The largest Perth bushfire the region has seen in six years has forced hundreds of Australians to evacuate their homes.
Six fire fighters have been injured as they struggle to contain the blaze, which has destroyed 71 homes and spread through 9,000 hectares.
The fire started on Monday, and due to high winds has spread over the last two days. Officials are now expecting the coming days to present further challenges to the fire and rescue services, and are urging people to evacuate.
WA fire commissioner Darren Klemm said: “”The important thing is the preservation of life. So, if you’re quarantining and you’re required to evacuate, you should just evacuate. A full lockdown and raging bushfires. It will test us all.”
Bushfires in Australia are common, with 11,264 hitting the country between July 2019 and February 2020.
Apollo Fire Detectors, the UK manufacturer of fire detection and alarm devices, have launched their range of flush mounted, EN54-7 approved fire detectors to the international market.
With a global reputation for innovation, quality and reliability, Apollo products keep people safe from fire in over 100 countries around the world. Their latest range Soteria Dimension consists of two optical fire detectors which use chamberless technology to protect challenging applications.
The Soteria Dimension Optical Detector blends seamlessly into its environment, making it ideal for interiors requiring a premium aesthetic. Available in white with a hygienic wipe-clean finish, the product was designed to protect high-end interiors, from private homes, luxury hotels and designer shops to restaurants, galleries and bars.
The Soteria Dimension Specialist Optical Detector is designed with an anti-vandal and anti-ligature metal faceplate to protect the most vulnerable from self-harm in care and custody. The shock-resistant faceplate is fitted with anti-tamper screws to ensure that it’s completely secure. This minimises safety hazards in healthcare and custodial environments, such as hospitals, contingency wards, quiet rooms, mental health wards and prisons. This variant has been tested to meet the requirements of Ministry of Justice specification STD/E/SPEC/038 and has also independently certified to DHF TS0001 for anti-ligature use is specialist areas.
Liam Arstall, Head of Product Management says “We strive to meet the needs of our customers, even in niche applications. Engaging with our partners made it clear that a creative solution was needed to protect these 2 key areas. After a tremendous amount of research and development, we’re incredibly proud to now be launching the product to the international market.”
Staff at BBC Scotland headquarters were forced to evacuate the building after a fire broke out on Sunday.
Crews were called to the building at 11:30 am after reports of smoke coming from the roof of the broadcaster’s six-storey building emerged.
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were alerted at 11:26 on Sunday 31 January to reports of smoke issuing from the roof of a commercial building at Pacific Quay.
“Operations control have mobilised four appliances and one aerial platform appliance to the scene and firefighters are presently working to extinguish a fire which has taken hold in a utility room on top of the roof.”
There were no reports of any injuries, and staff were allowed back in the building after the fire services extinguished the fire shortly after arriving.
The units are being placed in the department’s front line and reserve apparatus. This includes 16 engines, seven ladder trucks, three squad trucks and 10 ambulances. Going forward, all new apparatus will have these units installed as a requirement.
As another innovative solution within E-ONE’s overall clean cab technology portfolio, the Active Air Purification Systems eliminates 99 percent of pathogens, including COVID-19, both in the air and on surfaces, producing improved air quality and a much safer cab environment. Taking advantage of advanced photohydroionisation™ (PHI) and UV technology, this unique purification system also offers:
Proven reduction in sneeze germs by 99 percent within three feet*
Proven efficiency on microbes (third party tested on Avian Flu, H1N1, sneeze test)
Proven impact on reducing odor
The compact design of the Active Air Purification Systems enables it to be mounted in different locations within the cab while still achieving the same results. This offers the flexibility required to retrofit the system into current vehicles. Purchase of these units is funded through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
“The purchase of the Active Air Purification Units is paramount to the health and safety of our employees in the ever-evolving infectious environments in which they are exposed,” said Mike Higgins, Deputy Chief of Administrative Services for Columbus. “These units will ultimately create a safer environment while responding to and from emergency alarms.”
Columbus Fire & EMS worked with FireLine Inc, E-ONE’s Georgia dealer, on the purchase and installation of these units. Due to increasing concerns about first responders’ exposure to COVID-19 and dangerous contaminants from firefighting gear, E-ONE has seen a continuous demand for the Active Air Purification Systems from fire departments around the nation.
“Columbus Fire & EMS and E-ONE have partnered on fire apparatus for many years. Taking the next step to help this department provide innovative technology to protect their first responders is a natural fit.” said Larry Daniels, E-ONE’s Director of Sales. “Our first responders deserve the best defense against harmful pathogens as they serve and protect our communities.”
For more on the Active Air Purification Systems, go to e-one.com
Pelican Products, Inc. has promoted Kevin Murphy to Vice President of Marketing for the U.S. Sales Division. In his new role, Murphy will oversee the U.S. Commercial, Government and Consumer marketing teams, as well as all branding and creative initiatives.
“For the past 19 years, Kevin’s work to bring the Pelican Products brand to life has inspired customers across the globe,” said Stephan Corti, Chief Commercial Officer for Pelican Products. “Because of his creativity, drive and marketing expertise, Pelican’s products are recognised as the best in the industry–offering superior quality, high-performance and rugged protection.”
During his time with Pelican, Murphy has managed all web content, advertising, collateral, videos, packaging and exhibits, as well as implementation of an information database, consumer relationship management system and lead management program. He also has led brand realignments for acquisitions and the Consumer marketing team’s transition to the U.S. Sales division, including defining a common voice to represent the brand across all platforms.
Murphy is a graduate of Burnley School of Arts in Seattle. Prior to joining Pelican Products, he worked in senior creative roles at well-respected advertising agencies including Foote, Cone & Belding and Dentsu, Young & Rubicam in Hong Kong. Awards from his advertising career include Print Regional Design, Communication Arts and the Art Directors Club of Los Angeles. Murphy also holds nine U.S. patents licensed to Disney, Rubbermaid and Fellowes.
The First Responder Assistance Program is a year round helpline offering confidential in-the-moment support and resources for first responders after a traumatic incident. The program also assists first responders and their families for stress management, depression, anxiety, grief, addiction, family issues, legal and financial concerns, and childcare and eldercare needs.
The First Responder Assistance Program can be included with blanket Accident & Health insurance coverage underwritten by AXIS Insurance Company and provided through Provident Insurance Programs, Inc. The policy is available to paid, part-time, and volunteer firefighters and emergency medical responders in the United States and Canada.
Provident’s President and CEO, Daren D’Ippolito, says, “We recognise that first responders regularly deal with traumatic events in addition to stressors that most people face. These stressors can take a serious toll on physical and emotional well-being. The First Responder Assistance Program provides access to support from resources who specialise in working with first responders.”
Dawn Motovidlak, President and CEO of BHS, says, “First responders work in an incredibly stressful environment that exposes them to traumatic events nearly every day. Exposure to trauma can lead to behavioral health concerns that impact the effectiveness of these individuals. That’s why BHS provides first responders with access to timely and high-quality behavioral health resources to get the support they need to be at their best.”
Dr. Ann Hawkins, CEO and Chief Innovation Officer of Responders 1st Call stated, “We are proud to partner with BHS and provide in-the-moment behavioral health care as part of the First Responder Assistance Program.”
About BHS: BHS optimises organisational performance by empowering individuals to achieve their fullest potential. For over 37 years, BHS has provided holistic well-being support to thousands of corporations, agencies, institutions, associations, and organisations worldwide. BHS offers a wide range of comprehensive well being solutions designed to improve employees’ health, productivity, and safety while improving the culture, performance, and profitability of the organisations we serve. For more information, visit www.BHSonline.com.
About Responders 1st Call™ Responders 1st Call™ is dedicated to saving the lifesavers, our First Responders, by providing a 24/7/365 confidential in-the-moment Trauma Helpline. Emotional and behavioral health consultations are available for First Responders and their family to address work-life stressors such as anxiety, depression, stress, and family issues. Plus, Responders 1st Call provides a self-directed virtual eye movement technology to address PTSD and trauma. For more information, www.Responders1stCall.com.
Q. What are the links between COVID-19 and portable gas detection? The packaging, transportation and storage of COVID-19 vaccines at low temperatures necessitates the use of dry ice, which is a form of carbon dioxide (CO2). If CO2 escapes in its gaseous form, there is a danger to factory, logistics and healthcare workers, most of whom will be unfamiliar with dry ice and its potentially harmful effects.
Although there is a clear global need for vaccine urgency, employers also have a responsibility to avoid compromising worker health and safety. Another application concerns the storage and use of oxygen at temporary hospitals, a number of which are now in operation across Europe to provide COVID-19 patients with emergency ventilation.
These facilities do not have permanently engineered solutions to monitor for oxygen leaks, which presents the need for additional safety precautions. In both applications, portable gas detection equipment worn by personnel can monitor for gas leaks and alarm against dangerous exposure.
Q. What are risks of exposure to excessive levels of CO2 and oxygen? Dry ice is solid-state CO2. However, sublimation of CO2 occurs at temperatures above -78°C, when it becomes gaseous. CO2 in this form is heavier than air and tends to take the place of oxygen, presenting a risk of anoxia.
As little as 3% CO2 by volume can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, while 5% will likely prompt dizziness, confusion, headaches and shortness of breath. All of these conditions can prove dangerous in a workplace situation. Moreover, staff absenteeism due to feeling poorly is a major risk to the effectiveness of vaccine supply chains. As for oxygen, excessive amounts of this gas in the atmosphere due to leakage from tanks or equipment presents a higher flammability risk.
Q. What are the exposure level guidelines for workplaces? Alarm levels for CO2 in the PS500 personal gas monitor from Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection, for example, are set well below 3-5%. In fact, 0.5% CO2 by volume is the EH40 prescribed time-weighted average safe exposure limit for workplaces across an 8-hour working day. There is also a guideline for STEL (short-term exposure limit), which is 1.5% CO2 by volume over a 15-minute period.
With oxygen, leaks into the workplace atmosphere above 25% by volume change the flammability of the environment. Again, a personal gas monitor, in this case the high-performance yet cost-effective Protégé ZM from Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection, features appropriately set levels of 23% Vol to warn against any impending danger.
Q. How are personal gas monitors used? The device simply clips to a lapel or belt loop, for example, from where it can sense danger from every direction and make that vital connection between excessive gas exposure and personal safety. A detector such as the Protégé ZM measures just 94 x 56mm and weighs only 76g. Personal gas monitors are extremely easy to use and typically feature a single button switch-on.
If an alarm triggers, the monitor will beep, shake and flash [audible, tactile and visual] to ensure the user acknowledges the warning in all kinds of environments, including noisy ones.
Q. Is there access to recorded data? Data-logging capability sees a memory store taken every minute. Users can upload the data to a PC, where they will see a time and date stamp against exposure events. This evidence is useful if there is a requirement for an investigation or report.
Q. What is the best way to clean/sanitise portable gas detection equipment during COVID-19? With frequent shift changes at factories, logistics hubs, vaccination centres and temporary hospitals, there is a likelihood that staff will share personal gas detectors. To avoid any potential for virus transmission, it is good practice to clean the monitors between shifts. The best way to ensure surface cleanliness is to use mild soap and water applied to a damp cloth.
Do not use alcohol wipes or other alcohol-based cleaning products, as the sensor will detect the alcohol and provide a false reading. Users should also avoid silicone, chlorine or bleach-based cleaning products.
Q. What about service and calibration? A. It is highly advisable that users follow service and calibration guidance for their monitors to ensure quality and reliability. Working with a gas detector that is out of calibration or needs a sensor replacement, for example, defeats the objective and places staff at risk. Optimum intervals are dependent upon the working environment, but annual service and calibration is typical. A two-year warranty is applicable assuming adherence to the service schedule.
Q. Why is Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection qualified to help in the COVID-19 emergency? Due to the knowledge, expertise and experience of Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection across many sectors that deal with potentially dangerous gases in confined spaces, the company has proven, high integrity solutions that can help keep workers safe during the pandemic. Safety is at the heart of all Teledyne gas monitoring and detection solutions.
For more information on portable gas detection contact Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection: gasandflamedetection@teledyne.com
The NFCC have responded to Home Office statistics that have revealed a six per cent increase in fatalities and call outs during last year 12 months.
Responding to the figures, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Roy Wilsher said: “I am saddened to see this increase in fatalities, and we need to see this reduce. We will continue to work with our partners, with a focus on the areas these deaths are happening.
“It is also disappointing to see an increase in callouts across a range of areas. However, it truly reflects what I have always known – the fire service is on hand to assist where and when it is needed the most and it’s not just fires.
“The increase in assisting other agencies is a clear example of how FRSs respond to requests from our partners. This has never been more apparent that during the response to the pandemic, with the fire service carrying out more than 400,000, the majority supporting other organisations. The fire service is on hand to assist where and when it is needed – and it’s not just fires.
“This is one area I expect to see rise in the next set of statistics, showing how dedicated FRS staff are here to help. The pride shown by fire service staff undertaking work in the heart of their communities is humbling, and we can see the different it is making.
“This particular set of statistics is always disappointing for me, as it clearly highlights the positive impact the emergency medical trials had following their introduction in 2015 and the reduction in numbers following the subsequent withdrawal in 2017.
“This work had agreements in place with ambulance trusts to undertake health and care related work.
Germany’s largest fire department training facility, The Institut der Feuerwehr NRW (IdF NRW), has ordered 109 Magirus LF20-KatS vehicles on behalf of the North Rhine-Westphalian Ministry of the Interior. The Euro 6 emission standard vehicles, on MAN TGM 18.340 BB 4×4 chassis with Allison 3000 Series™ fully automatic transmissions, form the largest ever order for firefighting vehicles in the state.
A total of 38 vehicles have been delivered to local fire departments, with another 30 scheduled for delivery by September 2021 and the rest to follow by the end of 2022, reflecting a delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The IdF NRW opted for this vehicle configuration to maximise driver control, comfort and economy. Rather than an automated manual transmission (AMT), the institute selected fully automatic transmissions with a torque converter, allowing the continuous supply of power to the wheels. The key factors behind the decision were the transmissions’ ability to provide improved acceleration, excellent off-road capability, reduced wear and, above all, an increase in driver control and comfort for the vehicle’s nine-member crew.
“It is important to us that the overall configuration of this vehicle offers maximum safety for the crew. The smoother and safer the ride, the more confidence the crew has in the vehicle,” said Chief Fire Officer Sebastian Datema, Deputy Head of the Department of Technology and Technical Service at the Institut der Feuerwehr NRW. “We get very positive feedback from the local fire departments about the Allison fully automatic transmission. The intelligent transmission logic thinks for itself and supports the driver both on- and off-road.”
The MAN TGM 18.340 BB 4×4 with Magirus body is driven by an Allison 3000 Series™ fully automatic transmission and a Euro 6 6-cylinder diesel engine with an output of 251 kW (340 PS) and can achieve a maximum speed of 100 km/h. The all-wheel drive provides off-road capability at any time. The LF 20 KatS is able to drive through water up to 90 cm and can manoeuvre at a tilt angle of up to 32 degrees, which has a very positive effect on cornering. The water tank has a capacity of 1,000 litres. The complete package of vehicle and equipment has been adapted to the rescue scenarios encountered in North Rhine-Westphalia and far exceeds standard specifications.
The LF20-KatS disaster control and civil protection vehicles must be ready for operation in the event of major infrastructure failure such as those caused by nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) threats, and floods. They provide emergency medical services and assistance to citizens. In addition, the vehicles are used for local fire protection in the communities.
“In recent years we have had an increase in incidents for which these powerful vehicles are needed,” said Matthias Kalthöner, Government Fire Director and Head of the Technology and Technical Service Department at IdF NRW. “These are, for example, supralocal assistance in so called large-scale operations and disasters such as floods, forest fires, severe weather conditions or NBC defence. The vehicles are currently enjoying a high level of acceptance among local fire departments.”
The Allison 3000 Series™ transmission has been specifically designed for the requirements of emergency vehicles. “We recommend fully automatic transmissions for these vehicles, especially since the fire services are largely run by volunteer firefighters,” said Stephan Marker, Germany Market Development Manager at Allison Transmission. “The easy manoeuvrability of the vehicles simplifies the work of the drivers. They don’t have to change gears and can focus fully on the job and the road, moving at speed. Allison’s patented torque converter multiplies engine torque during start-up and acceleration. There is no interruption in traction during gear shifts but a seamless transfer of power to the wheels.”
“With the series release of Allison transmissions, MAN has responded to the request of numerous fire departments for a drive configuration that offers outstanding performance, reliability and ease of operation in extremely challenging conditions,” said Harald Rosenauer, Account Manager for MAN at Allison Transmission. “Allison’s torque converter transmission enables MAN engines to deliver full power shifts. This enables the MAN TGM chassis to provide exceptional traction and acceleration for emergency vehicles.”
Allison fully automatic transmissions have demonstrated exceptional reliability and robustness in the most demanding conditions and as a result are used by numerous firefighting fleets worldwide.
Overview MAN TGM 18.340 4×4 BB, LF20-KatS with Allison 3000 Series™ transmission and Magirus body
Allison 3000 Series™ transmission with shift logic controller for fire fighting vehicles and retarder
Extinguishing agent
1000 Litres of water
Overview equipment of LF20-KatS
According to DIN 14530 Part 8, additionally among others: Boosterline bag, D hose (forest-fire set 2 x D, distributor, 2 hollow stream nozzle) Additional power chain saw Additional wastewater pump Reciprocating saw Generating foam through incline inductor Rear warning system Light mast Boosterline distributor (2 x) Quick water dispensing system Air conditioning and auxiliary heating for the crew cab
Allegion plc a leading global security products and solutions provider, today announced the appointment of Tim Eckersley as Senior Vice President of Allegion International, reporting to David Petratis, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Allegion.
The newly formed business unit, Allegion International, will be created on Jan. 1, 2021, and is a consolidation of the current EMEA and Asia-Pacific operating segments. Eckersley is currently senior vice president of Allegion’s Americas region.
“This business unit is designed to drive speed and efficiency, simplify our operating segments and optimise our non-U.S. operations,” said Petratis. “Tim’s deep experience and leadership will help us accelerate momentum in electronics growth, software and seamless access, and further develop Allegion International flagship brands, like SimonsVoss, Interflex, CISA and Gainsborough.”
Tim Eckersley (Credit: Allegion plc)
The company will continue to report under the existing structure for the remainder of 2020 and begin reporting under the new structure in 2021. Additional financial information will be provided when the company reports fourth-quarter earnings.
At a later date, Allegion will name Eckersley’s successor as leader of the Americas region. In the interim, Petratis will lead the region in addition to his current role.
The company also announced that Lucia Veiga Moretti, senior vice president of Allegion’s EMEA region, will leave the company at the end of March 2021. Through that time, Moretti will work closely with Eckersley to ensure a smooth transition.
“Lucia played a key role in returning the EMEA region to profitability, leading the strategic acquisition of SimonsVoss, as well as the acquisitions of AXA and Trelock, which led to our Global Portable Security business unit,” said Petratis. “We are grateful for her contributions and wish her continued success.”
Eckersley is a veteran of both security and high-growth technology industries, and he has a wealth of experience in general management, sales, product portfolio management, major technology partnerships and strategy within the electronics and telecommunications industries. He received a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Texas at Arlington.
