Fire-Dex announced the launch of a new Fire Investigation PPE designed specifically for fire investigators, according to the company.
The manufacturer said the ensemble aims to bridge the gap between full structural turnouts and single-layer alternatives at post-fire scenes.
Fire-Dex stated that the design focuses on balancing protection, mobility and breathability for long-duration investigations.
Design driven by investigator feedback
According to the company, the garment was developed with input from experienced fire investigators to address real-world requirements.
Fire-Dex noted that users requested targeted waterproofing without sacrificing breathability, solutions to help manage heat during summer conditions and features that accommodate investigation tools.
The company said the ensemble is built to move with investigators, protect priority areas and reduce heat stress during extended operations.
Todd Herring, Vice President, Product Innovation and Strategy at Fire-Dex, said: “Everything we design at Fire-Dex is designed to help first responders be at their best.”
“Being at your best means that you are protected but free to do the work you need to do.”
“For years, Fire-Dex has been at the forefront of PPE fit and function, innovating with unique patterns, radically redesigned garments and utilizing the latest in material science.”
“We brought all that to this PPE to finally give fire investigators the gear they’ve been asking for.”
Key features and material selection
Fire-Dex highlighted smart waterproofing that covers specific areas for targeted protection while maintaining breathability elsewhere.
The ensemble includes integrated knee pads intended for prolonged kneeling and climbing, the company said.
Strategic venting panels based on patent-pending technology used in Fire-Dex’s AeroFlex turnouts are designed to enhance breathability while blocking particulates.
Pass-through pockets are included for access to firearms, identification or other tools required for fire investigation work.
A specialised waterproof phone pocket provides protected access, the manufacturer added.
The garment uses TECGEN51 fabric, which Fire-Dex described as a lightweight, durable and breathable alternative PPE material used by first responders for nearly two decades.
Availability and ensemble compatibility details
Fire-Dex positioned the Fire Investigation PPE within its non-structural PPE ecosystem.
The company said investigators can pair the garment with Dex-Rescue Gloves, FDXL90 Boots and particulate-blocking hoods to create an integrated, lightweight set.
According to Fire-Dex, the Fire Investigation PPE is now available by requesting a quote to connect with a distributor.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
Procurement officers and equipment specifiers can evaluate a purpose-built investigation ensemble that targets hazards common to post-fire scenes, including sharp debris, wet materials and contaminants, using targeted waterproofing and particulate-blocking venting panels.
Training officers and instructors may factor integrated knee protection, pass-through pockets and a waterproof phone pocket into practical task design for prolonged kneeling, climbing and documentation on scene.
Fire investigators and risk assessors can consider TECGEN51 fabric for lightweight, durable and breathable protection during extended operations, and assess compatibility with Dex-Rescue Gloves, FDXL90 Boots and particulate-blocking hoods when assembling a non-structural PPE set.
Facility managers responsible for investigation access control can plan for reduced heat burden and mobility-oriented features when scheduling prolonged scene work in warm conditions.
Streamlight has launched the Wedge SL, a USB-C rechargeable inspection light designed to offer high performance in a compact form.
According to the company, the Wedge SL provides users with a balance of portability and brightness suited to both professional and personal applications.
The light includes a tail switch for one-handed operation, offering momentary and constant-on modes.
High mode delivers 100 lumens with a 35-metre beam distance, while Low mode provides 50 lumens and a 24-metre beam distance.
The device also features THRO mode, which activates with a three-second press to produce 500 lumens of maximum output.
Programmable operation and durable design
With Streamlight’s TEN-TAP programmable switch, users can select output settings to match their task.
Michael F. Dineen, President of Streamlight, said: “We created the Wedge SL as an ultra-portable lighting tool that doesn’t compromise on performance.
“It’s low-profile, rugged, and packed with features that make it ideal for both professional and everyday carry applications, including auto work and outdoor use.”
The company stated that the Wedge SL features an unbreakable acrylic lens and a Type II MIL-Spec anodised aluminium unibody.
It includes a four-level LED battery status indicator with charge alerts and recharges via USB-C.
Performance and availability
Streamlight confirmed that the Wedge SL is powered by an integrated lithium polymer battery and features IPX4 water resistance and 1-metre impact testing.
The model includes a stainless steel injection-moulded pocket clip and a multi-function tactile switch for easy use.
It is available in Black, Coyote and Silver finishes, measuring 14.35 cm long, 1.4 cm wide, 0.7 cm thick, and weighing 32.3 g.
The company said the product is designed to serve both professionals and consumers seeking a reliable inspection light.
The safety upgrade firefighters have been waiting for: BarriAire hoods
PGI has released its BarriAire Carbon Shield Elite Pro and Elite Pro Short firefighting hoods, which are now UL Certified to comply with the new National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1970 particulate-blocking standard.
The company said the certification follows the transition of the standard from a strong recommendation to a mandatory requirement.
The hoods provide 99.9% particulate efficiency and are made with the industry’s most flame-resistant fibre, according to PGI.
They are designed to protect against heat, toxic particulates and carcinogens encountered during firefighting operations.
Product design prioritises comfort and safety
PGI explained that the BarriAire hoods offer improved comfort and breathability while maintaining high levels of thermal and particulate protection.
The company said the Elite Pro and Elite Pro Short versions are softer, more breathable and made without intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
The removal of PFAS aligns with growing industry focus on reducing exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals in firefighting gear.
Setting new standards in firefighter protection
According to PGI, the BarriAire Carbon Shield hoods represent a new benchmark in firefighter safety equipment.
The company said the hoods are designed to deliver advanced protection without compromising wearability or long-term comfort.
PGI added that the launch marks a new chapter in firefighter PPE compliance under NFPA 1970.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The introduction of NFPA 1970-certified particulate-blocking hoods marks an important development for fire and rescue procurement teams, equipment specifiers and safety officers responsible for compliance with updated protective equipment standards.
Fire departments and training organisations will need to ensure firefighter PPE meets the mandatory requirements set by the new NFPA 1970 standard.
Manufacturers and distributors of protective hoods may also need to align product offerings with UL Certification and PFAS-free material standards to maintain regulatory compliance and occupational health objectives.
Electrical fires are typically started by faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, malfunctioning appliances, or improper use of extension cords and space heaters.
These problems create heat, sparks, or arcing that can ignite nearby combustible materials and lead to a fast-spreading fire.
Our article explains what an electrical fire is, the nine most common electrical fire causes, how to recognize the early warning signs, and clear, practical steps you can take to prevent electrical fires in homes and workplaces.
What is an Electrical Fire?
An electrical fire begins when an electrical fault, such as overheating, arcing, or a short circuit, creates enough heat to ignite nearby materials like insulation, paper, fabrics, or wood.
Electrical fires can be particularly hazardous because they may start inside walls or behind appliances where smoke and heat go unnoticed until the fire has grown.
Electrical systems are a common ignition source and are linked to tens of thousands of fires each year.
What Causes an Electrical Fire?
Below are the nine most common electrical fire causes, explained in plain language so you can recognize risks and address them.
1. Faulty Outlets
Outlets that are loose, cracked, or discolored can produce poor connections and arcing i.e. tiny sparks that generate intense heat.
A plug that feels loose in the socket or an outlet that looks charred are strong warning signs.
If you notice any of those signs, stop using the outlet and get a qualified electrician to inspect it.
2. Overloaded Circuits
When too many appliances draw power on the same circuit, wires and devices can overheat.
This is especially common in older homes that were not wired to code to handle today’s devices (air conditioners, large TVs, chargers, etc.).
Repeated tripping of a breaker or frequent blown fuses are signs a circuit is overloaded and needs attention.
3. Faulty Appliances
Appliances with frayed cords, damaged plugs, or internal faults may overheat or short-circuit.
The risk increases when an appliance is used beyond its intended purpose or left running unattended for long periods.
When an appliance shows signs of smoke, sparks, or a burning smell, unplug it and have it inspected or replaced.
4. Faulty Wiring
Old, degraded, or improperly installed wiring is a principal cause of electrical fires.
Insulation that is worn or chewed by rodents, loose connections at junctions, and wiring that cannot carry modern electrical loads can all lead to overheating and arcing.
If your home is several decades old and has never had an electrical inspection, consider having a licensed electrician evaluate the system.
5. Overloaded Light Fixtures
Using bulbs with higher wattage than a fixture supports or placing flammable materials too close to lamps can cause fixtures and shades to overheat and ignite.
Always use the maximum wattage specified on the fixture and prefer LED bulbs, which operate at a cooler temperature and reduce heat risk.
6. Extension Cords
Extension cords are meant to be temporary.
Running large appliances on extension cords, routing cords under carpets, or using damaged cords increases the risk of overheating and electrical fires.
If you rely on extension cords regularly, the safer long-term solution is to install additional wall outlets.
7. Portable Space Heaters
Space heaters are a leading source of electrical fires when placed too close to curtains, bedding, furniture, or papers.
Heaters with exposed coils are particularly risky.
Keep a three-foot clearance around any space heater, use models with tip-over and overheat protection, and always switch them off when leaving the room or going to sleep.
8. Ungrounded Plugs
Three-prong plugs include a grounding prong that directs fault current safely to ground.
Removing the prong to fit a two-slot outlet eliminates that protection and increases fire and shock risk.
Never alter plugs, and instead have properly grounded receptacles installed by a licensed electrician.
9. Flammable Materials Near Fixtures
Even a small electrical fault can ignite nearby flammable items like paper, curtains, clothing, or cardboard.
Lamps, chargers, and appliances should be positioned so combustible materials cannot drift or be placed close to heat sources.
Regular housekeeping to remove clutter reduces combustible materials and gives electrical faults less to burn.
Signs of an Electrical Fire
Early fire detection can prevent a small electrical problem from becoming a major blaze. Watch for these telltale signs:
A strong burning or plastic-like odor, especially near walls, outlets, or appliances.
Sparks, flickering lights, or outlets that feel warm to the touch.
Breakers that trip frequently or fuses that blow repeatedly.
Discolored, scorched, or sizzling outlets or switch covers.
If you notice any of these signs, cut power to the affected area and call a licensed electrician.
If a fire is already present or smoke is spreading, evacuate immediately and call emergency services.
How to Prevent Electrical Fires
Prevention centers around inspection, sensible use of appliances, and following electrical safety best practices.
Below are practical measures you can take:
Regular Wiring Inspection
Have a licensed electrician inspect your home’s wiring every few years, and more often for older properties.
Inspections identify worn insulation, overloaded circuits, and unsafe modifications before they become hazards.
Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
If your panel is outdated or cannot cope with modern loads, upgrade it to a newer model.
Modern panels, combined with devices like Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs), reduce fire risk by detecting dangerous arcing and shutting off power before ignition.
Avoid DIY Electrical Work
Electrical work should be done by licensed professionals.
Improper wiring, incorrect connections, and noncompliant installations are common causes of later fires.
Even seemingly simple tasks, like replacing an outlet, can be risky without the right knowledge and tools.
Avoid Overloading Electrical Outlets
Distribute high-draw appliances across different circuits and do not use power strips for large appliances.
If you are frequently tripping breakers, have an electrician evaluate and balance your loads or install additional circuits.
Use the Correct Lightbulbs
Match bulb wattage to the fixture rating and choose LED bulbs for lower heat output.
Inspect lampshades and fixtures for discoloration or damage and replace components as needed.
Use Space Heaters Safely
Choose heaters with built-in safety features and never place them on soft surfaces.
Keep them away from flammables and never leave them unattended.
Install Smoke Detectors
Working smoke alarms give the earliest warning.
Install alarms on every level and in or near sleeping areas, and test them monthly.
Interconnected alarms are best because all units sound if any one detects smoke.
Never use water on electrical fires; water conducts electricity and can cause shock and spread the hazard.
For small cooking or clothing fires, a fire blanket or baking soda can help smother flames.
Devise a Fire Emergency Plan
Have an evacuation plan, clear exits, and a meeting point outside the home.
Teach all household members how to shut off main power and call emergency services.
Practice escape routes regularly.
Key Takeaways
Electrical fires are caused by predictable and preventable issues: faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, damaged appliances, misuse of extension cords, and unsafe heating or lighting practices.
Recognize the warning signs like burning smells, warm outlets, flickering lights, and act promptly by cutting power and contacting a professional.
Regular inspections, sensible appliance use, modern safety devices such as AFCIs, and working smoke alarms dramatically reduce risk.
Staying informed and taking straightforward safety steps is the single most effective way to protect people and property from electrical fires.
Martin Valfridsson, CEO of Rescue Intellitech discusses the company’s latest cutting-edge PPE decontamination solutions for the fire station
Can you briefly explain Rescue Intellitech’s role in supporting fire services worldwide?
Rescue Intellitech is a leading provider of innovative PPE cleaning solutions for fire and rescue services (FRSs).
Based in Sweden, and with subsidiaries in the UK and US, we supply our products to customers across Europe, America and Australasia.
Our reliable, high-quality PPE decontamination washing machines and dryers together provide a complete, station-based system for faster, safer, and more effective cleaning.
After a callout, firefighter clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), face masks, boots, gloves and helmets can be decontaminated and dried quickly, helping to keep everyone in the fire station safe from toxic soot particles.
How has PPE decontamination evolved, and how has Rescue Intellitech adapted?
In recent years we have seen a major shift in the fire industry’s approach to cleaning and decontaminating PPE.
Martin Valfridsson
Extensive research has shown that contaminated PPE slowly gases off Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) which can cross-transfer to other surfaces, potentially contaminating firefighting equipment, vehicles and kit rooms back at the station.
As more becomes known, PPE decontamination has risen up the agenda and is a high priority for FRSs across the globe.
What operational PPE care challenges exist, and how do your solutions help?
Firefighter PPE needs to always be fit for purpose and ready for use so having the option to clean it on site after an incident means it’s quickly available for the next callout.
Hand washing is neither effective nor efficient and puts those undertaking it at further risk of exposure to harmful contaminants.
Martin Valfridsson
Using our products and automating the cleaning process saves precious time. It reduces exposure to contaminants and usually the kit room smells much better too!
Having the ability to clean PPE at the station reduces the number of times PPE needs to be sent away for professional managed servicing, which saves time and money and reduces the need for multiple sets of personal issue PPE.
What is Rescue Intellitech’s long-term vision for product development?
Building on the success of our popular Solo Rescue® PPE decontamination machine, we have recently expanded our product range to include washing machines for protective garments and specialist PPE drying cabinets.
Long term, we are on a mission to provide all FRSs with quality, station-based decontamination facilities to help improve the health, safety and wellbeing of firefighters across the world.
Martin Valfridsson
Unlike many competitors whose main priority is supplying dishwashers, our focus is solely on the specialist decontamination of firefighter PPE.
We continue to innovate and develop products that can achieve this quickly, efficiently and sustainably.
Beyond new products, what priorities support the wider fire and safety community?
We feel very privileged to part of the Blue Light community. For us it’s all about the people: supporting firefighters and doing everything we can to help protect them.
Customer relationships are also our top priority, and we continue to focus on training, knowledge-sharing and collaboration, prioritising health and operational resilience in an environmentally responsible way.
NAIT Applied Research has partnered with the Peavine Métis Settlement to develop a wildfire detection system designed to help protect the community.
The project comes after the devastating Grizzly Complex wildfire in May 2023, which forced the evacuation of the settlement and left lasting emotional and environmental impacts.
Lynn Smith, Regional Planning Coordinator with the Peavine Métis Settlement explained: “It has been a couple of years since the 2023 fire that had us evacuating our homes, since then it has been haunting to watch others go through the same trauma every time a wildfire pops up.
“We are ever so grateful to all that helped our community and in turn I feel this project is a way of paying it forward, by partnering with NAIT and creating an early warning system.
“I predict great things with this partnership going forward.”
The initiative, led by NAIT’s Centre for Sensors and System Integration, aims to provide the community with early warnings of wildfire threats through a network of environmental sensors placed in the surrounding forest.
JR Shaw Applied Research Chair, Centre for Sensors & System Integration, Dr. Quamrul Huda’s statement
Dr. Quamrul Huda, JR Shaw Applied Research Chair, Centre for Sensors & System Integration added: “The detection system uses compact sensor units that will be placed in trees covering a range of tens of kilometers outside the community.
“These units monitor smoke, temperature, humidity and air quality, transmitting data wirelessly to a central hub in Peavine where trained staff interpret the information.”
A system that identifies wildfire conditions
The goal is to identify wildfire conditions before they escalate, offering precious time for response and evacuation if needed.
The system is currently being refined and validated through a co-location placement at Alberta Capital Airshed’s Edmonton McCauley station before full deployment in Peavine, expected ahead of the next wildfire season.
Beyond immediate safety, the system will collect long-term environmental data to help identify patterns and predict wildfire risk.
The project also holds promise for broader application across Alberta and Canada, where communities face increasing wildfire threats.
NAIT Applied Research partner with Peavine Métis Settlement: Summary
NAIT Applied Research has partnered with the Peavine Métis Settlement to develop a wildfire detection system designed to help protect the community.
Victaulic introduces new Series FL-SR/DRY V3613 and V3615 standard response and Series FL-QR/DRY V3614 and V3616 quick response dry sprinkler range.
This launch means that Victaulic has become one of the only fire protection solutions providers to offer a CE marked option for cold storage units.
The V36 range comes in pendent or recessed pendent varieties and includes various K-factors and temperature ranges for chiller units up to 6.1 m in height and has been designed specifically to meet the requirements of the EN12259-1 harmonised standard for sprinklers in cold storage.
When paired with Victaulic’s other innovations, the AB6 bracket and VicFlexTM flexible hoses, the complete solution brings added benefits of easy installation and long-term performance and reliability.
EMEA Fire Protection Division Manager, Victaulic, Graeme Leonard’s statement
Graeme Leonard, EMEA Fire Protection Division Manager at Victaulic shared: “Fire protection in cold storage comes with its specific challenges and risks, like maintaining thermal integrity, ice and frost accumulation and maintainability.
“We’re thrilled to introduce the V36 dry sprinkler range, which not only meets rigorous CE standards, but together with our AB6 bracket and VicFlex hoses solves those specific challenges faced by the food and drink, logistics and pharmaceutical sectors.”
Quick and low-cost installation
Constructability and labour savings are central to the Victaulic design approach.
With approximately 60% of fire protection installation costs attributed to labour, Victaulic solutions intend to significantly reduce this burden.
A complete Victaulic cold storage assembly – consisting of a dry sprinkler head, AB6 bracket and VicFlex hose can be installed by one person in just 15 minutes.
Furthermore, the flexible VicFlex hoses are designed to eliminate the need for made-to-order fixed piping, which makes it quick and easy to make on-site adjustments, if required, with no waste.
An additional advantage is that the entire assembly can be ordered with just one single SKU.
AB6 bracket
Victaulic’s AB6 bracket, meanwhile, ensures that the seal integrity remains intact.
It absorbs vibrations caused by refrigeration or freezer units or maintenance activity on the chiller unit’s roof that could weaken the seal over time leading to condensation and ice formation that could compromise sprinkler performance.
This adjustable bracket is compatible with various wall thicknesses, ceiling heights and surface types – including corrugated or dimpled surfaces – offering unparalleled flexibility and reliability.
Victaulic’s pre-exisiting range
The new V36 sprinkler range complements Victaulic’s already comprehensive range for cold storage.
The AB6 assembly with V36 range can be used for freezer cells up to 6.1 m.
For freezer cells with a height of 9.1 m, Victaulic offers the AB6 assembly with Series FL-QR/DRY/ST K11.2 V4001 pendent and V4002 recessed pendent quick response dry sprinklers, which aren’t subject to CE marking requirements.
In May 2024, Victaulic added the Series FL-QR/DRY/ESFR K16.8 V4102 dry sprinkler, with AB6 assembly for larger storage units up to 12.2 m.
There is no mandatory CE requirement for dry sprinklers of this K-factor, but they are voluntarily CE-marked under an EOTA (European Organisation for Technical Assessment) protocol.
The Series FL-SR/ST/CMSA Storage, Standard Response CMSA Upright Sprinklers K25.2 V4603, which falls outside the scope of the CE marking standard, brings the range to completion and is suitable for cold storage units with a height of 13.7 m.
This reflects Victaulic’s proactive role in meeting evolving industry needs as cold storage facilities are built ever higher to cope with increasing online grocery shopping demands.
As an active member of both the Cold Chain Federation in the UK and the Global Cold Chain Alliance, Victaulic continues to support and engage with the cold storage industry’s unique fire protection challenges, providing reliable solutions for every scale of cold storage facility.
Victaulic expands with range of CE-marked dry sprinklers: Summary
Victaulic introduces new Series FL-SR/DRY V3613 and V3615 standard response and Series FL-QR/DRY V3614 and V3616 quick response dry sprinkler range.
PGI Safety Managing Director Andy Slater outlines changing protection needs, international expansion, particulate research and the impact of firefighter-driven feedback
Firefighters face daily exposure to harmful particulates, with long-term health consequences now better understood and harder to ignore.
Protective equipment has had to adapt, with greater attention placed on how garments balance safety, comfort and durability.
PGI Safety, a technical garment manufacturer with roots dating back to the 1940s, has positioned itself at the centre of this shift.
The company combines certified protective clothing with education initiatives, giving fire and rescue services the evidence and practical knowledge they need to make informed choices.
Leading the effort is Andy Slater, Managing Director across the UK, Europe and Asia Pacific.
With two decades’ experience in safety equipment – and a personal motivation through his firefighter son – he is guiding PGI’s expansion and focus on solutions that respond directly to frontline concerns.
IFSJ Editor Iain Hoey sat down with Andy to discuss the changing demands in firefighter protection and what’s next.
When meeting firefighters or procurement teams, what key concerns do they raise about required on-the-job protection?
The key concern now is that protection is essential. If you go back a few years, there wasn’t so much scepticism as a need for proof and more detailed studies.
That evidence is now available – through the work of organisations like the FBU, Hertfordshire University and from statistics alone.
The challenge for firefighters and procurement teams is navigating the pitfalls. Sadly, as has been publicised, it’s not just about protecting against particulates.
They also need breathability and comfort. It’s about understanding the testing, the standards and what good really looks like.
For example, some manufacturers claim NFPA certification when they don’t actually have it.
There is no specific EN standard for particulate hoods – NFPA is the only global benchmark and it is very difficult and expensive to achieve. We pride ourselves on meeting both NFPA and EN Certification.
Andy Slater
So from the customer’s perspective, the question is: what does good look like and why is your product as good as you claim it is? For us, the answer is proof.
That means hard data, recognised certification, and real-world results from wearer trials.
It’s not just about making claims—it’s about giving customers the tools to understand exactly what performance clothing can and should do, and guiding them through the data so they can make sense of it with confidence.
With increasing awareness of long-term health risks from exposure, how is PGI addressing this growing challenge?
When I joined PGI, it was clear there was an education gap. Some authorities understood the research, others knew far less.
We started with a small knowledge-sharing session involving people like Robbie Burns and John Lord and that grew into our particulate and decontamination seminars.
The first was at Biggin Hill Airport. We combined science, current evidence and practical solutions – not just products, but behavioural changes like showering within the hour and proper handwashing.
We also showed participants how to check standards, labels and certificates.
The seminars have been good for us and for the wider community. Authorities have even brought projects forward after attending.
The science and data matter, but the personal stories are what really resonate. PGI has invested heavily in particulate protection, with millions spent on R&D.
Andy Slater
Our Barrier Gold hood is now our biggest seller worldwide and we continue to improve it.
What are the main focus areas for your future seminars and how are you planning the next one?
We always try to introduce new subjects, but our top priority is keeping the message alive – PSA tests, SNOMED codes and raising awareness.
At the same time, we focus on educating people about available solutions. The challenge is convincing authorities to allocate budgets.
We get strong feedback and sometimes projects move forward, but momentum can fade once people return to daily work. That’s why we keep updating the data, which changes quickly.
Andy Slater
We also work to keep seminars fresh. Much of the message is the same, because cancer is cancer, but we adapt the focus and stay close to universities, professionals and influential voices like Robbie Burns and John Lord, who connect directly with audiences.
The next seminar is planned for February or March, though dates aren’t finalised.
How do you ensure industry feedback and experience directly shape the development or updating of products?
The seminars are interactive, usually around 100 people and we learn as much as we share. Ideas raised there feed back into our R&D, guiding product development.
Simple measures like snoods and base layers can reduce exposure significantly. Cross-contamination is also a big issue – in the past, firefighters took kit home to wash and families were exposed.
Everything we do is tested against standards and practicality. If it has to be washed a hundred times, it needs to stand up to that.
Andy Slater
These discussions help us refine fabrics, products and approaches, ensuring solutions are practical and effective.
Crews often highlight comfort and mobility – how do you balance these needs with garment performance standards?
Although we have a facility in the UK, our main production is in the US, so everything we make meets NFPA standards as a minimum.
Take hoods as an example. They must filter particulates but also remain breathable. Heat stress is the second biggest killer of firefighters.
Early products blocked contaminants but overheated users, like wearing a plastic bag.
Standards now require breathability, moisture management, flame resistance and durability through repeated laundering.
Andy Slater
Needs differ. Instructors face high exposure and may accept less breathability for greater protection. For them we developed a laminate version of our Nanoflex based Hoods.
The standard achieves 97–98% efficiency, while the laminate reaches 99.9%. Whilst it is marginally less breathable but ideal for controlled training environments.
Which areas of innovation are you focused on and how might fire service needs change?
We are constantly developing, but hoods remain a priority because they are one of the simplest changes an authority can make.
Firefighters already wear them for heat and flame protection, so swapping to a hood with a protective membrane is an easy upgrade.
It is equally comfortable and breathable but now adds particulate protection.
Some authorities are further ahead than others. Often that comes down to budgets and resources rather than a lack of awareness. For those who adopt them, it is a quick, straightforward improvement.
Crowcon Detection Instruments has warned that temporary and mobile worksites are often neglected when it comes to gas detection, leaving workers exposed to invisible hazards.
The company said that such sites, which include refinery turnarounds and short-term construction projects, frequently lack adequate gas safety systems.
According to Crowcon, data from 2015 to 2020 shows that temporary worksites across the UK accounted for 11 deaths and more than 130 injuries.
Ed Clapham, Product Manager at Crowcon Detection Instruments, said: “The environment of a temporary worksite clearly demonstrates the need for gas monitoring, mainly due to the way these sites operate.
“Most, if not all, temporary worksites run under intense time, deadline and cost pressures, with crews often required to move rapidly between jobs and environments.
“However, these quick turnaround times and competing pressures frequently result in safety systems being overlooked.”
He added that when teams rely on assumptions rather than real-time monitoring, they create a safety gap that can have serious consequences.
Cost and awareness challenges in gas safety
Clapham said: “It’s important for teams operating on mobile or short-term worksites to remember that temporary operations can carry long-term consequences if hazards are underestimated.
“If a project is only expected to last a few days or weeks, decision-makers sometimes assume it doesn’t require the same level of safety infrastructure as a permanent site, when in fact, this mindset can be dangerous.
“The reality is that temporary setups tend to be more unpredictable, often involving changing personnel, unfamiliar layouts and makeshift conditions that increase the risk of gas exposure.”
He explained that limited budgets and a lack of awareness often prevent proper investment in portable detection systems.
“Because these worksites are considered short term, tight project budgets and limited resources can mean that gas detection falls into the ‘nice to have’ category rather than being treated as essential, when this should not be the case,” Clapham said.
“In some cases, a lack of awareness or expertise is also to blame. Not every project manager or contractor fully understands the technical risks associated with invisible hazards such as oxygen depletion or low-level toxic gas exposure.”
The need for proactive safety measures
Clapham continued: “It’s quite common for businesses, and individuals, to be more reactive than preventative. It’s not unusual for safety equipment to be purchased after an incident or regulatory audit, rather than before.
“This happens because, without visible consequences, leadership may not prioritise proactive investment. This can unknowingly create a dangerous cycle in which, until something goes wrong, gas detection remains invisible, both literally and figuratively.”
He said that under Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance, project managers are legally responsible for ensuring that workers are not exposed to foreseeable hazards, regardless of project duration.
“Beyond compliance, incidents are highly disruptive and costly,” he added.
“Even a single near-miss can derail schedules, trigger investigations, halt operations and damage client relationships.”
Portable gas detectors addressing temporary site risks
Clapham said: “Gas detection technology has advanced significantly over the years, which is why it’s so important to leverage the full capabilities of modern safety equipment, especially across temporary worksites, where portable solutions are ideal.
“Temporary worksites are defined by constant change and rotating personnel. This level of movement makes it difficult to maintain consistent safety standards, but this is precisely where portable and area gas detectors excel, providing the agility and adaptability needed to match such fluid operations.
“Modern portable and area gas detectors offer a practical, proven way to deliver the reliability of fixed monitoring to virtually any location. These compact, connected systems can be deployed quickly to cover confined spaces, open worksites or multi-zone maintenance areas, without disrupting workflow.
“By implementing connected, mobile detection systems, teams can maintain full situational awareness, even in fast-paced or remote environments. Ultimately, it’s about making safety flexible, without ever lowering standards.”
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
This information is relevant to safety officers, project managers and compliance leaders overseeing short-term or mobile industrial operations.
The insights highlight a recurring issue in temporary work environments, where gas detection is often deprioritised despite clear legal and operational risks.
Professionals responsible for safety planning in construction, maintenance and refinery operations can use portable gas detection technology to ensure continuous monitoring even in fluid, multi-site projects.
The data cited by Crowcon and the British Safety Council reinforces that gas-related incidents remain a leading cause of injury and fatality across temporary worksites, underscoring the importance of equipping all crews with portable detection systems from project start to completion.
Blackline Safety’s EXO 8 earns Firehouse Innovation Award
Blackline Safety has announced that its EXO 8 area monitor has been named a 2025 Firehouse Innovation Award winner.
The company said this recognition marks the eighth major industry award for the device in 2025.
The Firehouse Innovation Awards highlight advances that improve firefighter and emergency response operations.
Firehouse Magazine described EXO 8 as “the only area monitor that detects eight different gases and gamma radiation in a single, rugged, portable device.”
It called the model “a game changer for firefighters who operate in high-stakes environments.”
Cody Slater, Chief Executive Officer and Chair at Blackline Safety, said: “Earning our eighth award this year is a powerful testament to EXO 8’s impact.”
“It’s redefining what teams expect from area monitoring – connecting responders and industrial crews to the critical data they need to make faster, safer decisions when it matters most.”
Portable monitoring with cloud connectivity
According to the company, EXO 8 is the only portable area monitor that combines gas and gamma radiation detection in a single connected unit.
The system streams data live to the cloud, giving emergency response teams real-time visibility in hazardous environments.
This approach supports decision-making in situations where conditions and substances may be unknown.
The manufacturer explained that the platform enables responders and industrial users to view gas readings and radiation levels instantly from remote locations.
Multiple awards recognise EXO 8 innovation
In addition to the Firehouse award, EXO 8 has earned seven other major honours during 2025.
These include two Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) New Product of the Year Awards, a Red Dot Design Award, a Préventica Paris Innovation Award and three OH&S Industrial Hygiene Awards.
The company said the recognition reflects the device’s design, innovation and contribution to worker and public safety.
Platform update expands data insight
Blackline Safety confirmed that it has also refreshed its EXO 8 analytics report within the Blackline Live platform.
The update introduces features that allow users to view gas readings by location and track gamma radiation trends over time.
According to the company, these functions make it easier to visualise activity timelines and simplify audits and reporting.
Slater added: “Firefighters and first responders put everything on the line to protect others.
“At Blackline, we’re driven by the belief that they deserve that same level of protection in return.
“With EXO’s real-time monitoring and data, we can give them the visibility, confidence and connection they need to get home safe at the end of the day.”
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The recognition of EXO 8 will be of interest to fire chiefs, emergency response managers and industrial safety officers who rely on area monitoring technology for operational safety.
The system’s ability to detect eight gases and gamma radiation in a single device reduces the need for multiple instruments during hazardous response operations.
Its integration with cloud-based analytics provides command centres and incident managers with real-time situational awareness across complex or remote environments.
The updated analytics within Blackline Live enable safety teams to review exposure patterns, support post-incident reporting and improve risk analysis procedures.
These developments highlight how connected detection tools can enhance both field safety and data-driven decision-making in firefighting and emergency management.
