Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service goes for gold with new structural firefighting PPE

by ActiveProducts

Firefighters across Cornwall are wearing brand new PPE, procured through the UK Collaborative PPE Framework. All 560 firefighters in the county have been equipped with two sets of new gold-coloured structural coats and trousers, along with flash hoods and a set of both structural and rescue gloves.

The new PPE, designed and manufactured by Bristol Uniforms, benefits from the very latest in fibre and fabric technology, along with ergonomic styling for ease of movement.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS), as part of its commitment to firefighter safety, also engaged with staff about the provision of additional PPE to meet the demands of non-structural fire situations, such as road traffic collisions and wildfire control. This supports the specific needs of Cornwall’s remote rural risk profile. As a result, an order has also been placed for lighter-weight, more breathable rescue jackets which are compatible with the structural trousers and other essential PPE, providing the most suitable level of protection.

Mark Salter is Group Manager at CFRS, with responsibility for Assets, Health and Safety and Wellbeing. He comments: “Feedback from our firefighters has been very positive. The cut of the jacket is more fitted than our previous kit, which is better for movement and manoeuvrability and the extra padding on the knees means the trousers are more comfortable when kneeling or crawling. The wide range of male and female sizes ensures that every member of the crew can get a good fit.

“The firefighters have found that the new lighter colour shows up dirt and soot, but that is a helpful indicator of when the kit needs cleaning.”

Cleaning PPE

CFRS is continuing its Maintenance and Care arrangement with Bristol, for regular cleaning and repairs and decontamination if necessary. Dirty kit is collected by Bristol Uniforms and taken to one of two in-house Service Centres where it is washed and thoroughly examined before being returned within seven days.

A service that is reassuring for Mark Salter and his firefighters: “The robust care provision is very important to us, particularly given the current risk of coronavirus and concerns around carcinogens in smoke particles. Bristol’s in-house cleaning and repair service means we can always have full confidence that our PPE is fit for purpose and providing the right protection.”

Mark Salter continues: “As a fairly small FRS, the Collaborative Framework offered us the best possible efficiencies and we’re very pleased with the result. Bristol Uniforms has provided excellent support and guidance throughout the process, as have Kent FRS who were particularly helpful in the early stages of the procurement process.”

Philip Tasker, UK and Ireland Sales Director at Bristol Uniforms, comments: “It is very rewarding to see the Cornish firefighters out on the job in their smart new PPE, knowing that they are benefitting from a state-of-the-art design featuring advanced technologies, enhanced comfort and maximum protection.”

Mark Hewitt, Chief Fire Officer at Cornwall FRS comments: “The safety and welfare of our staff is of paramount importance, so ensuring that our firefighters are provided with quality Personal Protective garments is essential. I am assured that this new PPE from Bristol Uniforms meets our specific requirements. My thanks and acknowledgement also go to Cornwall Council for supporting our Fire and Rescue Service with a 15 year capital replacement programme, which enables significant investment in safety critical areas such as our PPE procurement and also our internal technical services team who have worked with the collaboration and Bristol Uniforms to deliver this project.”

www.bristoluniforms.com

Dräger helps reduce Firefighter’s risk of exposure to carcinogens

by ActiveProducts

Dräger has launched a range of solutions for cleaning breathing apparatus, respiratory masks and PPE equipment that reduce the risk of carcinogen contamination within emergency teams as part of its Health for the Firefighter campaign.

Dräger

Dräger has worked in partnership with Harstra instruments, a Dutch manufacturer of cleaning and drying equipment. The launch follows a study undertaken by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) which demonstrated a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) worn and evaluated as fully operational will be contaminated within 25 minutes of use in firefighting situations.

Currently, most masks and SCBA are cleaned by hand, which is a lengthy and inconsistent process. It can also pose potential hazards for personnel. Dräger has therefore developed a package of solutions comprising of cleaning products, logistical support and consultancy services that enable fire services to mitigate firefighters’ exposure to carcinogens through every step of attending an incident.

They include: simple-to-use washing machines that clean using high pressure water; drying cabinets in various shapes and sizes to accommodate each fire service’s space and equipment; and testing facilities to ensure products are decontaminated before going back into operation.

The final part of the new solution is an improved logistic and workshop capability to quarantine contaminated kit, clean it and then replenish with sanitised PPE to maintain operational capability. Dräger can design and engineer new infrastructure or work within an existing facility to provide optimum protection and cleaning of equipment.

UK Marketing Manager for Engineered Solutions at Dräger, Andy Taylor said it is now well known that job-related exposures to carcinogens increases the risk of illnesses such as cancer: “Employers owe their employees a duty of care and are therefore looking to provide additional protection during training, post incident and in day-to-day equipment handling operations.

“A new standard operating procedure, which incorporates comprehensive training, must be established by the Fire and Rescue Service including comprehensive training for emergency teams on how to decontaminate themselves following an incident in which exposure was likely.

“Standardising processes not only minimise the risk of contamination for workshop personnel, but also reduce the exposure of carcinogenic substances for the wearer. The consistency of cleaning also extends the lifetime of PPE.”

Within Harstra’s product portfolio are a range of washing and drying solutions. These include The Wash4 and Wash6DR models which can accommodate between four and six SCBA respectively, including cylinders and up to 18 breathing masks. The Wash4 model provides the user with a choice of cleaning times from 5 minutes wash, 10 minutes or the recommended 22 minutes under pressure. The Wash6DR washes at the same intervals, but without the need for Compressed Air cylinders, instead taking pressure from a high powered air external source.

Essential to the process is the requirement that cleaned equipment is dried correctly in a drying cabinet or drying room to remove moisture. The Dräger portfolio is configurable and allows easy transfer of equipment using compatible baskets in the cleaning and drying cycle, for example the Wash9 facemask washer and the M18/45 cabinets. Once these have been clean and dried, they can then be checked and tested, Air Cylinders refilled and the SCBA is ready for operations all using Dräger workshop equipment.

https://www.draeger.com/en_uk/Home

Model V-EP Attic sprinkler from Viking allows for design with lower flow rates

by Products

The Viking Corporation has announced availability of a new specific application sprinkler designed to protect challenging attic spaces. The 5.6 K-factor “Model V-EP” VK690 allows for an enhanced system design which eliminates the need for additional branch lines, reducing installation and materials costs. In addition, the sprinkler can reduce flow and pressure requirements compared to other attic protection schemes.

When used in conjunction with Viking’s existing Model VK697 5.6 K-factor attic upright sprinkler, the new Model V-EP attic sprinkler can protect up to 80 ft roof spans using 3 branch lines, and up to 100 ft spans with a 5 branch line design, with roof pitches ranging from 2½:12 through 6:12. Additionally, the VK697 and VK690 used together allow for flows as low as 20 gallons per minute and a minimum operating pressure of 13 psi. Thorough design criteria may be found on the sprinkler’s technical data sheet.

The cULus Listed sprinkler is available in brass or corrosion resistant ENT plating. With a thread size of 1/2” NPT or 15 mm BSPT, the 5.6 (80) K-factor sprinkler can be ordered with an intermediate temperature rating of 200° F (93° C).

The product joins Viking’s complete line of attic sprinklers, which also includes back-to-back, single directional, and HIP style sprinklers.

www.vikinggroupinc.com

CheckFire introduces Rapid-10, ensuring people return to work safely

by Products

As the UK continues to ease out of lockdown and people return to the workplace, employers and building owners must consider detailed risk assessment and plan how daily working will continue under government guidelines.

CheckFire have introduced Rapid-10, a new portable sanitising solution with antimicrobial properties for protection of all types of hard surfaces.

An anti-viral surface disinfectant, it’s been laboratory-tested against ‘enveloped’ viruses similar to COVID-19 and achieves a 99.9-99.99% kill ratio across the testing range.

Tested against a number of viruses, including herpes simplex virus type 1, H1N1, HIV and Hepatitis B – it’s proven to kill microorganisms in under five minutes. Plus, Rapid-10’s active ingredient has known virocidal activity against the SARS-CoV variant.

In its large portable unit, with a shoulder strap, this is an easy way to spray sanitise large or small areas. Rapid-10 is also kind on the environment thanks to its all-natural formulation process – containing zero alcohol.

This high-performance antimicrobial agent is suitable for various of different environments, including; offices, warehouses, schools, supermarkets, care homes and wedding venues are safe for workers and visitors. Transport vehicles, like buses and trains, or emergency vehicles can also be sanitised thoroughly within minutes.

For the fire trade, Rapid-10 comes highly recommended. Engineers can benefit from this source of practical, mobile protection as they work across various settings and carry out extinguisher installations and inspections. The spray is simple to use yet puts engineers in control of their own safety and gives them peace of mind they’re leaving behind protected surfaces for further use.

CheckFire recommends Rapid-10 to all returning businesses and work environments. The fire trade can play its part in helping the UK resume as normal a service as possible – while protecting its employees.

www.checkfire.co.uk/

CCS develops revolutionary fire safety solution

by Products

Contactless Check Solutions (CCS) has developed an industry-first solution to “transform” the fire safety sector in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

According to the company, its “simple” solution to make fire safety inspections faster and more accurate will reportedly ensure fire door compliance in line with UK regulations.

The method involves using a pin containing a unique identifier that is then installed into a fire door at manufacture or retrofitted.

The company’s fire inspection app can then be installed on a smartphone or tablet and is used to scan the pin and give the inspector access to the door’s manufacturing and maintenance history in real time.

The app will then prompt the inspector to complete a checklist with compulsory photos which automatically update the record stored on the cloud.

Building owners and managers will have quick and easy access to see a complete overview of all their fire door stock, site by site, floor by floor, using a simple traffic light system, and the history of each and every door, the Maryport firm said.

Andy Tyas, managing director, said: “The fire safety industry is under intense scrutiny after Grenfell. The government is looking closely at how and when fire doors are inspected, maintained and managed.

“The development of this project will benefit the people responsible for the building as well as the regulatory authority to ensure correct inspections are being carried out in accordance with building regs.”

CCS is being supported by the Made Smarter North West adoption pilot, which helps SME manufacturers to adopt digital technologies.

Mr Tyas added: “Made Smarter funding and advice has accelerated development of the technology by two years and dramatically increased our chances of being first to market with a technology that could transform the fire safety sector.”

CCS said the innovation will make it easier for owners and managers to ensure compliance with UK regulations by establishing a consistent system for fire door inspection programmes, regardless of the type of building.

With nothing similar currently on the market, CCS said it is targeting manufacturers of the six million new fire doors produced every year in the UK, as well as the managers of the hundreds of millions of fire doors currently installed.

CCS directors Sean Parnaby, David Reay and Andrew Tyas have been manufacturing fire doors for almost 20 years.

According to CCS, it isn’t just focussed on the UK market and has already had discussions with building managers in Europe and the Middle East.

The company are also discussion with door manufacturers, inspectors and local authorities regarding applying the solution to refuse chutes in high rise buildings and sprinkler systems.

https://ccs-fire.com/

Holmatro launches revolutionary Pentheon Series

by Products

Holmatro has launched a series of high-tech cordless rescue tools, designed to outperform all other equipment on the market, battery-powered and hose tools alike. Unparalleled speed, ultimate control and easy battery management are the most important benefits of the new Pentheon Series.

Unparalleled Speed

Holmatro Pentheon tools are equipped with Stepless Speed Maximization. A patented mechatronic system inside the tools continuously optimizes the motor and pump settings to deliver a maximized oil flow over the full pressure range. Where all other rescue tools show a substantial drop in speed when they switch to a second or third stage, to deal with higher loads, Pentheon tools stick to the ideal stepless speed curve.

Ultimate Control

All Pentheon tools have a two-mode control handle for ultimate tool control. At any time during the rescue operation, you can choose between the tools’ high speed and low-speed modes. Like with all other Holmatro rescue equipment, the speed is still proportional to how far you turn the control handle to its left or right.

Battery Management Made Easy

Holmatro Pentheon tools offer you the option of on-tool charging. Leave the battery on the tool, plug the tool into the charger and the whole charging process will regulate itself. The battery on the tool always has priority over the one on the charger. You can connect up to 3 chargers and 3 tools, to be powered from one outlet. This way you can charge a total of 6 batteries without any human interference, of which 3 batteries simultaneously.

https://www.holmatro.com/en

C-TEC launch EVAC-ALERT BS 8629 evacuation alert system

by Products

The new BS 8629:2019 gives guidance on Evacuation Alert Systems installed in blocks of flats to assist the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) in evacuating part or all of a building in an emergency. C-TEC’s new EVAC-ALERT system can be customised to create a simple-to-use and cost-effective BS 8629-compliant solution in any high-rise residential building.

Housed in a robust vandal-resistant locked cabinet accessible only by the FRS in an emergency, the control panel features an intuitive interface, bright LED indicators and easy-to-operate toggle switches for each evacuation zone. Each panel can connect to an array of evacuation alert devices including sounders, visual alert devices and even vibrating devices and pagers to alert the deaf, hard of hearing or mobility impaired.

Highly flexible, EVAC-ALERT is comprised of EN54-2/4 third-party certified components and can be used to create building-specific wired, wireless or hybrid evacuation alert systems in consultation with the relevant FRS.

Said Andy Scott, Project Director at C-TEC: “As a leading manufacturer of world-class life-safety systems, C-TEC has an enviable reputation for delivering high-quality standard-compliant solutions at a competitive price. We’ve utilised our time-tested technology and expertise to create EVAC-ALERT, a system specifically designed to meet the exact requirements of BS 8629 and one which is certain to be of interest to landlords, property managers and local authorities keen to ensure their buildings fully comply with this new standard.”

www.c-tec.com

New ‘escape hoods’ for fire victims to be deployed by WMFS

by Products

New ‘fire escape hoods’, designed to protect fire victims from smoke and fumes, are set to be carried on all West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) emergency response vehicles.

The service’s 41 fire engines, 19 Brigade Response Vehicles and a specialist breathing apparatus support unit will be equipped with the hoods from today (7 September 2020).

Station Commander Richard Moore, of WMFS’s Response Team, said: “We aim to get to serious incidents in five minutes, because we know this increases your chances of survival.  
 
“Our new fire escape hoods will provide vital extra protection to people who are unlucky enough to be caught in a fire and who need rescuing or leading to safety by our crews.” 
 
Over the last five years, approaching 700 people were rescued or led to safety by West Midlands firefighters. Many subsequently needed treating with oxygen or taking to hospital after breathing in smoke. It is hoped that the hoods will mean far fewer people need treating for the effects of smoke.  
 
Station Commander Moore added: “The smoke produced by fires contains a lot of harmful toxins. The hoods are designed to filter them out and stop you from breathing them in. 
   
“Now, depending on the particular circumstances and conditions at a fire, our firefighters might ask you to wear one of the hoods so you can pass more safely through a smoke-filled environment. 

“They’ll only ever ask you to wear one for your own safety. They’ll need you to take off a head covering if you wear one, so the hood can fit and work as effectively as possible.

“With your agreement, they’ll help you to put it over your head, check it’s properly fitted and sealed and that you can see, breathe and talk as usual, before getting you to safety.”

The self-contained fire escape hoods, which are fitted with air filters, allow the wearer to breathe safely in a smoke-filled atmosphere for up to 15 minutes.

A recommendation from Phase I of the inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire required all fire and rescue services to have fire escape hoods for evacuating people through smoke-filled routes.

After conducting a number of trials, West Midlands Fire Service has chosen to carry Dräger PARAT 5550 Fire Escape Hoods on its fire engines, 4×4 Brigade Response Vehicles and its specialist Breathing Apparatus Incident Support Unit (BAISU).

www.wmfs.net/

New aerial ladders to hit London’s streets

by Products

New aerial ladders that are more responsive to drive, faster to set up and with greater rescue capabilities are soon to hit the streets of London as the London Fire Brigade continue to improve its ability to deal with high rise incidents.

Twelve new 32 metre appliances known as turntable ladders are part of the aerial replacement project and have many improvements on the existing fleet, the biggest being that the ladder articulates, allowing for greater maneuverability. The articulating top section means that down London’s narrow streets the turntable ladder can now set up closer to the building than previous aerial appliances. The reach obtained can also means that the machines can be placed further away and overcome obstacles which would have problematic previously.

The new turntable ladders are swift and responsive to drive and can reach their top working height within a minute from the moment of arrival at an incident. Other features include a detachable thermal imaging camera, improved stretcher capabilities all of which will enhance our operations at height. They will also improve our capabilities for lighting and observation of emergencies from above, giving incident commanders greater knowledge from the sky.

Turntable ladders are used by us for a wide range of tasks such as aerial water towers to put water on buildings from height, rescues, high level lighting and as observation platforms. The new engines will be highly visible on London’s streets with its bright yellow ladder, bumpers and fenders. It also has driver aides like pre-emptive braking and lane change technology.

London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe said: “Our new aerial ladders are more responsive, quicker to set up and improve our ability to fight fires and rescue people from height. Our determination to get these working on London’s streets despite the challenges Covid-19 has given us shows our commitment to improve our response, especially at high rise incidents.”

Training has been able to start on the new turntable ladders due to the hard work of our staff and in close liaison with the Fire Brigades Union to make sure it can be done safely during the pandemic. The courses were completely revamped to make sure safe procedures are in place including the wearing of masks during driver training, increased open air training and regular sanitation of delegates hands and the machines. Internal training venues were found quickly to make sure staff didn’t need to travel long distances and the risk to those involved could be reduced.

Firefighters have also been incredibly flexible, attending courses at short notice to make sure the vehicles become operational as soon as possible. The Brigade’s training provider Babcock have made additional machines for training available so that multiple venues can be used, allowing for increased training while maintaining social distancing.

www.london-fire.gov.uk/

Newly developed GLOROS T1 gloves from Rosenbauer

by Americas - ProductsProducts

The newly developed GLOROS T1 glove from Rosenbauer is EN388 certified and offers the best possible protection for technical rescue workers. The gloves protect the wearer against mechanical hazards caused by cuts, punctures, abrasions and similar.

This makes them an indispensable aid for rescue workers working on vehicles involved in accidents and other technical firefighting activities. They also provide a certain degree of basic protection at contact temperatures of up to 250 °C. GLOROS T1 is not designed for use in fire fighting operations or as protection against chemical, electrostatic and thermal hazards.

The special design and optimised finishing details such as finger creases, discontinuous silicone coating and neoprene inserts provide tangible added comfort – for those moments when you need a sensitive touch.

The special silicone coating on the inside palm guarantees that you will always have everythign well in hand – no matter how wet or slippery the surface. Perfect for when you need to keep a tight hold of things.

https://www.everythingforthatmoment.com/