REPORTING TO THE ASIA PACIFIC PROTECTION AND FIRE SERVICE INDUSTRY

www.apfmag.com Issue 59 • October 2016 NFPA #1964 Compliant

Wildland Fire Industrial Fire

Water Supply Handheld Nozzles

®

TASK FORCE TIPS® FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT

Fire Apparatus Equipment Foam Equipment

3701 INNOVATION WAY MADE IN USA VALPARAISO, IN U.S.A. +1.219.548.4000 www.tft.com www.newforce.tft.com REPORTING TO THE ASIA PACIFIC AND FIRE SERVICE INDUSTRY Contents OCTOBER 2016

REGULARS. 5 Editors Comment

7 Industry Comment

www.apfmag.com Issue 59 • October 2016 8 News and Profiles OCTOBER 2016 • ISSUE 59 Cover image: Dual pressure automatic nozzles, such FEATURES. as the MidForce nozzle shown here, provide maximum stream reach and penetration in high pressure mode, and maximum flow when the low pressure mode is 24 Emergency response in selected. Image courtesy of S. Haase. Publishers 31 Firefighting foam concentrates Mark Seton [email protected] 24 – the constant evolution: Part 2 David Staddon [email protected]

Editor 36 Improving survival for ‘out Neil Bibby ASFM, FAICD, MIFireE [email protected] of hospital’ cardiac arrest

Contributing Editors Rhonda Abotomey, Martin Boyle, Penny Burns, 41 Gaseous fire suppression systems Javier Castro, Chris Chiesa, Ed Comeau, Robert Fawcett, David J. Ganz, Jeff Kepert, Thomas Loridan, – understanding safety measures Torbjorn Lundmark, Michelle Murphy, Steve O’Malley, Gary Parkinson, Ange Pestell, Peter Ryan, Brett Shields, Brett Staines, Deb Symons, Melanie Taylor, William Thurston, Kevin Tory, 48 Women and Firefighting Australasia Bronwyn Walker, Joel Ward, Duncan J. White. 2016: Right place. Right time Design Manager Richard Parsons [email protected] 55 Protective clothing and

Web and IT Manager equipment for Fire Fighters Neil Spinney [email protected] 59 A hands on approach International Sales 36 Mark Seton TECHNOLOGY IS SECURITY. [email protected] 64 Firefighting and breathing Mark Bathard [email protected] protection then and now

Dave Staddon [email protected] 68 The convergence of With the Z-Class we supply extremely high performance for airport APF is published quarterly by: video and fire safety MDM Publishing Ltd fi re fi ghting and rescue vehicles. A modular concept enables the The Abbey Manor Business Centre, The Abbey, Preston Road, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 2EN, UK. 72 The wisdom of a crowd: confi guration of 4 x 4 to 8 x 8-vehicles. The vehicle size, the quantities Tel: +44 (0) 1935 426 428 Fax: +44 (0) 1935 426 926 warnings of the future of extinguishing agents, as well as special superstructures and compo- Website: www.mdmpublishing.com MDM Publishing Ltd (Australia) 76 20 Years of innovation at 23 Richardson Street, Lane Cove, nents of the Z-Class fully meet the manifold tactical mission require- NSW 2066, Australia. the Pacific Disaster Center Tel: +61 (0) 418 358 465 ments. Especially with the High Reach Extendable Turret Z-Attack ©All rights reserved 81 Conventional vs addressable lSSN – 1476-1386 fire alarm systems 55 ZIEGLER offers a maximum of technology. DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in ASIA PACIFIC FIRE are not necessarily those of MDM Publishing Ltd. The magazine and publishers 84 Integrated fire management and are in no way responsible or legally liable for any www.ziegler.de errors or anomalies made within the editorial by community based fire management our authors. All articles are protected by copyright and written permission must be sought from the publishers for reprinting or any form of duplication 88 The effects of turbulent plume of any of the magazines content. Any queries should be addressed in writing to the publishers. dynamics on long-range spotting Reprints of articles are available on request. Prices on application to the Publishers. 93 The preparedness and evacuation Designed, Edited and Printed in the UK. behaviour of Australian pet owners FREE Subscription To subscribe to APF Magazine and 99 A heatwave classification for heat for unlimited access to our digital resources, please register at related fatality risk www.apfmag.com 102 PTG and PTS – reflecting on the trauma PROUD TO BE A MEMBER OF 93 response of growth amongst the decline EDITORS COMMENT The Standard in Fire Systems Has diversity failed? We need to try harder! ‘Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result’ is a definition of insanity.

2.8%, Hong Kong 2.5%, Singapore 14%, technology now to make it easier and Malaysia 4% and the Pacific Islands work smarter instead of just brute 0.5%. It is not much better outside of our force. Nursing has done this very region, USA 3.3%, UK 3.1% and Germany well as a profession. 1.5%. The total number of females in 3 Change behaviour, a recent report the service today is not good by any showed the 88% of female fire fighters standard, However, the number is more had suffered harassment (physical of an embarrassment when you look at and sexual) This is where male and the proportion of females in leadership female champions need to speak positions. A recent Department of up, support and fight back. Public Environment, Land, Water and Planning executions may be a little too far, report (Victoria, Australia) showed that but these morons need to be held in a department with 26% female to account. Management support Neil Bibby (one of the exceptions when is essential. AFSM, FAICD, MIFireE it comes to female numbers) of the 37 4 All research into bringing minority Editor specialist and command positions males groups (of course women are not a dominated all but eight positions and minority group) into the main stream of those eight positions none where a shows a need to have a critical mass command situation. to succeed. Maybe affirmative acting So we are not looking good, I have is the way to overcome 25 years of been to three conferences so far this year failure, whatever action is taken we for the EN54 world for the UL 864 world n 1990 I was given the task to where diversity was high on the program need to get that critical mass. I break the male domination of agenda and we appear to be doing the the fire service I belonged to at same old thing. What did Einstein define Then there are point 5, 6, 7, ...... and the time. Like all Australian Fire Services, as insanity? ‘doing the same thing over more, that are the new initiatives that there were no female firefighters in the and over again and expecting a different people have been reticent to try because Wherever ease-of-use, performance, Our Axis systems include advances organization when I started. If I had been result’ Have we been doing this for they are too far from the norm, give them and reliability are important, you’ll find in synchronized audio, false alarm asked, back them, ‘what would the fire 25 years? a go, you cannot do worse than the last service look like in 2016?’ I would have Although I didn’t do too well in my early 25 years. We must get to the point that in an Advanced intelligent fire system. management and touchscreen graphics. predicted 30% to 40% female and a good years at this, I hope I have learned some 25 years from now we look back and say representation of other ethnic groups in useful lessons. Let me offer some ideas: we have succeeded. the service. I was wrong and failed. As So if you have ideas put them out a male 25 years ago I/we didn’t know 1 Listen to the females, blokes, you have there for management to take up or just what we didn’t know about the issues not walked in their shoes therefore you do it locally. Although I have concentrated relating to diversity, we even had all male have no idea. on females in the fire service, full diversity committees trying to figure out how to 2 Make the workplace friendly to a is the aim, so our emergency services recruit females. diverse workforce, both on the station have a workforce that represent the Over the past 25 years we have had and the fire ground. We have the community they protect. reports, research, seminars, conferences and committees looking at increased diversity in our fire services and we are still not getting traction. Let’s look at the Make the workplace friendly to a diverse workforce, both on facts in the Asia Pacific region, although Dubai Office UK and EMEAA HQ the figures vary depending on the source, the station and the fire ground. We have the technology now Dubai Airport Free Zone, Building W3, Moorland Way, Cramlington, these figures are close enough to make Office 211, Dubai UAE Northumberland, NE23 1WE UK to make it easier and work smarter instead of just brute the point. Percentage of female Fire Tel: +971 4 299 0908 Tel: +44 (0)1670 707 111 fighters: – Australia 3.3%, New Zealand Fax: +971 4 299 0554 Fax: +44 (0)1670 707 222 force. Nursing has done this very well as a profession.

Email: Web: [email protected] www.advancedco.com Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 5 COLTRACO INDUSTRY COMMENT Ultrasonics since 1987 Building an industry to be proud of Whether it’s through our training and accreditation programs, recognising excellence, contribution and commitment at our Gala Awards, or our ongoing advocacy for improved regulation, codes and standards, Fire Protection Association Australia is committed to building a better industry.

Moving our industry to embrace industry stakeholders to aspire to. professional accreditation was no easy Building these awards as a respected task. However today many thousands platform for celebrating excellence will be of individuals are accredited by FPA an ongoing process but we know they are Australia or on the journey to accreditation, a necessary and fun way to highlight the supported by hundreds of industry-leading pinnacle of Australian fire protection. businesses, ranging from small operations Finally, with so many other activities it to the largest companies in the industry. would be easy to take our eyes of one of Accreditation via FPAS guarantees our core mandates: tirelessly advocating minimum levels of training and competency for regulatory change to benefit our industry of individuals as well as ensuring that and safeguard the community from the important safeguards are adhered to at dangers of fire. the business level, such as holding the For years we have led the charge for Scott Williams appropriate insurances. a nationally harmonised approach to fire convert the liquid level CEO – FPA Australia We have recently launched the Design protection inspection and testing and this and Certify accreditation categories, has now been achieved with all states and into the mass/weight of suppressant agent while also expanding our existing bushfire territories accepting AS 1851-2012 as a t’s a commitment we back accreditation scheme (BPAD) into new best practice method of recording and ideal tool for fire servicing I up with action and investment states including Western Australia. reporting maintenance activities. for CO2, FM-200R & NovecTM 1230 every day and with the And we’re just getting started. In 2016- Additionally, we have gained continued support of our members 17 the Association is ramping up our representation on the Australian Building for fixed fire suppression systems and the wider industry, we are measurably accreditation development to ensure that Codes Board’s Building Codes Committee, raising the bar. all work activities in the industry will soon appeared before several Senate inquiries In recent years much has been made be covered by an accreditation category. and spent thousands of hours meeting with about a lack of professionalism in the In addition to accrediting professionals, regulators at all levels and in all jurisdictions, TM use Portasteele Calculator with: fire protection industry. As many fire we want to celebrate them too. That’s why all with a laser-like focus on one simple goal: NFPA Code protection work activities are unlicensed, in 2016 we’re holding our inaugural Fire best practice fire protection outcomes. tm Portalevel Compliant at least in Australia, negative perceptions Protection Industry Awards Gala event We’re not just talking about making have (justifiably) emerged about cowboy in Sydney on the 3rd of November. The the fire protection industry better; we’re 2001 & 12A operators working with little accountability. event introduces four new awards to our doing it every day. Our members and our Handheld ultrasonic liquid level As an Association, we have always existing accolades: Young Achiever, Barry industry partners make this work possible indicator leading technology taken these concerns seriously but over Lee Technical Excellence award and the and we thank you for your ongoing support the past five years we’ve translated this prestigious Fire Protection Company of and commitment. ABS & RINA Approved concern into strong action, investing The Year Award (in two size categories). Together we’re shaping a professional Flagship model heavily into initiatives to improve the By showcasing the best our industry industry we can all be proud of. UL Listed professionalism of our industry and its has to offer, we are redoubling our LISTED standing with the community. commitment to professionalism and For more information, go to Three strong examples of this action are providing strong benchmarks for all  www.fpaa.com.au our accreditation programs, our upcoming Gala Awards event and our ongoing advocacy work. In 2012, after years of Quote # -16 for info clamor from both industry and regulators Accreditation via FPAS guarantees minimum levels of APF for national accreditation/ licensing of the full range of fire protection activities, we training and competency of individuals as well as ensuring launched our Fire Protection Accreditation that important safeguards are adhered to at the business Call +44 207 629 8475 or Email [email protected] Scheme (FPAS), starting with the inspect and test areas of work. level, such as holding the appropriate insurances. www.coltraco.com Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 7 News Global ARFF vehicle from Airport’s hangar Fraser Fire and Rescue protected by FFE

Fraser Fire and Rescue in New Zealand are Fraser Fire and Rescue have recently This striking fire-engine makes use of To protect workers the leading manufacturer and exporter of fulfilled the delivery of this eye-catching a robust special build Scania P460HHZ during aircraft spray- fire-engines, equipment and components commercial based aviation, rescue and 6x6 chassis incorporating a 460 hp Euro 5 painting, Cambridge in the Southern Hemisphere. The fire-fighting vehicle to the Cook Islands diesel engine, Allison 12 speed automated International Airport Wellington based company manufacture Airport Authority. This prototype 6x6 manual transmission and ABS braking; have installed nine a diverse range of fire and rescue vehicles ARFF vehicle which is now operational plus a Scania “day-cab” accommodating Talentum flame plus associated components using the with the Rarotonga International Airport the driver and one crew. detectors and latest three-dimensional virtual design Rescue Fire Service on the largest of the The tender features a tailor made one Fireray beam tools to ensure their customers receive islands is the first completed one piece high density plastic body detector from FFE. a complete concept-to-completion by the company following a recently manufactured by Strongs Plastic Products “Because of the explosive nature of the paint used in the service. Given their unrivalled customer signed collaboration between the United incorporating 7 spacious lockers enclosed hangar, explosion-proof flame detectors were necessary,” satisfaction the Fraser brand has rapidly Kingdoms market leading co-polymer by roller shutter doors, rear top-deck commented Brian Myall, Officer for Marshall Aerospace gained global recognition in this highly vehicle body manufacturer Strongs Plastic access and integrated tanks holding 9,400 and Defence Group, the company which manages the airport. “Our competitive market! Products; and Fraser Fire and Rescue. litres of water and 1,200 litres of foam plus chosen installer specified Talentum UV/IR2 flame detectors and a fixed 250 kg DCP system courtesy of we are very impressed by their performance and reliability so far.” Perren Engineering Limited. In addition to the hazardous area of the hangar, a Fireray The tender was specified with a Darley 5000 beam is installed at ceiling level for general PSP 1500 pump delivering 5,678 lpm @ 10 smoke detection. bar, an ACL foam proportioning system, Flame detectors are ideally suited to this type of installation 1 x 60 metre Fraser hose-reel, an under as they detect almost all types of flickering flames. This is body fire protection system plus a remote especially important in this application, where flames can originate Akron Trident roof mounted monitor from the paint and many other sources, including plastics, delivering 7,600lpm and a remote 500lpm composites and even metals. By utilising infra-red (IR) sensing, Akron Fire Fox bumper mounted turret. they can also identify flames through dust, steam or smoke and Protect the lens of your This was are immune to the effects of wind or draughts. manufactured to the customer’s specific The Talentum UV/IR2 also gives the highest immunity to false Fireray beam smoke requirements, meets all current ICAO flame sources, with internal self-test sources that check the detector from condensation and NFPA standards. detector’s operation when remotely instructed. The maximum ambient temperature is normally 55°C or 85°C for the higher For more information, go to temperature specification detectors. The Fireray heater is designed to be Image courtesy of Gary Parkinson of courtesy Image  7 www.fraser.org.nz For general smoke detection in large indoor spaces with high used in environmental conditions where ceilings, like aircraft hangars, conventional point smoke detectors condensation affects the operation of optical are not suitable as they can only be used at heights of up to 10.5 metres. Beam smoke detectors on the other hand can be used beam smoke detectors. up to 40 metres. Wall-mounted, they transmit a beam of invisible Zico debuts adjustable chainsaw mount infrared light across the building space to be protected and a • Signifi cantly reduces the likelihood receiver detects and measures the light and can recognise smoke Zico has done it again, debuting the wide nylon strap is easy to release  Wide handles interference anywhere along the beam path. of condensation next evolution in chainsaw mounting, with or without gloves. An absorbent, All types of aircraft, both civilian and military are painted at • Maintains the detector lens at a higher the QUIC-MOUNT Adjustable Chainsaw replaceable pad collects loose fluids, the site, which is capable of accommodating planes as large temperature than the surrounding air Mount, Model QM-ACSM-1. keeping compartments clean. as a Boeing 747. The FFE units were installed by EFire of Norfolk. • Stops false alarms The Adjustable Chainsaw Mount Model QM-ACSM-1 is great when Commenting on the installation, FFE’s Managing Director accommodates virtually any gas- mounting a new saw or just re-arranging Mark Osborne said, “This is yet another example of the wide powered saw, including circular, your current lineup, allowing you to save range of applications where our products can be used. We are giving you a custom fit without the money over time by simply re-adjusting delighted to have been selected to protect Cambridge T +44 (0) 1462 444 740 custom cost. Simply slide the base instead of buying all new each time. International Airport in this way.” E [email protected] tray in for thinner saws or pull it out for W www.ffeuk.com wider ones – it’s as simple as that. For more information, go to For more information, go to Made with heavy-duty aluminum, the  www.ziamatic.com  www.ffeuk.com

8 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 9 News News Hainsworth appoints new consultant Safety Components leads the way, for Australian fire market introducing Glide Ice™ Thermal Liners

Leading protective textile manufacturer Keith has many years’ experience wildland fire fighting brigades across “I’m feeling hotter in my turnout gear” is Utilizing DuPont™ ® filament, A.W.Hainsworth & Sons Ltd is pleased working in the fire market and, until Australia and are having proven results in a common phrase stated by firefighters Glide Ice features superior performance to introduce consultant Keith Ward recently, was the owner and Managing providing the best comfort, durability and year after year. This epidemic is largely in breathability, freedom of movement, who has joined the team to represent Director of PAC Fire, a nationwide performance of any fabric in the market. attributed to burning hotter with comfort, heat blocking capability, moisture Hainsworth Technology in the Australian distributor of fire-fighting equipment. ECO-DRY Technology presents a range ambient air temperatures also continuing management and fast dry times. Our and New Zealand fire market. Australia and New Zealand are of solutions, both outer shell and linings, to rise. Safety Components, the global patented high lubricity weave is lighter important markets for Hainsworth incorporating the benefits of wool, to offer leader in fabric technology and slicker than competitive liner systems. Technology and Keith will play a vital the wearer optimum protection and the has listened and answered the call by Glide Ice, with DuPont™ Nomex® filament, role in promoting Hainsworth Technology’s best levels of comfort, especially in bush developing a game-changing solution – guarantees better freedom of movement and range of technical protective fabrics to fire conditions. Glide Ice thermal liners engineered with longer lasting freedom of movement than both garment manufacturers and the Keith will support fire fighters in Australia DuPont™ Nomex® filament. any thermal liner in the world today. Glide Ice is fully UL approved and fire-fighters themselves. and New Zealand and continue to promote Glide, consistently worn by more US Guy Lucas, Director of Marketing, SCI, certified for a seamless transition from TITAN, a Hainsworth Technology, has Hainsworth’s three core values Design that metro cities than any other thermal liner commented, “At Safety Components, we Glide Gold with DuPont™ Kevlar® already being chosen by the fire fighters Saves, Protection that Shows and Quality and the world’s leading high performance always do what is best and what is right for filament to Glide Ice with DuPont™ of New South Wales as well the Capital that Lasts, he said “I believe Hainsworth thermal liner for firefighters since 1997, first responders. Our continued commitment Nomex® filament. With the full support Territories and many Industrial fire brigades. ECO-DRY and TITAN cloths are world just got better. Glide Ice will build on the to the development of FR fabric solutions of Safety Components and DuPont™, TITAN is Hainsworth Technology’s intelligent leading technology and I am excited about “slicker, softer and more comfortable” with enhanced safety, innovative design and fire departments will start receiving outer shell system, which increasing the Australian and NZ fire markets pedigree found in all Glide thermal liner life-improving technologies is unwavering.” Glide Ice in Q4 of 2016. provides thermal protection with its unique awareness of the Hainsworth range”. options produced by Safety Components Mr. Lucas went on to say, “We are truly DuPont™, Nomex® and Kevlar® are and innovative design. over the past two decades. Glide Ice excited to bring Glide Ice to dedicated registered trademarks or trademarks of Hainsworth’s popular ECO-DRY fabrics For more information, go to feels cool with its ice blue design woven firefighters around the globe.” E. I. DuPont de Nemours and Company have recently being trailed by several  www.protectsyou.co.uk in Safety Components patented weave Glide Ice thermal liners ensure you or its affiliates. that combines 60% DuPont™ Nomex® stay cooler, drier and more comfortable filament yarns with 40% DuPont™ in the hottest situations. Glide Ice, the For more information, go to Nomex®/Lenzing® FR spun yarns. coolest way to fight fire.  www.glideice.com ESKA gets hands on in Australia

After many years of supplying it’s high All of the structural fire fighting gloves and our short decision paths enable us to end gloves through out the world and into that ESKA offer’s into Australia are all respond quickly to the requirements of the The next evolution in battery-operated Australia World leading glove manufacturer fully certified to AS2161.6:2014 with no global market”, confirms ESKA Managing ESKA is proud to announce the opening exceptions as at ESKA we do not cut Director, Paul Loos. of ESKA Australia. In a bid to offer further corners and offer only the best protection rescue tools – the Greenline EVO range support to it’s growing band of customers for our customers. The ESKA product ranges: ESKA has appointed Joel and Mégan “With such a complex and important ■ PROFESSIONAL: Protection and Holmatro introduces a new generation Greenline features Battery on top of the tools Ward as it’s representatives for Australia/ job our Emergency Services personal comfort under extreme conditions of battery-operated rescue tools which and benefits maintained ■ Quick and easy to change, NZ. Joel has a wealth of experience in the conduct we felt it imperative that we set Fire brigade, occupational safety, are faster than ever, without concessions Next to a higher tool speed the new even in narrow spaces fire industry previously being the General up ESKA Australia to support them and police, authority and military gloves on performance. The range is named EVO range still offers all benefits of Manager of Pac Fire Australia and is the allow greater access and customer service for any job. Greenline EVO and consists of three our existing Greenline concept: Emission-free driving force behind the development of to our range of gloves ” Joel Ward sales ■ LUXURY: Like a second skin High- cutters, three spreaders, four combi tools ■ No fumes: healthier for rescuers the ESKA glove range sold in Australia. manager ESKA Australia. quality leather gloves in sophisticated and two rams. All Greenline EVO tools Self-contained ■ Ideal for use in confined spaces ESKA Structural Fire Fighting Gloves The protection of people´s hands is a or also exciting designs. offer up to 33% more speed, delivering ■ For optimal freedom of movement ■ Environmentally friendly such as the Supermars Plus are already a tradition that goes back over 100 years in ■ SPORTS: Protection and heat firmly the same performance in less time. ■ Rapid deployment: simply press the very popular glove with the Australian Fire the family business, ESKA. The company in grasp Skiing and motorcycle gloves start button and start working All weather proof Fighters however we have not stopped is enjoying its fourth generation now. The with highly functional materials and ■ Suitable for use at below zero there with ESKA Australia releasing two Austrians sensitively combine state-of- a fresh look. Latest lithium-ion battery technology temperatures, down to -20°C / -4°F new styles. The Warrior was developed for the-art with tradition and train, as before, ■ Long battery life combined with high those customers who still wanted a quality glove makers of the old school. “We leave Joel will be working in Australia and New capacity for maximum operational use Control handle centrally positioned product but had a budget in mind. ESKA nothing to chance and trust the creativity Zealand to assist ESKA customers. ■ Low self-discharge rate on the back of the tools Australia has also released the ARES which of our employees. With our own in-house ■ Suitable for use at high altitudes ■ Always within reach we believe is a world first being a non glove making department and sewing For more information, go to ■ LED indicator to check battery ■ Tool can rotate freely while your leather glove certified to AS2161.6:2014. workshop we are particularly flexible,  www.eskaaus.com.au capacity left hand stays in the same position

10 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 11 PRODUCT PROFILE Fraser Fire and Rescue Ltd Demountable fire platform development

orking in collaboration with ‘match-up’ will typically be used to respond Volume diesel driven pump set, the DFP also W the New Zealand Defence to live-firing exercises within New Zealand provides 60 litres of Class A foam to support Force, Fraser Fire and Rescue Army and New Zealand Airforce operating a variety of fire-fighting scenarios. The Ltd has just commenced production of a environments – additionally they will be DFP is easily able to be removed by forklift, fleet of Demountable Fire Platforms (DFP’s) deployed to assist the New Zealand Fire front end loader or overhead crane in order (also known as ‘PODS’) following the Service as and where required. that it can be switched to a different host successful field trials of a Prototype within Using a modular design philosophy, we vehicle or set on the ground for independent the New Zealand Army’s rugged Waiouru applied a number of their known design and operation. During fielding testing the training camp. manufacturing techniques to arrive at the Firefighters involved in the various exercises The Prototype Demountable Fire finished appliance. With a fabricated light but were impressed with the level of foam Platform was developed to provide the robust steel sub-frame, supporting a 2000L performance from both the pump-set and New Zealand Defence Force with a modern HDPE roto-molded water-tank and two the high pressure nozzle (which provides for fire-fighting capability whilst utilising the generously sized lockers, the DFP is a highly both straight and fog streams), the Darley robust 1980’s era Mercedes-Benz MOG versatile piece of fire-fighting equipment pump-set’s ability to seamlessly change cab-chassis which are well aligned to the which is light in weight enabling more between water/foam usage, the large throw tough off-road conditions within which equipment to be carried. Encompassing range (extinguishing from a safe distance they will typically operate. The MOG/DFP a Darley Ultra High Pressure (UHP)/High of greater than ten metres) and the unit’s capability at hot spot destruction. The whole philosophy behind the New Zealand Defence Forces’ thinking on this project is that the DFP unit can be easily  transferrable between vehicles so that in the event of vehicle failure it can be swapped over and mounted onto any twist lock Marine Fire Testing  The DFP Prototype container truck deck or even off loaded onto during field trials at the ground to be operated in areas where Exova Warringtonfire Aus have expanded its portfolio of fire Waiouru Military Camp. there is a static operational need (such as testing in Dandenong, Victoria. Now testing to IMO Fire temporary fuel dumps). Although primarily Test procedures Code 2010 Annex 1, as certified by the  The foam nozzle in designed to fit onto the MOG, the DFP has  Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), by approval of use during field trials. been trialled on the New Zealand Defence Testing, calibrating, advising the Lloyd’s Register (Certificate No. SAS F160161/M2): Force new M.A.N MHOV replacement  • Part 3 – “A’, “B” and “F” class divisions vehicles on which it maybe used on • Part 4 – Fire door control systems overseas deployment or indeed on any • Part 10, Appendix 1 – Full-scale room test for surface other flat-bed truck with container fixings. materials on bulkheads, wall and ceiling linings, During field trials, the MOG/DFP including their supporting structure, of high-speed craft combination proved extremely versatile • on the most rugged off-road terrain and Part 11 – Fire-resisting divisions of high-speed craft the UHP pump gave excellent fire cover Dependent upon the end use of a product, various fire tests using a minimal amount of water which may be necessary in order to gain your required approvals. is a necessity when dealing with remote From bulkheads, decks and doors, to ceilings and linings, situations where water resources are scarce. Exova Warringtonfire Aus is now well placed to undertake Fraser Fire and Rescue Ltd is particularly your Marine Fire Testing. excited about the potential usage of the DFP given its ability to provide flexibility with the Call Exova Warringtonfire today for a quotation: choice of cab-chassis and the low water

requirement of the pump-set. t. +61 (0)3 9767 1000 e. [email protected] For more information, go to w. www.exova.com Image courtesy of WATERAX  7 www.fraser.org.nz 

12 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 13 COMPANY PROFILE What can you put on your truck for $99.00 that promotes on the job safety and HeatSeeker Technology & Design

prevents heat injuries? Making a commitment to HeatSeeker Technology & Design save the lives of firefighters’ provides you a low cost, immediate eatSeeker Technology & Design, option on scene, utilizing minimal water H LLC, based in Knoxville, TN, has made a commitment to and cool an area up to 30 degrees. save the lives of firefighters around the globe by producing products that assist in rehabilitation on emergency scenes. There have been multiple studies conducted that evaluated the causes of injuries and deaths of firefighters as well as the amount of money spent on treatment and replacement due to lost time. HeatSeeker Technology & Design, LLC is making rehab a tactical consideration. More firefighters die in the line of duty from heart attacks than from any other cause. The second leading cause is slips, trips and falls. While the two may seem unrelated, previous research suggests that heat stress may be a common causal factor in both, heart attacks in overweight firefighters with high blood pressure and slips, trips and falls. While departments worldwide have policies and procedures in place for rehabbing line firefighters, there are still an unacceptable number of fatalities and injuries every year due  Rural Metro firefighters  Rural Metro ’s Derrick Kaucher and Lt. Eric to these factors. taking a break from ECL class. Knoefel cooling at a working in Knoxville, TN.

In 2010, there were 71,875 line of duty injuries and 72 line of duty deaths in the United States. 49% of the deaths were due to sudden cardiac death. While being able to withstand the elevated heart rates through aerobic exercise and fitness training, the stress cannot be eliminated. The increased body temperatures have several impacts on the bodies of firefighters. These injuries and fatalities not only have an impact on the fire protection community but on the communities that they protect as well. Another impact that must be considered is the monetary impact that it has on the economy. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the total economic burden to the nation for addressing and preventing firefighter Images courtesy of HeatSeeker Technology & Design, LLC Design, & Technology HeatSeeker courtesy of Images

7 injuries is $2.7 billion to $7.8 billion annually. Built by firefighters for firefighters Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 15 COMPANY PROFILE

ONE PLATFORM FOR MULTIPLE OPERATIONS

Esri® ArcGIS ® software provides a Image courtesy of HeatSeeker Technology & Design, LLC Design, & Technology HeatSeeker courtesy of Image framework to integrate all types of 7 data, sensors, and activities in real Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) body temperatures increases the clotting  Some of the first test days using worn by firefighters contributes to an factors of blood which may play a role in a basic garden hose in the back yard! time to understand and share increase in core body temperatures of sudden cardiac death. Dehydration greater working firefighters. While this equipment than 2% of the body weight of an individual actionable information to make is intended to protect the body from will adversely affect mental function of temperature as much as 30°F to assist the dangers of the environments that simple tests. This can lead to poor decision in cooling firefighters and lowering their your community safe. firefighters encounter, it also retains making and in turn increase the chances of core temperatures to help in preventing the heat that is built up inside. Natural taking unnecessary risks. cardiac insult and other injuries. methods of cooling the body include Many of these issues can now be These products can be attached and Learn more at sweating for evaporative cooling, and addressed with the addition of a new left on discharges on any fire apparatus increasing heart and respiratory rates technology developed by HeatSeeker and utilized with little to no set up. They esri.com/Safe-APFM to assist in disseminating heat from Technology & Design, LLC which is based utilize the water from the booster tank the body. During fire ground activities, in Knoxville, TN. HeatSeeker Technology on any pumping apparatus or municipal disseminating heat is at best difficult and & Design, LLC saw a need for making water system and uses less than 3gallons often times near impossible. Elevated firefighter cooling and rehabilitation a of water per hour. They are adaptable to tactical consideration and developed a tool any hose or appliance that is carried on to assist in this effort. The innovative Six most any apparatus for more applications  Rural Metro Explorers cooling Shooter, as well as other products available as well. The cooling provided by these at the training center! from the company, is able to lower air tools can have a major impact on lowering both injuries and sudden cardiac deaths suffered by firefighters globally when used in conjunction with fitness activities and medical screenings as outlined in NFPA guides 1582 and 1583. HeatSeeker Technology & Design, LLC is currently testing other products to be available soon that are geared toward the same campaign against firefighter and sport’s related injuries and fatalities around the globe. A full line of the products offered by HeatSeeker Technology & Design, LLC is available at www.firegroundrehab.com. We are now starting a second campaign and will be out soon. www.HeatSeekerArmy.com. The battle has begun to reduce LODDs!! The products offered are created by firefighters for firefighters in the USA.

For more information, go to  www.firegroundrehab.com

www.apfmag.com 16 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 Copyright © 2016 Esri. All rights reserved. PRODUCT PROFILE TENMAT Ventilated Fire Barriers Preventing fire spread in external cavities Our employees fight fire

ires in external cavities of clad in some rainscreen cladding systems. utilised them in independent studies, and so do our products F buildings are a major issue which The product range is backed up with such as the NF51 which looked at the appear with ever increasing extensive third party test evidence to performance of cavity barriers in external frequency in the news headlines across the prove that the products are tested in walls with combustible materials. globe. Ventilated cladding systems are an the applications in which they will be The Tenmat Ventilated Fire Barriers extremely effective method of protecting a installed. The test evidence covers a are typically installed at floor level and structure from the elements and Architects wide range of constructions, insulation are suitable for any type of project embrace these systems due to the wide types and cavity sizes. where the aim is to compartmentalise range of colours and finishes and the Tenmat is a leading manufacturer of the external cavity to prevent the spread ease of installation. As good as these advanced composite engineering materials, of fire. The types of projects where systems are, they can create a serious fire which includes the range of passive fire these products are utilised include; protection threat to structures and people protection solutions. The company’s Hotels, Student Accommodation, if not adequately protected. The cavity headquarters is situated in Trafford Park, Hospitals, Care Homes, Residential acts like an open chimney and allows the Manchester, UK where the first composite and Commercial projects. The Tenmat fire to spread quickly both vertically and engineering components were created Ventilated Fire Barriers have been horizontally around the building. The fire at the turn of the twentieth century. The installed on projects throughout the is often hidden behind the façade and can Tenmat group is a multinational corporation world over the last decade, including be extremely difficult to deal with for the with presence in the United States of Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Fire Services. America, Canada, France, Sweden, Some examples of prestigious projects TENMAT manufacture a range of Germany and Italy as well as a global include; Glasgow Commonwealth My name is Magnus. innovative Ventilated Fire Barriers that are network of vendors and distributors. Games, One Tower Bridge London, designed to maintain the ventilated cavity Tenmat are active members in the Hotel Football Old Trafford, Palermo I am working with product in normal conditions but will rapidly expand fire, timber and offsite industries and are Hospital Italy and BBC Media City. development at Fomtec. to seal off the cavity in the event of a fire constantly developing new solutions for the The Tenmat Ventilated Fire Barriers This picture is from a fire and ensure that the fire is contained. industry. Tenmat invests heavily in R&D and are available through a worldwide test in Sweden. Follow us The range consists of Ventilated prides itself on innovation. This resulted distribution network, including in if you want to find out more Fire Barriers to suit small cavities, in Tenmat winning The Queen’s Award for Australia and New Zealand. For more about me, the Fomtec way such as 10mm render cavities right Innovation which was then followed by The information on your nearest distributor up to 500mm cavities that can be found Queens Award for International Trade. or for more information in the product and all our products. The Tenmat Ventilated Fire Barriers are range please contact Tenmat. regarded as the market leading product  The pictures below show the VFB in of this type and bodies such as NHBC For more information, go to normal conditions and then in a fire situation. (National House Building Council) have  www.tenmat.com

Twitter @ fomtec Images courtesy of TENMAT courtesy of Images Follow us

7 Facebook Dafo Fomtec AB Webpage www.fomtec.com 18 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com EVENT PROFILE (Kunming) Southeast Asia and South Asia Fire Safety and Emergency Rescue Technology Expo

o make Yunnan a pivot of T China’s fire information opening-up to South and Southeast Asia has become a major strategic task of the new era. With execution of the Communist of China(CPC) policies,China (Kunming) Southeast Asia & South Asia Fire Safety and Emergency Rescue Technology Expo , which is organized by Yunnan Fire Protection Association, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Yunnan Sub-Council, will be held on November 9-11, 2016. Themed at “Innovation, Cooperation, Images courtesy of Yunnan Fire Protection Association Protection Fire Yunnan of courtesy Images

Exchange, Harmony”, we take the great 7 opportunity of prevailing economy in South Asia & Southeast Asia to build a Province is planned for strategic tasks  The Opening Ceremony of extraordinary platform for fire industry such as “One Belt One Road”, “the the International Safety Forum. between China and other countries, Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar striving to showcase the hi-tech fire Economic Corridor” and so forth. equipment and support for expanding The Expo will be estimated over 30,000 industry of Yunnan to a new level. business as well as promoting brands. m2 , 500 exhibitors and 50000 visitors In the meantime, there will be The 2nd To take good advantage of Yunnan from more than 20 countries and areas. International Safety Forum which includes We will accelerate our efforts to build Main Forum, Yunnan into the transaction center of  The Entrance to the fire equipment and technology in South For more information, go to Fire Exhibition Venue. Asia and Southeast Asia, enhancing fire  www.cfe.cn.com

Date: Nov 9-11, 2016 Venue: China·Kunming Dianchi International Convention& Exhibition Center Advisor: Yunnan Provincial Fire Brigade Department of Commerce of Yunnan Province Organizer: Yunnan Fire Protection Association China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Yunnan Sub-Council Operator: Guangzhou Lisheng Exhibition Co., Ltd

20 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com EVENT REVIEW EVENT REVIEW

 This year practical demonstrations allowed AFAC 2016 delegates to see products in action.

Brisbane hosts record breaking fire & “AFAC16 provided attendees a valuable opportunity to share knowledge and information, learn from one another and get to know each other. Over three emergency management conference days there were more than 100 engaging presentations and countless insightful ore than 2300 emergency organisers of the internationally road crash rescue simulations. Also and inspiring discussions. M management personnel and renowned INTERSCHUTZ exhibition demonstrated was a virtual fire training “The successful partnership between volunteers, researchers and held in Germany every five years, system using smoke and special screens AFAC and Deutsche Messe Australia has fire industry professionals gathered in contributed to a successful AFAC16 by BullEx & HAAGEN, and a resulted in the largest trade exhibition Brisbane at the end of August to hear powered by INTERSCHUTZ conference solution that drops solar panels voltage in the history of the AFAC conference. the latest research findings, explore new and exhibition. to zero, removing the risk of explosion, AFAC16 has seen record delegate approaches to disaster management and The display included 160 exhibitors by PV Stop. Smokeshield also numbers walk through the doors to hear learn about new life-saving technologies. from over 14 countries demonstrating demonstrated a fire training simulation. about the latest in research, technology AFAC16 powered by INTERSCHUTZ, an extensive range of equipment and SASGAR Fire and Rescue also displayed and equipment in the emergency was the largest emergency management services to the emergency management the Rosenbauer L20-FA Combined Aerial management sector,” said Mr Ellis. conference and exhibition in Australasia, professionals and first responders. Pumping Appliance. Such was the success of this year’s held from 30 August to 1 September Sponsors included Fujitsu, Pheonix A nearby expo stage featured practical exhibition, that 65 percent of exhibition at the Brisbane Convention and G2, Capita, Adashi, Isuzu Trucks, GAAM sessions across a broad range of topics space was pre-booked onsite for innovative ways to keep communities practitioners is fantastic. These critical Exhibition Centre Emergency Products, Hino, DigitalGlobe, including technologies and innovation AFAC17, which will be held from 4 – 7 safe from natural hazards. relationships are increasingly important, A new partnership between the Esri Australia, Motorola Solutions and Tait advancements through to human factors. September 2017 at the new International Dr Richard Thornton, CEO of Bushfire and a key aspect of what the Bushfire AFAC and Deutsche Messe Australia, Communications. Stuart Ellis AM, CEO, AFAC observed Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney). and Natural Hazards CRC said the and Natural Hazards CRC is about. These Highlights of the exhibition included a that the conference played an integral Highlight speakers included Rhoda combined conference and research partnerships are more important now than live demonstration area that featured The role in the continued development of Mae Kerr, Chief of the Austin Fire forum highlighted the importance of ever as we continue to embed research  160 exhibitors from 14 countries Australasian Road Rescue Organisation the emergency management sector Department (USA) who presented on the relationships between research and findings into practice,” said Dr Thornton. showed how innovative the industry is. (ARRO) who demonstrated severe across Australasia. importance of diversity, inclusion and the emergency services. Another popular element of the leading by example. Mark Crosweller, “To have the connectedness that exhibition space was the 160 posters Director-General of Emergency exists and continues to evolve between on display in the Knowledge Lounge. Management Australia outlined how researchers and emergency management All the research posters are online at the sector needs to transform to align www.bnhcrc.com.au with the changing rules of disasters and Katarina Carroll, Commissioner  Some of the 2300 delegates enjoying For more information, go to at Queensland Fire and Emergency lunch in the exhibition hall.  www.afacconference.com.au Services explored the challenges, complexities and opportunities of leadership within the emergency sector. Katarina Carroll, Commissioner, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services was proud to host the event in Brisbane, applauding the underlying theme of Mitigation, Response, Recovery – Getting the balance right. “The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services is extraordinarily proud to host AFAC16 powered by INTERSHUTZ. This conference focuses on one of the most relevant questions in emergency management – are we getting the balance right?” said Ms Carroll. More than 400 emergency managers and researchers attended the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre’s (CRC) Research Forum on the first day of the conference, Image courtesy of AFAC Images courtesy of AFAC courtesy of Images

7 with attendees learning new and 7

22 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 23 SPECIAL REPORT SPECIAL REPORT Emergency response in Antarctica

Antarctica is the coldest, highest, driest, windiest and most desolate continent on earth. It is an exceptionally remote part of the world which is difficult to access, with vast distances between sparsely populated outposts. It may surprise you know that it is drier than any desert and nearly twice the size of Australia. Winds in excess of 320 km/h and temperatures below -80 °C have been experienced on the continent.

ustralia maintains three permanent expeditioners from Hobart to the continent A year-round research stations in where they may transit onwards to other East Antarctica at Casey, Davis stations using small fixed wing aircraft and Mawson. During summer there can be such as a Twin Otter (DHC-6) or Basler between 40 and 100 expeditioners at each (DC3T). Helicopters (AS350 B3) are station. This shrinks dramatically to 15 or so also used for transfers from ski landing hardy souls during the harsh winter months. areas to station and to support science The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) is projects. In the 2015-16 summer season responsible for managing the Australian the Royal Australian Air Force flew a series Image courtesy of Martin Boyle/Australian Martin Antarctic Division of courtesy Image

Antarctic Program operations and logistics of C-17A missions into Wilkins which 7 which includes maintaining the stations and further enhanced the program medevac keeping expeditioners safe. and logistics capability. The majority of circumstances due to the extreme weather and emergency coordination. It is a long  Aerial view of Traditionally everyone going south went expeditioners however still travel on the and impenetrable sea ice. Saying that, standing principle that all Antarctic nations Mawson station. Martin Boyle by ship, however, these days it is possible RSV Aurora Australis, the workhorse of the this assumption has been challenged assist each other in times of need where to fly directly to Wilkins Aerodrome an Antarctic Program which undertakes station recently with the dramatic evacuation of practicable. The Antarctic community ice runway near Casey station during the resupply operations and marine science. two United States Antarctic Program is relatively small despite the number of AAT. Given the huge area to cover, lack of summer months in a matter of hours. Despite the inter-continental aviation (USAP) expeditioners from the South Pole nations involved and assistance from other resources and extreme weather the reality is The AAD uses an A319 jet to transfer capability, in summer it can take up to at the height of winter using a Twin Otter. programs can be crucial for emergency that any rescue could take a long time and two weeks to get assistance to any of In general, wintering expeditioners are cut response and evacuation across large would most likely be a multinational effort. the stations from Australia by air or ship. off from the outside world with only each geographical distances in such an This was the case on Christmas Day  Stations and bases During winter it is almost impossible to other to rely on for survival for more than extreme environment. 2013 when a distress call was received in East Antarctica. access the continent except in the direst six months of the year. It is the remoteness of the Antarctic that from the MV near Crisis management and emergency makes Search and Rescue (SAR) a difficult Mawson’s Huts at Commonwealth Bay. response in Antarctica can be exceptionally proposition. The Australian SAR region The resupply at Casey station was well challenging. There are 30 national programs covers an area nearly one-tenth of the underway and refuelling had commenced with stations, bases and depots across the world’s surface. This includes the majority when the RSV Aurora Australis (AA) was SYOWA " MOLODEZHNAYA " continent each with their own emergency of the six million km² of the Australian tasked by the RCC to assist the vessel management framework. The Council of Antarctic Territory (AAT). The Australian along with other national Antarctic program

H Managers of National Antarctic Programs Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Rescue ships MV Xue Long, MV L’Astrolabe and " MAWSON (COMNAP) brings together these nations Coordination Centre (RCC) is responsible USCGC Polar Star. The Shokalskiy was

RONNE AMERY ICE SHELF to facilitate and provide opportunities to for any aviation response as far south as unable to make its way out of the pack ice ICE SHELF

ZHONGSHAN " LAW-RACOVITA " DAVIS build relationships, develop systems, and the South Pole and maritime response and was being threatened by ice bergs with exchange information. In 2004, COMNAP to the coast of Antarctica. The RCC is the possibility of having to abandon ship. It

South AUSTRALIAN ANTARCTIC AMUNDSEN - SCOTT " members developed the ‘Framework and also the national monitoring centre for the took five days for the AA to arrive on scene Pole TERRITORY (AAT) " MIRNY Guidelines for Emergency Response and COSPAS-SARSAT satellite distress beacon but it was unable to penetrate the thick sea " VOSTOK Contingency Planning in Antarctica’ which system. The AAD has a memorandum of ice to assist in breaking the ship out. Seven

Martin Boyle is an 80°S was a major step forward in multi-national understanding with AMSA which outlines days after getting stuck 52 passengers

" internationally recognised CONCORDIA " CASEY cooperation and interoperability. the cooperation arrangements for response were transferred from the Shokalskiy to the Law Dome ! ROSS Certified Emergency ICE SHELF Mutual aid from other national programs to major environmental incidents and search AA using a Chinese KA32 helicopter after " McMURDO Manager® and responsible across the continent can be essential during and rescue support. The AAD is responsible a sea ice landing pad was created close

" AAT for field support and MARIO ZUCCHELLI any emergency response. The Australian, for coordinating SAR for its own activities to the ship. This was a truly multi-national emergency management French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Russian in the Antarctic and where practicable response with the national programs of

" at the Australian COMMONWEALTH BAY and Indian national programs have created responding to land based SAR incidents Australia, China, France and the United

Antarctic Division. 60°S the East Antarctic Emergency Coordination reported by AMSA including distress States sending assets to assist the Image courtesy of Australian Antarctic Division

7 Group to share information on logistics beacons from a land based source in the beset vessel.

24 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 25 SPECIAL REPORT PROEYE 751-SNR land search and technical rescue taken by professional Field Training Officers. TM The technical SAR training is based on SONAR Plus techniques taught by the Search and PAT.P Rescue Institute of New Zealand (SARINZ). In 2007 the AAD, Antarctica New Zealand and the USAP developed a joint Antarctic Search and Rescue Training manual which supports interoperability in technical search and rescue across the programs. The ERT continue their training throughout the winter with a series of drills and exercises across the various disciplines. Practicing a station is critical to the safety of all expeditioners. When the fire or SAR alarm is activated all expeditioners make their way to a central point and await instructions. Each person Search out by SONAR and pinpoint has a tag on the muster board that is colour coded. White for on and red for off with the Underwater Camera Head ! Image courtesy of Shane Ness/Australian Shane courtesy of Image Antarctic Division

7 station. As they assemble each person takes their white tag and those left on the Great result in dark and cloudy waters!  Mawson fire board should all be red. In the event that team 2016. an expeditioner is missing, a station search Sonar Image Display U/W Camera Image Display will be conducted, methodically searching With the unique PROEYE 751-SNR SONAR  Mawson search each building and outlying area until they Plus , operators can see sonar images from and rescue team are found. Meanwhile the ERT does an the SONAR System and real-life images training. initial investigation in the case of a fire or starts planning for a field SAR. Depending captured by the Underwater Camera Head on the nature of the SAR a hasty team at the same time. The forefront technologies may deploy using quad bikes while the rest of the team follow up in a Hägglunds built into SONAR provides clear images even over snow vehicle. During the winter when searching the dark or cloudy waters of these vehicles are kept in a temperature controlled Emergency Vehicle Shelter. lakes and rivers. This means vehicles can be deployed The system is designed compactly for immediately without the need to warm optional use for various types of search & or deblizz them. Helicopters, fixed wing Image courtesy of Shane Ness/Australian Shane courtesy of Image Antarctic Division

7 aircraft and inflatable rubber boats may rescue operations. also be used to support operations GPS System indicates exact location on the The Australian Antarctic Program and medical incidents. Rostered teams if conditions and availability permits. works on a strategic – tactical – operational of six expeditioners led by a Team Leader Over the history of the Australian display. model with coordination at the level are on-call for a period of usually two Antarctic Program the skills and attributes appropriate to the size of the incident. weeks. A and SAR Leader of these emergency response teams SONER Display image During incidents that require logistical are also chosen from the wintering team have been tested during many difficult coordination, family liaison and media and are responsible for continuation missions. Incidents such as finding people management the Crisis Management and training, maintaining equipment and lost in blizzards, responding to quad bike Ultrasonic Tranducer Recovery (CMR) team at Head Office in team rostering. accidents, aircraft crashes, and vessel of the SONAR Unit Tasmania is activated. The CMR team Prior to deploying to Antarctica, groundings in extreme conditions have not only manages overarching strategic wintering expeditioners receive two provided challenges that are difficult for the response to the incident but also the weeks of emergency response training uninitiated to comprehend. It is a testament Underwater logistical implications and season recovery in incident management, fire, and SAR. to the courage and professionalism of Camera Head for the Antarctic Program. On station and Some expeditioners may have developed Australian Antarctic expeditioners that voyages an Incident Management Team prior skills sets with fire and emergency they are able to respond to the demands (IMT) is stood up using the Australasian services or on previous deployments of the Antarctic environment and assist Inter-service Incident Management however most will be new to emergency those in need when called upon. System (AIIMS). Each station has a multi- response. When they arrive in Antarctica For more information, go to disciplinary Emergency Response Team in addition to survival and field travel  (ERT) that responds to fire, SAR, fuel spill training they get a further seven days of www.antarctica.gov.au CORPORATION 23, Nishinakaaicho, Nishinokyo, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto, 604-8441 Japan www.yone-co.co.jp Tel : + 81 75 821 1185 / Fax: +81 75 801 2263 26 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com INTERNATIONAL TRAINING & EXPO OPPORTUNITIES

FDIC International is the largest gathering of fire professionals in North America with 55 participating countries. Join APRIL 24-29, 2017 attendees and exhibiting companies from around the world INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA for a week of informative fire-focused meetings, workshops INDIANA CONVENTION CENTER tours, an extensive program and exhibition. FDIC International & LUCAS OIL STADIUM highlights perspectives on the role of firefighters, and helps participants develop a vision to meet challenges and ensure the future sustainability of the industry

FDIC International Lounge All international attendees are invited to take advantage of the official FDIC International Lounge, located in roo2 111/112 in the Indiana Convention Center. Translators, conference and event infor2ation local area infor2ation, etc. will be available

International Networking Reception Join fellow international attendees and exhibitors for an evening of cocktails and appetizers at the International Networking Reception

WORLD’S LARGEST FIREFIGHTER TRAINING CONFERENCE & EXPO INDIANAPOLIS, IN | WWW.FDIC.COM

WHERE LEADERS COME TO TRAIN

PRESENTED BY OWNED & PRODUCED BY www.fdic.com Firefighting foam concentrates Are F3 Foams – the constant evolution: Part 2 an alternative NO! The foam concentrate is a mixture of different raw materials such as solvents, salts, corrosion inhibitors and mainly surfactants. In case of synthetic products, there are two to C6 AFFFs? types of surfactants: hydrocarbon chain, which are primarily responsible of foaming capacity and foam stabilization, and fluorinated, in which part of the hydrogen chain atoms are replaced by fluorine atoms. The fluorinated surfactants are the key component in AFFF US Air Force leads the way converting to all agents because they bring to foams repellence and resistance to hydrocarbons. They C6 AFFF foams replacing PFOS, PFOA and add also the ability to form an aqueous film of only a few microns on hydrocarbons. long chain AFFFs with 418,300 gallons of 3% C6-based environmentally friendly AFFF, 1. Environmental Regulations During the last year, some proposals meeting 3% Mil Spec Mil-F-24385 Fluorinated surfactants can be about regulation of PFOA levels has been manufactured by two processes, electro proposed by different government; still fluorination or telomerization. By using the not a clear desition since there is a lot of first process, which is not longer used, discrepancies about the achievable level “One of the most it is generated products derived from that “makes happy” all the parties involved. PFOS (perfluorooctyl sulfonate), whose Apart from these international far-reaching benefits to use in Europe is limited to proportions prohibitions and regulations, some worldwide aviation safety” smaller than 0.005% by weight of finished countries are restricting also the use AFFF Firefighting Foams – products, according to European Directive of any organohalogen components if 2006/122/EC. In the case of fluorinated they are likely to arrive ultimately to open containing C6 Telomer surfactants produced by telomerization waters, forcing many facilities to look for Fluorosurfactants since 1976. process, there is no specific regulation alternative solutions to AFFF agents, mainly Javier Castro and are currently used as raw materials in products without fluorine, which affects * US Naval Research Labratories for AFFF agents manufacturing. Therefore, the performance considerably. (NRL) website – 90 years of Innovation it is important to clarify that not all Javier Castro has been in the AFFF products are banned, but only 2. Fuels fire business from 2001. He those made with a specific type of Nowadays there is a growing amount of has led all R&D activities on fluorinated components. polar additives used in the composition firefighting foam concentrates Other fluorinated product which of gasoline. The hydrocarbons can be “SEAC considers that fluorine-free foams for Auxquimia, from AFFFs to is subject to a special control by extinguished with certain foams by violent can be taken into account on a long-term Fluorine free over more than environmental authorities is PFOA application but polar solvents dissolve 15 years. Over this period of (perfluorooctanoic acid). Although PFOA the foam when applied directly over the basis but cannot be relied on for the time he has developed some is not prohibited, nor it is a raw material to fuel. The mixture of hydrocarbons and special products designed for coming years for such a critical use.” be used directly in foam manufacturing, polar liquids is an issue that should be very specific applications. He there is a risk that the degradation of considered by users because depending Committee for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC), has been directly involved not some fluorinated products generates on the type and quality of foam the foam Opinion, on an Annex XV dossier proposing only in product development, this acid. The voluntary program from application techniques may be different. restriction on PFOA, its salts and PFOA-related but very active on technical EPA “2010/2015 PFOA Stewardship Ethanol has been in recent times a fuel substances, 10 September 2015, p14. consultancy, always very Program,” in which are involved the leading which demand has grown strongly, both close to end user´s needs. manufacturers of fluorinated products, for direct use or as an additive in gasoline. Mr. Castro holds a chemical aims to reduce fluorinated surfactants with Nowadays the size of storage tanks Engineer Degree from Oviedo University and he chains of 8 atoms or more atoms mainly containing this fuel is increasing. Ethanol has been deeply trained to chains of 6 carbon atoms (C6) before must be treated as a polar liquid at the time over his career on QHSE, 2015. This way, it can be assured that any of designing the fire fighting installation. Finance and Management component degradation will not generate The problem being when increasing the amongst others. PFOA, since PFOA is a product with an size of the tanks is to extinguish with organic chain of 8 carbons (C8). portable systems (monitors), normally

Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 31 FIREFIGHTING FOAM FIREFIGHTING FOAM

when there is a failure in the fixed fire Both the new AFFF agents, whose 4. Fire-fighting systems A fires (solids), new developments fighting installation (frequent situation fluorinated surfactants are mainly C6, and The traditional proportioning systems have also allowed the use of AFFF in case of explosion) since the direct the foams known as Fluorine Free (3F) have are based on mechanical principles, and AR-AFFF products with at very application on the fuel is not possible. been lately the innovations and main lines designed for fixed working conditions low dosage rates (0.5%). In order to The LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) is of development for several manufacturers. (flow, pressures, etc.). This is the case of use these products with accuracy another fuel that has gained importance in The development of more concentrated Venturi type inductors, membrane tanks, in the proportioning, it is strongly recent years, with large tonnages of LNG products is also a trend in the market, in systems around the pump, etc. In addition recommended the use of electronically stored and transported by sea worldwide. which products of 1% are very common to its low flexibility in terms of flow controlled proportioning systems. Until now, protection of bunds of LNG is in the petrochemical industry, far from the rates and proportion rates, they are not A flowmeter is installed in the water line performed using high expansion systems, traditional 6%. Currently, there are on the particularly precise in the proportioning. and this information is sent to a control although some recent trials suggest that market AFFF and AR-AFFF that can be For this reason it is not recommended unit, which controls the foam injection low expansion systems can be as effective dosed at 0.5%. The logistic advantages of to use with high concentrated foam system, accurately adjusting the amount with high performance foams. these type of products in the case of large concentrates (less than 1%), where small of foam required for each water flow. foam demands are evident with respect to error in the injected amount of product These equipment are very common in 3. Foam Concentrates traditional 3% and 6%. can represent a significant error in the fire trucks, but can also be used in forest Due to the many changes in regulations, Another trend is the increasing market proportion rate, which can generate systems, fixed installations, etc. raw materials and fuels, the manufactures demand for synthetic-based products (AFFF consequences in efficiency, autonomy Another important development in the of foam concentrates have developed or and AR-AFFF) compared to traditional and economy. sector has been the development and modified their products to adapt them protein (FP, FFFP and FFFP-AR). The best Although foam concentrates (0.1-1%) implementation of Compressed Air Foam both legally and operationally to the firefighting performance, better burn back have been traditionally used in Class Systems (CAFS), which are based on the market demands. resistance along with no-degradation over time are the key to success. Fluorine Free foams have increased their popularity because of environmental  Concern to protect the environment restrictions in some countries. The foams lead manufacturers to develop more without fluorinated components have Image courtesy of AUXQUIMIA S.A.U.

7 biodegradable concentrates. existed for many years in the market (protein, multi expansion foams, Class A forest retardants, etc..) although it is also true that in the last decade synthetic fluorine products have been developed for Fire FOAM INCREASED VISIBILITY. INCREASED SAFETY. Fighting Class B, with the goal of being valid alternative to AFFF agents, but with less environmental impact. Until the appearance FIGHTS of this new generation of products without fluor, the forceful application of foams was FIRE A Safe Fleet Brand only effective if AFFF products were used. However, some new Fluorine Free are also able to be used directly on hydrocarbons, although its behaviour and efficiency is still far from AFFF performance, especially when it is used with non-aspirating nozzles. Despite of the significant progress reached in the development of this product range, still have some limitations and AFFF inView Guardian PackageHigh Def Cameras GPS Mapping or FFFP foams are still not ready to be inView 360™ Video System replaced without serious evaluation. Before Powered By Seon 5-Channel High-Definition Up to 6x better than View GPS on map without Channel Recorder analogue downloading video replacing an AFFF or FFFP by a Fluorine Bird’s-Eye View & Record Free foam, it is necessary to check if the We offer a full range of Internationally Approved, new solution have the same certifications High Performance, Environmentally Compatible Fire and ratings than the existing product. It The inView 360™ video system, Powered by SEON, and backed by Safe Fleet Fighting Foams. is highly recommended to carry out a offers drivers a visibility solution for accident avoidance, equipment protection STHAMEX®-Class A and pedestrian safety. Choose the specific telemetry package for your needs. comparative fire testing with both products, NEW Induction at 0.5%, EN1568 pt3 Certifi ed, evaluating the effectiveness of both in This new system also features recording, Bird’s-Eye view split screen, a full Perfect for CAF‘s and forest fi re fi ghting data management program, video playback software, GPS locations and YOUR SAFETY. OUR MISSION. different applications, with the available mapping and more. resources in each case (proportioning, 24h Emergency Service +49 40 7361680 www.sthamer.com Contact your Safe Fleet representative to learn more about FRC, 26 Southern Boulevard Nesconset, New York 11767 nozzles, etc..) and avoiding a simple and watch the inView Video System in action at seonvideo.com. www.safefleet.net +1.816.293.9040 “paper” comparison based on the www.facebook.com/Dr.Sthamer documentation of the products.

32 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 33 FIREFIGHTING FOAM 2017 Williams Fire &  Electronic proportioning systems and CAFs allow to use highly concentrated products. Hazard control APAC Xtreme Fire School Is the proportion rate the most adequate for our interests? Rayong, Thailand The foam concentrates has progressed towards a reduction in the proportion rate, from the traditional products 6% to most modern ones 0.5%. In some cases the foam concentrates have only a single proportioning rate for hydrocarbons and polar solvents (1%, 3% and 6%), but in other cases the proportioning rate change depending on the fuel (0.5x1, 1x3 and 3x6). If it is necessary to protect both against hydrocarbon and polar solvents fires, the most convenient option is to have a product with one only dosage rate to avoid mistakes during firefighting operations and especially in the case of a fire brigade whose type of emergencies are very different. Williams Fire & Hazard Control presents the world renowned Xtreme Industrial Fire & Is our product effective with all the Hazard Training School. For the first time, Experience... fuels and risks we have to attend? Images courtesy of AUXQUIMIA S.A.U.

we will be running this school in the 7 Most of the standards use heptane as Asia-Pacific Region. reference fuel for hydrocarbons fires, and is the difference injection of compressed air into the foam Does our product keep its acetone and isopropyl alcohol for polar solution (water + foam), producing foam characteristics and properties? liquids fires. Moreover, they generally use Learn Petroleum Oil and Gas (P.O.G) Xtreme firefighting “When faced with fires with uniform fine bubbles and excellent ¿Have we done any analysis of the aspirating nozzles (excepting standard techniques, fire behaviour, equipment applications at petroleum, oil or gas adhesion and cooling capacity. Since product since the purchase? UL-162). Thus, it is possible to compare (fixed and ER Mobile), chemical agents, and incident the foam is produced by the injection Some foam concentrates experience a the effectiveness of different products in recognition, command and control through hands on facilities we have learned of compressed air is not necessary any reduction on its effectiveness over time. constant conditions. It is likely that the real firefighting and real world case studies. restriction for the air intake at the nozzle, It is recommended to verify periodically fires are with other fuels such as diesel oil, that it is experience that resulting in a large range with excellent the quality of the product. gasoline, kerosene, ethanol, methanol, etc. The course is delivered by the Williams Fire & Hazard makes the difference and foam quality. Better drainage times, faster or even a mixture of these fuels, hence we Control world class industry leading experts, who extinctions, better burn back resistance, Is our product certified according must be sure that our foam concentrate will share with you their knowledge from 35 years of this course can be the less water consumption, etc. are some of to standard EN-1568:2008 with the is capable of extinguishing and protect experience in successful fire and hazard management, perfect opportunity to gain the characteristics of CAF systems. required classification? effectively against all types of fuel with control and extinguishment. The standard EN-1568-3:2008 is the the firefighting equipment available. that experience.” Do we have to renew our reference standard in Europe and we must Having fought over 200 of the industry’s most stock of foam concentrate? know the classification of our product Is it suitable our foam concentrate to be threatening flammable liquid fires, successfully, Chauncey Naylor, From the point of view of a user that both with hydrocarbons (EN-1568-3:2008) used with our firefighting equipment? this is your opportunity to learn from those that Director for Training & Emergency Response has foam concentrates stored in his and with polar liquids (EN-1568-4:2008). We must know what is the real performance have been there and done that. Operations at Williams Fire & Hazards warehouse, it can be raised the question Depending on the classification of the of our foam concentrate when operates if it is convenient to renew his stock product, we must evaluate if our firefighting together with our firefighting equipment. of foam in view of the many changes equipment is suitable to be used with Firstly, we must verify that the proportioning previously discussed. To carry out this the existing foam concentrate. system is suitable to be used with our foam evaluation it is necessary to ask the concentrate, and especially if the product following questions: Does our product comply with is pseudoplastic such as AFFF-AR or 16–19 January, 2017 other standards that can be Fluorine Free products, due to their high Are we sure that our AFFF product important for our risks? viscosity at low temperatures. It is also Rayong, Thailand is not formulated with PFOS? If the foam concentrate is going to be used important to know the foaming capacity If our stock of AFFF product is previous for fires in storage tanks, airports, etc. of our foam generators (low, medium or to 2000, it is necessary to ensure that where there are specific regulations, it is high expansion). For more information and to register, please visit: it does not contain PFOS by carrying recommended to confirm the compliance www.williamsfire.com out a specific analysis of the fluorine with these regulations by carrying out the For more information, go to compounds contained. corresponding tests.  www.auxquimia.com www.williamsfire.com 34 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com Copyright © 2016 Tyco Fire Products LP. All rights reserved. BASIC LIFE SUPPORT BASIC LIFE SUPPORT

from which you can apply an intervention Improving survival for ‘out and measure the difference. Data and measuring performance are key to any improvement in outcomes. Ongoing data of hospital’ cardiac arrest capturing will guide system changes and support quality improvement. Training/ identifying your own systems and then Cardiac arrest occurs suddenly and often without warning. The opportunity to change challenging the system to get better if there are weaknesses in the link is the outcome for the patient lies in the actions taken in the first few minutes after collapse. where the real success lies.

CPR, defibrillation and advanced life support can save lives. Survival from Out of Hospital Culture Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) is regarded as a key marker for the clinical quality of any Emergency There are many differences in EMS systems and communities around the Medical Service (EMS). In many countries, including Australia, Fire Fighting personnel world and driving change can be complex. Those systems that were performing well support Paramedics to deliver basic life support in time critical situations. and who continued to drive performance improvement were those who had mprovement in survival from is often linking the steps and supporting leadership which transformed the culture I OHCA requires a system wide each other to work together. The in the organisation. Leadership is and team based approach from outcome for each patient is linked back crucial to any culture of excellence. The those involved in the delivery of care. to the individual performance of those underpinning desire to save a life and do This paper is based on an observational undertaking each component of care. whatever it takes to be the best at saving study of different EMS systems in the To achieve the best outcomes in OHCA the life. In those systems where OHCA US and personal experience in Victoria the organisations that deliver each link in was considered a survivable event each Melbourne, where EMS providers have your system must be accountable for the component of the system linked together worked together to achieve measurable role they play and be committed to work and each group within the system was improvements in survival from OHCA in together. Success lies not just in achieving driven to do their part the best. Whether their communities. They all demonstrate each link within your system of care, but it was the 74% of bystanders doing CPR, continuous improvement through analysis will come from leadership and a culture of or the call taker recognising cardiac arrest of their system then structured deliberate excellence. Accountability, quality training and instructing CPR over the phone or Michelle Murphy changes to their call taking, their training and measuring performance in each the EMS personnel doing CPR, they all their performance and the system of care organisation will drive any organisational believed that could contribute to saving for those experiencing OHCA. change that will improve the system. the person’s life. What contributes to The chain of survival describes the outcomes for patients is the actual Michelle Murphy is an Intensive key actions that ensure the delivery of Data performance of the call taking staff, the Care Paramedic and Clinical care known to give patients the greatest Well performing EMS systems around fire personnel, and the paramedics. Support Officer with Ambulance opportunity for survival. There are many the world are achieving survival rates for For the call taking staff and those Victoria. She is passionate about factors that contribute to the outcome for unwitnessed OHCA (shockable rhythms) performing the resuscitation successful pre-hospital care delivery and each individual, some of these such as upwards of 60% yet in other locations resuscitation will not just come through

involves herself with the training Academy Resus courtesy of Image

& education of paramedics, age, co morbidities and event factors are survival is as less than 10%. How do following a guideline or protocol, but 7 fire personnel and life savers. out of the control of those providing EMS. we know this? Because the first step to through measuring how you perform, Michelle is currently on the Board The chain of survival with its 5 links of early improving something is to measure it. comparing this with what the best looks event, this comes from a strong belief  Paramedics from around the world training for the Australian Resuscitation access, early CPR, early defibrillation, Internationally the Utstein template is like, then practicing and continuing to in their system, their teams, along with at the Resuscitation Academy – Seattle. Council Victorian Branch and Life early ALS, and early post resuscitative used to measure and report on OHCA improve your performance. being competitively driven to continue Saving Victoria. care highlight the critical factors that survival. We know that OHCA is a time One of the most valuable tools for to improve. The only way to improve is In late 2015 Michelle was awarded an ‘Emergency Service are essential for any system to deliver critical event, therefore measuring the time improvement is to use objective measured to practice what you do. Foundation Scholarship’ which a comprehensive system of care. it takes to respond, to arrive, to provide feedback on your performance, compare CPR is crucial to patient outcomes. took her to the US to observe the It is easy to look at the chain and CPR, to apply the defibrillator etc. will give this to where the current world’s best Dispatcher Aided CPR Recognising cardiac arrest can be quite prehospital management of OHCA conceptually understand what needs to be you a baseline for benchmarking with best practice is and then train/practice to strive The culture of belief needs to start with call challenging for the call taker. Coaching, and since returning has assisted done each step of the way. The difficulty practice and will give you a starting point to be the best. When staff do perform takers. A system that includes Dispatcher supportive training and ongoing feedback develop OHCA packages targeting key opportunities within AV well, feedback and recognition of a job Aided Resuscitation Training (DART) sets are essential. It’s not just about telling to improve survival from Out well done are simple measures that drive up the system for success from the start. someone to do CPR, but it’s about taking of Hospital Cardiac Arrest. a culture of ensuring everyone feels part Early CPR (within the first few minutes) is control of a stressful situation over the Michelle hopes to continue with of the team and is accountable for impossible for any EMS agency to provide phone and instructing them (sometimes research into this area looking at the outcome. no matter how good their response quite aggressively) to start CPR. Most call optimal ways to train to ensure As an organisation in order to be times, therefore recognising the cardiac centres instruct compression only CPR knowledge retention and skill maintenance over time. the best you need to believe that OHCA arrest, dispatching an EMS response which is endorsed by the International (from shockable rhythm) is a survivable and instructing someone to perform Liaison Committee on Resuscitation.

36 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 37 BASIC LIFE SUPPORT

Collaborating for Success Improving performance in emergency management

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE DARLING HARBOUR, SYDNEY 4 – 7 SEPTEMBER 2017

afacconference.com.au #afac17 Image courtesy of Ambulance Victoria and Metropolitan Fire Brigade Fire Metropolitan and Victoria Ambulance of courtesy Image

7

CPR and Defibrillation of survival. The availability of Automatic  Emergency Medical Response is a collaborative High quality chest compressions with External Defibrillators (AEDs) all over the program between Ambulance Victoria and the minimal interruptions and early rapid community over the last 10 years now MFB designed to improve survival from cardiac defibrillation underpin successful brings this part of the resuscitation into arrest. MFB firefighters co-respond with the resuscitation. Different organisations the public domain. Call takers standard nearest ambulance and can manage unconscious, have tried varying the ratio of ventilations questioning is to ask whether there is an non-breathing and pulseless patients by providing and compressions in their CPR as well AED nearby for all cardiac arrest events. access to life-saving emergency care. as interposing the ventilations and The challenge is not so much how many Winner of the Queen’s Award for compressions to reduce the time off the AEDs you have in your community, chest, however recent published data and but rather how do you integrate their many variables and multiple organisations Innovation and International Trade has demonstrated no difference in long term deployment to the patient who needs one? that are accountable for each component outcome. What does make a difference is Some systems have integrated this into that needs to happen for the patient to the quality of performance by the rescuers. an AED registry linked with their dispatch survive an OHCA. Frequent training, Firestopping for External Cavities Quality training with immediate feedback system, others make them available on measuring performance and feedback allows the rescuer to modify their practice an app where a trained responder (off drove ongoing practice and training to  Maintains air gap for ventilation immediately to improve performance. Over duty) can be notified if they are within a get better. time, access to quality equipment and few hundred meters of a cardiac arrest, As a wise person (Dr Michael Sayre)  Expands in a fire situation to regular training with objective feedback to assist with CPR and defibrillation. The once told me “It takes a system to save a provide compartmentalisation allows the rescuer to refine and improve system will allow the trained bystander life”. The science behind improving survival their performance. There are plenty of to be notified where the closest AED is from OHCA is not difficult, but it’s not  Tested within a vast range of devices and manikins to aid quality available and where to take it to the patient simple. This is an opportunity for you to construction types training as well as devices that provide in need. Integrated technology is really take a look at the organisation you work in, real time live feedback on compression challenging the way we engage with our and think about what you can do from the  Available worldwide performance during cardiac arrest. Real community to drive improvement and ground up better to improve the outcome time feedback both in regular training that all important response to someone for the people in your community. and in the operational setting have led in cardiac arrest. to improved performance. There is no single magic easy fix to For more information, go to +44 (0)161 872 2181 www.TENMAT.com [email protected] Defibrillation is the 3rd link in the chain improving survival from OHCA. There are  www.resuscitationacademy.org

38 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 39 GASEOUS FIRE SUPPRESSION Gaseous fire suppression systems – understanding safety measures Understanding how the extinguishing agents in your gaseous fire suppression system are regulated under national law has many benefits including protecting your workers and the environment. Commercial and industrial premises have many types of fire protection systems and equipment. These are for the most part, provided to meet the mandatory life safety measures required by law.

n relation to fire equipment and and are likely to continue to do so until I systems, Australian Standards the next scheduled activity. (AS) specify installation Due to the large number of Acts procedures and the correct location of fire and Regulations regarding fire safety extinguishers, among other things, and requirements that may apply, it would be state that all fire equipment and systems advisable to check with local authorities. including gaseous fire suppression Owners also often install additional systems are to be regularly tested, systems voluntarily, or at their insurer’s serviced and maintained. AS 1851 Routine insistence, to further reduce risk to service of fire protection systems and property. Gaseous fire suppression equipment sets out these requirements. systems typically fall into this non- The objective of AS 1851 is to mandatory category. Gaseous fire maximise the reliability of fire protection suppression systems are installed Brett Staines systems and equipment such that widely throughout the building industry ™ ™ 3M Novec 1230 the systems and equipment meet the sector to protect facilities such as: requirements of the relevant design, Fire Protection Fluid installation and commissioning standards ■ computer rooms and data centres, ■ switch rooms and motor control centres, Protect what matters. Australian Standard AS 1851 sets out the ■ process equipment, requirements for the routine servicing of ■ other business critical assets You’re not just safeguarding people, buildings, fire protection systems and equipment. and systems. equipment and operations from fire, you’re helping preserve the world we live in. Protect what matters. Approved systems All of it. designed for Novec 1230 fluid

3M and Novec are trademarks of 3M. © 3M 2016. All rights reserved. Novec 1230 fluid revolutionized the fire protection market 15 years ago. Today, with more than 50,000 available worldwide. system installations in over 90 countries, we continue to move the industry forward with the purpose of delivering a solution that is designed to work now and for years to come. A smart, safe, sustainable alternative to HFCs, inert

gas, water mist and CO2, Novec 1230 fluid works quickly, cleanly and efficiently to help stop a fire Brett Stains is Technical before it starts. Development Manager, Fire & Security Products, Australasia, UTC. FPA Australia TAC 11/22 Chair and Australian Standards Special Hazards Committee Chair. Image courtesy of Fire & Security Products, Australasia

novec.sg/novec1230 7 [email protected] 3M Science. Applied to Life.™ Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 41

GASEOUS FIRE SUPPRESSION

depleting substances (ODS) agents that contribute to global warming and synthetic greenhouse gasses (SGG). To minimise their environmental impact, the discharge of scheduled extinguishing agents, for anything other than putting out a fire, is strictly controlled. The Ozone Act and the Regulations govern the acquisition, possession, handling, use, storage and disposal of scheduled extinguishing agents used in the fire protection industry in Australia. The Regulations mandate the licensing of technicians who work on systems containing scheduled extinguishing agents. In order to protect the environment, it is very important that all facility owners understand the potential environmental impacts of ODS and SGG if released into the atmosphere. To learn more about the effects of ODS and SGG, please visit Image courtesy of Fire & Security Products, Australasia

7 the Department of the Environment and Energy website: http://www.environment.  Gaseous fire suppression systems are installed ■ Synthetic gases – are manmade gov.au/protection/ozone widely throughout the building industry sector. manufactured gases and they It is mandatory that systems using extinguish fires by reducing heat synthetic gases are installed and serviced and using chemicals to interfere by an appropriate licensed technician These systems are typically with the fire chain reaction. under the Regulations. The Board strongly installed so as to: recommend correctly servicing and Both types of gaseous extinguishing installing of all fire protection systems ■ protect high value assets, agents have their own advantages and equipment by trained and licensed Our Global Philosophy ■ guarantee business continuity, and disadvantages. This means professionals. of growth is summed up in one word ■ safeguard people and processes. that choosing the most suitable fire extinguishing agent for a specific So which gaseous fire

Gaseous fire suppression systems are application will depend on a range extinguishing agents are classified Serving over 50 countries worldwide extinguishing agent storage cylinders of factors including their impact on as scheduled extinguishing agents? coupled to a network of discharge the environment. In the commercial/building sector the pipework and nozzles that deliver the most common scheduled extinguishing extinguishing agent to the room to be Environmental benefits due to agent in use is known by the trade names protected. They are typically installed the implementation of a national FM-200® or FE-227™. NAF S-III and NAF with dedicated fire detection and control licensing system for the fire P-III are the trade names of other common systems which provide an automatic protection industry scheduled extinguishing agents which discharge if a fire starts. One environmental consideration are still present in some older systems. The extinguishing agents used in these which building owners and those While FM-200 and NAF S-III are the most systems are also sometimes referred to responsible for maintaining gaseous common scheduled fire extinguishing as clean agents because they don’t leave suppression systems should take into agents there are others. any residue after discharge. This makes account when making a decision is Under the Ozone Act, a scheduled them particularly suited to protect delicate whether the extinguishing agent used extinguishing agent can only be equipment, documents or artefacts. in their system are scheduled under discharged where the product containing There are two broad groups of gaseous the Ozone Protection and Synthetic the extinguishing agent is being use for its extinguishing agents: Greenhouse Gas Management Act designed purpose. This will generally be 1989 (the Ozone Act) and the Ozone in response to an actual fire. Discharge for ■ Inert gases – are naturally occurring Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse testing or training is not permitted unless gases such as nitrogen, argon, carbon Gas Management Regulations 1995 (the the person meets the requirements in the dioxide or combinations of these. They Regulations). Scheduled extinguishing Regulations and has been granted a fire extinguish fires by reducing the available agents are those listed in the Ozone protection industry permit to do so by oxygen to a level below that which a fire Act and include those synthetic gases the Fire Protection Industry (ODS & SGG) needs to burn (typically less than 15%). that deplete stratospheric ozone, ozone Board ( the Board).

42 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 43 GASEOUS FIRE SUPPRESSION

Halon Agents – Essential uses Halon agents (Halon 1301 – used in fixed systems, and Halon 1211 or BCF – used in We help suppression portable extinguishers), are not permitted for anything but approved “essential use”. system OEMs meet Essential uses involve situations where the halon is being used for a purpose regulatory standards that is necessary to protect human life or operate equipment that is critical to the with superior community and there is no practicable and 256 Zone safe alternative to halon that is available at electromagnetic a reasonable cost and is likely to result in Conventional Fire Systems less damage to the environment. A Halon solutions. Special Permit granted by the Board is required in such cases. Essential uses are typically restricted to aviation and military Call us with applications. As a consequence, halon systems and BCF portable extinguishers your challenge. must no longer be installed or used in building/commercial premises. If you ULTRA-FAST RESPONSE are aware of a halon system installed in HIGH DURABILITY your facility (easily identified by its yellow RESETTABLE cylinders) you should arrange for the system to be decommissioned and the ROTATES FOR EASY INSTALLATION cylinders sent to the National Halon Bank UL RECOGNIZED COMPONENTS for disposal (Please call 1800 658 084). INTEGRATED SUPERVISION FUNCTION FULLY ENGAGED INSTALLATION DETECTION Awareness and understanding of MEETS UL & NFPA WIRING CODES AND the use of systems and equipment STANDARDS The building industry sector primarily uses ACTIVE MONITORING FM-200 with some minimal use of NAF MEETS REQUIREMENTS OF NFPA 2001: S-III. The use of FM-200 is due to its ability  2 - 32 zone panels available SEC. 4.3.4.1 to act as a leading alternative to halons CUSTOM CONFIGURATION with the added benefit that FM-200 leaves  Network up to 8 control panels to AND MORE... no significant post discharge clean-up, provide up to 256 zones The main gases are obstruction on discharge or damage to  LCD Remote Display Unit reports sensitive equipment. all network wide fires & faults Product name Uses Other name It is important that building owners, FM-200® Function as total flooding agents. Typical Heptafluoropropane HFC-227ea facilities managers and building occupants From Land to Sea FE-227™ applications could include chemical storage are aware if any gaseous fire suppression areas, clean rooms, communications facilities, systems are installed within their building We’ve Got You Covered laboratories, museums, robotics and emergency or facility to minimise the risks of power facilities. discharges due to human error or Halon-1211 Typically used as a streaming agent. Requires a Bromochlorodifluoromethane BCF equipment malfunction attributed to lack Halon Special Permit in Australia of adequate maintenance or understanding New Marine approved of the system. conventional fire alarm Halon-1301 Typically used as a total flooding agent. Requires a Bromotrifluoromethane BTM control panels Halon Special Permit in Australia. So how can you identify one? NAF-P-III Typically used as a streaming agent. It is: HCFC Blend C Rooms protected by gaseous fire A replacement for Halon-1211. suppression systems typically have warning Effective on Class A, B and C type fires. Find out more: signs installed on or above doorways COME VISIT US AT NAF-S-III Typically used as a total flooding agent. It is: HCFC Blend A into the room and close to other items of T: +44(0)1895 422066 Intersec 2017 A replacement for halon-1301. equipment which form part of the system. Jan. 22-24, Dubai, UAE Effective on Class A, B and C type fires. If you work in a room protected by E: [email protected] Booth #4-H16 a gaseous fire suppression system it is CONTACT US:  Note: Inert gas fire systems that use argon, nitrogen gases, carbon dioxide, water mist etc. important you understand how the system www.haes-systems.com +1 262-372-2165 are not covered by the Ozone Act. However, the inclusion or omission of any extinguishing works. Some of the controls installed as www.tlxtech.com agent product from this list does not confer any form of endorsement or lack of endorsement part of the system are to allow the system of a product. The list simply identifies whether the Ozone Act applies to that product. to be discharged manually, if required in

44 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 45 GASEOUS FIRE SUPPRESSION

 Gaseous fire suppression systems are often installed to protect high value assets such as data centres.

The Board also undertake the following functions outside of the requirements of the Regulations:

■ provides customer service support to members of the fire protection industry and the general public ■ provides a program of communication and awareness activities aimed at encouraging compliance with the fire protection industry permits scheme. Image courtesy of Fire & Security Products, Australasia

7 The Board provides ongoing information to the fire protection industry and the general an emergency. Obviously these controls safety, discharge of some scheduled public on its activities and purpose. This should only be operated in response to extinguishing agents can also have improves the awareness and understanding a fire. If you are not sure what a control detrimental environmental effects. of scheduled extinguishing agents, the does – don’t touch it. It is also important For these reasons it is very legislative requirements surrounding them to remember that most of these systems important that only competent, and the need to reduce their use and the will operate automatically if fire or smoke trained and in the case of scheduled potential risk for accidental emissions. is detected, so any activity which may extinguishing agents, licensed technicians For a gaseous fire suppression system cause the detection system to go into (with the appropriate Extinguishing to operate effectively and efficiently, alarm (such as soldering or other activities Agent Handling Licence (EAHL)), be the Board recommends that: which create clouds of dust or smoke) allowed to install and maintain gaseous must not occur unless the gaseous fire fire suppression systems. Under Ozone ■ Owners of gaseous fire suppression suppression system has been isolated. legislation, any person working on a systems use a maintenance log book to If you need training on how the gaseous fire suppression system that record all maintenance activity. The use gaseous fire suppression system installed may cause the discharge of a scheduled of logbooks will establish a process for in your facility works, speak with your extinguishing agent must hold an EAHL. documentation and provide a full life- supervisor or contact the fire service Different entitlement types of EAHL cycle chain of custody documentation provider that maintains your system. cover specific activities such as system for all installed systems. A log book The Board has developed a factsheet installation, testing, maintenance and the would record all maintenance activity covering the building industry sector recovery, reclamation, filling and recycling and record the details of the licensed including information specific to licensing of scheduled extinguishing agents. technician who is servicing the system. requirements and risks associated with ■ Ongoing maintenance of systems to scheduled extinguishing agents. A copy The Fire Protection greatly improve the efficiency and can be downloaded from the Board’s Industry (ODS &SGG) Board longevity of the system. website on www.fpaa.com.au/ozone. The Fire Protection Industry (ODS & SGG) Regular servicing and maintenance Board appointed by the federal Minister The Board has also published the Ozone of gaseous fire suppression systems is for the Environment, administers the fire Depleting Substances and Synthetic essential, not only to ensure the system protection division of the Regulations on Greenhouse Gases (ODS & SGG) Good is fully functional in the event of a fire but behalf of the Australian Government. The Practice Guide and a building industry also to ensure the safety of those working Board exercises a range of powers and factsheet. If your facility has a gaseous within the protected area. functions listed in sub regulation 311(2) fire suppression system, which contains Extinguishing agents are stored in in all states and territories in Australia, scheduled extinguishing agents you are cylinders under very high pressure. including to: encouraged to download a copy of the If these cylinders are not properly Good Practice Guide and the factsheet handled and maintained they can pose a ■ receive applications and application from www.fpaa.com.au/ozone. The significant safety risk due to the amount fees for fire protection industry permits guide and factsheet provides additional of stored energy contained within ■ process applications within the 30 day information on your obligations under the them. There have been cases of people time frame specified in the Regulations Regulations and further details on the being severely injured and even killed ■ issue fire protection industry permits in issues discussed in this article. when cylinders have been accidentally accordance with the Regulations discharged or mishandled. ■ inspect premises as specified in the For more information, go to In addition to the risks to health and Regulations.  www.fpaa.com.au/ozone

46 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com DIVERSITY & EQUALITY DIVERSITY & EQUALITY

of the features of WIFF 2005 was the Women and Firefighting Australasia keynote presentations by the then Assistant Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service, Mark Crosweller AFSM 2016: Right place. Right time and Pru Goward, in her capacity as Sex Discrimination Commissioner at that time. Pru’s rally cry, ‘Firing Up Women’ pulled In November 2015, during his swearing in ceremony, the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau no punches as she made the case for the need for ‘diversity and inclusion’ in the made a statement about how his new cabinet ‘Looks like Canada today.’ When asked why was it emergency management sector and made it clear that if you can get gender inclusion so important to have a cabinet with a gender balance his reply was succinct: ‘Because it’s 2015’! right, then the rest would follow. Galvanised by the combination of s much as that made the world Women and Firefighting Australasia historical sentiment, good will and A sit up, take notice and praise Inc was established as Women in Fire opportunity to network and share stories Trudeau and his new style of Fighting (Australia) in 2005. In May that with colleagues who, although coming inclusive leadership, we had heard this year, the inaugural Women in Fire Fighting from a myriad of settings, share a passion same simple statement a year earlier. (WIFF) Forum was held at the Holiday Inn for fire-fighting, plans for the 2006 Women At the 2014 Women and Firefighting at Sydney Airport to celebrate a century In Fire Fighting Conference commenced. Australasia Inc. (WAFA) conference held in of Australian female fire-fighting and to Over the course of the last decade the ACT, two Fire Service Commissioners broach issues often considered but seldom WAFA has morphed into a significant made a point during their presentations publicly discussed: Fire Service diversity point of contact for emergency services that they would ‘…put in place measures and inclusion. The convenor of that event organisations that want to strengthen to ensure parity in the recruitment process was Dr Merilyn Childs, who currently their particular recruitment and inclusion for their respective services.’ One could maintains one of the most important digital strategies. Each of WAFA’s biennial be forgiven for thinking that that’s nothing archives relating to diversity in fire-fighting conferences has been themed to Ange Pestell new. ‘We’ve heard it all before.’ It’s to in Australia and is a life member of WAFA. encapsulate their vision, which is to be expected: the head of an Emergency It must have been challenging for Merilyn ‘Promote and Celebrate Women in Services organisation drops in at another to pull together enough delegates to Firefighting’. Conferences have been held Emergency Services conference, looks discuss their passion for fire-fighting, the in Sydney in 2006, Victoria’s Yarra Valley at the theme and says exactly what the historical significance of the occasion, as in 2010, Adelaide in 2012, Canberra in delegates want him to say. End of story! well as what the future had in store for the 2014, and the latest in Brisbane in August Image courtesy of WAFA

Not Quite. But let’s see how far women who would follow in the footsteps 2016. Speakers at WAFA conferences 7 we’ve come! of Australia’s pioneering female fire- range from Human Rights Commissioners fighters, the Amazons 1901-1903 and the to Fire Service Commissioners and operational and non-operational decision-  A rural female firefighter mopping up after a  Participants of WAFA’s team at the Women’s Fire Auxiliary 1941-1945. every rank and role throughout member making, ethics, human rights, personal bushfire. WAFA promotes firefighting as a viable Wollongong Miss Muddy event in 2015. Typical of forums of this type, one organisations. Keynote presentations are and crew accountability, and family. This career or volunteer choice for women. delivered by a variety of supporters, with is regardless of rank or role, employment an emphasis on positivity, empowerment status and organisational affiliation. and motivation. Members are volunteer and career, responders, but there are others who do In 2014 WAFA incorporated a Hands operational and corporate, strategists, laudable and vital emergency response, Steve O’Malley AFSM On Training (HOT) component to the researchers, and land management, but they don’t feature so readily in our conference program, affording delegates forestry, and air services personnel. children’s books, television and movie an experience to develop skillsets and They come from our capital cities and screens, and popular media. Of these three discover equipment they may not have our remote and rural country towns. roles, parents and teachers (and peers) are encountered previously. These sessions WAFA members are from every State and least likely to talk about Firefighting as a Ange Pestell is the Board included large animal rescue, road crash Territory in Australia, New Zealand, Papua career path for a woman, and it’s 2016! Secretary for Women rescue techniques, urban search and New Guinea, and Samoa, and as far as the The ‘pointy end’ of emergency response and Firefighting rescue, live fire exercises, and manual UK and USA. WAFA membership is not is where the attention of the public is so Australasia Inc. (WAFA). handling and lifting techniques. gender exclusive and is truly diverse. often drawn. Our televisions, cinemas and The journey between 2006 and 2016 Is there any more satisfying an newspapers are awash with stories and Steve O’Malley is was by no means smooth, but the spirit of occupation than that of the public servant images of bravery in the line of duty and operational Fire fighter the mission of the collective has definitely who is trained with the skillsets that enable social media enables us to have a front row with more than 27 years’ remained consistent. WAFA (WIFF) is them to protect those most vulnerable in seat wherever we are. And if you’re in the experience, the last nine as about celebrating the many facets that our communities in an emergency: the wrong place (sic) at the right time, you can a Multicultural & Indigenous women bring to the Fire Fighting sector, Police Officers, Ambulance Paramedics film it, which will make you part of it. Liaison Officer with the in all of their diverse forms. WAFA’s focus and Firefighters? These three occupations What makes Trudeau’s statement Metropolitan Fire Brigade. has never been an industrial one. The are the most commonly referred to and even more poignant is that the public Image courtesy of WAFA

7 focus is on leadership, healthy fellowship, recognisable as our front line emergency still unconsciously apply gender-based

48 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 49 DIVERSITY & EQUALITY

 An urban female firefighter at work in her station.

■ Commit to diversity strategies that will not result in a lowering or compromising of performance or safety. ■ Acknowledge that in order to build a STRUCTURAL FIRE HELMET more diverse workforce, strategies are needed to achieve a critical mass from varied backgrounds and genders. ■ Acknowledge that without positive actions that are proactively implemented by industry leaders, there will be negligible progress. ■ Agree to improve the internal cultures and behaviours within our organisations to be more supportive and inclusive of a more diverse group of people. ■ Commit to understanding unconscious bias and addressing this within agencies. ■ Commit to cooperatively developing and sharing best practice strategies to increase diversity. ■ Task the Workforce Management Group with developing recommendations and commit to reviewing issues of diversity twice yearly when meeting as AFAC Council. Image courtesy of WAFA

7 AFAC’s statement on ‘Workforce Diversity’ is by far the most supportive endorsement stereotypes to these roles, which shape even more time at the prevention end of of the vision of Women and Firefighting who they expect to see in these roles. the continuum? Australasia by the national council and Archaic attitudes adhering to perceived What is our core business and who peak body for Australasian fire, land gender norms regarding firefighting can are the best people to do it? management and emergency services. be dispelled just as easily as they were Do we look like the communities we It is further reinforced by the sentiments regarding politics. We start with a simple are protecting and empowering? of the leadership of authority members, statement and follow on with actions History plays a huge part in the culture acknowledging that AFAC: that are universally fair, contemporary, of fire services, no matter what part of “Welcome that diversity is a key theme respectful, and inclusive. This is the globe. We love our milestones, our of the annual AFAC Conference for the essentially what WAFA works to promote. awards, our heroes and the romance that second successive year in 2016, and that Contemporary Fire Services empower comes with such an iconised occupation it is being held in partnership with ‘Women communities with the knowledge and as firefighting. and Firefighting Australasia Inc.’.” wherewithal to establish and maintain In an AFAC Statement on Workforce As for the Commissioners who pre- their own levels of resilience before, Diversity on International Women’s Day in empted Trudeau’s earth shattering during, and after an emergency, so the 2016, member agencies acknowledged: declaration of the ‘bleeding obvious,’ role of firefighting agencies is equally as ‘The unacceptably low levels of they’ve displayed resolve in what important right across the PPRR or 5R diversity, particularly in urban fire and they consider to be the fairest and continuum. Agencies should consider the rescue services, and approaching most equitable way forward for their following questions when undertaking International Women’s Day on 8 March organisations. They do this not just future resource planning. 2016, AFAC Council has identified because it was expected and anticipated Does building more ‘ready, resilient changes required to increase attraction, by those who heard it, but because they communities’ mean we are less likely to recruitment, and inclusion levels across believe it’s good for the future and culture respond because we have increased the gender, racial, and cultural diversity.’ of the sector. capability of the community to prepare? AFAC CEOs, Commissioners, Chief WWW.PACIFICHELMETS.COM Does being less reactive mean that we Officers and Fire Managers went on to For more information, go to SALES@ PACIFICHELMETS.COM are more proactive, therefore spending say that they:  www.wafa.asn.au The F15 Structural Fire Helmet. The advanced polymer chaggig of the new F15 combineg with the heritage of Pacific’g Kevlar® technology. Safety. Strength. Comfort. 50 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com Certified to AS/NZS 4067:2012, EN443:2008, NFPA 1971:2013

FOR YOUR PROTECTION PPE Protective clothing and

PACIFIC F10 MKV STRUCTURAL HELMET Certified to AS/NZS 4067:2012 equipment for Fire Fighters PACIFIC FACE SHIELD & EYE PROTECTOR Certified to AS/NZS 1337.1:2010 In recent months there has been a growing interest in the area of protective clothing and equipment

STANFIELD’S FH33 NOMEX FLASHHOOD for Fire Fighters from stakeholders within the sector. This article will take a look at what’s happening Certified to NFPA 1971:2013 in the world of standards and an overview from Russell Shephard the chair of the joint Australian/ PACIFIC F3D MKII STRUCTURAL HELMET Certified to AS/NZS 4067:2012 New Zealand (A/NZ) Committee SF-049 Firefighters Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment.

ustralia mirrors the work at the ■ Developing a New Work Item NEW TO AUSTRALIA: international level through the Proposal for Station Wear for AS/NZS1716 A P2CV TWIN VALVE Standards Australia technical Firefighters VERTICAL FOLD MASK committee SF-049 – Firefighters ■ Developing a Wild land respirator Additional valve provides personal protective equipment. Being an protective devices (RPD) Standard further relief from heat and moisture build up active member of this mirror committee ■ Revising ISO DTR 21808 – Guidance inside the mask allows Australia to have a ‘voice’ and on the selection, use, care and provide input at the international level. maintenance of personal protective The international technical equipment (PPE) designed to ESKA SUPER MARS PLUS GLOVES Certified to AS/NZS 2161.6:2014 Level 3 subcommittee (SC) of Technical provide protection for firefighters. Committee 94 SC 14 recently held The revision of this Standard will BRISTOL UNIFORMS CLOTHING JACKETS & TROUSERS their 16th meeting in Greenville, South be focused on providing guidance Certified to AS/NZS 4967:2009 Level 3 Carolina, USA in the middle of July this for fire services when referencing Bronwyn Walker year. Several resolutions were passed the requirements of ISO 13506 and future work plans were agreed “Protective clothing against heat upon in a number of areas including: and flame – Part 1: Test method for YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR complete garments – Measurement  The Australian committee maintains an active role of transferred energy using an FIRE PPE influencing both domestic and global PPE standards. instrumented manikin” WWW.PACFIRE.COM.AU

Bronwyn Walker is a National Sector Manager at Standards Australia. In this role, Bronwyn is responsible for stakeholder engagement and standards development across Health YDS POSEIDON BOOTS Certified to AS/NZS 4821:2014 and Community Services, Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Food and Education and Training. Bronwyn has come to Standards Australia from a decade in education, training and curriculum design and project management for the Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council. Image courtesy of Standards courtesy of AustraliaImage

7

PHONE AU 1300 731 800 [email protected] Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe WWW.PACFIRE.COM.AU OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 55 PPE

 Advancements in international standards will affect station wear, wild land respirator protective devices and personal protective equipment.

More recently the committee has established a Joint Working Group (JWG) with ISO TC94 SC13 for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN), this JWG will consider what is required to address the issue of protection against CBRN and if indeed all aspects of protection can be achieved. The SC14 committee is also seeing great attendance from the participating countries as the development of these international standards provides a reference for countries without their own national standards for firefighters PPE. Some of the main Australian/New Zealand Standards currently active for firefighting PPE are:

■ AS/NZS 4821:2014 Rul 1:2015 – Protective footwear for firefighters – Requirements and test methods (EN 15090:2012, MOD) (Ruling 1 to AS/NZS 4821:2014) ■ AS/NZS 4067:2012 Amd 1:2014 – Protective helmets for structural firefighting ■ AS/NZS 4821:2014 – Protective Image courtesy of Standards courtesy of AustraliaImage

7 footwear for firefighters – Requirements and test methods The above subcommittee will hold their Fire Service and Emergency Services ■ AS/NZS 2161.6:2014 – Occupational 17th Meeting in London on June 2017. Agency, and also served in various protective gloves – Protective One of the key working groups WG1 positions with the United Firefighters gloves for structural firefighting “General Requirements” is due to meet Union. Russell also contributes as – Laboratory test methods and in October 2016 in St Galen, Switzerland a Committee Member to eight other performance requirements to progress the important draft national and international committees ■ AS/NZS 4967-2009 – Protective Standards currently out for ballot. and as a result of his international clothing for firefighters – With the recent appointment contribution, was awarded the inaugural Requirements and test methods of Russell Shephard as ISO/TC94 W.R. Hebblewhite Medal in 2015. for protective clothing used for Chairperson in 2016 (ISO being “For many years there was limited structural firefighting International Standards Organisation) participation from countries within this ■ AS/NZS 4824-2006 – Protective for a term of 6 years, there are already committee. Recently through a restructure clothing for firefighters – significant synergies between a number of the committee, increased commitment Requirements and test methods of the working groups and sub- from those involved and the appointment for protective clothing used committees. Russell is also currently of new convenors to working groups has for wildland firefighting (ISO the Chairman of ISO TC94 SC14 as well seen significant changes. These working 15384:2003, MOD) as the joint A/NZ Committee SF-049 groups have focused on key requirements Your Firefighters Personal Protective Clothing for firefighter’s PPE that is underpinned We look forward to further G1 Mask and Equipment. by a risk hazard approach. Also, an developments, both domestically Russell’s current role is Manager of increase in publications across a range and internationally around this very Standards for the Australasian Fire and of fire related activities such as structural important work. A new Level of Comfort and Safety Emergency Services Authority Council firefighting, wildland firefighting rescue The G1 Full Face Mask with its wide distortion free field of vision is not only For more information, email (AFAC). Prior to this, Russell worked for and HAZMAT has also contributed to the  lightweight and compact with overall low profile design, it brings best in 34 years with Australian Capital Territory committee’s success” reported Russell. [email protected] class breathing comfort and is built to last.

56 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com For more information visit our website: www.MSAsafety.com FIRE FIGHTING GLOVES A hands on approach Like most items of PPC, a lot has changed over the years in the manufacturing of When conditions are at their worst, we are at our best. Structural Fire Fighting Gloves. With so many gloves on the market today, we are here to discuss what actually makes a fire glove and the features you should be looking for to assist you in finding a fire glove solution which best suits your operational requirements.

structural fire glove consists of With so many different variances of A three main components; the leather used such as cow hide, elk hide, outer shell, internal lining and a split cow hide, grain elk hide, top grain waterproof membrane (moisture barrier) hide and swine hide there are certainly but all differ depending on the standard a lot of alternatives out there. requirements and country of origin. Also due to the vast amount of There are of course many other Kangaroo hide available in Australia, the important factors to consider such as last decade has seen Kangaroo leather performance, construction, dexterity, become another alternative for the use cost, standards approvals, warranties and in the outer material for structural fire much more that we will touch on. fighting gloves. For many years the outer shell of the All the leathers mentioned above have leather fire glove has been the norm but advantages and disadvantages but one Joel Ward now with the advancements in materials thing they all have in common is that there are many alternatives to assist the leather is becoming old technology and as move away from the traditional leather fire humans we are always looking at pushing glove. The question is do we really need the boundaries for new advancements to look at new outer materials offered or and to create better alternatives. is leather still the answer as it will always Leather gloves by nature, and to offer excellent fire fighting capabilities comply to varies standards do feel bulky. After many years of supplying especially for hand and foot protection. The new direction of blended fibre gloves it’s high end gloves through (non leather) do not have the same bulk as out the world and into current leather gloves. Non leather gloves Australia World leading glove  Glove models in the EN segment also offer greater wicking properties to manufacturer ESKA is proud on the A+A show in Germany. ensure there is not a build up of moisture to announce the opening of ESKA Australia. In a bid to offer further support to it’s growing band of customers ESKA has appointed Joel and Mégan Ward as it’s representatives for Australia/ NZ. Be sure to check out the new range of structural, PAB FIRE COMPACT bushfire and rescue gloves EN 443:2008, EN 14458:2004, MED Approved being introduced into Australia by ESKA in the 3rd quarter of 2016. Joel will be working in Australia and New Zealand Designed to protect the head under the most extreme conditions. Optimal relationship between to assist ESKA customers protection and comfort with a broad spectrum of optional upgrades. Structural firefighting and to continue developing has never been safer. Now available worldwide! our product to ensure that ESKA can offer the greatest | Most 26, HR-52420 Buzet, Croatia | [email protected] | www.pab.hr solutions for all of our clients. Image courtesy of ESKA

7

SINCE 1953 Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 59 FIRE FIGHTING GLOVES Images courtesy of ESKA courtesy of Images

7 in the outer material as leather is quite With these advancements over the  Extreme conditions require extraordinary absorbant which then add’s weight last decade, the development of new protection. ARES is the first Australian non-leather making it feel quite heavy. Also when wet materials and blends there is a lot glove and consists of several new highly technical leather is weakened against abrasion and more choice than in the past for the FR materials fully developed by ESKA. WE WON'T LET ANYONE cut resistance where material keeps the manufacturing companies and then the same properties whether it is wet or dry. consumer. Other well known fibers such ELSE GET THEIR HANDS as Kermel®, PBI® etc. are now being subjected to more risk of abrasion and blended with other materials such as general wear and tear even more higher  Protecting your hands is a matter of course woven Nomex®, Aramid/Viscose FR. end materials are being blended such ON YOUR PPE for us, protecting your gloves is our mission. Due to the palm of the glove being as FR silicon coated to Kevlar® fabrics Because you need your PPE to give maximum or even blending Kevlar® with steel fibreglass and Silver threads to achieve protection day-in, day-out, our Managed Services is greater overall protection and strength. essential for confident, effective firefighting. All of these blends and variations may all Bristol will collect, decontaminate, clean, inspect, sound confusing to the consumer but the repair and deliver your PPE using our own skilled main objective from the manufacturer is technicians and facilities. We can also look after your to offer as lighter weight as possible outer helmets, gloves and boots too! which also offers a high level of protection With world-class design, specification and manu- due to the extreme conditions it will be facture of an extensive range of PPE, Bristol is the first subjected to over the products life. choice of firefighters in over 110 countries. Now that we have discussed the outer To find out more about our products and support fabric it is time to look at what makes up the internal workings of a structural fire services, call us on +44 (0)117 956 3101, email us at

glove and what you should be looking [email protected] or visit our web site,

for. Many manufacturers keep this www.bristoluniforms.com information in house as there is quite a Bristol Uniforms Limited, Wathen Street, Staple Hill, science in trying to keep the heat from Bristol BS16 5LL, United Kingdom transferring through the glove as well Tel: +44 (0)117 956 3101 Fax: +44 (0)117 956 5927 as maintaining dexterity. Again just like email: [email protected] the advancements with outer materials www.bristoluniforms.com the same advancements have been

60 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 61 FIRE FIGHTING GLOVES

AUS TRALIA

PO BOX 182 Upper Coomera Queensland Australia 4209 T 1300 717 117 | E [email protected] www.eskaaus.com.au

 WARRIOR is a tactical glove made of a new developed Fire Images courtesy of ESKA courtesy of Images

7 Block leather.

 SUPERMARS PLUS has a fire resistant impact cut glove based on the natural hand moisture barrier is extremely difficult at protection shell which prevents injuries. position. One other thing when selecting the best of times. Also when selecting a your structural fire fighting glove is structural fire fighting glove look at what ensuring that the lining is fitted correctly type of moisture barrier is offered as developed with the internal thermal lining to ensure that it can not be easily there are generally two types of moisture of a Structural Fire Fighting glove. New removed from the glove when donning barriers with one just offering moisture internal liners such as Kevlar®/Silver and doffing and the liner is retained in protection and other’s offering permanent blends are offering many things such as the glove after washing. Again usually protection against blood, viruses, and thermal and cut protection, antibacterial, selecting a high end glove with warranties body fluids fire fighting gloves. Again look odor – inhibiting, anti – static and thermo will ensure less risk that the internals of at the amount of protection offered and dynamics to again assist the fire fighter the glove are fitted correctly and will stay how it is offered depends on the quality in their day to day duties. Kevlar® is in place for a long period of time. of the moisture barrier provided as they commonly used as it is an Aramid fibre A moisture barrier is also an essential do vary. It is important to select the right with a low specific weight that offer’s component to the construction of a moisture barrier which will offer the right high tensile strength, excellent heat Structural Fire Fighting glove. Adding a level of protection for the task at hand resistance, dimensional stability, and moisture barrier can be a challenging but like anything it is best to have more low elongation to break plus it is also task for some manufacturer’s as it needs protection then not enough which is why chemical resistant and has outstanding to be fitted correctly between the internal I always advise that you source a glove abrasion resistance. and external layers. People may think that with full protection against blood bourne The feel of greater dexterity does all moisture barriers offered are generally pathogen, body fluids etc. not just boil down to the thickness of the same but this is not true as there is a In summarising as discussed above the glove as design also plays a large large amount of technology that goes into there are a number of alternatives for KNOW YOUR INDUSTRY part plus like most things it is all about creating a moisture barrier. When looking you the consumer to consider when wearer perception. One major factor at the correct moisture barrier protection purchasing a Structural Fire Fighting BECOME AN that assists greatly with dexterity is do your homework as glove moisture Glove. It can be quite confusing and FPA AUSTRALIA Stay connected to your the cut of the glove. Ten years ago the management plays a large role in daunting for most, if you keep in mind MEMBER TODAY! industry with the latest: majority of structural fire fighting gloves protecting the fire fighter especially from these three most important factors • News we’re 2 dimensional but now again moisture build up that can cause steam dexterity, correct and up to date • Events with the advancements in technology, burns. Most moisture barriers are not Standards Certification relevant to your Fire Protection Association Australia • Technical information manufacturing capabilities etc. you will there just to stop moisture entering the country and Manufacturer Warranties you offers a flexible range of membership • Resources find that the majority are 3 dimensional. glove but also to offer breathability and should be well on your way selecting the options to suit all stakeholders A 3 dimensional design enables the assist with extracting moisture away from right fire glove for your requirements. working in or associated with the BECOME A MEMBER TODAY Call 1300 731 922 manufacturer to design a glove that is the skin due to such things as a build up fire protection industry in Australia. Email [email protected] Visit www.fpaa.com.au ergonomically designed for higher wearer of sweat. However extracting moisture For more information, go to comfort and tactility from a ergonomic away from any PPC that consists of a  www.eskaaus.com.au

62 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 63 BREATHING APPARATUS BREATHING APPARATUS

other, and live closer to available water Firefighting and breathing supplies. Nero could thus be said to have instigated town planning with fire safety in mind. protection then and now Not so ancient But effective firefighting equipment and Personal protection for firefighters has a long history. While many other technological protective gear for personnel were still a long way away. Even at the time of developments sound as if they evolved out of a fairy-tale past, our modern firefighting the Great Fire of London in September 1666, that most essential of tools, the fire equipment seems more as though it were plucked straight out of Science-Fiction. hose, hadn’t even been invented. The fire started – perhaps ironically – in a bakery ven the ancient Egyptians had The first brigades in Pudding Lane, raged on from Sunday E firefighters. But the pyramids Move in time and place to the Roman to Thursday, destroyed 87 churches were built of stone, you might Empire. After several spectacularly and 13,000 houses over a 5 km2 area, say, tongue-in-cheek. So why the need disastrous fires, in the year 6 AD the and rendered tens of thousands of for firefighters? Naturally, because the Emperor Augustus decided that the Londoners homeless. Here, as in ancient cluttered cities and villages, albeit often sort of fire brigade used up until now, Rome, the fire could only be stopped built of mudbricks, were also full of comprising slaves, wasn’t enough: now by destroying wide swathes of buildings flammable materials: reed floor mats were he put together a massive fire-response in its way. de rigueur, and walls were commonly force of 7,000 so-called vigiles who It is interesting to note that not covered with dyed linen sheets. Shade- worked as professional firefighters in only firefighting methods were cloths and awnings would have been their own designated sections of Rome. adopted from Rome at this time, but needed to provide shelter from the sizzling The techniques were basic. commercial firefighting interests as Image courtesy of iStock.com/duncan1890 of courtesy Image

Egyptian sun. And even in this largely tree- Augustus’s early fire brigade used a well: in ancient Rome’s pre-Augustus 7 Torbjorn Lundmark less land, the furniture was made of wood. method that could only be described as days, private firefighters stood outside Marketplaces and souks would have been long lines of men ‘passing the bucket’. the burning house and bargained with water at it from the outside was only  Primitive breathing gear. as covered by canvas as they are today. Others used heavy equipment to raze the owner about advance-payment part of the solution. Leather clothing Textile merchants and weavers of flax and neighbouring buildings to the ground to for extinguishing the blaze (too much could perhaps withstand the heat and wool must have been common, keeping stop the fire from going further. haggling and the property burnt to the flame for a little while – but smoke was cumbersome, hindering and ungainly. It bolt upon bolt of flammable material in Even today, some modern firefighting ground), while in England the firefighters the biggest problem. wasn’t until 1863 that the first contraption their stores. All cooking and heating and units call themselves vigiles brigades in were paid by insurance companies, and It has been said that, in desperation, was patented that could vaguely claim to lighting were, of course, done with open the 2,000-year tradition. would only start their work when they some early firemen might have grown be ‘self-contained’. The firefighter had an flame, and when the inevitable accident Nevertheless, Rome wasn’t built in a had established that the building was their beards in order to soak them in air container strapped to the waist, made happened, the houses were clustered day, and was in fact re-built many times insured by their particular underwriter. water and stuff the wet hair into their of a rubber balloon covered inside and close enough together for the fire to due to disastrous fires. Emperor Nero mouths during their smoky passes. out by canvas lining. It could be inflated spread rapidly through the neighbourhood. himself, who supposedly played his What about the people on the job? The Italian scientist and inventor Giovanni by a pair of bellows. Two hoses ran to a Solution: the Pharaoh’s firefighters and fiddle while Rome burnt in AD 64, was Over the next couple of hundred years, Aldini had an idea. In 1825, he came mouthpiece between the fireman’s teeth. water from the Nile. the first to recommend that Romans new types of firefighting equipment, up with the Apparatus Aldini, a sort of Sealing corks were pulled out to release make their houses more fire-proof, machinery and vehicles were invented asbestos hood lined on the outside the air when it was needed.  The Great Fire of London. build them further away from each – but not much in the way of protective by a metal mesh. Many regard this Invention and technology took off. In gear for the personnel. Water-pump as the seed of respiratory protection the next decades, many new apparatuses technology became more sophisticated for firefighters. appeared – even a re-breather model that (this is why the word ‘fireman’ is pompier, From there, the step was short to was launched shortly after the turn of pompiere, and bombero in French, Italian an array of new inventions that strove to the century. and Spanish respectively, all meaning supply air to the firefighter, first through For better or for worse, war is often ‘pumper’). Powerful pump vehicles may a hand-pump connected with an air hose a great technological catalyst, and two have revolutionised firefighting, but for a to a fireman’s helmet, and then to various world wars served as a springboard long time they were still horse-drawn. sorts of head and upper-body coverings. for more and more sophisticated self- It took much longer before fire Filter respirators using various useful (and contained breathing protection, where authorities began to pay attention to the useless) filtering media also appeared. high-tech respirators initially designed protection of the people who did the for Air Force pilots soon spread to the firefighting. Even helmets didn’t enter …but we need self-containment! Fire Brigades. Torbjorn Lundmark is the scene until around the mid-1700s. All through the first half of the 1800s, It is from the significant developments a freelance writer in the Protective clothing made its debut much new respiratory protection devices during the early half of the 20th century field of occupational later, let alone respiratory protection. came and went, many using hoses to that we still have several of the names health and safety. It was important for the firefighter channel air from a remote air pump to the of renowned SCBA designers and Image courtesy of iStock.com/duncan1890 of courtesy Image

7 to get into the building. Just pumping firefighter. This permanent hook-up was manufacturers today.

64 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 65 BREATHING APPARATUS

 Leading-edge encapsulated protective suit.

 Modern firefighter’s PURE AIR harness and face mask. Image courtesy of Interspiro courtesy of Image

7 UNDER

PRESSURE

MCH-6/EM driven by: SINGLE-PHASE ELECTRIC MOTOR Charging rate: 100 L/min 6 m3/h Mini Verticus III Series dimensions: The most advanced compact unit system in Fire Stations and HEIGHT 35 cm Vehicles. The system can deliever air up to 250l/min and can be Hurtling towards the future wIdTH 65 cm dEPTH 39 cm upgraded to fully automatic with refrigeration dryer Air-Kool Today’s firefighting protective devices and apparel dry Weight: 39,5 K g system, extrenal filling panel as well as stroage cylinders can be bear little resemblance to their rudimentary fore- easily fitted. runners. New materials have been discovered, manufactured and put to use: think Nomex, think Kevlar, think carbon fibre. Harnesses are ergonomically designed, light-weight, perfectly balanced, with non-textile straps, fire-resistant materials and cutting-edge design. MCH 16 ET COMPACT Even basic things have been taken into driven by: consideration, such as reflective strips, 360° location THREE-PHASE ELECTRIC MOTOR Charging rate: beacons and large rescue handles, should the person 315 L/min 19 m3/h dimensions: need to be dragged away to safety. HEIGHT 88 cm Modern BA face masks may feature heads-up displays wIdTH 92 cm dEPTH 61 cm (HUD), as well as crystal-clear voice communication. dry Weight: 187 Kg Regulators may have both digital and analogue displays, and are constructed to show the same information unaffected by ambient heat. The BA set is probably fitted with a personal alert safety system (PASS). MCH 16 ET STANDARD In addition, BA sets are often used together with driven by: THREE-PHASE ELECTRIC MOTOR Containment Fill Statoins - Stationary & Mobile advanced protective suits made of various high-tech Charging rate: BAUER offers only independently tested Containment Fill Stations 31 9 3 materials and material combinations, providing whole-body 5 L/min 1 m /h which were found to protect from overpressure and fragmentation dimensions: protection not only from heat and direct flame, but also from HEIGHT 63 cm per NFPA 1901. wIdTH 83 cm exposure to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear dEPTH 43 cm (CBRN) substances. dry Weight: 100 Kg / 220.4 lbs BAUER Pure Air Also on the rise are integrated global positioning As the market and technology leader in systems (GPS), thermal imaging and other sophisticated Breathing Air production, BAUER has instituted a Quality Seal as part of our worldwide campaign tools for the firefighter. of information and quality certification in All this is a far cry from Emperor Augustus’s vigiles, with accordance with DIN EN 12021, which is in cooperation with TÜV. their water buckets and their axes and battering rams and wall-pulling hooks, but without any means to protect COLTRI ASIA PACIFIC Co., Ltd. Image courtesy Ansell/TrellchemImage of FFreeree ZZoneone aatt 304 IIndustrialndustrial PParkark 2 NoNo.. 9494/5,/5, MooMoo.. 3, TT.. KKhaohao Hin Sorn,Sorn, 7 themselves from their work environment. Modern firefighters A .P.Phanomsarakarm,hanomsarakarm, ChaChachoengsaochoengsao 24120 TThailandhailand BAUER COMPRESSORS ASIA PTE LTD still work with the same purpose as their predecessors from Tel: + 6638855103 to 5 TFax:el: + +6638855103 6638855106 to mobile 5 Fax: +66 + 6638855106818092311 25 Pandan Crescent, #01-10 Tic Tech Center 2,000 years ago, albeit with much better training and personal [email protected] Singapore 128477 www.aerotecnicacoltriasiapacific.com Tel: +(65).6271.6271 protection through vastly more sophisticated technology. Fax: +(65).6272.3345 AEROTECNICA COLTRI® S.p.A. Email: [email protected] via dei Colli StStoricoric i 177771 501005 01 SannaS MartinoonitraM dellaalled BattagliaailgattaB BresciaaicserB - ITALY YLATI www.bauergroup.com For more information, go to Tel::leT +39.030.99.103.019.030.93+ 10.301.9 +39.030.99.102.9779.201.99.030.93+ Fax::xaF +39.030.99.10.283382.01.99.030.93+  www.sea.com.au www.aerotecnicacoltri.it

66 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 67

HALF_PAGE_FIRETRADE_ASIA.indd 1 03/03/14 11.13 TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION The convergence of video and fire safety Using video for fire safety outreach is nothing new, many people and departments are doing it – just search YouTube using the words “fire safety” and you’ll get 1.1 million results. However, this raises the question – how effective are they and how do you measure this effectiveness? Is the number of views a good indicator? Are these videos as good as they can be?

’ve been involved with helping digital single-lens reflex camera, or I to produce videos in various DSLR. These are the traditional still roles over the years, and it photography cameras that have been has become easier than ever with the around for years, but they are now explosive growth of smartphones, but building them with video capabilities this could also be creating a bigger as well. problem – 1.1 million fire safety videos. Probably the biggest differentiator So, you want to make a video, or between them is the capabilities when maybe you want to make your videos it comes to focus, depth of field, lens better, how do you go about it? There are types, white balance and all of those Image courtesy of Ed Comeau

some pretty simple things you can do. other buzzwords associated with video 7 production. There are apps that help Camera emulate these on a smartphone, and Sound categories of lights we’re looking at here,  In a studio setup, having a set of three Ed Comeau The resolution on today’s smartphones is you can get clip-on lenses for telephoto Some say that any video is 50% visual and artificial and natural (also known as The lights gives you a lot of flexibility and improves remarkable and they may very easily be or wide angle to help enhance the 50% sound, but I would say that it is more Sun). You don’t have as much control over the look of your production significantly. all you need. The other possibility is a smartphone’s capabilities. A DSLR has like 25% visual and 75% sound. Think of natural light, but you can do things such these features built in, and while it is any clip you have watched with poor video as move your subject, move yourself, use and you play it back, you now have a very A shotgun microphone, whether it is on a boom possible to use the camera on full auto but good sound, the mind is good at filling reflectors or block the sun. Certainly, if you narrow video with black bars on each side Ed Comeau is a technical pole or on top of the camera, will help improve your mode and get right to shooting, I would in the blanks for poor video. But, if it has are on an incident, you have no choice and on your television or computer. You see writer focusing on fire sound. Feeding it into an external recorder, such as really encourage you to learn how to use poor audio, most people will just click out will have to make the best of the situation. a lot above and below your subject when safety and digital a Zoom H1n or H4n will make it even better. all of these features in manual mode. of it and move on. Artificial lights can be lights in the there was probably a lot more happening communications through Sound is REALLY important, and no apparatus bay, clamp lights that you get at to the left and right, and you are going to his company, writer-tech. matter which smartphone or DSLR you a home improvement store, floodlights or have to pan more to capture it. com. He is a former chief fire choose, it is going to be terrible at capturing specialized lights for video production. investigator for the National sound, there are no two ways about it. Rule of Thirds Fire Protection Association They are just not designed to do it. Techniques The Rule of Thirds is key to helping you and was a fire protection There are a few workarounds. The first is No matter what camera you are using, compose your shot. Imagine dividing your engineer for the Phoenix you can have an external microphone that you can make your video so much better screen into nine rectangles, or a tic-tac- ’s Special feeds into the camera, such as a lavaliere by using some of these standard, tried- toe board. Where the four lines intersect Operations and Training or shotgun microphone. In both cases, and-tested techniques. Remember, the are points where you want to position your Division where he helped however, you don’t have much control goal is to get people to want to watch your subject, whether it is an interview or a fire develop training programs over the signal coming in and, depending videos, and shaky, poorly composed video scene, to create a more dynamic image. in hazardous materials, on your setup, you might not be able to that zooms in and out is just going to look It’s also important to have your subject technical rescue and recruit monitor the sound through headphones amateurish and not engage the viewer. looking into what is called the “lead training. He was a fire (and always use headphones, not ear space,” or in other words, into the longer fighter with the Amherst buds!). A microphone going into an external Hold Your Camera Horizontally. portion of the frame. Why? Just trying Fire Department while recorder is an ideal situation, this gives This is probably the most basic rule, doing it the other way, and you’ll see receiving his degree in you a lot more control over the sound, and one that is most universally violated why in a second. Civil Engineering from as well as the capability to monitor it. (and I am raising my hand, guilty the University of as charged). Why? Stabilize your video Massachusetts-Amherst. Lights First, think about your eyes…are You want to try and keep your footage as He can be reached at Remember, if people can’t see what you are they placed next to one another or above stable as possible. Shaky, unstable video [email protected]. recording, it is then called “radio,” and that each other? Second, when you take a will cause the viewer to click away. If you Image courtesy of Ed Comeau

7 is why lights are important. There are two video with your camera held vertically, are handheld, brace your elbows against

68 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 69 TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION SEE THE CLARITY. Images courtesy of Ed Comeau Ed courtesy of Images

7

Your viewfinder probably it. If people are dropping out 15 seconds has a feature where it will into your 2-minute video, then it’s time to divide it into nine rectangles. look at how it was laid out and fix it for the You should position your next time. subject, or the action, on one of All of the social media platforms are these four intersection points. making video more seamless than ever before, and if you are shooting on a  Stabilizing your shot is key mobile, you can edit and upload directly to making your production into a tweet or a Facebook post. While you look more professional. can link to a YouTube video from within A tripod is best, but even Facebook, it’s not quite as seamless; using the hood of a car can they want you to upload your videos from be a good fix in the field. within Facebook. Facebook’s analytics aren’t quite as robust as YouTube, but your body, not out at arms length where in, it is often better to “zoom with your you still get what are called “Insights” your arms are quickly going to get tired. feet” or, in other words, move closer to the on video traffic, and you can’t argue with Rest the camera, your elbows, or your action, especially with a smartphone. The the visibility that your video will get on body on something, such as a wall or the digital zooms on smartphones sacrifice a platform like Facebook. THERMAL IMAGERS hood of a car. image quality to get that closer look. I have learned most of what I know A tripod is a vital piece of equipment. from others on YouTube, and I have been A DSLR has a screw mount on its base Getting Seen posting a series of short tutorial videos on to attach to a tripod, but you will have to I use YouTube as my video library. Once my YouTube channel (www.tinyurl.com/ UPGRADE TRADE-IN 5-YEAR get an adapter for your smartphone, and I upload videos, I then have the ability to writerdashtech) that may be helpful. I also these are easily found online and are an send them as a link in an email, embed have links on there to these other channels Upgrade your WARRANTY invaluable investment. You can start out them on a website or share them on where I have learned a ton of information. Get credit for with an inexpensive tripod and move up Twitter. You never, ever, want to send a I love hearing from people that are Bullard฀ TI at an trading in Bullard 5-year full because you will find a hundred uses for video file as an email attachment because doing video work, so feel to drop me a an old tripod, trust me. they are so large it eats into bandwidth, note at [email protected] and affordable price and other TIs TI warranty and think of the poor person trying to let’s talk about what you’re doing. Zoom and movement download it on their mobile. As with anything, the best way to Zooming in and out, panning the camera Another advantage to hosting on learn is by doing, so write, shoot, edit left, right, up and down – avoid it because YouTube is analytics. You get incredibly – then repeat! this is something that will drive your useful information on how many people For more information, go to Learn more at viewers crazy and it often doesn’t add are watching your video and, more  much to the video. If you do have to zoom importantly, how long they are watching www.writer-tech.com www.bullard.com/xfactor

70 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com PUBLIC SAFETY PUBLIC SAFETY The wisdom of a crowd: warnings of the future Our approach to warning communities of an emergency has transformed rapidly over the last decade. A little bit further back, say 15 years ago, we were only just beginning to consider how we might use the internet to share public information about emergencies. Traditional broadcast media channels were our primary modes of public communication and even then, the focus was much less about warnings and much more about how many trucks we had on scene.

nternet ready mobile devices Since then, not just technology I were still a thing of the future, but our thinking and policy on the and sharing of images or maps responsibility of emergency services rarely occurred due to the time and to more effectively warn communities effort required to produce these, and the has matured significantly. capacity of our dial-up modems to receive In 2016 the management and them. Google was but a babe, and online provision of public information, as it mapping services were still many years is now known, is an essential priority away. Facebook, Twitter and their many activity across all Australian emergency Images courtesy of cubegroup.com.au cubegroup.com.au courtesy of Images

sharing platform peers were still a dream. services. Officially recognised in the 7 For many communities, the local fire Australasian Inter-Service Incident brigade’s was the only real ‘warning Management System (AIIMS), many and including specific information and In a report released by the Rockefeller  As bushfires continue to increase in their frequency system’ and a text message would organisations now list warning advice to help people take safe action. Foundation this year on public health and severity, the provision of effective warnings has Deb Symons have arrived on a piece of paper. communities as the first priority A range of related research has explored communication, Dr. Barbara Reynolds, become a critical capability for emergency services. of an incident manager. issues such as risk perception, warning senior advisor for crisis and risk  Traditional channels of communication Public information practice has fatigue, decision-making and motivation communication at the (US based)  The 2014 National Review of Warnings and during an emergency remain important, but we advanced to understand the importance to act. All of this is thoroughly interesting, Centers for Disease Control and Information included key recommendations on are learning more about how to connect with of targeted and timely messages, but let’s look at some of the next Prevention summed up an effective improving the use of social media and providing people using digital and social media channels. delivered across multiple channels, frontier ideas. warning thus: “The right message more spatial and visual content. at the right time from the right Let it go: Embrace the crowd person can save lives. When One of the more challenging aspects we don’t have these three of contemporary public information is things together, people die.” the growing capability and trend for We are advancing well when community members to not only it comes to building the right receive warnings, but to share and message and issuing timely Deb Symons is a Partner discuss warnings, or even write their warnings (although there is always with Cube Group. Deb has own warnings. Sacré bleu! more to be done). It is the ‘from worked in the emergency Traditionalists panic as this is far the right person’ element that management and public from a standard command and control we need to think more deeply safety sector for more than scenario. ‘But they could be wrong! about. Research reveals that an 15 years leading local, state But they’ve left out the important detail authoritative or official source is and national initiatives. we had provided!’ ‘But their warning not necessarily the ‘right’ person She has particular will fall out of date!’ Yes, yes and yes. to inspire action. At least not on interests in multi-agency Look at the positives though. People its own. Professor Douglas Paton collaboration and team are actively engaging in connecting with of the University of Tasmania has dynamics, volunteerism, their community and building disaster argued for example, that trust warnings and risk resilience, they are taking on a shared in the source of information has communication, community responsibility for safety, and they are greater importance and impact engagement, and achieving potentially reaching and influencing on people deciding to take public value outcomes. people who are not connected to (or action, than the content of Image courtesy of cubegroup.com.au cubegroup.com.au courtesy of Image

7 listening to) official channels. the warning itself.

72 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 73 PUBLIC SAFETY

so different in 2016 when it comes to sharing spatial information? By 2020, emergency warnings will almost certainly be underpinned by spatial information, mapping and visual cues for communities. The question is whether emergency services champion this work or whether others take the lead in lieu of them.

A two-way street The 2014 National Review of Warnings and Information acknowledged the challenge that many emergency service organisations face in resourcing social media channels and responding to questions and discussions during an emergency, with some being completely overwhelmed Image courtesy of cubegroup.com.au cubegroup.com.au courtesy of Image

7 during large events. Indeed, a small number of organisations remain reluctant  Figure 1: At left an official severe weather warning is provided. At right, a local to use social media for this specific reason. radio station has tailored its own weather warning on Facebook, drawing from and The need to engage in two-way information linking to the same official sources, but with less detail and a more informal tone. exchange is real. As the Victorian Country Fire Authority’s Martin Anderson has Post-incident analysis across a range therein lies the opportunity. How might said, “Using social media as an outbound of hazards has revealed that householders emergency services create content only channel is the equivalent of phoning are influenced by how their neighbours that is easily and well shared? Figure 1 someone to tell them an important piece are responding. Analysis of social media provides an example of an official warning of information and then hanging up as activity in an emergency highlights that repackaged (in this case by a media outlet) soon as they asked a question”. messages shared or authored by individual on their Facebook page. It highlights the The need to innovate and once again, citizens and media organisations often transformation of a detailed warning to trust in the crowd, is paramount. The use capture more attention than official to a short, more informal and more of trained social media monitors, a network Two Gradall FA models now available emergency services messages. In this visual message. of volunteers or virtual operations support context then, a parent, a local community teams (VOST) to assist in living within, Gradall industries is introducing a second Fire leader, a media personality or a friend may Withholding the (spatial) detail filtering and fielding online conversations Apparatus system, enabling fi refi ghters to extend their be the ‘right’ person. Frustrating as this “They must know where the actual fire is. continues to grow. There are challenges reach even further to higher roofs or through walls may be to some, we need to acknowledge Why don’t they show us a map with more around training, authority, managing mis- and windows. FA Systems enable fi refi ghters to drown the power of the crowd as a strength and than a ‘pin point’ on it?” (Participant in information, and trust, but like all that have dangerous fi res with water or foam, all with remote to better capitalise upon this strength. 2014 National Review of Warnings and passed before, they can be overcome. controls that can reduce the chance for injury. Information research by Ipsos) Surely not being part of the conversation Tapping into influencers Yes, they are onto us, and community presents greater risks. FA 70: Reach over 20 meters, up to the roofs In an emergency we can count on a surge expectations continue to rise. Sharing of The next frontier for Public Information on six- or seven-story buildings. of social media activity. A number of spatial information with the public during and the issue of warnings during FA 50: Reach over 15 meters, attacking researchers have studied these surges, emergencies is still rudimentary, and yet emergencies will embrace crowd-sourced fi res in buildings up to fi ve stories in height. painstakingly categorising the nature of there is increasing access to sophisticated and crowd-shared activity. Information the activity and tracing the source and spatial information and modelling to inform will be more visual and easily shared by Both Gradall FA models use a rugged telescoping, use of information as it is shared rapidly response strategies. Why don’t we share it? others, and emergency services will have tilting boom and a stainless steel piercing head to across networks. One of the interesting Reasoning ranges from ‘it is too complex’ strong, virtual networks of volunteers smash through wood, masonry or concrete. Fires can concepts arising from this research is that to ‘the modelling doesn’t provide certainty’. and known influencers. As a final note, it be accessed in a fraction of the time required to use of ‘influencers’. Influencers feel motivated In 2002 a similar debate raged in Victoria is important to say that development of conventional methods. to get involved in sharing information about about whether to share incident information social and digital media channels is by no an emergency for a range of reasons and with the public. Opponents argued that means the only area for advancement in can quickly emerge as integral sharing the information might be incomplete or Public Information management. But it is See the Gradall FA in action points across an extensive network. incorrect, and that it may confuse people. an important area, and the pace of change Importantly, they don’t necessarily Advocates argued that information, with the and increasing community expectations create original content but tend to right consideration for format and context, demand our attention. repackage and share existing content. would empower communities to make www.www.gradallFAgradallFA.com.com What do they share? Why do they better decisions. The advocates on this For more information, go to repackage? We have more to learn but occasion, won the debate. Is the argument  www.cubegroup.com.au FIRE APPARATUS [email protected] 001-1-330-339-2211

74 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com ORGANISATION UPDATE ORGANISATION UPDATE 20 Years of innovation at the Pacific Disaster Center Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) is a U.S.-based program with its headquarters on the island of Maui, Hawaii, which is dedicated to saving lives and securing developmental progress by fostering disaster resilience in countries and their communities around the globe.

he Center achieves those The development of PDC T goals through innovative risk PDC was created, at least in part, in assessment applications response to Hurricane Iniki, which is and multi-hazard disaster monitoring, widely described as the most powerful early warning, and decision support hurricane ever to strike the Hawaiian systems. PDC’s flagship technology islands. Despite Central Pacific Hurricane is DisasterAWARE, which is in use by Center predictions that Iniki would stay more than 1.6 million people worldwide, well south of the islands, it veered off Image courtesy of the Pacific Disaster Center

including nearly 10,000 disaster the forecast path, heavily impacting the 7 management professionals. The Center island of Kauai on September 11, 1992, has actively worked with civilian and doing nearly $2 billion in damage. For toward a safer and more secure world. technology to bear on challenging disaster  Staff at the emergency operations center military authorities who have hazard- and almost three-and-a-half years after that, To that end, the Center addresses management problems. of Indonesia’s national disaster management disaster-related responsibilities in more Hawaii’s senior U.S. Senator Daniel K. the related needs of decision makers, United Nations agencies, national agency, BNPB, monitoring hazards in InAWARE, Chris Chiesa than 60 countries, and that number is Inouye worked to repurpose space- policy authorities, planners, disaster governments, relief organizations, and a custom iteration of PDC’s DisasterAWARE. growing rapidly. PDC, now in its twenty- based imagery libraries, systems of near management professionals, and the humanitarian assistance workers around first year, has been managed by the real-time satellite observation, and other general public by employing information the world make use of the Center’s University of Hawaii since 2006. related technologies to meet the needs of and communications technology, products and services, and have done so changing in response to both needs disaster managers. He wanted to create an analytical science, applied research, for more than 20 years. Those products and possibilities and evolving to use the organization that could find ways to apply capacity building, and the open exchange and services result from PDC’s broad newest concepts, models, software, and cutting-edge technology to saving lives. of information. view and positive approach to disaster services. Currently, the leading edge  Bangkok-based PDC Southeast Asia Program The result was the Pacific Disaster Center. PDC specialists have developed management, supported by an emphasis in this continuum of technology is the Advisor Victoria Leat, left, presenting a training- Since opening in 1996, PDC has generations of multi-hazard monitoring, on mitigation and preparedness, reducing DisasterAWARE platform, a fully integrated, of-trainers in Manila, Philippines, for Philippine been working with a worldwide network warning, and decision support tools to the demands of response and recovery. multi-hazard decision support, information Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF). of clients and partners to take steps facilitate critical information sharing, Every item in the PDC toolbox is intended exchange, and early warning system. supporting effective actions throughout to assist in safeguarding lives, property, Systems powered by DisasterAWARE have the disaster management cycle of livelihoods, and economic development. been developed in versions detailed to mitigation, preparedness, response, and support users in any situation. recovery. PDC also conducts advanced Early warning For the general public, there is risk assessments that integrate hazard and decision support Disaster Alert, a free-download app for exposure with socio-economic factors For more than 20 years, PDC has been iOS and Android devices, as well as the to define vulnerability and resilience, so leveraging emerging technology and Global Hazards Atlas on www.PDC.org. the disproportionate impact of events pursuing innovative means of providing the Additionally, password-protected versions on various populations can be better most detailed information about the widest of DisasterAWARE are in use by disaster understood, and then mitigated through range of hazards to as many stakeholders managers, national governments, regional improved preparedness and better- as possible. Naturally, the development of intergovernmental organizations, and informed planning processes. the World Wide Web in the early 1990s was others. Many thousands of these users rely As climate change drives many vitally important, and the NCSA Mosaic on the Emergency Operations (EMOPS) aspects of environment and the browser released in 1993 – while PDC iteration of DisasterAWARE, which provides weather to increasingly dangerous was being defined and initiated – made it additional functionality and data resources extremes, surging populations and possible to offer web-based hazard and for disaster management professionals. rapid urbanization place an increasing disaster information via the internet. In fact, EMOPS is a highly effective global number of people in harm’s way, exposed several months before officially opening solution to the need for a common to natural, technological, and human- the Center, PDC analysts and developers operating picture and near real-time Chris Chiesa is Deputy caused hazards. So, PDC is very much began doing that, and it is still the core information/information sharing when Executive Director for PDC. needed, and is required to be a constant activity more than 20 years later. hazards appear. In some situations, Image courtesy of the Pacific Disaster Center

7 innovator, bringing emerging science and PDC products and services are always however, there is a need to include

76 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 77 ORGANISATION UPDATE Image courtesy of the Pacific Disaster Center

7

DisasterAWARE Emergency Operations ■ TEISEN’S arge iameter oses  PDC experts support their partners Strategic Advisory Services. Subject TEISEN’S LLargeDDiameterHHoses (EMOPS) system on 11 July 2016 using a Google with vital professional services matter experts at PDC have worked Hybrid basemap centered on the Pacific and ■ Hazard Modeling and Visualization. with disaster managers in more than Made in Japan ! displaying layers visualizing Earthquakes, PDC experts employ a suite of modeling 60 countries. They have seen the ーー Made in Japan ! Tropical Cyclones, and PDC Active Hazards. and visualization tools to characterize problems faced by governments and assess hazard exposure and and agencies in establishing right- Introduction potential disaster impacts. While many sized, end-user-sensitive disaster model outputs are published within management solutions, so they are TEISEN produced its first firefighting hose in 1903, and other data such as those from national DisasterAWARE, other modeling and ready to assist in scaling best-practices since then, it has been the most experienced and largest hydrological and meteorological agencies, visualization activities are undertaken to to fit needs and to help develop firefighting hose manufacturer in Japan. or to alter hazard severity and warning supply exercise scenarios or to help in roadmaps for their implementation. Super Line Large Diameter Hoses dissemination rules, or to more narrowly- mitigation and preparedness actions. TEISEN offers the Super Line LDH with a diameter of up define the decision making community. ■ Risk and Vulnerability Assessments PDC outcomes are achieved through to 300mm. Super Line LDH is manufactured using a For these and various other reasons, (RVA). Multi-hazard assessments help working partnerships. Specialists at one-piece construction method, extruding the cover and custom versions of DisasterAWARE to pinpoint factors that contribute to the Center work with stakeholders to lining in one step, with polyurethane through a polyester are appropriate for some. risk and vulnerability – potential understand gaps and needs, collaborate jacket. Each customized DisasterAWARE losses – and identify areas where more with a broad range of data providers allows that specific disaster management investment may be needed, perhaps to gather information, and partner with Features community to support the decision populations with special needs or academics, scientists, and technologists ●Minimized pressure loss making process before, during, and after places where coping capacity needs to develop and implement solutions. ●Compact storage through a new kind of rubber-like, disasters. Customized adaptations of to be enhanced. Further, RVA allows PDC knows that both the needs and the polyurethane material DisasterAWARE that have been deployed authorities to more effectively choose resources – people, data, and finances ●Available in long lengths to-date include DisasterAWARE for NDWC among potential mitigation strategies – are specific to each place and situation. ●Excellent resistance to heat, fuel, chemicals, UV, ozone, Thailand (2006); VinAWARE for Vietnam the ones that will be most effective for So, the Center cannot possibly hope for weathering, etc. (2011); Disaster Monitoring and Response the specific time, place, and resources. better partners in establishing disaster System (DMRS) for ASEAN at the AHA ■ Capacity Building through Training and management best-practices for any mm 100 150 200 250 300 Centre (2012); and InAWARE for Indonesia Exercises. From full-scale, professional- place than the people who call that Diameter inch 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 (2014). New instantiations under level courses of study to single-subject place “home.” Color orange orange orange black black development include systems for Nepal lectures and demonstrations; from This commitment to the special Wall thickness mm 3.5 3.5 4.0 4.6 5.0 and The Philippines, with others for Latin foundational knowledge to last- circumstances of stakeholders has led America under consideration. Generally, step “training of trainers,” PDC is an to the development of a worldwide Weight kg/m 1.1 1.6 2.8 4.0 4.8 these custom deployments include both experienced and proficient training network of friends who have become Burst pressure MPa 4.2 4.4 3.6 3.0 2.8 hazard and baseline data from relevant resource. PDC experts also routinely part of PDC’s permanent and ongoing Maximum working pressure MPa 1.6 1.6 1.4 1.4 1.4 national agencies, and localization support tabletop exercises, field knowledge exchange. Temperature range ℃ -20℃～50℃ of the user interface to support early training exercises, and command post warning, disaster relief, and humanitarian exercises, often using simulations that For more information, go to assistance missions. are presented through DisasterAWARE.  www.PDC.org 7F-Yanagiya-Bild, 1-10, 2-chome, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0027, Japan TEL:（81）3-3281-3031 FAX:（81）3-3274-6397 E-mail: [email protected] URL: http://www.teisen.co.jp 78 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com Conventional vs addressable fire alarm systems When it comes to fire alarm systems, the main concern that building owners and managers have is creating a safe environment, occupant safety, property protection and code compliance. When there is a fire breakout, the first thing that owners and managers want to know is the location of the fire so that they can take immediate action and ensure safe evacuation of occupants and reduce risks to assets.

oday, most conventional fire and notifying first responders. The latest T alarm systems fulfil these tasks innovations in addressable notification to a degree, but are limited in help with more efficient, effective and safer terms of their flexibility, programmability evacuation. Combined with addressable and level of control provided. Generally, initiation, this enables system designers to there are two parts to a fire detection design a detection solution that overcomes system – initiation and notification. the specific requirements of each building. With regards to initiation functionality, An example of the latest innovations conventional systems will only be able to in addressable fire alarm notification indicate the zone or area of the fire, but systems is the Tyco SIMPLEX TrueAlert not the exact location. This affects the ES addressable speakers – the fire alarm ability of the firefighting team to quickly industry’s first addressable notification TrueAlert ES speakers address the fire hazard and may hamper appliance with on/off audio control. It Peter Ryan the evacuation process. Whereas an allows users to select individual speakers The new sound of safety. addressable initiation system is capable to broadcast unique audio messages, of detecting the exact location of the fire providing unprecedented flexibility and control over emergency messaging and Addressable fire alarm speakers response. As part of the TrueAlert ES series offer a solution that is flexible, reliable, of notification appliances, they also have cost-effective and highly scalable. revolutionary self-test capabilities that can The benefits are loud and clear. SIMPLEX TrueAlert ES speakers are the industry’s first notification appliances with addressable audio. The speakers feature a clean appearance, excellent sound quality and combined fire alarm and PA capability that reduces ceiling clutter. They offer the same design Peter Ryan is the Senior Commercialization and wiring flexibility as all our TrueAlert ES addressable solutions. Manger for Simplex Products. You’ll benefit from easier testing and maintenance — with less In this global role, Peter champions the sale of interruption to patients and staff—and the ability to program Simplex brand fire detection different announcements for different areas of your facility. products. His responsibilities include leading new product implementation projects, How does that sound? development of marketing materials, and gathering voice of the customer information to support the development of new Simplex Copyright © 2016 Tyco Fire Products LP. All rights reserved. products and services. Images courtesy of Tyco courtesy of Images All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 7

Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 81 ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION

help reduce business disruption, as well T-Tapped and designed to as be cost and time efficient. Additionally, go further and use wire  The next generation the speakers have been redesigned with more efficiently. This of addressable speakers enhanced aesthetics to fit into modern gives engineers more are aesthetically designed office interiors, whilst providing clear freedom and makes it to fit into modern and crisp sound quality, which makes less likely that they office interiors. it possible to be used for daily functions will encounter design and background music. roadblocks. When put together, addressable Targeted messaging for fire alarm speakers offer enhanced emergency a solution that is flexible, communications and response reliable, cost-effective and Addressable speakers have the capability highly scalable, enabling the to deliver audio messages to specifically system to grow and expand targeted areas within a building. Each audio as buildings change and unit has its own address on the fire alarm life-safety needs evolve. Innovation, system and is supervised by a fire alarm panel. As a result, the fire alarm panel can Less disruptive be programmed to select the speaker, or fire alarm testing integrity group of speakers, for broadcasting – and Self-testing can reduce business what message will be played on them – disruption and provide significant time during an emergency. This targeted audio and cost savings, particularly in large and trust. paging capability enables the delivery of buildings where notification appliance critical, event-specific information exactly testing can be challenging and time the life of the system. The flexible wiring where it’s needed. consuming. With self-testing systems, architecture, combined with greater Innovation through experience In the case of a small isolated event, work that used to take hours or even days power efficiency, means less wiring is is at the forefront of what we do. an individual speaker can be activated to can now be done in a fraction of the time. needed and devices can be installed with deliver a message in that specific area, Addressable speakers offer appliance smaller gauge, unshielded wire. With over 35 years global fire detection without potential disruption to the rest of self-testing capability as well as advanced Addressable notification systems experience in the design and manufacture of the building. For example, if the smoke programming and reporting features. operate at lower current draws, meaning innovative fire detection devices, Apollo Fire detector in the kitchen of an apartment in The self-test process takes just seconds that they can significantly increase wiring Detectors are committed to producing trusted a multi-story residential tower activates, to complete. Plus, it can be initiated distances and potentially allow more and reliable products. only the speaker in that apartment will be manually or programmed via the fire alarm devices to be connected per circuit. Products are designed, built and tested to the triggered. If additional smoke detectors control panel to run automatically at a Costs may also be reduced because highest British and international standards so activate then the speakers for the entire convenient time, eliminating the burden fewer power supplies, notification you can rely upon Apollo fire detection products floor can be put into action. of after-hours testing. If a device fails the appliance circuit cabinets and back-up to protect lives and property worldwide. In broader emergency situations, test, it will be specifically identified at the batteries are typically needed over the groups of speakers can be used to panel, simplifying service and repairs. This lifetime of the system. deliver evacuation instructions for specific self-testing process meets the testing, parts of the building, based on the nature inspection and maintenance requirements The future of fire of the situation. Because audio messages specified in NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm alarm notification are directed by programming rather than and Signaling Code. While conventional fire alarm systems www.apollo-fire.co.uk wire runs, addressable speakers are able This type of notification appliance may alert you on the area of the fire to offer customers flexibility and total self-testing has especially big benefits outbreak, they don’t provide the control over the area that they want the in environments that are constantly advanced features of addressable message to be broadcasted. occupied. For example, hospitals must fire alarm systems and can cause adhere to the same fire protection codes disruption to the occupants of a building. Making it easier and as other buildings, while simultaneously Home to some of the fastest growing simpler for designers minimising disruption to help ensure cities in the world, building managers and electrical contractors patient comfort and safety. Faster, less and owners in Asia Pacific should rely With conventional notification, wiring is intrusive testing helps these facilities to on the latest technology to provide restrictive and rather inflexible, making maintain code compliance with minimal next generation precision in locating it difficult to design systems that are interruption to patients and staff. fires, at the same time improving time efficient, cost-effective and readily and cost effectiveness from installation expandable. Addressable speakers (and Lower cost of system and operation to the maintenance of other addressable notification appliances), installation and ownership the system. in comparison, are far easier for designers Addressable notification technology to work with. When laying out a system can lower the cost of For more information, go to with addressable devices, circuits can be installation and the cost of ownership over  www.tycofp.com

82 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com CONTINGENCY PLANNING CONTINGENCY PLANNING

 Peatfire under strong winds Integrated fire management and – Riau, Indonesia 2016.

communities and properly engage them in community based fire management fire management within the IFM framework. The underpinning principles of CBFiM were established in 2001 and have Over the last ten years, evidence and results of Community Based Fire Management since been tested and further refined with documented examples in tropical, (CBFiM) from different regions of the globe has led to a paradigm shift to approaches temperate and savannah climatic in fire risk management. This shift has focused on better equipping people and agencies environments. These principles are: with knowledge and skills to manage fire with perceived benefits to communities that ■ Fire Management should provide a focus on people and organising them are developing alternatives to managing landscapes with and without fires. to facilitate fire management, not on equipment or legal constructs. ■ Fire Management requires a sense of closer look at the principles of comprehensive approach. Yet, despite ownership with people to play an active A CBFiM and implementation of numerous case studies and synthesis role. Absence of a sense of ownership these in South East Asia shows documents, the implementation of both erodes interest and motivation to play Image courtesy of Brett Shields

a consistent gap between these original CBFiM and/or IFM on the ground has an active role. 7 outcomes being achieved. Effective CBFiM failed to recognise and understand that ■ Fire Management can be adapted to and Integrated Fire Management (IFM) fire management cannot fully be use local and indigenous knowledge, Savannahs constitute one of the most fire dry season burning practices can reduce requires a balanced approach between shouldered by one party or other, nor taking caution to ensure that the prone ecosystems on earth and contribute greenhouse gas emissions by more than the participating community, government should it be viewed in isolation of other adaptations can fit within a rapidly significant greenhouse gas emissions 30 percent compared to late season wild agencies and private companies to draw natural resource management efforts. A evolving environment. globally, yet relatively little attention has fires. These efforts are also supporting together the strengths of each group. balanced approach between communities, ■ Fire Management benefits from a been given to them. Despite the minimal biodiversity from destructive This integrated approach is reflected in government and private sector must be focus on prevention actions over attention given, savannahs are a biome and creating meaningful employment the Fire Management Voluntary Guidelines sought and worked upon to achieve a suppression actions, and it is recognised with globally significant mitigation potential. and income opportunities for Indigenous published by FAO in 2006. Ideally, this sustainable long term approach. that communities tend to facilitate a In Northern Australia, the International communities in remote settings. Dr. David J. Ganz approach would lead to landscape-scale IFM is akin to the now popular stronger focus on prevention actions Savannah Fire Management Initiative has With its focus on traditional knowledge fire management or integrated natural Landscape Approach to land and natural in preference to suppression actions. worked to explore further this potential and the use of robust methodologies resource management, integrating fire resource management, and is aimed at This is a reflection of human nature to by linking to an emissions abatement to quantify emission reductions, this as a vital component of a larger more larger landscapes. CBFiM is a small part tend toward avoidance damage. program with a direct buyer of carbon is the type of emission reductions that of the IFM wider coverage, and can be ■ Fire Management benefits from a offsets. The International Savannah Fire  Local fire fighter mopping up thought of as a nested set of principles and balanced approach between the Management Initiative has shown that the  Haze in Palangkaraya, fire – South Sumatra, Indonesia 2015. tools that can be used to better work with community, private sector, and strategic reintroduction of traditional, early Central Kalimantan, Indonesia 2015. government agencies participating to draw together the strengths of each group.

Evidence and results of CBFiM implementation in different regions of the globe is invigorating efforts to better equip people and agencies with the knowledge Brett Shields and skills to manage fire. To date, CBFiM has been perceived to offer the greatest benefits to communities, private sector and government agencies that are within developing countries. However a closer look at the principles of CBFiM and IFM adaptation of these principles in developed Dr. David J. Ganz is Chief of regions will likely achieve substantial Party, SERVIR-Mekong, Asian Disaster Preparedness Center. positive benefits as well, including for climate change adaptation. Brett Shields is Director For instance, in Northern Australia, Asia Pacific, Spatial savannah ecosystems are now providing Informatics Group. a model of CBFiM and IFM that has global Image courtesy of Brett Shields Image courtesy of Brett Shields

7 significance and climate change mitigation. 7

84 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 85 CONTINGENCY PLANNING

 Understory prescribed fire by local communities in evergreen forest, Chiang Mai, Thailand 2015.

valued. However, there is little evidence that community engagement ensures community empowerment in the context of land use management. In fact, there is no clear, common understanding of ®® community engagement related to land TheThe newnew Dual-AirDual-Air X-TorqX-Torq intakeintake engineengine technologytechnology significantlysignificantly improvesimproves overalloverall use management. Of note, in developed cuttingcutting performance and meets all Air Quality Control standards at thethe samesame time.time. countries, if CBFiM requires government involvement, it will require considerable resources and training within the MULTI-CUT® Fire Rescue Saw organizations and communities involved New 2100 Series includes two engine sizes: 70.7cc and 87.9cc. for effective implementation. Each engine is designed for use with Cutters Edge Carbide Over the past thirty years, the Tipped BULLET Chain® to cut the widest range of frequency and intensity of fires in South materials found at fireground and rescue scenes East Asia has increased. Additionally, haze from forest fires often results in Image courtesy of David Ganz

7 significant increases in respiratory CE94 Concrete Cutting Rescue Chainsaw conditions, lung function complaints and A new technology 94cc engine and a new style Diamond chain lends itself to Reducing Emissions from This example from Northern Australia other related impacts. Whenever adverse cuts reinforced concrete up to 16-inches thick. Deforestation and Degradation and Forest demonstrates that the nature of the fire weather conditions persist, it is Features a lighter weight power head and full-wrap handle Conservation (REDD+). As with REDD+, implementation of CBFiM is dynamic. The almost a foregone conclusion that severe for high performance concrete cutting in any position. the conditions required to establish CBFiM definition should also be dynamic until the air pollution and haze events, induced and/or IFM projects are not unique to concept matures, and the breadth of work by fire-associated smoke, will ensue in Australia, given the similar landscapes on and experience in CBFiM enables a South East Asia and elsewhere. Fire, and histories of traditional use of fire static, certain definition to be developed. forestry and climate change professionals ® among savannah landscapes around the The identification and analysis of CBFiM to need to be looking for solutions to MULTI-CUT H Series Rotary Rescue Saw world, including across Australia, Asia, date has been in the context of developing these problems beyond conventional New H Series is engineered and powered to work harder and operate the Mediterranean, Southern Africa and and emerging nations. In South East fire management approaches. National longer in the most extreme fire and rescue conditions anywhere. South America. The aim of the International Asia, the identification of cases and best and community-based solutions are The new technology engine is available in three sizes: 74cc, 94cc and Savannah Fire Management Initiative has practices has been limited to Vietnam, needed, especially those solutions that 119cc. The Cutters Edge Black Star and Black Diamond Blades offer three main elements: Laos, Indonesia and recently emerging in engage local communities and NGOs long cutting life and high speed cutting of virtually all materials. Myanmar. Most of these cases are nearing and other stakeholders who are critical to a) Raising awareness of the Australian over decade old and deserve a revisit the success of such community-based experience internationally; against these baseline assessments. approaches. b) Developing a knowledge base to create Obviously, there are some key differences There is a need to apply a Landscape BULLETBLADE a better understanding of the potential of between their circumstances and those of Approach wherein all fires; regardless What sets the BULLETBLADE® apart is that it can be sharpened emissions abatement fire management developed nations. of its purpose (agriculture, land clearing) and repaired. The new carbide-tipped BULLETBLADE® in fire dependent landscapes globally, In developing countries, the roles of are managed in an integrated manner will cut any material any other carbide-tipped blade can cut … including through regional feasibility government and private companies and that takes into consideration the needs of and more! assessments in key savannah regions. the types of land-use activities differ nature and people. The reality of utilising These assessments would explore from those in developed countries. The a landscape IFM and a nested set of where fire management that draws definition of “community” (“living in a CBFiM principles to fire management from traditional knowledge and applies particular locality” or a “community is beginning to take hold. Early case emissions abatement methodologies of interest”) is essentially different in examples have been developed in would be scientifically applicable, as developed countries. In developing Myanmar and these principles are International Contact: well as the preconditions that would countries, land-use activities are more rapidly evolving today in Indonesia. need to be in place for governments often tied to personal livelihood and Land managers of all persuasions can Tel: +1 541 524-9999 FAX: +1 541 524 9996 and communities to initiate emission existence, with no other choices available. adopt the Landscape Approach and, abatement fire management projects; Recent examples of IFM and linked when considering fire, adopt the IFM and Email: [email protected] c) Linking interested communities community engagement in developed nested CBFiM principles to substantively www.cuttersedge.com and governments with international countries could be seen as an element of link government, private and community experts, raising awareness amongst CBFiM, as the community is increasingly actors in a meaningful manner. the international policy and donor invited to participate in fire management community and exploring demand decision-making, and the importance of For more information, go to side dynamics. local knowledge is being recognised and  www.adpc.net

86 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com SPOT FIRES SPOT FIRES The effects of turbulent plume dynamics on long-range spotting Spotting is a hazardous phenomenon which leads to unpredictable fire behaviour and accelerated fire spread. Spot fires occur when embers are launched by bushfire plumes into the background wind, which then carries the embers a significant distance from the fire front. If the embers land in a suitable fuel bed and are still burning a spot fire may be ignited. Image courtesy of Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC Hazards Natural and Bushfire of courtesy Image

he magnitude of the problem is Methodology 7 T illustrated by Cruz et al. (2012), We use a two-stage modelling approach who provide evidence of long- to calculate the landing positions of  Figure 1. Vertical cross-sections of the mean (left) vortex pair, and are then spread out plumes in Figure 1. The counter-rotating range spotting in excess of 30 km during potential firebrands launched by bushfire and instantaneous (right) vertical velocity, m s–1, further laterally as they reach the turbulent vortex pair and upper-level turbulence of the Black Saturday bushfires of February plumes. Firstly, we use the UK Met Office through the plume centre line, for background wind region of the plume above a height of 2 the time-varying weak-wind plume lead 2009. Therefore a better understanding large-eddy model (LEM), described by speeds of 5 (top) and 15 (bottom) m s–1. km. Firebrands lofted by the time-varying to the firebrands landing in a V-shaped of the processes that contribute to Gray et al. (2001), to perform numerical strong-wind plume do not exhibit any of pattern with considerable lateral spread. long-range spotting is essential for the simulations of idealised bushfire plumes. this lateral spread, instead landing near the The landing positions of firebrands lofted prediction of fire spread. In this study A number of plumes are simulated for representative of jarrah and karri bark plume centre line. These firebrands appear by the 1-h mean plume in weak winds still we aim to assess the contribution background winds varying from 5 to 15 flakes (Ellis, 2010). In order to assess the to be lofted in clumps by the turbulent form a V-shaped pattern, but there is less of turbulent plume dynamics to the m s–1. Secondly, the three-dimensional, contribution of the in-plume turbulence to puffing of the plume, and hence tend lateral spread due to the lack of in-plume process of long-range spotting. time-varying velocity fields produced by the firebrand transport, the time-varying to fall out in clusters. The trajectories of turbulence. Firebrands lofted by the the LEM are used to drive a Lagrangian particle-transport calculations are then firebrands lofted by the 1-hr mean plumes time-varying strong-wind plume travel on William Thurston particle-transport model. More than repeated using a steady-state plume highlight the importance of the in-plume average about twice as far as their weak- 1.5 million potential firebrands are velocity, calculated from the one-hour turbulence. In the weak-wind case the wind plume counterparts, have more released near the base of the plume and mean plume fields. firebrands still travel up the two branches longitudinal spread and less lateral spread Kevin Tory  Large smoke plumes from bushfires can allow then advected by the LEM velocity field of the counter-rotating vortex pair, but there in their landing distribution. The landing Robert Fawcett spot fires to start well ahead of the main fire front. minus a constant fall velocity of 6 m s–1, Results is less lateral dispersion above 2 km. In the positions of firebrands lofted by the 1-h Vertical cross sections of the instantaneous strong-wind case the effect of the in-plume mean plume in strong winds show much Jeff Kepert and 1-h mean updrafts for plumes in the turbulence is more pronounced, with most 5 m s–1 (weakest) and 15 m s–1 (strongest) firebrands lofted by the 1-h mean plume background winds are shown in Figure now having similar trajectories.  Figure 2. Trajectories of 100 firebrands 1. The instantaneous plumes in strong Figure 3 shows the two-dimensional lofted by the mean (left) and time-varying wind have weaker updrafts, and are more landing distributions for all of the 1.5+ (right) plumes under background wind bent over than the plumes in weak wind. million firebrands launched by each of the speeds of 5 (top) and 15 (bottom) m s–1. The instantaneous strong-wind plume is turbulent over its whole height, whereas its weak-wind counterpart is only fully turbulent above a height of about 2 km. Plan views of the weak-wind plume, (not shown here but seen in Thurston et al. (2014)), reveal that the plume has two updraft cores that form a counter-rotating vortex pair. The 1-h mean plumes do not Will Thurston has been exhibit any of the turbulence that is visible a research scientist at the in the instantaneous plume updrafts, and Bureau of Meteorology since as a result peak updraft is weaker, but 2011, where he currently more uniform. works on the Bushfire & The trajectories of a sub-sample of Natural Hazards CRC project 100 of the firebrands lofted by each of the “Improved predictions of plumes in Figure 1 are shown in Figure severe weather to reduce 2. Firebrands lofted by the time-varying community impact. weak-wind plume initially travel up the Image courtesy of Country Fire Authority

7 two branches of the counter-rotating

88 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 89 SPOT FIRES Images courtesy of Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC Hazards Natural and Bushfire of courtesy Images

7

 Figure 3. Spatial distributions of firebrand seen in Figure 1; the weak-wind plume is this consequently leads to differences in landing position (percent of particles launched more upright and has a stronger updraft, firebrand transport. Plumes in weak winds per km2) for the mean (left) and time-varying causing the firebrands to go almost straight contain a counter-rotating vortex pair, which (right) plumes under background wind speeds up, reach a greater height and therefore leads to large lateral spread in firebrand of 5 (top) and 15 (bottom) m s–1. be in the air for longer. This behaviour is landing position. Plumes in strong winds confirmed by the trajectory plots of Figure are more turbulent and bent over, leading 2. The firebrands that have travelled the to more longitudinal spread in firebrand less spread and crucially the maximum furthest (16–18 km, in the strong-wind landing position and a greater maximum spotting distance is reduced by half from case) have a median flight time of 21.5 spotting distance. In-plume turbulence about 16.7 km to 8.4 km. minutes and a 1st–99th percentile range was shown to substantially increase the A critical consideration in the potential of 19.3–23.4 minutes. This is similar to lateral and longitudinal spread in firebrand for firebrands to start spot fires is whether the maximum burnout time of ribbon gum landing position, and in the case of plumes they are still burning when they land. bark observed in the wind tunnel studies in strong background winds increase the Therefore the flight times of the firebrands of Hall et al. (2015) and would suggest that maximum spotting distance by a factor lofted by the time-varying weak-wind and firebrands taking these trajectories would of two. Systematic studies such as this strong-wind plumes are presented in Figure still be capable of starting spot fires. will inform the development of improved 4. Firebrands that are lofted by the weak- physically based spotting models. wind plume have a relatively long flight time, Conclusion even if they do not travel a long distance. We have combined large-eddy For more information, go to For example firebrands that are lofted by simulations of bushfire plumes with  www.bnhcrc.com.au/research/ the weak-wind plume and subsequently Lagrangian particle transport modelling bushfire-and-natural-hazard- ® travel only 0–2 km are in the air for 7.5–12.5 to investigate how turbulent plume risks/257 minutes, whereas firebrands that are lofted dynamics can affect long-range spotting. MARK-3 by the strong-wind plume and travel only Plumes exhibited different dynamical 0–2 km are in the air for 1.5–3.5 minutes. and turbulent behaviour depending on References MARK-3® This is caused by the plume dynamics the strength of the background wind and Cruz, M. G., A. L. Sullivan, J. S. Gould, N. C. Sims, A. J. The is known as the “heart of the suppression system.” Renowned in the industry, Bannister, J. J. Hollis, and R. J. Hurley, 2012: Anatomy of a the MARK-3® was first introduced in 1964 when WAJAX (asWATERAX was known back then) catastrophic wildfire: The Black Saturday Kilmore East fire coupled their patented 4-stage detachable pump end to a 185cc 2-stroke engine. It quickly became  Figure 4. Box and whisker plots of flight times for firebrands lofted by the time-varying plumes in Victoria, Australia. Forest Ecol. Manag., 284, 269–285. under background wind speeds of 5 (left) and 15 (right) m s–1. Flight times are binned according to the Ellis, P. F. M., 2010: The effect of the aerodynamic the standard wildland portable used by forestry agencies around the world. A truly distance travelled by the firebrand, at 2-km intervals. The thick line shows the median flight time and behaviour of flakes of jarrah and karri bark on their potential outstanding and reliable performer, the MARK-3® fire pump is designed to withstand the rigors of as firebrands. J. Roy. Soc. West. Aust., 93, 21–27. the box spans the interquartile range. Whiskers represent the 1st and 99th percentile flight times. firefighting and it is the core of most water delivery systems in wildland operations. Gray, M. E. B., J. Petch, S. H. Derbyshire, A. R. Brown, A. P. Lock, H. A. Swann, and P. R. A. Brown, 2001: Version The MARK-3® successfully passed the USDA Forest Service 100-hour endurance test at San Dimas 2.3 of the Met Office large eddy model: Part II. Scientific and requalified under QPL-5100-274 as of August 2015. It is considered to be an essential piece of documentation. Turbulence and Diffusion Note 276, UK Met Office, 49 pp., Exeter, United Kingdom. equipment used by wildland firefighters across North America and around the world. Hall J., P. F. Ellis, G. J. Cary, G. Bishop and A. Sullivan, 2015: Long-distance spotting potential of bark strips of a ribbon gum (Eucalyptus viminalis). Int. J. Wildland Fire TRUSTED BY WILDLAND FIREFIGHTERS SINCE THE 1920’S 24, 1109 –1117. Thurston, W., K. J. Tory, J. D. Kepert, and R. J. B. Fawcett, WATERAX.COM 2014: The effects of fire-plume dynamics on the lateral and longitudinal spread of long-range spotting. Proceedings of the Research Forum at the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC & AFAC 2014 Conference, M. Rumsewicz, Ed., Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC, 85–94, ISBN: 978-0-9941696-3-15.

90 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com SPECIAL REPORT The preparedness and evacuation behaviour of Australian pet owners SYSTEMS Much of what is known about pet owner behaviour in emergencies in an Australian context is informed by limited or anecdotal evidence, or media reporting of the actions, or inactions, of individuals. In the international disaster literature pet ownership is regarded as a risk What’s “NEW” AT PAC in 2016? factor most consistently associated with evacuation failure and linked to unsafe acts motivated by a desire to rescue animals that have been left behind. All PAC Products Come With A Life-Time Warranty enerally, attachment to pets attention to animal emergency G is high, with many people management was Hurricane Katrina considering pets as members in 2005, in which more than 50 000 of the family (White 2012). The strength of companion animals were abandoned this attachment is never more apparent and 15 000 were rescued. Irvine (2009) Toolok-HD than in the event of pet loss in disaster, provides a compelling overview of  Thicker, Stronger Strap with reports of prolonged and often the scale of the animal emergency unnoticed or unsupported grief (Blazina, management challenge and the film  Wider Mounting Base Boyra & Shen-Miller 2011) and poor ‘Dark Water Rising’ (Shiley 2006) provides  New Cushion Design psychological outcomes, especially in sobering documentary evidence. Post the event of forced abandonment of pets Hurricane Katrina research indicated  P/N 1003HD during evacuation (Hunt, Al-Awadi & that 44 per cent of non-evacuees who Johnson 2008). The roles pets and other chose not to evacuate did so because Dr Melanie Taylor animals may play in supporting post- they didn’t want to leave their pets. Soon emergency functioning and resilience- after Hurricane Katrina the United States building are also vital. For these reasons, Senate passed the Pets Evacuation and as well as the implications for public and Transportation Standards Act 2006 (PETS), Ironslok Heavy Duty responder safety during emergency, which requires states seeking Federal  Large Capacity End Modules it is critical that they are considered in Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) emergency management planning. assistance to make provisions for pets  Wider Mini-Dual Mounting Base The primary emergency event, and service animals in their plans.  Fast-Lok Positive Locking System internationally, that led to increased In Australia there is no equivalent

 Capable of Securing The “PIG”  Firefighters  P/N K5003HD don’t have time to look after pets while fighting fires, this will not happen. Dr Penny Burns RAM Base Mount  Fits Both Square & Round Bases Dr Melanie Taylor is an occupational psychologist  Two Sided For Versatility working in risk perception  High Strength Composite Material and risk-related behaviour. Dr Penny Burns is a General  P/N 1022 Practitioner and a researcher working in disaster medicine with a particular interest in Call Us At 888-514-0083 For More Information physical and mental health in the recovery. Image courtesy of Neil Bibby

7

Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 93 SPECIAL REPORT

requirement. Pet ownership levels in Australia are among the highest in the world, with around 63 per cent of The International households owning a pet (Animal Health Fire & Emergency Training Leader Alliance 2013). The need to consider animals and their owners in emergencies TEEX trains emergency response personnel from more than 45 countries each year! has been increasingly accepted in Australia, prompted by large-scale Choose from over 130 disasters and reports from the 2003 courses including: ACT Bushfires Inquiry, 2011 Queensland • Firefi ghting Flood Commission of Enquiry, the 2009 • Emergency Medical Services Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission, • Fire Investigator and the 2013 Tasmania Bushfires Enquiry. • Fire Offi cer / Instructor These reports all included references to Each course can be • Hazardous Materials Response the management of animals. Many experiences and preparedness. To  Figure 1: Pet ownership composition at the tailored to meet emergency services organisations meet study inclusion criteria respondents time of the disaster. Values in parentheses • Rescue / Urban Search & Rescue your exact needs in and other stakeholders involved with needed to have experienced ‘a disaster or indicate the proportion of the sample owning at • Industrial Emergency Response a variety of areas emergency management and animal local emergency in which they evacuated, least one of that animal type. Values within the • Marine / Oil Spill Response welfare now have strategies and resources or considered evacuating their home’, to bars indicate the proportion of the sample owning • LNG Emergency Response available to assist animal owners. have been a pet owner at the time of the different numbers of that animal type. Note: small • NIMS / ICS Although the requirement to address disaster, and to be aged over 18 at the values (<2%) have not been labelled on the bars • Annual Spanish School a range of issues associated with the time of completing the survey. and the percent values have been rounded.) • Latin American Schedule your classes and management of animals and their owners The survey was administered using Emergency Response Experience the HEAT! in emergencies and disasters is now the online survey-hosting platform • Leadership acknowledged in Australia there is a lack SurveyMonkey™. A link to the survey of systematic data or evidence available to with a short invitation to participate was Pet ownership inform these activities. New Zealand has distributed using a combination of social Respondents were asked about the 1-866-878-8900 www.teex.org/fi re a small body of research, with one study media (Facebook and Twitter), online and composition of their pet ownership (Glassey 2010a) reporting that a substantial print media, and a University of Western and their attitudes to their pets. At the proportion of pet owners (56 per cent) Sydney media release. The link on social time of the emergency, 79 per cent of would not evacuate without their pets and media was reposted by a number of animal respondents owned one or more dogs a larger proportion still (81 per cent) would rescue and similar special interest pages. and 49 per cent owned one or more cats. be more likely to comply with evacuation if Data were collected over an eight-week Figure 1 shows the breakdown of the there were evacuation shelters that could period (22 Jan – 22 Mar 2013). numbers of pets owned by respondents. cater for pets. This led to recommendations The study was approved by the Figure 1 shows the complexity of being made to improve animal emergency University of Western Sydney Human household pet ownership. In total, only management (Glassey 2010b). In Australia Research Ethics Committee (Approval 18 per cent of respondents owned one research in this area is currently non- No. H9993). pet; the majority of those (72 per cent) existent, although there is increasing Data were analysed using IBM owning a dog. Just over a quarter (26 discussion with Thompson (2013) positing SPSS software (V.21). Simple descriptive per cent) owned only one animal type, that the strong bond people have with statistics, frequencies and cross- but multiples of them, and the remainder animals could be used to promote disaster tabulations, have been reported here (57 per cent) owned multiple types of preparedness. This current study was to produce a concise overview of the animal. A small proportion of respondents undertaken to assist in addressing the gap survey findings. (4 per cent) were running animal-related in Australian research. The study explores home-based businesses or enterprises a range of issues around Australian pet Results that involved large numbers of animals. owner emergency preparedness for their Sample characteristics These were mostly breeding or rescue households and their pets, their actual In total, 352 pet owners met the study and rehoming enterprises, and a few or anticipated evacuation behaviours in inclusion criteria and are represented in respondents were wildlife carers. the context of an experienced disaster or the analysis. The majority of the sample Overwhelmingly, pet owners felt a high emergency, the sources of information was female (89 per cent) and 86 per cent degree of responsibility for their pets and used to gain assistance around the time were aged between 25 and 64 years. a strong attachment to them (with mean of evacuation, and lessons identified from Respondents came from all states and ratings of 9.84 and 9.76, respectively the experience. territories with the largest groups from on 10-point scales for each). Most Queensland (51 per cent) New South respondents strongly agreed that they Method Wales (25 per cent), and Victoria (12 Per considered pets to be part of the family A questionnaire was developed to assess cent). Two-thirds of the sample lived in (86 per cent), that their pets made them pet owner characteristics, emergency suburban and rural areas (35 per cent happy (86 per cent), and that they were and evacuation contexts, evacuation and 32 per cent respectively). great companions (88 per cent).

94 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 95 SPECIAL REPORT SPECIAL REPORT

Disaster and evacuation contexts In response to these events, 31 per cent or cyclone were able to return in less Preparedness As data in this study do not relate to a of respondents evacuated with their entire than two days (67 per cent and 64 per Those who evacuated were also asked single specific disaster or emergency household, 6 per cent partially evacuated, cent, respectively) compared to only 37 if they contacted anyone for immediate event, evacuation behaviours are 36 per cent prepared to evacuate but per cent who experienced flood. Flood- assistance (help or information) with reported in relation to a range of hazard didn’t actually go, and 27 per cent didn’t impacted pet owners were the most likely evacuation of their pets. More than half (58 types. Figure 2 summarises the disaster evacuate or prepare to evacuate. Of those to be away from home for more than five per cent) contacted no one, 30 per cent and emergency situations encountered who reported that they were advised by days (34 per cent) compared to those contacted neighbours or friends, nine per by respondents and their pets, i.e. the authorities to evacuate (31 per cent) who experienced bushfire and cyclone cent asked for help via social media, eight single event about which they provided 70 per cent did so. (14 per cent and 7 per cent respectively). per cent contacted emergency services, information in the survey. This figure also Just over a quarter of respondents and the same proportion contacted local includes data on the proportions that (27 per cent) had less than three hours Evacuation experiences council, local veterinary clinics and online did/didn’t evacuate in that event. to evacuate. As would be expected, A total of 122 respondents evacuated sources for help, (six per cent for each). With regard to the timing of these the hazard type influenced the amount (fully or partially) and data in this section Respondents were asked to reflect events, more than half (56 per cent) of time available to evacuate; 60 per relate to this subsample. and report on how prepared they felt they act safe’ (Australian Government 2014).  Figure 4: Reported level of preparedness occurred since 2011, and more than 70 cent of those who experienced a local When people evacuated their homes were prior to the disaster/emergency However, the reality is that animals do get prior to the disaster/emergency. per cent since 2009. Most respondents emergency and 23 per cent of those who many things happened to their pets. event. Figure 4 summarises these data. left behind. In this study approximately provided details of the events they experienced a bushfire had less than Figure 3 summarises what happened to When asked about consideration 15 per cent of the sample left some experienced, with the 2011 southeast one hour to evacuate, whereas of those the animals. of pets in evacuation planning, high animals at home either because they were sufficiently large to provide confidence Queensland floods, 2011 Tropical who experienced flood, 18 per cent had Respondents were asked why some proportions of those who reported deliberately left in the home or they were in the data across a range of different Cyclone Yasi, 2013 Bundaberg floods, between three hours to a day to evacuate, pets weren’t evacuated with them. being ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ prepared had released to escape, or they could not be hazards and provide insights into pet and 2009 Black Saturday bushfires and 24 per cent of those who experienced Comments included respondents not considered all their pets (96 per cent and caught. Perhaps more concerning is that owner levels of preparedness for their pets, mentioned most frequently. a cyclone had more than a day. being able to catch or contain them, 87 per cent respectively). Similarly, most comments indicate some households only the rationale for their decision-making, Over a half of respondents who being told they couldn’t take them/take owners planned to keep ‘all’ their pets with partially evacuated so that they could leave and their priorities and considerations for  Figure 2: Disaster and emergency situations evacuated (58 per cent) were away from them to evacuation shelters, that it was them when they evacuated (74 per cent), a someone behind to take care of the animals evacuation and relocation. However, the reported by respondents and the proportions that did/ home for less than two days, and a fifth too hard to take them, that they died, and further 21 per cent planned to keep some whilst the rest of the household evacuated. study also has limitations. The sampling didn’t evacuate. Values in parentheses indicate the were unable to return for two-five days (21 that there were too many to take. with them and take others to a different The influence of pets on decision- strategy for the study was uncontrolled and proportion that experienced each type of disaster/ per cent), or more than five days (21 per Over two-thirds of respondents who location, and only one per cent did not making and the process of evacuation self-selected, which can result in biases emergency. Values within the bars indicate the cent). Again, the hazard type influenced evacuated stayed with family or friends plan to take their pets. cannot be underestimated. Data from this and cannot be considered representative proportion evacuated – either fully or partially, or how long participants were away from (69 per cent), and smaller proportions study indicates that for the vast majority of all pet owners. Clearly many didn’t evacuate – either prepared to or didn’t prepare home. Approximately two-thirds of stayed at an evacuation shelter (5 per Discussion of pet owners their pets influence where respondents were extremely attached to, to. Note: percent values in the bars have been rounded. those who evacuated due to bushfire cent), hotel/guest house (4 per cent) This study provided details of pet owner they go and their decision to evacuate. In and passionate about, their pets; ‘animal or showground/campsite (3 per cent). experiences during Australian emergency addition, pets may determine the mode of lovers’ more than simply ‘animal owners’. Those who stayed elsewhere (18 per events; their preparedness, and their transport they use, the time it takes to leave, However, from an emergency management cent) mentioned staying in cars/utes, actions. It is clear that household pet the number of trips that are needed, and perspective such people are important, with neighbours, and at schools or composition is often complex, with the increases the overall stress of evacuation. as these are the people most motivated to workplaces; some reporting they stayed majority owning multiple animals of multiple Even with these encumbrances pet owners protect their pets and potentially the most in cars because evacuation shelters types. In a disaster or emergency situation will still take risks to take, or go back and likely to take risks to evacuate with them wouldn’t accept pets. this translates to complex evacuation get, their animals. The consequences of and return for them. It is also clear that When asked about how owning scenarios, with different pets with not taking such action are too unbearable most pet owners consider their pets as pets influenced evacuation, significant different needs; practical considerations, to contemplate for many. part of the family (Glassey 2010a) and data proportions of the sample strongly agreed transportation, and destinations. With a Finally, the importance of family and in this study does not differ significantly or agreed that having pets influenced third of the sample reporting they were friends to help support evacuees with pets to suggest this sample is more biased where they went after evacuation (81 unprepared before the disaster, this is highlighted in this study. No doubt this in this regard. Pet ownership is, in most per cent), their decision about whether emphasises the need for higher levels of is an important resource for all those who part, an optional undertaking. Therefore it to evacuate (72 per cent), increased the preparedness, planning, and discussion. need to leave their homes in an emergency. should be expected that the majority of pet stress of evacuation (68 per cent), and The experiences reported in this study However, pet-friendly destinations are a owners will feel committed and attached to the mode of transport they used (66 per suggest that certain hazards are more necessity for pet owners. Most people their animals. cent). In addition, having pets influenced likely to result in different challenges for plan to take their pets if they evacuate and the number of trips made to and from pet owners. Time to evacuate is likely to be do take their pets with them. If options are Conclusion home during evacuation (54 per cent) shorter for bushfires and local emergencies, not available to accommodate pets then This study has provided a snapshot of and slowed down the speed of requiring unimpeded execution of owners will either sleep in cars or other Australian pet owners and their behaviours evacuation (43 per cent). evacuation plans, whereas time away from makeshift places, or will simply decide not in, and preparedness for, emergencies. home is likely to be longer in the context of to evacuate. The findings of the study should inform flood, meaning that the probability of leaving planning by emergency management pets at home with food for a few days is less Strengths and limitations agencies and other stakeholders, on  Figure 3: What happened to pets when likely to be an acceptable strategy. This study provides useful Australian data the behaviours and expectations of pet households evacuated. Note: due to the Clearly all disasters are different and to inform those involved in the management owners, on animal management needs in complex composition of pet ownership official advice should still remain as ‘be of animals and their owners in disasters evacuation centre planning, and on future respondents could select multiple categories. prepared, act early, be considerate and and emergencies. The sample size is community engagement campaigns.

96 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 97 EXTREME WEATHER A heatwave classification for heat related fatality risk Research undertaken by Risk Frontiers shows that heatwaves are responsible for the largest number of deaths in Australia from natural disasters (Coates et al. 2014). In particular the South East Australia Region has been affected by 6 of the top 10 most deadly Australian events since the beginning of the 20th century.

urprisingly given this death 224 historical occurrences of events with S toll the tools available to heat-related deaths in Australia, and for communicate about heatwave each we exploit gridded records of daily risk are far less advanced than for other minimum and maximum temperature life threatening natural disasters such available from the Bureau of Meteorology as tropical cyclones or bushfires: there since 1911 (Jones et al. 2009) to compute is as yet no consensus about what EHF estimates. Ranking the most lethal constitutes a heatwave event (Perkins heatwave episodes in terms of heat 2015) and more transparent ways to accumulation (i.e. the heat load, EHFsum) inform the community about risk levels and peak intensity (EHFmax), we define are clearly needed. Recognizing this, five new severity categories (Table 1). the Bureau of Meteorology (Nairn and These categories capture conditions Fawcett, 2015) recently designed a that historically led to a higher number of Thomas Loridan heatwave severity index that takes into deaths and acknowledge that the most account both the ability of the local dangerous events will be characterised community to adapt to its climate and by both a large peak intensity and a the impact of sharp temperature spikes sustained period of severe heat. preventing acclimatisation. Using this To illustrate how this classification index, called Excess Heat Factor (EHF), can be used we analyse the January – the Bureau proposed a heatwave severity February 2009 heatwave that killed more classification scheme that distinguishes people that the Black Saturday bushfires low intensity, severe and extreme events. taking place during that same period. Gas and wood-fired training facilities - Hybrid training - Flashover unit - Nozzle unit - ETission control - STCW 2010 & Offshore/ MaritiTe training facilities Thomas Loridan is a Although this approach is a natural step The footprints of EHFmax and EHFsum lead scientist at Risk towards better risk communication, (Fig. 1, left) are used to create spatial Frontiers who specializes the implications of a high EHF are very patterns of the categories following the SAPHIRE-CTC in atmospheric hazard dependent on the risk being studied. For schema given in Table 1 (Fig. 1, right). is building up a global modelling with a particular applications such as energy demand or The resulting category map allows reputation as a valued emphasis on Tropical infrastructure damage the threshold value direct representation of the risk gradient developer and Tanufac- Cyclones (TCs). He holds turer of standard and above which action needs to be taken will across the event and should enable more XpertBuild a PhD from King’s College differ significantly from values that can efficient risk communication. training Todules. London where he studied trigger, for instance, human discomfort. One of models of the urban boundary We here focus on heat related fatalities Nozzle- Flashover-unit, Royal Netherlanos Navy NL SAPHIRE-CTC ’s layer. In the past 5 years and aim to address the following: knowing  Table 1: Criteria for the classification of unique characteristics is Thomas’ work has led to the peak intensity and accumulated heat heatwave event intensities. Both criteria that it offers services to a range of industries the development of various load during a heatwave, can we anticipate (columns 2 and 3) must be satisfied. including the world of techniques to simulate the its impact on human lives? Live fire builoing, Oefencentrum Crailo NL fire-fighting, renewable variability in severe winds Category EHFsum EHFmax energy industry and the observed from TCs across the Defining new hazard CAT0 > 0 > 0 offshore- and TaritiTe world’s most active basins. intensity categories industry. Visit our website START SAVING LIVES CAT1 > 30 > 15 More recently Thomas’ for heat-related fatalities to view our range of CAT2 > 80 > 30 ETU, Istanbul Fire Department TR products and services. SAPHIRE Complete Training Concepts research has also focussed To specifically link heatwave intensity to CAT3 > 150 > 50 on developing risk metrics for heat related fatalities we combine two data CAT4 > 300 > 70 WWW.SAPHIRE-CTC.COM heatwaves in Australia. products. Risk Frontiers’ PerilAUS archive CAT5 >450 >100 (Coates et al. 2014) allows extraction of

98 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 99 EXTREME WEATHER FREE Subscriptions

REPORTING TO THE MIDDLE EAST FIRE PROTECTION INDUSTRY AND FIRE SERVICES .

www.gulffire.com REPORTING TO THE MIDDLE EAST FIRE PROTECTION INDUSTRY AND FIRE SERVICES Issue 2 • April 2016 .

Gulf Fire Magazine is the only quarterly journal specific to the Middle East Fire market dedicated to both fire protection and firefighting. The editorial features are written by industry experts and comprise a unique blend focussing on the latest technology, training methods and equipment as well as highlighting sector specific issues. Regular product and company profiles, events updates and news make Gulf Fire Magazine the first choice read for fire protection and firefighting professionals. www.gulffire.com www.gulffire.com Issue 3 • July 2016 Images courtesy of Risk Frontiers Risk courtesy of Images

7

 Figure 1: Footprint of peak EHF (EHFmax, top left) Conclusions heatwaves. In an attempt to quantify and heat load (EHFsum, bottom left) for the January- The Excess Heat Factor (EHF) heatwave heatwave impact beyond the hazard February 2009 event along with the corresponding intensity framework was used in threat, a vulnerability curve is defined Table 1 heatwave severity categories (right). combination with an archive of heat- to estimate the number of human THE GLOBAL VOICE FOR PASSIVE AND ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION related fatalities in Australia to provide fatalities to be expected as a function Developing an EHF-based indicators of heatwave severity. This led of both the heatwave risk category and IFP Magazine is the only international journal dedicated vulnerability function to to the definition of five severity classes the population density. Although our project fatalities that may be helpful in characterizing and fatality projections are very uncertain to fire safety, prevention and protection covering every To help quantify the risk to human life communicating the death potential of the relative increase in magnitude from aspect of the passive and active fire protection market. The associated with each of the Table 1 one category to the next can serve as editorial features are written by industry experts focusing on categories, a vulnerability function is a powerful communication tool and the latest technology and equipment as well as highlighting derived using census population data  Figure 2: Rate of fatalities per 100 000 help communities anticipate the threat sector specific issues from around the world. Regular from between 2001 and 2011 to normalise people (y-axis) as a function of the heatwave to human lives posed by the most product and company profiles, events updates and news the fatality records. The vulnerability category they are exposed to (x-axis). extreme heatwave events. make IFP the first choice read for fire safety professionals. development is restricted to that period Individual dots represent distinct events while and the focus is on the Victoria / South the red dashed line is the expected estimate, For more information, go to www.ifpmag.com www.ifpmag.com Issue 67 • September 2016 Australia region, given the higher quality representative of all-events combined.  www.riskfrontiers.com of information available.

For the 10 biggest events of the period www.iffmag.com INTERNATIONAL Issue 50 • June 2016 the total population exposed to each of the www.iffmag.com categories listed in Table 1 is computed, INTERNATIONAL Issue 51 • September 2016 FIRE FIGHTER linearly interpolating between records REPORTING TO MUNICIPAL, INDUSTRIAL AND FIRE TRAINING PROFESSIONALS from 2001 and 2011. The corresponding E U 50 S FIRE FIGHTER • REPORTING TO MUNICIPAL, INDUSTRIAL AND FIRE TRAINING PROFESSIONALS S I

I

fatalities reported in that same exposed S

•

S

0 U 5 E area are then totalled and normalised by IFF Magazine is the leading global publication for municipal the population exposed to derive a death and industrial fire fighters and the fire and rescue industry. rate by category. Figure 2 shows the The editorial features are written by industry experts and expected number of fatalities per 100,000 people exposed for each category. comprise a unique blend focussing on the latest technology, As all estimates in this study are based training methods and equipment as well as highlighting sector on reported fatalities, and because of specific issues from around the world. Regular product and under-reporting and the likelihood of company profiles, events updates and news make IFF the wrongly categorising deaths to other first choice read for fire and rescue professionals. health-related issues rather than heat stress, a large uncertainty surrounds this www.iffmag.com fatality curve and all projections should be interpreted as lower bound estimates.

100 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com Written101 GULF FIRE JANUARYby Fire 2016 Professionals for Fire Professionalswww.gulffire.com FIREFIGHTER WELFARE FIREFIGHTER WELFARE

grow in this way. Nonetheless, the disaster PTG and PTS – reflecting on the trauma happened and as a person I both declined and grew. No society is immune from traumatic response of growth amongst the decline events. Common sense alone suggests that being educated and prepared for the range of trauma reactions a person may For those involved, in any capacity, with the Victorian 2009 ‘Black Saturday’ bushfires your experience matters! This makes PTG knowledge transfer important not only for experiences and losses are respectfully acknowledged. The lives of thousands of people, animals, recovery but also critical in preparedness businesses and places were decimated on the day and during the aftermath. The costs and and capacity building initiatives. Acknowledgement consequences continue. The magnitude and impact is individually and nationally significant. of trauma reactions Posttraumatic Stress – PTS – from his writing shares a trauma recognized term. Indeed, this trauma disasters is known and acknowledged T insider’s account, delivering a response is professionally acknowledged; but Posttraumatic Growth – PTG – seems message of universal applicability there is research supported evidence. Up practically invisible as a term. and value. Posttraumatic growth (PTG) until that accidental moment of learning Hardly anyone seems to know about, information is relevant to workers, I didn’t appreciate that trauma could be or use, the PTG term or words. This volunteers, individuals and organizations positively transformative as a normal part represents a deterrent. It is easy to interested in preparedness and recovery of a person’s complex reaction to trauma. appreciate that trauma impacted people, from events involving direct or vicarious I never anticipated, nor was prepared for, unfamiliar with the PTG term, either don’t trauma exposure. This paper is about trauma induced growth. I did not understand have the needed simple or normalized Image courtesy of Rhonda Abotomey Rhonda of courtesy Image

the importance of posttraumatic growth the entirety of my trauma reaction or have language to describe what is happening to 7 knowledge, its value as a resource for PTG resources or examples from other them, and/or they end up feeling reluctant to trauma management toolboxes, and the people to draw upon, or the terminology and mention ‘trauma growth’ because others are that ‘sometimes good things also come out individuals and workers involved with opportunity it provides to generate benefit in language to voice what was occurring. silent. This breeds stigma. of bad experiences’. Upon hearing about Black Saturday say about their own Rhonda Abotomey all manner of traumatic events:- fire, flood, Indeed, between 2009 and 2012, despite Acknowledgement of PTG matters. PTG, they usually ‘get it’ instantly, often PTG experiences. drought, storm, man-made events and more. being actively engaged in the Black Saturday The patches of trauma light – of asking the same question I did, “Why on I have grown to be a passionate recovery space, including extensively with posttraumatic growth – coexisting alongside earth don’t we use these words?” PTG advocate. You can too. So another Context the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction the darkness of trauma represent trauma challenge, a call to arms. You can make In a 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission public consultation, Tragically 173 people died from the 2009 and Recovery Authority and with the survival anchors. Anchors of hope when Recommendations: a difference to trauma recovery by Rhonda Abotomey raised her Black Saturday fires, including three of government established Bushfire Bereaved so much feels hopeless and overwhelming, This writing advocates that the words advancing the PTG lens. It’s easy. First and survivor’s voice imploring the my family members. Not surprisingly, this Advisory Group, and despite receiving anchors of self-belief, points of connection posttraumatic growth (PTG) should be foremost, create change by simply having Commissioners to approach experience induced significant trauma lots of information about trauma impacts, and opportunity to acknowledge capacity promoted so they become mainstream conversations and using the specific words the inquiry as Ambassadors for Common: -for common sense, caused decline with health, personal and never once were the words posttraumatic as well as incapacity. In a nut shell positive knowledge and language, just like the of posttraumatic growth or PTG. Advocate common decency, compassion, work impacts and posttraumatic stress growth mentioned by any person, agency options, options that trauma involved words posttraumatic stress (PTS) are. for PTG terminology, promotion, research communication and community. (PTS). Surprisingly, amongst the negative or government department. I look back and people may benefit from. A word of It recommends greater levels of targeted and education in your community, your As part of Rhonda’s trauma impacts and reactions to that catastrophe think how illogical. How was that possible? caution though. Trauma reaction is a conversation, research, policy and workplaces, in your volunteer organizations response to losing three family members in the bushfires, she has I also experienced positive personal There was so much missed opportunity to whole, complex, multifaceted experience. practice that specifically acknowledges and in emergency preparedness and become a passionate advocate for transformation – posttraumatic growth help people! I would have welcomed the This must be respected. The PTG term and enables PTG. recovery policy and practices. Speak up improved trauma preparedness – PTG. Undeniably it is a paradox: hope words, explanation and examples of PTG. should not be bandied about in isolation about what you want and need as PTG and recovery. She was a Victorian and capacity generated within the hell There was a lot of helpful and important and out of context, nor be excluded from How to make a difference resources. Contribute to the evidence base. Bushfires Royal Commission witness, member of the VBRRA and incapacitation. official support and information about trauma discussions; both extremes are Powerful change starts with small seeds It is time for: Bushfire Bereaved Advisory Group In short, PTG and PTS have been trauma, and the incapacitating impacts, but damaging pathways. of initiative. From the un-helpful personal (BBAG) and co-author of the BBAG integral, intertwined parts of my trauma all of it one-sided, all failing to ever mention experience of PTG silence, and from saying, ■ Courage and holistic discussion about legacy document. reaction to losing three family members, PTG. The PTG silence was systemic, from Your challenge: when I first heard the words, “I wish I had the full range of possible trauma In 2012, while continuing their home and their business during the Investigate for yourself. Ask your friends, been told about PTG”, my world changed reactions, including growth. to navigate Black Saturday’s individuals to disaster response agencies aftermath, Rhonda first heard Black Saturday fires. Bottom-line: I am very and government. That was not helpful at all. family and co-workers “Have you ever again with further positive opportunity. ■ More conversation, education, policy and the term Post-Traumatic Growth thankful for the posttraumatic growth for For recovery, I needed my whole trauma heard the term PTG or the words I was invited into a research role by the practices that purposefully integrate PTG. – it was a defining ‘light-bulb’ without it the losses and decline would experience acknowledged, not just the posttraumatic growth?” University of Melbourne to partner with an ■ Reduced PTG stigma and isolation. moment. In 2013 she partnered have been even more challenging. incapacitating side. But incapacitation was My experience, and I’ve asked hundreds interdisciplinary team in survivor initiated ■ Respecting decline while honouring with a team of University of Melbourne researchers on a the total focus. Because of the vacuum of of people that question, is that it’s difficult and informed PTG research. Marrying the growth from trauma project titled Reconceptualising No PTG words, no information, PTG information or conversation, I stayed to find many who have heard about lived experience of the interviewees with and supporting disaster recovery missed recovery opportunity fairly silent about my PTG. To be honest I felt PTG, let alone find people educated and technical trauma expertise has advanced It is time for you to take PTG action! as growth: Informed by people Almost four years after Black Saturday I first conflicted and somewhat guilty that some knowledgeable about PTG as a formally PTG understandings and produced PTG affected by the Victorian 2009 ‘Black Saturday’ Bushfires. heard, by accident, the words posttraumatic good came out of something so horrendous. recognized trauma reaction. Ironically resources and presentations. Check out For more information, go to growth. I was informed that PTG is a formally Obviously I would never have chosen to people readily identify with the concept www.posttraumagrowth.net to see what  www.posttraumagrowth.net

102 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE OCTOBER 2016 www.apfmag.com Subscribe at www.apfmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe OCTOBER 2016 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE 103 The 5th Generation ADVERTISERS’ INDEX Cutters 3M Technologies (S) Pte Ltd. 40 Advanced Electronics 4 When it comes to the crunch, you can count on AFAC 2017 Powered by Deutsche Messe 23 Apollo Fire Detectors Ltd. 83 Holmatro cutters. Meet our Inclined Cutter CU 5050 i. Bauer Compressors Asia Pte. Ltd. 67 Simply put its angle jaw in the right position for more Bristol Uniforms Ltd. 61 Bullard Asia Pacific 71 ergonomic cutting of a car’s roof or rocker channel. China (Kunming) SE Asia & South Asia Fire Safety & 21 Relaunching Emergency Rescue Technology Expo Or benefi t from more room for tool movement when Coltraco Ultrasonics 6 cutting pillars from the side. With a carrying handle that Coltri Asia Pacific Co. Ltd. 67 our APP for Command Light 95 goes all-round this is easy: you can always use this Cutters Edge 87 Android and Dafo Fomtec 19 cutter to your advantage, at all sides of the car. Dr. Sthamer Hamburg 33 Dynax Corporation 30 iOS devices Eska Australia Pty Ltd. 63 You can count on us, for life Esri 17 holmatro.com/en/cutters Exova Warringtonfire Aus Pty Ltd. 13 FDIC 2017 / Pennwell Corp. 28-29 FFE 9 Fire Protection Association Australia 63 Firetrace International 47 Gradall SERV 75 Haes Systems 45 Hainsworth Technology 61 HD Fire Protect Pvt Ltd. 43 Heatseeker Technology & Design LLC 14 Holmatro Rescue Equipment IBC Intersec 2017 37 Janus Fire Systems 43 LHD Group Hong Kong Ltd. 52-53 • We have restyled MDM Publishing Ltd. 101 and improved MSA – The Safety Company 57 PAB Akrapovic 58 all our APPS. PAC Fire Australia 54 Pacific Helmets (NZ) Ltd. 51 Performance Advantage Company 92 • Now available with Safe Fleet 32 News Updates, Saphire Complete Training Concepts 98 Simplex 80 Magazine Articles, Task Force Tips, Inc. IFC/1 Teikoku I-Sen Co. 79 Blogs and Video. Tempest Technology Corporation 98 Tenmat Advanced Materials 23 • Featuring daily Texas A & M Emergency Services Training Institute 95 TLX Technologies 45 updates and Tyco Fire Protection Products OBC original content. Waterax 91 Williams Fire & Hazard 35 Yone Corporation 27 Ziamatic Corporation 13 Ziegler 2 Download for FREE today at the Google Come and see us at Playstore and the Apple iTunes Store by searching for APF Magazine. 28-30 September 2016 • Singapore

9-11 November 2016 • China www.mdmpublishing.com

Holmatro Rescue World 104 ASIA PACIFIC FIRE APRIL 2016 www.apfmag.com ASIA PACIFIC SALES OFFICES Singapore Beijing Guangzhou Wuhan Busan Seoul Taipei Hong Kong Jakarta Bangalore Mumbai New Delhi Brisbane Melbourne Perth Sydney Christchurch

DISTRIBUTION Everywhere

CONTACT US AT [email protected]