Partnership ushers in enhanced wildfire response in Marin County
The International Fire & Safety Journal reports on the recent collaboration between PG&E and the Marin County Fire Department aimed at increasing wildfire safety in Marin County.
This partnership, confirmed by the Marin County Supervisors, promises to improve wildfire response capabilities, according to an official press release published on PG&E’s news page.
As part of this agreement, PG&E is to furnish the county with a modern BlackHawk UH-60 helicopter for the 2023 fire season.
The helicopter is intended to be dispatched by the fire department to any incident occurring within Marin County.
It will also be accessible by mutual aid request for deployment across PG&E’s high-fire risk area.
Fire department officials hail ‘pivotal moment’ in wildfire safety
Mark Quinlan, senior vice president of Wildfire & Emergency Operations at PG&E, said: “This partnership represents a pivotal moment in our collective efforts to address the wildfire risk that threatens our communities.
“By combining the strengths of PG&E and the Marin County Fire Department, we are determined to deliver effective solutions that will help mitigate and combat devastating wildfires.
“Our commitment is unwavering, and together, we will work tirelessly to protect our hometowns.”
Similarly, Marin County Fire Chief Jason Weber expressed the importance of this partnership: “The Marin County Fire Department is dedicated to safeguarding our community from the ever-growing wildfire threat.
“This partnership with PG&E marks a significant milestone in our ability to respond quickly and efficiently to wildfires. Together, we stand ready to confront this shared challenge and protect our residents and landscapes.”
Advanced resources mobilised for wildfire safety
The helicopter, outfitted with an internal water tank for initial firefighting operations, will be stationed in the North Bay to serve Marin County.
It will also be made available to other areas within PG&E’s high-fire risk areas.
From July 1 to October 31, this initiative will be managed by the fire department’s Emergency Command Center, which will supervise the dispatching of the helicopter to fire incidents.
PG&E’s contractor, PJ Helicopters, will oversee the aircraft’s operations and maintenance, maintaining high standards of safety and efficiency.
IFSJ Comment
This partnership as an important development in enhancing wildfire safety in Marin County and across PG&E’s high-risk areas.
The collaboration between these entities, involving the allocation of advanced resources, underscores the importance of cross-sector cooperation in combating the ever-increasing threat of wildfires.
It presents a strategic model of public-private collaboration aimed at mitigating disaster risks and enhancing community safety, making it a noteworthy news item for our readers.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for over a century, has revealed its theme for the 2023 event
Spanning October 8-14, the theme for Fire Prevention Week 2023 is ‘Cooking safety starts with you! Pay attention to fire prevention’ the NFPA has announced.
The campaign intends to educate the public on straightforward but crucial steps they can take to reduce fire risks while cooking at home, thereby ensuring their safety and the safety of those around them.
Unveiling the theme of Fire Prevention Week 2023
According to NFPA, cooking is the main cause of home fires. Nearly half, precisely 49 percent, of all home fires involve cooking equipment.
Additionally, cooking tops the list of home fire injuries. Unattended cooking stands out as the leading cause of home cooking fires and related fatalities.
NFPA data illustrates that cooking is the sole major cause of fire that led to more fires and fire-related deaths between 2014-2018 than in the period of 1980-1984.
Increasing public awareness of cooking hazards
“These numbers tell us that more public awareness is needed around when and where cooking hazards exist, along with ways to prevent them,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of the Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA.
Carli noted: “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign will work to promote tips, guidelines, and recommendations that can help significantly reduce the risk of having a cooking fire.”
Several cooking safety messages support this year’s theme. These include close monitoring of cooking activities, especially for foods with longer cooking times. Setting a timer can aid in careful observation.
Clearing the cooking area of combustible items is crucial. Items that can burn, like dish towels, oven mitts, food packaging, and paper towels, should be kept away.
Moreover, turning pot handles towards the back of the stove and keeping a lid nearby is recommended.
In case a small grease fire starts, sliding the lid over the pan and turning off the burner can help.
Finally, creating a “kid and pet free zone” of at least one meter around the cooking area and other areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried, is advised.
Fire Prevention Week is commemorated throughout North America every October. Being the oldest public health observance on record in the U.S., this year marks its 101st year.
Fire Prevention Week aims to educate people about the leading risks of home fires and the ways they can better protect themselves and their loved ones.
Local fire departments, schools, and community organisations play an instrumental role in enlivening Fire Prevention Week in their communities each year and disseminating crucial fire safety messages.
To learn more about Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme, please visit the official site. Additional resources for children, caregivers, and educators can be found here http://www.sparkyschoolhouse.organd here.
IFSJ Comment
This year’s theme underscores the importance of maintaining cooking safety to prevent home fires. It serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by everyday activities like cooking.
Fire Prevention Week is an opportunity to renew our commitment to fire safety and prevention and share this vital information with our communities.
Unpacking the ground-breaking innovations of Fire Lion in fire-fighting foam technology under Director Aaron Johnson’s stewardship
From firefighter to foam expert to Director of Fire Lion, Aaron Johnson is a global leader in fire-fighting foam technology. His journey began in the industrial heartland of Marinette, Wisconsin with Ansul, a company rooted deep within his family tree since 1951.
Johnson tells: “I was at Ansul for about 14 years. I started in research and development, testing the performance of new foam agents and hardware. There was a lot of trial and error in those early days, plenty that didn’t work, but it also paved the way for innovation and advancement.” The mix of research, technical services, training, and sales engineering roles equipped him with an industry-wide perspective, providing him with an invaluable understanding of the fire industry landscape.
In 2021, Fire Lion spotted the fire industry veteran and brough him as Global Business Development Sales Manager. A year later, he ascended to the role of Director, taking over from Tom Reser.
“Fire Lion is not merely a manufacturer of positive displacement gear pumps. We provide the very backbone for the foam industry used in firefighting,” says Johnson. Fire Lion’s gear pumps are found in a diverse range of applications from petroleum, oil and gas industries to industrial fire apparatus in global companies like Shell and Valero, and across the Middle East.
Fire Lion’s expertise extends to creating a range of foam pumps that can function via an electric motor, a diesel engine, or even a water turbine, depending on the end user’s requirements. “We can drive the pump using Pelton wheels if we don’t have an electric supply or if the end user does not want a diesel engine on site. If there’s water, we can use a Pelton wheel.”
Fire Lion’s Herringbone Rotor
Johnson proudly notes: “We offer a wide array of pumps, ranging from five or 10 gallons a minute, all the way up to a listed pump of 425 to 450 gallons a minute. With non-listed pumps, we can go up to 700 to 750 gallons a minute. This capacity and flexibility have positioned us as a vital player in the foam market.”
Beyond firefighting, Fire Lion also caters to the water mist market. “If there’s a water mist application and someone needs an FM approved pump to drive their water supply for a low-pressure water mist system, Fire Lion can supply that as well. Our FM approval extends to water too.”
Expanding footprints
“We’re not just a small company, we’re a global force with a wide-reaching footprint,” Johnson declares, reflecting on the company’s standing in the market. Fire Lion collaborates with major foam agent Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) worldwide, reinforcing the comprehensive spectrum of their full foam systems.
Fire Lion’s versatility is underlined by its ability to comply with a plethora of international standards: UL listed, FM approved, CE marking for Europe, and even Civil Defense approvals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. “We’re well entrenched into the Middle East,” Johnson asserts. “Our reach is global and our commitment is absolute.”
Their vast distribution network extends from North America to Africa, Asia, and Europe, to the Middle East and South America. Antarctica remains the only untouched continent, a challenge Johnson approaches with a good-natured determination: “I haven’t been to Antarctica. I’m not sure I want to go, but I will if there’s a big enough project.”
This global reach has roots in Fire Lion’s past, specifically the tenacity and vision of previous owner, Tom Reser. “He was vital in establishing those global relationships when he created Fire Lion. Today, we maintain and hope to grow these relationships,” explains Johnson.
Regarding prospective growth, Johnson identifies Latin America as a region where Fire Lion currently lacks a strong presence, and the sub-Saharan Africa, rich in petroleum oil and gas, as another promising market. The Middle East, where the company is already deeply entrenched, also offers further potential. “We always want to grow the market. It’s one of our primary goals,” Johnson says.
Johnson also mentions Australia as a key market, acknowledging the country’s transition to fluorine-free foam and the ensuing opportunities. “We know that there’s a foam market in Australia. With the ban on AFFFs, we foresee projects emerging, and a deeper involvement in Australia would be great.
“Across the globe, we’re always looking to grow the business, expand market share, and provide a solution for the end users that they’re going to need.”
Pioneering a sustainable future
“At Fire Lion, we’re always investigating how we can improve the efficiency of our pumps,” Johnson tells. The company’s ethos of continuous improvement, fuelled by a restless curiosity for emerging technologies, has been a significant factor in their market success.
“Improving the product you sell is something every company should strive to do. There are always opportunities for improvement; the challenge lies in discovering them,” he stated. With the advancement in composites and technology in the fire industry, Johnson believes that breakthroughs might be right around the corner.
Fire Lion also remains cognisant of the latest trends in the industry, such as the growing interest in remote monitoring and testing of pumps. This area, Johnson shares, is currently a hot topic in the NFPA 20 Committee, of which he is a member.
He reveals: “Tom Reser sold the company to a Netherlands-based company called WB Fire Packs, a major fire pump supplier for the European market. They have developed a product called Fire Coach, a tool for remote monitoring and testing of fire pumps. It’s a new technology entering the marketplace.”
Another innovative offering from Fire Lion is an electronic foam proportioner that allows testing of foam systems without discharging foam solution. Johnson explained, “The end users are getting pressured not to discharge foam solution for testing purposes. We have an FM-approved product that enables testing according to NFPA guidelines while allowing the foam concentrate to be recirculated back to the foam tank, which means no more disposal and replenishment costs.”
Such innovations could lead to significant cost savings for end users. “Installing this component means you can test the system by recirculating back to the tank. You no longer have to discharge anything for testing, and you can easily gain your ROI back in a very short timeframe.”
Advocating for a safer industry
“Fire Lion’s current focus is assisting with the transition from PFAS Foam agents, AFFFs, ARFFFs to SFFF (Synthetic Fluorine Free Foam),” Johnson says when discussing the company’s priority in the short term.
This transition is not without its challenges, as system design must be carefully reviewed to ensure compatibility with new foam types. “There is no drop-in replacement these days, you have to do a full design review,” Johnson warns. He also added that this process often involves revisiting details such as piping dimensions and friction loss calculations.
“We are trying to help them understand those differences and realise what needs to get done. That way, we can provide a solution for the end user that they’re going to be happy with,” Johnson affirmed. He emphasises the importance of ensuring that the systems are not just satisfactory to the customer, but also offer the highest level of protection. This, after all, is the central ethos of a company operating in the life safety industry.
He praises the relationships Fire Lion has built with foam OEMs: “They’re the ones who make the foam agents; they’ve got a lot of that background information. It has helped out to have that relationship and use them as a resource.”
Looking to the future, Johnson hinted at exciting developments for Fire Lion. “We’re getting back to improving our pump and design. There’s going to be some significant news coming up, and we’re hoping to make a big splash into the marketplace.”
While he remains tight-lipped on specifics, he stresses the company’s commitment to constant improvement and efficiency enhancement. “We really want to showcase our commitment to making our product better, more efficient. That way, end users and customers get the best product available on the marketplace.” He adds.
This exclusive article was originally published in the June 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.
Federal Aviation Administration pushed for advancement of drone technology
Legislation from both the House and the Senate in the United States has put forward a call for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to make plans to develop and broaden the usage of drones in tackling wildfires.
This plan will additionally involve opening up federal lands to serve as testing sites, according to Roll Coll.
The use of drones to better inform wildland firefighters
Drone advocates have expressed that these moves will provide wildland firefighters with enhanced information on conditions, thus reducing the need for personnel to be physically present in high-risk areas.
Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev. stated: “I’ve heard from wildland firefighters and local governments first hand about the need to better coordinate all aerial aspects of wildfire detection, prevention and suppression.”
She added that the use of drones has shown promising results in firefighting, leading her to include language in the FAA legislation to facilitate safer and more effective drone operations.
Improving regulations for drone usage in wildfire efforts
The legislation from the House FAA, inspired by bills introduced by Titus and Transportation and Infrastructure Aviation Subcommittee Chair Garret Graves, aims to enable the use of commercial drones in “beyond visual line of sight operations,” or BVLOS.
This will involve the FAA collaborating with the Forest Service to identify public areas where drones can operate safely without the operator having visual contact.
The Senate bill follows a similar course, pushing the FAA to instigate rule-making for commercial BVLOS operations and also earmarking drone test ranges for priority research areas.
The future of drones in the fight against wildfires
There are further issues beyond the FAA reauthorisation bill that advocates hope Congress and agencies will address.
These include countering Chinese dominance in the drone industry and better coordination between agencies to manage the complexities of drones and wildfires.
The use of drones in wildfire management is already in practice at the state and local levels.
This technology is employed to capture thermal images of the landscape and in some cases, carry out prescribed burns in remote areas.
As technology evolves, the need to resolve certain regulatory challenges becomes more evident.
For instance, current rules requiring drone operators to maintain visual contact with their drones at all times can be restrictive, especially in vast, remote wildfire areas.
IFSJ Comment
This demonstrates how technological advancement in drone usage can provide pivotal support in tackling wildfires.
It highlights the ongoing commitment of lawmakers to leverage technology in mitigating the risk and impact of wildfires.
About the FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration is the governing body responsible for all civil aviation in the United States. Its duties range from air traffic control, certifying personnel and aircraft, and investigating accidents. The FAA is also responsible for installing and maintaining air navigation facilities. The agency has been involved in the development and implementation of drone technologies, regulations, and policies.
The Central Council of Appeal has recently ruled that the Municipality of Emmen is responsible for the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) developed by former firefighter Ruud Lohuis, according to NL Times.
The court recognised the municipality’s failure to provide appropriate aftercare to Mr Lohuis, who faced 25 traumatic incidents during his service.
Mr Lohuis served as a firefighter and diver at the Emmen fire brigade between 1982 and 1993.
Throughout his service, he was subjected to several distressing experiences that continue to have a significant impact on his mental health.
The aftermath of unresolved trauma
These encounters ranged from perilous diving incidents to dealing with the aftermath of fatal accidents, which often involved retrieving bodies from vehicles.
Mr Lohuis was also regularly faced with severely injured individuals, suicides, and numerous unsuccessful rescue attempts. His work incapacitation followed a distressing incident where a roof collapsed on him.
Despite the series of traumatic experiences, Mr Lohuis stated he received no aftercare for his trauma, leading to a decline in his personal life that resulted in the loss of his family, job, and friends.
In 2014, Mr Lohuis was diagnosed with PTSD by the mental health service in Emmen. While subsequent treatments have helped him manage his daily life better, he believes the damage to his relationships is irreversible.
Legal victory highlights importance of addressing PTSD among firefighters
Mr Lohuis sought justice from the Municipality of Emmen, attributing his mental health issues to his job.
While his initial objections and the initial court case were unsuccessful, the Central Appeals Tribunal – the highest court for civil servants – ruled in his favour in June.
According to Ferre van de Nadort, Mr Lohuis’s lawyer, the ruling signifies an “important turnaround” for aid workers.
“”PTSD has been recognised as an occupational disease by the police and the Ministry of Defense, but the fire brigade and other emergency services have not reached that stage yet. This opens the way for that,” he remarked.
Upon hearing the ruling, Mr Lohuis reflected, “That’s very important. I didn’t fight for nothing. It means a lot to our profession. I hope colleagues don’t have to go through the same thing as I have for the past 20 years.”
When approached for a comment, the Municipality of Emmen declined to discuss the ruling, citing the procedure as still ongoing.
They also refrained from making any statements about their (former) employees.
IFSJ Comment
This ruling marks an important milestone in recognising the mental health challenges that firefighters face. It underscores the need for appropriate support mechanisms, including aftercare, to mitigate the impact of PTSD on our brave firefighters.
Understanding and addressing firefighter PTSD can save families from the distress that Ruud Lohuis and many others have endured.
This landmark judgement sends a clear message to fire and rescue service providers everywhere: mental health is paramount, and ignoring it may have legal repercussions.
“Knowing what level of PFAS we have absorbed into our bodies is just the first step, but it is an important one,” stated PFFUI President Tony Murray: “We hope this will lead to earlier and more frequent cancer screenings. If we can catch cancer early, we can save lives.”
Tony expressed gratitude to Rep. Maureen Bauer for her hard work and dedication in making this possible.
The PFFUI and Bauer have been working together for several legislative sessions to fine-tune the bill’s language and gain support from other lawmakers and the state fire marshal’s office.
House Enrolled Act 1219: monitoring PFAS levels in firefighters
Through the collaborative effort, House Enrolled Act 1219 has been passed. This Act, enforced by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (DHS), kickstarts a pilot program. This program will monitor PFAS levels in 1,000 firefighters using regular blood tests.
Rep. Maureen Bauer described the significance of this new legislation: “As my community of South Bend continues to mourn the loss of several firefighters to occupational cancer in recent years, the PFAS testing pilot program will finally give firefighters a tool to know their own cancer risk early on and help prevent future late-stage diagnoses.”
Selection process for PFAS monitoring program underway
Now that the law has been enacted, the selection process for the pilot programme has started. The program is projected to include a diverse group of firefighters, including those who work in busy firehouses and airports, and those with less exposure, such as new firefighters.
In recognition of this achievement, General President Edward Kelly remarked: “Congratulations to our Indiana members on getting this important bill passed. State laws like this one play a critical role in the IAFF’s fight against PFAS exposure and occupational cancer.
“This is an important step for our Indiana members so they can take action and stay healthy and safe on the job.”
IFSJ Comment
This marks a significant step towards understanding and combating the risks associated with PFAS exposure in firefighters.
It also underscores the necessity for firefighters to be aware of their own health risks, potentially leading to earlier intervention and prevention of late-stage cancer diagnoses.
The smoke detector spacing challenge on high ceilings
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is hosting an upcoming webinar addressing an often overlooked issue in fire safety: smoke detector placement on high ceilings. For those keen to join, you can sign up for the webinar here.
While the NFPA 72, a prominent fire alarm and signalling code, does not address smoke detection spacing considerations based on ceiling heights, it does provide a table for the reduction of spacing for heat detection.
This leaves some ambiguity in design and code enforcement when installing smoke detectors on ceilings higher than 10 feet.
The 2017 smoke detector spacing study and its findings
A literature review and gap analysis on smoke detectors in high-ceiling spaces were published by the Fire Protection Research Foundation in 2017.
The study showed that there were limited context and significant knowledge gaps, which precluded the formulation of scientifically justified prescriptive requirements regarding smoke detector spacing relative to ceiling height.
Working towards better understanding smoke detector performance on high ceilings
This study proposed a way forward to improve the characterisation of smoke detector spacing in high ceilings.
For example, it recommended establishing a performance metric for smoke detectors that could be applied to high ceilings.
The fire protection industry is in need of additional information about the impact of ceiling height and detector spacing on smoke detection performance.
Mishuk Datta, Lead Engineer at Jensen Hughes, will discuss these considerations for smoke detection based on ceiling heights and the necessary areas where further knowledge is needed.
Sponsors of the series include AXA XL Risk Consulting, Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc., Telgian Engineering and Consulting, The Zurich Services Corporation, and the Worcester Polytechnic Institute Fire Protection Engineering Programme.
IFSJ Comment
As the International Fire & Safety Journal, we find this news to be of significant importance. Clear guidelines for smoke detector placement, especially in structures with high ceilings, is a crucial aspect of fire safety. This webinar is a step in the right direction, addressing the knowledge gaps that currently exist in the industry. We urge our readers to take the opportunity to learn and contribute to this vital discussion.
About NFPA
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a global self-funded nonprofit organisation, established in 1896, dedicated to eliminating death, injury, property, and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. The NFPA delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering their mission.
From digital simulation to gas and carbonaceous training, Mathé Koenen unveils how LION’s NFTT is revolutionising firefighter training
Who are you, and what is your job position within LION?
I’m an electrical and mechanical engineer and also a firefighter, a role I took on in 1983, which was 40 years ago.
Over the years, I’ve had a variety of positions, including serving as the head of a fire brigade.
Following that, I worked as an assistant plant manager and then joined an international centre focusing on extrication techniques.
Additionally, I worked for Falk Fire Training, which is one of the largest fire training organisations in Europe.
We provided diverse types of fire training such as industrial, residential, urban firefighting, and structural. There, I led the training department and delivered trainings myself.
As for my role at LION, I wear several hats: I am a trouble-shooter, consultant, and trainer.
You’re here to discuss a new concept from LION, the New Fire Training Technology or NFTT. Could you tell us more about it?
Certainly. The NFTT, a term coined by our director, represents our response to the world’s increasing environmental demands.
It’s not just about environmental impact but also significantly about the health and safety of our instructors and students.
The NFTT gave birth to what we refer to as digital firefighting technology. This involves no actual heat or real smoke— we use artificial smoke—and eliminates stress.
Consequently, new students can acquire skills and knowledge effectively without the typical pressures. They can fully concentrate on the training without worrying about surrounding hazards while acclimating to new experiences like using breathing apparatus under simulated smoke and heat conditions.
It’s a significant advancement in terms of the environment and the health of firefighters in training and their instructors.
In addition to this, we specialise in gas-heated simulators. These are complementary to the digital firefighting training.
A firefighter, naturally, needs to have experience real flames, feel actual heat, and work with real breathing apparatus. Gas-simulators can do all this within a controlled setting.
With a simple push of a button, a fire is ignited and another push, it’s extinguished. The process is highly controllable and stress-free, allowing trainees to focus on refining their skills and procedures as initially learned in the digital simulation.
Before they graduate and begin their real careers, firefighters must experience real heat, smoke, stress, and master the use of breathing apparatus. This complete package of the NFTT provides valuable and efficient training.
In the past, learning to become a firefighter was a lengthy process because training mainly used wood-driven fires, which created a lot of stress and heat, making learning slower. But with the NFTT, we’re changing this.
As an experienced firefighter who has been in the field for many years and as a fire trainer, what is your honest opinion about this approach? Do you think it’s better?
It’s definitely better. I believe this combined approach of digital and gas simulations is the most comprehensive training package available.
The digital aspect alone could cater to around 75% of all training needs in firefighting. It’s beneficial not only for new firefighters but also for experienced ones.
Although some firefighters initially associate digital with children’s games and gas with cooking and yearn for “real fires,” they often overlook the negative impacts of wood-driven fires on the environment, their own health and safety, and the effectiveness of training.
We’re beginning to see a shift towards more environmentally friendly training, and we’re proud that NFTT is leading the way.
One successful element in our NFTT project is the development of an afterburner, allowing carbonaceous fire training in city centres without producing smoke.
This means the final part of the training can be performed in a realistic setting without causing significant stress to the environment.
What is the ideal blend of fire technology in a training centre?
I believe the perfect mix would be 75% digital, 15% gas, and 10% carbonaceous training.
Aren’t you concerned that the quality of training could suffer without exclusively using wood-burning methods?
To be honest, I had similar reservations when I began with digital training in 2019. I had the same misconceptions—digital was for video games, and gas was for cooking.
However, after half a year of working with these methods, I was astounded by their effectiveness.
This sequence—digital, gas, and carbonaceous—completely changed my perspective. I firmly believe this approach is the best for training, environmental impact, and health and safety.
What advice would you give for “smart” management of training facilities?
My suggestion would be to consider adopting this 75-15-10 split. It’s crucial to remember that the environment is as important as the health and safety of the students and instructors.
Moreover, this approach is more cost-effective, enabling the delivery of more trainings—a smart move financially. So, my advice is to start working within the 75-15-10 ratio.
This exclusive article was originally published in the June 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.
MSA Safety welcomes Richard Roda as Chief Legal Officer
MSA Safety has named Richard Roda as its new Chief Legal Officer.
Roda steps into the shoes of Stephanie Sciullo, who recently became President of the company’s Americas business segment.
Richard Roda: a seasoned MSA Safety professional
With a robust 28-year stint at the company, Roda has a well-rounded knowledge of MSA Safety. His latest role was as Deputy General Counsel, Secretary, and Chief Compliance Officer.
In his new position, Roda will be in charge of the company’s worldwide legal operations and will report directly to Nish Vartanian, MSA Chairman and CEO.
Vartanian remarked on the promotion: “I am pleased to announce Rick’s promotion today, as it reflects the level of expertise he has developed throughout his MSA career.”
He added: “Rick has served as an integral leader across MSA and has helped guide our organisation through many periods of change.
“He guided efforts that resulted in the modernized legal structure that MSA has in place today. We’re excited to have Rick join our Executive Leadership Team.”
Roda’s MSA journey began in 1995, just after he graduated from Westminster College with an English degree. Starting off in Customer Service, he played many roles across sales support and product technical support.
A law degree from Duquesne University Law School in 2001 marked his transition into the company’s legal team.
Roda’s diverse roles and achievements within MSA Safety
Throughout his legal career with MSA, Roda has proven his versatility by handling roles focused on transactional, corporate legal and securities law functions.
As Chief Compliance Officer, he was the force behind the company’s ethics and compliance program.
Roda will continue to work from MSA’s global headquarters in Cranberry Township, Pa.
IFSJ Comment
This appointment signifies MSA Safety’s commitment to internal growth and stability. Roda’s wealth of experience within the company and his deep understanding of its inner workings will undoubtedly benefit MSA Safety’s legal operations on a global scale.
About MSA Safety
Established in 1914, MSA Safety Incorporated is the global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety products and solutions that protect people and facility infrastructures.
Firefighters are dedicated to preserving the safety and well-being of individuals and communities by responding to a wide range of incidents and helping in various emergency situations, writes IFSJ Managing Editor Duncan J. White
The globally reported loss of the Titan submersible was a tragic event. If initial reports are correct, it appears that those with responsibility decided they knew best despite the concerns of experts. No doubt over time the marine accident investigation will report on the facts of the case, but how often do we as a fire industry have to deal with the failure of not listening to experts?
When it goes wrong we know that our firefighters will respond to the call. The primary focus for a firefighter in a response situation remains that of saving and protecting life, property, and the environment from the adverse effects of fires and other emergencies.
My experience has always confirmed that a firefighter is a firefighter wherever they happen to live in the world.
Uniformity in Firefighting
Risk profiles aside, the focus of a firefighter in London is arguably the same as a firefighter in Liberia? Whilst local variations will exist for a range of circumstances, the way in which firefighters manage an incident will be largely the same.
With this being the case why do we still see fire services reinventing the wheel when it comes to implementing policies, procedures, and training programmes, not to mention the procurement of equipment and services?
With three decades of knowledge and experience in the UK fire and rescue sector I am still saddened to continually witness the lack of communication and shared good practice between the services of the United Kingdom, let alone across the wider world.
There are of course some great examples of joined up working but overall, I fear there remain too many missed opportunities and expertise is ignored or unheard.
Lessons from the Past
A topical example is the way in which our fire services in the UK respond to wildfires. In 2022 we witnessed higher numbers, and more severe wildfires than ever before, affecting many parts of the UK.
Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, under the leadership of Chief Fire Officer Paul Hedley, are regarded as the country’s leader in wildfire preparedness with Paul taking the lead for the National Fire Chiefs Council on wildfire. Despite this, it appears the best practice developed and ably demonstrated by Northumberland and some other fire and rescue services, a national policy for fighting wildfires is still not in place. Why?
In addition to varying procedures for incidents that arguably require more frequent cross border liaison than others, how can a risk assessment support firefighters wearing personal protective clothing (PPE) designed for internal compartment firefighting to tackle wildfires?
The global standards for compartment firefighting gear is high and we’ve seen huge advances in the design, materials, and protection it affords the wearer when needed, but a wildfire demands a different approach. Failure to address this risks created by the very clothing that works so well inside leaves firefighters vulnerable to the serious physiological effects of heat stress and impacts on their ability to work over the distances and duration needed. The result is that firefighters will ‘dress down’ to t shirts in response to the risk of overheating and in doing so increase their exposure to both the fire and the sun.
In the early 2000’s I was fortunate to have experienced the work of a US wildland firefighting team. Over two decades ago these firefighters were provided with a lightweight wildland PPE ensemble which had passed all the necessary certifications and demonstrated to be fit for purpose. So why, after almost a quarter of a century, is it acceptable that we continue to expose UK firefighters to such hazards through PPE which is simply unfit for purpose in a wildfire scenario?
This is just one example but there are countless other missed opportunities for sharing good practice at the national and international level. It is time for fire and rescue services and departments across the world to share their knowledge and understanding and to be open to new ideas and solutions.
This should be led, endorsed, and coordinated by the relevant professional bodies such as the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the Comité Technique International de prevention et d’extinction de Feu (CTIF), amongst others.
The benefits of sharing of knowledge and understanding
International Cooperation: Fire incidents and emergencies ignore boundaries. By sharing knowledge and understanding, fire services can foster international cooperation and collaboration. This supports shared learning and development through the exchange best practices, and to adopt innovative approaches to firefighting and emergency response.
Rapid Technological Advancements: The field of firefighting and emergency response is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements and new research. By sharing knowledge and information, fire services can stay updated on the latest developments in firefighting equipment, techniques, and safety protocols. This enables them to promptly adopt new technologies and practices that improve their effectiveness and efficiency in dealing with emergencies.
Hazard Identification and Mitigation: Different regions of the world face unique hazards and challenges when it comes to fire incidents. Sharing knowledge and understanding across fire services allows for a broader perspective on hazard identification and mitigation strategies. Fire services can learn about different types of hazards, such as wildfires, industrial fires, or urban fires, and gain insights into effective approaches for prevention, suppression, and mitigation specific to those hazards.
Training and Education: Fire services have a critical role in training and educating their personnel to ensure their readiness to handle emergencies. By sharing knowledge and understanding, fire services can enhance their training programs and curricula. They can incorporate lessons learned from other fire services, utilise case studies from different regions, and integrate diverse perspectives into their training materials. This helps in building a well-rounded and informed workforce capable of responding to a wide range of fire incidents.
Standards and Regulations: Sharing knowledge and understanding helps in the development and harmonisation of standards and regulations related to firefighting and emergency response. Fire services can exchange information about their regulatory frameworks, codes, and standards, enabling them to align their practices and ensure consistency in safety protocols. This collaboration promotes a higher level of professionalism and standardization within the firefighting community.
Research and Innovation: Sharing knowledge and understanding facilitates research and innovation in the field of firefighting and emergency response. Fire services can collaborate on research projects, share data, and exchange findings to improve their understanding of fire behaviour, fire dynamics, and human factors in emergencies. This collective effort leads to the development of new technologies, methodologies, and approaches that advance the overall effectiveness of firefighting operations.
By sharing knowledge and understanding, fire and rescue services and departments and civil defence forces across the world can work together to enhance their capabilities, improve safety standards, and ultimately save lives and protect property more effectively in the face of fire emergencies.
Let’s work collectively, by being more effective we can become far more efficient and deliver our services to the highest possible standards.
This exclusive article was originally published in the June 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.
