Posts in category: Americas – Breaking News

The Safer Buildings Coalition (SBC), the only trade association purpose-built to lead national policy and education for in-building wireless services, and the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), a personnel certification authority for various technical fields, are pleased to announce their collaboration in creating a new In-Building Public Safety Communications (IB-PSC) certification program, available now.

IB-PSC Technician Level I is the first of the three progressive technician levels, which along with the single level IB-PSC Design track will establish minimum qualifications for engineering technicians engaged in the detailing and layout, installation and maintenance, and/or designing of in-building public safety communication systems. Technician Level II and III are expected to become available later in 2021, while the Design track will debut in the coming weeks. Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems (ERCES) are critical to providing coverage inside buildings, and due to their connection with the broader network must be implemented properly to eliminate interference.

While NICET developed the certification program, SBC, in parallel but independently, is creating an IB-PSC handbook and study guide. The Handbook will be available for purchase late summer this year. SBC is proud to collaborate with the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) to create and roll out the Handbook.

This collaboration between NICET and SBC is expected to establish the value and credibility of proper training and certification with the goal of increasing competency across all industry stakeholders. Hundreds of practitioners and industry leaders have participated in the initial study, job task analysis, question writing/review process, establishing passing scores, and determining experience and performance-level requirements. The technical areas covered include knowledge of radio frequency theory, equipment mounting requirements, delivered audio quality scale, business software and mathematics, communications using project specifications and documents, site survey data and design tools, and interpretation and evaluation of surveys. See https://www.nicet.org/IB-PSC.

“We are so pleased to be able to partner with NICET in developing this essential credentialing program that finally establishes true qualifications for personnel involved in the design and installation of emergency responder communication enhancement systems (ERCES),” said Chief Alan Perdue, Safer Buildings Coalition’s Executive Director. “AHJs, public safety radio system operators, building owners, and the industry as a whole have long sought evidence of competency that goes beyond the FCC General Radiotelephone Operators License (GROL).”

“Launching this new program is due to the efforts of dedicated industry practitioners, subject matter experts, SBC, other stakeholders, and NICET staff,” explained NICET Senior Director, Chip Hollis, “It is their effort and flexibility during these challenging times that made it happen. I am honored that NICET can be part of the solution to ensure communications coverage for emergency responders.”

E-ONE, a subsidiary of REV Group, Inc. and a leading manufacturer of fire apparatus, is pleased to announce the expansion into Tennessee of its dealer Safe Industries.

Safe Industries has acquired Mid-South Emergency Equipment, the former E-ONE dealer for Tennessee. The company will now be serving all of its Tennessee customers out of its Knoxville service center as it searches for another property near the center of the state.

Safe Industries serves the fire service and industrial markets in South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee, offering sales, service and equipment. The company is owned by Al Willimon, a U.S. Army veteran and former firefighter. Many of the company’s employees are also current or former rescue professionals.

Safe Industries has approximately 110 employees at two service centers in South Carolina and one in Tennessee:

• A 36,000 square-foot facility in Piedmont, S.C., featuring eight service bays and four earth lifts.
• A 30,000 square-foot facility in Sumter, S.C., featuring four service bays and equipment including precision water jet cutter, paint booth, welders and plasma cutters.
• A 12,000 square foot facility in Knoxville, TN, featuring six service bays.
• All centers are staffed with qualified, dependable service technicians with the majority holding ASE and/or EVT certifications.
• All three offer on-site and mobile testing, training and maintenance.

“With the purchase of Mid-South, this will help to solidify not only our presence, but our commitment to the fire service in Tennessee,” Willimon said.

“E-ONE is truly excited to work with Safe Industries as they transition into the Tennessee market,” said Larry Daniels, Director of Sales at E-ONE. “Al and the entire Safe Industries team have demonstrated their commitment to serving our joint customers in South Carolina and we are confident that together we can bring that same level of commitment and service to Tennessee.  Their willingness to grow and expand in today’s challenging economic environment is a testament to their willingness to serve those who serve their communities and neighbors.  We are proud of our partnership.”

Firefighting is an inherently dangerous environment and firefighters are exposed to risk while performing their duties. Therefore, maintaining constant communication and awareness is a key element in firefighter safety. Firefighters want to be connected to each other and to their officers on and off-site.

The Connected Firefighter Platform

MSA’s Connected Firefighter is a platform of products that provides connections when you need them most, offers simplified safety through technology, and delivers data driven insights. Together, the products create visibility, increase efficiency, promote situational awareness and enable accountability for everyone on the scene, all while creating a network of safety.

This set of technology connects the fireground to the cloud from the M1 SCBA Telemetry solution to LUNAR – a small, wireless device, designed to provide protection for firefighters through enhanced vision, as well as situational awareness and the FireGrid Software and App; all to improve teams’ connectivity.

FireGrid Suite of Software Applications – The Future is Now

FireGrid is a key component of MSA’s Connected Firefighter ecosystem. It is a cloud-based software platform easily accessible from anywhere which provides an additional layer of firefighter safety by collecting smart data to increase a department’s capability for managing products, people, and processes. On-scene information is aggregated from products and is available for immediate usage or stored for post-scene data reporting. So, it could be used by a department’s incident commander, someone monitoring off-scene remotely, a fleet maintenance manager, or even a training officer.

The FireGrid applications supply monitoring, maintenance, reporting, and inventory management. Let’s take a closer look at each of these four important elements.

Monitoring can have a local scope with an incident commander on the scene, or it could be carried out remotely for the MSA M1 Breathing Apparatus device through MSA HUB and M1 Control Module or MSA LUNAR device. What’s the difference? For example, the FireGrid Monitor tablet application or web platform allows monitoring of air management information and alarm status. With the use of FireGrid Monitor, Incident Command has control and instant confirmation is in the palm of their hand to ensure the safety of the entire team. Remote Monitoring provides a read-only view of what is going on at one of multiple scenes , from anywhere in the world.

Reporting – data collection and transparency are critical during an active scene but also after it has been concluded. FireGrid can be used for efficient post-scene processing and report generation, giving insight into fire ground operations and incidents Maintenance Managers and Training Officers will acquire the information and historical data they need for preventative maintenance and personnel injury prevention.

Systematic data collection and access to it after days, months, or years will allow for analyses that translate into relevant insights driving informed decisions. This can be on-device data, such as what’s going on with a fire brigade’s firefighting products. It also focuses on incident data like when a firefighter went into alarm and how long they were in alarm. As a result, departments can offer training insights from the information received from FireGrid.

Maintenance plays a key role in configurations and updates of the equipment. The maintenance aspect is how the company expands to a network of safety, which impacts everyone in the fire service. The FireGrid Configure mobile application provides easy personalisation, configuration, and even update of multiple LUNAR devices. In addition, it allows creating a shareable personalisation profile in a few simple steps with configuration settings shared with the team. This modern software simplifies over-the-air updates and gives the ability to retrieve data logs via the web-based platform.

Inventory management focuses on managing assets and the information associated with them. This can include things like what personnel they belong to, testing, and work orders. In the future, FireGrid will interface many of MSA’s product lines from breathing apparatus to a range of fire helmets or fire protective clothing.

To learn more about MSA’s FireGrid, click here.

This article has been produced by Yohan Morel, Marketing Leader, First Responder & Government Segments, EMEA

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has launched a new Middle East and North Africa (MENA) solutions page in Arabic as part of its 125th Anniversary commitment to serving global stakeholders. The new microsite introduces building, electrical, fire, and life safety workers in MENA territories to the NFPA codes, standards, training and certification resources that are paramount for keeping pace with progress.

Countries within the MENA region have experienced incredible growth over the last 25 years. The breakneck speed of development in the Gulf Region has led to electrical, fire protection, code enforcement, and inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) challenges like those experienced in the U.S. and other countries over the last century – only in the Middle East and North Africa, safety issues are presenting in a more condensed, concerning manner.

NFPA has spent decades working with government authorities and private entities in the Middle East to reduce risk, but this marks the first time the association has promoted relevant resources in Arabic for those charged with protecting people and property.

NFPA is making its resources accessible to more than 400 million Arabic speaking people in Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Syria, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

Anas Alzaid, the local NFPA representative in Saudi Arabia, assesses local safety concerns; builds relationships; develops safety strategies with existing and new alliances; and represents NFPA in regulatory, legislative, and technical circles.

Alzaid has identified the following NFPA guidance as priority solutions for cultivating an effective safety infrastructure throughout the burgeoning region:  

• NFPA 1, The Fire Code
• NFPA 13, The Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems
• NFPA 20, Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection and NFPA 25, Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems 
• NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code and NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code
• NFPA 70,^® National Electrical Code^® and NFPA 70E,^® Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace^®
• NFPA 72, The National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code®
• NFPA 101®, The Life Safety Code®

The new Arabic solutions page also provides information on a wide array of online and in-person training offerings, as well as classroom training programs that assist professionals looking to prepare for certification. Trainings are based on the job requirements and proficiencies found in NFPA codes, standards, and handbooks.

“NFPA is synonymous with fire prevention and safety all over the world and has identified MENA as a priority region. Promoting NFPA codes, standards, and training solutions in Arabic so that stakeholders can understand the level of expertise it takes to establish a solid infrastructure, no matter the pace of development, is a great first step,” Alzaid said. “The new NFPA Arabic solutions page comes at a critical time in MENA’s history, and shows at-a-glance, the various steps it will take to connect the dots on safety in the Gulf Region.”

A fire off the coast of Mexico, that caused the oceans surface to catch fire has been extinguished according to state oil company Pemex. The company have blamed the incident on a gas leak that was detected in the 12-inch submarine pipeline that connects to a platform.

Images from the fire were shared around the world as the fire, which was just meters from the nearby oil platform, began to spread further. So far there has been no confirmed reports of injuries or fatalities, and Pemex have confirmed that the blaze took firefighting ships five hours to completely extinguish the fire with nitrogen.

Early reports suggested that the incident started due to a spill from the pipeline, however, Executive director of Mexico’s oil safety regulatory agency, Ángel Carrizales tweeted: “The ASEA follows up on the event that occurred this morning in the Sonda de #Campeche , related to a line of #gas , which has already been attended and controlled by personnel from Pemex in accordance with its Emergency Response Protocols. The event did not generate any spill.” Despite his claims, some believe that the incident could only happen with some spillage.

The incident has caused fresh debate online as to whether offshore operations offer a safe, sustainable solution.

Pemex, who have previous history with industrial incidents have said in a statement they are investigating the cause of the gas leak, and the subsequent fire.

A chemical plant fire in Illinois could cause an environmental nightmare according to a fire chief. The blaze engulfed the Chemtool plant in Rockford on Monday morning and has forced anyone within a mile of the site to evacuate the area.

According to a statement by Chemtool, all staff on site are safe and have been evacuated. The statement read: “Our concern right now is for the safety of all our employees and the surrounding community. As a precaution, authorities have evacuated residents in a one-mile radius of the site.

“We do not yet know what caused this incident, but we will be working with local authorities and with our own risk management team to determine what happened and identify any corrective actions. We will share more details as they are known. We are grateful to our employees, first responders and safety forces responding to this incident.”

According to nearby residents, several explosions could be heard before plumes of smoke were seen above the chemical plant.

The Governor of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said: “Teams from multiple state agencies are on the ground and coordinating closely with local authorities and we will continue to make additional information available as soon we have it. To those impacted, please listen to guidance from emergency officials and know that the state of Illinois is doing everything possible to protect you and your loved ones.”

With the official start of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season this month, C Spire is offering a free public safety data priority service designed to help local and state emergency first responders send and receive critical mobile data communications during a crisis or natural disaster.

The free service gives emergency personnel, including state and local government, police, fire and other designated public health and safety professionals, priority data network access on C Spire’s 4G LTE network.  The feature requires individuals to apply on the C Spire.

C Spire already provides free Wireless Priority Service, a companion service that gives eligible emergency response agencies and personnel a higher priority voice connection to its mobile communications network during a crisis or natural disaster. To apply or learn more about WPS, go to the Department of Homeland Security.

“In an emergency situation, essential voice and data communications are critical for public safety and emergency responders who need to get through as fast as possible,” said Brian Caraway, general manager of C Spire’s wireless division, noting that hurricanes, flooding and tornadoes cause billions of dollars in damage, injuries and deaths every year in the Southeast.

The official federal outlook calls for an above average season of up to 20 tropical storms (wind speeds of 39 mph or higher), 6 to 10 hurricanes (74 mph or higher) and three to five major hurricanes (111 mph or higher winds) forming in the Atlantic Ocean during the six-month period that officially began on June 1.

2020 was a record year in the Atlantic with 30 named storms and 14 hurricanes, seven of which were considered major, including Laura, whose 150-mile-per-hour winds battered Louisiana and produced 77 fatalities and $19 billion in damages. Six other major hurricanes killed 296 people and caused $26.5 billion in damages.

While this year is expected to be above average for hurricanes, even lower threat years have produced catastrophic impacts on communities.  In 2015, the remnants of Hurricane Joaquin dumped 24 inches of rain in South Carolina and caused over $1 billion in damages.  Earlier, the Category 4 hurricane with 155 mph winds sunk the U.S. container ship El Fargo near the Bahamas, drowning all 33 crew members on board.

Caraway said it is critical for first responders to be able to communicate during emergencies.  “We want to support emergency responders by making these important voice and data resources available and affordable for cities, counties and state entities responsible for protecting the public during times of crisis or natural disaster,” he added.

“We have a track record of service and innovation that is unmatched when it comes to meeting the critical needs of first responders,” Caraway said, recalling that C Spire made extensive preparations and network investments in 2005 to withstand Hurricane Katrina, which caused significant destruction and loss of life in New Orleans and along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

C Spire has continued to leverage its investment in critical broadband infrastructure in its response to the Louisville tornado in 2014 and by providing critical high-capacity wireless broadband connections in 2017 to emergency services personnel responding to the U.S. Marine Corps KC-130 aircraft crash in rural Leflore County.

Pierce Manufacturing and Oshkosh Airport Products have introduced the Volterra platform of electric vehicles for the fire and emergency market, with the first municipal truck already in service with the City of Madison, Wisconsin Fire Department’s Station 8.

Oshkosh Corporation Fire & Emergency segment, including Pierce Manufacturing, Oshkosh Airport Products and Frontline Communications, announced today it has introduced the revolutionary Volterra™ platform of electric vehicles for the fire and emergency market.

In recent years, municipalities and airports worldwide have made green initiatives an integral priority, compelling fire departments to seek environmentally-conscious fire apparatus that reduce emissions, minimise fuel consumption, and produce less noise.

“Category leading innovations, grounded with direct input from our customers, is a hallmark of each of the brands in the Oshkosh Fire & Emergency Segment. It’s all about serving the needs of first responders.” said Jim Johnson, Oshkosh Corporation executive Vice President and President of Fire & Emergency. “Our electric vehicles designed around Oshkosh proprietary and patented technology will provide the environmental benefits fire departments request, without having to compromise on the leading-edge operational performance, functionality, safety attributes, customisation, and the traditional configurations and styling customers expect from our fire apparatus.”

Pierce Manufacturing – Volterra Platform of Electric Vehicles

The first Pierce Volterra zero-emissions pumper has been placed in service with the City of Madison Fire Department, making this the first electric fire truck in service in North America. The Volterra pumper is serving front line duty at Station 8, the City of Madison’s busiest fire station. The department is led by Fire Chief Steven Davis and is made up of 14 fire stations serving an area of nearly 100 square miles and a population of over 250,000.

“The City of Madison is committed to many sustainability initiatives allowing us to meet our needs without compromising those of future generations,” said Chief Davis. “Pierce’s Volterra electric pumper allows us to keep an environmentally-conscious focus on reducing emissions while maintaining our traditional pumper configuration without impacting our operational procedures. We are eager to lead change by responsibly supporting our environment together with achieving our critical daily missions.”

City of Madison’s Volterra Electric Vehicle Configuration:

• Enforcer™ custom chassis
• Expanded occupant space and visibility
• Seating capacity: 6
• GVWR: 42,000 lb
• TAK-4^® Independent Front Suspension
• 1500 GPM single stage pump
• 500 Gallon water tank
• Compartmentation: 150 cu ft plus ladder storage
• Hose capacity: 1000’ of 5” / 850’ of 2.5”
• 155 kW hour battery pack to meet the City of Madison’s daily duty cycle

Volterra Electric Vehicle Operation:

• An Oshkosh patented parallel-electric drivetrain featuring an electro-mechanical infinitely variable transmission allows zero-emissions operation when powered by the integrated onboard batteries, and can be coupled to the internal combustion engine to provide continuous and uninterrupted power to the pumping system or drive system
• Exceptional operational range tailored to the fire department’s needs and duty cycle for full-shift operation
• Fire station-based, all-encompassing vehicle charging infrastructure provided by an established nationwide energy supplier offers a thorough, simple, and fast charging solution

In partnership with the City of Madison Fire Department, Pierce will continue the final development, evaluation, and on-highway certification process for the Pierce Volterra electric vehicle.

Oshkosh Airport Products – Volterra Platform of Electric Vehicles

The Striker^® Volterra performance hybrid Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle is also making its debut at airports across the country. Based on Oshkosh proprietary technology, the new Striker Volterra is a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) that has been developed to meet the growing emergency response and environmentally-conscious needs among airports of all sizes.

Available on the 4×4 and 6×6 chassis platforms, the Striker Volterra performance hybrid delivers unmatched chassis performance, advanced safety systems, innovative fire suppression technology, and unsurpassed reliability and durability.

Striker Volterra 6×6 Vehicle Configuration:

• Modular cab design
  -Center steer driving position
  -Industry-leading forward visibility
  -Ergonomic control placement
  -Seating capacity: 5
• TAK-4^® all-wheel independent suspension
• 50’ (15.2 m) Snozzle^® HRET with Oshkosh® K-Factor™ piercing tip alignment system
• 3,170 Gallon (12,000 Liter) water tank
• 444 Gallon (1,680 Liter) foam tank
• 2000 GPM (7,570 LPM) water pump
• 550 lb (225 kg) dry chemical powder system
• Scania DC13 engine
• Oshkosh power divider

Striker Volterra Hybrid Electric Vehicle Operation:

• An Oshkosh patented hybrid-electric drivetrain featuring an electro-mechanical infinitely variable transmission allows zero-emissions operation when powered by the integrated onboard batteries, and can be coupled to the internal combustion engine to provide continuous and uninterrupted power to the pumping system or drive system
• Faster acceleration: setting a new standard for performance, the Striker Volterra is capable of achieving 28% improved acceleration when fully loaded, resulting in a quickened response time
• Idle reduction for up to one hour of zero-emissions standby using onboard energy storage
• Zero-emission driving during entry and exit of the fire station using onboard energy storage
• Available Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) options for further electric vehicle driving capabilities
• Custom-engineered and extensively tested to deliver rapid response while simultaneously reducing its carbon footprint, the new Striker Volterra performance hybrid is fully compliant to NFPA 414 and ICAO standards while being certified to off-highway EPA and EU regulations.

During the next several months, the Striker Volterra performance hybrid will be showcased at airports across the United States, giving firefighters the opportunity to experience first-hand the revolutionary Volterra technology.

“Oshkosh has been developing electric drives and vehicles for over 25 years, which will continue to be a critical part of our Fire & Emergency Segment’s vision for a more sustainable future,” said Johnson. “Our Volterra platform of electric vehicles reduces emissions, supports lowering total cost of ownership, and increases performance for first responders. We look forward to introducing the vehicles to fire departments around the world and will closely monitor operator feedback and opportunities for further vehicle enhancements.”

Connection Programs will bring together key decision makers at FDIC International 2021

The need for connecting with peers across the country became even more important in 2020 when the COVID pandemic created supply chain issues and shortages for many of our first responders. With the postponement of in person meetings, a number of support services, logistics and R&D Chiefs approached FDIC for assistance connecting them with peers.

FDIC’s Metro Officers Quarterly Meetups were launched (virtually) to facilitate resource sharing and best practices during the pandemic.  As the year went on and the group grew, so did requests for additional engagement opportunities beyond the quarterly meetups.  This customer feedback paved the way for the first in person Metro Officers Innovation Briefing that will take place August 4, 2021 at FDIC International in Indianapolis, Indiana. 

The Metro Officers Innovation Briefing will help officers learn what’s new in the industry, meet with their trusted suppliers and network with fellow metro officers. The day will feature market leaders presenting new products and innovations for feedback, peer-to-peer networking and one-to-one meetings. There will be 70 officers accepted into the one-day program representing 30 distinct metro fire departments.  Innovation briefings will be presented by: Image Trend, Draeger, Target Solutions, Task Force Tips, Sutphen, Lenco Armored Vehicles, MSA, TNT Rescue and Waterous.

The following day at FDIC International will host the return of the MATCH! program for its second iteration. This popular meeting program first launched in 2019 and after much success and demand for more, it will nearly double in size in 2021. MATCH! will take place on August 5-6, offering fire department officers the ability to schedule time with vendors, off of the show floor for one-one meetings. 

New in 2021, FDIC’s MATCH! program will be extended virtually, four days after FDIC International, from August 10-11. The virtual MATCH! will be available to all decision makers that could not make it in person or any participant that wants a follow up meeting for their team back home.

These programs are complimentary and open to decision makers who are actively participating in selecting products or services for their departments. Participants will enjoy networking with fellow officers during FDIC and informally through access to a special block of hotel rooms in downtown Indianapolis. 

“We heard over and over again that there is a lot to cover at FDIC International and just not enough time. That is why we dedicated extra time outside of normal exhibit hall hours for these two programs. Our MATCH! technology in addition to the personal assistance from our program manager provides participants the ability to meet with vendors based on their sourcing needs. The convenience and ability to choose who they want to meet with is in their hands.  It’s been a long year and like most, we are ready to get back business at FDIC International, said Eric Schlett, Senior Vice President, Clarion Events Fire & Rescue Group.

Decision makers who are interested in participating in either one of these programs can find out more information and sign up today at:

• Metro Officers Innovation Briefing: https://www.fdic.com/event-information/metro-officers 
• MATCH!: https://www.fdic.com/event-information/match-program

Vendors who are interested in participating in MATCH! can find out more information and sign up today at: https://www.fdic.com/exhibition/match