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Vehicles – Advanced aerial fire apparatus

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What additional equipment on vehicles can help aid particular urban fires? Focusing on aerial ladders and platforms and the fight against multioccupancy building fires Highrise and multioccupancy buildings exist in virtually every mid-to-large-size city and even in some relatively small communities worldwide. Fires in these types of buildings are infrequent but labour-intensive events that require special tactics, equipment and knowledge. These incidents also present significant management, logistical, equipment and safety threats. The size and complexity of the interior spaces, the enclosed nature of the hazard area, and the limited and sometimes difficult access to the fire area all contribute to the challenges faced by first responders.   “The placement of an aerial device at an emergency scene can greatly impact the effectiveness of an operation” When an alarm rings out and fire trucks rush to an urban fire scene, standardised procedures, as well as aerial placement and operation, are all part of a well-orchestrated strategic response. An aerial fire apparatus provides additional support on the fire ground. How it’s used, the specialised equipment it encompasses, and the operational efficiencies it offers can make a significant impact on lifesaving tasks.  Aerial devices optimised to perform  Different types of aerial fire apparatus provide a variety of features depending on geographic coverage, call volume and adherence to local weight regulations. It is important to work with a fire apparatus manufacturer to ensure your aerial is optimised to perform, which may include:  Increased tip-loads  Increased water flow  Superior reach, including vertical, horizontal, and below-grade  Lower cost of ownership  Improved rescue capabilities  A robust, heavy-duty design  Reduced overall vehicle weight  Maneuverability and overall length of vehicle  Custom chassis options to allow your department the versatility to meet your unique needs  When serving an urban community with many highrise and multioccupancy buildings, which is the best type of aerial fire apparatus for your department? Can a single aerial apparatus check all of your boxes? With all of the new and leading-edge features, a fire department should not have to compromise to meet its unique needs. Bob Schulz, General Manager – Aerial & Fleet, Pierce Manufacturing reviews a few considerations that firefighting services should consider when fighting multioccupancy and specialist equipment required fires.   Advancements in aerial device strategic placement The placement of an aerial device at an emergency scene can greatly impact the effectiveness of an operation. There are two fire truck placement strategies: horizontal and vertical. The type of placement used is dependent upon the type of fire and the structure that requires protection. Horizontal placement focuses on the reach of the aerial or ladder device. For example, in a residential area with two-story homes, a fire truck can remain parked on the road, and the aerial device can reach the roofline to execute rescue operations or ventilation.  Vertical placement focuses on the height of the aerial or ladder device. Vertical placement is required in many big cities with tall apartment buildings and hotels. Aerial devices must be able to ascend upwards to perform rescue operations.  Additionally, aerial placement and operation depend on the type of fire truck in use, either rear-mount or mid-mount. A rear-mount aerial has the turntable positioned at the rear of the apparatus, which means the ladder can be positioned to work on either side or off the rear of the truck. The pivoting turntable allows the truck position to vary based on the assessed need at the emergency scene.  A rear-mount fire truck, like Pierce’s Ascendant 107′ Heavy-Duty Aerial Ladder for example, features a 4-section heavy-duty steel ladder with 107-foot of vertical reach, 100-foot of horizontal reach, operating range of minus 10-degrees to 77-degrees, and a 750 lb tip load capacity. “Once the body style is determined, maximising aerial fire truck storage is critical to ensure firefighters have all the required tools and equipment” A mid-mount fire truck features a turntable directly behind the cab, in the middle of the truck. As such, aerial operators are working off the side of the truck. As an example, the Ascendant 100-foot Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower with mid-mount configuration has a 5-section heavy-duty steel ladder with 100-foot of vertical reach, 93-foot of horizontal reach, operating range of minus 20-degrees to 77-degrees, and a 1000 lb tip load capacity. This aerial tower is packaged onto a vehicle with a low overall height of 10-feet-10-inches and a length of only 41-feet-5-inches.   Maximising aerial apparatus storage  From a quint fire truck to a truck company configuration, storage options can vary based upon the aerial body style departments select. Vehicle manufacturers offer quint, Texas Chute Out (TCO) or side-stacked hose beds, and No Pump No Tank (NPNT) or truck company aerial body styles to provide firefighters with options to best meet their department’s needs. A quint fire truck is an apparatus that combines the equipment capabilities of a ladder truck and the water-pumping ability of a fire engine. TCO aerial bodies can accommodate fire hose on the passenger side of the body for customers that desire a side-stacked hose bed. And finally, for those departments that require a true truck company configuration, the NPNT body accommodates more ground ladders and includes a large transverse compartment in place of the pump.    Once the body style is determined, maximising aerial fire truck storage is critical to ensure firefighters have all the required tools and equipment at an emergency scene. Well-utilised and well-organised compartment storage can enhance department operations, safety, time, and efficiency.  Mounting Brackets: Custom mounting brackets are among the most effective ways to establish designated tool locations and protect valuable tools and equipment. A custom bracket can be created during the manufacturing process.  Pull-out Trays: Pull-out trays are designed to be ergonomic storage solutions to help firefighters quickly locate and grab necessary tools and equipment. Combined with custom brackets, pull-out trays are easy to slide in and out, and they make it simple to store equipment safely and securely.  Peg Boards and Swing Boards: A pegboard often uses special bracketry to secure hand tools in plain sight for easy access and use. A swing board maximises storage with the ability to store equipment on both sides of the board. Wall storage is another great way to maximise storage potential. Hand tools and small equipment can be securely fastened in spaces that would otherwise be empty.  Strategic Equipment Loading: One of the best ways to maximise fire truck storage is

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Respiratory apparatus – maintenance, training and compliance

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Fire Buyer takes a look at the importance of maintenance, training and compliance to the use of respiratory apparatus, focusing on global and national standards Fire and rescue service personnel operate in dynamic and at times extremely hazardous environments e.g. incidents involving fire, chemicals, biological hazards, radiation and acts of terrorism. The wearing of breathing apparatus by personnel is one of the risk control measures likely to be employed within the overall operational plan for incidents of this type. Breathing apparatus enables the wearer to breathe safely in an otherwise irrespirable and/or toxic atmosphere.   “Fire and rescue authorities and strategic managers within fire and rescue services are responsible for ensuring their personnel are suitably trained” The Fire and Rescue Operational Training Guidance – Breathing Apparatus – supplied by the Department of Communities and Local Government, provides robust yet flexible guidance that supports the operational competency of personnel that are required to wear, manage or train others in the use of breathing apparatus in order to meet the requirements of a fire and rescue authority’s Integrated Risk Management Plan. It aims therefore to provide a consistent approach throughout the fire and rescue service and forms the basis for common operational practices, supporting interoperability and resilience across fire and rescue services, other emergency services and where appropriate, industry.   The guidance has been prepared as a guide for fire authorities, Chief Fire Officers, Chief Executives, and those persons within fire and rescue services with responsibility for firefighter safety. It is intended for use as a practical guide to the considerations they should make in meeting their duties and responsibilities. Accordingly, employee safety representatives should also find it helpful. Whilst addressing the legislative requirements placed on duty holders, the main focus of this guidance is the health and safety at work of all fire and rescue service personnel required to use breathing apparatus. This guidance sets a benchmark in the form of good practice against which fire and rescue authorities can measure their existing management systems and arrangements. The Health and Safety Executive, Trade Union Safety Representatives and others, such as independent auditors and operational assessment peer review teams, may also reference the guidance when auditing fire and rescue authorities arrangements for managing the health, safety and welfare of operational personnel.    This guidance was developed with the support and input of the:   Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser   Health and Safety Executive   The Fire Brigades Union and other representative bodies   Chief Fire Officers’ Association   Devolved administrations   Fire Service College   Fire and rescue services legislation   Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004:  This is the main Act which affects fire and rescue authorities. Amongst other things, fire and rescue authorities must (in section 7) secure the provision of the personnel, services and equipment (including breathing apparatus) that are necessary to meet all normal requirements and also to secure the provision of training for such personnel.  Fire and Rescue Services (Emergencies) (England) Order 2007:  The Order obliges fire and rescue authorities to make provision for decontaminating people following the release of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) contaminants (article 2) and  also to make provision for freeing people from collapsed structures and non-road transport wreckages (regulation 3). The Order also obliges fire and rescue authorities to use their specialist chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or urban search and rescue resources (which may include specialist breathing apparatus) outside their own areas to an extent reasonable for dealing with a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or urban search and rescue emergency (regulation 5).   Civil Contingencies Act 2004:  Section 2(1) states, among other things, that fire and  rescue authorities shall maintain plans for the purpose of ensuring that if an emergency 12 occurs or is likely to occur the fire and rescue authority is able to perform its functions so  far as necessary or desirable for the purpose of preventing the emergency, reducing controlling or mitigating its effects or taking other action in connection with it.   The Civil Contingencies Act 2004 (Contingency Planning) Regulations 2005:  Fire and rescue authorities must cooperate with each other in connection with the performance of their duties under Section 2(1) of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. In addition, the Regulations state that fire and rescue authorities may facilitate cooperation by entering into protocols with each other (regulation 7), that fire and rescue authorities may perform duties under section 2(1) jointly with one another and make arrangements with one another for the performance of that duty (regulation 8). Such arrangements can   include the inter-operability of breathing apparatus equipment.   Health and safety legislation   Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974  Safety representatives and safety committee regulations 1977  Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 Specific legislation regarding Respiratory Protective   Equipment   Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995   Control of substances hazardous to health 2002 Control Of Asbestos Regulations 2012 Control Of Lead Regulations 2002 Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 Training  Fire and rescue authorities and strategic managers within fire and rescue services are responsible for ensuring their personnel are suitably trained and competent to undertake the roles identified within this guidance. A service can achieve this by ensuring they have the following:   A breathing apparatus training policy (to meet the needs of their Integrated Risk Management Plan) that is clearly endorsed by strategic management that states the fire and rescue authority will ensure they have suitable and sufficient arrangements in place to provide both the training and the assurance of competence for those personnel undertaking the roles.  A clearly identified management structure, together with the roles and responsibilities, of staff responsible for delivering the policy.   Established minimum breathing apparatus training standards, the frequency of breathing apparatus training activity and assessment.   Identify that breathing apparatus training, maintenance and assessment for the three identified roles will be undertaken based upon training needs analysis at a Service and an individual level.   Clearly define how the fire and rescue service will measure the effectiveness of the breathing apparatus training policy and identify how and when the fire and rescue service will audit and

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Uniforms – Materials and essentials

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Fire Buyer takes a look at the most essential uniform items from helmet to boots, and analyses which materials are ideal for underlayer clothing Nobody wants to get burned in a fire. Even if it’s a possibility you’ve accepted as a firefighter, it’s important to understand that the choices that you make about what you wear under your turnout gear can either contribute to being burned or help prevent it. Uniform doesn’t just protect you against burns in a fire, but it also helps fight other types of injury whether internally or externally. But how do you know what to choose?   The NFPA 1975 standard is intended to “safeguard emergency services personnel… by establishing requirements for flame-resistant clothing that won’t cause or exacerbate burn injury.” Every component which goes into a garment certified to this standard is independently tested, and then tested as a whole once incorporated into the garment, by independent certification laboratories. Included in the standard are garments which are made of FR Cotton as well as Aramid fibers such as NOMEX and Kermel – but what are the differences, and which performs better?   We spoke with Stephen Blauer, from Blauer, in charge of product development for many years and an industry expert when it comes to uniform apparel, to find out what happens to each of the various materials when exposed to heavy fire – and the predicted burn injuries for each.  Cotton   While cotton is still the choice of many fire agencies, primarily due to the comfort factor and cost, it is not a good option for clothing to be worn under your turnout gear for a couple of reasons. The first of these: cotton absorbs moisture and holds it in, which causes a few issues. While you’re inside trying to knock down a fire, the environment can reach hundreds of degrees, meaning you will be sweating. If that heat then penetrates your gear, either through areas such as the nape of your neck or cuffs, or for other reasons, it can cause the sweat held in the cotton to flash evaporate, causing burns on your skin. Even if that doesn’t happen, however, and you exit the working environment, the relatively colder temperatures outside (especially in winter) can leave you vulnerable to hypothermia due to being soaked through. Having GORE-TEX or other materials in your turnout gear will do you no good in terms of moisture dissipation if the moisture can’t get away from your skin in the first place.   “If heat penetrates your gear, it can cause the sweat held in cotton to flash evaporate” Second: cotton burns in a fire – it is not self-extinguishing and is a fuel which will burn until it is consumed. No explanation is needed as to why that’s not a great property for something being worn into fire-pervasive environments.   NOMEX and Kermel  The next category, Aramid fibers such as NOMEX and Kermel, have properties which make them much more suitable for use under turnout gear. First, unlike cotton, they do not burn – rather, they turn into ash when combusted, and are also self-extinguishing once lit. This means that instead of trying to pry unburnt cotton fibers out of an area of skin which has been burned, at the worst you will be washing ash away from the area. “Aramid fibers such as NOMEX and Kermel, have properties which make them much more suitable for use under turnout gear” Comfort and durability are areas which have been a concern in the past with Aramid fibers, but which have now improved significantly with the advent of new materials. Modern GlenGuard Kermel, for example, is not only softer to the hand (and body) touch, but is also colorfast and fade-resistant due to the entire fiber being manufactured in a single solid colour, in contrast to NOMEX materials which are piece-dyed (colour is added after manufacture of the fiber). In terms of water absorption, Aramid fibers simply don’t absorb water by their nature. This means that the concerns about fluid against your skin when it comes to temperature regulation and burn prevention are virtually nullified.  Poly/cotton blends  Far too many agencies are still wearing poly/cotton blends. These are not the best choice that you could make in terms of base layers under your turnout gear and are not NFPA 1975 compliant for a reason. Polyester is plastic, and plastic melts under heat – combine that with the burn properties of cotton and you have a recipe for a nightmare. Simply put, the polyester will fuse with your skin and cannot be removed, and the cotton can cause worse burns overall. That means skin grafts at best, and permanent non-repairable injuries at worst, including a potentially higher risk of infection and immune rejection at the burn site due to the foreign material’s presence.   If your department is wearing this as a station wear uniform that is intended to be worn under your turnout gear, it should change over immediately. In the end, the choice of a slightly more expensive Aramid FR uniform can prevent not only long-term disability and the associated costs of care to a municipality, but are more frankly a matter of protecting those who serve their communities and have volunteered to take on a career battling the scourge of fire on their behalf.  Basic uniform staples  Becoming a firefighter is one of the most incredible ways to serve society and to ensure that your occupation is a meaningful one. Before you embark on firefighting training, you may ponder what it entails, what is needed from you and how safe will you be, including the uniform and equipment, which you will learn all about from the trained professionals and proficient training courses.   If you will be putting your life on the line, protecting others and running headfirst into burning buildings, then you deserve to have the very best equipment and protection available. Understanding how each piece of equipment operates to save lives and how your uniform is designed

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New Firmware further differentiates Teledyne GD10P IR Gas Detector

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The only device on the market that provides IR detection to first-class SIL 2 high demand mode and SIL 3-capable IEC 61508 ed. 2 with a proof test interval of 8760 hours.                                                Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection has provided its GD10P infrared gas detector with a full firmware revision and upgrade, enhancing the product’s performance in high demand mode SIL2 approved applications. This milestone, as part of the product’s continuous improvement lifecycle, builds on circa 30 years of proven field experience for GD10P in the harshest industry environments and further supports the provision of a far longer warranty than conventional infrared gas detection systems. Functional safety New firmware within GD10P complies with the highest functional safety standards. The safety function has been assessed in conformity with the IEC 61508 ed. 2 standard according to Route 1S: Requirements for the avoidance (prevention) and requirements for the control of systematic faults, as well as Route 1H, which is based on hardware fault tolerance and safe failure fraction concepts. High demand mode is where the frequency of demands for operation made on a safety-related system is greater than one per year. While most safety-based applications in the process sector require only ‘low demand mode’ solutions, ‘high demand mode’ safety-critical applications are becoming increasingly common. As a result, gas detectors such as the GD10P must demonstrate their suitability and competence in line with the latest SIL2 third-party certification. Solid-state infrared source In comparison with other infrared (IR) gas detectors, the new firmware adds further to GD10P’s differentiating factors, which include a solid-state infrared source. Here, the optical chamber, featuring two independent IR silicone (semiconductor) sources, is sufficiently robust and stable to merit a 15-year warranty. This compares favourably with the standard 2-3-year warranty commonly available with conventional IR detectors. The GD10P also features heated optics to prevent condensation, a HART interface, fail-safe operation, extended diagnostics and low maintenance requirements thanks to features such as a scratch-proof sapphire lens/mirror (instead of traditional glass) Whereas 2-3 measurements per second is the norm with many IR gas detectors, the GD10P can perform 50 measurements per second. More sampling means less false alarms, higher accuracy, faster response time and, in turn, lower operational costs. Further cost reductions arrive as the fit-and-forget GD10P requires no calibration. In contrast, conventional IR gas detectors require calibration twice a year. Thanks to its solid-state dual sources, the GD10P, which has origins in the oil and gas industry, is ideal for use in extremely hot, cold or wet environments. Conversely, traditional alternatives suffer negative effects from factors such as vibration, flow rate and environmental influences like heat and dust, which means their plastic filter/sinter can melt or clog. Other noteworthy advantages of the GD10P in comparison with conventional gas detectors include a calculated life of 60 years (versus five years) and a T90 response = 1 second for methane (versus <8 or 9 seconds). Proven in the field Among countless real-life applications, one worth calling out is the detection of ethylene in recirculating air on board large industrial machines. Most applications of this type now require SIL2 level gas detection in high demand mode, and GD10P offers this feature without hardware redundancies. This particular application requires high accuracy that would otherwise necessitate specific process monitoring measures beyond safety devices alone. However, the GD10P matches the requested accuracy, allowing the customer to make savings in equipment investment costs as each machine required multiple detection points. Another common example of the GD10P’s aptitude is evident in the detection of propane at industrial welding stations. After a previously unsatisfactory experience using catalytic detectors, the GD10P is proving ideal in these dusty conditions thanks to ‘auto-zero’ self-adjustment of the detector. Furthermore, the large optical chamber provides the opportunity to send two different warning levels that indicate the requirement for cleaning and avoid the need for ‘real time’ servicing. Further exemplifying the benefits of GD10P is its application involving the detection of ethanol when monitoring the storage of perfume essence. The aim was to avoid the loss of expensive perfume essence diluted in ethanol, perhaps due to a tank leak, and avoid the increase of ethanol concentration in a confined area. The GD10P, due to its target gas selectivity (narrow band optical filter) and very low response time, was the optimum solution. The detectors have been in service for four years. Low cost of ownership These and many other case examples build upon a large global installed base of more than 100,000 GD10P IR gas detectors, many of which are operating in harsh conditions. Lower cost of ownership is a further advantage as only one detector is required per system, instead of several with low demand mode SIL2 approval. Notably, the firmware upgrade aligns Teledyne’s GD10P with the requirements of the latest third-party certification advancements, increasing confidence in the platform’s traditional feature sets. When coupled with a depth of innovation based on real world data from in-field proven use over several decades, the GD10P knows few limitations, irrespective of the application’s size, environment or location.   To stay up to date on the latest, trends, innovations, people news and company updates within the global fire market please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Ask the expert – Sebastian Hainz, MEIKO Group

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Fire Buyer catches up exclusively with cleaning expert Sebastian Hainz, Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing from MEIKO Group As one of the market leading companies for cleanliness, how have you continued to stay ahead of the curve and ensure innovation?   It is part of our company culture to listen to our customers. They value our products because we maintain close relationships with them and we do the homework they give us! In our 94 year history as a company, MEIKO has made contributions to all kinds of cleaning: baby bottles in milk rooms, spittoons in tuberculosis clinics, bedpans, industrial components, our appliances have been used by the Federal Agency for Technical Relief in areas affected by Ebola or now in many Corona emergency centres around the world, not to mention that we also clean dishes, glasses, cutlery and anything else used in businesses working with food. Of course, you build up some expertise in cleaning and disinfection doing all of that! MEIKO therefore has medical technology and professional dishwashing machines in place wherever in the world germs need eliminating and cleanliness is indispensable.  One of your primary product divisions is Breathing Apparatus equipment. Why is it crucial to keep BA masks clean?   Without hygiene, even respiratory protection technology becomes a danger rather than a help in dangerous situations. Breathing masks as well as regulators must function reliably – and they should not show any microbiological residues from the comrades who used them before and also no fire residues. The respirator attendant is responsible for this. Our TopClean M technology gives him the necessary security. In addition, we developed a bioindicator test kit together with the company Simicon. This can be used to check whether germs that contaminate the respiratory protective equipment have been effectively eliminated.  Why is this so important for the fire industry?   It is first and foremost about the safety of the people. For the firefighters directly and for the respiratory protection equipment attendant. Manual cleaning involves high risks. It is not efficient, not economical and not good for health. During manual cleaning, the respiratory protection equipment attendants breathe in harmful aerosols of cleaning chemicals. Our machines, on the other hand, have a closed system and do not expose the operators to any danger.  What types of bacteria/pathogens/hazardous substances do your products and services protect against?    For the inactivation of coronaviruses as well as other enveloped viruses, we strictly recommend the standard reprocessing procedure for protective masks with our washer-disinfector TopClean M. As disinfectant we recommend Sekumatic FDR or EW80 mat – as a 1% solution at 60° C and a contact time of 6 minutes.  This you can also read in the expert opinion of Dr. Rheinbaben – https://cdn.meiko-company.com/fileadmin/Aktionen/Coronavirus/Expert_Opinion_2019-nCov_TopClean_M_en.pdf  Fire residues are also considered carcinogenic substances, which are just as safely washed off in the machine rinsing process. About our service we recommend regular maintenance to maintain high hygiene standards over the entire life cycle of a machine is elementary   We see our Meiko Academy as another value proposition for our customers. We train not only our employees but also operators and their staff in how to use our machines, ensuring a high level of user safety.  With Covid-19 highlighting the need for hygiene and cleanliness, how has this impacted MEIKO Group and what you stand for?   A MEIKO brochure from the 1930s has the title “Hygiene is the law”. Hygiene is anchored in our DNA, so to speak, and even in our logo we talk about the clean solution. It is a self-commitment for all our developments. We do not only consider our technology and machines alone, but also the holistic process around our technology.  Due to the pandemic, however, many enquiries landed with us as to whether our machines also rinse hygienically in a safe manner. Therefore, our products have been examined by virologist and hygienist Dr. Dr. Friedrich von Rheinbaben, who confirmed that our machines and devices are particularly effective in inactivating the new coronavirus.   What is the MEIKO Hygiene Concept?   Every single appliance that leaves MEIKO production contributes its share to hygiene – in the kitchens, nursing workrooms and respiratory protection workshops of this world: We disinfect by machine where manual cleaning would otherwise endanger people. This includes our excellent technology, i.e. the washing mechanism, but also the right cleaner. In the case of coronaviruses, we know that alkaline cleaners work very well against enveloped viruses. In addition, time and temperature – along the Sinner’s circle – are factors in the cleaning process to achieve a perfectly hygienic result.  How important is sustainability in what you do?   Sustainable management and action is something Meiko was born with. We say: We think in terms of generations, not quarters. Sustainability is an issue of attitudes. Meiko is owned by a foundation and is guided by its own values and axioms, setting it apart from the competition. Our 3P strategy – Product, Production and Participation – are the pillars of the sustainability strategy. Product goals include extending the service life and increasing the reparability of machines, as well as increasing the proportion of recyclable materials (already 90%) and making spare parts available for 20 years. In production, electricity is generated in-house from photovoltaic panels and topped up with energy from other green and renewable sources. Participation is about getting a lot of employees involved to become a more sustainable company. The service is also sustainable: with the first-time fix rate, the technician ideally solves the problem on the first visit. Extensively trained service technicians are the basis for being able to act in this way. This saves another journey, emits less CO2 and results in lower costs for the customer.  6 minutes, 4 masks, 1 reason: time gain!  Niklaus Lerch is Shift Leader at Roche’s works fire service in Basel and the respiratory protective equipment technician responsible for 100 overpressure and radio-enabled masks, as well as 300 grab masks. He is still grateful to the search engine that listed MEIKO in its results. He was in

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The crucial role of aerial firefighting

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Aerial firefighting plays a crucial role in putting out wildfires, whether it be releasing retardants or water from planes, or gaining an overview by drone  Each year the temperature rises, causing more heat and increased likelihood of wildfires. Not only is this devastating for wildlife and forest conservation, but also for inhabitants who lose loved ones, their homes or their businesses. It is the fire services responsibility for tackling these fires and minimising damage. So, what equipment and resources can firefighters use? In addition to suppression foams and your typical firefighting equipment, aerial firefighting retardants and equipment also play a crucial role.   When it comes to wildfires, we normally see the images on the news – flames burning through woodland, orange skies, torched surroundings and evacuated towns and cities. It is at this point where aerial firefighting is at its most important, as the actions taken at this point are what helps prevent spread of a wildfire and more importantly, helps save the lives of many. It is worth noting that aerial firefighting is there as a last resort – an acceptance that a fire has spiraled out of control to the point that drastic action is needed. Equally, the decisions made by those flying are critical.  “Over the course of just five days, more than two million gallons of fire retardant was dropped in California” Firefighters work around the clock to eliminate wildfire spread. Aerial firefighting provides a core component to the putting out of wildfires around the globe. With the California wildfires for example over the course of just five days, more than two million gallons of fire retardant was dropped in California in an effort to control blazes. So, what exactly is that bright red slurry dropped by planes during wildfires?  The most common type of aircraft that we see being deployed in reaction to a wildfire are the fixed wing vehicles, which are perhaps the ones we’re more accustomed to seeing on the news. What we tend to see is a plane dropping fire retardant and/or water over swathes of land, in a calculated attempt to extinguish the flames, or at the very least, halt them in their tracks and to control the spread.   Several different types of fire retardant may be used in fighting wildfires, including:  Long-Term Retardants: These water-based mixtures often contain ammonium phosphate salts and other additives, and they are typically dropped on wood fuel in advance of a fire. The salts promote charring of wood materials, so the mixture continues to provide fire retardancy after the water has evaporated. The distinctive bright red coloring is an added dye that makes it easier for responders to keep track of treated areas.  Class A Foams and Water Enhancers: These water-based mixtures are applied directly to flames and are often used for the protection of structures. They contain solvents and surfactants that help the water “stick to” and soak into materials so that it can work more effectively. Foams may be aerially dropped; but these products are also used in ground operations.  These flame retardant mixtures are different from the flame retardant chemicals historically used in furniture. Flame retardants used in furniture have been associated with chronic adverse human health impacts, such as learning deficits, reduced fertility and cancer. In contrast, fire retardants used in wildland firefighting may cause some skin irritation on direct contact, but they are not considered a chronic health risk.  “Protection of people, structures and property are priorities for fire management, and an especially difficult challenge“ Flame retardant chemicals used in home furniture to comply with standards like the outdated Technical Bulletin 117 generally provide no meaningful improvement in fire safety. In contrast, aerial fire retardant, Class A foams, and water enhancers can facilitate protection of firefighters and the public beyond the use of plain water in the right conditions. While they are generally not considered harmful to humans, these wildland firefighting products can cause unintended harm to ecosystems if they are not used carefully. Components of these mixtures can be toxic to aquatic life (for example, if they are accidentally dropped into streams or bodies of water); for this reason, the US Forest Service has a policy of not dropping retardant within 300 or more feet of waterways. In addition, use of these fire retardant mixtures may contribute to reduced plant diversity in areas of regrowth after a fire.  Protection of people, structures and property are priorities for fire management, and an especially difficult challenge in the so-called “wildland urban interface”. Sometimes, fire retardant solutions may be invaluable for managing wildland fires; other times, they may not be as effective. Since fire seasons are expected to worsen, it is increasingly important for experts and regulators to employ strategies beyond fire suppression, such as strategic forest restoration and reduced development in fire-prone landscapes.  Other uses  The past few years have seen an increase in demand for aerial assets globally. Agencies around the world are looking for more resources to deploy water from the sky as fire seasons are ravaging once pristine landscapes. But how do resources and tactics change in different continents?  Brittany Wise of Erickson states, “From an operator’s perspective, aerial firefighting is standard practice depending on the platform and chosen application method. Operators must adapt their strategy based on localised regulatory and safety requirements (i.e. duty time, flight hour limits); however, agencies worldwide differ in their needs, preferences, and use of aerial assets. Individual agencies have different approaches to executing initial and extended aerial attacks on fires based on local regulations, challenges, and tactical, operational strategies. These individualised approaches vary by country and are specific to each region to ensure maximum effectiveness of the aerial resources sourced. Countries and their supporting fire agencies have a difficult task balancing risk and costs while protecting their constituents’ lives and property.”  Aerial firefighting resources come in many shapes, sizes and capabilities. Canada-based Conair, for example, has a fleet of over 70 fixed-wing aircraft, each one fitting into a specific part of a

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Pierce Manufacturing secures order for 21 Fire Apparatus

News Desk /

Pierce Manufacturing, an Oshkosh Corporation company, announced it has secured an order for 21 fire apparatus from Huntsville Fire & Rescue in Huntsville, Alabama. Sold through Pierce dealer, Emergency Equipment Professionals, the fire apparatus order is the largest in over a decade for the state of Alabama. The new fire apparatus include 17 Pierce Enforcer pumpers, three Ascendant 100’ Heavy-Duty mid-mount Aerial Towers on Velocity chassis, and one Heavy-Duty HazMat Response Unit on a Velocity chassis. Huntsville Fire & Rescue currently has two Pierce engines and a ladder tower in production and will welcome these new fire apparatus into service to remove aging trucks from frontline service. “Huntsville Fire & Rescue is the oldest chartered fire department in the state, and we still operate out of many historic firehouses with confined truck bays and low-entry doors,” said Howard McFarlen, Chief of Huntsville Fire & Rescue. “Pierce was one of the only manufacturers who could work with our size restrictions, and based on evaluating multiple factors over the years, we are very pleased with all aspects of owning and operating Pierce apparatus. We have peace of mind knowing we have a dealer and manufacturer who stand behind their product and will provide knowledgeable resources and convenient access to aftermarket support.” Huntsville Fire & Rescue’s new fire apparatus will feature: Pierce Enforcer Pumpers Enforcer chassis  500-gallon water tank Waterous 1500 gpm single-stage pump Cummins X12 455 hp engine  84” cab allowing additional room for EMS cabinets, crew spacing, and transverse compartment below the forward-facing crew cab seats Ascendant 100’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Towers Mid-mount configuration Velocity chassis 100’ five section aerial tower  300-gallon water tank  Waterous 2000 gpm single-stage pump Cummins X15 605 hp engine Heavy-Duty HazMat Response Unit Velocity chassis Cummins X15 605 hp engine Integrated command center with multiple video monitors, satellite communications, and weather monitoring capabilities All fire apparatus will include: TAK-4 Independent Suspension Side roll and frontal impact protection Electric door locks on cab and compartment doors Chief McFarlen added, “Our apparatus must be capable of responding to everything from flat terrain to steep mountain roadways. There are several features, including Pierce’s TAK-4  Independent Suspension, which have proven to be critical for the safe navigation of this diverse terrain, multi-lane highways, and narrower roadways in the inner-city and historic districts.” Huntsville Fire & Rescue covers a 220-square-mile area of both urban and rural communities in North Alabama. The department responds to more than 22,000 service calls per year out of 19 fire stations in a service area which includes the most populous city in Alabama, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, and the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command. “We are incredibly honored to support Huntsville Fire & Rescue with such a significant fire apparatus order and sincerely appreciate the trust they have in our team,” said Jeff Kuntz, Owner of Emergency Equipment Professionals. “We are proud to collaborate on this endeavor and greatly value our relationship with the department. The new fire apparatus adds to a growing Pierce fleet and will strengthen emergency response capabilities for many years to come.”   To stay up to date on the latest, trends, innovations, people news and company updates within the global fire market please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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ASFP makes two further significant appointment

News Desk /

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has made two new appointments to support the continued development of its member, training and technical services. Rich Green was appointed as Commercial Projects Manager in July and Chris Sharman joined as Training Manager in September. Rich brings a wealth of experience working in leadership and commercial roles in a variety of industries, including ten years in the lighting industry. As Commercial Manager of the Lighting Industry Association (LIA) he achieved revenue growth of over 40% and was a key part of the team that established a brand new UKAS-accredited testing laboratory. Previous roles included Business Manager for lighting company, Kosnic and National Accounts Manager for pest control company, Pelsis. In this newly created ASFP role, Rich is seeking to further develop the ASFP’s membership offering, to attract members from new sectors, while also improving benefits for existing members. Commenting on his appointment, Rich stated: “I’m delighted with my new role at ASFP, which for me represents not just a change of job but also a change of industry. I hope to make a real difference to the Association, bringing new and innovative benefits and engagement opportunities to ASFP members to make membership even better value for money. I’ve already started work on a range of ideas but look forward to hearing suggestions from members of any new benefits or services that would help you and improve your membership experience.” As the ASFP’s new Training Manager, Chris brings over 20 years of fire safety sector experience. He started working in the fire industry in 1999 as an installer of specialist evacuation systems for deaf and disabled people, working in sales and management both in the UK and overseas. In 2015, he entered the passive fire protection sector, joining Hilti as a firestop specialist. He subsequently worked as a fire protection consultant for Rockwool and as a technical support advisor for Global HSE Solutions. Chris was also involved in creating and delivering fire safety training packages which focused on compartmentation and facade systems. Chris has achieved an Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) Level 3 Certificate in passive fire protection and a Level 4 Advanced Fire Safety Manager’s Diploma. He is a member of the IFE at Technician Grade and is currently working to upgrade to full membership, having accrued the required level of academic qualifications and CPD hours. He is a full member of the Institute of Fire Safety Managers. Chris is passionate about improving competency in the passive fire protection sector, stating: “I look forward to my new role as ASFP Training Manager, which will enable me to put my knowledge and experience to work in this sector whilst still making an effort to continue my own professional development. I am excited to be working to raise both my own, and the industry’s competency now and in the future.”   To stay up to date on the latest, trends, innovations, people news and company updates within the global fire market please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Electric buses spark new safety requirements

Exclusives, Technology /

By 2024, the UK’s electric bus fleet is set to become the largest in Europe, growing by almost 180%. The primary technology being used to fuel electric buses is lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries. Although more sustainable, this brings new fire safety risks to the modern transport sector. If batteries become damaged – through overcharging, mechanical failure, physical impact or overvoltage, for example – the safety consequences can be extreme. Current suppression systems that are designed for traditional combustion engines only go so far in preventing the new fire risks for electric buses and coaches. James Mountain, Sales and Marketing Director, Fire Shield Systems, examines these new fire risks, and discusses the practical steps that managers, operators and OEMs can take to mitigate them effectively. The rising risk UK cities including London, Coventry and Oxford are leading the way for electric bus adoption. While many cities across the UK are enforcing clear measures of low-emission zones, leading to a reduction in the use of HGVs, buses, taxis and private cars. To make electric transport more accessible for UK cities, the Zero-Emission Buses Regional Area (ZEBRA) scheme is making £120 million in funding available, which will deliver 500 zero-emission buses. A unique challenge EV-buses are widely considered to be a safe and sustainable alternative to the traditional combustion engine. However, li-ion batteries present their own safety risks, which can lead to severe safety risks for bus fleets and passengers. If li-ion batteries encounter high temperatures, overcharging, mechanical failure or are subject to physical impact, for example, it can cause an internal short circuit. In turn, this causes the battery to produce excess heat, triggering a chemical reaction within the battery cells. This is known as ‘thermal runaway’, where excess heat produces more heat, leading to ignition, toxic gas emissions and in some cases, large explosions. When in thermal runaway, a li-ion battery can produce its own oxygen from within its cells, propelling flames and making traditional fire suppression methods much less effective. These types of fires are much less common than traditional combustion engine fires, however, when they do occur, the effects will be much larger. For example, there has already been numerous fires in Germany and China this year, which have led to the destruction of multiple electric buses during charging. Mitigating risks A number of practical steps can be put in place by OEMs and bus operators to manage the fire risks associated with electric fleets, including: 1. Charging Overnight charging of electric buses creates significant fire risks, as the small battery components build up and store a large amount of energy. To minimise risk, measures should be taken to monitor electric charging stations whilst in use and ensure fully charged buses are disconnected from charging points. 2. Storage Storing EV buses requires additional risk assessments, which should involve evaluating proximity to other vehicles and combustible materials, ensuring maximum space where possible. Thermal runaway can take some time to initiate, meaning that consequences from any battery impact during the operating day may not be fully clear until the bus is stored overnight. Therefore, parking and storage should be monitored consistently to address and mitigate risks as they arise. 3. Suppression EV buses create unique fire risks, therefore traditional fire suppression systems and techniques are not able to fully prevent li-ion battery fires. Instead, effective protection requires a fresh approach… The need for a new suppression solution Electric bus suppression systems should first aim to prevent thermal runaway. Where this isn’t possible, systems should delay propagation to allow passengers and drivers to evacuate and ensure fire risk is contained. Dafo Vehicle Fire Protection and RISE (Research Institute of Sweden), as part of an EU funded initiative, performed extensive testing and research to create a new suppression solution to address the new fire risks. The development of this battery suppression system (Li-IonFireTM), explored the fire risks associated with battery spaces, including specific risks relating to charging and processes for handling EVs and their batteries after impact. Research revealed that even with late deployment, this system can delay a battery from reaching thermal runaway, raising the possibility of safe evacuation. This new suppression solution offers an early warning system and spot cooling, which prevents thermal runaway from occurring, containing and suppressing a fire. A safer future for the UK’s electric buses The growth of electric buses and coaches in the UK requires fire safety measures to keep pace to protect lives, vehicles and valuable other assets. Standards are beginning to change, but OEMs, vehicle maintenance teams and operators all have a key role to play in ensuring risks are effectively managed.   To stay up to date on the latest, trends, innovations, people news and company updates within the global fire market please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Big Interview – Gary Strong

Big Interview /

Gary Strong, Chair of the IFSS Coalition and Global Building Standards Director, RICS, discusses the overhaul of global fire safety. Why are fire safety standards so important?  The magnitude of the fire problem around the world is enormous. Annually, fires cause more than 150,000 deaths and in excess of 7m injuries, while tens of thousands of people are displaced. Costs in human, property and business terms amount to billions of dollars, a total that has been estimated to be as high as 1–2% of GDP in high-income countries. Concerted international action is needed to prevent this.  The IFSS represent an industry-led effort to reconcile differing or, in some cases, non-existent fire safety requirements in countries around the world. Contrasting approaches have resulted in significant variations in the design, approval, construction and operation of buildings and infrastructure, all of which increases fire risk.  The coalition has worked hard to produce globally applicable standards that will improve fire safety in buildings new and old, ensure consistent requirements, and reduce the risk to life. The new global plan advances that work, aiming to reduce the forecast fatalities, injuries, costs, and environmental impact from fire around the world by 2032, despite the predicted increase in population over this period.  How does the IFSS Coalition help with fire safety?  The IFSS Coalition is an industry-led global response to address differing or, in some cases, non-existent requirements in countries across the world to fire safety. Contrasting approaches have resulted in significant variations in the design, approval, construction methods and operation of buildings and infrastructure, impacting fire risk.   Our coalition has worked hard to produce this globally applicable way to bring improvements and consistency in fire safety to buildings and infrastructure new and old, and reduce the risk to lives.  The goal of the Decade of Action for Fire Safety is to stabilise and reduce the forecast level of fire fatalities, injuries, economic cost, and environmental impact around the world by 2032 despite an increase in population over this period.  This new initiative is unprecedented, being the first agreement on fire safety actions on this international scale, with its development supported by the United Nations in line with its own sustainable development goals. It is the outcome of extensive work and worldwide expertise on fire safety drawn from over 80 coalition organisations, and will bring reassurance that the construction and management of buildings and infrastructure upholds appropriate fire safety standards, with improved training, education, and resources.  You recently presented at the UN, what is the Decade of Action for Fire Safety?  The IFSS Coalition of over 80 fire safety leadership organisations on Monday 11 October launched a new Decade of Action for Fire Safety 2022-2032, to ensure an internationally consistent approach to the safety and management of buildings, infrastructure and more with the aim of saving lives by reducing risk and preventing devastating fires.  The launch of the Decade of Action for Fire Safety is backed by the UN and builds on the International Fire Safety Standard – Common Principles (IFSS-CP) published by the International Fire Safety Standards Coalition (IFSS) in October 2020. It follows extensive work to bring public confidence around the regulation and control of fire safety measures.  The Decade of Action delivers a clear goal, performance-based objectives framework and common actions that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that can take place at the individual, community, city, national, regional, and global level, which can be defined as follows:  Pillar 1 – People – actions to help individuals and groups understand fire, what they can do to increase their understanding  Pillar 2 – Products – actions to reduce fire hazards associated with appliances, contents and building components  Pillar 3 – Structures – actions to reduce fire hazards associated with structures including planning, design, and operation Pillar 4 – Infrastructure – actions to help enhance firefighting infrastructure  Pillar 5 – Communities – actions to facilitate sustainable and fire resilient communities.  An international intitiative for global standards of this scale is unprecedented, what are your aims?  This new initiative is unprecedented, being the first agreement about long-term actions in fire safety on an international scale, and it is supported by the UN in line with its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The plan relates in particular to the following SDGs:   Goal 3: ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all   Goal 9: build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, and foster innovation   Goal 11: make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable   Goal 17: strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development.   The global plan is itself the outcome of three years of work, drawing on worldwide expertise in fire safety to offer public reassurance that the construction and management of buildings and infrastructure upholds appropriate safety standards, with improved training, education, and resources for a broad range of stakeholders.   The plan establishes a clear performance-based framework and common actions that can be taken at the levels of the individual, community, city, nation and region, as well as globally.  It identifies the following five pillars for fire safety:   People: actions to help individuals and groups understand fire – and what they can do to improve that understanding – as well as the need for awareness, training and competent professionals   Products: actions to reduce fire hazards associated with appliances, building contents and construction components structures: actions relating to planning, design and operation to reduce the fire hazards associated with structures infrastructure: actions to enhance firefighting infrastructure   Communities: actions to enable sustainable and fire-resilient communities.   The plan is intended to guide coordinated and concerted efforts on fire safety, explaining the context and rationale for the coalition’s declaration of a decade of action.     To stay up to date on the latest, trends, innovations, people news and company updates within the global fire market please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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