Reporting to Municipal, Industrial and Fire Training Professionals

REPORTING TO MUNICIPAL, INDUSTRIAL AND FIRE TRAINING PROFESSIONALS

www.iffmag.com Issue 47 • September 2015 Triggering an IMPULSE!

8-13 June 2015 Hanover, Germany Visit Us At: USA Pavilion Hall 27, Stand G30 Open Air Site (FG) Stand N06/4 Task Force Tips New Impulse Trigger Valve System Is Now Available On A Wide Range Of Nozzle Configurations

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The METRO 0 Series of Fixed The MidForce Series of Dual Pres- Industrial Fire Gallonage Nozzles with Flow Choices sure Automatic Nozzles with a Flow Fixed and Remote Controlled of 75, 150, 230 or 380 lpm @ 7bar Range of 260-760 lpm in 7, 5, or 3bar Deluge Monitors and Nozzles (20-100gpm @ 100psi or 75psi) (70-200gpm @ 100, 75, or 55psi) Foam Injection and Application Equipment Large Diameter Hose Hardware, Model configurations also available for all G-Force, Appliances and Valves Compressed Air Foam, and Pulsing Nozzles. Firefighting ® Foam Equipment Eductors, Aspiration Nozzle Attachments www.tft.com The METRO 1 Series of Fixed Self-Educting Nozzles Gallonage Nozzles with Flow Choices +1.219.548.4000 of 227 to 700 lpm at 7, 5 or 3bar MADE IN U.S.A. (60 to 200gpm choices @ 100, 75, or 55psi) www.tft.com • +1.219.548.4000 facebook.com/TaskForceTips Yone APF49 p18_Layout 1 07/03/2014 10:17 Page 1 PROEYE 751-SNR TM SONAR Plus PAT.P

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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 Contents SEPTEMBER 2015

REGULARS. 5 IFF Comment

6 News and Profiles

47 Buyer’s Guide: SEPTEMBER 2015 • ISSUE 47 Thermal Imaging Cameras

Cover image: Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Tactics Involve Close Contact During Suppression and Rescue Operations. FEATURES. Image courtesy of Task Force Tips. Future of Fire & Rescue Showcased Publishers 18 David Staddon 18 at the Emergency Services Show Mark Seton Sales Manager 28 Fire Apparatus Crashes Mark Bathard Involving Firefighter Fatalities Contributing Editors Petter Backlund, Mark Bathard, Steve Day, Jason Graber, James Hyles, Karen Jackson, 32 Innovation In Early Wildfire Detection: Deborah Keeler, Michael A. King, Martyn Lamb, Johan Lindström, Peder Lindström, Dr Treive Robots That Monitor The Forest 24/7 Nicholas, Gary Parkinson, William Peterson, Megan Pillsbury, Dan Willis, Duncan J. White, Markus Zellinger. 35 Emergency Evacuation of

Senior Design Manager Passengers from Aircraft Incidents Richard Parsons [email protected] 40 Emotional Survival Training Web and IT Manager Neil Spinney to Insure Wellness [email protected] 28 IFF is published quarterly by: 52 Work-related Stress and Mental MDM Publishing Ltd The Abbey Manor Business Centre, Health Issues in the Fire Service The Abbey, Preston Road, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 2EN, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1935 426 428 55 The Strategic and Operational Fax: +44 (0) 1935 426 926 Benefits of Personal Emergency ID Email: [email protected] Website: www.mdmpublishing.com 59 Confined Space ©All rights reserved Rescue Operations Annual subscription free of charge. Register at www.mdmpublishing.com 62 CBRN Research – Defence Science lSSN – 1744-5841 and Technology Organisation DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER are not necessarily those of MDM Publishing 67 Special Report: Ltd. The magazine and publishers are in no way responsible or legally liable for any errors Inside Task Force Tips 35 or anomalies made within the editorial by our authors. All articles are protected by copyright and written permission must be sought from 71 Biogas-powered Buses and Decision the publishers for reprinting or any form of duplication of any of the magazines content. Making During Incidents Any queries should be addressed in writing to the publishers. 76 Innovations in Breathing Apparatus Reprints of articles are available on request. Prices on application to the Publishers. – Fit for Operational Effectiveness

Designed, Edited and Printed in the UK. 81 Training Simulators: Risk-Free, FREE Subscription To subscribe to IFF Magazine and Realistic and Programmable for unlimited access to our digital resources, please register at www.iffmag.com 84 Uncovering the Chemistry Behind the Forty-Year Relationship PROUD TO SUPPORT 81 88 Advertisers’ Index When conditions are at their worst, we are at our best.

Most 26, HR-52420 Buzet, Croatia www.pab.hr | [email protected] IFF COMMENT Counting the Uncountable...

alking around the exhibition halls at several held accountable. Determining the cause of even W large fire service conferences this summer accidental fires is the surest way of improving safety reminded me of how big ‘fire’ is and practices and practices that could benefit everyone. the number of dollars spent every year protecting An anomaly within the fire investigation lives and property from fire loss. Fire trucks and industry is that fire investigation is a role for which hoses, pumps and sprinkler systems, alarms and responsibility and impact is shared by many detectors…the expos showcased hundreds of industries: the fire service, law enforcement and companies and organizations who were there to insurance. Whether it’s fire safety and prevention, share information on their products and services fire loss claims and litigation, or arson enforcement that ‘save lives and reduce loss’ to thousands of and prosecution, the fire investigator plays an When conditions are at their worst, individuals from around the world. The industry important role in determining “where” and ”how,” we are at our best. Deborah Keeler has come a long way in preparing for fire and fire and sometimes even the “why.” It gets complicated Executive Director, IAAI suppression, documenting the fires responded to, because there are many different stakeholders and tallying up the annual cost of fire in respect to involved in the process and more often than not, the deaths, injuries and property loss. But we still have first responder (the fire department) is tasked with far to go in regard to counting the value of fire safety making the initial determination. Being first on the and prevention. scene of a fire loss also carries the responsibility There is a perceived need to devote more and burden of providing the necessary resources resources to fire prevention, but the lack of effectively to competently discharge that duty. A weight measuring what ‘didn’t happen’ limits our ability to many departments and communities are unable know if allocating more resources will save more to shoulder. lives, prevent more injuries and protect our property Our fire departments and city leadership may better. And while fire deaths, injuries and dollar loss understand the impact of the determination of origin should be the dominant criteria for evaluating fire and cause, but everyday are forced to make difficult prevention success, fire problems vary country to budgetary decisions. The arduous task of defining country and region to region. They are impacted priorities and aligning resources to critical needs and variations such as climate, economic status, services may even be the responsibility of someone education, and demographics to name a few. Just who doesn’t fully understand the importance and counting the problem gets very complicated. role of safety and prevention. If it’s difficult to count There is plenty of data documenting the fire how many fires didn’t occur, it makes sense that fire problem, but little showing that prevention is prevention and associated roles would be some of successful in reducing fires. Without defining the the easier items to reduce or cut from a tight budget. cost-benefits of prevention, additional resources With the economic crises many of our towns and are unlikely to ever be allocated. Measuring results cities are facing, it’s not even an option. is important, but quantitative measurement isn’t Another factor may be the ‘it’s not my job’ the only way to solve a problem. A qualitative mentality. Having a clear understanding of understanding of why fires happen is perhaps prevention and understanding that public safety isn’t even more important in the realm of fire safety limited to only putting the fire out. Seeing the big and prevention. picture of all of the working parts and how everyone Chief J. Robert Ray writes in his whitepaper on – all of the products and service providers – work Fire Prevention Effectiveness: Can We Measure What together, helps us better understand our individual Did Not Happen? that, “Fire prevention programs roles in fire safety and prevention and fire loss. are intended to reduce the fire problem proactively Everyone has a part and important role. by attacking the root causes of fire, thereby reducing Understanding the importance of fire fire deaths, injuries and property loss. To measure investigation and determining origin and cause of fire prevention effectiveness, the fire service needs a fire is a key piece of the fire safety and prevention to distinguish between fires that were the result of puzzle. Without understanding where, how and why preventable causes and those with causes not likely a fire started, how can it be possible to prevent a to be prevented…” similar fire from happening again? Whether natural, Investigating how fires start and how to prevent unknown, accidental or incendiary, all fires need them from destroying property and life is a crucial to be investigated. Working together and making science; one that’s been evolving for hundreds continued improvements in the field of fire safety of years. The science of fire investigation is and prevention is our surest path to protecting our beneficial for many reasons beyond identifying families and communities from one of the most arson and ensuring that responsible parties be destructive forces on earth…fire. Most 26, HR-52420 Buzet, Croatia www.pab.hr | [email protected] Subscribe at www.iffmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe SEPTEMBER 2015 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER 5 Darley_International_IFF.qxp 5/7/13 3:50 PM Page 1 News Old Style Beer Salutes Chicago Heroes with Commemorative Can

After a successful debut last fall, Old Style for Chicagoans, Old Style enthusiasts and provide to Chicago firefighters and their will salute Chicago’s heroes once again those who work for or honor the Chicago families. The funds raised from last year’s with the limited-release commemorative Fire Department. New this year, the limited commemorative can made a significant can. Old Style is proud to support those run (July through early September or while impact on those who received donations, who heroically defend this great city and supplies last) commemorative can will now and it’s such an honor that we can do their families. Proceeds from each case be available in 24-packs, 12-packs and something truly meaningful. We look sold will benefit Ende, Menzer, Walsh 16 ounce cans, with Old Style donating a forward to re-launching the can, and once and Quinn (EMWQ) Retirees’, Widows’ minimum of $10,000 and up to $20,000 to again seeing Chicagoans embrace it and and Children’s Assistance Fund, a local the organization. the cause.” organization that provides annual financial Old Style has a long and storied The final donation from last year’s limited assistance to the neediest widows and history with the city of Chicago. Showing run went on to assist several Chicagoland orphans of members of the Chicago its dedication to the community that families, helping those who received Fire Department. has generously supported the brand contributions put money toward their This is the second year of the throughout the years, Old Style launched children’s education, pay off outstanding commemorative can, after having a the Chicago Heroes program to pay tribute bills, and in general continue to be able to successful debut last fall for a limited-time to the hard-working men and women who afford day-to-day necessities. This year, only and becoming an instant collectable keep Chicago safe and protected every Old Style hopes to help even more families day. The commemorative can, adorned with the program expanding to the 12- and with an image of a firefighter and details 24-pack Old Style 12 oz. cases. about the organization, is available at “We are very grateful to Old Style for retailers throughout Chicagoland. their salute to men and women of the “When we launched the Chicago Chicago Fire Department,” said Lt. Anthony Heroes program last year, it was a unique Martin, President of the EMWQ Fund. “On way for us to pay tribute to the everyday behalf of the families we serve, I’d like to heroes who don’t get thanked enough for thank Old Style for its continued generosity, all of their courageous work,” said Dan reminding our widows and children that McHugh, CMO for Pabst Brewing Co. the community remembers and honors “We selected EMWQ Assistance Fund the service of their loved ones.” as our partner for this initiative because we’ve been so impressed with their For more information, go to Image courtesy of Old Style  7 work and the tremendous support they www.widowsandchildren.org

Leader Develop the BATfan

LEADER continues to be a major player in The BATfan is both compact and the PPV world having recently developed mobile, it folds up and stows easily in the the BATfan. The BATfan is powerful and trunk of a vehicle. Two BATfans can fit in light weight for completely self-contained the space of one conventional fan! It is operation which allows fast implementation quicker to set up than conventional fans and maximum flexibility during response, as there is no time wasted searching for while requiring little storage space. a power socket! There are two versions available; BATfan is multi-functional equipment for BATfan with a 20-minute runtime weighing PPV attack, PPV combined ventilation, etc. 23.5 kg and BATfan 45-minute weighing 27.5 kg. Both models can also run on For more information, go to Image courtesy of Leader Group Leader courtesy of Image  mains electricity if required. www.leader-group.eu 7

6 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com Darley_International_IFF.qxp 5/7/13 3:50 PM Page 1 SPECIALIST VEHICLES The New Carmichael Cobra 3 Airport Firefighting and Rescue Vehicle

he United Kingdom’s most diverse supply and support of firefighting and design for over 50 years. For 30 years Tmanufacturer of firefighting and rescue crash rescue vehicles world-wide. Today it used Jet Ranger as its ARFF vehicle vehicles Amdac Carmichael Limited was the company continues to boast worldwide brand but In 1992 it dropped the name established from humble beginnings sales with its core fire-engine design, with the introduction of a new range of in Worcester (UK) in 1849. In 1947 it research and manufacturing facilities airport firefighting vehicles each with a supplied its first fire-engine and under remaining in the City of Worcester UK. separate trading name: the 4x4 Condor, the leadership of various international Carmichael supplied their first major the 6x6 Cobra and the 8x8 Cougar. companies Carmichael has established airport crash tender in 1962 and they Carmichael first introduced the itself as a major force in the manufacture, have been at the forefront of ARFF vehicle prototype Cobra airport rescue and firefighting vehicle in 1992. Built exclusively on a Unipower RE6P 6x6  The new Amdac Carmichael Cobra 3 airfield firefighting vehicle chassis the featuring the new Carmichael Jetranger prototype delivered to Glasgow Airport high reach extendable turret seen here featured a unique Carmichael crew in the high attack position. cab manufactured in steel which was superseded by a clean flowing purpose built crew safety cab design with wide opening doors; a modular steel and GRP top deck hamper, easy engine access and integrated high level emergency warning lights. The Cobra airport rescue and firefighting vehicle saw success in the UK, North Africa and the Middle East. Building on the success of the Cobra 6x6 concept, in 1998 Carmichael launched the Cobra 2 which was available in 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 configurations. The Cobra 2 introduced a new standard in crash tender design with its large crew safety cab, wide opening doors, low step entry, flat floor and multiple seating options. The Cobra 2 offered a variety of base chassis options which included the low profile Carmichael Cobra C2 chassis; plus a vast array of chassis options to meet individual customer specific requirements. The custom built Cobra C2 chassis available in 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 configuration permitted individually tailored tenders with wide bodied options, extended wheel bases and a twin engines. It comes as no surprise to learn that the Cobra 2 went on to establish itself as one of the most successful airport crash tender designs of the 21st century with deliveries to date exceeding 120 units to customers as widespread as China, Kazakhstan and the Caribbean. Carmichael chose the prestigious Interschutz 2015 international trade fair for fire prevention, protection, rescue and Image courtesy of Gary Parkinson of courtesy Image

7 safety in Hannover Germany to show-

8 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com SPECIALIST VEHICLES Images courtesy of Gary Parkinson of courtesy Images

 The stunning clean lines of the prototype Amdac Carmichael Cobra 3 (above) and in the ‘attack’ position (right).

case their stunning all new aerodynamic Cobra 3 major aerodrome firefighting and crash rescue vehicle. This prototype of the third generation of the Cobra ARFF vehicle has recently completed an extensive period of proof testing in the United Kingdom and is now being marketed in 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 configuration. This stunning example of British fire- engineering is based on an all new purpose built Carmichael 6x6 low profile chassis, incorporating a Volvo Penta Euro 5 diesel engine, Twin Disc automatic transmission and ABS disc brakes. The Cobra 3 features this stunning and extremely spacious side in a variety of layouts enclosed via Interschutz 2015 was the launch of the air-conditioned crew safety cab design a combination of either roller shutters, British designed and manufactured High approved to UNECE R29 standard. It has hinged or pantograph locker doors plus Reach Extendable Turret (HRET) as fitted an unrestricted interior, flat floor and a light fixed or demountable dry chemical to the prototype Cobra 3. The Jet Ranger and airy interior. The large hinged crew cab powder systems. The 3 continues to resurrects a brand name formerly used doors and pneumatically operated steps boasts easy engine access, an important by the company for all its major airport permit easy crew access with various feature for scheduled maintenance. The fire tender products. The Jet Ranger has seating configurations for a driver and up prototype illustrated has a GVW of 36,000 a working height of 15.24 metres, reach to 5 crew plus sliding roof hatch access to kg and acceleration of 0-80 kph within 30 of 11.40 metres and a monitor capable of the top deck. The British built top-hamper seconds. The new 3 comes with a long delivering 6,000 lpm in the stowed position manufactured in polypropylene with GRP list of chassis and fire engineering options and 3,785 litres per minute deployed. profiles has integral tanks carrying up to including wide bodied, short width, A 20 metre option is also available. 12,000 litres of water and 1,700 litres of extended wheel base and twin engine foam. The Cobra 3 can accommodate up – to meet all customer requirements. For more information, go to to four spacious and useable lockers per Another first for Carmichael at  www.amdac-carmichael.com

Subscribe at www.iffmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe SEPTEMBER 2015 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER 9 News PATeye Technology from Solarbright helps Combat Black Ice Danger

As if their job wasn’t dangerous enough, and install their award-winning PATeye at hour-manned “Career Stations” in and during the winter months many firefighters the ice-prone station as a small token of around Canterbury, will ultimately see the around the world have to contend with appreciation and as a way of helping the deployment of the award-winning PATeye the dangers of black ice at their own community-based fire crews avoid slips and at all South Island NZFS facilities which are station-houses BEFORE answering falls caused by black ice. prone to the formation of black ice. emergency calls. The PATeye is a self-contained solar- Commenting on the NZFS adoption of Areas of black ice can pose a real danger powered reflective marker and warning the PATeye as a health and safety tool at to firefighting crews as they rush to respond, system that is triggered when ground their stations Nicola Martin, SolarBright’s especially on cold, dark winter nights. In temperature and moisture levels indicate MD said “It’s fantastic for us to be able to an effort to help minimise this risk to their the very high likelihood of ice formation, work with and help the NZFS in protecting firefighters the New Zealand Fire Service illuminating the road/pavement and drawing their crews from the hazards of black ice have been installing a unique and innovative attention to hidden patches of ‘black ice’. at their stations, after all, their work is ice warning device at a number of their sites Once triggered the onboard LEDs flash blue dangerous and difficult enough on a bright throughout the country’s South Island. and provide an active, real-time warning sunny day let alone in the middle of a cold The New Zealand Fire Services’ interest alerting to the high probability of surface ice. winter’s night. It’s also nice to see that in the product came as a result of a donation PATeye is ideal for walkways, steps, the idea of “paying forward” to the brave of several ice-detecting pavement markers paving areas, car parks and general access men and women of our local emergency made to a local station by the device’s areas in and around any premises, wherever services has had such a great, and manufacturer, SolarBright Limited, after ice may be present. In addition to providing unexpected, outcome for our business”. a member of their staff had to call on an active warning to personnel on foot, the The PATeye is proving to be a valuable emergency services late one night. Following flashing PATeye also serves as an indication Health and Safety asset across all sectors an off the cuff remark by a first responder, of the road conditions that drivers are likely of the emergency services in New Zealand and a couple of in-house “water-cooler” to find on the roads leaving the station and is now used, not only by the Fire meetings, the SolarBright team decided thereby further enhancing the safety of Service, but also by the New Zealand that the company would offer to donate both fire crews and the public. Police Service and the New Zealand The initial install was soon followed Defence Force to help protect their by several enquiries and orders from personnel, visitors and contractors from individual regional stations and it wasn’t the risks the of slips, falls and personal long before Solarbright were approached injury caused by ice at their facilities. by the New Zealand Fire Service (NZFS) The PATeye is manufactured and with a view to rolling out the PATeye across patented world-wide by Solarbright all their ice-affected properties. Limited. As a result of these conversations NZFS are now starting an installation For more information, go to Image courtesy of SolarBright Limited SolarBright of courtesy Image  7 programme which, beginning with their 24 www.solarbright.co.nz

UK First for Blackpool Airport

Blackpool Airport Fire Service has ■ A one piece Ecopolyfire polypropylene received the first Iturri Group Isuzu D-Max body with a three locker configuration 4x4 Civil Aviation Authority Cat 2 rapid ■ 700 litre integrated water tank; intervention vehicle supplied within the ■ 42 litre integrated foam tank; United Kingdom. ■ Rear mounted Hale HPX100B18 pump.

This clean flowing light The body has ample shelved stowage Image courtesy of Nigel Cresswell – Iturri

airport fire tender features: space and an upgraded rear suspension 7 ■ 2.5 litre diesel engine, approved by Isuzu UK. An identical Isuzu ■ Two man King Cab with rear half doors D-Max 4x4/Iturri RIV is also operational at For more information, go to accessing additional stowage space; Lee-on-Solent Airport in Hampshire.  www.iturri.com

10 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com ®

Sishen Mine’s one-of-a- SINCE 1981 kind Firefighting Vehicle SKEDCO.COM Following an extensive planning and This unique firefighting vehicle is CLICK & SAVE LIVES execution period Cobra Petro Projects based on a Caterpillar 740 Articulated of Johannesburg in South Africa have Dump Truck chassis (CAT 740 ADT) delivered this ‘one-of-a-kind’ mine which is ideally suited for the rugged firefighting vehicle to Kumba Iron Ore`s environment in which it will operate. This Sishen Mine in the Western Cape. 6x6 chassis features a CAT C15 ACERT This state of the art firefighting and 361kw diesel engine, a 7 speed manual aerial rescue vehicle was specifically gearbox and a cab for a driver and one designed for the mining industry by crew member. The specially shaped a working group consisting of Sishen body with its integrated water tank Iron Ore, Barloworld; Cobra Petro carries 23,000 litres of water and Projects; Fire Raiders (Pty) Limited is recessed to permit the 28 metre and Bronto Skylift Oy Ab – under the Bronto Skylift F28 ALR aerial ladder project leadership of Scharika Ludk platform to snugly stow between. (photographed). The fire truck also features a front mounted bump-bar and electric winch, two generous equipment lockers, a rear mounted 5kVA generator, two stabilisation jacks per side, AFFF foam induction plus three firefighting monitors which can be operated by remote control.

For more information, go to Image courtesy of Cobra Petro Projects  7 www.cobraprojects.com

FireStorm for Melbourne

Melbourne Fire Brigade (MFB), Australia Model: FireStorm 40 has recently taken delivery of their new Hull Number: 597 FireStorm 40 from MetalCraft Marine Displacement: 35,600lbs (MCM). MFB has unveiled the newest Horsepower: Twin 610hp member of its marine fleet – Fireboat 2 Speed: 34kts ® – a world-class, firefighting vessel Jets: (2) Hamilton 322 The SKED that will protect Melbourne’s waterways Fire Pump: (2) Darley 1750gpm and marinas. Engines: (2) Cummins Basic Rescue System Measuring 12 metres long, the water- 11L@ 610hp jet powered craft, christened Prometheus, was purpose-built in Canada and can For more information, go to - The Original - travel at speeds in excess of 34 knots.  www.metalcraftmarine.com With an innovative style MCM - Still The BEST- creates one of the World’s fastest and highest pumping fire/rescue boats. Essentially the boat is equipped to fight ® ship board fires, as well as used as a fire 800-770-7533 hydrant (non-stop water supply) for shore based fires. The boat is also equipped Skedco, Inc. Skedco.com with EMS stations along with equipment Image courtesy of MetalCraft Marine of courtesy Image

for dive recovery operations. 7

Subscribe at www.iffmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe SEPTEMBER 2015 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER 11 PRODUCT PROFILE The BADAXX Innovation Ensures the Advancement of Fire and Rescue Service

t seems almost every aspect of this firefighters to use the back side of a flat head Iindustry has kept pace with changing axe to eliminate the struggle of a pinched technology, from breathing apparatus and blade. There had to be a way to incorporate bunker gear, to communication equipment both the pick and the blunt face into a single and incident management systems. But axe head. Once my department purchased what about the most common tools we the bailout kits, I decided it was time to depend on? Firefighters have used the design something that had all of these same traditional axe design for over 150 features and included a solid bailout anchor years. It is time for a new tradition! point in case I needed to rappel to safety.” The BADAXX was created by Scott Like most good ideas, it took a significant Images courtesy of BADAXX courtesy of Images McCann, a Fire Lieutenant with the amount of capital to get the BADAXX from Spokane Fire Department for the past 23 a concept to production. McCann turned 7 years. McCann saw the need to lighten his to “crowd funding” via kickstarter.com  Marries tight to a halligal style load by combining multiple tools into one. and raised 150% of the necessary funding bar, fits up to a 3” adz blade. “I had been contemplating redesigning the needed to begin production. Many other fire axe for a few years,” said McCann, first responders rallied behind McCann’s the pick can also be used for lifting and “I have always struggled with which hand idea as they too saw a need for innovation prying. On the other side is a flat surface for tool to take to the roof with me in emergency to help take their equipment to the next level. striking, making it an ideal tool for forcible situations. I liked the pick head axe to Like most fire axes on the market entry when paired with a halligan style provide an extra foothold but the blade has a today, the BADAXX weighs 8 Lbs. but the bar. The rectangular hole in the side of the tendency to become pinched when set into similarities end there. The head is designed head receives the adz blade of a halligan building materials. For years, we have taught with a pick on one end and the blunt face on style bar, allowing the handles to mate the other. The pick is designed to provide closer than any other tool currently on the  Beautiful machined finish a good solid set and not wobble loose market. The striking surface is flanked by with seven color options. like other pick head axes. Set at an angle, two beveled edges that aid in “chopping” while preventing the blade from becoming pinched. Other features include a notch for gas line shut off and knurling on the top of the axe head to increase traction when used as a foothold and to prevent the tool from slipping when forcing doors. The beard of the BADAXX head is made to create a rock solid bailout anchor for rappelling. The handle is precision machined from aerospace-grade billet aluminum, and is both beautiful and functional. The ergonomic design makes for a well-balanced and easily manipulated tool. Incorporated features include; two styles of hydrant wrenches, a notch to receive the optional carrying strap, and a rope/hook attachment point at the end. The BADAXX is also offered in a number of custom anodized colors. We look forward to seeing the BADAXX perform and believe this is one tool that will stand the test of time.

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

12 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com

News FlareAlert Introduces Emergency Beacon

Designed for professional firefighters, Beacons and accessories separated, law enforcement, and military, as well as keeping your kit organized. personal emergency use. Unlike incendiary The Small Bag Roadside Kit is strike flares, FlareAlert LED Beacons are FlareAlert’s more basic roadside kit. The kit personally and environmentally safe to use. bag is designed to hold 3 Beacon/Beacon No more risk of inhaling toxic fumes, starting Pros and 12 AA batteries. The Small Storage brush fires, igniting spilled fuel/oil, or burning Bag contains 3 separate pockets that neatly equipment or yourself. hold the lights securely in place. FlareAlert’s Large Bag Public Safety The FlareAlert LED Beacon Flare Kits Images courtesy of FlareAlert courtesy of Images

Emergency Kit comes with either 4, 6 or 8 are the perfect size for every public safety 7 beacons in the colors of your choice, 8 Cone vehicle’s trunk, motorcycle patrol or personal Adaptors (for beacon placement atop traffic use. The FlareAlert is lightweight and lens color options. The standard Beacon cones), 8 Weighted Bases (anchors beacon compact leaving your trunk more space for has two (2) color options: Red (Red in high winds or helicopter landing), and 32 additional important equipment. Beacon-RB.2) and Yellow (Yellow Beacon- AA batteries. Additionally, the Cone Adaptor FlareAlert’s Beacon and Beacon Pro YB.2). The brighter version, or the Beacon and Weighted Base can be threaded contain 2 modes: flash and steady. These Pro, has 5 color options available: Red together to make a Ground Stand. The modes can be controlled by a small power (Red Beacon Pro-RBP.2), Yellow (Yellow large storage bag pockets keep your button located on top of the light. These LED Beacon Pro-YBP.2), Blue (Blue Beacon Pro- road flares are very tough and durable. They BBP.2), Green (Green Beacon Pro-GBP.2), can withstand the weight of a 20,000 lbs. and White (White Beacon Pro-WBP.2). vehicle! With the Beacon and Beacon Pro’s FlareAlert’s various lens options allow the rounded edges and low profile, a vehicle user to have the appropriate colored flare running over the light will not be a problem. depending on the situation at hand. Each Beacon has a magnetic base, making Simply twist open to install/change it easy to securely mount to a vehicle, metal batteries and twist to close. Just put it object, or the included ground stand for down and turn it on. No tools necessary. increased visibility. The 4 rubber feet on the Beacon prevent vehicle scratching. For more information, go to FlareAlert’s LED road flares have a few  www.flarealert.com

Technology Update: Drones

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are becoming of action taken and improve the safety of about utilizing UAVs within the fire service increasingly popular for a range of personnel by enabling potential hazard visit SkyTech 2016, a UAV conference and industries, with everyone from construction identification before they enter a site. exhibition showcasing the latest innovations to agriculture wrestling to get their hands The array of sensors that can be fitted to and applications in drone technology, taking on the technology. However, with UAVs UAV platforms, including visible light and place 27th and 28th January 2016. yet to fully make the transition into the fire infrared, mean that the technology can also service, does the technology have a future aid informed decision making for a range For more information, go to within the sector? of incidents such as forest and wildfires,  www.skytechevent.com The benefits of using UAVs within the search and rescue, chemical spills and fire service are becoming increasingly large-scale industrial fires. Aside from evident. UAVs add vital intelligence to initially assessing a site upon arrival, UAVs situational awareness of incidents, serving can also be used to monitor live progress as both a safety and a communication tool. of an incident as it develops, enabling Quick and easy to deploy, able to assess continual assessment of fire movement, large areas in a very short period of time alerting personnel when conditions change and relay real-time footage, UAVs can and aiding evacuation decisions. provide critical information to the team on With UAVs designed specifically for the the ground and facilitate an assessment fire service coming onto the market the of the entire incident area. UAVs can thus technology is certainly one to watch over Image courtesy of SkyTech

play a key role in determining the course the coming year. For more information 7

14 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com Hammond Drysuits supply to UK Fire Services

Hammond Drysuits has supplied further SR140R drysuits to the Fire and Rescue Services in the UK. The SR140R drysuit is part of the commercial search and rescue range from Hammond Drysuits. The fire services use the suits for water safety call outs. The wearers can be in the water for prolonged periods of time and the suits keep them warm Image courtesy of Hammond Drysuits

and dry, which can help 7 maintain their focus and concentration. For this reason, the suit itself is robust and hard-wearing and designed to stand up to extreme varying situations faced by the fire services on a daily basis. Made of durable Nylon N140, all the seams are single stitched and hand tapered for a longer lasting watertight seam. The seat, knee and shin areas include a double layer of material aiding longevity in these sections that are prone to more abrasion than others. All suits are made to order with the option, like the fire services, of having the suit made to measure rather than a standard size. In addition to achieving the ultimate in comfort and protection, the made to measure suit comes with optional extras such as neoprene seals, braces, and Bekina® safety boots. The fire and rescue services opted for a rear zip, which goes just across the shoulder blades, this allows greater manoeuvrability and does not cause any discomfort across the chest area or restrict movement when potentially in tight search and rescue situations. “We supply our suits for a number of different purposes and uses. Suits such as these for the fire services are particularly bespoke as comfort and performance are vitally important.” Commented Chris Hammond, Managing Director at Hammond Drysuits. “We have a good relationship with a number of different regions within the services and we are delighted they are happy with our product and service and that they continue to use us.” In addition to providing the new bespoke suits for the service, Hammond Drysuits carry out repair work as and when required to make sure the suits maintain their robustness and remain watertight for when they are next required.

For more information, go to  www.hammond-drysuits.co.uk/search-rescue-dry-suits.html

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PRODUCT PROFILE ww.emergencyuk.com | NEC | Birmingham | 23-24 September 2015 | www.emergencyuk.com | NEC | Birmingham | 23-24 September 2015 | www.emergencyuk.com | NEC | Birmingham | 23- Krusepak Innovative and Proactive in Where collaboration Increasing Firefighter Safety meets innovation he fire service has always prided itself Ton attempting to be proactive versus reactive. So many issues are still being evaluated and trained on that sometimes it seems impossible to remember everything. One of the areas that we must continue to be proactive in the fire service is staging equipment for the prolonged incident. That is why the KrusePak was created. The KrusePak is an innovative, patent pending piece of firefighting equipment,

or essentially a transport sling, for SCBA Krusepak courtesy of Images air tanks and various small tools used in 7 the fire service. Although it was originally  The KrusePak can be utilized in multiple operations  The KrusePak is also useful to clearly identify created to assist specifically in high rise on the fire ground including Rescue/Extrication full vs empty bottles. Flipping bottles upside down fires, the Krusepak has expanded its operations when utilizing air bags or an air chisel. will easily identify depletion of your resources. usage to residential, commercial, rural and industrial fires, extrication, water rescue, wedges, wire cutters, window punches, will make you more proactive if the need technical rescue, haz-mat and various etc. Additionally, the KrusePak allows for those tools should arise. other emergency operations. The Krusepak for easy identification of “full” bottles vs Although the KrusePak was initially allows each firefighter the ability to carry “empty” bottles while at the fire scenes designed to carry spare bottles to replace two spare SCBA bottles and other various resource/staging areas and also identifies the ones we utilize in our air packs, the small tools completely hands free. each department/companies bottles in KrusePak can also be utilized in incidents Depending on each individual’s strength, a mutual aid situation. using air bags or air chisels. Carrying the comfort and/or preference, it may be High rise incidents are probably one bottles for these tools will also keep the carried several ways – hung over your air of the most complex incidents we will bottles confined so they won’t roll around pack, on your shoulder, or cross-body to face in the fire service. Carrying spare and also allows for quick deployment when distribute weight most evenly. All methods equipment to upper floors has always been the incident you may be using these tools offer hands-free movement for easy spare a challenge. Placing two SCBA bottles in are off the roadway and a distance from A unique event for anyone who works in the emergency services bottle transport and increased safety your KrusePak and carrying those bottles your apparatus. Again utilizing the grommets, Come along to the Show on 23rd and 24th September at the NEC, Birmingham to: for the firefighter. The KrusePak is highly hands free will allow yourself to use the and carrying your spare hose and regulator • See and handle the latest equipment, kit, vehicles and technology durable, water resistant and boasts a handrails if necessary when ascending the for your air bags or chisel will allow you to • Receive training in the latest rescue and lifesaving techniques handle, padded strap, grommets to attach stairwell. Also, preloading your KrusePak carry everything you need for this incident • Network with other blue light services and rescue organisations various tools by use of carabineers and pockets with chocks, spanner wrenches, in one complete pack. • Gain a deeper understanding of the support available from voluntary sector partners two pockets for small rescue tools such as sprinkler tongs or any other hand tools Haz-mat, technical rescue, rural fires, Free seminars include commercial/industrial fires and even • The WMFS R&D Team discuss ‘Bluelightthinking’ and the future for multi-agency interoperable ﬁreﬁghters residential house fires are all incidents where • Peter O’Reilly, Greater Manchester FRS discusses the Community Risk Intervention Team your apparatus can’t always be parked next • Operational teams will present an overview of the multi-agency response to the Alton Towers incident to the incident. Hauling spare equipment • Matt Wroughton and his team from WMFS talk about the use of drones in response incidents and body worn video use to your incident, specifically spare SCBA • Lincolnshire FRS, EMAS and LIVES present their experiences of the Joint Ambulance Conveyance Project – Fire bottles, is not easy and is sometimes not Ambulances – Is now the time? even being done. Utilizing the KrusePak will make your department more proactive by Register for free entry today at www.emergencyuk.com hauling your necessary equipment closer to the incident and staging that equipment ready for deployment or replenishment. IF YOU HELP OTHERS IN AN EMERGENCY YOU SHOULD BE AT THE EMERGENCY SERVICES SHOW

For more information, go to  www.krusepak.com Thanks to our Show supporters

16 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com ESS15fireA4July.qxp_Layout 1 29/07/2015 13:11 Page 1

A unique event for anyone who works in the emergency services Come along to the Show on 23rd and 24th September at the NEC, Birmingham to: • See and handle the latest equipment, kit, vehicles and technology • Receive training in the latest rescue and lifesaving techniques • Network with other blue light services and rescue organisations • Gain a deeper understanding of the support available from voluntary sector partners

Free seminars include • The WMFS R&D Team discuss ‘Bluelightthinking’ and the future for multi-agency interoperable ﬁreﬁghters • Peter O’Reilly, Greater Manchester FRS discusses the Community Risk Intervention Team • Operational teams will present an overview of the multi-agency response to the Alton Towers incident • Matt Wroughton and his team from WMFS talk about the use of drones in response incidents and body worn video use • Lincolnshire FRS, EMAS and LIVES present their experiences of the Joint Ambulance Conveyance Project – Fire Ambulances – Is now the time?

IF YOU HELP OTHERS IN AN EMERGENCY YOU SHOULD BE AT THE EMERGENCY SERVICES SHOW

Thanks to our Show supporters EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE Future of Fire & Rescue Showcased at the Emergency Services Show

ee the latest firefighting technology Other new exhibitors include Halo Update Your Skills Sand hear examples of successful Thermal Imaging, International Safety The Royal Life Saving Society will be multi-agency working from the UK’s most Products and respiratory experts holding a Throwline Challenge and a team of forward-thinking fire and rescue services by Sundström Safety. specialist firefighters will be demonstrating visiting The Emergency Services Show this Safe Working at Height and rope rescue year. Taking place at the NEC in Birmingham, Drones and Body Worn techniques on the Crofton Engineering UK on 23rd and 24th September, this free Video on the Agenda training tower and confined space cage. event is open to all ranks throughout the This year’s event will feature three seminar Visitors can also speak to companies such fire and rescue service and industrial programmes covering training, innovation as Serco about the international fire training brigades, including overseas visitors. and collaboration. In the Innovation Theatre courses they offer and Rescue 3 Europe delegates can hear how West Midlands training provider, Cardiff International White Source New and Innovative Equipment Fire Service has employed technological Water, about its Swift Water and Flood Featuring over 400 companies and advancements such as Unmanned Aerial First Responder courses. organisations, the impressive indoor and Vehicles (drones) and body worn video, outdoor exhibition is a one-stop shop and members of its team will lead a panel PPE: New Launches for sourcing all the latest services and discussion on the future of multi-agency Many protective clothing manufacturers equipment required for fighting fires and emergency response. Ben Clark, Inspector, and suppliers are launching new products keep the public safe from threats such Metropolitan Police Service will also talk at The Emergency Services Show. as floods, road traffic accidents and about body worn video and discuss the Bollé Safety will be launching the new terrorist attacks. Exhibiting companies implications for partner agencies. Backdraft heat resistant goggle while include leading names in firefighting on show for the first time on the Vimpex equipment, search and rescue, extrication, Focus on Vital Role stand will be the new F10 MKV and F15 communications, IT, protective clothing and of Voluntary Sector firefighting helmets. Bennett Safetywear uniforms, outsourcing, training, community In an era of austerity cuts there has Ltd will launch the latest additions to its safety, station facilities, and water rescue. never been more reason to increase the well-known Blazemaster range of structural Visitors with an interest in vehicles will dialogue and co-operation between the firefighting gloves. MAGNUM will show the find leading names such as Rosenbauer emergency services and the voluntary new Vulcan Pro fireboot, which weighs in and Volvo Trucks, as well as Incident sector. British charity SARAID for example at around 1kg per boot, whilst Skellerup Command Units and welfare units, all types has an international search and rescue Footwear will also display its range of rubber of in and on-vehicle ancillary equipment, team, which was deployed to the Nepal fire boots including the Firefighter Extreme. including communications and IT, from Earthquake this year. It will be exhibiting in Ilasco with Keela will launch two new providers like Primetech and Excelerate the Emergency Response Zone alongside clothing ranges; the FR Range and the Water Technology. Exhibiting for the first time is 80 other organisations which could support Rescue range, and UK-based Technical NLG Wholesale, Europe’s leading supplier you in preparing for and responding to Absorbents Ltd (TAL) will officially launch of 4 X 4 accessories. future incidents. its K-SorbTM fabric. Meanwhile Bristol Uniforms will display new products including the company’s layered PPE solution, LayerFlex™. Exhibiting at The Emergency Services show for the first time is Visijax which specialises in embedding washable electronics (LEDs, sensors, cameras and communications equipment) into clothing.

Getting There The NEC is next to Birmingham International Station and Birmingham Airport and directly accessible from the UK motorway network. Entry and parking at The Emergency Services Show are free.

For more information, go to Image courtesy of the Emergency Services Show  7 www.emergencyuk.com

18 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE

PBI Performance Products Stand L5

PBI Performance Products year, including PBI Gold, PBI exposed to flame and high protect thousands of firefighters Matrix, PBI Max, Gemini XTL temperatures. This also around the world in Europe, and Titan 1260. means that the integrity of the Scandinavia, Australasia, USA The company’s specialist internal layers of the garment is and UK. They place their trust ‘next to skin’ fabrics will also be protected and the transfer of any in PBI fabrics to deliver the on display. PBI TriGuard fabric radiant heat is slower, allowing necessary high performance delivers excellent protection more time for firefighters to that keeps them safe. against heat, flash fire and escape to safety in a situation PBI fabrics are internationally arc flash. PBI BaseGuard is a such as a flashover. renowned for their exceptional flame resistant, no melt, no drip The variety and flexibility flame resistance and thermal economical moisture wicking of the PBI range is testament protection from radiant heat, built base layer. to their ability to create strong on a 30-year heritage of technical All PBI fabrics are lightweight partnerships that result in excellence and innovation. and strong and achieve a high products that meet the different PBI will demonstrate the full standard of flame resistance. needs of the end user. range of its protective fabrics at They will not become brittle, Emergency Services Show this shrink or break open when  www.pbiproducts.com

Delta Fire Stand E38

Delta Fire, is delighted to Delta are proud to fly the flag The H500ST is now in service size for efficient heat absorption. announce their attendance at for British Manufacturers and with many UK Fire & Rescue Delta will also be presenting this year’s Emergency Services will be showcasing their highly Services making it the number their Specialist range of nozzles Show. Coinciding with their 25 acclaimed range of cutting-edge one hose reel nozzle in this including the new Floor Below year anniversary Delta will be firefighting products now widely sector. Combining automatic Nozzle, CAF branch, Shockless celebrating a quarter of a century distributed across six continents. pressure and flow controls, Nozzle, Smooth Bore and High in the fire industry. Already the main provider through a hydro-dynamically Rise Nozzles plus an insight of fire nozzles to professional assisted slide valve, provides into the ‘Generation 2’ range of firefighters in the UK, Delta’s for a low maintenance, high Fire Nozzles on the horizon at exemplary reputation in this field performance branch tried Delta in the near future. Delta will is well known. The Attack 100, and tested in front line service also be showcasing their highly 500 and 750 series of mainline over many years. Both Delta’s acclaimed Fog Spike System, nozzles represents state-of-the- mainline and hose reel nozzle now adopted by a growing art nozzle design incorporating ranges incorporate stainless number of UK FRS as a staple in computer aided design steel spinning turbine teeth dealing with compartment fires. technology with high quality UK producing uniform, dense spray manufacturing. patterns with optimum droplet  www.deltafire.co.uk

Ballyclare Stand J11

Visitors to Ballyclare’s stand range is part of a layering system Ballyclare supplies the will be able to see a number which means they are versatile, Ministry of Defence with of exciting products and functional and durable. High highly complex aircrew flying developments covering the fire, visibility jackets and vests, shirts, suits, the Ministry of Justice with police, prisons, ambulance and fleeces and trousers provide public order suits for the prison military sectors. 2015 has seen a uniform range that keeps service and the police with a further growth and expansion for employees safe and protected range of technical PPE, clothing, the company – new customers, at work and enables them to hi-vis flame-retardant vests and new staff and a new, modern HQ present a consistent image. public order garments. It also in Stockport all form a great base Visitors will also get the supplies hi-vis technical clothing for our exciting future expansion. chance to discuss our managed to the rail, aggregates and Of particular note is our services offering, encompassing highways sectors and is one of newly-launched range of garment supply, leasing, repair the main suppliers of structural ambulance safetywear: a full and laundering as we will have firefighting and rescue kit to the ensemble of ambulance uniforms our specialist partner Berendsen UK fire service. and workwear for paramedics on hand to explain the process and emergency workers. The in detail.  www.ballyclarelimited.com

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Armadillo Merino Stand L12

The clothes you wear may associated with synthetic With better protection from be slowly poisoning you. clothing are readily absorbed the “inside-out” you can Your skin is the body’s largest through the skin, avoiding start to defend yourself from organ and is a vital protective the liver before entering the developing short and long-term barrier against the environment bloodstream. When you are health issues. while also cleansing your body hot and sweating your pores Armadillo Merino® of certain wastes but it open up making the skin even specializes in next-to-skin needs protection. more receptive to chemical protective clothing. The Petro-chemical based absorption. The build up of range of head to toe clothing clothing (synthetics) are chemicals in the body especially creates a natural buffer zone manufactured using thousands the combination with other toxic around your body allowing of synthetic chemicals and with chemicals can lead to minor and the skin to function naturally, specialist finishes for flame major health ailments. keeping you cooler in summer resistance, insect repellency, and warmer in winter – shrink resistance, easy iron How to protect yourself? ‘Saving your skin.’ and water repellency. It has Your first line of defense is your been proven that the chemicals choice of next-to-skin clothing.  www.armadillomerino.com

Scott Safety Stand H32

Scott Safety, a global leader in Show, demonstrating how it product range – thermal imaging • An exciting new range of the design, manufacture and meets today’s firefighting needs. company ISG and gas detection portable gas detection supply of respiratory protective With over one million firefighters specialist IST Group – innovation products from GMI and equipment, gas detection and across the world trusting in Scott will be very much on show Oldham (part of the IST thermal imaging technology, will Safety’s products, the company As well as demonstrating the Group), which provide be on Stand H32 at this year’s has developed a portfolio of Propak Self Contained Breathing greater accuracy, portability innovative and reliable products Apparatus (SCBA) range, which and adaptability in that will reduce user burden and offers one of the highest levels hazardous environments. incorporate real-time telemetry, of respiratory protection and • The X380N thermal imager situational intelligence and comfort available, Scott Safety with ISG Technology – the communications in hazardous will also be showcasing some world’s only camera with hot- environments. highly anticipated new products: spot and cold-spot tracking With the recent acquisition – enabling firefighters to of two companies whose • The innovative 379 Bar obtain better situational design, technology and product cylinder, which provides awareness in a fire scene. creation capabilities complement 25% more air in situations and enhance Scott’s existing when you need it most.  www.scottsafety.com

Red One Stand M40

The importance of regular, by our expert practitioners, realistically reflect what you are professional, experiential fire fire officers and firefighters likely to face in real life, so that and rescue training for fire with current experience and you are ready and prepared. and rescue service staff and the highest qualifications Based in Exeter, Devon and industrial fire teams should who regularly attend real with additional training centres in never be under-estimated. Only emergency incidents. Plymouth and Taunton, Red One through consistent, thorough Our training is always offers more than 130 different and accredited training, immersive and experiential, courses covering all aspects delivered by experts in each meaning that for example, unlike of fire, rescue and safety and discipline, can the safety, other providers; we don’t use is constantly innovating new security and competence gas in our fire training. We train techniques for training delivery of emergency services staff using carbonaceous burns, to meet changing operational be assured. as this is the only way that our standards and to ensure that Red One is the UK’s leading students can truly experience students remain compliant, fire and rescue training provider. the heat, smoke, flame and noise competent and confident. Our success is based upon the of an actual fire. We believe that fact that our training is delivered your training experience should  www.red1ltd.com

20 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com PBI Around The World!

Every day, firefighters around the world risk their lives to protect the property and lives of others. As these brave men and women place their lives in harm’s way, PBI fibres play an integral role in firefighter safety. High performance outer shell fabrics with PBI fibres provide essential protection from heat and flame. PBI outer shell fabrics are EN and NFPA approved, and will not shrink or become brittle when exposed to high temperatures. PBI fabrics deliver high levels of comfort and durability. Choose from PBI Gold®, PBI Matrix® or our newest arrival, PBI Max™. For detailed technical information regarding PBI products, contact us directly at [email protected].

PBI Performance Products, Inc. // 22 Mallard Way // Pride Park Derby DE24 8GX UK // T +44 (0) 1332 290466 // Im Gewerbepark D23 // D-93059 Regensburg, Germany // T +49 (0) 941 465 275 9-9 // [email protected]

PBI-IntlGlobalAd-Eng2013-r1.indd 1 7/2/13 11:13 AM

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Fireblast Global Stand B31

For nearly two decades, first choice for customers, by product support, gives “value” systems industry, delivering a Fireblast Global has specialized developing training equipment a whole new meaning – and system design that is designed in the design and production that is recognized for quality and year after year our customers for maintenance and provided of fire training equipment for performance, and to produce agree. Our recently introduced unparalleled system reliability. the Civil Aviation, Municipal, fire training products that set Quick-Burner™ technology is Oil and Gas, Industrial, industry standards for safety. revolutionizing the fire training  www.fireblast.com Institutional, and Civil At Fireblast Global, our Defense sectors. Utilizing commitment to Innovation is staff engineers experienced in reflected in each and every worldwide projects, inclusive installation, exceeding customer of architectural design and expectations by delivering the facilities engineering, our most realistic and technically staff designs, engineers, advanced training environments manufactures, and supports available. We believe the the broadest range of fire design of outstanding training training products available equipment, with proven today. Our goal is to be the reliability, backed by top-rated

Holmatro Stand M62, OS449

Come and see the new range of New 5000 Series Cutters Inclined Cutter New 5000 Series Spreaders Holmatro 5000 Series Cutters The most important factors The burden is even further The most important factor in and Spreaders on stand M62. in the development of these reduced by one special model, the development of this series cutters were weight reduction the Inclined Cutter. Designed was weight reduction, without and improved ergonomics, for more ergonomic cutting high compromising spreading force while maintaining an optimal and low on the car, this cutter and spreading distance. This cutting performance on modern with its inclined jaw eliminates has been achieved through a cars. This has been achieved the need to lift the tool high up combination of new materials, through a combination of new for a roof cut or to bend over component integration and materials, component integration deeply to cut the rocker panel. innovative design. The result and innovative design. Being Working with the Inclined Cutter is five new spreaders with an much lighter than the previous also means there’s more space outstanding performance-to- generation, the new 5000 series for the tool to move towards the weight ratio that significantly cutters significantly reduce the car when you cut a pillar from reduce the physical burden physical burden on the operator. the side. The CU 5050 i too has on the operator. All models are available with been tested extensively on the Greenline battery technology. latest vehicles.  www.holmatro.com

FireWare Stand OS03

At FireWare it is all about creating Our FireSales products fit • Vesta Fire trainer series; realistic training environments. seamlessly with the manikin • Sound effects; We enable emergency range from Ruth Lee. This • Smell effects response teams all over the synergy makes Ruth Lee our • Mini PPV trainer; world to train as realistically perfect distributor for the United • Easy package and as possible. Stimulating as Kingdom and Ireland. FireWare storage solutions. many senses as possible from itself is based in the Netherlands. • And much more. our technical theatre origins Please let us welcome you at differentiates us from others. our booth OS03. We are outside Curious about how we can help This is how we help emergency and love to demonstrate to you: you with your training issues? response team members to Find more inspiration in realized become and stay professionally • Different smoke generators projects, information about skilled. We combine creativity Cirrus, Cumulus, Stratus design of training facilities or our with proven techniques and and Nimbo; product range on our websites. come up with innovative solutions • Tango Safety software; which make all the difference • Neptune practice  www.fireware.nl in the training experience. extinguisher refilling system;  www.ruthlee.co.uk

22 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE

Sky-Futures Stand B22

Sky-Futures, the global offering UAV training to the competently in operational ‘Sky-Futures clients believe Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Rescue, Response and environments. that UAV operations should (UAV) inspection specialists Resilience sector. UAV training is delivered by be approached with the same for the Oil and Gas industry, In partnership with Capita, the Sky-Futures highly experienced uncompromising manner to have launched the new Sky- Sky-Futures Training Academy Remote Pilot Instructors who safety as response driving, Futures Training Academy is based at the Fire Service maintain their currency through firearms training and manned College, Gloucestershire which 8,500 hours of operational aviation. Located at a world- provides a realistic training and commercial UAV flying class emergency service training environment. This CAA approved experience offshore, in some facility, we are delighted to be UAV training is conducted on of the most demanding able to offer training to a level that a large controlled site which conditions. Specialist Sky- has previously been unavailable offers a variety of operational Futures staff from the Emergency in the market. Demand has scenarios designed specifically Services sector ensure that the been high and we are very much for Emergency Services. Basic, courses are suitably tailored, looking forward to delivering our Intermediate and Advanced relevant and demanding. first courses in September.’ courses will train Remote Pilots David Hunkin, Sky-Futures to fly safely, procedurally and Operations Director commented:  www.sky-futures.com

Excelerate Technology Stand G28, OS39

Excelerate Technology is the our latest integrated resilient 2015 – for a fully immersive mounted communications pod leading provider of data, video, communications solutions. experience of our on-board allows personnel to access and voice and Internet via satellite See our satellite and integrated communications share information in real time. and wireless solutions on board wireless based communications technology visit our virtual Learn more about the incident command vehicles and technologies integrated into reality suite. benefits of UAV’s for achieving across incident grounds. At new generation command and Take a look at our innovative 360-degree aerial views at ESS 2015 we will be showcasing control vehicles. NEW for ESS Command Pod – a portable incidents and video streaming central communications hub, to required locations. We will operating independently of also be demonstrating body- a vehicle, enabling users to worn video, and ‘Sherpa’ – rapidly deploy a resilient data our automatic pole climbing network for the transfer of data, camera and communications video and voice to and from the system providing a rapid deploy incident ground. Also ‘Reflex’ CCTV surveillance and data – our rapid response resilient relay solution. communications solution for first responders. This vehicle  www.excelerate-group.com

Crofton Engineering Stand P61

Crofton Engineering Ltd At the 2015 Emergency offer LPG FBTU’s that deliver have been delivering training Services Show, Crofton a new standard of repeatable structures to the British Fire Engineering’s prominent stand firefighter training experience Service for more than 60 years, will feature a training tower and outcomes. with their steel fire training with a sloping roof, a crane jib, Leading the Crofton towers and buildings in service at and a confined space cage. team on the stand will over 450 fire stations and training During the Show a specialist be Director Glen Godfrey, centres in the UK and abroad. team of experienced firefighters along with Wayne Porter With the modern fire service will demonstrate SWAH and (also a Director and operational activity developing rope rescue techniques to ex-Lincolnshire FRS); Andy towards USAR, SWAH and rope demonstrate the versatility Barker (ex- Greater Manchester rescue work, in conjunction of Crofton’s cost-effective FRS); and former CFO Neil with brigades, Crofton has training structures. Wallington. Crofton’s gas evolved bespoke training In addition to supplying engineering partner company towers specifically designed to carbonaceous fire behaviour will also be present. facilitate a variety of realistic training units, Crofton rope rescue training scenarios. Engineering can now also  www.crofton-eng.co.uk

Subscribe at www.iffmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe SEPTEMBER 2015 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER 23 EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE

Floodsax Stand G40

A pioneering sandless sandbag to become more effective than FloodSax were used to has proved itself in action traditional sandbags. protect homes in the USA when with the emergency services A World War Two bomb it was battered by a hurricane worldwide. The innovative was discovered in a London and also saved countless FloodSax has been deployed garden and taken to Clissold thousands of dollars in damage to stop raging torrents of water, Park in Hackney to be blown up when they soaked up a massive soaked up fuel at road accidents, safely. The Metropolitan Police leak inside a hospital. cleared up the mess inside surrounded it with FloodSax FloodSax are exceptionally flooded homes and businesses to lessen the blast as a special space-saving to store and and has even mitigated the gelling polymer inside the deploy. One box of 20 that can effects of a bomb blast. FloodSax helped to absorb easily be carried by one person FloodSax at first look like the shrapnel generated by the is equivalent to 20 sandbags pillowcases and weigh just 200 explosion. The drama can now on a pallet. Around two million grams (7 ounces) before they are be seen on YouTube. FloodSax FloodSax have now been sold activated. But simply add water are now regularly used to worldwide. and in around three minutes they surround suspect packages expand to weigh 20 kilos (44lbs) in public places.  www.floodsax.com

Dräger UK Stand R37

Leading manufacturer in stand R37 to discover more our expertise across the COM 5000, FPS-COM 7000, HPS safety solutions, Dräger, is at about our innovative products emergency services industry, 7000 firefighters‘ helmet and this year’s Emergency Services and services. with specialists on hand to HPS 3500 tactical rescue helmet. Show, so come and see us at We’ll be showcasing discuss product features, Visitors will also be able service, training and to see the PSS integrated maintenance options. safety belt for use in unstable Visitors to our stand can look environments or working at forward to seeing innovative height, PSS 7000 breathing breathing apparatus and mask apparatus with telemetry, communication technologies Merlin entry control board which ensure firefighters are and FPS 7000 facemask. protected and prepared for every There will also be hands- situation they find themselves in. on demonstrations of Drager Among the technology on applications during the display will be our new fire two-day event. ground communications range of products, the Drager FPR-  www.draeger.com

Godiva Stand F2

At this years’ Emergency KP2 1510, which will provide a 30% smaller in cubic volume Services Show Godiva will be high pressure discharge of 250 than the comparable multi- displaying their brand new l/min at 40 bar, simultaneously pressure pumps. This vehicle pump, the KP model. with the low pressure discharge frees up space on the The KP pump is an innovative of 1500 l/min. vehicle to carry more new pump that covers the The multi-pressure version equipment or reduce the lower end of the pumping has inherited the unique Godiva overall payload of the vehicle. range. With the demand for design of two impellers on a Also on display the Godiva smaller more cost effective fire single shaft, a design that always Powerflow 8/5 and 12/10 appliances, Godiva considered reduces space demands, and pumps, lightweight portables the user requirements and set nowhere more significant than with a powerful performance. to designing a new pump for with the KP pump. Come and visit us on discharge flows of up to 1500 The KP single pressure stand F2 and discuss the l/min at 10 bar. This being a pump is on average 40% benefits of the KP and other Godiva pump, there is a single smaller in cubic volume than pumps for your fire pump needs. pressure version the KP1 1510, the competition and the multi- and a multi-pressure option the pressure pump is on average  www.godiva.co.uk

24 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com

EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE

Bollé Safety Stand G33

Bollé Safety revolutionizes eye lens gives them a high protection with an innovation resistance to scratching, that exceeds the requirements to the most aggressive of all international standards, chemicals and delays especially the EN166 K (anti- the onset of fogging. In scratch) and N (anti-fog) all circumstances and at option. The new and exclusive all times the Platinum lens anti-fog and anti-scratch innovation guarantees your prescription Platinum coating is now eyes improved protection. lenses with available on the Rush+, Silium+, Unlike other manufacturers the Platinum anti- Slam+, Contour, Cobra (foam Bolle Safety apply the new scratch and anti-fog coating requirements. Don’t take our versions) IRI-s, B808 plus Platinum coating to both sides as standard and at no extra word for it, try them for yourself, Atom, Tracker and Backdraft of the lens providing even charge. With a wide range of visit us on stand G33 and claim goggles. It also guarantees greater levels of protection. styles, including the unique your free pair of Platinum. greater safety, reliability and Bolle Safety are also the Contour prescription eyeshield, comfort. This permanent first company in the world to Bollé Safety have the answer  www.bolle-safety.com coating on both sides of the supply all their polycarbonate to all your eye protection  www.bolle-tactical.com

National Chemical Emergency Centre (NCEC) Stand R14

The Chief Fire Officer’s materials. Dan Haggarty will join provide accurate information to to be added to its National Association (CFOA) has selected CFOA’s project board and will emergency services. Operational Guidance NCEC’s Head of Emergency draw on his experience working Dan Haggarty commented: Programme during 2016. Response, Dan Haggarty, to help for Ricardo-AEA’s National “I’m very happy to be joining Dan and other members of produce new national guidance Chemical Emergency Centre the project board for the the NCEC team will be available for firefighters responding to (NCEC) to fulfil a governance National Operational Guidance on stand R14 at the Emergency incidents involving hazardous role in preparation of in-depth Programme. NCEC is in a Services Show, providing advice on the risks associated unique position to support the information on Chemsafe – the with hazardous materials and development of this advice 24/7/365 national advice service how to respond to them during thanks to our experience freely available to the emergency an emergency. operating the UK’s chemical services in dealing with chemical The work builds on the 24/7 emergency centre for over 40 incidents, and Chemdata – the emergency telephone advice that years and our work globally, industry leading hazardous the NCEC provides to its clients advising business and industry chemical database. around the world, enabling on chemical emergencies.” organisations to safely respond CFOA’s hazardous  www.the-ncec.com/ to chemical incidents and materials guidance is expected emergency-response/

Kongsberg GeoAcoustics Stand M37

Norfolk, UK based Kongsberg operations. Data courtesy of GeoAcoustics will be unveiling Kantonspolizei Zuerich their latest Search and Rescue Here you can see a diver side scan system at the returning to the surface, after Emergency Services Show. inspecting a boat wreck on the The side scan represents lake bed. The resolution of the the very latest in technology data is sufficient that missing aimed at finding recoverable persons can easily be spotted. submerged items. Its sonar The system is easy to deploy technology operates at and light enough to be carried frequencies that enable high by one person and can be used definition images to be captured on the smallest of vessels. It and pinpointed using the built in needs only a car battery for satellite receiver. power and uses a laptop to The system has already been display the data. quickly snapped up by the Swiss police force for lake recovery  www.km.kongsberg.com

26 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE

Bristol Uniforms Stand J3

Understanding, and available by including meeting, the changing Purchase Only (PO), Purchase needs of customers drives Managed Service (PMS) Bristol’s innovative approach and Fully Managed Service to new product development. (FMS), the latter offering The focus this year will be the full flexibility of a on a number of major new lease contract. products to come to Other new products market in 2015. will be our layered PPE The completion of the solution, LayerFlex™, in a mid-term Technical Refresh range which now offers a of the CPCC (Central PPE number of variants including and Clothing Contract) sees a yellow under jacket with the introduction of a new, navy outer jacket. Also comprehensive range of new this year will be two firefighter protective garments alternative structural garment for structural, technical constructions incorporating rescue and wildland use. The Gore Parallon, which offers extension of the previous enhanced wicking and (ICP) range creates an ideal breathability combined opportunity for fire and rescue with improved thermal services to consider taking performance. XFlex™ advantage of this no tendering structural and RescueFlex™ costs, no joining fees national USAR garments will also PPE procurement scheme. feature prominently. It offers the most flexible range of procurement options  www.bristoluniforms.com

Subscribe at www.iffmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe SEPTEMBER 2015 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER 27 SPECIAL REPORT Fire Apparatus Crashes Involving Firefighter Fatalities Fire apparatus are designed to get equipment and firefighters safely to a blaze so that firefighters can help put out a fire and deal with other life-saving situations. While, according to National Fire protection Association (NFPA) statistics, fire apparatus crashed peaked in 2006, the fire service is still experiencing more than 12,000 vehicle crashes every year and this problem continues to cause many types of injuries, fatalities, and other problems.

ire apparatus crashes also injure Both volunteer and career fire F and kill passengers of other departments in the United States have been vehicles as well as pedestrians. experiencing fire apparatus crashes like They tap limited resources which need to these for many years. The NFPA has data be spent on emergencies. Worse, a fire that indicates that, between 1977 and 2013, apparatus that has been in an accident is 244 firefighters were killed in apparatus slowed down, so that the persons waiting crashes (engine/pump, ladder, tanker, and for a fire department response may suffer ambulance/rescue) and between 1990 and fatalities or serious injuries because a 2013, 23,290 firefighters were injured. vehicle did not arrive in time. Each year, The majority of fatal fire apparatus fire apparatus crashes also take many fire crashes, particularly in the last 15 years, vehicles off the roads, stretching limited were single-fatality incidents. The leading resources thin and making it harder for causes for these crashes are shown to William Peterson firefighters to respond to emergencies consistently be: in a timely manner. ■ Excessive speed, ■ Failure to stop at traffic control devices,  On July 26, 2010, a 59-year-old male volunteer ■ Lack of caution at intersections. fire chief (victim 1) and a 67-year-old male volunteer firefighter (victim 2) died from injuries Fire department vehicle operations that sustained after they were ejected when their exhibit any of the above causes will, sooner engine was involved in a crash and rolled over. or later, predictably result in a fire apparatus

Michael A. King

William Peterson is currently a Senior Vice President for Strategic Government Resources with lead executive search responsibilities for Fire, Emergency Medical, and Emergency Management related executive searches.

Michael King retired from the Ohio State Highway Patrol after twenty- five years of service. During his tenure with the Patrol, Michael received specialized training in traffic crash investigation/ reconstruction. Image courtesy of William Peterson William courtesy of Image

28 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com SPECIAL REPORT

crash and potential injuries and fatalities to firefighters and/or the public. As recently as 2003, it has been shown that firefighters are more likely to die travelling to and from an emergency than actually fighting a fire. In addition to these firefighter fatalities, countless other firefighters and civilians are seriously injured in motor vehicle crashes involving fire apparatus, ambulances and personal vehicles. While many fire departments participate in some type of driver training program, these programs often fail to properly address the issues of vehicle dynamics and large truck behavior. Firefighter fatalities from apparatus crashes have consistently been the second highest area of risk for firefighters and as much as 32% of fatalities experienced in a given year. Generally, the fatality numbers Images courtesy of William Peterson William courtesy of Images

have consistently fallen between 15 and 7 25% of fatalities experienced in any given year. The fire service has been aware of the NFPA for fire apparatus crashes that essential investigative elements who, these dreadful statistics for many years. have occurred in the last 10 years was what, when, where, why, and how the Over the past 20 or more years, the fire examined. The data included incidents accident happened. As such, it is fairly service and fire apparatus manufacturers, involving apparatus (engine/pumpers, easy to determine the cause(s) of the working together, have made changes ladders, and brush trucks, as well as crash and whether any consistent trends and additions to NFPA 1901, Standard for certain special purpose fire department can be identified, across the complete Automotive Fire Apparatus, to incorporate vehicles. The data included a total of 51 data set, to arrive at logical and objective the latest safety features and state-of-the- fatal incidents, resulting in 55 deaths. conclusions. art design criteria in order to ensure Thirty-three of these incidents were The NIOSH reports were reviewed and the provision of safe fire apparatus, subsequently investigated by the National analyzed to identify common elements designed to meet the critical needs of Institute for Occupational Safety and that were identified in the 33 NIOSH fire departments, all over the country. Health (NIOSH). reports that were examined. The results Yet after the implementation of new A crash analysis was performed from of the review and analysis of these and improved safety features in fire the 33 NIOSH reports included in the data investigations identified seven operational apparatus designed to meet the from the 51 incidents in the NFPA crash issues that were repeatedly identified as requirements of NFPA 1901, the data. This method of analysis is not as major contributing factors in the crashes. following questions still remain: exact as an on-site investigation, but due In most fatal fire apparatus crashes, more to the nature and content of the NIOSH than one operational issue was present. ■ Why are firefighter fatalities continuing Investigation reports, this approach fulfilled From the information contained in to occur during responding and the needs to examine factors that were the 33 reviewed reports completed by returning activities? determined to be the primary cause(s) NIOSH, it has been determined that the ■ What are the factors that continue of the fire apparatus crashes identified four leading causes of firefighter crash to result in a record of unnecessary in the NFPA data. fatalities were: numbers of fatalities from apparatus Fire apparatus Crashes are crashes? and, extremely confusing events. How they ■ “Failure to Control” was a factor in 27 ■ Is there a pattern in fire apparatus occur, who or what caused them, and (81.8%) of the incidents examined, crashes over the last 10 years that why they occurred are facts that crash ■ “Rollover” was a factor in 17 (51.5%) of would seem to indicate that specific investigators must determine. Each of the the incidents examined, types of vehicles or types of chassis NIOSH reports clearly showed that NIOSH ■ “Firefighters not wearing seatbelts” (e.g. custom or commercial) are more investigation team know the fundamentals was a factor in 20 (57.1%) of the prone to crashes that will result in of traffic accident investigation and know incidents, firefighter fatalities? how to prepare thorough fire apparatus ■ “Occupant ejection” was a factor in 15 crash reports. (42.8%) of the incidents, and in 75% of In an attempt to answer these, and other, Analysis of the 33 NIOSH reports incidents where occupants were not pertinent questions relating to nature and which were available on the 51 incidents restrained by seat belts, factors of firefighter fatalities resulting from reported by the NFPA, clearly showed ■ The “Total number of firefighter fire apparatus crashes, data obtained from that the NIOSH reports contained the fatalities” in the 33 incidents was 36.

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 On December 2, 2005, a male career Captain (the victim) died, and a male driver/operator and a male firefighter suffered severe injuries when their apparatus struck a passenger van at a four-way intersection, left the road and overturned 1¼ times.

appropriate procedures which should be in place within the fire department. It clearly should be the responsibility of the employer to have in place a comprehensive Fire Department Occupational Safety Program which contains the following elements:

■ a risk management plan, ■ a safety and health policy, ■ an accident prevention and review process, ■ departmental standard operating procedures for the safe operation of apparatus and vehicles, and Image courtesy of William Peterson William courtesy of Image

7 ■ an ongoing training program for all firefighters on the risks and hazards From the information contained in the implemented in NFPA 1901 since likely to be encountered in emergency 33 NIOSH reports, it has also been 2000 have had significant positive vehicle operations. determined that: influence on Fire Apparatus Safety and performance when fire apparatus The US Fire Service, individually, ■ “Custom” apparatus were involved in are involved in a major crash incident. departmentally, and collectively, needs 11 (33%) of the incidents, These efforts should be continued. to place as much emphasis on changing ■ “Commercial” apparatus were involved ■ Crash data examined in this study firefighter behavior as they did in improving in 10 (30.3%) of the incidents, appears to show that fire apparatus apparatus safety. Until we are much more ■ “Non-compliant” apparatus were designed to be compliant with NFPA adept at improving and universally instilling involved in 10 (30.3%) of the incidents, 1901 editions after 2000 may be less a “safety culture” in the US fire departments, ■ “No determination” could be made in likely to be involved in a crash that we are likely to continue to see needless and 2 (6.1%) of the incidents. would result in a firefighter fatality. preventable fire apparatus crash fatalities ■ The current edition of NFPA 1901, take the lives of firefighters. Note: “non-compliant” refers to fire contains “state of the art” design The responsibility for establishing and apparatus that were re-purposed (old oil concepts to achieve the highest enforcing safety rules and regulations tankers, military surplus, etc.) and used as possible level of safety to the occupants rests solely with the management of the fire apparatus, or vehicles that were “home of the fire apparatus that are currently fire department, including the company built” that do not meet any standards, available in the industry. officers of apparatus crews. An effective including NFPA 1901. ■ Human factors continue to be a fire apparatus crash prevention program major cause of firefighter and public requires compliance, commitment, and Information contained in the 33 NIOSH fatalities when fire apparatus are support from all ranks within the fire reports, it has also been determined that: involved in a crash incident. The department. And while the responsibility for leading causes for these crashes safe driving rests ultimately with the fire chief ■ 54% of Apparatus were 1990 and older are shown to consistently be: and all members of his or her management models (23+ years old) team. Daily accountability rests with the ■ 87% of Apparatus were 2000 and older – Excessive speed, individual company officer. If it is determined models (13+ years old) – Failure to stop at traffic control that a clear violation of the emergency safe devices, and driving procedure has occurred, prompt Conclusions and Recommendations – Lack of caution at intersections. and appropriate corrective action must be From an examination of the subject NIOSH accomplished to reinforce the mandatory reports we conclude that: Since the year 2000, or before, the US Fire compliance with safe driving procedures. Service has understood, very clearly, that ■ There have been quantum if a fire apparatus crash is predictable, For more information, go to improvements in fire apparatus it is also preventable. Any problem with  www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ crash performance starting in 2000, operational safety that might exist can emergency.html and the performance requirements be easily and effectively dealt with by www.nfpa.org/research

30 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com

air lifting bags

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Subscribe at www.iffmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe SEPTEMBER 2015 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER 31 WILDLAND FIREFIGHTING Innovation In Early Wildfire Detection: Robots That Monitor The Forest 24/7 As governments and firefighters attempt to switch spending and efforts from wildfire suppression to prevention, the often overlooked detection stage is seeing a technology revolution that is making a difference.

he economic, social and human funding intended for fire prevention. T costs of wildfire are staggering Wildfire prevention methods including and getting worse. In the US for public education, prescribed burning example, annual suppression costs alone and better land management are proving have hit nearly US$1 billion in three of to be effective in reducing wildfire risk, the past 15 years, and some predict that particularly in WUI areas. Research number will double in the next 15 years. shows that each dollar spent on wildfire Accounting for the loss of assets, property prevention can save several dollars in and human lives and livelihoods further wildfire suppression, yet prevention magnifies this number. continues to be underfunded. The risk and frequency of wildfire is Even if budgets allowed for increasing due to climate change and comprehensive wildfire prevention, fires poor land management allowing fuel to will continue to be a problem, and the little Megan Pillsbury accumulate. On top of that, many of these discussed step between prevention and fires happen in or near the wildland urban suppression is detection. Early detection interface (WUI) – areas where forests is crucial to effective fire suppression. The intersect with urban development – larger a fire grows before it is detected, the increasing the cost of wildfire suppression more expensive it is to suppress the fire, and also damage. and fires allowed to grow beyond a certain With the costs of wildfire suppression size can’t be fought at all in some cases. rising so quickly, governments regularly The fire suppression community commonly spend significantly more than their supports the idea that a fire should be budgets allow, often borrowing from detected within five to 15 minutes after ignition depending on weather conditions. In any case, once a fire starts, the single  Once a fire starts, the single greatest greatest determination of the success determination of the success of fire of fire suppression is detection and suppression is detection and response time. response time.

Megan Pillsbury is Director of Business Development at Insight Robotics. She is responsible for expanding the business outside China.

32 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com WILDLAND FIREFIGHTING

Methods of wildfire detection Most parts of the world with high risk of wildfire employ some method of detection. The traditional method is manned watchtowers. Humans in towers can scan an area with up to 30km radius and identify fires by the smoke columns they create. At a distance of 13km, a human can reliably spot a fire 22m2 in size, though this method is severely limited by weather conditions such as fog, clouds, reflection by sun and objects, and time of day. Manned watchtowers can be expensive, especially in regions with high cost of employment, and humans fatigue very easily when doing visual surveillance. There are technologies that automate wildfire detection so as to minimise the Images courtesy of Insight Robotics Insight of courtesy Images

human factors: 7

■ CCTV can reduce the number of to spot an emerging wildfire as small as  The Insight Robotics wildfire detection robot uses humans required to survey an area a single 2 sq m tree within a 5km radius. smart algorithms and a Geospatial Intelligence System by centralising multiple views in one The problem with simple and (GIS) to locate a fire and alert the response team. area. However, laying cable can be affordable thermal sensors is their limited expensive, and surveillance is still range. A simple thermal sensor can be subject to human fatigue. combined with basic software to trigger an detection is not limited by weather ■ Satellite imagery can be used for alarm when a heat ‘signal’ above a certain conditions or time of day. These robots wildfire detection, but only if there is intensity level is received. The heat ‘signal’ monitor for wildfire 24/7 and will identify no cloud cover. The fire size required to emitted by a fire at 5km distance from fires when they are very small and identify it from satellite is at least 100m2, the sensor would degrade significantly by manageable. Insight Robotics has more and the scan time is at least three hours the time it reaches the sensor. In order to than 60 robots operating in China with (though this is improving). At present, trigger an alarm, the threshold level needs 100% effectiveness in detecting wildfires satellite is better suited for monitoring to be set very low. However, nearby objects per the specification to date. In Jinan City remote fires or fires with low risk of that are not necessarily on fire but are hot in 2014, eight robots identified 173 of 173 becoming disasters. (for example rocks or leaves in the sun) fires, none of which grew larger than 20m2 ■ Automated smoke detection algorithms may exceed the low threshold level and by the time they were suppressed. based on CCTV or a series of photos trigger a false alarm. If the threshold level can also be used to identify fires. These is increased to reduce false alarms, distant Prevention, detection, suppression algorithms look for smoke behaviour fires will not be detected. Minimising wildfire disaster requires a by analysing multiple frames of images The latest innovation in wildfire detection comprehensive strategy for preventing, taken of an area. Automated smoke includes a wildfire detection robot that uses detecting and suppressing wildfire detection can identify a fire 100m2 in a Geospatial Intelligence System (GIS) in effectively. The already high and continually size at 10km distance, and in testing combination with patented algorithms to growing costs of suppression can be is shown to have a similar detection dynamically set the threshold level of the drastically reduced if prevention and rate to manned watchtowers. thermal sensor based on the distance of detection mechanisms are properly the fire, overcoming the range limitation of employed. By increasing investment in However, the most recent of these a simple thermal sensor. It can identify a prevention and early detection, overall technologies was introduced 15 years fire 2m2 in size at 5km distance, and 20m2 spending will be reduced, and those ago, and there has been little innovation at 8km distance. The robot can calculate funds can be used for other public and in wildfire detection since… until now. the distance of the fire because it works government spending. Furthermore, the with the GIS to first identify the location of impact of wildfire on assets, society and Thermal detection the fire, and the single robot can report the humans will also be reduced. Fire managers Just last year Insight Robotics introduced location of the fire to the response team. won’t be able to stop building in the WUI a new wildfire detection technology that The limitation of thermal detection is or oncoming climate change, but they will enables the use of thermal sensors over that the sensor must have line of sight to be better able to prevent disasters caused long distances to effectively detect and the fire. Smoke detection makes it possible by wildfire. locate wildfires. This invention, which won to identify fires behind a hill that a robot the Entrepreneurship of the Year Award would not identify. For more information, go to from IBM in 2014, is the first in the world Unlike smoke detection, thermal  www.insightrobotics.com

Subscribe at www.iffmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe SEPTEMBER 2015 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER 33 „When the inferno’s  nally behind you, you know what it means to feel truly safe.“

The new Magirus Team Cab. While it’s pure pandemonium outside, all is quiet in the new Magirus Team Cab. The modular frame concept, the new safety cell, glare-free interior LED lighting throughout, a brand-new modular seat concept and the new step technology make it the safest place to be both before and after the call. And it wouldn’t be possible without  re ghters like you who work at Magirus and contribute their experience and passion to develop the best equipment in the world for your rescue operations.

www.magirusgroup.com

Team_Cab_2015_210x297x3mm_EN.indd 1 13.04.2015 09:41:05 AIRCRAFT RESCUE AND EVACUATION „When the inferno’s  nally behind you, you know what it Emergency Evacuation of means to feel truly safe.“ Passengers from Aircraft Incidents One of the primary objectives in basic firefighter training is the development of knowledge and proficiencies associated with various types of forcible entry techniques and building access as well as search and rescue/victim removal techniques during a structure fire incident. In many fire schools, nearly half the allotted time is spent on these fire ground activities. In the structural firefighting world, one must continuously train to maintain proficiency in forcible entry, ladder deployment and search and rescue so that time is not lost during that critical period of survival.

ollectively, these skills are often application and ensuring that a rescue C brought together and help path has been established and maintained to make the difference in a until additional help arrives or all of the successful or unsuccessful outcome passengers have self-evacuated from of any incident. the aircraft. When we switch gears and talk about In recent years, newer versions of Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF), large frame aircraft have given rise to the these tasks (access to aircraft and concerns of the sheer size of aircraft and search and rescue/victim removal) are the quantities of passengers that are being also taught, but sometimes take a back carried on them. The ARFF world has not seat to mass application of extinguishing only embraced the modern marvels that agent activities from the foam units that these aircraft have brought to the world of are assigned to our airfields. Additionally, air travel but also the potential ramifications Jason Graber minimum staffing at many airfields may that exist when one of these or any aircraft make entry into the aircraft during the is involved in an accident. Additionally, the initial minutes of the event impractical explosion of social media and a twenty- or impossible. The time prior to arrival four hour real time news media cycle has of mutual aid assets will largely be on nearly a weekly basis demonstrated consumed by extinguishing agent how frequent aircraft emergencies are becoming. It is expected that local airport An evacuation of a Boeing 757 fire departments be prepared to handle in September of 2011 at Washington and successfully mitigate any aircraft Dulles following an engine fire. emergency regardless of the size.

The new Magirus Team Cab. Jason Graber is a member of the ARFF Working Group While it’s pure pandemonium outside, all is quiet in the new Magirus Team Cab. Board of Directors and The modular frame concept, the new safety cell, glare-free interior LED lighting currently serves as the throughout, a brand-new modular seat concept and the new step technology secretary and education and make it the safest place to be both before and after the call. And it wouldn’t be training affairs officer for the possible without  re ghters like you who work at Magirus and contribute their organization. He has spent experience and passion to develop the best equipment in the world for your the last 12 years in ARFF with rescue operations. the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Fire and www.magirusgroup.com Rescue Department. In his current assignment, he is the Battalion Fire Chief of Safety and Training. Image courtesy of Jason Graber

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Team_Cab_2015_210x297x3mm_EN.indd 1 13.04.2015 09:41:05 AIRCRAFT RESCUE AND EVACUATION Image courtesy of Jason Graber

The best case scenario for passenger out or a crash occurs. Our mindset, our  Crews practicing on laddering the Airbus 380 survival is for ARFF personnel to arrive pre-plan and team training need to launch – in this case three ladder towers are set up and immediately after the accident and begin instantaneously upon notification of the working on making access to the aircraft. critical functions that often do make the event. This is where the attitude, ability difference in the survivability. Gaining and skill come together and the mindset of access to the aircraft cabin may be maximizing survival drives the end result. as well as the “quirks” that are associated increasingly more difficult if passengers are Preparing for routine and difficult with them. From the perspective of gaining already evacuating from the aircraft. This access scenarios is an essential element of access to the aircraft, this knowledge base can be further complicated by the condition emergency planning. Early on in my career, is essential, not just on the operation of the and position of the aircraft upon arrival at I was taught that the ideal place to access door, but also contributory factors, such the scene. Aircraft accidents rarely occur in the aircraft is via an over wing exit or an as what happens if a particular door does ideal conditions and it is incumbent upon exit near the wing, as this is pretty much not disarm from the outside and the slide first arriving ARFF personnel to adapt and the center point of the aircraft. I still believe deploys or if the door was damaged in the overcome with the mindset of making the in this tactic for obvious reasons but I also accident and thus inoperable. The slide situation better than we found it. Evacuating understand that it’s not an absolute and deployment will not only cover the entire passengers from an aircraft is certainly we need to train for every possibility. Once opening of the door, but also possibly 10” a good sign for us on the outside, but inside, we have the ability to go forward or to 12” on either side of the door and puts conversely creates access problems aft and access almost the entire aircraft advancing crews in harm’s way, as the for us, as our entry points are now (regardless of size) to initiate an interior fire slides deploy. potentiallyeven more limited. attack provided we have hose lines that are Gaining access and rescuing passengers long enough. The final determination as to Victim Search and from an aircraft is about attitude as much whether or not to make entry (and/or where Rescue and Removal as it is about ability and skill. Certainly a to make entry) and initiate a fire attack will One of the most challenging tasks risk management decision must take place be made during size up and will be driven performed by ARFF personnel is the before making the decision to enter an by a number of factors, including passenger search and rescue and ultimate removal of aircraft, but ultimately the will and desire evacuation routes and interior/exterior fires. passengers that are trapped on a damaged to enter the aircraft wreckage is based ARFF personnel need to have a thorough aircraft. As the images from the Continental upon “this risk management decision”? In understanding of aircraft construction and (Denver, Colorado-2008) and Asiana (San aircraft rescue, we know the survival clock be proficient in the operation of the various Francisco, California- 2013) accidents begins ticking the moment that fire breaks aircraft entry doors and over wing exits, and countless others have demonstrated,

36 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com FOAM FIGHTS FIRE

MOUSSOL®-FF - ICAO Level B Certiﬁ ed Used by London Heathrow, London Stansted, London Gatwick Airports

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ST_Az2014_148X210.indd 1 11.02.14 11:23 AIRCRAFT RESCUE AND EVACUATION The new PANTHER Follow the next Generation! Images courtesy of Jason Graber

 The Boeing 747 – the sheer size of large frame aircraft requires personnel and organizations to have definitive plans and procedures on how to make access to these and all sizes of aircraft that frequent (and don’t) your airports.

 The IL-62 is an aircraft that normally doesn’t frequent either of our airports but appears from time to time and depicts the need to be familiar with all kinds of aircraft.

making access to the aircraft may be the Once victims are disentangled from the Closing easy part of this process. One of the things wreckage, they must be moved to the exits It is not assumed that the tactics that may be encountered on the interior and removed from the aircraft. It is important discussed will work for every airport. of an aircraft accident is the possibility of for interior group or division supervisors to be An airport fire department must establish passengers still buckled into their seats, communicating with the exterior supervision plans that will work for them. If the or severely entangled with the remainder regarding status of the evacuation or rescue resources at an airport do not include a of the seats or components of the cabin. and location(s) to which victims are being readily available ladder truck or stair truck, PANTHER 4x4 and 6x6 It is important for incident commanders transferred. Effective victim management is the fire department should be training to determine how many personnel will be essential to ensure that all crew are on the mutual aid personnel in these skills. needed for the tasks of interior rescue. same page so that rescued passengers are Bringing them onto the airport during an These personnel are not included in any handed off in a safe and efficient manner. emergency and asking them to complete Faster. Stronger. Safer. fire attack group that may be needed to This hand off includes not only removing a critical task, such as laddering an aircraft, extinguish an interior fire, or at least hold victims from the wreckage, but also getting may be disastrous without previous The PANTHER from Rosenbauer has revolutionized ﬁ re ﬁ ghting it in check long enough to get the aircraft them to the casualty collection point. A training. When mutual aid response is operations at airports around the world. The next generation of the evacuated. When deploying personnel to the staffing task analysis should be conducted depended upon for gaining access or other PANTHER impresses with innovative features, maximum performance, interior, the incident commander must weigh which identifies the critical tasks required tasks critical to survival, formal mutual aid and functionality. With more safety thanks to optimized panoramic heavily how many people may be needed for the worst case scenario, the number agreements must include the expectations view and crash tested driver‘s cab. Even better driving dynamics to affect a rescue versus how much room is of personnel required to complete the of the airport, as well as the capabilities through an optimized center of gravity. More operating convenience on the inside for rescue personnel and any task, and the number of minutes into the of the mutual aid department. thanks to the re-designed cockpit. More extinguishing performance tools that may be needed. Personnel must incident that crews should be available to Preparation after the fact is not due to powerful turrets, pump, and optimized proportioning system. also keep in mind that moving wreckage on execute it. If the staffing does not exist preparation at all. the inside of the aircraft is not considered “on airport”, mutual aid must be trained www.rosenbauer.com destruction of evidence if it means getting and their efforts coordinated to understand For more information, go to to a viable victim. the responsibilities.  www.arffwg.org www.facebook.com/rosenbauergroup

38 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com

143839_Inserat PANTHER_neutral_210x297_EN.indd 1 02.06.15 09:50 The new PANTHER Follow the next Generation!

PANTHER 4x4 and 6x6

Faster. Stronger. Safer.

The PANTHER from Rosenbauer has revolutionized ﬁ re ﬁ ghting operations at airports around the world. The next generation of the PANTHER impresses with innovative features, maximum performance, and functionality. With more safety thanks to optimized panoramic view and crash tested driver‘s cab. Even better driving dynamics through an optimized center of gravity. More operating convenience thanks to the re-designed cockpit. More extinguishing performance due to powerful turrets, pump, and optimized proportioning system.

www.rosenbauer.com

www.facebook.com/rosenbauergroup

143839_Inserat PANTHER_neutral_210x297_EN.indd 1 02.06.15 09:50 EMOTIONAL SURVIVAL TRAINING The Bulletproof Spirit – Part 1: Emotional Survival Training to Insure Wellness What was the worst call you have ever been on? How many different ways did that call and so many others adversely affect your health and wellness, your relationships at home, how you perceive your job and the community, and the quality of your life? Could you have been better prepared before and after, to more constructively process the acute stress and trauma of a professional firefighter?

onsistently being immersed practices that nurture, protect, and heal C in death, tragedies, danger, their spirit—to bulletproof their spirit to heartache, and suffering can prevent them from becoming victims of often scar the spirit of any first responder their profession. – particularly firefighters and EMT The inherent adverse effects of a personnel. Tragically, first responders career as a firefighter or medic are are more likely to kill themselves than die poisonous and cumulative. Like a in the line of duty. There are more than cancer, dedicated yet unsuspecting twice as many problem drinkers within first responders have the potential to the first responder professions than the slowly succumb to the toxic, debilitating general public. An estimated 15-18% effects of acute stress and trauma suffer from PTSD, with an estimated with little training on how to effectively 20-25% who will suffer at least one life- process the internal damage. The job Dan Willis altering addiction during their career. It is has an inherent ability to turn us into essential for fire personnel to incorporate someone our loved ones no longer proactive emotional survival and wellness recognize. Following is emotional survival strategies based upon the award- winning book, “Bulletproof Spirit: The A firefighter rushes an injured First Responders Essential Resource for boy to a waiting ambulance after Protecting and Healing Mind and Heart,” being injured in a house fire. (firstresponderwellness.com).

Captain (ret) Dan Willis served with the La Mesa Police Department for 26 years. He is a former crimes of violence, child molest, homicide detective and SWAT commander, and La Mesa’s Wellness Coordinator. Image courtesy of www.firstresponderwellness.com courtesy of Image

40 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com EMOTIONAL SURVIVAL TRAINING Image courtesy of www.firstresponderwellness.com courtesy of Image

The Warning Signs Irritability  August 22, 2011 El Cajon, California: SWAT Police Emotional survival means having the ability 2 When affected, you’ll tend to officers and firefighters fight a house fire where a to process stress, overcome trauma, while develop a shorter-than-usual fuse, fly barricaded man had just shot and killed his baby serving with compassion without the job off the handle for seemingly insignificant daughter, mother-in-law, set his house on fire, and being crippling either mentally, emotionally, reasons, respond to questions in one- critically wounded an officer with a shot to the neck. or physically. If you are doing nothing word sentences, usually say you are “fine” proactively to develop and promote just to stop any further conversation, emotional survival, then you are allowing and keep everyone near you walking on as a way to no longer feel the sense of the job to victimize you. eggshells for fear of how you may react. helplessness, frustration, stress, trauma, Our spirit is the foundation for our You become increasingly more on edge, and emotional pain of the job. As you shut physical, mental, emotional wellness and restless, and agitated. down emotionally, you tend to become the quality of our life. Our spirit consists disassociated with others, indifferent, of everything within that makes us Difficulty Sleeping and disengaged with life. However, this resilient, able to cope with trauma; it is our 3 Having difficulty consistently getting inevitably leads to seriously damaged motivation to compassionately serve and a good night’s sleep—either because relationships at home. help others; our sense of aliveness; and of sleep interruptions several times it is what makes us human. And it is our each night or because of only being Lack of Communication spirit that suffers most from a career as capable of sleeping for a few hours—is a 6 As one increasingly withdraws, they a first responder. The first objective is to significant sign that you are not effectively will tend to make the serious mistake of understand the several warning signs that processing stress and are being adversely keeping everything inside. This becomes a firefighter’s spirit has been injured and affected by the job. serious because, as their communication not processing stress effectively. skills diminish, they will refuse to talk about Anger how work is affecting them. Feelings of Isolation 4 When seriously affected, you begin to depression, anxiety, helplessness, anger, 1Over time there is a natural tendency develop a pattern of taking out your stress fear, and other negative emotions will then to become increasingly isolated. This and frustration on others, often those they tend to intensify. involves withdrawing—preferring the care about most. company of work colleagues or being Cynicism, Distrust, and alone over associating with other friends, Emotional Numbness/ 7 Loss of Work Satisfaction family, and their related activities. One 5 Feeling Dead Inside If any of these warning signs are not develops the tendency to disengage, not Becoming emotionally numb or dead addressed, you will likely become highly wanting to make decisions away from inside is inevitable, at least initially, and dissatisfied at work, extremely cynical, and work, and preferring not to be involved firefighters need to consistently work distrustful of most everyone. This cynicism with others, even spouses and children. to prevent it from overwhelming them. and negative outlook can send you into Eventually, you can become distant The job will naturally tend to make a downward spiral that eventually could and reclusive. you want to shut down emotionally affect every aspect of your quality of life.

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 Capt. Willis’ Bulletproof Spirit is a unique emotional survival guidebook providing essential proactive wellness practices.

 Police funeral – another fallen hero. There are many more untold victims of the Image courtesy of www.firstresponderwellness.com courtesy of Image

7 professions of first responders – their families.

Depression way, how the job has been affecting you, nightmares where the dead woman who 8 Ignoring any of these warning signs and what specifically the first responder he had recovered from the tangled debris, eventually can lead to clinical depression. can do to improve their relationships. suddenly opened her eyes and said the Left untreated, this may worsen and Periodically ask yourself how you firefighter had killed her. The more he tried become potentially severe depression, cope and manage career stress, and not to see these images, the more often resulting in substance abuse and whether what you have been doing is and more intensely he would see it. addictions, broken families and lives, healthy. It’s helpful to think about what A colleague told the firefighter about and a host of other debilitating problems, positive things you can do that you enjoy, a PTSD therapy treatment called EMDR up to and including suicide. that will help to breathe life back into your (Eye Movement Desensitization and spirit; how to become more engaged with Reprocessing). The officer tried this Drinking as a Perceived family and life-enhancing activities, and therapy with the Fire Department’s 9 Need or Habit how to promote your health and wellness psychologist and after only 2 sessions, Drinking or consuming other substances more consistently. never saw phantom blood again and because of a perceived need or by habit never again had that nightmare. The is a major warning sign. Alcohol abuse is PTSD – Unresolved Trauma therapy is specifically designed to heal a serious problem among firefighters and PTSD is not a weakness. It’s not about the brain’s ability to process the trauma medics. Drinking because of a need or what’s wrong with you; it’s all about what and place it in its proper perspective. habit tends to only intensify already serious happened to you. PTSD is really an injury Although you will always remember the problems and emotional issues, as well to the brain’s ability to process a traumatic incident, with treatments such as this you as problems at work. incident or acute stress. The brain’s natural can remember it without being emotionally processing ability becomes injured, crippled during those memories – trained Self Awareness or stuck, which can cause a person to EMDR psychologists can be found at The first step for a firefighter to bulletproof repeatedly re-live the experience while www.emdr.org. their spirit is to learn to become more experiencing crippling emotional reactions. In the second and final part of The self aware of not only how the job may Such was the case with a La Mesa Bulletproof Spirit, we will explore Wellness be adversely affecting them, but what (San Diego County) Firefighter who for Practices and look at several emotional- emotional survival methods may be effective whatever reason, after one particular fatal survival and wellness principles that can be to maintain their wellness. First responders drunk driving accident, began seeing blood developed by emergency first responders. should periodically seek opinions from their everywhere in his mind’s eye – blood on his spouse and loved ones regarding whether daughter’s face, his wife, in the shower, and For more information, go to they believe you have been changing in any on his hands. He also kept having repeated  www.firstresponderwellness.com

42 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com Subscribe at www.iffmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe SEPTEMBER 2015 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER 43

FIREMAN-ADVERT-01-2015-OK.qxp_Advert Template_DIN A4 12/02/2015 13:31 Page1

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Gallet F1XF Helmet EVOLUTION 6000 ALTAIR 5X and ALTAIR 4X alphaSCOUT SCBA System For further information Thermal Imaging Camera Multigas Detectors Monitoring System visit our market page

MSA • Tel. +49 (0)30 68 86-0 • [email protected] Because every life has a purpose… FIREMAN-ADVERT-01-2015-OK.qxp_Advert Template_DIN A4 12/02/2015 13:31 Page1

BUYER’S GUIDE What’s New with... Thermal Imaging Cameras With the greatly increased use of thermal imaging technology, the leading manufacturers have boosted their research and development efforts to provide firefighters with the most efficient and reliable equipment. In this Buyer’s Guide we highlight the latest offerings from the World’s leading suppliers.

Bullard Scott Safety Thermal imagers manufactured by Bullard are designed to As a world leading endure the harshest environments to meet the demanding provider of advanced needs of firefighters. The Company introduced its first high- thermal imaging resolution thermal imager to the fire service market in 1998 equipment to the fire with the innovative Bullard TI. Today, Bullard continues to lead industry, Scott Safety the industry with innovative thermal imaging products and prides itself on its unique accessories with its newest line of thermal imagers…the ability to enhance the X Factor Series. performance and Bullard’s X Factor Series featuring the Eclipse® LDX, offers operability of its thermal the latest state-of-the-art infrared engine technology and image imaging cameras well beyond processing techniques for the ultimate image performance in their core and most basic function. fire conditions. With the X Factor Series, firefighters are better Our cameras are well-known for equipped to capably address ever-changing fire conditions, providing firefighters with the ability identify egress points next to raging fire, and reveal potential to fully interpret a fire scene and victims in hot and smoky scenes. make better, safer, tactical decisions The X Factor Series of thermal imagers includes the Eclipse Our X380 thermal imaging camera LDX, T3X, T4X, and Eclipse X. Bullard plans to release the T3X powered by ISG TECHNOLOGY, and T4X in the third quarter of 2015, followed by the Eclipse X. provide firefighters with an unrivalled Your Safety is what drives us. All X Factor Thermal Imagers come standard with an industry level of situational intelligence, they leading five-year, full service warranty on parts and labor. In provide unique hot spot tracking, an addition, all X Factor Thermal Imagers are eligible for Bullard’s enhancement that enables firefighters to immediately identify Every Single Day. upgrade program available through December 31st 2015. high-risk areas in the floor or ceiling of a fire scene, its equally unique cold spot tracking enhancement, helps firefighters locate For more information, go to gas or chemical valve leaks and the cameras tactical colour, gives  www.bullard.com the user a true visual picture of rapid heat changes. Scott Safety employs the largest and most comprehensive engineering teams of any dedicated firefighting TIC manufacturer in the world. Based across two continents in four separate facilities, our exceptional in-house development team are able to create and develop product enhancements that ensure our thermal imagers remain at the forefront of technological advancement. Owning a Scott camera you’ll be getting the most technologically advanced thermal imaging solution, designed specifically for your application in the most extreme environments, and you’ll get total peace of mind and absolute support with our complete after-sale service throughout the life of your product. Gallet F1XF Helmet EVOLUTION 6000 ALTAIR 5X and ALTAIR 4X alphaSCOUT SCBA System For further information Thermal Imaging Camera Multigas Detectors Monitoring System visit our market page For more information, go to  www.scottsafety.com/emea

MSA • Tel. +49 (0)30 68 86-0 • [email protected] Because every life has a purpose… Subscribe at www.iffmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe SEPTEMBER 2015 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER 47 BUYER’S GUIDE

Halo Thermal Imaging Halo Thermal Imaging, based at Durham Tees Valley Airport recently launched the first true, hands-free thermal imaging camera at the Interschutz tradeshow in Hannover, Germany. The Halo is is a game changer for the industry, providing firefighters and first responders with the freedom for versatility required in hostile environments. With its patentable technology; it’s the future of firefighting. The Halo is the world’s smallest and lightest camera built for firefighting and search and rescue. Attaching the camera to a firefighters helmet, in the same manner as a MSA Safety torch, gives the user the ability to use both hands with The Halo MSA introduced one of the first firefighting thermal imaging providing crystal clear images. Weighing in at just 390g, The Halo cameras over a decade ago. In the years following, we’ve refined also features a 10-hour battery life, 2.5” high definition display, TIC design through innovation and expertise, delivering several snap shot function and superior dynamic range. When temperature successful generations of market-leading TICs. Our state-of-the- is important to the wearer, spot temperature measurement and art cameras help you in various situations, such as fast and safe multi colour maps are available as standard with a single button navigation in smoke filled rooms. configuration making for very simple operation. As our EVOLUTION® 5000 TIC series could not easily be Head of Innovation at Halo, James Brooks, says “Having upgraded to fulfill the new American standard NFPA 1801 been involved in thermal imaging for nearly two decades we (Standard on Thermal Imagers for the Fire Service) we decided know the importance of giving firefighters as much information to develop a new TIC. The EVOLUTION® 6000 TIC platform as possible. To do this and to give them freedom of movement comprises three models to offer the best mix of features, at the same time was a logical step.” James went on to explain, including NFPA 1801 compliance, to support the thermal “To design and build a compact camera at only 60mm x 70mm x imaging needs of all first responders. 125mm and bring the weight below 400g was our target. To then NFPA-compliant third-party certification, non-incendive give the wearer the ability to move the display was then another equipment (UL Class 1, Div 2 which equates to ATEX equipment challenge knowing how difficult some of the environments are that group II [industrial], zone 2, gas group IIB) for additional safety they operate in. It has to be robust to withstand high temperatures within combustible environments, fireground-tough product and also the hard knocks that can happen on the fire ground. design provides waterproof shock resistance, and a Camera We are extremely proud of the result.” Configuration Application customize camera settings to meet customer needs. For more information, go to EVOLUTION® 6000 Basic TIC provides easy to use  www.halothermalimaging.co.uk performance – a simplified fireground tool. Standard flashlight provides extra visibility for firefighter proximity to enhance safety and situational awareness. Laser pointer pinpoints hot spots and other areas of interest to allow others to take fast, specific action. EVOLUTION® 6000 Plus TIC adds additional tools to aid and improve fireground safety and decision making. 2x / 4x zoom gets a closer look at areas of interest. Six user-selectable colour palettes provide flexibility to view thermal images. A compass allows for faster rescues and improved situational awareness by displaying letters or icon for directional information. Optional integrated video transmitter enables remote monitoring for improved decision making. Optional integrated range finder offers more usable information to enable faster, more precise action from a distance of 5 to 30 meters (replaces flashlight option).

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

48 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com FLIR K2 ad.indd 1 30/06/15 13:35

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Subscribe at www.iffmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe SEPTEMBER 2015 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER 49 sicor-sureco.com BUYER’S GUIDE

Dräger FLIR Systems A trusted and loyal partner FLIR Systems is adding to the fire and rescue service the K2 and K65 to its for generations, Dräger’s industry-leading lineup ATEX and UL approved of K-Series thermal imaging thermal imaging technology cameras that provide is used by firefighters firefighters with the across the globe. capability to see through The Dräger range includes smoke, locate and rescue its UCF 6000, UCF 7000 and victims, identify hot spots, UCF 9000 – a thermal imaging navigate safely, and stay portfolio equipped with extensive better oriented during safety features, intuitive operation response missions. and stringent approvals – meaning it can also be used in potentially Extremely affordable explosive atmospheres. thermal imaging These lifesaving pieces of for firefighters equipment are valuable tools The K2 brings FLIR’s for essential orientation when powerful life-saving thermal fire, smoke and darkness technology to a broader base make navigation difficult. of firefighters at a breakthrough They are all equipped with price point. Powered by FLIR’s an integrated laser pointer which Lepton® camera core, the compact enables team members to communicate K2 delivers detailed thermal images at 160 x 120 effectively and warn each other of potential dangers. resolution and is equipped with FLIR’s patented The devices help firefighters to manage the challenges Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging (MSX®) technology that they are faced with, such as assessing situations, measuring significantly enhances image quality, allowing firefighters the size and scale of fires, or searching and finding injured to see key structural details in a variety of environments. persons. Dräger‘s cameras generate an instant, clear picture of different heat signatures not visible to the naked eye, covering NFPA-compliant FLIR K65 a wide temperature range of 40 °C to 1000 °C. The K65 is a feature-rich thermal imaging camera that is fully compliant with the NFPA 1801-2013 Standard for Thermal The Dräger range of thermal imaging cameras Imagers covering usability, image quality, and durability for ■ UCF 6000 – delivering excellent image quality even firefighting. The K65 offers crisp 320 x 240 thermal resolution under the most extreme conditions, characterised by and features onboard video recording and playback, which its ease-of-use and essential, innovative functions. is useful for debriefing and training. ■ UCF 7000 – users can see more and make better decisions The K65 also features with the optimal display options. The camera is intrinsically FLIR’s revolutionary safe (ATEX zone 1) and offers the maximum level of reliability. Flexible Scene ■ UCF 9000 – thermal imaging and digital camera in one, Enhancement™ ensuring firefighters are well equipped for every task. (FSX) technology which significantly For more information, go to enhances scene  www.draeger.com detail and contrast in total darkness When comes the time for facing situations of extreme and smoke-filled rooms. danger, for protecting your companions and saving FSX™ will extract image the lives of others, the only thing that matters is to do so without worrying about yourself. details, like edges and corners, Every day, all you have to do is make the right choice, from the original image. These is choose the right partner to watch your back. details are weighted and combined with the original image to create an image with enhanced details, making them visible to the user, even in those scenes with extreme temperature dynamics that are typical for Helmet EOM Helmet VFR EVO a firefighter’s job. EN 16471:2014 EN 16471:2014 For wildland fire fighting With you, Protecting you. For wildland fire fighting For more information, go to EN 16473:2014 EN 16473:2014  For technical rescue For technical rescue www.flir.com EN 12492:2012 EN 443:2008 For mountaineers For 30 years Sicor has been developing, manufacturing, and supplying For fire fighting in buildings the best helmets for the protection of many prestigious Fire Brigades in the world. and other structures 50 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com sicor-sureco.com

When comes the time for facing situations of extreme danger, for protecting your companions and saving the lives of others, the only thing that matters is to do so without worrying about yourself. Every day, all you have to do is make the right choice, is choose the right partner to watch your back.

Helmet EOM Helmet VFR EVO EN 16471:2014 EN 16471:2014 For wildland fire fighting With you, Protecting you. For wildland fire fighting EN 16473:2014 EN 16473:2014 For technical rescue For technical rescue EN 12492:2012 EN 443:2008 For mountaineers For 30 years Sicor has been developing, manufacturing, and supplying For fire fighting in buildings the best helmets for the protection of many prestigious Fire Brigades in the world. and other structures STRESS AND MENTAL HEALTH Work-related Stress and Mental Health Issues in the Fire Service Once upon a time the leading cause of absence from work was musculoskeletal complaints: bad backs, bad joints and the like. Not any longer. Although still number one, musculoskeletal impairments are closely followed by mental health problems, many but not all of them arising from work-related stress. The cause of the stress is largely an irrelevance for employers, the big issue is what can be done about the prevalence of stress-related illness in the Fire service?

ife is a long-term health condition. health is every bit as real and as serious as L All of us are subjected to varying physical ill health. degrees of stress both inside and Mental illness can amount to a disability outside of work. Common causes include under the Equality Act 2010 if it is long-term relationship issues, financial worries, and has a substantial adverse impact on general concerns about the future, family, daily function. The emphasis is on function you name it, it can cause stress. Stress is not the label given to a health impairment. in itself not an illness. Some people enjoy If there is a substantial impact in or out of a healthy amount of stress and thrive work mental ill health can be a disability. on it. For others it quickly spirals out of If disabilities are present employers must control and can cause physical as well by law make reasonable adjustments that as mental symptoms: headaches, rapid can help the affected employee stay at heart rate, increased blood pressure. work, return to work after ill health, aim Karen Jackson The threshold at which stress becomes a for promotion, etc. Even if disability is not problem to health is different for everyone: 100% established employers are advised two people subjected to the same stress to consult with affected staff to see what, will not necessarily respond alike. But left if anything, can be done to retain talented unchecked stress can become common people in the workplace. mental health conditions like depression So what does a reasonable adjustment and anxiety. for mental ill health look like? The legislation There is plenty of evidence to show offers no prescription. The sky’s the limit! A that the threshold for unhealthy stress is good dose of creative thinking may be called actually much higher in the emergency for. Starting by consulting the employee services because people who do this kind who is struggling or who feels they cannot of work acknowledge when they enter the return to work is always the best place. And profession that it is a stressful one. Some remember: it’s not a blanket “do everything” are even drawn to it. Workers can also freely the employee asks. The starting point is discuss stress in an environment which for the employee to identify what practice, is inherently stressful if they so choose. provision or criteria of the workplace is Sometimes however that is not an easy causing disadvantage. What is the thing discussion which is one reason why making life difficult? Is it the hours? Is it the it can go unchecked. place of work? Is it the team he/she is in? So how can employers know who Next: is the thing having a major impact? is at risk of unhealthy stress? Men are If the impact is minor or trivial the law does notoriously poor at expressing when they not require an employer to do anything. A Karen Jackson is Director need help. Mental issues are seen as sensible approach is advised however: if and Senior Solicitor at weakness. Men do not want to let on that it seems trivial to an employer but is a big didlaw and a leading they are struggling. The Mental Health deal to an employee, and provided it is not authority on mental Foundation is doing work specifically too costly or too disruptive, why not give it health disability and around how to engage men at work to be a whirl? Many of the legal complaints I see discrimination. more mentally healthy and that begins with on my desk arise from something simple being open. And recognition that mental ill being ignored. And remember too: treat

52 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com STRESS AND MENTAL HEALTH

people like you do care. There’s no faster way to a grievance and long-term disruption than to ignore a complaint whether you think it is legitimate or not. I never cease to be amazed at the lack of common sense and basic human consideration around reasonable adjustments and mental ill health at work. It isn’t rocket science. Simple steps like allowing a late arrival or early departure so the employee can go to counselling is an obvious example. If you want to make sure the system is not abused ask to see an appointment card. Moving someone to short-term alternative duties while they get back in the swing of things after a period of mental illness is another obvious example of a simple and reasonable adjustment. All too often I hear employers saying they cannot offer any adjustments. I doubt that is true in the vast majority of cases. Image courtesy of Andrew Rich 2012

Another thing I hear is “But I don’t think 7 it will make any difference”. The solution is obvious: if it’s a simple adjustment that for that person not to lead in an emergency http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/. you can make why not just try it out? If situation until his/her condition has Their Employment Statutory Code of it doesn’t work you can say I told you so stabilised and/or resolved. As always there Practice provides an invaluable source of and try again. If there is nothing that can will be a balance to strike between the best free advice and guidance in plain English be done you have discharged the legal interests of the individual concerned and and contains lots of practical examples. duty and need do no more. Of course that the organisation. In a field intricately linked It can be downloaded and saved as a doesn’t mean you will avoid a tribunal but with safety and team work safeguards on PDF for future reference here: http:// as long as a proper process is followed safety may be a legitimate reason for an www.equalityhumanrights.com/sites/ you will manage risk. If an adjustment does adjustment to be declined. default/files/documents/EqualityAct/ work you have a happier employee who will There is no right or wrong answer to employercode.pdf. be back to work sooner and hopefully for reasonable adjustments. It is, like many And if its mental health advice you are longer. And also an employee who believes areas of law, a grey area. What you need to after look no further than the excellent he/she is being looked after and who know is that if an adjustment is reasonable website of the Mental Health Foundation should give greater engagement. What’s and you won’t allow it you may be breaking (MHF) http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/. The more, trying a possible adjustment that the law. And if you decline to make an MHF leads on research around common fails can only be insurance against potential adjustment for whatever reason you must and serious mental health conditions. Their Employment Tribunal proceedings. At least document the steps taken to reach that website and guides offer a wealth of free you tried. decision if you want to be able to justify guidance and advice to help dispel a lot of I’m often asked “What is a reasonable your decision to not make the adjustment the unhelpful myths around mental illness. adjustment?” Exactly what it says on the and avoid liability. If an all-round education on the tin! Essentially it’s any adjustment which So where do you go for more help? I subject is what you really want you can might help a person with a disability, am an expert in disability discrimination do no better than to come to one of our making it easier for them to stay in work in the work context and with a particular didlaw EDUCATION conferences. or return to work after time off or making emphasis on mental health. There’s not Visit www.didlaw.com/education. it easier for them to access promotion much I have not seen or advised on. I’m Our next event, a one day course, without unnecessary hindrance. But it must only ever a phone call away. For free Mental Health Disabilities and Stress at be reasonable. What is reasonable? I hear resources the Occupational Health adviser Work 2015, will take place in London on you ask. There is no hard and fast rule. for your workplace may be able to come 21 October 2015. If you are a manager It will depend on the size and resources up with some excellent proposals for of people it will give you all the tricks and of the organisation. The Fire service will adjustments. Ask the employee who is tools you need to successfully manage a have budgetary limits but probably more asking for adjustments what might help. mentally healthy workforce and reasonable importantly it will have health limits in place It seems like a no-brainer but it’s one that adjustments around it. We promise not to to safeguard the public and other team often falls between the cracks. let you leave until you are fully enlightened! members. If a mental illness causes a Check out the free resources on firefighter to undergo, for example, difficulty disability online at the Equality and For more information, go to in making decisions, it might be advisable Human Rights Commission website  www.mentalhealth.org.uk

Subscribe at www.iffmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe SEPTEMBER 2015 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER 53 GIELLE™ INDUSTRIES engineering / manufacturing / installation / maintenance maritime - oil&gas - defense - aviation - industrial - civil apps

FM-200® Novec 1230® Fire Suppression Fire Suppression Systems Systems

Inert Gas Cold Fire Fire Suppression Wetting Agent Systems

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GIELLE Gielle Industries - Via Ferri Rocco, 32 - 70022 Altamura (Ba), Italy ANNIVERSARY www.gielle.it - [email protected] - tel. +39.080.311.8998 Fax +39.080.310.1309 5 1965-2015 Follow us on: ™ EMERGENCY IDENTIFICATION The Strategic And Operational GIELLE Benefits Of Personal Emergency ID INDUSTRIES After saying goodbye to his wife that damp, cloudy Tuesday, Bob got into his truck, sipped engineering / manufacturing / installation / maintenance maritime - oil&gas - defense - aviation - industrial - civil apps his coffee, and started to drive to work in a neighboring town about half an hour away. To Bob, it seemed like a pretty average, normal working day, but it was far from it.

e had recently started a contract Fortunately for Bob, his site health H job on a fairly large construction and safety manager had implemented site with a range of essential a Personal Emergency ID regime on site. building / infra-structure tasks and with When the firefighters moved Bob to a safe colleagues he hardly knew. Bob sort place the paramedics quickly assessed of knew their names and their favorite him and accessed his ID. They learned FM-200® Novec 1230® football team, but not a great deal else. a lot very quickly. Fire Suppression Fire Suppression All in all, though, they were not a bad This told them that Bob already had Systems Systems crew and they had the construction an underlying respiratory condition likely project on schedule. to have been severely exacerbated by the At 11 a.m., without warning, an on-site fire fumes. In addition, they learned his electrical fault occurred, generating both full name, what medication he took, and fire and a large amount of hazardous how to contact his family in the event of an Dr Treive Nicholas smoke near to where Bob was working. incident like this. Quickly overcome by the fumes, Bob tried I’m pleased to report that this incident to move away, but collapsed near-by. had a happy outcome and that Bob The firefighters were first to the returned to the site a few weeks later, fitter incident and located the source of the fire and holding down his job well. It illustrates and Bob, who remained unconscious. very clearly how little is often known about At this point, Bob’s supervisor and employees and contractors in the event of co-workers realised how little they actually an accident or medical condition arising. Inert Gas Cold Fire knew about him in order to help the In addition, we can see how small Fire Suppression Wetting Agent paramedics when they arrived. amounts of information about a person Systems at the right time can have a very positive bearing on management of the situation A Personal Emergency ID regime immediately by medics, first responders, and other makes information available to first responders. professional incident managers.

Door Integrity Test Halon banking Co2 System HFC-125 / HFC-23 (door fan test) Halotron

ISO 9001 ISO 14001 OHSAS 18001 CERTIFITED

Gielle Industries - Via Ferri Rocco, 32 - 70022 Altamura (Ba), Italy GIELLE ANNIVERSARY Dr Treive Nicholas is 1965-2015 www.gielle.it - [email protected] - tel. +39.080.311.8998 Fax +39.080.310.1309 Director at Vital ID. Image courtesy of Vital ID 5 7 Follow us on:

Subscribe at www.iffmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe SEPTEMBER 2015 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER 55 EMERGENCY IDENTIFICATION

Knowing a few simple things about a person at an accident or when a medical condition arises can have a significant impact:

■ Who is he/she? ■ How do we contact his/her boss or supervisor? ■ How do we contact his/her family? ■ Does he/she have any significant underlying medical conditions that could help paramedics when managing the situation? ■ Is he/she taking any medication?

As we know, efficient and effective management at the start of an accident or when a medical condition a rises, promotes the possibility of a positive outcome in the longer term. Incidents like Bob’s are happening worldwide in construction, on industrial Images courtesy of Vital ID courtesy of Images

plants, in factories, offices, railways, 7 oil/gas sites, anywhere in fact. They can involve employees, contractors, demonstrate best practice and proactive lone workers, and teams. It’s a pretty safety management when negotiating ubiquitous situation. insurance premiums. Where the ID adheres to PPE, this can promote greater The Risk Management Toolbox ownership of their equipment. As I have illustrated, Personal Emergency Implementing Personal Emergency ID ID should be viewed as an important also has a strategic benefit. In particular, it component in the risk management helps raise the bar, raising the standard of toolbox, both operational and strategic health and safety expected in a workplace. for health and safety professionals in Used to augment training and enhance the Construction industry. At one level, procedures, it can help to reinforce the ID is a low-cost tactical operational tool workplace safety culture. helping first responders at an incident, as Following on from this, workers can  Use of specifically manufactured paper well as simply helping with identification start to take greater personal responsibility prevents ink running when it gets wet. of workers day to day. In addition, use of for their health and safety as they have Personal Emergency ID can be used to promote the use of Personal Emergency ID themselves, without the intervention or Low tech coercion of the health and safety team. If we consider for one moment the low- As a simple and effective part of the risk tech Personal Emergency ID options, Strategic Operational management toolbox, Personal Emergency they cover a spectrum of devices, from ID can help to deliver a win-win for workers dog tags to hand-written ID cards, wrist and their organizations – protect their bags, and ID that adheres to hard hats people and their reputations. and other PPE apparel. Their principal Immediate ID and details at incident benefits are that they are low cost and Culture site for medics Types of Personal Emergency ID can be accessed without the need for a While there are many types of Personal computer, a bar scanner, or access to a Emergency ID, the main division is cellular network. Day to day Personal between those that are low tech and those Simplicity is key here. In the event of identification of Responsibility employing some form of electrical device, an incident, first responders can quickly all workers scanner, telecommunications device, or see a few key pieces of information about chip. Outlined below is a cursory look the incapacitated person. These options Reduce PPE costs Raising at the options and some of the principal are independent of any technology. While and insurance Standards constraints you need to be aware of when these devices are simple and low cost, premium weighing up which might work best for they must adhere to the C.A.R.R. principle management your health and safety regime. to be effective:

56 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com EMERGENCY IDENTIFICATION

■ Conspicuous – Visible and clear what it is and where it is.  Specifically formulated adhesive ■ Accessible – The information has to be eliminates damage to the helmet. retrievable and readable. ■ Relevant – The information needs to be accurate, not necessarily voluminous. ■ Resilient – It is resilient both to the weather and to a person’s demanding work regime.

We need to take a balanced assessment of any potential downsides or negative perceptions associated with all risk management tools. Some of the most frequently asked questions or statements include these:

“I only need provide Personal Emergency ID for workers who have a medical condition or those who take medication.”

■ Personal Emergency ID is not just for Image courtesy of Vital ID

people with a medical condition, but 7 for anyone who may be incapacitated following an accident. You do not ■ In the past this may have been an issue, rely on people at the scene of an incident, know who has a medical condition. but today, mainstream manufacturers or nearby, being able to use devices to do Many workers choose not to reveal have specifically formulated adhesives the scanning and reading. their medical condition or medication to eliminate this potential problem. Particularly for lone workers and to employers or co-workers. Workers Many helmet Personal Emergency IDs those working in the field, some Personal often are prepared to write their medical now stick to hard hats for long periods Emergency ID include a tracking device condition and personal information on without compromising their strength. so the workers can be easily located in an ID when they know it will be useful in the event of an incident. Many rely on the case of an incident or emergency. “Where the ID uses ink and paper to hold cellular network, so the race is on to find information, how do I stop it getting wet low-cost global solutions that use satellite “What about my data security liability?” and losing the information?” networks to pinpoint someone’s remote Look for a Personal Emergency ID location and allow them voice contact ■ Ensure it is the workers’ choice if system that is waterproof. In the first using adapted smartphones. and what information they to supply. instance, go for a product that prevents Employers can reasonably insist that water entering the ID. In addition, check Back to Bob an ID includes a worker’s name and to see that the paper or card used inside While this is by no means a comprehensive contact details for their boss. Leave it the ID is specifically manufactured to review, it should provide you with an up to individuals to supply what other prevent ink running if it does get wet. introduction to Personal Emergency ID information they want on the ID for use Use of a permanent marker pen/ink can in the workplace, along with the strategic at the time of an emergency. help a lot, too. and tactical benefits you can expect ■ This has to be the individual’s choice, to leverage and some of the solutions and it encourages their ownership of High tech available to you for more detailed their own health and safety. A softer Having Personal Emergency ID in the consideration. But, in the end, to comes approach will achieve greater worker form of a memory card or chip means that down to our people and our teams. participation without compromising quite detailed personal information can be When fire broke out that fateful Tuesday your compliance status. stored and read, but is conditional on first Bob didn’t know that the decision of his ■ Most products have tamper-proof seals responders and incident managers having health and safety manager only a few or a similar device to ensure the data access to a device that can read it. weeks earlier to implement Personal is contained securely, keeping private Some products use bar and QR Emergency ID at his site would have such data private. This way, it is seen only codes, which once scanned enable first a decisive and positive impact on him and by the right people in the event of an responders and paramedics to access his family – which, I suggest, gives us all accident or medical emergency. the breadth of relevant medical and food for thought. non-medical information. Like the use of “Where the ID adheres to a helmet, memory cards, this is very effective at For more information, go to does the glue damage the helmet?” providing detailed information, but it does  www.vitalid.com

Subscribe at www.iffmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe SEPTEMBER 2015 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER 57 Redefining fire, rescue and safety

In association with: Red One is the UK’s leading fire and rescue training provider. We succeed because our training is delivered by expert practitioners; our highly qualified firefighters and fire officers who regularly attend real emergency incidents.

Get in touch today: +44 (0)1392 872154 [email protected] www.red1ltd.com Visit us at the Emergency Services Show 2015, stand M40 SPECIALIST RESCUE Confined Space Rescue Operations Rescue operations place special demands on the Emergency Response Team (ERT). The ERT must balance the complexities of site management with the intricacies of victim management to stabilize an effective and efficient manner while maintaining the safety of responding personnel.

very situation presents Size up at any scene is the first step of E unique challenges that can evaluation that will determine the response be overwhelming without a action, and will continue throughout the methodical, pre-determined series of response as changes in the environment, response actions designed to guide the personnel, equipment, and victims evolve. officers’ thought processes and decision- Life safety is always the first priority to making. The environment and victim ensure minimal risk to the officer, response condition(s) demand different strategies, team members, and victims at the site. and the first arriving officer’s responsibilities The first series of decisions is to identify include staging, size-up, and identifying the goals for the operation and the tasks response options. Officers must survey required to accomplish those goals. The the scene by assessing the scope of ultimate goals are rescue and life safety, needed rescue operations and safety but to determine the specific goals to James Hyles precautions, while identifying available accomplish rescue, information must first resources such as personnel, equipment, be collected about the location of victims mutual aid, and agreements with private and hazards in the environment, the nature sector entities that include construction of the victim’s injuries, and the ever- and demolition companies and hardware changing nature of these mitigating factors. or lumber suppliers. Faced with this array Information gathering includes observing of information, priorities, and options, the scene, talking to witnesses (and victims officers must rely on incident management when possible), and determining their systems to direct their thought processes validity. Witnesses can provide crucial and guide their decisions. information, and officers will have a better understanding of the challenges they face, such as hazards or victims injuries, if they Redefining  Various internal understand from witnesses how the scene fire, rescue configurations and hazards. came to its current configuration. and safety

In association with: James Hyles is the Rescue Red One is the UK’s leading fire and rescue training provider. We succeed Training Director for the because our training is delivered by expert practitioners; our highly qualified Emergency Services Training firefighters and fire officers who regularly attend real emergency incidents. Institute, a division of the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service of Texas Get in touch today: +44 (0)1392 872154 [email protected] www.red1ltd.com A&M University in College Station, Texas. Image courtesy of James Hyles James courtesy of Image

Visit us at the Emergency Services Show 2015, stand M40 7 Subscribe at www.iffmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe SEPTEMBER 2015 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER 59 SPECIALIST RESCUE

systematic approach from rescuers, who must proceed carefully through the phases of recognition, evaluation, and control. This involves not only rescuers interviewing witnesses about the equipment and conditions that led to the situation at hand, but assessing the perimeter to determine which hazardous conditions can become immediately dangerous, identifying which conditions may be deteriorating or capable of deteriorating, and taking steps to secure the area against all of these threats. Once the area around the confined space is secured, rescuers can begin to assess the space itself by analyzing the configuration of the confines; identifying products that may be stored in the space, as well as any mechanical or structural hazards the space presents; and locating important documentation such as entry permits and checklists, hot work permits, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and a diagram of the space. As with the perimeter, the stability of the confined space must be ensured, and the responders must make sure the proper personnel and equipment are on scene for the operation. After all of these efforts to secure the Image courtesy of James Hyles James courtesy of Image

7 scene and protect rescuers, responders must finally stop and determine if their  Limited egress evaluate and identify hazards, a practice precautions and risk mitigation are enough. and vertical vessel. that is fundamentally flawed. Even when the If not — and this is a decision responders physical senses may detect atmospheric are reluctant to make — operations may hazards, the contact necessary for need to shift from rescue to recovery. Confined spaces present a variety of detection alone is often fatal. The only A successful rescue operation depends hazards to rescuers, many of which are safe and reliable means for testing the first on the degree to which the rescuers obvious. The space may have limited entry atmosphere of a confined space is to use have been trained to recognize on-scene and exit; there may be equipment such equipment designed for that purpose, and hazards, to evaluate them and their impact as motors, gears or agitators that hinder training rescuers to use the device. on ensuing operations, and to control movement and could cause physical harm; it Proper atmospheric testing requires the scene’s variables for the protection could contain grain, water, or other material deliberation and care. Approximately of all personnel. All of this precedes the that could shift and engulf the rescuer (the one-third of all confined-space fatalities actual efforts to gain access and stabilize, second-leading cause of death in confined occur after the space has been tested and package, and extricate the victim. space); or it may be poorly lit, have slippery determined safe for entry. Quick tests at Only training can equip the rescuer with surfaces, or impede communication the point of ingress are insufficient. the mental tools that enable methodical, between rescuers. But it’s the hidden Above all, proper and regular training careful analysis of the scene to override dangers that are the most threatening equips rescuers with the presence of mind rash action. Only training can equip the and the easiest to forget or ignore. to apply calm mental calculation to any rescuer with the knowledge to take full Every confined space should be rescue incident. Rescue scenes often are advantage of the life-saving monitors considered dangerous until proven cluttered and confusing, and can present and equipment available to them. And otherwise and precautions are taken to responders with a rush of information that only training can provide the rescuer the mitigate the potential hazards. Asphyxiation can be overwhelming without a clearly patience necessary to remember that the is the leading cause of death in confined established plan. Rescuers often fall prey to conditions that overcame the victim can, spaces because the atmosphere is easily the idea that time taken to think through the and will, overcome the rescuer without corrupted and atmospheric hazards operation is lost time, but without adequate diligent attention to life safety. are impossible to detect without understanding of the dangers imperiling the monitoring equipment. victim, the rescuer risks becoming a victim. For more information, go to Rescuers often rely on their senses to Confined space incidents demand a  www.teex.org/rescue

60 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com LEATHER

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Subscribe at www.iffmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe SEPTEMBER 2015 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER 61 ORGANISATION PROFILE CBRN Research Defence Science and Technology Organisation

o this end, one focus of the high protection is relatively easily if required, will be against much lower TDSTO research program is to achieved in Level A Self Contained concentrations. Additionally, CBRN provide protection for individuals from Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) equipment, IPE has historically focussed on liquid unavoidable CBRN hazards. Current but users can only operate for a short and vapour threats, and the inclusion CBRN individual protective equipment period of time. Current military CBRN of aerosol protection would improve (IPE) provides high levels of protection IPE allows users to work for longer than protection for users. for long periods of time, having been Level A equipment; however CBRN These changes in scenarios have designed to meet requirements originally ensembles still provide significant caused DSTO to reflect on user perceived for military cold war threats. impediments to operational capability requirements for IPE and to articulate These garments impose a high thermal when compared to standard uniforms. what low burden IPE means in the current burden on the wearer, and can constrain Particular issues include reduced heat and future environment. This has allowed user functionality and mobility. As such, transfer ability through wearing heavy, DSTO to develop a clearer understanding user workloads are reduced and mission bulky over garments, over boots which of the requirements for modern IPE and to completion times are increased. are cumbersome, bulky gloves which develop innovative programs for delivering Reducing the burden associated reduce tactility for fine motor tasks, and low burden IPE through the application of with CBRN protective clothing would respirators which reduce field of view novel materials. This two pronged attack improve mission outcomes in a CBRN and communication ability. Functional allows DSTO to focus on the delivery of environment. As such the DSTO focus requirements for low burden IPE garments low burden IPE with both a requirements is to provide greater operational ability, can be defined as: light weight, low focus: what does the user need to be able to optimise the balance between thermal burden, ease of movement to do their job effectively; as well as from protection and burden. and low bulk materials. a science perspective: what is achievable What do we mean by low burden? Modelling of current scenarios and possible from IPE fabric and materials Burden can mean ergonomic/system shows that high challenge levels are still systems. Combining this holistic approach integration/thermal/situational awareness. possible, however exposure to these high All are affected by CBRN IPE and there concentrations is likely to be for short is traditionally a trade-off between periods of time, for both military and civil  Decontamination training, protection and burden. For example, response users. Longer term protection, Royal Australian Air Force, Amberley. Image courtesy of the Defense Services photo gallery

62 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com ORGANISATION PROFILE

 Training preparation for military engineers with basic personal protective kit. Image courtesy of the Defense Services photo gallery

7 with high value test and evaluation location are often highly variable. The scenarios which are difficult or impractical capabilities allows DSTO to deliver high maximum concentration achieved and the to assess with field trials, and feeds back quality research into low burden IPE length of time that high concentrations valuable information about protection solutions for the ADF, an approach easily persist are more important than simple requirements and thermal burden trade- transferred to civilian first responders. average values when it comes to offs in scenarios that users could be To produce effective low burden IPE determining the protection required for expected to experience on the ground. It that provides a significant improvement on people exposed to that environment. also allows DSTO to target physiological current ensembles in terms of thermal and Using time resolved protection experiments to provide the best data operational performance, fundamental requirements allows DSTO to tailor the available with minimal resources. questions need to be answered: protection provided by the protective Once these questions have been materials, optimizing protection. answered, this defines what the users What are the likely dermally need or desire. Within the limitations 1relevant challenges that Concept of operations: how of current technology DSTO (and more users might experience? 2 long must users remain in IPE, broadly Defence) then has a clear basis endurance requirements, and work from which to develop requirements for low Using plume dispersion models, like the rate requirements burden IPE that can provide a significant US-developed Hazard Prediction and improvement in capability for users. Assessment Capability (HPAC), with By combining the CBRN challenge A parallel approach is to take scientific inputs from meteorological data, urban predictive capability with war gaming concepts and determine how effective models and terrain models DSTO can (operations research) detailed effects on they are at providing protection; this allows predict the results from specific outdoor the user population can be determined. scientists to take innovative approaches CBRN releases. The data generated This is extremely useful for performing to solve the problem. For example for IPE includes the extent and spread of trade-off studies such as determining material concepts: if we make a fabric with the challenge, how it spreads in the appropriate protection levels required, particular properties what would it look environment, what proportion of the and what levels of heat stress might cause like? How well will it provide protection? contaminated area has “high” or “low” missions to fail. This allows DSTO to test How well will it perform in an operational concentrations and how long the hazard remains in the environment. The HPAC plume modeling provides a predicted average value for outdoor releases. Science driven concepts allow us to determine where the Dispersion modeling can also be used to predict challenge levels for indoor knowledge gaps are. With specific designs, how would we releases. The models used generate make them work, what future investigations for different a timeline, which demonstrates that concentrations experienced at a single components are needed?

Subscribe at www.iffmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe SEPTEMBER 2015 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER 63 ORGANISATION PROFILE

 CBRN training exercise debrief, military engineers.

New evaluation systems Being able to effectively measure the protection and performance provided by low burden IPE is critical to its success. To that end, DSTO has a suite of tests available to measure the performance of IPE. We can effectively measure the relative thermal performance of different IPE systems through fabric swatch testing, and thermal manikin testing to evaluate expected thermal burden and translate this information into the loss of capability or functionality for the user. Chemical protection capabilities of the materials can be tested in purpose built facilities against target chemicals of interest. However fabric swatches only provide part of the story, as extremely effective fabrics do not make extremely effective suits unless the design is right and closures and seams minimise leakage gaps. DSTO’s manikin test facility is currently being validated and will provide system level detail on the protection capabilities of suit systems and integration of IPE. Current international best practice systems testing of this type measures end point skin exposure values, which provides the cumulative results of leakage under the suit at different points on the body across the entire program of manikin movements. Image courtesy of the Defense Services photo gallery

7 DSTO has developed real time breakthrough measurement capability that allows environment? DSTO can evaluate the cloth/scrims in protective clothing. In scientists to monitor vapour challenges gain in performance versus the protection current technology suits, combined breaking through the suit, and to correlate and how this compares to those options aerosol and vapour protection can only the break through events with particular generated from the requirements studies. be delivered through air impermeable movements or exercises. This capability Science driven concepts also allow membrane materials which cause will add to the available data to determine us to determine where the knowledge significant thermal burden. DSTO is causes of suit failures from either fabric, gaps are. With specific designs, how investigating a lightweight aerosol filtration suit design or system integration issues. would we make them work, what future membrane made from nanofibers. The combination of fabric swatch investigations for different components These nanofibers are generated with testing and manikin testing for chemical are needed? What is possible, what is adsorbent media inherently embedded and thermal performance provides DSTO improbable/too far-fetched? in the fibres, to provide protection with the ability to assess different IPE suit Two different developments at DSTO against vapour challenges. systems in detail, and to determine if IPE highlight laboratory work which showcase Proof of concept work has shown systems meet requirements. These results, the requirements driven (systems testing) that this composite membrane can combined with modelling of use scenarios and science driven (novel materials successfully remove vapour and aerosol allows DSTO to deliver advice on the development) aspects of our work. challenges from the airstream, while most effective equipment combinations to providing some air permeability. DSTO optimise the trade-off between protection Novel Adsorbent Fabric is now advising the Defence Materiel and thermal burden effects of CBRN IPE. DSTO is investigating an innovative Technology Centre on the progression nanofibre membrane concept as of this technology from the research For more information, go to an alternative to activated carbon concept stage.  www.dsto.defence.gov.au

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HIGH VELOCITY PUMP Watch the Super Pumper in action and learn more by visiting www.FerraraFire.com/superpumper www.usfirepump.com

www.FerraraFire.com | 800-443-9006 SPECIAL REPORT Inside Task Force Tips The month of June saw a very busy trade show schedule for the team at MDM Publishing. The “silly season” of events started with Interschutz in Germany followed immediately with Firex in London and then straight across to Chicago, USA for the NFPA Conference.

ndiana based Task Force Tips I made their presence known in Germany and in Chicago with their range of firefighting equipment. Following the NFPA Conference I decided to see for myself how this family orientated business has grown from strength to strength by visiting their offices and factory in Valparaiso near Chicago. Task Force Tips Inc. was conceived by founder Clyde McMillan in 1968 who was a fire chief with the Gary Task Force Civil Defense Fire Department in Indiana. Mark Bathard He came up with the idea of an automatic  The impressive facade ensures visitors nozzle and made the first design on a are left in no doubt about TFT’s heritage. napkin, this was the birth of TFT and manufacturing began in the basement of the family home. has been instrumental in making Task Fast forward to 2015 and Clyde’s son Force Tips one of the world’s leading Stewart is at the helm of the company manufacturers of firefighting equipment. 21000 LPM 38000+ LPM 152+ METERS 122+ METERS and along with the 300 plus workforce, This was my second visit to TFT, the last 5500 GPM 10000+ GPM 500+ FEET 400+ FEET visit being in 2002 when the company was From Draft From Pressurized Source Horizontal Reach Vertical Reach  The original napkin with at its previous premises at Evans Avenue, Clyde McMillan’s drawing. Valparaiso. The sheer difference in size to Evans Avenue compared to the new facility  One of three vintage fire apparatus is truly astonishing and just proves how on display in the TFT museum. innovative TFT are as a company.

HIGH VELOCITY PUMP Watch the Super Pumper in action and learn more Mark Bathard is International by visiting www.FerraraFire.com/superpumper Sales Manager for MDM www.usfirepump.com Publishing. Mark has been involved with the fire publishing industry for over 21 years. www.FerraraFire.com | 800-443-9006 Subscribe at www.iffmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe SEPTEMBER 2015 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER 67 SPECIAL REPORT

 Clockwise from above: State of the art robotic This is all overseen by TFT’s own curator is controlled by movement so that lights technology ensures TFT remain at the forefront and is definitely a worthwhile visit. only stay on for a designated period of of quality and innovation. TFT fly the national flag The facility on the rather aptly named, time when required thus saving energy. of visitors to the plant at the front of the facility. Innovation Way is considerably larger Keeping the workplace clean is a very Following thorough testing and inspection TFT than the previous plant on Evans Avenue important part of TFT’’s ethos, every products are carefully packaged prior to dispatch. and there are already plans in place to Friday the workforce down tools and increase and utilise floor space so as spend an hour before the end of their to increase output and make TFT more shift to ensure that the factory floor and The first thing you see on entering the efficient. One of the current projects is a workstations are in pristine condition. TFT facility is the facade of a firehouse new mezzanine flooring area which when From the initial delivery of raw materials which is where the company’s own completed, will add hundreds of square to the final stages of manufacture the museum is located. This has been pieced feet in the despatch area to make loading process is so incredibly efficient. TFT’s together meticulously and offers visitors and unloading, packing and mailing more ongoing investment in their workforce, the chance to see items of firefighting efficient. This new area has been fitted machinery and research and development memorabilia throughout the decades. with the latest in lighting technology which just proves that they will remain the market leaders for decades to come and firefighters all around the World will feel safe in the knowledge that the equipment they are using has been tried and tested and will get the job done. The welcome and hospitality shown by the team during my visit was incredible and I would like to thank TFT for making this possible.

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

 The ultra modern and spotlessly clean facility is a credit to the company and its dedicated workforce – the new mezzanine can be seen on the right of the image.

68 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com Introducing the latest title from

Gulf Fire Magazine is set to become the only quarterly journal specific to the Middle East fire market dedicated to both fire protection and firefighting, which will circulate to an initial readership of over 8,000 industry professionals. The editorial features will be written by industry experts and comprise a unique blend focussing on the latest technology, training methods and equipment as well as • Bahrain highlighting sector specific • Cyprus • Palestine issues from around the • Egypt • Qatar region. Regular product and • Iran • Saudi Arabia company profiles, events • Iraq • Syria updates and news will make • Jordan • Turkey Gulf Fire Magazine the first • Kuwait • United Arab choice read for fire protection • Lebanon Emirates and firefighting professionals. • Oman • Yemen

Register today for a FREE subscription to the quarterly print magazine which will be available in December 2015. You may also subscribe to our free monthly e-mail newswire. www.gulffire.com TEISENTEISEN’’SS LLargeargeDDiameteriameterHHosesoses ーー MadeMade inin JapaJapann !!

Introduction TEISEN produced its first firefighting hose in 1903, and since then, it has been the most experienced and largest firefighting hose manufacturer in Japan. Super Line Large Diameter Hoses TEISEN offers the Super Line LDH with a diameter of up to 300mm. Super Line LDH is manufactured using a one-piece construction method, extruding the cover and lining in one step, with polyurethane through a polyester jacket. Features ●Minimized pressure loss ●Compact storage through a new kind of rubber-like, polyurethane material ●Available in long lengths ●Excellent resistance to heat, fuel, chemicals, UV, ozone, weathering, etc.

mm 100 150 200 250 300 Diameter inch 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 Color orange orange orange black black Wall thickness mm 3.5 3.5 4.0 4.6 5.0 Weight kg/m 1.1 1.6 2.8 4.0 4.8 Burst pressure MPa 4.2 4.4 3.6 3.0 2.8 Maximum working pressure MPa 1.6 1.6 1.4 1.4 1.4 Temperature range ℃ -20℃～50℃

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 MASS TRANSIT FIREFIGHTING Biogas-powered Buses and Decision Making During Incidents All over the world, new alternative fuels are emerging to replace fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel. The overall benefits are great but with new fuels and technical solutions, new risks emerge.

he first responders face new Biogas-powered bus traffic T situations that they are not incident in Gothenburg familiar with and have to make In June 2013 a traffic incident occurred in decisions that they are not trained for. The the central parts of Gothenburg. Involved lack of education and experience may have in the incident were one personal vehicle consequences on the society due to and the CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) which kind of decision that was taken. bus shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure On today’s biogas-powered buses, the 2 the personal vehicle had only touched the gas tanks are equipped with temperature bus in the front. The damage on the bus TEISENTEISEN’’SS LLargeargeDDiameteriameterHHosesoses fuses to ensure that the vessels do not could only be seen as small buckles and explode due to the increased pressure discoloration under the front window. What resulting from heating of the vessels. differed this incident from an “ordinary” ーー MadeMade inin JapaJapann !! The temperature fuses activate when the traffic incident was that the bus had its Johan Lindström temperature passes about 110 degrees CNG fuelling nozzle and a manometer Celsius. This means that all of the gas placed in the front, and the manometer Introduction Peder Lindström is released at a high pressure out to the had been damaged in the collision, causing TEISEN produced its first firefighting hose in 1903, and Petter Backlund surroundings. In most of the known cases a small leakage of natural gas. The risk with since then, it has been the most experienced and largest where CNG buses has caught fire the leaking natural gas is that the gas is easy firefighting hose manufacturer in Japan. temperature fuses has worked in a correct to ignite and have a flammable range from way and the gas has been ignited when 4 to 16 vol %, causing a large explosive Super Line Large Diameter Hoses leaving the vessel causing a massive jet area if leakage occurs. TEISEN offers the Super Line LDH with a diameter of up flame. However, Lionel Perrette and Helmut The rescue leader from Greater to 300mm. Super Line LDH is manufactured using a K. Wiedemann describe in their article Safe Gothenburg Fire & Rescue Services gave one-piece construction method, extruding the cover and Storage of Natural Gas on Urban Buses: initial orders to close all the nozzles on each lining in one step, with polyurethane through a polyester Case Early Investigation and Learnings gas cylinder to stop the flow of gas. After jacket. three different fire incidents where the one hour the gas flow had not stopped. Features fire has led to explosions of vessels. The The rescue leader was thinking about ●Minimized pressure loss reason for these explosions was not following three choices: Johan Lindström is the failure of the temperature fuse. The ●Compact storage through a new kind of rubber-like, a Project Leader at SP Fire vessels exploded when they were heated 1 Keep the closures (150 m) and wait until polyurethane material Research. He gained his Fire on a single spot that did not affect the the cylinders are empty. This would take ●Available in long lengths Protection Engineer degree temperature fuse. One question that has to about 4 days. High risks with the central ●Excellent resistance to heat, fuel, chemicals, UV, ozone, in 2010 at Luleå Technical be raised is if the only problem with biogas- location in Gothenburg, all surrounding weathering, etc. University, Sweden. powered busses is fire in the vehicle with buildings and the infrastructure. Johan´s main interest risk of explosions or massive jet flames? 2 Empty the cylinders by removing each mm 100 150 200 250 300 What happens for example if the bus is nozzle. Also high risks with the central Diameter field is First Responders, inch 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 extinguishing systems and involved in traffic incidents where the gas location in Gothenburg, all surrounding Color orange orange orange black black operational collaboration system in some way has been damage and buildings and the infrastructure. Wall thickness mm 3.5 3.5 4.0 4.6 5.0 at large accidents. a leakage has occurred? For the last years 3 Towing away the bus to a safer area and Weight kg/m 1.1 1.6 2.8 4.0 4.8 in Sweden, several traffic incidents has then empty the cylinders. High risk to Burst pressure MPa 4.2 4.4 3.6 3.0 2.8 Peder Lindström of happened where the gas system on the bus ignite the leaking gas with sparks from Maximum working pressure MPa 1.6 1.6 1.4 1.4 1.4 SP Fire Research. has been damaged and the rescue leader the tow truck. has been afraid that leakage has occurred. Temperature range ℃ -20℃～50℃ Petter Backlund of Fire and Then a decision needs to be taken, but it Due to high risks with all these three Rescue Greater Gothenburg. is not always obvious what decision would choices the decision was to disconnect 7F-Yanagiya-Bild, 1-10, 2-chome, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0027, Japan be the correct to take. as much electrical device in the bus as TEL:（81）3-3281-3031 FAX:（81）3-3274-6397 E-mail: [email protected] URL: http://www.teisen.co.jp Subscribe at www.iffmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe SEPTEMBER 2015 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER 71 COMPLETECOMPLETE TRAININGTRAINING CONCEPTS CONCEPTS

FLASHOVER UNIT – NOZZLE UNIT – EMISSION CONTROL – WOOD-FIRED TRAININGOBJECTS – GAS-FIRED TRAININGOBJECTS

Flashover- & Nozzle-unit at ROYAL NETHERLANDS NAVY training school. Smoke diving unit at fire training ground Oefencentrum Crailo The Netherlands. Elementary training unit for fire fighting at Metropolitan Fire department Istanbul-Turkey. CREATORS OF TRAINING HARDWARE

SAPHIRE is building up a global reputation as a valued developer and manufacturer of standard

to a range of industries including the world of ﬁre-ﬁghting, renewable energy industry and the MAASSLUIS - THE NETHERLANDS WWW.SAPHIRE-CTC.COM

Saphire_adv_182x128.indd 1 29-05-15 15:30

72 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com MASS TRANSIT FIREFIGHTING Image courtesy of Fire and Rescue Greater Gothenburg Rescue and Fire courtesy of Image

possible and drive the bus with the and keep the enclosure for 24 hours  Driving the bus with ongoing ongoing leakage in the front out of the according to recommendations where leakage to a place of safety. city to a safe place and then empty all gas cylinders are involved in a fire. Next cylinders. This decision had effects to the car repair company is the highway on the society by having a closure of and railway; these are also closed for ultimately have enormous consequences 150 m in the city for a few hours, and 24 hours. The stop in the railway and with respect to life, property and the the traffic was stopped for a short highway system has huge consequences environment and for both infrastructure time when the bus was driven out of on the society. and the general public. These the city. The incident commander was consequences can in many situations thinking in terms of following events Cascading effects have both direct and indirect effects, due to the nature of each decision Modern socio-technical systems are not only in the immediate surrounding alternative. Other decisions could have increasingly characterised by high geographical area but also across had huge consequences on both the degrees of interdependencies. Whereas very large areas, potentially extending infrastructure and the general public. Due these interdependencies generally make across borders. to the complexity in the society and in systems more efficient under normal technical systems (in this case biogas- operations, they contribute to cascading The EU-project CascEff powered bus), it is more and more effects in times of crises. Therefore, SP Fire Research is coordinating the important to think in terms of escalating challenges for emergency preparedness EU-project CascEff and performs the consequences when the incident and response are growing significantly work together with 10 other partners commander selects what kind of decision – challenges which are more and more from Europe. In CascEff four of the main he/she will make. This kind of escalating relevant to both natural and manmade objectives are: consequences can be called cascading emergencies and are reinforced by the effects, i.e. one incident starts and a risks for cascading effects in complex 1 Better understanding of the chain of subsequent events follows. emergency management environments. cascading effect in crisis situations. Depending on what kind of decision the In particular complex environments 2 Develop an Incident Evolution Tool incident commander makes, the chain which lack adequate resilience to certain for predicting past, present and of subsequent events can take different initiators will be prone to cascading future crisis evolution leading to turns. One simple example of explaining effects. An escalating incident in such cascading effects. this is a fire at a car repair company. In an environment can lead to severe 3 Identification of human activities the building gas cylinders are stored for cascading effects and quickly become in the crisis. welding equipment. The rescue leader extremely difficult for emergency 4 Improved incident management takes the decision to evacuate the area services to handle. The incident can for present and future threats.

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 CNG bus involved in the accident. Orange  Leakage of gas from CascEff will improve our understanding arrow showing the position of leakage. the manometer. of cascading effects in crisis situations through the identification of initiators, dependencies and key decision points. These will be developed in the methodological framework of an Incident Evolution Tool which will enable improved decision support, contributing to the reduction of collateral damages and other unfortunate consequences associated with large crises. Use of the Incident Evolution Tool will be validated through its implementation into different incident management and training platforms representing different end users in the project (e.g. NoKeos, iCrisis, RIB, WIS and XVR). A roadmap for similar implementation in other incident management and training platforms throughout Europe will be defined to allow broad acceptance of the Incident Evolution Tool.

For more information, go to  www.casceff.eu

74 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com

BREATHING APPARATUS Innovations in Breathing Apparatus – Fit for Operational Effectiveness Breathing apparatus (BA) has come a long way over the years. Some things however never change. Without breathable air, the danger to life is extreme and immediate. The use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is therefore absolutely essential when it comes to keeping firefighters safe.

efore it, early firefighters – often Innovations through the ages B referred to as ‘smoke eaters’ – – putting the user first had to face the deadly effects Breathing apparatus has a history of of inhaling smoke and carbon monoxide innovation which takes into account the with little or no protection, risking their many considerations around firefighter lives every single day. safety. As a safety manufacturer which Safety specialist, Dräger, has been upholds ‘Technology for Life’ as its guiding at the forefront of breathing apparatus philosophy, Dräger has been at the forefront innovations for the past 125 years of many of these changes. and continues to pioneer advances Fire service folklore recalls the days in technology designed to protect of firefighters growing long beards to firefighters around the world. help them breathe in smoke and thankfully, This article looks at some of the BA innovations have come a long way Martyn Lamb key moments in the development of since then. SCBA through the ages and considers The history of breathing apparatus is the future of this vital piece of safety long and varied – from the 1904 introduction equipment. of the first reliable BA set, with a service life of up to two and a half hours, to the modern An essential piece of kit day launch of the telemetry in 2001. Without a doubt, SCBA is one of the The needs of the wearer have always most important pieces of personal played an important part in BA innovations, protective equipment a firefighter on as it is vital safety is never compromised. the front line wears. The equipment Comfort remains a key requirement as this has the ability to protect against serious can have a major impact on a firefighters’ injury across the variety of different ability to work safely and effectively. hazardous scenarios a firefighter faces As a result, comfort has been on a daily basis. recognised through innovation for many Its overall purpose is to protect the years. For example, the Dräger model wearer and ensure they breathe safely 1924 breathing apparatus was designed in an otherwise irrespirable environment to be worn with a face mask, replacing the – and it is one of the main risk control uncomfortable method of breathing inside measures employed by brigades a helmet. around the world. Because of its weight, SCBA can put As a result, through time, there has strain on the individual user causing fatigue, Martyn Lamb specialises been a need to constantly innovate and and, depending on cylinder capacity and in the fire service segment develop in line with shifting Health and the accessories used, SCBA has the at Dräger. Based between Safety regulations and increasing user potential to be heavy. As firefighters are Dräger’s Blyth and Hemel expectations. regularly involved in strenuous activity, Hemstead sites, he has When it comes to breathing apparatus developments in lightweight equipment responsibility for UK product and the systems behind them, innovation are particularly important. portfolio management on never stops. New developments continue In 1929, Dräger developed light metal new products and services to be made as the fire industry moves cylinders for respiratory protection and by for the fire and rescue sector. forward; incidents require new tactics 1998, technology had advanced to launch and firefighting procedures change. the lightest weight carbon composite

76 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com BREATHING APPARATUS

cylinders, manufactured out of its Blyth, Northumberland plant – itself becoming the Timeline of Dräger BA innovation centre for excellence in BA manufacturing in 1980. 1889 – Patent for Lubeca valve 1969 – Dräger is the first company to Wear and tear is another key delivered to Johann Heinrich Dräger, use 300 bar technology self-contained consideration – particularly when thinking making it possible to control the breathing apparatus. about the life-span of the equipment and removal of carbon dioxide from high cost implications for fire brigades. The pressure cylinders. 1969 – The Model PA 54 becomes introduction of state-of-the-art harness the European standard. materials, moving from textile covered foam 1900 – Oxygen supply device for to a closed-cell rubber harness – specially high-altitude flights developed. 1975 – PA 80 becomes SCBA designed to withstand the high level of international standard and the impact on a daily basis – means today’s 1904 – Model 1904/09 is the first Panorama Nova full facemask is equipment is more suited to extended wear reliable long-term BA kit, with developed, combining comfort and and frequent use. service life of two hours. quality. This is still one of Dräger’s Resistance to chemicals found today most popular respiratory is also very important, meaning less time 1913 – World altitude record for protection masks. away from being decontaminated by airplanes is set with the help of specialist cleaning service providers. Dräger high-altitude BA. 1980 – Dräger in Blyth, Northumberland, becomes the centre Pioneering new ground 1915 – Dräger goes into mass of excellence for BA manufacturing. Dräger breathing apparatus has also played production of respiratory protection a big part in ground-breaking historical masks in Germany. 1992 – PA 94 SCBA and Futura milestones over the years, including the respiratory protective masks are 1913 world altitude record for aeroplanes, 1924 – The model 1924 BA can now launched. set with the help of Dräger high-altitude be worn with a mask, replacing the breathing apparatus. uncomfortable method of breathing 1997 – Draegerman PSS 500 SCBA In 1931, oxygen devices developed inside a helmet. is launched and the PA 93 Plus, by Dräger allowed Dr. Auguste Piccard developed in Blyth, Northumberland. to become the first person to fly into the 1929 – Dräger light metal cylinders atmosphere using a gas balloon. for respiratory protection are 1998 – Draegerman PSS 100 SCBA And, Dräger BA sets helped the first developed. is launched. Carbon composite men to reach the summit of Mount Everest cylinders developed in Blyth. in 1953. Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing 1931 – Oxygen devices developed Norgey reached the top of the world’s by Dräger allows Dr. Auguste Piccard 2000 – The first Merlin telemetry highest mountain, with the support the to be the first person to fly into the prototype and LDV developed in company’s breathing technology. atmosphere using a gas balloon. Blyth, Northumberland.

State-of-the-art solutions 1953 – Summit of Mount Everest 2001 – PSS Merlin telemetry board is for a new era of firefighting is reached for the first time by launched which provides an overview The BA of today is now more advanced Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing of those wearing respiratory protective than ever before and there are more options Norgey with the support of Dräger devices, thereby increasing safety. available to firefighters, according to their breathing technology. individual needs. 2006 – Bodyguard 7000 is developed Technological advancements have 1953 – The PA 34 and DA 59 self- in Blyth, Northumberland. enabled companies like Dräger to invest contained breathing apparatuses in state-of-the-art new techniques. The are developed. 2008 – Bodyguard 1000 and PSS 7000 innovative pressure mapping technique for developed in Blyth, Northumberland. example, has created an optimised design 1965 – Breathing apparatus which works around the human form. It manufacture moved from Germany 2010 – PSS 3000 and PSS 5000 identifies key pressure points and uses to Blyth, Northumberland, UK. SCBA are launched and the Merlin advanced motion analysis techniques to telemetry modem is developed in help visualise how objects move in relation 1965 – Plastic high pressure gas Blyth, Northumberland. to each other, improving the harness cylinders are developed. positioning on the latest Dräger designs 2013 – The integrated wireless and giving the wearer comfort and stability. 1966 – BG 174 BA using 200 bar variant of the Bodyguard 1000 One of the biggest issues faced by cylinder pressure is made possible ADSU, the Bodyguard 1500 firefighters wearing breathing apparatus by the use of high alloy steels. launches to the market. is communicating effectively whilst in

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which has been welcomed by brigades, who trust that their workforce is well looked after. Remote monitoring through the telemetry system means teams can react immediately in the event of an emergency. One of the key aims for Dräger within the context of the fire service, is offering Fire Authorities a total system solution Images courtesy of Dräger courtesy of Images

7 where the total sum of the parts equates to the safest possible solution for a hazardous situation – heightened The system goes hand in hand with firefighters. All the elements need to fit by the number of well-documented its Bodyguard 7000 – an electronic together with precision giving firefighters communication failures through the years monitoring unit which provides the ultimate protection in every situation, WHETHER A FIRE FIGHT OR and missed messages contributing to continuous monitoring of personal whilst demonstrating cost efficiencies. firefighter fatalities. Often, a fire scenario information and operational status, The breathing apparatus of tomorrow will take a firefighter out of sight and including most importantly an accurate will continue to be driven by technological FIRE FIGHTING, WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED. communication and monitoring plays calculation of remaining air time which is advancements, user needs and regulatory a vital role in protecting teams on the updated every second and is based on changes. With chemical, biological, front line. current air consumption. An integrated radiological and nuclear concerns in With many years’ technology behind system, designed with optimum today’s society, firefighters must be it, Dräger has developed the advanced comfort at the forefront, is then shared equipped to face a range of different CONTACT OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE PSS Merlin System to support the and monitored via the Entry Control hazards. New standards are being needs of firefighters and it is currently Board, allowing the BA Entry Control implemented regularly around the world TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN WORK WITH YOU the only telemetry system in operation Officer to monitor the exact status of As the sector continues to face within the UK fire sector. The system is up to 12 individual team members. new challenges, continuous innovation a fully automatic, electronic breathing Used alongside the new Merlin PC means that whatever the future holds, 1-800-745-3282  509-535-7746 apparatus monitoring system, designed to Modem, user monitoring has advanced firefighters will be fully prepared for any enhance the safety of the firefighter during from single Entry Control Point to the situation they may face. SPOKANE, WASHINGTON, USA active firefighting duties, maintaining a monitoring of an entire incident. disciplined entry control procedure and As a result of innovations like these,  For more information, go to the accountability of all team members. the concept of improved safety is one www.draeger.com WWW.UNIFIREUSA.COM 78 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com WHETHER A FIRE FIGHT OR FIRE FIGHTING, WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED.

CONTACT OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN WORK WITH YOU 1-800-745-3282  509-535-7746 SPOKANE, WASHINGTON, USA WWW.UNIFIREUSA.COM FRC half INT FF:Int FF mag 1/26/15 10:03 AM Page 1

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80 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com TRAINING Training Simulators: Risk-Free, Realistic and Programmable Today, simulators are being used in an ever-increasing number of areas, particularly when real- life training would be overcomplicated, excessively expensive, ecologically untenable, or simply too dangerous. Emergency responses by the fire services most definitely fall into this category.

ith this in mind, Rosenbauer is an to obtain routine in those situations, which W example of a company that has for the reasons already mentioned cannot considerably expanded its driver be practiced on the road. training range. Apart from the Panther tactic simulator for airport fire services, Hundreds of Scenarios which has been in successful use for a Training drives using the ERDS can be number of years, a system for municipal designed in a highly individual manner. As firefighters called the Emergency soon as the driver switches on the blue Response Driving Simulator (ERDS) light and the Martins horn, the rest of the has now been put into operation. traffic reacts to the special rights of the Both systems facilitate the risk-free emergency vehicle. Every type of weather and highly authentic training of conduct and sudden changes in conditions can in particularly problematic or unusually all be emulated, as well as differing light Markus Zellinger dangerous and stressful situations levels and night driving in fog, for example, during the drive to an operational scene. increasing danger of black ice, operations Moreover, due to the latest technology, with differing payloads such as an outward the simulators also offer absolutely trip with full extinguishing agent tanks and realistic handling and surroundings that the return journey with empty tanks. are accurately represented down to the In addition, the reactions of other road smallest detail. This allows the training of users can be integrated into the training. widely divergent response drive scenarios A child that suddenly runs into the road; a in order that, above all, the correct cyclist, who when turning, disappears into reactions in critical traffic situations are the driver’s blind spot; a bus that leaves learned. Simulator training enables fire a stop without indicating, as well as ill- truck equipment operators and drivers disciplined drivers in front of a red light or in a jam who suddenly close the emergency corridor. Furthermore, the truck driver’s  The system has the ability own conduct can be analysed with regard to provide multiple scenarios. to errors such as turning without indicating

Markus Zellinger is Head of Training at Rosenbauer. Image courtesy of Rosenbauer courtesy of Image

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TRAINING

that has a height of four meters. The simulator also includes a separate instructor station from which the various operational situations can be programmed and the training guided. The projectors are fitted with edge blending software and produce a seamless and very bright panorama Fatal Attraction image measuring 56 square metres. The driver is confronted head on by all the operational events on the huge projection surface. The two main mirrors are replaced by monitors and thus provide the driver with all-round vision. FORCEFUL F3 APPLICATION: This means that when he or she looks out of the vehicle to the left, right or • Foam attracts fuel above, the surroundings are visible just • Foam becomes flammable Image courtesy of Rosenbauer courtesy of Image

7 as in a real operational response. • Foam has reduced performance

 Student and instructor undertaking Driving and Extinguishing Stationary and Mobile Solutions • Foam use is increased post-training review. While the ERDS serves operational Rosenbauer offers simulator courses response training, the Panther Tactical at both its training centre in Leonding Fluorine-free foam bubble because the vehicle is being driven with Simulator is used both for practicing the in Austria and directly at fire services F3 Foam attracts hydrocarbon fuels Need proof? See F3 foams on fire: blue light. Simulator training represents drive across the airport and the subsequent and other emergency organisations. special instruction, as the participants, extinguishing attack. The grounds of the The ERDS can be simply packed onto C Hydrocarbon surfactant who as a prerequisite must be able to airport including the runways, access a swap body vehicle and then set up at M (Hydrocarbon tails are fuel-loving) drive a truck, learn how to react in roads, apron, tower, arrival and departure the customer’s premises. In addition to Y exceptional circumstances. lounges, and firehouses are shown in every training from Rosenbauer’s instructors, CM detail. Any airport, complete with all its both simulators can be rented or Realistic Surroundings features, can be fed into the system along purchased. For example, in June 2014, MY

The ERDS driver’s cab is identical to with various types of aircraft with the Airbus a Panther Tactical Simulator was put CY a Mercedes Benz Actros with all the A380-800, Boeing 737, Boeing 747-400 into operation at Kuala Lumpur Airport. CMY original controls and indicators, as well and MD-11 available as standard. Basically, simulator training K FORCEFUL AFFF APPLICATION: as automatic transmission. The imitation As is the case with the ERDS, the road contributes to learning how to correctly cabin is mounted on a moving platform holding and handling of the Panther in the assess dangerous situations and the • Foam repels fuel fitted with three electrically driven spindle simulator alters in line with the payload rapid defusing of potential accident • Foam is NOT flammable actuators, which means that the cab and the surface. The extinguishing situations, the early recognition of the moves as if during a real drive. Jolting due technology is guided by the original control intentions of other road users and their • Foam has superior performance to collisions with the pavement or vehicle elements and all the monitors (front, roof accurate interpretation, the clearly • Foam use is reduced movements, for example, due to lane and extinguishing arm) are equipped for recognisable expression of the driver’s changes are simulated accordingly and one-hand operation and able to emit all the own intentions in traffic for others, Fluorinated foam bubble can be felt. The image of the roads and extinguishing agents carried on board. First the proper handling of stress during freeways, irrespective of whether in urban and foremost, the correct positioning of the emergency responses and in the final AFFF Foam repels hydrocarbon fuels or rural surroundings, is projected onto the vehicle for the extinguishing of a burning analysis, a reduction in the number of windshield and side windows, while TFT aircraft or engine is practiced, along with the blue light accidents. Fluorosurfactant monitors replace the rear view mirrors. choice of the correct extinguishing agent, The major advantage of simulator (Fluorocarbon tails are fuel-hating) At present, the ERDS offers 120 the optimum throw distance and the precise training lies in its lack of risk and capacity kilometres of rural roads with differing manipulation of the piercing tool. The for reproducibility at limited cost. There widths and gradients, bridges, latter is employed to penetrate vehicle and is no wear and tear, extinguishing One year ahead of the US EPA 2010 / 2015 PFOA Stewardship Program deadline, underpasses and railway crossings. container walls in order to extinguish fires agent use, or vehicle damage even if Dynax only manufactures high purity C6 Fluorosurfactants, Foam Stabilizers and Another 60 kilometres, which run through from the inside. The operator can actuate accidents are frequent during the training optimized High Performance Blends meeting the toughest fire performance various residential and industrial areas, a diversity of fire scenarios and smoke, phase. Moreover, most importantly, are available along with 40 kilometres flames, explosions and turbine re-ignition driving practice is obtained along with specifications (including Mil F) at traditional / reduced Fluorine Levels. of freeway with access roads and exit are all possible. an intuitive ability to react quickly and slipways, tunnels, roadhouses and gas correctly in situations, which as a rule stations, as well as all the related signalling Cutting Edge Technology can otherwise not be practiced. systems. These stretches can be combined The Panther simulator consists of an at will along with the events/scenarios that original cabin with an eight-metre diameter For more information, go to have to be dealt with during the drive. 210 degree projection surface in front  www.rosenbauer.com

82 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com Dynax Bubble ad Final.pdf 1 5/8/15 2:49 PM

Fatal Attraction

FORCEFUL F3 APPLICATION: • Foam attracts fuel • Foam becomes flammable • Foam has reduced performance • Foam use is increased Fluorine-free foam bubble F3 Foam attracts hydrocarbon fuels Need proof? See F3 foams on fire:

C Hydrocarbon surfactant M (Hydrocarbon tails are fuel-loving)

CMY

K FORCEFUL AFFF APPLICATION: • Foam repels fuel • Foam is NOT flammable • Foam has superior performance • Foam use is reduced Fluorinated foam bubble AFFF Foam repels hydrocarbon fuels

Fluorosurfactant (Fluorocarbon tails are fuel-hating)

One year ahead of the US EPA 2010 / 2015 PFOA Stewardship Program deadline, Dynax only manufactures high purity C6 Fluorosurfactants, Foam Stabilizers and optimized High Performance Blends meeting the toughest fire performance specifications (including Mil F) at traditional / reduced Fluorine Levels. FIRE INVESTIGATION Uncovering the Chemistry Behind the Forty-Year Relationship MoreMore Power... Power... More More Torque Torque ...... As any firefighter will know, understanding the cause of fire is a crucial factor in BetterBetter Fuel Fuel Efficiency Efficiency identifying potential improvements in fire safety and prevention. The UK’s fire brigades 75%75% LessLess Emissions Emissions are the primary responders to chemical, biological and radiation incidents across the country and a growing number of fire brigades are turning to independent, scientific The new Dual-Air intake engine technology significantly improves overall cutting expertise to provide them with fire investigation support and technical advice. This article performance and meets all Air Quality Control standards at the same time. looks at the science behind the relationship between the global leader in compliance and ® London Fire Brigade (LFB), and the role it is playing in fire prevention and mitigation. MULTI-CUT Fire Rescue Saw New 2100 Series includes two engine sizes: 70.7cc and 87.9cc. he need to investigate and against human and financial loss. And it Each engine is designed for use with Cutters Edge Carbide T determine the exact causes of is here that science is providing so many fire is greater than ever before. In fire services across the UK with the answer, Tipped BULLET Chain® to cut the widest range of materials found at fireground and rescue scenes. 2013-2014, the UK’s fire brigades attended with brigades such as Greater Manchester, approximately 170,000 fires nationally. Merseyside, Essex, Kent and Hertfordshire ® These incidents resulted in 275 fatalities – to name just a handful – turning to MULTI-CUT H Series Rotary Rescue Saw and some 3,600 casualties. Yet, the impact Bureau Veritas for expertise and support. of a fire goes beyond even human loss. The UK’s emergency services first New H Series Saws are engineered to work harder in the most extreme The economic impact can be enormous recognised the importance of utilising fire/rescue conditions. The new Dual-Air Intake engine is available in too, with the cost to property damage, lost scientific expertise as far back as the three sizes: 74cc, 94cc and 119cc. Equipped with the Cutters Edge business, fatalities, injuries and legal issues late 1960s, when Bureau Veritas and its ® Black Diamond Blade and now our new carbide-tipped BULLETBLADE estimated to be in the region of £8.3bn predecessors started attending both in England alone. Developing a greater major and minor incidents across the the Cutters Edge H Series Rotary Rescue Saws can cut virtually any Steve Day understanding of fire and the causes capital alongside London Fire Brigade. material! behind it will help our emergency services What started off as infrequent, ad hoc and the UK’s businesses to develop assistance has grown, decades later, into CE94 Concrete Cutting Rescue Chainsaw preventative measures to safeguard a close collaborative contractual working relationship between the two organisations. A new technology 94cc engine and a new style Diamond chain cuts reinforced Today, Bureau Veritas offers round-the- concrete up to 16-inches thick. Features a lighter weight power head and  Bureau Veritas Fire Science department helps clock support and technical advice to LFB to better understand the causes of fire. LFB, the busiest fire service in the UK. full-wrap handle for high performance concrete cutting in any position.

Steve Day is Technical Director for Bureau Veritas and has worked All Cutters Edge NEXT GENERATION TECHNOLOGY Fire Rescue Saws are as a scientific advisor to available in fully-equipped Field Kits designed for Rescue Cutting anywhere. numerous UK Fire & Rescue Services since 1983. Within his role he has been closely involved with a huge variety See New Engine of Fire Brigade incidents, Technology providing expert advice Video Now in dealing with hazardous materials and also in investigating the causes International Contact: and spread of fires.

Image courtesy of Bureau Veritas Bureau of courtesy Image Tel: +1 541 524-9999 FAX: +1 541 524 9996

7 Email: [email protected] www.cuttersedge.com Division of Edge Industries

84 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com MoreMore Power... Power... More More Torque Torque ...... BetterBetter Fuel Fuel Efficiency Efficiency 75%75% LessLess Emissions Emissions

The new Dual-Air intake engine technology significantly improves overall cutting performance and meets all Air Quality Control standards at the same time.

MULTI-CUT® Fire Rescue Saw New 2100 Series includes two engine sizes: 70.7cc and 87.9cc. Each engine is designed for use with Cutters Edge Carbide Tipped BULLET Chain® to cut the widest range of materials found at fireground and rescue scenes.

MULTI-CUT® H Series Rotary Rescue Saw New H Series Saws are engineered to work harder in the most extreme fire/rescue conditions. The new Dual-Air Intake engine is available in three sizes: 74cc, 94cc and 119cc. Equipped with the Cutters Edge ® Black Diamond Blade and now our new carbide-tipped BULLETBLADE the Cutters Edge H Series Rotary Rescue Saws can cut virtually any material!

CE94 Concrete Cutting Rescue Chainsaw A new technology 94cc engine and a new style Diamond chain cuts reinforced concrete up to 16-inches thick. Features a lighter weight power head and full-wrap handle for high performance concrete cutting in any position.

All Cutters Edge NEXT GENERATION TECHNOLOGY Fire Rescue Saws are available in fully-equipped Field Kits designed for Rescue Cutting anywhere.

See New Engine Technology Video Now

International Contact: Tel: +1 541 524-9999 FAX: +1 541 524 9996 Email: [email protected] www.cuttersedge.com Division of Edge Industries FIRE INVESTIGATION Images courtesy of Bureau Veritas Bureau courtesy of Images

Expertise On Hand appliances. This can include, for example,  Each Bureau Veritas investigation is It is the scientific expertise that is the identifying any common faults among followed by a detailed report to LFB with very essence of the service that Bureau manufacturers or among particular types recommendations for fire safety improvements. Veritas offers LFB. Using an independent of appliance and establishing any common third party organisation gives LFB access patterns. Indeed, the reports that Bureau to a team of highly skilled chemists, as Veritas has provided to LFB have even, Qualified Support well as state-of-the-art resources and on occasion, led to behavioural change Fire investigation accounts for a large laboratories across the country. It also amongst manufacturers. proportion of the service that Bureau Veritas means that Bureau Veritas’s fire science Each investigation is followed by provides to the London Fire Brigade. Another team of specialists can attend an incident a detailed report to LFB outlining our important area of support is advising LFB alongside the Brigade’s own team, findings, as well as any recommendations on the handling of hazardous materials. where they can begin to carry out a full for fire safety improvements. LFB can With the use of chemicals increasingly scientific investigation by selecting and then use this information to develop fire widespread across business and homes, it analysing samples on the scene for further prevention and safety strategies; we may is important that LFB can call upon qualified investigation at one of our laboratories. also work in conjunction with government scientists who are able to provide expertise At our purpose-built forensic fire agencies and organisations such as and support at chemical, radiation and laboratories, Bureau Veritas specialists can Trading Standards, Health and Safety asbestos-related incidents. These incidents also help LFB to accurately establish the Executive and Her Majesty’s Coroners. can range from the everyday, such as a cause of a fire by using methods such as Using a third party to provide this kind chemical leak in a swimming pool, to the analysing burning behaviour of materials of expertise in the field of fire investigation more serious and potentially catastrophic and the latest x-ray techniques. means that LFB is utilising highly skilled which might include, for example, fires Using x-ray is a useful means of helping and experienced forensic specialists to containing radioactive materials. to understand the cause of electrical fires, add value to their own Fire Investigation In this field, we are able to provide allowing identification of metal components Teams, using the latest scientific LFB with on-site and remote support in within a sample of debris. Importantly, this innovations and methods. In addition, all dealing with hazardous materials and technique is non-destructive and so helps of services and investigations provided environmental protection. Again, the to preserve all evidence. are compliant with regulations, codes service we offer LFB enables our specialists Using x-ray can also help LFB of practice and professional guidelines, to be first on the scene alongside fire crew understand more about household providing LFB with professional assurance. colleagues, providing end-to-end support

86 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com FIRE INVESTIGATION

 Bureau Veritas has worked with LFB for more than 40 years, offering round-the- clock support and technical advice.

and helping to detect, identify and monitor any hazardous materials. This may include, for example, using methods such as sampling, spot testing or carrying out detailed chemical analysis with state-of- the-art equipment. Bureau Veritas also provides London Fire Brigade with expert advice on the safe decontamination of a scene and works with fire service colleagues to develop a remediation strategy. We are also an important link between LFB and third party agencies, such as the Health and Safety Executive or Environment Agency. officers. Much of this is scenario-based, By providing the London Fire Brigade As is often the case with these incidents, where we will identify the latest emerging with the scientific expertise and resources several agencies may also be involved issues, such as new chemical hazards that it needs to help it understand, mitigate and our experts are able to liaise with their or the best methods used to manage and prevent fire, we know that we are an technical counterparts throughout the asbestos and providing LFB colleagues important part of helping to enhance the process to help determine a safe and swift with industry best-practice. professional capability of one of the resolution – keeping the time required from Having worked alongside the London largest fire services in the world. senior staff down to a minimum. Fire Brigade for more than forty years, we The final strand of the service that we have come to be viewed as an essential For more information, go to offer is in the maintenance of skills of fire resource and an integral part of its service.  www.bureauveritas.co.uk

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Subscribe at www.iffmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe SEPTEMBER 2015 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER 87 ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

Armadillo Merino 21 Ballyclare Ltd 43 Bristol Uniforms Ltd 31 Cutters Edge 87 Dafo Fomtec IBC DQE Inc 65 Dr Sthamer Hamburg 37 Dynax Corporation 83 Relaunching Emergency Services Show 17 Emergency Services Training Institute (Texas A&M) 65 our APP for Ferrara Fire Apparatus 66 Flir Systems 49 Android and FoamPro 80 Fol-Da-Tank 75 Gielle 54 iOS devices Groupe Leader 61 Holmatro 49 Kongsberg GeoAcoustics 27 Kussmaul Electronics 21 M.S.A. 46 MacNeillie/Babcock 87 Magirus 34 Meiko Maschinebau 25 P.B.I. Performance Products 21 PAB Akrapovic 4 Pacific Helmets (NZ) Ltd 13 Paratech Inc 31 Pennwell / FDIC 2015 44 and 45 Red One Ltd 58 Rosenbauer International 39 • We have restyled Saphire Complete Training Concepts 72 and improved Seiz Technical Gloves 61 Sicor Spa 51 all our APPS. Skedco Inc 11 Super Vacumn Manufacturing 80 • Now available with Task Force Tips Inc IFC and 1 Teikoku I-Sen Co Ltd 70 News Updates, Unifire Power Blowers 79 Magazine Articles, Vimpex 15 Waterous Company OBC Blogs and Video. Wehr Engineering / Glasmaster 43 and 72 WS Darley 7 • Featuring daily Yone Corporation 2 “The independent alternative” updates and original content. Come and see us at Foam Concentrates and Foam Systems Download for FREE today at the Google 23-24 September • Birmingham, UK Playstore and the Apple iTunes Store by searching for IFF Magazine. 27-30 October • Düsseldorf, Germany

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88 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER SEPTEMBER 2015 www.iffmag.com “The independent alternative” Foam Concentrates and Foam Systems

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