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HAAGEN successfully delivers a new bus fire simulator to Taiwan National Fire Agency

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HAAGEN successfully delivers a new bus fire simulator to Taiwan National Fire Agency The final commissioning of the HAAGEN Bus Fire Simulator for Taiwan’s National Fire Academy has been successfully completed at the beginning of this year. The HAAGEN Bus Fire Simulator has been built in a 40ft container equipped for fire-fighting training and foreseen to include realistic features such as a lower level driver area with detailed console and front windshield (mock-up), an upper level passenger area with seating and a storage area, and an engine compartment area accessible from the outside. Training scenarios Training scenarios include low visibility (synthetic smoke), a driver’s seat fire and passenger cabin flashover, as well as an engine fire accessible from the outer rear side. The technology used includes gas-fueled as well as digital fires. The simulator passed all post-tender checks and will now be employed to train Taiwan’s fire-fighters in responding to relatable incidents.

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New apprenticeship pathway launched at the Trailblazer event in London

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New apprenticeship pathway launched at the Trailblazer event in London A new apprenticeship scheme was launched at the Trailblazer event at the UBM offices – the makers and owners of FIREX – in central London on the 22 February. The scheme, named ‘Apprentices for Fire & Security’, is a combined effort from a range of employers and trade associations across the sector, as an attempt to attract more young people into the industry. A joint effort from the Fire & Security Association (FSA), British Security Industry Association (BSIA), and the Fire Industry Association, the apprenticeship will hopefully close the skills gap in the fire and security industries. Two speakers – Pat Allen, Chairman of the FSA, and Simon Banks, co-founder of the scheme, explained the new apprenticeship to a crowd of key industry stakeholders and professionals. ‘There has been a 75% increase in the skills gap in the last 3 years,’ said Banks as he addressed the audience. The hope is that the apprenticeship will be taken up by employers and colleges across the UK. Currently 8 colleges are planned to support the apprenticeship, but the need for further colleges – at least 100 more across the country – was stressed at the event.

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Implico to showcase solutions for hazardous good transportation at StocExpo Europe 2017

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  At this year’s StocExpo Europe, the Implico Group will be presenting its latest logistics solutions for the tank terminal industry under the slogan “The Future Is Here.” Europe’s leading tank terminal trade show will run from 28-30 March in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. At stand J10, Implico will exhibit its innovative handheld solution intended for use in hazardous goods areas and other pioneering technologies that will facilitate the digital transformation of business processes for tank terminal operators. Implico’s trade show topic of “The Future Is Here” underlines how the software consultants are stepping up to the challenge of offering tomorrow’s solutions today. “We give tank terminal operators the tools they need for the future – and our focus is not just on modern technologies such as cloud but also on intelligent processes that we manage for our customers,” says Michael Martens, Managing Partner at Implico. “One example of next-generation logistics processes is our recently launched solution for handhelds, which takes petroleum product loading to a new level.” The new handheld solution gives employees real-time access to the OpenTAS terminal management system wherever they are working on the terminal site – even in hazardous goods areas, for example in railcar clearance. This accelerates processes, improves efficiency and enhances transparency. Master data already stored in the system is available on the mobile device and does not have to be entered again. At the same time, this safeguards against errors resulting from manual entry. In addition to this, Implico is currently developing features that trigger alerts in case of any impending conflicts, thus preventing product contamination. The solution is compatible with any make of device, including those intended for use in explosion hazard areas. Implico will also be showcasing its latest solutions in the fields of terminal administration and terminal automation. Offering first-class usability and a maximum level of transparency, these solutions ensure efficient, real-time handling of any storage, planning or transportation process. Implico also provides its solutions as managed cloud services under the iGOS brand (Implico Global Operation Services). The consulting company not only provides the required infrastructure but also supplies specialists who can handle some of the day-to-day tasks involved in running the business. Downstream companies benefit from lean processes and rapid implementation and avoid high initial capital investment. Implico will also be presenting its comprehensive portfolio of services for data communications, for example IFLEXX/PIDX-based solutions, as well as the very latest, technologically optimized OpenTAS release.

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​Hochiki expands European reach with new acquisition in Italy

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Hochiki Europe (UK) Limited, has strengthened its position in the Italian market by acquiring fire and security product distributor, Device and Electronic Systems (DES srl). Located in the historic city of Verona, DES srl is a distributor of life safety solutions across Italy, with many customers situated in the North of the country. This acquisition allows Hochiki Europe to expand the DES distribution channels and further increase its business within the Italian market. As part of the acquisition, the current DES team will be retained, operating from its Verona headquarters and they will continue to service existing customers as usual. Hochiki Europe will be looking to enlarge the team and expanding the company’s operation capabilities to support ambitious growth plans and an expected increase in customer demand. The incorporation of DES srl, which was completed in January 2017, comes as part of Hochiki Corporation’s wider growth strategy, VISION 2017, in which Europe is named as one of the most important global markets in terms of business expansion. Graham Lowe, Director of Sales at Hochiki Europe, said: “By incorporating DES srl into Hochiki Europe, new and existing customers across Italy will be given greater access to our range of innovative products through streamlined and trusted distribution channels.” During 2016, we made a number of strategic investments to support our growth plans across EMEA and we will continue with this momentum in 2017, and beyond.”

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Kentec’s reports successful arrival at Bergen’s new airport terminal

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A new life safety system based around Kentec’s Syncro XT+ addressable extinguishing control panel technology is being installed in the new 4 billion Kroner (Euro 407m) terminal at Norway’s Bergen Flesland International Airport. Bergen Flesland’s new terminal will treble the airport’s capacity and will include a new dedicated train line connecting Flesland to Bergen city centre. The terminal building itself will be scalable, featuring all core functions, including check-in, baggage, storage systems, security control, and departure and arrival halls on two separate levels. Norwegian Brannslokkesystemer AS was commissioned to design and install a Novec 1230 extinguishing system, controlled by a Kentec Syncro XT+ network comprising 11 multi-area addressable extinguishant control panels with loop powered status indicator units and using Apollo communications protocol. Brannslokkesystemer AS imports, designs and assembles automatic gas extinguishing systems for the marine and land-based market throughout Norway. Kentec’s Syncro XT+ control panels are the leading multi-area addressable extinguishant control panel solution, fully approved to EN12094-1, EN54-2 and EN54-4. Syncro XT+ provides addressable detection over 1 or 2 loops with 16 Zone LED Indicators and is available with up to four extinguishant release control units built in.

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PPE Standards: Perfect and protect

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­Ivan Rich, Technical Manager at Bristol Uniforms, is closely involved in developing and reviewing standards for fire-fighter PPE.  He is the secretary for two European committees which include standardisation for Heat and Flame PPE and Fire-fighters’ PPE. Here Ivan explains how international and national standards bodies work together and explores recent developments in this area: Fire and emergency services across the globe need to know that they can fully rely on the safety and quality of their PPE, whether purchased at home or abroad.  To ensure the best level of protection, most countries demand conformity with both national and international standards of performance for PPE. By insisting that any equipment purchased meets appropriate global standards, they can be assured that at the very least the minimum safety requirements will be met, and that the quality will be satisfactory. This helps to break down technical and language barriers between countries and makes it much more straightforward for manufacturers to trade goods and services. There are currently three major standard-setting bodies on the world stage, European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) which covers Europe, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) which covers the USA, Latin America and the Asia/Pacific region, and the International Standards Organisation (ISO) which sets standards worldwide. In Europe, the first standard for fire-fighters’ PPE was introduced in 1995.  Entitled EN469, it became the first PPE standard to cover all countries in the European Union, serving to strengthen overall product safety and quality, and to encourage the sharing and adoption of good practices. The current version of EN469 is EN469:2005.  This is a ‘Harmonised Standard’, which means that rather than being simply voluntary, it supports essential requirements of the new EU PPE Regulation (EU 2016/425) to which all European PPE must comply by 2018. EN469:2005 was reviewed and updated in 2014, however it was subsequently withdrawn from OJEU due to errors. The standard is now being reviewed and rewritten in discussion with CEN consultants, employed by the EU Commission to monitor and advise on standards development.  I sit on a panel group formed by BSI and we recently met for the second time to discuss its revision and further discuss the list of requirements the UK would like to see included. The NFPA Standard for PPE is adopted in the USA and across the world including Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.  NFPA1971, was first published back in 1975 and has undergone numerous revisions since then with the latest being in 2013. NFPA1971:2013 protects firefighting personnel by establishing minimum levels of protection from thermal, physical, environmental, and bloodborne hazards encountered during structural and proximity fire-fighting operations.  Its requirements apply to the design, performance, testing, and certification for structural fire-fighting. The revision process has commenced and the next edition will be published in 2018. The original ISO standard for Protective Clothing for Fire-fighters, ISO 11613, was introduced in 1999.  It is currently under revision, being prepared for a Draft International Standard (DIS) ballot. This revised standard will be entitled Protective clothing for fire-fighter’s who are engaged in support activities associated with structural fire-fighting–Laboratory test methods and performance.  ISO has also recently published a new ensemble standard for PPE used by fire-fighters, entitled ISO 11999 – PPE for fire-fighters–Test methods and requirements for PPE used by fire-fighters who are at risk of exposure to high levels of heat and/or flame while fighting fires occurring in structures. There will be 10 parts to the standard (8 have been published) with part 3 giving the requirements for clothing. It makes sense for national, European and International standards to be drafted and developed in line with each other.  So wherever possible, CEN, NFPA, ISO, and many National Standards Bodies (NSBs) work closely together to replicate requirements wherever possible. This makes adhering to standards much easier, and helps to promote global best practice by drawing on international expertise. Dave Matthews is a world leader on PPE standards, leading on a number of BSI, CEN and ISO committees.  He comments: “It is vital for both manufacturers and end users to have a level playing field to protect against any unscrupulous suppliers of PPE”. Under the ‘Vienna Agreement’, for example, CEN has agreed to collaborate with ISO to develop a common European and international standard. More than 30% of the European standards adopted by CEN are identical to international standards.  These EN/ISO standards have the dual benefits of automatic and identical implementation across Europe and globally. Some examples include EN ISO 11612:2015 which specifies minimum performance requirements for clothing to protect against heat and flame, and EN ISO 14116:2015 which details performance requirements for the limited flame spread properties of materials and protective clothing. NSBs such as the British Standards Institute (BSI) have to adopt CEN and ISO standards (EN/ISO) so that by adhering to one standard, manufacturers can easily adhere to them all. NSBs outside Europe such as Standards Australia, often choose to adhere to ISO standards or have their own standards (AS/NZS). Ultimately, it is down to the customer to decide which standards they would like their PPE to follow, although clearly those in the EU would be advised to follow EN469 as it a harmonised standard and complies with EU regulation. There are some who believe this three-tiered approach of developing national, European and international standards is unnecessary and inefficient.  In today’s global business world, why not do away with national standards and simply follow international guidelines? However, national standards are an essential fall-back in countless situations, most crucially when a nation is faced with a specific scenario, or where there is strong national demand which may not be reflected internationally. If a standard does not exist internationally, NSBs are able to create their own.  For example, despite European Guidance on how frequently PPE should be cleaned, Europe still rejects calls for a standard that sets criteria for the cleaning, maintenance and repair of fire-fighters’ PPE. This is an issue that many countries are taking seriously, since regular cleaning can guard against the

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Gent receives rave reviews at The Capitol

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One of the UK’s finest art deco buildings recently underwent a complete refurbishment that restored it to its former glory. The Capitol is now one of Aberdeen’s most sought after commercial spaces and life safety products from Gent by Honeywell have been installed to protect its occupants. When it first opened in 1933 The Capitol was a cinema, before going on to become a theatre, a bar and nightclub. Located at 431 Union Street in Aberdeen, this stunning building was among the first of the British cinemas to be designed in the art deco style. The venue showed its final film in 1995 and in the early 2000s was converted into a nightclub, when the rear section of the building was largely remodelled. The nightclub closed in 2009 and the building was left derelict for over four years until Knight Property Group and M&G Real Estate initiated a £30m transformation. The Capitol has been restored back to its former glory and now offers 74,231ft² of cutting edge office accommodation over 12 storeys. The spirit of a historic cinema has been kept alive during its transformation though and the grand foyer makes the same immediate impression on visitors that it did when it first opened its doors. The Capitol is set to become one of Aberdeen’s busiest commercial premises, so to protect those visiting and working in it the highest quality life system was a prerequisite. Galashiels based SPG Fire & Security was invited to tender and, after outlining the benefits of a system comprising innovative technology from Gent, it was awarded the fire detection contract by the building services consulting engineering firm on the project, TÜV SÜD Wallace Whittle. ‘Since forming in 2002, SPG Fire & Security has worked on many prestigious projects across the UK and Ireland,’ states the company’s Business Development Director, Alan Baird. ‘We have also been a Gent approved System Integrator for the last four years and used Gent products extensively in a diverse range of applications. We therefore knew that we would be able to meet all the diverse requirements of The Capitol.’ SPG Fire & Security specified a fire detection system based around two Gent Vigilon six loop control panels that use powerful software to deliver a flexible, easy to use system. To maintain the strong identity of the building, the panel in the reception area was supplied in a stainless steel finish. Over 850 devices from Gent’s S-Quad and S-Cubed ranges have been installed. Stuart Brown Gent’s Business Manager Scotland, comments, ‘S-Quad was the first intelligent loop powered multifunctional device to include a sensor, sounder, speech and EN54-23 certified visual alarm (VAD), and its extensively patented technology has an unrivalled ability to prevent unwanted alarms. Meanwhile, advanced technology means that S-Cubed is the most efficient loop powered sounder/VAD in the industry, allowing a whole loop of sounder/VADs to operate without the need for additional energy supplies.’ This combination of Gent control panels and devices is particularly suitable due to the complex cause and effect strategy in place, as the building has a phased evacuation requirement. The power and length of loops were also a major factor, as well as ease of programming for the engineers, particularly since the cause and effect requirements of the job changed over the course of the project and became more intricate. The Equality Act makes it the responsibility of all organisations to ensure that access to buildings and services is available to everyone. Therefore, in addition to the VADs, a Gent Network 8 emergency voice communication system (EVCS) was installed in the disabled refuge areas. The EVCS system is connected directly to the WC assistance alarms and in the event that a cord is pulled, an alert is immediately activated and help will be on its way. The Network 8 system comprises of master handsets located in reception, rear entrance and the management suite, and there are 23 EVCS outstation call panels and 11 disabled WC alarm systems integrated into it. IT is the backbone of any modern business and in order to offer the earliest possible warning of smoke in the seventh floor data centre, a Honeywell FAAST LT aspirating smoke detection solution was configured. Aspirating smoke detection’s resilience, stability and high degree of sensitivity combine to reduce unwanted alarms and makes the cleaning, replacement of devices easier, while reducing the labour required to carry out these tasks. Knight Property Group has received plaudits for the way that it has successfully combined the old with the new and maintained the aesthetic integrity of one of Aberdeen’s most iconic buildings. Philip Lumsden, the company’s Head of Construction, concludes, ‘This was a challenging but ultimately rewarding project due to the fact that we have been able to preserve a piece of Scotland’s architectural heritage, while creating a modern and vibrant commercial premises. The protection of people, property and assets was at the forefront of our minds when it came to the building services infrastructure and the use of Gent’s technology, which has been expertly installed, commissioned and maintained by SPG Fire & Security, ensures that we have the best possible life safety system in place.’

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Smoke and fire protection: Navigating the labyrinth of regulatory compliance

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There are few things more likely to cause destruction of property and loss of life than an uncontrolled fire, and there are dozens of requirements and guidelines detailing the steps which must be taken to prevent this. For developers, these regulations offer some protection: Being fully compliant repositions responsibility for fire outbreaks from those responsible for the design, planning and construction work onto the regulatory requirements themselves. Unfortunately, these regulations can also represent a considerable headache. Because specification requirements are so stringent, it can be surprisingly easy to find oneself out of compliance when, for example, certified fire protection equipment installed on one project is deemed unsuited for application in a similar context. A couple of degrees of inclination or ambient temperature can make all the difference, rendering a product officially inappropriate and therefore landing the developer responsible within the scope of liability, sometimes for considerable damages or even criminal proceedings. Taking a look, for example, at the regulations covering natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilation reveals the comprehensive, stringent and complex nature of the testing and certification requirements, and the variety of applications in which varied classifications are acceptable or not. The specification for natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilators is EN12101-2, laid out in a 44-page document which covers design requirements, an expansive set of testing protocols, marking stipulations and installation and maintenance information. One of the six core areas covered is of course heat resistance. Vents are classified as B A, B 300 and B 600, depending on whether they can withstand less or more than 300’C, or more than 600’C respectively. Passing this test requires that the throat area of the vent not be reduced by more than 10% of its original size when exposed to heat for a period of an hour. Vents also need to withstand freezing temperatures, both in cold areas and countries and in cold storage environments. This is especially important as most fires in residential settings occur during the winter and even without ice or snow load, subzero conditions can easily damage the operational integrity of the vent. Vents earn the classifications T(00), T(-05), T(-15) and T(-25), the designation representing the number of °C below zero at which they were successfully tested. Vents need to reach fire open position within 60s to pass this test, and products which fail to perform in freezing conditions are only suitable for installation in climates which don’t experience sub-zero temperatures during winter. Another requirement is Aerodynamic Free Area. This describes the effectiveness of the vent as an exhaust route, and is determined by the geometric area of the vent and the volume of gas exhausted from the room. The requirements also warn of negative discharge of air into the vented room, identifying that ventilators which have a curved overall profile and opening hatch are more likely to lead to intake of air. Reliability testing sees devices into three categories, Re A, Re 50 and Re 1000. The classifications refer to the number of times the vent will open to the fire open position and close within 60 seconds under no applied load. Vents must also be demonstrated to remain in fully open position without an external energy supply until reset. Dual purpose ventilators also have to reach their normal comfort position 10,000 times before being tested for fire opening reliability. Vents also need to be tested for reliable opening (to full fire open position, which is 140° for single vents) under load within 60 seconds. Vents are graded from SL 0 to SL 1000 in terms of snow load, referring to the test load applied in Pa. If a vent only earns the SL 0 classification, it can still be installed at a 45° angle. Vents are also tested for side wind influence, being subjected to 10m/s winds from the most unfavourable direction possible. The regulations also lay out requirements for labelling products, which, in addition to the name or trademark of the manufacturer, year of manufacture, type and model, must also be marked with the  technical characteristics of the external energy supply or integral gas container, temperature of the thermal initiation device if one is fitted, aerodynamic free area and classification for wind load, snow load, low and high temperature and reliability. Products also need to carry the number and year of the European Standard under which they were tested. While this standard is the most critical, smoke and heat ventilators must also meet a battery of other requirements and regulations in order to be properly certified as compliant. In terms of the design of ventilators, for example, there’s a highly restricted number of applications where it’s acceptable for an exclusively manually-operated device to be installed. All other applications require some sort of automatic initiation device: if this makes use of a smoke detector, the detector must comply with EN54-7, if it uses a thermal initiation device, this must comply with the requirements of EN12259-1. Any smoke control panels used must be compliant with EN12101-9 as well as EN12101-10. We’re still quite a way from demystifying all the regulations which underpin the suitability of different devices on different construction projects, and the matter of exactly what regulations apply to each different setting or context can remain foggy, obscure and ultimately a notable hassle for many developers. There is, however, a powerful resource available for simplifying the matter of achieving compliance which a lot of developers aren’t taking full advantage of: The supplier. Suppliers of compliant products partly rely on their comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the regulations for their own success, and they’re perfectly positioned to act as consultants when it comes to working out exactly what’s required and where. Establishing a dialogue with your supplier can allow you to take advantage of their experience and provide the peace of mind of knowing conclusively that a job is, officially, a good one. We can’t ignore the importance of regulatory compliance but we can, to an extent, make the process of working out the

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Notifier prescribes the perfect fire detection solution for specialist NHS unit

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Fire detection technology from Notifier by Honeywell has been installed to protect patients, staff and visitors at Sussex’s pioneering purpose built medium secure NHS unit. Opened in 2012 at a cost of £15 million, Sussex boasts one of the UK’s state-of-the-art purpose built units for people aged over 18 with mental health problems. Operated by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, it has a number of specialist wards to assess and manage patients in a safe and secure environment. Based in Brighton, Sovereign Alarms Limited has been keeping its clients safe and secure since 1989, and won the initial tender to fit the fire detection system at this specialist unit. Matt Gillam, the company’s Contracts Manager, comments, ‘We are experts in the fields of fire alarms, intruder alarms, emergency lighting, CCTV, access control, fire extinguishers and fire risk assessments and are proud of our customer focused approach. Having worked across the south of England and beyond we were invited to put forward our proposal, which was based around the installation, commissioning and on-going maintenance of a life safety system that combined state-of-the-art fire detection with minimal potential for unwanted alarms. For that we chose a system from Notifier.’ Aims and objectives The system had to comply with Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) 05-02 – Guidance in support of functional provisions (Fire safety in the design of healthcare premises). Its aim is to ensure that everyone concerned with the management, design, procurement and use of a healthcare facility understands the requirements of fire safety in order to ensure optimum safety for all who are present in the building. Matt Gillam states, ‘While not intended to cover every possible scenario, the standards and principles HTM 05-02 recognise that fire safety in healthcare premises is dependent on the interaction between physical fire precautions, the dependency of the patient, the fire hazards and the availability of sufficient and appropriately trained staff to safely evacuate patients in a fire emergency.’ Under control The focal points of the installation are six Notifier ID3000 control panels, which can accommodate between two and eight addressable loops, with each loop supporting up to 198 devices with a total of up to 255 zones per panel. Its modular design allows for a wide range of applications, facilitating easy installation and servicing whilst making it simple to meet the requirements of a particular application. The ID3000’s large EN 54 compliant LCD screen, which provides easy to read and understand messages, gives designated personnel a consistent interface for all monitored equipment. Mick Bull, Business Manager at Notifier, explains, ‘ID3000 sets the standard in areas such as functionality, flexibility, user friendliness and reliability. Its modular design offers a technically sophisticated range of facilities and functions whilst remaining easy to install, program and operate. Furthermore, devices can be programmed to compensate for the differences in the use of areas where detection devices are utilised. A total of nine different sensitivity levels can be assigned to individual smoke sensors, thereby allowing Sovereign Alarms Limited to closely match the sensor’s response to the particular environment in which the device is located.’ Linked to the ID3000 control panels are a number of Notifier’s Opal photoelectric smoke detectors, which are sited in all areas except the kitchen. With a cutting edge chamber design, these optical smoke detectors deliver excellent responsiveness and reduce sensitivity changes caused by settling dust and reduced unwanted alarms. The plug-in unit uses sophisticated processing circuitry that incorporates smoothing filters to help eliminate transient environmental noise conditions that can be the cause of unwanted alarms. The devices are managed by embedded software running complex algorithms that improve resilience and detection speed. The heat detectors located in the kitchens use thermistor and microprocessor technology to provide an alarm when the rate of rise in temperature exceeds 10°C per minute, or if the temperature exceeds a threshold of 58°C. Safety first Since its installation the Notifier fire detection system has proven to be totally reliable and Peter Wright, Fire Safety Manager at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, concludes, ‘The protection of vulnerable people is something that we take incredibly seriously. Therefore, we need to know that our life safety infrastructure will perform as required and keep people on the premises safe at all times. I am very impressed with the quality of Notifier’s technology and this, combined with the skills and expertise of Sovereign Alarms Limited, gives me total peace of mind.’

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The start of a new era with Rosenbauer's TSF-W

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Better personal protection for the crew and more efficient aid in an emergency: the new portable pump with water (TSF-W) is the start of a new era for the Roggden-Hettlingen Fire Department (Bavaria). A portable pump vehicle more than 30 years old was replaced with a new Compact Line vehicle from Rosenbauer equipped for the requirements of the field. Accidents, floods, rescue operations, and fire: the Roggden-Hettlingen Fire Department (Bavaria) is confronted with numerous challenges. The old vehicle was not only outdated in terms of its technical condition and equipment, but the cost of maintenance and repairs was no longer sustainable. The purchase of a new vehicle was the right solution to these problems. And nothing was left to chance when it came to making a selection. A separate expert opinion was commissioned to determine the ideal vehicle type for scenarios typical to the respective field of deployment. The result: A portable pump vehicle with water that stands up to the challenge of dealing with a variety of operations, thanks to its corresponding equipment. Low removal heights for maximum user-friendliness The choice fell on a Compact Line vehicle from Rosenbauer, the benefits of which impressed our colleagues from the Roggden-Hettlingen Fire Department. The superstructure, fire & safety equipment, and extinguishing system are all tailored to the local requirements. Especially important to Commander Christian Mayrböck was the clear partitioning and user-friendly removal of the different items of equipment. The superstructure of the Compact Line provides the benefit of low removal heights, in that numerous objects are removed comfortably from ground level. “We have a few women in our fire department, too. All of our fire-fighters benefit from the low removal heights, both men and women,” says Mayrböck. Thanks to an interchangeable module, important special equipment can be transported to every operation: The power generator, cooling fan, foam generator or trolley are stowed quickly in the designated space in the vehicle. More space – more equipment – more emergency crews There was space for only three crew members in the old Roggden-Hettlingen Fire Department vehicle, which caused enormous tactical issues. The new TSF-W accommodates an entire brigade (six persons). Two of the seats are equipped with SCBA holders and a further two seats with additional breathing protection equipment. The thermal imaging camera cannot only quickly locate the seat of a fire, but also clearly improves the safety of the emergency crew. The extinguishing system is stored in the rear of the vehicle. As is common with a TSF-W, a portable fire pump is used. The FOX III can be operated within the vehicle or removed as needed. It is stored on an inclined elevator and is connected directly to the 600 liter water tank as standard. A discharge outlet C is also located in the equipment compartment. Another important concern for the leaders at the Roggden-Hettlingen Fire Department was the vehicle lighting. For operations on state roads, traffic warning devices and scene lighting together with a pneumatically retractable light mast are a big help – not only in terms of safety, but also for conducting work on scene. Despite its array of comprehensive equipment, the TSF-W vehicle built onto the MAN TGL chassis is extremely compact at just 2.35 meters wide. The resulting maneuverability is impressive and makes easy work of tight alleyways and narrow streets. With the new TSF-W of the Compact Line from Rosenbauer, Roggden now has a vehicle with a broad application spectrum that provides emergency crews with maximum comfort. “The vehicle and equipment provide the best possible protection for the crew. And we can aid the public faster and more effectively in the event of an emergency,” points out Commander Christian Mayrböck, who is highly satisfied with the new vehicle.

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