automatic sprinkler system activating and extinguishing the fire prior to the arrival of the Fire and Rescue Service.  The business was up and running that same day.   Regulatory guidelines  Under current building regulation guidance, the businesses that suffered the devastating fires were below any guidance threshold for sprinklers. Yet so was the one that was saved by the sprinklers. The impact on the devastated businesses and their employees and communities in which they operate will be significant.   It is clear from a life safety perspective there are fewer deaths or injuries because of fires in industrial and commercial buildings in this country. Whether that is a direct consequence of the building regulations alone is debatable. What is clear is that the outcome of the fire is a ‘success’ if all occupants evacuate safely even if the building is badly damaged or destroyed.  To read more exclusive features and latest news please see our March issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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