Spartan Emergency Response, a subsidiary of REV Group has announced it is building a 107’ Rear Mount Aerial with Smart Reach Multi-Stance technology for the Harrisburg Fire Department in North Carolina.
Smart Reach Multi-Stance™ is the patented new Smeal ladder and outrigger control system that offers increased versatility and functionality for today’s firefighters, including a 360-degree, no dead-zone functionality that can be adapted to the scene while maintaining full reach, and access to real-time data. The Multi-Stance technology allows the operator to set up the outriggers to any reach that the fire scene will accommodate. In addition, the Smart Reach control console offers the next generation of electric and hydraulic aerial controls, giving users the ultimate in smooth operation.
Harrisburg spent many hours researching and testing aerial products before deciding on the Smart Reach Aerial. “It wasn’t until we tested the Smart Reach Aerial that we came to appreciate all the technical innovations, functionality and capabilities this apparatus offers,” said Harrisburg Fire Chief Bryan Dunn. “Coupled with Smeal’s pedigree of aerial safety and stability, we immediately knew this apparatus would be a perfect fit that will effectively and efficiently meet the rigorous operational demands of our department.”
A loyal Spartan Chassis customer since 1993 and a Smeal customer since 2004, Harrisburg worked with the Smeal team and Atlantic Coast Fire Trucks in receiving real time drawings and 3D Cad schematics of previous apparatus to maintain safety and effectiveness continuity among its fleet. The latest safety features include the Spartan Advanced Protection System (APS), the Active Air Purification System, EZ Clean Cab Interior Surface, enhanced scene, and ground lighting, Bostrom Durawear washable seat covers and more.
“Spartan Emergency Response is honored to continue our long relationship with the Harrisburg Fire Department in serving their community,” said Chris Wade, Director of Sales at Spartan Emergency Response. “The department’s hands-on approach and feedback was a key part of our final design. Their trust in us has created an exciting partnership with the launch of our leading-edge Smart Reach Aerial and continuing our service to the town for another generation.”
Firefighters across North Yorkshire are sporting smart new kit, following the recent delivery of brand-new, state-of-the-art PPE from MSA Bristol. Last year, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) ordered top-to-toe structural firefighting kit for 670 firefighters working out of 38 stations across the county, working to a go-live date of 25th October. Purchased through the UK Collaborative Framework, the new PPE was delivered by MSA Bristol on time and to budget, despite the continuing challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Run by Kent FRS, the Collaborative Framework gives UK FRSs access to high quality PPE ensembles and volume discounts through a streamlined procurement process. FRSs can sign up via a purchase-only or fully managed service contract to procure PPE that has been independently evaluated and tested, saving considerable time and costs.
North Yorkshire FRS opted for an eight-year fully managed services contract via the Framework. The selected PPE includes MSA Bristol’s light-weight structural firefighting coats and trousers, offering excellent fit and comfort along with superior ergonomic performance. The outer shell is made from Hainsworth’s TITAN 1260 fabric with PBI fibres, developed to offer maximum protection whilst minimising the risk of heat stress. This is combined with a Goretex moisture barrier and an Axion thermal liner for additional thermal protection.
Mark Naylor, Head of Response and Resilience at North Yorkshire FRS comments: “The high-quality garments provide essential protection from fire and reduce the physiological effects of heat on the body, thereby enhancing the performance of our firefighting teams and helping them to provide a first class service to our communities”
In addition, one of the most compelling benefits of procuring via the Collaborative Framework is the service it can provide in the cleaning and maintenance of PPE. Simon Garnett-Spence, Head of Assets at North Yorkshire FRS comments:
“We opted for the fully managed services contract which means that after an incident, dirty or damaged kit will be collected by MSA Bristol and professionally laundered and repaired at one of their service centres before being returned back to us within seven days. We can also benefit from MSA Bristol’s huge stock holding nationwide, in that if required, replacement kit of any size can be delivered to us within two hours. As a fairly small fire service, we would never have the budget or storage space for such volumes of spare stock.”
He continues: “So far, we have been very impressed with MSA Bristol’s service. Everything has been delivered on time as initially agreed, and any minor issues or adjustments have been handled swiftly.”
Sarah Walsh from Kent Fire and Rescue Service comments: “The Framework Authority wishes to welcome North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to the Collaborative PPE Framework. In joining the other Participating Authorities on the Framework they will access fit for purpose PPE designed with the safety of wearers in mind and enjoy the benefits of economies of scale. We would also like to thank MSA Bristol for ensuring continuity of supplies for all existing Participating Authorities and the efforts they have made to ensure that ‘Go Lives’ continued to happen with minimal disruption throughout the Pandemic.”
Philip Tasker, UK and Ireland Sales Director from MSA Bristol adds: “It’s fantastic to see North Yorkshire firefighters out in the community in their new PPE, benefiting from the protection it provides. We’ve been working exceptionally hard across every area of the business, from initial sizing to manufacturing and delivery, to ensure that orders are fulfilled on time and to our usual high standards.”
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and State Farm announce that the funding award application period for Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is now open. Up to 100 participants from across the country are eligible to receive $500 awards to complete a planned wildfire risk reduction project on event day, Saturday, May 7, 2022. To be considered for a project funding award, participants must submit an application by Friday, February 25, 2022. Apply for an award.
The national campaign, which began in 2014, provides an opportunity for groups and individuals who live in wildfire-prone areas to come together on a single day to complete projects that can help make their homes and communities safer from wildfire. Research shows risks can be lessened when residents invest time in preparing their homes and landscaping to reduce the damage caused by embers during a wildfire. Projects undertaken on Preparedness Day, which can range from a short time commitment up to an entire day, can include:
Raking and removing pine needles and dry leaves within a minimum of three to five feet of a home’s foundation, continuing up to a 30-foot distance around the home, as time permits, and disposing of collected debris in appropriate trash receptacles.
Clearing roofs and gutters of dead leaves, debris, and pine needles that could catch embers.
Collecting downed tree limbs and broken branches and taking them to a disposal site.
Screening or boxing-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.
“Major wildfire incidents resulting in thousands of destroyed homes continue to occur annually in the U.S. and are quickly becoming the dominant type of fire that causes catastrophic multiple deaths and structure loss,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “Homeowners need to understand they have a role to play and that they can take action in reducing wildfire risk.
Preparedness Day 2022 gives people the chance to not only make a difference in safety on event day but all through the year as well.”
According to the latest NFPA “Fire Safety in the United States since 1980, Through the Lens of the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem” report, one million homes were within the perimeter of human-caused wildland/urban interface (WUI) fires from 1992 – 2015, and more than 60 million homes were threatened by such incidents in the same 24-year period. Data from annual reports from NFPA of catastrophic multiple death fires state that a total of 248 people have died in WUI fires from 1988 through 2018.
For more information about Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, how to apply for funding awards, project ideas, and free resources to download, please visit www.wildfireprepday.org.
Kentec Electronics, a leading manufacturer of life-critical control systems, has launched K-Mesh, a next-generation wireless detection system that uses self-healing and configuring Mesh technology to deliver optimum levels of reliability.
Launched at Intersec 2022, K-Mesh is a new development and new name for Kentec’s Ekho wireless system. Kentec’s sister company, Hochiki Europe, will retain the Ekho brand for their Hybrid wireless offering. This will enable Kentec Installation Partners (KIPs) to promote and sell a system that is bespoke to them, and which has a series of additional product features to give them a further competitive advantage.
New UNIQUE technology within K-Mesh is SmartGuide, which supports safe and strategic building evacuation by wirelessly utilising sound, light and voice command functionality to provide the utmost clarity in evacuation instructions. The sound/light and voice command functions all exist in a single device that is also a detector.
K-Mesh uses a self-healing dynamic Mesh network, which makes it easy to use, install and commission – and ultimately provides robust assurance that fire incidents are detected and communicated immediately. It is available as part of a complete fire detection system with Kentec-manufactured panels to provide optimum performance.
A wireless translator module, which sits at the centre of the K-Mesh system, is hard-wired to the fire alarm control panel loop and communicates continuously with the wireless devices. Sensors are supplied in three variants: optical; thermal; and multi-criteria, with the optical and multi-criteria sensors featuring adaptive signal processing and double dust traps to prevent false alarms. Thermal detectors can respond to a fixed temperature threshold or detect a rate of rise in temperature. Wireless sounders, call points and testing kits are also available within the range.
K-Mesh has a seven-to-ten-year battery life, which is approximately twice that of the industry standard. The technology is also fully-expandable, and configurable from anything from two to 2,000 devices so even the largest, most disparate and complex sites can now be protected wirelessly. Further capabilities include a communication range of up to 1,200 metres and immunity to hacking.
Kevin Swann, Managing Director of Kentec Electronics, says wireless fire detection is the future of detector technology: “It is fast to install and less invasive to a building’s structure, and by utilising the most advanced Mesh technology previous concerns over reliability are a thing of the past,” he says.
“The K-Mesh launch puts us in a strong position to provide our installers with a one-stop-shop for all the fire detection needs,” Kevin adds. “We’re very pleased to utilise Intersec to launch the product, and indeed take full advantage of the extensive networking opportunities the show offers.”
In addition to LPCB and EN-54 approval, K-Mesh has the radio equipment directive (RED) approval, which sets essential requirements for safety and health, electromagnetic compatibility, and the efficient use of the radio spectrum.
Kentec will continue to provide technical support for customers who have already installed the Ekho wireless brand.
Ziamatic Corp, an international leader in tool mounting solutions, has introduced a new addition to their line of cost-effective saw blade mounting options—the Corrosion-Resistant Saw Blade Post Mount, Model QM-SBPM-2.
Allowing departments to effectively take advantage of otherwise unused compartment space, the Saw Blade Post Mount safely secures spare saw blades up and out of the way until they are needed. With its impact-resistant plastic base and stainless steel rod, the QM-SBPM-2 is the ideal choice for departments looking to avoid issues with dissimilar metals in stainless steel compartments.
Designed and tested using blades with 1/2” to 1” arbor holes, the QM-SBPM-2 can accommodate a wide range of saw blade types and sizes.
Available now. For more information please call 1-800-711-FIRE or visit the Ziamatic website.
The UK’s leading manufacturer of high-performance engineered doors is working overtime to meet increased demand from clients before the end of the financial year (March 2022).
Rhino Doors, which has manufacturing bases in South Wales and Lancashire, has been producing its bespoke industrial doors for over 25 years, working on projects for the likes of Transport for London and the Ministry of Defence.
This year saw Rhino commence work on two projects for Transport for London, supplying bespoke fire doors for both the Northern Line Link at Moorgate Station and the Bank Station Capacity Upgrade Project.
Engineers on site at the organisation’s Port Talbot base are preparing to implement nightshift working patterns for the final quarter of the year to meet delivery deadlines, with several projects ongoing for clients in the key sectors of transport and defence.
“After a successful year marked by new client wins and considerable growth, we’re rounding off the financial year with all hands on deck to meet extraordinary demand,” said Stuart Lawrence, managing director of Rhino Engineering Group.
“Nightshift working is a system we have successfully implemented at Rhino in the past, allowing us to significantly increase output when required.
“It’s very encouraging to see the business in such a strong position as we enter the final quarter of the financial year,” he added. “I’m confident that FY 2023 will be a successful year for both Rhino Doors and the wider group, as we continue to broaden our scope while providing high-quality solutions to our growing list of clients.”
Rhino Doors’ busy close to the financial year is preceded by a series of new projects commenced, including work on a major North American rail tunnel, and the creation of new subsidiary organisations specialising in installation services and hydrogen explosion relief products.
The success of the Rhino Engineering Group in 2021 is a positive sign for UK manufacturing, as well as the local economies of North West England and South Wales, which the company operates out of.
To find out more about Rhino Doors and how it supports businesses spanning the sectors of transport, defence and critical national infrastructure, please visit www.rhinodoors.com
Life safety systems are some of the most sophisticated and innovative pieces of product designs. These powerful pieces of kit are designed and manufactured to protect people, buildings, and assets in often complex applications and with multiple users.
For over 100 years Hochiki has designed and manufactured innovative life safety solutions. Its leading edge commercial and industrial fire detection and emergency lighting products have acquired global acceptance as the benchmark for high-integrity and long-term reliability.
Sophisticated design combined with powerful customer insight
Huge investments have been made into research and development at Hochiki, a good example is in the L@titude product. Led by customer insight, this latest model of fire control panel combines the very latest in hardware and software and is the company’s market leading control and indication system.
Sophisticated enough to operate anywhere in the world, in multiple languages, across all manner of applications – from schools and hospitals, skyscrapers filled with thousands of office workers, apartment blocks and entertainment venues, cultural and commercial spaces as well as international travel ports, manufacturing warehouses and logistics hubs. The system has been designed to be simple to configure and easy to use by anyone, utilising touchscreen technology with a graphical user interface to help display vital information. It is EN approved and recently DBI certified for the Danish market following EN54 Part 13 approval.
Greener life safety products
We cannot escape the fact that the climate is top of the agenda, so reducing your company’s emissions makes sense, not only for future generations but also for financial gains too. For businesses looking to improve their energy consumption, moving away from bulk heads and central battery systems could be the answer. Hochiki offers a completely unique, cost effective and fully compliant emergency lighting system.
The power saving and environmentally friendly LED-based FIREscape emergency lighting system consumes only 0.1W once fully charged, the lower energy consumption directly correlates with lower CO2e emissions; providing building owners with a greener and more cost-effective solution.
A new generation of Hybrid Wireless Fire Detection
Hochiki’s next generation of hybrid wireless fire detection products, Ekho is also one to investigate or indeed seek out a demo. At the core of the system is the wireless Translator module. It is hard-wired to the fire alarm control panel loop and communicates continuously with the wireless devices. Wireless Expander modules are used to extend the radio mesh network, increasing the reach and capacity of the overall system. The Ekho system is completely compatible with L@titude.
This January, Hochiki will be exhibiting at the Intersec 2022 event at the Dubai World Trade Centre, 16-18 January.
The team at BIOEX reveals the details behind their movement towards environmentally friendly solutions
How long have Bio-Ex been producing FFF? What drove the company’s decision to produce FFF?
First, environmentally friendly solutions are in the essence of BIOEX name. The company was established in 1998 and its name means “bio-extinguishment”.
Fluorine-Free Foam technology is not new for BIOEX. For 20 years, BIOEX has been committed to offering a safe alternative to PFAS-containing foams to firefighters and to preserve population’s health. In 2002, BIOEX launched ECOPOL: the first Class A/B efficient fluorine-free foam (FFF) in the market. During this time, the firefighting foam market was not focused on fluorine-free foam technologies.
Some industries with high environmental concerns were convinced early on about ECOPOL fluorine-free foam performances and have chosen it for their fire safety. Other fire services were more reluctant about fluorine-free performances on large class B fires. Impressive fire tests were conducted to show the fluorine-free foam efficiency on class B hydrocarbon and polar solvent fires, as well as on class A fires.
For more than 20 years, ourcustomers have been confident in using BIOEX fluorine-free foams. Some of them still have BIOEX first foam batches in stock. Despite time, our foams have been analysed, tested, and acknowledged as performant. We have a good traceability of our foam’s evolution overtime. BIOEX is recognized as an expert and a leading company in fluorine-free foam solutions.
What are the differences between FFF and AFFF foams?
A lot of “F” but these are different firefighting foam technologies based on hydrocarbon surfactants! Both are synthetic firefighting foams for class A and B fires.
AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) contain fluorosurfactants (PFAS substances) responsible of the aqueous film forming on the fuel surface. This film is very fluid and spreads quickly above the fuel surface. It blocks the oxygen supply and suppresses flammable vapours.
AR-AFFF (Alcohol-Resistant Aqueous Film Forming Foam) foams are based on fluorosurfactant technology and contain polymers. Polymers are not water soluble, they form a membrane between the fuel surface and the foam blanket which protects the foam blanket from destruction by polar solvents.
FFF (Fluorine-Free Foams) are totally PFAS-free. FFF forms a thick and stable foam blanket with lot of bubbles. Efficient FFF form foam blanket which spread rapidly above the fuel surface. This foam blanket suppresses oxygen supply, resulting in quick fire suppression and have a cooling effect. The drainage time is long and provide good resistance to reignition. FFF could also be AR-FFF (Alcohol-Resistant Fluorine-Free Foam) with the addition of polymer in the formulation. AR-FFF foam blanket will not be destroyed by polar solvents.
BIOEX offers both high performance traditional (AFFF) and fluorine-free (F3) firefighting foam solutions. They are efficient against class A and class B fires. The foam formulations are different depending on the fire risk.
What are the benefits of using FFF? Does FFF still perform at the same level as traditional foam?
Fluorine-free foams are environmentally friendly firefighting solutions. They do not contain PFAS substances and have no impact on the environment and human health.
They can be applied in the same way of traditional foams and are mostly compatible with foam mixing and discharge equipment.
Fluorine-free foams have proven that they can be as efficient as traditional AFFF foams, as well as on large scale fires. LASTFIRE is currently doing huge research and tests with several fluorine-free foams on 300m² hydrocarbon fire. Results are positive. The study is highlighting the relation between foam equipment, foam concentrate and settings.
BIOEX fluorine-free foam solutions for firefighters
BIOEX fluorine-free foams offer equivalent or better performances than traditional foams in terms of extinguishment or burnback resistance. They are certified under international standards (such as EN1568, NFPA, IMO, ICAO, LASTFIRE, UL, USDA Forest Service…). BIOEX continues to prove that its fluorine-free solutions can be efficient while enviro-minded.
What risks are reduced by using FFF?
A global PFAS concernis rising. PFAS are extremely persistent and have high mobility. Recent studies are showing that PFAS are potentially harmful for the environment and for health. People are more and more sensitive to environment preservation and health concerns.
Worldwide, regulations are becoming increasingly restrictive regarding the use of PFAS-containing foams (AFFF and AR-AFFF). The fire industry could have an impact on soil preservation and groundwater quality, but also on future generation living conditions, which partly rest on a fragile balance.
The fire industry must be prepared to move away from PFAS and to turn to more environmentally friendly technologies, such as FFF.
BIOEX fluorine-free foams are biodegradable and environmentally friendly solutions. Some of our products have obtained GreenScreen certification. GreenScreen is the first independent ecolabel for PFAS-free firefighting foams. It certifies that the foam is totally free of PFAS and over 2000 chemicals of high concern for the environment and human health.
Are Bio-Ex continuing to research and innovate within the firefighting foam sector?
For over twenty years BIOEX has built strong expertise and has extensive experience in fluorine-free foam research and production. The company offers a wide range of fire foams for class A and class B fires; environmentally friendly solutions that comply with international certifications.
In a fire industry that is increasingly turning to fluorine-free foams, BIOEX is committed to providing green solutions. The company maintains its own laboratory, composed of PhD and chemical scientists. BIOEX continues to develop green and efficient fluorine-free foam formulations as the demands and necessity for this product increases. Foam performances are always verified at small-scale and large-scale burning test facilities, including all the testing that is done for certifications.
Our goal is to continuously bring new innovative products to the fire industry market. That is the BIOEX commitment – to offer high performance foams and environmentally friendly solutions.
How Bio-Ex helps fire professionals in the transition to FFF?
Several questions are emerging when discussing the subject of transition to FFF: What are the steps? How to proceed? Is it compatible with current foam equipment? How to dispose of AFFF foam?…
Moving to FFF is certainly not a “drop-in” replacement for AFFF foam. BIOEX helps our customers to answers their questions and support them through the transition to FFF.
Some phases are key. Fire services must check fluorine-free foam properties and ensure that they meet the latest standard requirements and performances expected. Then, it is necessary to check the compatibility of the FFF with their foam equipment, especially proportioning and discharge devices. BIOEX also recommends cleaning the tank before refilling with FFF. One of the main challenges in this process is to avoid spills and contamination of the equipment outside the foam concentrate tank. The old foam and any rinsing water must be disposed of properly. Firefighters can test the whole installation to check that it is working properly, then train with the new foam.
BIOEX adapts its transition protocols to each customer case, installation, and local regulation. BIOEX has supported the successful transitions to FFF of several airports, refineries, and chemical plants throughout the world.
How BIOEX company is structured?
BIOEX is part of the LEADER Group, a global fire and rescue equipment manufacturer. A dedicated team of foam experts is focused on customer requests worldwide. The company is very reactive in an industry which evolves quickly. We can offer custom-made products that meet specific requirements or standards. Our capacities were recently increased to answer the growing demand. We recently moved into brand-new facilities with extended capacities. Our foam concentrates are produced and dispatched rapidly all over the world. Since its establishment, BIOEX have built strong relationships with a wide network of dealers and rely on subsidiaries located in the USA, Germany, and China.
BIOEX offer efficient Class A/B fluorine-free foams.
Our former location was too small and limited. The expansion was essential to meet increasing customer demand across the world. In the beginning of 2020, BIOEX moved in a brand-new facility built to the latest standards, located near Lyon, France and closer to major highways and airports to better improve our supply chain availability. We extended our production, laboratory, storage, and logistics capacities. Our team is equipped with high-tech analysis laboratory, meeting rooms, and spacious and modular offices. These new infrastructures have been designed to evolve with the development of BIOEX in the future. We also installed two separate production lines for fluorinated and non-fluorinated foam concentrates.
In accordance with our commitment to provide solutions that respect the environment and for our customers, we must ensure that our ecological foam concentrates are free of all traces of fluorinated derivatives. For this reason, we have opted for the construction of two separate production lines to avoid any pollution of the line with fluorine compounds. BIOEX customers can feel confident and rely on a company that has been a global pioneer in the development and manufacturing of fluorine-free foams.
Environmentally-friendly and efficient firefighting foam solutions used in low, medium and high expansion
Transitioning away from PFAS based foam agents presents challenges, but Fomtec already has solutions writes John Olav Ottesen, Managing Director and founder of Dafo Fomtec AB
With inventories of PFAS based foams which run to tens of millions of litres, the Middle East Region will face major challenges as legislation in Europe and the USA impacts the availability and even restriction of foam manufacturers to make and supply these products in the current decade.
The concerns of the environmental impact of PFAS is leading to legislation in the US, Europe and Australia, aimed at controlling and limiting the further dispersion of PFAS into the air, land or water. Whilst it would be speculation to say that the countries in the region will follow legislation in place or pending from the US or the EU, the largest manufacturers of firefighting foam agents are based in the US and EU. If the legislation restricts the manufacture and supply of fluoro-based chemicals to the foam agent manufacturers then these products would no longer be available for end users in this region.
The good news is that R&D efforts by Fomtec and other foam agent manufacturers has seen a growing number of synthetic fluorine free foams (SFFF) being launched and sold. A lot of focus has been on the differences in performance and operational challenges of deploying these new SFFF agents in an emergency response mission. For many industries that utilise and store Class B, and to a lesser extent Class A fuels, fixed head foam systems are the primary defence against fire. These systems have a finite availability of foam concentrate and once this has been used up the system will just be flowing water.
The desire from all existing foam users is to have a “drop-in” replacement. Aside from cleaning issues and removing the PFAS foam concentrate from the existing system, the wish is that once the old foam is removed that they can fill the tank with a new SFFF agent, and that the system will provide them with the same level of protection. As a manufacturer of foam agents, Fomtec already knows that SFFF agents don’t perform the same as the PFAS based agents, so we embarked on our “Enviro Programme” with the goal of developing high performance SFFF agents and foam hardware combinations that can be deployed in new foam systems or incorporated as part of a clients’ transition away from PFAS. A few months ago Fomtec was able to announce the receipt of UL listings and FM approvals for our Enviro USP and Enviro ARK agents.
Fomtecs’ “Enviro Programme”
During the past decade our industry has gone through a transition from old C8 chemistry to C6. Fomtec finished this transition in 2014 and was one of the first companies to make a complete transition to C6.
The new C6 versions of our UL/FM approved AFFF 3% S and ARC 3×3 S that have been a standard for high performance systems foam needed SFFF alternatives as PFAS restrictions start to be implemented. We began the development of these alternatives with the internal project name of the “Enviro Programme” as soon as our C6 project was completed.
The performance of SFFF products is more reliant on a well expanded and longer draining foam. The lack of oleophobicity, combined with greater fuel and water type sensitivity strengthens the requirement for test data. This can only be achieved through the marriage of foam concentrate with equipment into a holistic solution. Over the past 6 years we have made sure our new SFFF products are tested with market leading equipment from a number of equipment manufacturers, not least the Viking Group. Our Enviro programme has (so far) resulted in almost 1000 fire tests in order to obtain the required test data to determine the operational limits of the equipment with our SFFF agents.
So how can an end-user choose an alternative SFFF agent?
Fire performance can be gauged by “approvals” against recognised international fire performance test standards. Whilst these approvals represent good repeatable test data it is important to be aware that testing is done with a specific fuel and a nozzle designed to give good expansion of the foam bubble. Mobile firefighting will always use far higher rates of application than are used in the approval fire performance tests, but numerous test programmes run by bodies such as NRL or NFPA Research have shown that with SFFF foam agent fuels, rates of application, expansion ratio and drainage time can lead to far greater variation in performance of SFFF foam agents in comparison to PFAS agents.
Determination of whether the SFFF foam agent can be used with existing equipment, or if changes need to be made is also an important selection criteria. The SFFF foam agent needs to be moved from the storage tank to the proportioner, where it is mixed with water to become a foam solution. When the foam solution reaches the discharge device the energy imparted to the solution along with the air used to create the finished foam (bubbles) must be able to give a suitable expansion ratio and 25% drain time, that ideally matches the foam qualities tested to successfully extinguish and prevent reignition of the fire.
When we look at fixed head foam systems it is critical to adopt a “holistic system” approach to the selection of alternative SFFF agent. Fixed head foam systems have to be “engineered” and require minimum available quantities of water and foam concentrate to achieve suppression. Established standards exist but these standards are based on our accumulated knowledge of working with PFAS based foam agents over the past 50 years. Work is ongoing within standard bodies to evaluate what changes are required to allow engineers to design equivalent systems based on SFFF agents.
Following an NFPA standard for design of a foam system will reference the use of UL and/or FM systems which means that all the components in the system have been tested with the foam agent. Specifically flow ranges for the proportioner and the inlet pressures and flows from the discharge devices which match the foam qualities tested in the top side fire tests.
It has been a misconception that by just using a collection of UL listed component that the final “system” will be UL Listed. That is not the case and with the SFFF foam agents this is even more true. The system requires that ALL components are tested and approved with the specific foam agent to be used.
As a manufacturer we will only provide our recommendations in the consultation phase when we have independent third-party test data to a recognised and appropriate international standard.
Enviro Programme Verification
From our experience with C6 “S” products, the way forward with our SFFF agents was to follow testing requirements of UL and FM. Both bodies require that top side fire tests are done with foam qualities that match the discharge devices, as well as dedicated test protocols for foam sprinklers.
In May 2021 we received approvals for two fluorine free products, the Fomtec Enviro USP and the Fomtec Enviro ARK. Both are approved by UL and FM for use in sprinklers and topside devices. Fomtec Enviro ARK is the first fluorine free foam that is approved for use with sprinklers on polar solvent fuels.
Apart from sprinklers, UL and FM approvals cover proportioning devices and other topside discharge devices. Foam qualities achieved in flow testing each of these discharge devices has been replicated in the topside fire testing carried out to UL 162 and/or FM 5130 test standards.
Achieving these approvals allows Fomtec to provide our clients with recommendations supported by data that is based on testing and approval by independent third parties.
Fomtec provides solutions based on data, rather than opinions
SFFF agents are relatively new technology, and we can expect new innovations in the future. The current UL listings and FM approvals that Fomtec Enviro USP and ARK have achieved with the Viking hardware allows engineers to design and end users to install and operate fixed head foam systems with SFFF agents, with confidence that the recommendations from Fomtec are based on independently tested performance and data, rather than opinions.
Do end-users in the region really need to be looking at transition?
The likelihood is that foam manufacturers won’t be able to make these PFAS based products in the future. Also, with SFFF foam agents not being drop-in replacements the transition involves more than just the purchase of a new foam agent.
Even without legislation supporting the transition to non PFAS based foam agents, three airports in the UAE already use SFFF agents in the ARFF vehicles and other facilities in the region will soon deploy SFFF for firefighting and bund protection. Additionally, a number of global companies have committed to removing all PFAS foams from all their operations around the world and this will involve their facilities in the region.
London has had over a third of its fire engines unavailable as Omicron hits staffing numbers, new London Fire Brigade data shows.
Shortages reached 50 fire engines during the day shift of the 25th of December, and reached 42 for the day shift of the day before. There are 142 fire engines in the capital.
This marks a worsened problem after data for the 10th to 16th of December had previously revealed that shortages were running at a maximum of forty.
The new data, for the 24-27 December, shows that shortages were constantly close high across this period, with a majority of shifts seeing shortages of at least 40 fire engines.
The shortages also include a new 64 meter ladder appliance, bought after the Grenfell Tower disaster, being unavailable on the night of the 24th and the day of the 25th.
These shortages come as Omicron has hit the capital and its fire and rescue service. Figures for the 27th December revealed that Covid had left 740 operational firefighters either having tested positive or having to self-isolate, meaning that over 15% were unavailable for work.
This is up from 10% for the 16th of December, and a level of at least 14% unavailability was present across 24-27 December.
FBU London regional secretary Jon Lambe said:“Omicron is directly affecting the level of fire and rescue cover Londoners receive: over a third of fire engines being unavailable is a huge shortage that could have serious impacts.
However, Omicron should not be having an effect on this scale – the reason it is is that London Fire Brigade has been left in a terrible state by years of government cuts, with almost one in five of London firefighters having been cut since 2010.
At the start of the pandemic our members in London helped in any way possible, volunteering to drive ambulances and working in multi-agency teams dealing with Covid-related fatalities. In some cases members spent weeks away from their loved ones for fear of transmitting the virus. But now the tables have turned and the London Fire Brigade itself is in real difficulty.
Now, we are seeing the real impact of the pandemic on our own service and it’s reached a critical point. London and Londoners pay their taxes for a level of service and fire cover that they are being denied due to Governmental cuts and mismanagement.
As a union we are highlighting this because it’s simply not right and it’s not safe”.
Fire Brigades Union data [1] shows that since 2010 London has lost almost one in five of its firefighters – just over 1,110 – and an operational firefighter recruitment freeze in the service has only just been lifted.
Furthermore, there are fears that the levels of staffing could grow even worse, with a potential “mass exodus” of hundreds of staff ahead of pension changes in the new year.
