Meiko expands Interschutz showcase with workshop and mobile cleaning units

by Featured NewsHealth and SafetyPPE

Meiko to show SCBA and PPE systems

Meiko will present new cleaning and disinfection systems for self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and other personal protective equipment at Interschutz from 1 to 6 June 2026.

The company’s presence will span three exhibition areas, including stand L21 in hall 14, the open-air area between halls 11 and 12 and the outdoor venue for the FireFit European Championships between halls 7 and 9.

Stand L21 in hall 14 will include a new prototype machine for cleaning respiratory protective equipment in a footprint of less than one square metre.

The machine is intended for smaller fire services with lower throughput.

Meiko will also present new features for its TopClean range.

Its TopClean D PPE decontamination machine uses a reversing wash system to remove combustion residue from SCBA sets, and an optional brush has been added for a more thorough clean.

A prototype wastewater filter system will also be shown, designed to capture contaminants before they reach the sewerage network.

The company’s display will also show the workflow from the dirty side to the clean side of an SCBA workshop through planning examples for fire service and industrial settings.

Meiko to demonstrate mobile workshop

Meiko stated that its open-air display between halls 11 and 12 will feature a mobile SCBA workshop developed with vehicle manufacturer Mosolf.

The trailer is designed for extended incidents such as wildfires.

It is divided into a dirty side and a clean side to reduce cross-contamination.

The unit includes facilities for cleaning, disinfection, drying and testing of respiratory protective equipment.

Live demonstrations will allow visitors to watch the process and take part in individual stages.

Meiko equipment to support FireFit operations

Meiko said a transport vehicle fitted with its equipment will be used to service SCBA sets supplied to competitors at the FireFit European Championships during the fair.

The championships will take place at Interschutz, with firefighters from around the world competing in individual and team events across the event.

FireFit Europe uses the vehicle as a plug-and-play mobile SCBA workshop for around ten events each year in several countries.

The unit is designed for rapid deployment and allows equipment to be cleaned in a sheltered environment in different weather conditions.

A screen near the competition area will show real-time footage of PPE being cleaned and prepared inside the vehicle.

Visitors will also be able to enter the vehicle in small groups during breaks between events and inspect the equipment.

Appointments for meetings at the event can be booked in advance through Meiko’s Interschutz page.

JD Vance outlines support for firefighters at IAFF conference

by AmericasAssociations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsHealth and Safety

Firefighters hear renewed federal backing

Vice President JD Vance told firefighters in Washington, D.C., that the Trump administration will continue to support fire service priorities raised at the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Alfred K. Whitehead Legislative Conference.

The IAFF said Vance used the address to point to recent federal action on Social Security and line-of-duty death recognition linked to occupational cancer.

Vance told attendees: “There is no group of people that is harder working and more important for our communities than our fire fighters.”

General President Edward Kelly said federal backing had helped secure measures supported by the organisation and its members.

Kelly said: “When the passage of the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act was in jeopardy this winter, the White House made it clear that they would stand with the families of our fallen.

“And they went to work.

“The White House removed every stumbling block that was put in our way.

“Occupational cancer is now recognized as a line-of-duty death.

“And federal death and education benefits are given to the families of our fallen because of the Trump-Vance administration’s steadfast support.”

The conference brings together fire fighters from across the United States to meet lawmakers and advocate for federal policies affecting public safety and emergency services.

Vance became the second sitting U.S. vice president in recent years to address the event.

Firefighters in focus across benefits, grants and health risks

The IAFF said Vance also referred to the Social Security Fairness Act, which restored Social Security benefits to retired fire fighters and other public servants.

He said President Donald Trump had pushed congressional Republicans to stay focused on the legislation after the 2024 election, and he noted that the bill passed on the final day of the 118th Congress.

Vance said: “One of the reasons why that happened … is because the President of the United States made sure that congressional Republicans stayed on top of that legislation and we worked to get it done.”

He also referred to federal support for the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants, which help departments hire personnel and purchase equipment used in emergency response.

On firefighter health risks, Vance pointed to his support for the Railway Safety Act following the 2023 Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

He said the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is working to better understand the health effects of toxic chemical exposure on fire fighters.

Vance said: “We want you all to know if, God forbid, you run into harm’s way, what are the consequences going to be to you over the long haul?

“And, importantly, what are the kinds of medical treatments that you’re going to need if you’re in that situation so that the sacrifice you make doesn’t become more than it has to be.”

Vance also shared a childhood memory of fire fighters responding to an emergency involving his mother in Middletown, Ohio, during her struggle with opioid addiction.

Vance said: “I picked up the phone, and a number of brave, professional, compassionate fire fighters from Middletown, Ohio, showed up.

“They made a kid who was scared to death feel like he had an ally in this world.

“And I will never forget that.”

He closed by linking the work of fire fighters and EMTs to community safety and said Washington should honour that service through its own actions.

Fire department declines donation linked to proposed data centre project

by AmericasHealth and SafetySafety

Data centre donation declined in Rock

The Rock Volunteer Fire Department in Oklahoma, United States, has declined a $250,000 donation offer made during community discussions over a proposed data centre near Highway 97.

KTUL ABC 8 reported that the offer was made by Google after public meetings about the project, and the department later decided not to accept the funding following discussions with its board of directors.

Fire Chief Charley Pearson confirmed the decision during an ongoing local debate about the proposed development.

Concerns raised by residents have focused on the possible effect of the project on traffic and safety along Highway 97.

Pearson described increased traffic as a factor that could raise the risk of road accidents in the area, reflecting incidents he has responded to during his years as a volunteer firefighter.

Community trust and department role

The department operates with 28 volunteers, two stations and ten trucks, and Pearson described it as relatively large for a volunteer fire service that relies heavily on local support.

According to KTUL ABC 8, Google representative Kate Franko referred to data centres as a “golden ticket for communities across America” during one of the public meetings before later contacting Pearson with the donation offer.

Pearson acknowledged that the funding could have helped a department staffed entirely by volunteers.

Leadership within the department concluded that accepting the donation could create tensions with residents who have voiced opposition to the proposed data centre.

Pearson explained that the department’s equipment, facilities and operations have been supported by the community for many years, which shaped the final decision.

Pearson said: “All of us here are volunteers. We serve the community, whatever happens.”

The department stated it will continue serving the public regardless of the outcome of the proposal.

IAFF members in British Columbia gain presumptive coverage for eight cancers

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsHealth and Safety

Cancer coverage expands in British Columbia

British Columbia has added eight cancers to its presumptive regime for fire fighters, bringing the total to 26 covered cancers.

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) said the regulatory change was announced on March 3 by B.C. Premier David Eby and Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside.

Five respiratory cancers are now included: tracheal and bronchial cancers.

Laryngeal cancer, nasal cancer and pharyngeal cancer are also covered.

Skin cancer and soft tissue sarcoma have been added.

Mesothelioma has also been included, described in the source material as a cancer associated with asbestos exposure.

Changes to eligibility and claims process

The regulation reduces the required years of service to qualify for esophageal cancer coverage from 20 to 15.

The source material states that this change reflects a precedent set by the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association in 2023.

The announcement was made before delegates attending the British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters Association (BCPFFA) annual Robert E. Hall Legislative Conference in Victoria.

BCPFFA President Todd Schierling said: “The BCPFFA has been a tireless advocate for these changes, and this is the strongest set of protections in the country,

“It means our members won’t be left fighting the system at the same time they’re fighting cancer.”

Schierling added: “This comprehensive approach reinforces the provincial government’s unwavering commitment to those who protect the public, ensuring they return home healthy at the end of their service.”

IAFF reaction and background on presumptive laws

IAFF General President Edward Kelly said: “Cancer remains the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service,

“Strong presumptive laws are an important part of confronting that reality across Canada.”

Eby stated: “Fire fighters so often face hazardous situations.

“We’re making sure they have support when they need it most.”

The source material states that occupational cancer claims the lives of more than 60 Canadian IAFF members each year, including 84 IAFF members in British Columbia over the past 10 years.

Presumptive cancer coverage streamlines the workers’ compensation process by reversing the burden of proof so fire fighters and their families can access support and compensation.

Presumptive legislation for fire fighters was first enacted in Manitoba in 2002 and is now in place in every province and territory in Canada.

British Columbia introduced its first presumptive legislation in 2005 with eight forms of cancer and has updated the regime several times.

Coverage also extends to heart injury and operational stress injury.

Sixth District Vice President Mike Carter said: “This advance will ensure that more fire fighters who get job-related cancers, and their families, get the support and compensation they deserve.”

Belfast Airport adds De-Wipe kits to fire-fighter decontamination protocol

by Featured NewsHealth and SafetyPPEProjects

De-Wipe kits added to Belfast Airport airside procedures

Belfast International Airport has incorporated De-Wipe Airside contamination kits into updated procedures aimed at improving health and safety for its fire-fighters.

A case study published by De-Wipe describes the kits as part of a contaminant cleaning protocol used during and after every response, with the same products also used during training exercises.

All fire-fighters at Belfast International follow the updated cleaning protocol to reduce exposure to substances encountered in fire fighting environments.

The case study also notes that airports including Belfast and Manchester use De-Wipe Airside Decontamination kits for their fire and rescue teams.

Exposure risks and decontamination practice

The De-Wipe case study links the use of decontamination procedures to research indicating that airside personnel working near aircraft refuelling areas face exposure to harmful toxins.

It references research describing increased cancer risk among fire-fighters linked to repeated exposure during incidents.

The case study explains that extreme heat can make skin up to 400% more absorbent for every five degree rise in temperature, allowing carcinogens to embed more deeply.

It also cites survey data indicating that more than 4% of firefighters had a cancer diagnosis, with an age-specific cancer rate up to 323% higher among people aged 35 to 39 than the general population.

Firefighters who had served 15 years or more were described as 1.7 times more likely to develop cancer than those with shorter service.

Decontamination bags and equipment storage

De-Wipe also describes its Airside decontamination bags as storage for equipment used in the cleaning process.

The bags are designed to hold items including wipes and hair and body wash.

Equipment wash and equipment wipes are also listed among the products stored in the kits.

London Fire Brigade mental health absence costs reach £84m since 2021

by Breaking NewsHealth and Safety

Mental health absence and costs at the LFB

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has recorded an estimated £84 million cost from sickness absence linked to mental health since 2021.

The London Assembly Fire Committee said in a letter published on 4 March that stress, anxiety and depression among LFB staff are now the leading cause of long-term sickness absence.

The Committee said firefighters routinely face traumatic incidents while carrying out their duties across the capital.

It said the growing mental health toll is affecting the wellbeing of those working within the brigade and contributing to rising absence costs.

What the Fire Committee asked the London Fire Commissioner to change

The letter called on the London Fire Commissioner to strengthen early intervention and improve how support is directed towards those most at risk.

The Committee said LFB has expanded its wellbeing support and taken steps to address stigma around seeking help.

It added that existing support remains largely generalised, despite clear differences in how mental health issues affect different roles within the brigade.

The Committee recommended greater use of internal mental health data so support can be targeted towards higher-risk roles.

It also called for adoption of the IGLOO framework, described as Individual, Group, Leader, Organisation, Outside.

The Committee said peer-to-peer support should also play a larger role in helping staff manage the impact of traumatic incidents.

Zack Polanski AM said: “Firefighters protect London every day.

“It is only right, they feel equally protected when it comes to their own wellbeing.

“While the LFB has made important progress in tackling stigma and expanding support, there is more that can be done to tailor provision, strengthen peer networks and ensure help reaches those who need it most.

“Targeted, preventative support will be critical to building a resilient Fire Brigade fit for the future.

“A mentally healthy Brigade is fundamental to serving London effectively.”

The Committee’s letter sets out its recommendations for how LFB should strengthen early support and use available data to guide future provision.

Executive summary: Wellbeing of London’s firefighters letter

The London Assembly Fire Committee has written to the London Fire Commissioner raising concerns about the growing impact of mental health issues on staff within the London Fire Brigade (LFB), and recommending changes to how support is delivered.

The Committee states that stress, anxiety and depression among firefighters have risen to the point where they are now the most common reason for staff being absent from work for more than two weeks.

While acknowledging that mental health provision has improved across fire services in recent decades and that LFB now has a comprehensive wellbeing strategy and mental health policy, the Committee says further improvements are possible, particularly in how support is targeted and structured.

The letter also links wellbeing directly to operational capability and organisational cost. Since 2021, sickness absence across LFB has been estimated to cost around £84 million.

The Committee therefore sets out two main recommendations: using data more actively to tailor mental health support to higher-risk roles, and strengthening peer-to-peer support within the brigade.

Key quotes

Zack Polanski AM, Chair of the London Assembly Fire Committee, wrote that the increase in mental health absence warranted closer examination: “These are concerning figures which the London Assembly Fire Committee felt warranted investigation.”

Deputy Commissioner Spencer Sutcliff highlighted the economic case for preventative mental health support: “Every pound spent on prevention for mental health [issues] will give you a £4 return.”

Evidence presented to the Committee also pointed to demand for more training among firefighters. Dr Carolina Campodonico, who is leading research commissioned by the Fire Brigades Union, told the Committee: “More than three-quarters of firefighters said that they would be interested in more mental health training.”

The Committee’s letter requests a formal response from the London Fire Commissioner by 15 April 2026.

Quelfire’s technical solutions ensure compliance at Wales’ largest health and research hub

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementConstructionFire EngineeringHealth and Safety

Pentre Awel is the first development of its scope and size in Wales and one of the highest-valued schemes Carmarthenshire County Council has undertaken. This £84 million project covers 83 acres and has created an estimated 1,800 jobs.

The scheme provides medical research and health care, encouraging individuals to lead active lifestyles. Pentre Awel also includes integrated care and physical rehabilitation facilities and hopes to boost the local economy by £467 million over the next 15 years.

As the chosen passive fire protection system manufacturer, Quelfire worked alongside the main contractor, Bouygues Construction Ltd and all the relevant parties to deliver this project.

The main objective was to incorporate an early engagement approach to design and build Pentre Awel around the tested details available, creating safe and compliant buildings.

Challenges of the project

As this was one of Bouygues UK’s first early engagement projects utilising a new approach and systems, the initial cooperation of relevant parties proved to be the main challenge.

This later led to the coordination of service spacings being problematic due to the large number of services used on the project, steel beams and restricted space available.

Solutions to the issue

Bouygues UK’s initiative to implement a new system called Morta ensured Bouygues completed work in line with the Building Safety Act and built the Golden Thread of Information to hand over to the building owner on completion of the project. It also guaranteed they met Building Regulation 38 requirements.

The Morta system ensured that all service penetrations were covered. If critical information was not provided, the schedule would go back to the responsible person to collate and send over.

The idea of a clear ‘Builder’s Work in Connection’ (BWIC) opening schedule is to make sure all parties work together, take responsibility, and understand what is required.

To provide the most relevant firestopping tested solutions from Quelfire’s extensive library, Quelfire required a detailed schedule with specific information about the project’s service penetration applications.

This included information about the wall or floor construction, the required fire rating, and the dimensions of structural openings.

Additionally, they needed to know if the application involved a head-of-wall scenario, whether any movement was required, and details about the services – such as their type, material, size, and any insulation requirements, including thickness.

However, receiving the information and getting everyone on the same page proved to be quite challenging as, for many, this was a brand-new approach to building construction. Luckily, Pentre Awel discussions began in 2022, leading to the first early engagement meeting in January 2023.

After this, Quelfire had regular project meetings and workshops to discuss the firestopping package, BWIC openings and any non-standard details. This ensured all parties were on the same page and could provide the correct information, minimising confusion.

Senior BIM Coordinator, Bouygues, Tom Marsh’s statement

Tom Marsh, Senior BIM Coordinator at Bouygues, stated: “Quelfire have been very proactive in supporting our Golden Thread initiative via our Information Management platforms.

They have also provided a lot of technical insight which we have used to improve on Pentre Awel processes, as well as other projects moving forward.”

Design Manager, Bouygues, Matthew John’s statement

Matthew John, Design Manager at Bouygues, said: “Quelfire’s Technical Manager, Alec, has supported the Pentre Awel design team throughout the detailed design stage, giving pragmatic guidance on tested passive fire stopping solutions.

“This support has been invaluable in assisting Bouygues in delivering our Golden Thread builders work approval process.”

Quelfire provide technical solutions to Wales health and research hub: Summary

Pentre Awel is the first development of its size in Wales and it hopes to boost the local economy by £467 million over the next 15 years. Quelfire worked alongside Bouygues Construction Ltd to complete the project.

Bouygues Design Manager said that the support and advice from Quelfire has been invaluable.

Brave Minds programme expands support for Ukrainian firefighters across all regions

by Featured NewsHealth and Safety

Ukrainian firefighters and Brave Minds programme

A UK charity is seeking monthly donations to expand mental health support for Ukrainian firefighters and other emergency responders through its in-country programme Brave Minds.

Fire Aid and International Development said Brave Minds was launched a year ago in response to widespread psychological harm among Ukrainian rescuers after years of continuous service with no dedicated independent mental health provision available.

Ukraine’s State Emergency Service (SESU) operates with approximately 60,000 personnel.

Since February 2022, Ukrainian rescuers have worked under conditions described as repeated bombardment of civilian infrastructure, sustained operations in active combat zones and chronic exposure to mass fatality incidents.

Support model and what donors are being asked to do

The programme currently provides one-to-one online therapy, round-the-clock crisis support and self-help resources, delivered by qualified Ukrainian psychologists and offered free of charge.

FIRE AID said it is asking members of the public to contribute £3 a month to support the expansion of the project as it enters its second year and aims to reach every Ukrainian region.

Edward Matthews, Project Manager for Brave Minds, said: “Rescuers are asking for help, often after extremely difficult incidents.

“Small, regular donations allow us to provide stable, long-term care.

“If thousands of people give the price of a coffee each month, we can support rescuers across the entire country.”

Casualties, damage and contact details

FIRE AID said that since 2022 it has delivered 155 fire trucks and over 350,000 items of equipment to SESU, and that direct work with rescuers led it to recognise that physical resources alone were insufficient.

Viktoria Kryvolapchuk, Lead Psychologist for Brave Minds, said: “Since 2022, 113 rescuers have been killed, 577 injured, and 458 fire stations have been destroyed.

“We need to ensure our rescuers are mentally fit to work because the fire service is an essential part of civil defence.

“And whether in war or peace, there is no end in sight to the psychological burden they carry.”

FIRE AID said donors are invited to leave a short message that is shared with rescuers during a therapy session.

Milliken says independent testing supports non-PFAS turnout gear evaluation efforts

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsHealth and SafetyPPE

Milliken turnout gear testing and reported results

Independent laboratory testing has found no detectable PFAS in samples of Milliken fabrics used in firefighter turnout gear, based on analysis conducted by Forever Analytical.

The company said it engaged the independent laboratory specialising in screening products and environmental samples for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to test fabric samples representing all three layers of turnout gear.

Samples of Milliken Assure (moisture barrier), Milliken Horizon (outer shell) and Milliken Equinox (thermal liner) were tested in December 2025.

Forever Analytical screened the textile samples for total fluorine as an indicator of PFAS and for bromine as an indicator of brominated flame retardants.

Across all samples tested, fluorine levels were below the laboratory’s method detection limit.

Bromine was not detected above the laboratory’s reporting threshold of 100 parts per million in any sample tested.

“We’re talking to department leaders every week, and in recent months we’ve seen an increase in questions about transitioning to non-PFAS materials,” said Marcio Manique, SVP and Managing Director for Milliken’s apparel business.

“While we have full confidence in our internal testing and NFPA certifications, we also know that independent data would give the industry added confidence as departments evaluate newer, non-PFAS materials.”

Report access and company statements on PFAS

Milliken said it will make the reports available to any fire department that requests a review of the findings through its website.

Requests must include ‘Forever Analytical’ in the request for the reports, the company said.

Milliken said it supplied materials for transitions to non-PFAS turnout gear including the San Francisco Fire Department and East Providence Fire Department.

Milliken said it works with every major turnout gear manufacturer and supports departments across the United States.

PFAS have drawn increased attention within the fire service due to reports of their persistence in the environment and potential health impacts.

As of January 2026, 18 states have introduced or adopted legislation addressing the acknowledgement, purchase and use of PFAS in firefighter gear.

Milliken said it removed the use of PFAS in fabrics developed for the fire service industry in 2021 and that its non-PFAS fabrics are available through every major turnout gear manufacturer.

Meiko marks 10,000th M-iQ machine milestone in Offenburg

by Featured NewsHealth and SafetyPPE

Meiko reaches 10,000 M-iQ machines

Meiko has completed the 10,000th machine in its M-iQ range, with the anniversary unit set for use at Gate Gourmet in Copenhagen Airport.

The machine was completed last December at the company’s headquarters in Offenburg, Germany.

It will operate as an M-iQ Cup machine capable of washing up to 10,500 reusable cups an hour.

Rapid and hygienic turnaround is important in airline and event catering where reusable items must return to service quickly.

The M-iQ conveyor dishwashing range was first launched in 2009 and introduced to the market the following year at Europa-Park.

During that launch event the Ehrlich Brothers, a German magic duo, presented the machine live on stage to an international audience of industry experts.

Since then the series has been developed with versions designed for different sectors that require high throughput washing systems.

Recent additions include the M iFlow IPB automation module, which was introduced to help address staff shortages and increase operational efficiency.

The company is also studying applications of AI-supported automation within the range.

Meiko technology is also used in sectors that require high standards of hygiene for specialist equipment, including systems used to wash firefighter personal protective equipment and breathing apparatus components.

Meiko marks the milestone in Germany and Denmark

Employees gathered in Offenburg on 22 January for a “warewashing festival” to mark the completion of the 10,000th M-iQ machine.

The event included a winter barbecue and a gathering in the company restaurant despite temperatures of -2°C.

Dr.-Ing. Thomas Peukert, CEO of the Meiko Group, said: “Internally, the project was known as MGM, which in German stands for the ‘mother of all large machines’, whereby “mother” referred to the platform concept realised for large machines.

“And the launch was a truly memorable event – technically challenging, it attracted international attention and kept the audience in suspense until the very last moment.”

“The M-iQ is an example of teamwork at its best,” he added.

The anniversary machine was formally handed over in Denmark at the end of January.

At the beginning of February, representatives from Gate Gourmet’s headquarters in Zurich visited Offenburg where they received a miniature model of the machine alongside a certificate of appreciation.

Peukert said: “We were keen for Gate Gourmet to share in the celebrations.

“And we wanted to thank them for the close partnership between our two companies.”

The visit connected the production milestone in Offenburg with the machine’s installation for catering operations at Copenhagen Airport.