TFT introduces multi-threat air filtration to help prevent firefighter cancer and illness

by Products

Task Force Tips (TFT) was created 50 years ago by a firefighter to provide tools to help first responders to do their job more safely and effectively. Now today, TFT is helping to keep firefighters healthier as well. TFT has partnered with Purafil – part of the largest air filtration company in the world – to integrate proven and patented filtration technology into a new TFT product: CrewProtectTM.

Put simply, CrewProtect cleans the apparatus air that firefighters and EMS personnel breathe. It rapidly filters cancer causing particulate soot and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) that can off-gas for up to 45 minutes. In addition, because of medical responses and close quarters in apparatus, CrewProtect also filters a wide range of bacterial and viral threats like COVID-19. Systems with similar filtration technologies are used globally today in hospitals, industrial sites, schools, telecom, energy sites, agriculture, and food production.

CrewProtect tackles all three major air threats in the cab and ambulance body:  particulates, VOCs and aerosols carrying bacteria and viruses. Other systems only tackle one or two. Most importantly, CrewProtect is safe. Many other systems are ineffective at particulate and VOC removal or have the unintended consequence of adding more harmful elements, such as ozone and formaldehyde during operation.

TFT designed CrewProtect specifically for fire apparatus. It’s an easy installation in a new truck or retrofit into an in-service unit. It’s encased in steel, compact and rugged. CrewProtect is fast and effective as it filters the air in the average cab every 3.5 minutes, which exceeds the air exchange rate of “clean rooms” and operating rooms in hospitals! Lastly, CrewProtect is automatically helping to protect occupants whenever the apparatus is in use without switches or adjustment controls.

For more information, contact your local TFT dealer or go to https://crewprotect.net/

ACTF&R selects new firefighting PPE by MSA Bristol

by Products

Pac Fire in Australia has secured a new contract to supply state-of-the-art MSA Bristol structural firefighting PPE to ACT Fire & Rescue (ACTF&R).

ACTF&R provides a rapid response capability from nine strategically located Fire Stations across the Australian Capital Territory. Having taken the decision to update its kit and transition to the next generation in structural firefighting personal protective clothing (PPC), it underwent an extensive procurement process, and a rigorous trial and evaluation period to test products available on the market.  As a result, MSA Bristol’s popular XFlex range was selected, and an order placed with Pac Fire for approximately 1,000 sets.

MSA Bristol is a leading designer and manufacturer of protective clothing for emergency services across the globe, formed by the recent acquisition of Bristol Uniforms by MSA Safety. Its XFlex range has been ergonomically designed with sports styling and lightweight fabrics, providing advanced comfort and protection. The unique fabric combination consists of Safety Components Nomex® 360™, combined with a GORE® PARALLON™ 600 liner system which provides unparalleled levels of breathability while preventing drops in thermal protection.

A spokesperson from ACT Emergency Services Agency commented: “It is important to us that we provide sizes and cuts that afford the best possible protection and comfort to our people. MSA Bristol’s XFlex provides garments that meet these requirements.

“Technology in all aspects of firefighting is moving at a rapid pace, and PPC technology is no different. ACT Fire & Rescue is excited to provide cutting edge PPC technology to its firefighters.”

Paul Clark, Business Development Manager from Pac Fire commented: “We’re delighted to have won this significant contract, providing firefighters across ACT with cutting-edge kit that provides optimal protection alongside excellent comfort and manoeuvrability.”

Paul Gibson, International Sales Manager from MSA Bristol commented: “MSA Bristol has been working closely alongside Pac Fire, supplying specialist firefighter PPE to customers in Australia for more than 13 years. Our XFlex range is popular with firefighters across Australasia and the world, consistently performing well in user trials thanks to its light weight and flexibility.   We look forward to supplying ACTF&R for many years to come.”

Frontline Communications secures Pasco County Fire Rescue order

by Americas - Featured NewsBreathing ApparatusProducts

Frontline Communications, a division of Pierce Manufacturing, Inc., and a subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), announced today that it has secured a purchase order for two highly customized vehicles from Pasco County Fire Rescue in Florida including a C-45 Velocity® mobile decontamination (decon) unit, and a C-45X-2 Velocity mobile rehabilitation (rehab) unit. These specialized vehicles will provide critical support at structural fires and long-duration deployments to aid with the removal of harmful carcinogens from gear and equipment. Additionally, they will provide respite to avoid overexertion from heat and weather with access to fluids, energy snacks, medical evaluations, and more.

Industry standard is to issue every firefighter two sets of turnout gear, so after one is soiled, it can be bagged and stored on the truck, with another set available in the event the crew needs to go immediately to another scene. According to Chief of Pasco County Fire Rescue, Scott Cassin, the cost and storage of two sets of gear was prohibitive and a challenge they aimed to solve.

“We turned our sights to selecting purpose-built vehicles that would handle the on-site decontamination of gear and rehabilitation needs our dedicated team of firefighters require during complex structural fires or long-duration deployments,” said Chief Cassin. “We worked with Frontline Communications to design a custom decon unit that is an industry first configuration and will help us save time and energy cleaning equipment. We also collaborated with Frontline Communications on the design of a custom rehab unit that will provide necessary aid. Our biggest return on investment is knowing we are protecting our firefighters from as many risks as possible.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety, firefighters have a nine percent higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14-percent higher risk of dying from cancer than the general U.S. population. Additionally, the physical and emotional demands of the job put firefighters at an increased risk for cardiovascular events, which are responsible for 45-percent of on-duty deaths. Mobile decon and rehab units help manage carcinogen exposure and offer a reprieve by providing vital on-site decontamination and recovery resources for firefighters at a fire scene.

Pasco County Fire Rescue’s new vehicles feature:

C-45 Velocity Mobile Decontamination Unit

  • Pierce® Velocity® chassis
  • Cummins 450 hp engine
  • Command Zone™ electrical system
  • Two Meiko decontamination wash units designed for structure fire decontamination. The units are supported by dual 100-gallon water tanks and storage bins
  • Onboard generator (Lima-Mac 40kW PTO-driven generator for Meiko decon equipment)
  • Four custom swing-out tool boards
  • Dual-side hose bibs with an on-board water pump and 100-feet of heavy-duty hose on an electric reel

C-45X-2 Velocity Mobile Rehabilitation Unit

  • Pierce Velocity chassis
  • Cummins 450 hp engine
  • Command Zone™ electrical system
  • Bauer SCBA 6,000 PSI compressor and fill station with three additional air cylinders to supply breathing air for air tanks
  • Two lavatories on the front side of the body accessible from either side
  • Onboard generator (20kW diesel generator for rehabilitation elements, communication gear, and other accessories)
  • Rehabilitation area with oversized slide-outs to maximize interior space. Features include bench seating with recline capabilities and storage, equipment rack for communications gear, large 20 cu ft refrigerator, and a handwashing sink
  • Rest area/kitchen with two 20 cu ft refrigerators, one freezer, two coffee makers, sink, and a large pass-through window to service/supply crew members outside the vehicle
  • Exterior monitor compartment with area for exterior viewing under a full-size electric awning
  • Equipped with two DirecTV HD receivers to view local programming
  • On-board wi-fi, perimeter security cameras with network video recorder, and an Extron video router that sends video to monitors located throughout the vehicle

Pasco County is located on the west-central coast of Florida, with its fire rescue department operating out of 29 stations with over 600 personnel serving a population of nearly 500,000. The department provides fire protection covering all unincorporated Pasco County, including the cities of Dade City, San Antonio, and Saint Leo.

“We’re honored to have the opportunity to expand our longstanding relationship with Pasco County Fire Rescue to include apparatus that supports the crucial work of their dedicated team,” said Dustin Bouwer, Pierce apparatus representative with Ten-8 Fire Equipment. “The design of these vehicles will integrate Frontline Communications’ extensive experience in the development of specialty vehicles. We know these custom vehicles will be an essential and efficient health and safety resource for many years to come.”

To learn more about Frontline Communications and the latest mobile decontamination and rehabilitation vehicle developments, visit www.frontlinecomm.com.

HAIX to showcase elite emergency services footwear range at ESS 2021

by Products

Global manufacturer of specialist footwear, HAIX, will be returning to The Emergency Services Show 2021, September 7-8, NEC Birmingham, to showcase the latest innovations in footwear for all emergency service workers on stand L77. 

In the HAIX tent, visitors will find a range of footwear manufactured in Europe using industry-leading techniques and high-grade materials, including the Rescue One, Combat GTX and Black Eagle Safety 50. For firefighters and the challenging conditions they encounter, the Fire Hero 3.0 will also be on display, and the knowledgeable HAIX team will be on hand to answer any questions and advise visitors first hand.

Rescue One

For protection on every mission, the Rescue One is equipped with cutting-edge GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® laminate technology, offering superior penetration protection against pathogens found in blood and body fluids as well as common chemicals. Constructed from high-quality materials, including 2.2mm thick waterproof and hydrophobic leather, the Rescue One is metal-free and offers all-round safety with an anatomically formed and ultralight protective toe cap.

The safety boot features a sturdy rubber/PU sole, providing wearers with a confident grip in slippery underfoot environments while ensuring exceptional impact absorption and correct heel-to-toe movement. The safety footwear features a side zipper to make putting the boots on and taking them off faster and easier, so wearers are not at risk of potential injury or wasted time when an emergency requires their critical assistance.

COMBAT GTX

Military boots are often associated with discomfort and injury, however, the COMBAT GTX’s built-in Arch Support System ensures the foot’s curvature is supported and kept in the optimal position for overall foot health. Meanwhile the cushioning sole makes sure toes and joints have sufficient space, helping to relieve pressure points and prevent feet from becoming sore or fatigued. The slip-resistant Rubber/PU sole guarantees traction across surfaces, even those covered in petrol, water or oil.

The superior bending comfort and grip make the combat boot perfect on and off duty, from intensive training sessions to adventures on leave. The boots’ GORE-TEX® Performance inner lining maintains waterproofing while being highly breathable, ensuring wearer comfort through all seasons and long periods of wear.

Black Eagle Safety 50 MID

The Black Eagle Safety 50 continuously exceeds expectations by performing well on different surfaces and environments making it the ideal boot for paramedics or for use in fire stations. The moisture resistant and waterproof boot provides superior comfort with its well cushioned and anti-bacterial insoles, for all day support. The Black Eagle Safety 50’s extra light protective toe cap and rubber compound provides agility, durability and strong grip on different terrains; crucial for the police force. HAIX has also incorporated sophisticated fabric technology into the boot, including a breathable GORETEX® layer and HAIX Climate System, to keep feet fresh and cool.

Fire Hero 3.0

The Fire Hero 3.0 brings lightweight functionality and defence to the firefighting industry, with GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® technology ensuring watertight and breathable qualities and an abrasion-resistant lining, suitable for all weathers. The dynamic boot benefits from a slip resistant profiled rubber sole that offers optimal performance and insulation in water, ice, and snow and fulfils the highest demands of the European Standards EN 15090:2012 + SRC.

Protective features are enhanced with a fibre-reinforced plastic toe cap and Class 2 cut protection that can withstand chainsaw cuts up to a speed of 24 m/s. With the development of three different insoles, the Fire Hero 3.0 boots can be adapted to fit individual widths to suit both wide and narrow feet, while the two-zone lacing system, patented by HAIX, offers quick and easy lacing adjustment for the correct fit.

HAIX supports firefighters, police, emergency services and taskforces with high-quality, reliable footwear in more than 80 countries. When visiting the HAIX tent, attendees can witness first-hand HAIX’s technical expertise which exceeds safety standards and supports uniformed professionals throughout the emergency services sector.

De-Wipe donates sanitiser wipes combat to flood-hit Western Germany

by Products

De-Wipe has donated over 43,000 of their Alcohol Free Sanitiser Wipes to Bullard Europe, their official distribution partners in Germany, to support the hygiene and wellbeing of firefighters, flood rescue personnel and emergency rescue technicians in the severely flood-hit Ahrweiler region of western Germany.

It is extremely important that these Sanitiser Wipes are distributed into this region hardest hit by the recent floods as soon as possible. This is because the rescue operation in Ahrweiler is currently moving onto arguably its most hazardous stage by concentrating its efforts on debris and waste removal. The risks posed by waterborne pathogens within floodwaters and toxic mud and waste left behind by the floodwater represents the biggest risk to the hygiene and wellbeing of those dealing with the flood’s aftermath.

Floodwaters are contaminated with sewage and other pollutants within oil and silt, so it is vital rescue workers in the region are kept as clean as possible. Using De-Wipe’s Alcohol Free Sanitiser Wipes to clean skin and equipment after exposure to toxic floodwater waste will limit the spread of infectious waterborne diseases, thus reducing the risk of an epidemic breaking out in the area.

Bullard Europe state they intend to pass the Sanitiser Wipes onto the FD Association of the Region in Ahrweiler, who will then distribute the wipes amongst rescue personnel and to inhabitants still living in the region.

For more information on De-Wipe’s Alcohol Free Sanitiser Wipes, visit https://dewipe.com/sanitiser-wipes/.

Belfast City Airport chooses Dräger’s new PSS AirBoss SCBA to safeguard passengers and staff

by AviationBreathing ApparatusIndustry SectorsProducts

The Emergency Fire and Rescue team at George Best Belfast City Airport has become the first in the UK to opt for Dräger’s newly-launched AirBoss self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), to provide its firefighters and emergency services teams with the most advanced fire safety protection.

The 34-strong emergency service crew at Belfast City Airport is required by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to deploy and attend any fire safety incident in the airport or on the runway within three minutes of being alerted.

Although a previous user of Dräger’s equipment, the decision to choose AirBoss followed a rigorous review of SCBA systems from different providers and is part of a multi-million pound investment in all aspects of the Airport’s fire safety response. Seamus MacMahon, Chief Fire Officer and Head of Emergency Planning, says he is assured knowing Dräger is the global industry leader, and that they have chosen the most advanced equipment possible:

“By choosing Dräger, we are ensuring the longevity of our investment which is key for continuity. With a strong footprint in Northern Ireland, Dräger’s ability to support its customers with dedicated resource in training, aftercare, spares, service, and maintenance is invaluable and second to none.”

Dräger’s next-generation AirBoss includes a carrying system with pneumatics, monitoring systems, masks and communication technology and numerous accessories such as the ultra-lightweight Type 4 Nano compressed air breathing cylinders and lung demand valves. State-of-the-art ergonomics provide improved wearer comfort and mobility, complemented by a pivoting waist belt and three-step height adjustments.  

Belfast City Airport has opted for the AirBoss Connect as this model provides the most advanced situational awareness.

“We will benefit from Airboss Connect’s digital displays, and the new ‘Buddy Light’ feature – an innovative element allowing immediate and highly-visible signalling amongst our firefighters to alert them on aspects such as cylinder pressures and the physical condition of their colleagues.

“The advanced modular design of AirBoss means we can build in additional functionality as and when required to ensure we stay at the forefront of fire and rescue response capabilities.”

Seamus says that AirBoss’s easily adjustable backplate is a significant benefit: “Emergency Service teams have changed considerably during my career – minimum height requirements, for example, are a thing of the past – and so systems need to be easily borne by different physiques, both male and female.

“Overall, the whole team agreed that the system is very appealing, especially its lightness and ‘snag-proof’ design. Our overriding commitment is to the wellbeing and safety of passengers and staff, it is what underpins every decision in the business and has been the driving force behind this latest investment,” he concludes.

Liz Millward, Marketing Manager Emergency and Rescue Services at Draeger Safety UK, says it is fantastic that AirBoss has been ordered so soon after launch: “It is testament to the forward thinking nature of Belfast City Airport team – and indeed the long-standing relationship and trust that they have in our brand,” she says.

TFT releases new Extend-A-Gun VP

by Firefighting EquipmentProducts

When TFT introduced the Extend-A-Gun telescoping waterway series, it revolutionized the way monitors could be utilized on fire apparatus. Extend-A-Guns allow deck mounted monitors to easily raise from a stowed position to operate above apparatus obstructions like cab roofs, lighting, hose reels, or generators. The manual and RC version of Extend-A-Gun can be found on fire trucks around the globe.

TFT is now adding to the series with the new Extend-A-Gun VP.  The VP’s deploy and stow operations are efficiently controlled by pneumatics and the unit includes an integrated manual valve.

The VP ‘s manually controlled valve eliminates the need for a separate inline valve upstream from the Extend-A-Gun. The valve incorporates TFT’s proven half ball design for longevity. The TFT valve offers unrivaled plumbing flexibility. It’s compatible with a variety of pumps, panels, and plumbing configurations so it’s easy to install as well as service in the field. In a single SKU, OEM’s can install plumbing connection to the bottom or side of unit. The valve also allows for flexibility in height. If the outlet port for monitor needs to be higher, simply use bottom inlet. If outlet port for monitor needs to be lower, a choice of two side port options are available.

Safety is increased by allowing the operator can stay on the ground to deploy and stow positions with an air operated and controlled up/down switch on the pump panel. Installers can utilize standard lines and fittings just like other pneumatic equipment on the apparatus.

A simple interlock prevents flowing while extending and retracting the VP. This prevents users from damaging the unit or becoming injured when deploying or stowing the system.

Fore more information, go to the New Products section on TFT.com

Patol introduces FibreSense linear heat detection cable

by Fire DetectionProducts

Industrial fire detection specialist Patol has introduced a new Fibre Optic linear heat detection cable (LHDC) and controller suite to its range of solutions and, in doing so, has extended the capabilities of LHDC technology. FibreSense is a Fibre Optic distributed temperature sensing solution.  The Fibre Optic sensing cable is available in two primary forms, Thermoplastic Tube (TT) and Armoured Tube (AT), with both versions of the sensing cable providing cost effective fire detection for a wide range of different applications. 

The Thermoplastic Tube cable is suited to many environments including those characterised by high levels of electro-magnetic (EMC) activity. The cable is Flame-Retardant Non-Corrosive (FRNC) and Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSOH), with a Kevlar strength layer protecting a central structure comprising a gel-filled thermoplastic loose tube.  It measures temperature profiles at thousands of points simultaneously along the length of the cable and, given that it is immune to electro-magnetic interference (EMI), signal quality is unaffected in hostile environments.

Iain Cumner is Sales Director at Patol and comments – “LHDC is a well-proven and extensively used fire detection method. Over 4 million metres of our LHDC is operating in projects throughout the world, providing early detection of overheating in circumstances where other forms of detection would not be viable – either through the inability to withstand the environment or through prohibitive costs.  Our previous cable supplier ceasing manufacture made us look into alternatives and now, with the introduction of the new FibreSense products, we are able to offer an option which not only draws on the existing benefits that LHDC offers, but also extend them.”

The new FibreSense systems can provide protection of up to 10 kilometres per channel with controllers available in 2km, 5km or 10km versions, with 1, 2 or 4 sensing channels. Each channel will provide multiple detection zones, offering unlimited protection length, with data available in multiple different formats (fixed/max temperature, average temperature and rate-of-rise). It features an intuitive, user-friendly LCD touchscreen, enabling local programming rather than engineer-led programming.

Alarm, real-time temperature, and distance data can be sent via a Modbus communications path to a third-party system, such as SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), for controlling ventilation or extinguishant systems.

The multiple system configurations, choice of Fibre Optic cable type, plus a choice of mounting hardware, ensures the ultimate flexibility to cater for all fire detection applications where Linear Temperature Sensing is the preferred solution, from tunnels, conveyor systems and escalators to power generation, car parks and warehouses.

DITEK expands Versa-Module surge protection solution for low voltage electronic systems

by Products

DITEK have announced the launch of a new modular surge protection solution that provides tailored multi-voltage protection for all varieties of low-voltage electronic systems. The new DTK-VM2 and DTK-VM2T Series product line offers 4, 8, and 24 channel enclosure options that accept a wide array of rapid-replacement modules designed to protect any combination of signaling, data, and low voltage power circuits from 5V up to 130V.

All of the enclosures in this series accept modules equipped with either RJ45 or screw terminal connections, and all feature single point grounding for simple and fast installation and service. This unique and compact new solution simplifies implementation of comprehensive surge protection for all kinds of critical electronic systems, including surveillance, access control, fire, fuel dispensing, point-of-sale, communications, industrial controls, audio, and more.

“The new DITEK Versa-Module 2 Series is a breakthrough in compact, customisable surge protection,” said Mike Molinari, Director of Marketing, DITEK. “Now every installation that includes low voltage signaling, data, or power can be protected with a mix of modular devices that match the specific needs of that system – with a single point ground connection that makes installation a breeze.”

The DTK-VM2W4 and DTK-VM2W8 enclosures are designed to be wall mounted, and accommodate up to 4 and 8 VM2/VM2T protection modules, respectively. The DTK-VM2R24 is designed to be rack-mounted, and accepts up to 24 VM2/VM2T protection modules. As an additional flexibility benefit, all the enclosures come with a supply of blank cover plates, and are compatible with the popular DTK-NETMS and DTK-EXTMS Ethernet, PoE and PoE Extender protection modules.

Versa-Module 2 protection modules are available in two types, with DTK-VM2 modules featuring RJ45 connections, and DTK-VM2T modules featuring screw terminal connections. Both types can be mixed in a single housing. Protection modules are available in a wide range of voltages to cover the needs of any low-voltage system, including 5V, 12V, 24V, 36V, 48V, 75V, and 130V service voltages. Versa-Module 2 protection modules feature a hybrid design utilising both SAD and GDT technologies for high-performance protection. Any combination of protection modules can be mixed in a single housing, allowing system installers to provide appropriate electrical surge protection for every part of a system. All of the protection modules are easily field-replaceable, allowing for quick restoration of protection when needed.

DITEK Versa-Module products are made in the USA, with a 10-year limited warranty.

For more information, please visit the DITEK product page.

Mann McGowan appoint Falcon Acoustics & Passive Fire Solutions as distributor

by Products

Mann McGowan have announced a partnership with Falcon Acoustics & Passive Fire Solutions Pvt. Ltd, which sees Falcon become distributors of Mann McGowan intumescent fire, acoustic and smoke seals to the construction and passive fire protection industries in India.

This partnership brings together a wealth of technical and commercial experience and knowledge from both sides.

Mann McGowan design, manufacture and supply a comprehensive range of fire, smoke and acoustic seals to meet industry requirements and customers’ needs and specifications. To ensure the safe compliance on all fire doors and to develop our product range, we work closely with door, glass and hardware manufacturers. Every product is subjected to rigorous quality control and most importantly independent third-party evaluation and testing to various national standards.

Falcon operate pan-India with their base in Mumbai. Their vision is to empower every construction contractor with the right set of economical tools and products to protect every single building, thereby every single life, from fire. Their mission is for every single Architect, Consultant, Developer and Contractor across the country to understand that “Passive Fire Protection” is not expensive, and that it is fundamental to human right to life.

Jamie Scott, Managing Director of Mann McGowan, commented: “This new collaboration with Falcon is another exciting phase in Mann McGowan’s global business development strategy. We are delighted to enter the Indian passive fire protection market with Joseph and his team at Falcon who are so very highly regarded throughout the industry.”

Varghese Joseph Parackal, Managing Director of Falcon, said “I find the testing regime Mann McGowan follow is unparalleled and the technical support I have received is simply excellent. I must say I am proud to be associated with the Mann McGowan brand”.

For further information, please contact Tim Foster on +44 (0)783 3052920 or tim@mannmcgowan.co.uk, or sales@falcontechno.com