REV Group announces partnership for Clean Cab Technology

REV Group is proud to announce a partnership with United Safety & Survivability Corporation to provide industry-leading technology that will take the clean cab concept to the next level.

The new product, exclusive to the REV Fire Group brands, in the first responder market, is an active air filtration system that uses UV light and Photohydroionisation technology to neutralize airborne pollutants such as bacteria, mold, and viruses, including COVID-19.  Studies have shown a 99% reduction of airborne pathogens.  The unit is a stand-alone device that can be mounted in the cab of the apparatus and runs off the 12-volt wiring.  The unit can also be retrofit into completed apparatus.

“We are excited to release the next generation of clean cab products in partnership with the REV Fire Group.” said Joe Mirabile, President and CEO of United Safety & Survivability Corporation. “These UV PHI air systems paired with antimicrobial and antibacterial treatments will significantly increase the safety of our first responders by increasing air quality and overall surface cleanliness.  This represents the next generation in cutting edge clean cab improvements that our first responders deserve.”

“When the COVID pandemic first hit, we knew we were going to have to take some kind of action to keep our first responders as safe as possible.” said Mike Virnig, VP of Sales, REV Fire Group.  “We searched for a partner that had the technology to attack this new threat and we found that in USSC.  We are proud to raise the bar on the clean cab initiative and take this next step in protecting those that protect us.”

You can register at www.revtruckexpo.com.

Combustible cladding to be removed from Aylesbury flats

The Friars House block in Aylesbury town will see combustible cladding removed ‘after over three years’ since it was first discovered.

The planning application lodged is set to ‘replace the materials on the front’ of the block, which sits above the Friars Square Shopping Centre in the town, and which was ‘found to have’ combustible cladding in 2017 after the Grenfell Tower fire. With it now being ‘over three years since it was revealed the building had potentially dangerous materials on its facade’, the application means that the cladding ‘looks set to be removed’.

The news outlet noted that at the time, a representative of the block’s management company Moreland Estate Management said that it ‘completely understood’ concerns ‘on this matter’, adding that ‘we have worked closely with Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service to review the entire fire safety of the property, including the structure, management and facilities provided for the fire safety of the residents. We regularly check all fire systems at all of our properties’.

In turn, it was pointed out that ‘there is no work planned inside’ the building, with the planning application ‘focused on’ replacing the combustible materials on the outside of the building’. The news outlet added that the plans ‘show very similar elevations for the flats once the work is done’, including that ‘colour and appearance won’t change much at all’. Buckinghamshire County Council has a deadline of 21 September to make a decision on the application.

www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/

RFC POLY extinguishing systems: Power-packed portability

The RFC POLY extinguishing systems from Rosenbauer have been optimised for improved ergonomics and functionality. They are fitted with CAFS technology and are instantly ready for use and highly effective. As portable or mobile units, they combine high performance, compactness and versatility.

The fire extinguishers are energy self-sufficient, making them the perfect tool for small and incipient fires. Skid modules, which can also be installed in vehicles, guarantee maximum flexibility.

Portex SL 10

The portable RCF Poly Portex CAFS fire extinguisher is as compact as a conventional fire extinguisher or stirrup pump, but surpasses their extinguishing capacity many times over. Its sophisticated ergonomic design enables easy operation even when wearing protective gloves. 55 seconds of maximum power – when you need a rapid, targeted intervention.

Trolley SL50 

Equipped with two large robust wheels, the RFC POLY Trolley CAFS fire extinguisher can be transported effortlessly over long distances. Whether mounted in a fire truck or used in stationary fire protection: 87 seconds of maximum efficiency – when you need to move fast.

Skid Module SL50 – 300 

Flexible fire fighting – thanks to the CAFS extinguishing system range. A wide variety of options are available. Whether mounted on mobile equipment carriers or pull-outs or permanently installed in the vehicle: 474 seconds of universally deployable power – when you need to be able to respond flexibly.

www.everythingforthatmoment.com/en/

Dependable and specialised: Hannay Reels F7100 hose reel

Fighting fires requires dependable and specialised equipment – the F7100 hose reel from Hannay Reels features two swivel joint inlets and two outlet risers that allow the reel to be used for foam and dry chemicals simultaneously.

A reel neatly stores your hose or cable to ensure it’s readily available wherever and whenever it’s needed—no tangles, no leaks, and no problems. In addition, a reel keeps your hose or cable off of the floor to avoid tripping and other workplace accidents that may cause work stoppage or costly insurance issues.

It will also lengthen the life of expensive hose and cable. Constant dragging or kinking can damage hose to the point where it becomes un-useable. Shorts in electric cable or leaks in hose can lead to environmental issues and other problems.

Hannay Reels’ F7100 hose reel features: 

  • Two swivel joint inlets and two outlet risers.
  • All models are available with optional aluminum or stainless steel construction.
  • Gear-driven crank rewind is standard. Choose chain and sprocket drive powered by electric, hydraulic or compressed air motor.
  • Pinion brake standard.
  • Standard inlet, outlet riser, and hub assembly are steel (also available in stainless steel).
  • Rollers and roller mounting brackets are accessory items. Specify roller position.
  • Standard inlets: 1″ 90° ball bearing swivel joints with 1″ female NPT threads.
  • Standard outlets: 1″ male NST threads (1.375″ x 8 threads per inch).
  • Pressures to 1000 psi (69 bar).
  • Temperatures from -25°F to +250°F (-32°C to+121°C).
  • Consult factory for other sizes and/or threads.
  • Consult factory for other pressures and temperatures.
  • CAUTION: When using Niedner Reeltex® hose, a special riser and/or larger drum diameter is required (consult factory).

www.hannay.com

NFU Mutual urges commercial property owners and tenants to maintain fire safety

Property insurance specialist NFU Mutual is urging commercial property owners and their tenants not to neglect Fire Risk Assessments during the pandemic.

The warning comes as NFU Mutual claims statistics reveal a 46% spike in the number of commercial property fires during lockdown. *

Trevor Palmer, Property Insurance Specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “The ongoing global crisis has put pressure on commercial property owners and their tenants as they adopt new measures to ensure working environments are COVID-secure, often involving changes to the premises.

“Having seen a spike in our commercial fire claims statistics, we’re concerned that the added focus on Coronavirus may be causing some premises to put other safety matters to one side.

“While following Coronavirus guidance is imperative, it should not be at the expense of other health and safety activity. Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs) are a legal requirement for all non-domestic premises, allowing identification of specific areas of fire risk and providing recommended corrective actions to safeguard occupants.

“FRAs should also be reviewed if your building undergoes significant change. Where changes impact on any common areas within a property, the owner should consider the implications on fire safety and whether the current assessment will need to be re-visited.

“Owners should also encourage tenants to assess if any changes they are making, such as introducing partitioning, changing desk layouts and exit pathways or altering fire meeting points, will have an effect on fire safety and require updates to the FRA.”

“As Coronavirus poses new challenges, it is important to give pre-existing dangers equal consideration. The risk of fire remains, and property owners should maintain efforts to protect occupants, properties and themselves from fire incidents.

“Robust owner to tenant communications are essential, and while the current focus is likely related to lease agreements, rent and service charge payments, every effort should be made to keep fire safety at the forefront of all communications.  All parties should be fully aware of where the responsibility lies for updating the FRA and making necessary changes at the property.”

NFU Mutual top tips on fire safety vigilance

  • Communication is key – keep all stakeholders up to date with Fire Risk Assessment progress and changes
  • Ensure all records of contact details are kept up to date in case they are needed in an emergency
  • Regularly review the Fire Risk Assessment, particularly if there have been any changes on the premises
  • Stay up to date with all relevant fire safety legislation
  • Consider consulting fire safety and risk management professionals for technical information on fire safety
  • While it is not a requirement for Fire Risk Assessments to be documented if there are fewer than five occupants, keeping a written record is still advisable
  • While your insurer may not ask for your Fire Risk Assessment, providing it upfront can aid clarity during any subsequent claims

For further information on Fire Risk Assessments, you can download NFU Mutual’s guidance document here: https://www.nfumutual.co.uk/news-and-stories/maintaining-fire-safety-during-lockdown

New document published on portable aerosol dispensers for fire extinguishing purposes

New British standard, BS EN 16856:2020 – “Portable aerosol dispensers for fire extinguishing purposes” has been published.

This document specifies the requirements for non-refillable portable aerosol dispensers for fire extinguishing purposes.

It supplements the characteristics, performance and test methods for extinguishing aerosol dispensers for fire extinguishing purposes, in addition to the requirements of the Directive 75/324/EEC. Requirements in this document are specified for products containing less than 1 kg or 1 l of extinguishing media, which can be expelled by the action of internal pressure and are intended to extinguish test fires of type A + B, or type A + F, or type A + B + F classes of EN 2. These extinguishing aerosol dispensers are intended to be used by untrained persons for domestic applications. They are not intended to be used on gas fires (class C) and metal fires (class D).

Requirements are specified for minimum performance in Annex I for extinguishing test fires of type A, type B and type F classes of EN 2, as appropriate.

Annex A gives the conditioning to be applied to extinguishing aerosol dispensers prior to testing as described in Annex B to Annex K.

http://standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com

SELECT helps blaze a trail as industry unites to promote fire sector skills

SELECT has helped shape a new Occupational Qualification Structure by the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) industry that will lead to Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) Card recognition.

Aimed at promoting high standards and skills, the new structure has been developed by an industry-wide working group formed by SELECT and other leading trade associations and employer representatives including:

  • British Security Industry Association (BSIA)
  • FESS Employer Group
  • Fire Industry Association (FIA)
  • Fire & Security Association (FSA)
  • Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board (SSAIB)
  • Joint Industry Board (JIB).

Uniquely recognising the introduction of the FESS Trailblazer, the new structure sets the standard for new entrants to the market at Level 3 while also addressing the need to recognise the training, experience and qualifications of the current workforce.

This new pathway recognises the differences in training, experience and qualifications for those already in the industry, which critically identifies a minimum standard for those who install and maintain fire, emergency and security systems.

Fiona Harper, director of employment and skills at SELECT, said: “This new development is a significant step forward as it recognises existing professionalism and also blends upskilling and training with formal and structured assessment.

“SELECT particularly welcomes its introduction as it dovetails perfectly with our own ongoing contribution towards modernisation of the ECS in Scotland. Ensuring the FESS workforce of tomorrow has the correct qualifications with meaningful assessments also reinforces the importance of our campaign for protection of title, to ensure only properly qualified individuals build an electric future for us all.”

Jay Parmar, chief executive of the JIB, said: “I’m delighted to have worked alongside the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems industry who collectively represent over 3,000 companies with over 80,000 employees who will benefit from the introduction of the new Occupational Qualification Structure and the new suite of ECS cards which recognise the skills of the entire FESS workforce.

“A key strength of ECS and its partnership with CSCS is that it provides assurance that cardholders working across sites in the UK have a high level of skills and experience.”

There are now four sector disciplines recognised by the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) in the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) industry which include:

  • Fire
  • Fire and emergency lighting
  • Security (Including access control, intruder and CCTV systems)
  • Fire and security.

Each sector recognises three disciplines which include Systems Operative, Systems Technician and Technical Manager. In addition, the occupations of Labourer, Trainee and Apprentice are recognised by ECS.

These FESS ECS occupations replace the existing Fire Detection & Alarm Systems and the Emergency & Security Systems cards. The FESS requirements will become compulsory in early 2021 for all new (initial) card applications meaning that all new applicants will be required to hold a pathway specific FESS assessment for the ECS occupation being applied for. From summer 2021, all card renewals will also need to meet the FESS requirements and hold a pathway specific FESS assessment.

Mr Parmar added: “This historical change has been introduced as a result of the desire by the FESS industry to professionalise and enhance standards in the sector. This key development ensures all ECS cards will be issued against an industry recognised qualification standard by the end of 2020 in keeping with the target set by the Construction Leadership Council.

“We look forward to building on this positive development and continuing to work with the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems industry in helping them to meet their aspirations whilst at the same time upskilling the industry in which they operate.”

Pat Allen, chair of the FESS Employer Group, said: “The Employer Group welcomes the introduction of the new Occupational Qualification Structure which will recognise and promote an increased level of professionalism in the industry.

“The Structure, together with the new suite of ECS cards which are linked to clear occupational requirements, recognise both the Level 3 apprenticeship requirements for new entrants to the market as well as the training, experience and qualifications of the current workforce. This is clearly a positive development and one which will benefit the entire industry going forward.”

https://selectfire.co.uk/

REV Group announces new Vice President of Sales

REV Group has announced the appointment of George Petropoulos as Vice President, Sales for REV Ambulance Group. Overseeing the sales teams for Horton, American Emergency Vehicles (AEV), Leader, Wheeled Coach, Road Rescue, Frontline and McCoy-Miller, George reports into Anoop Prakash, Ambulance Division President, REV Group.

Prior to joining REV Group, George spent nearly 20 years at Harley-Davidson Motor Company where most recently he was the Manager, Police & Fleet Sales, increasing the company’s municipal market share from 40% to 75% over an 11-year period. George is a retired Major and Transportation / Logistics officer in the U.S. Army and serves as a part-time police officer for the Town of Mukwonago Police Department in Wisconsin.

“We are integrating our sales organisation to optimise our sales process and commercial execution,” said Anoop Prakash, Ambulance Division President, REV Group. “George’s extensive municipal sales experience will allow us to continue to advance our service and support to our dealers, partners and customers across the REV ambulance brands.”

George has received the distinguished service award from the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund and is on the Board of Directors for the USO in Wisconsin.

www.revgroup.com/

Brazos Valley Council of Governments deploys Motorola Solutions’ cloud-based 9-1-1 software

Motorola Solutions has announced that Brazos Valley Council of Governments and its member jurisdiction, Washington County, Texas, have deployed the company’s CommandCentral 9-1-1 Smart Transcription and CommandCentral 9-1-1 Citizen Input cloud-based solutions.

The deployments are two of multiple cloud-based software deployments for first responders completed by Motorola Solutions during the second quarter of 2020, as the company leveraged the cloud to meet increased customer demand for cloud-based software during COVID-19.

“When a resident contacts 9-1-1 for help, the technology a 9-1-1 operator has at his or her fingertips can make all the difference in a successful outcome to the call,” said Anita Pitt, 9-1-1 program manager, Brazos Valley Council of Governments in Texas. “We are deploying CommandCentral 9-1-1 Smart Transcription and CommandCentral 9-1-1 Citizen Input because these cloud-based solutions offer our 9-1-1 call takers critical advantages.”

With CommandCentral 9-1-1 Smart Transcription, call takers do not have to remember everything as the call – often a stressful situation – is unfolding. Real-time voice to text transcription provides them with a second pair of ears to make sure they heard everything correctly as they share information with dispatchers to coordinate an effective response to the crisis.

Similarly, CommandCentral 9-1-1 Citizen Input allows the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) to receive photos, recorded video or streaming video from a caller to better understand the situation and coordinate the response. It does this while at the same time protecting the call taker from possibly traumatic images by providing the PSAP with tools to control who sees the media.

“These solutions further evidence our progress and our commitment to our command centre suite cloud strategy,” said Andrew Sinclair, senior vice president and general manager, Software Enterprise, Motorola Solutions. “During COVID-19, we’ve seen and have responded to an unprecedented demand for cloud solutions. Our command centre customers are now reaping the benefits of ‘cloud without compromise’ with secure and resilient, innovative and scalable solutions that help them respond to their residents’ calls for help with confidence.”

The Brazos Valley Council of Governments CommandCentral 9-1-1 Smart Transcription and CommandCentral 9-1-1 Citizen Input deployments are two of five cloud-based software deployments for Motorola Solutions in the second quarter of 2020. Others include:

CommandCentral 9-1-1 Smart Transcription 

  • Manatee County, Fla.

PremierOne Cloud CAD 

  • City of Cayce, SC
  • Hampton County Central Dispatch E911, SC

‘Firenado’ warning issued as Loyalton wildfire spreads across California

A rare fire tornado – or “firenado” – warning has been issued over the weekend in California due to wildfires burning near the Nevada border.

The Loyalton fire, named due to its proximity to the city, has prompted evacuations and jumped a highway on Saturday (15th August), forcing firefighters to protect drivers who tried to avoid the flames.

The National Weather Service (NWS) based in the Nevada city of Reno tweeted that the “extreme fire behaviour” was expected to continue and a fire tornado could follow.

The NWS defines a “firenado” as an “extreme weather phenomenon that can occur with rotating fire columns” and erupts when rising heat from a fire is caught by gusts of wind that change direction, similar to a traditional tornado. It ultimately makes for particularly dangerous conditions as winds combine with smoke plumes.

The Loyalton fire started in Sierra County in the Tahoe National Forest early on Saturday (15th August) and by 5pm, it was estimated to have grown to 20,000 acres and was only 5% contained as it spread toward Reno.

Video captured by firefighters showed the flame burning towards the Interstate-395 highway. The Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue department tweeted about a “close call” with cars that were left “stuck on the road” as the fire jumped the highway.

John Mittelstadt, a meteorologist at the NWS, told NBC News the “erratic” nature of the wildfires made their trajectory difficult to predict.

The warning came as firefighters also battled at least five wildfires in Colorado – one of which was reportedly the largest in the state’s history.

As of Saturday night, firefighters were dealing with extremely challenging conditions, including hot temperatures, some difficult terrain and highly flammable fuel.

The wildfires in California and Colorado have been put down to a multi-day heatwave across much of the western US, and Mr Mittelstadt said conditions such as these could lead to more “firenados” in future.

He said: “These conditions can lead to more firenados for sure. Everyone need to be very alert and very careful not to create any sparks so that we can avoid any human-caused fires.”