Haix launches firefighter boot Fire Eagle 2.0

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Global footwear specialist, HAIX has launched what it is calling the world’s fastest firefighter boot: the FIRE EAGLE 2.0. The new boot features an updated design and an innovative quick-fit fastener system. The RapidFit system is the quickest way to pull a boot on and fits to the individual foot in just one movement, designed for situations where time is critical and every second counts.

HAIX’s RapidFit is a quick fastening system for firefighter boots – Once the boot has been fitted to the foot, it can be tightened with just one hand. No additional tying or tucking is needed, as the RapidFit system automatically holds the lacing in place after tightening. A wider, ergonomic grip makes the fastener even easier to close. 

Other innovations include an RFID pocket to provide space for an RFID chip for digital Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) management, as well as a new composite toe cap that offers improved abrasion protection in the toe area. The new instep protector has a smooth surface with no openings, making the boot easier to clean while protecting the laces from damage.

The boot has a lightweight design of around 1,000 grams per shoe, ensuring comfort without compromising on durability. The shoe is made from bullhide leather, which has been finished with the well-known HX logo as part of the new design. 

The FIRE EAGLE 2.0 provides all-round protection with a toe cap made of fibre-reinforced plastic, penetration protection and a non-slip, heat-resistant sole. The GORE-CROSSTECH laminate makes the shoe waterproof and offers penetration protection against blood and other bodily fluids as well as any resultant viruses and bacteria. Reflective inserts in a signal colour ensure good visibility, even in thick smoke. 

A cushioning insole and the Arch Support System ensure optimal foot support and a secure hold as well as maximum comfort. The HAIX Climate System uses the foot’s pumping motion when walking to wick moisture out of the shoe, ensuring feet stay at an optimum temperature.

The boot is manufactured exclusively in Europe at HAIX’s production sites in Mainburg, Germany and Mala Subotica, Croatia. 

The FIRE EAGLE 2.0 is available in sizes UK 3 to 12 and plus sizes UK 12.5 to 15. The shoe meets the DIN standard EN 15090:2012 and requirement F2A, ensuring the highest safety standards. It is now available from the HAIX webshop and specialist retailers. 

MSA Safety launches new line of Firefighter Protective Clothing

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MSA Safety Incorporated, a global leader in firefighter safety equipment and technology, today marked the opening of Interschutz 2022 with the unveiling of a new line of firefighter protective clothing (FPC) that is specifically designed to meet the needs of firefighters in Germany, the Netherlands and across continental Europe, offering enhanced comfort and compatibility with MSA’s advanced safety equipment and solutions. 

MSA Bristol X4 is the new line of FPC integrates MSA Bristol’s expertise in creating high-performance protective clothing with MSA’s market-leading experience in firefighting technologies and connected solutions. 

The result is a range of new FPC options that are designed to provide enhanced comfort, ergonomics and full compatibility with MSA’s suite of firefighter equipment, from helmets and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), to the very latest in monitoring accountability and communication devices. 

“The development of the MSA Bristol X4 line represents a great new addition to the MSA portfolio of innovative safety solutions for firefighters,” said Bob Leenen, President of MSA’s International Business Segment. “We’re excited to be back at Interschutz because we will be able to demonstrate how the new X4 line of FPC integrates with other MSA products to provide additional capabilities for use in extreme environments.”

Working seamlessly with the company’s Gallet F1XF structural helmet and the M1 SCBA, both of which are widely used among fire services across continental Europe, the MSA Bristol X4 has been created with input from hundreds of firefighters in Germany and the Netherlands to deliver a solution designed for these specific markets.

As an example, the German fire service market requires an Integrated Harness System and Drag Rescue Device.  To meet this need, the X4’s Integrated Harness System offers added safety when working at heights.  The X4 jacket features an integral belt, lanyard and carabiner that can be easily accessed via a pocket and flap.  The Drag Rescue Device, accessed from the upper back of the jacket and via a pocket near the knee, can be used to carry or pull a downed firefighter to safety in an emergency. 

In the Netherlands, firefighters expressed the need for stronger kneepads for comfort when crawling or operating in confined spaces, and special reflective elements for additional visibility.  To address this customer preference, MSA Bristol designers incorporated ergonomic shaping and a streamlined fit, reducing bulk and weight, all while maintaining full range of motion.

Jason Traynor, General Manager of MSA’s Global Fire Service Products, noted that with the launch of the new X4 line, MSA is now able to provide a full line of fire service products  to firefighters Germany, the Netherlands and throughout continental Europe. He said: “We will continue to listen to the needs of our customers and develop the innovative products and solutions they want – and need.”  

The X4 line is manufactured with the latest high quality fabric combinations from leading fiber and fabric manufacturers, including WL Gore, PBI Performance Products and Hainsworth.  The line has been designed to meet the requirements of CEN standard EN469 Level 2, is available in a wide range of color combinations to suit regional preferences, and can be customized with a selection of optional pockets and loops to accommodate specific equipment. 

Connected Firefighter Platform

At INTERSCHUTZ, MSA Safety is also showcasing its Connected Firefighter Platform – a suite of advanced safety technologies that work in concert to significantly improve firefighter monitoring, accountability and communication. Two key components of the Connected Firefighter Platform are the LUNAR Connected Device and MSA’s FireGrid software services.

A multifunctional handheld device, LUNAR provides personal thermal imaging and several other innovative features that are designed to enhance firefighter safety and accountability.  These innovations include MSA’s proprietary Firefighting Assisting Search Technology (F.A.S.T.) network, which alerts and guides teammates to downed team members. 

In addition, cloud connectivity provides incident command with an overview of on-scene operations by aggregating data from other MSA devices, such as the M1 breathing apparatus.  In use, it can transmit key self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) information such as cylinder air pressure, battery status and various alarm indicators. FireGrid gives incident commanders the ability to evaluate and manage multiple situations in real time and from any location.

Finally, at this year’s show, MSA is previewing several enhancements to some of its leading-edge technologies:

M1 Control Module – LUNAR Compatibility: Leveraging the integrated Bluetooth capabilities of the M1 Control Module, cylinder air pressure and other alarm indicators can be aggregated by LUNAR and transmitted to FireGrid to provide incident commanders with real time fireground information.  Additionally, incoming alerts from incident command (such as evacuation requests) can be relayed through LUNAR to the M1 Control Module to alert firefighters to immediately exit the structure.  The M1 Control Module and LUNAR devices are designed to work together as one system – when paired, LUNAR’s motion alarm capabilities will default to the M1 Control Module to not distract firefighters with have to managing two motion sensing devices.

Map View: Leveraging the GPS capability in devices such as LUNAR, incident commanders will now be able to monitor their crew’s location in the FireGrid application.

Fotokite Partnership: Tethered drone technology from Fotokite will be on display, featuring its aerial video capabilities that will be integrated into MSA’s Connected Firefighter Platform through future development projects to help increase situational awareness.

“Firefighting is a challenging profession, requiring courage and composure in the face of highly dangerous situations,” Mr. Traynor said. “To operate effectively, firefighters must have confidence in themselves, in their crew and in their safety equipment. At MSA we pride ourselves on listening to the needs of firefighters on the ground, and providing them with innovative solutions and technologies, so that when they arrive at an incident they know we have them covered.” 

MSA is at Interschutz in Hall 14, Booth H20 or visit www.MSAsafety.com/Interschutz. 

Read IFSJ’s exclusive interview with Jason Traynor, General Manager at MSA from our latest issue.

International Brands Group chooses distribution partner for 4YS footwear

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International Brands Group (IBG) has announced a distribution partnership with Rampart International Corporation, Canada, to deliver a high specification public order boot designed to offer the wearer comfort and protection against violent attacks.

The boots are certified to EN ISO 20345:2011, BS7971-5:2016 IM and UKCA. They are waterproof and chemical resistant upper, flame retardant upper, have Nomex fire resistant laces, and feature a composite toecap an composite anti-penetration plate.

The boots also feature built-in metatarsal guard for ultimate protection, and are designed with an oil an lubricant resistant outsole with the highest level of slip resistance.

Glen Richards, Brands Director of IBG, commented on the new partnership: “We are proud to be working with specialist partners like RAMPART with a shared vision on delivering quality and protection. North America is an important market for International Brands Group and we will making further investment in the coming years to accelerate brand growth.”

MSA Safety launches ALTAIR io 4 Gas Detection Wearable

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Adopting new technology that helps to simplify safety procedures and connect managers to their employees in hazardous environments has never been more easy. MSA Safety announced that its latest innovation – the ALTAIR io 4 Gas Detection Wearable device – is now available for order.

Designed to work in concert with the company’s new MSA+ safety subscription service, the ALTAIR io 4 device represents the hardware portion of a cloud-ready suite of technology that MSA calls the Connected Work Platform. When connected together, the ALTAIR io 4 and MSA+ create a versatile and powerful hardware/software combination that enhances worker safety while simplifying safety program management.

“The Connected Work Platform brings workers, worksites and workflows together to help make safety simpler for everyone,” said Gustavo Lopez, MSA Safety’s Vice President of Connected Services & General Manager of Industrial Products. “We’re empowering safety managers to use the platform as a solution to develop adaptable and proactive safety plans by leveraging our world-class sensor technology and cloud-based solutions to enhance safety and productivity.”

To showcase the features, benefits and value of MSA’s Connected Work Platform, the company is hosting a virtual Connected Work Summit May 17 – 19, 2022. Attendees can learn from and chat with MSA experts about why the technology that enables connectivity is often under-utilized or missing from safety management programs and how to leverage connected technology to address those gaps and create adaptive safety programs.

MSA will feature the ALTAIR io 4 at the summit, highlighting how it was designed from the ground-up, making it MSA’s first direct-to-cloud gas detector to feature:

  • Out-of-the box global cellular connectivity and GPS location to transmit real-time data, like critical gas detection readings and location information, directly to supervisors via the MSA Grid software platform;
  • Access to MSA software services that enable fleet management, as well as real-time monitoring, incident reporting and datalogging services;
  • A new, electronic MSA id device tag that replaces paper-based sign-out processes;
  • MSA’s industry-leading XCell Sensors; and
  • Compatibility with a new ALTAIR io Dock calibration test stand, enabling automatic bump testing, calibration and datalogging.

With MSA+, safety managers can bundle hardware and software needs for long-term safety advancements and a convenient way to stay ahead of safety innovation and with minimal capital expense. The MSA Grid and accompanying MSA+ safety subscription has various price points and subscription levels to accommodate individual customer needs and budgets. MSA+ also extends warranty coverage and provides automatic and ongoing software upgrades.

“Having the ALTAIR io 4 connected with MSA+ means it will only get better with time,” Lopez said. “It means getting the latest software updates automatically, ultimately bringing the most recent safety technology immediately to the worksite. Additionally, with safety data automatically logged in the MSA Grid, it helps make compliance easier by streamlining the data gathering and creating reports to inform safety decisions.”

In addition to the Connected Work Platform and the ALTAIR io 4, the mid-May Connected
Work Summit will allow safety managers to learn more about managing and protecting their safety programs now and in the future. Over the three-day event, learn how connected worksites, gas detection wearables, and software solutions can enhance worker and infrastructure safety.

Sessions include:

  • How Connectivity Can Help Simplify Safety and Boost Productivity – Tuesday, May 17;
  • Managing Your Gas Detection Fleet with Hardware and Software – Wednesday, May 18;
  • Why Cybersecurity Matters for Connected Work Programs – Thursday, May 19.

To register for the free summit sessions, click here. The ALTAIR io 4 will be first made available in the United States and Europe, and MSA said it expects to begin shipments in May. For more information on the ALTAIR io 4 Detector and MSA+, please visit the company website by clicking here.

MSA Bristol inaugurates new Scottish Service Centre

by Breaking NewsPPEProducts

MSA Bristol, a leading supplier of PPE to fire services around the globe, has opened a new Service Centre in Livingston, Scotland. The centre will provide professional cleaning, decontamination, inspection, and repair of kit for fire and rescue services (FRS).

Currently, MSA Bristol is the only firefighting PPE manufacturer offering in-house managed services in the UK, via its two existing service centres in Bristol and London. 

The company has seen demand for its managed services grow, as fire and rescue services across the UK are increasingly prioritising regular professional cleaning to protect firefighters from health risks associated with smoke contamination. The new Scottish Service Centre has been created in response to a major new managed services contract signed with Scottish FRS last year.

Scottish FRS is the UK’s largest fire and rescue service with 6,660 firefighters operating out of 365 stations and is the first to make use of the new Scottish Service Centre.  After being worn at an operational incident, PPE including fire tunics, trousers, hoods, and gloves, are collected by MSA Bristol from key fire service hubs throughout Scotland. These garments are then thoroughly cleaned and de-contaminated, inspected for signs of damage or wear, and repaired if necessary, before being returned to Scottish FRS– all within seven days. 

The Service Centre features top-of-the-range commercial 33kg Electrolux washers and driers, which are digitally controlled and draw from a pre-heated water supply system to reduce cycle times and electricity usage.  This technology gives the centre a capacity to handle up to 900 garments per week, with the service history of every item tracked via a unique bar code.

The Scottish Service Centre is being run by manager, Anton De Klerk and his team of 10 new employees.  He said: “Since opening, we have gradually implemented new systems and are at the point that we’ve really found our rhythm. We now have full responsibility for the Scottish FRS contract and the processes are running smoothly.  We have regular reviews to iron out any issues, and we’re delighted to be hitting our targets and meeting client expectations.”

Roddy Mackinnon, equipment manager at Scottish Fire and Rescue added: “Regular cleaning, decontamination and repair of PPE is essential for providing firefighters with suitable protection. We have been using MSA Bristol’s managed services since March 2021 and are delighted that these services are now being delivered within Scotland.  The team have worked closely with us throughout the transition to ensure that the high levels of service and quick turnaround times are maintained.”

Edward Shepherd, service operations director, MSA Bristol said: “In recent years, MSA Bristol has seen a significant increase in take up of Managed Services packages in the UK, partly due to convenience and competitive pricing, but also partly due to health concerns. Our new service centre in Livingston will enable us to handle more items of PPE to meet this demand, and by providing this service locally and reducing mileage, it is also a more environmentally responsible way to operate.”

MSA donates $400,000 in safety equipment to Ukraine firefighters

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MSA Safety Incorporated, the global company that develops and manufactures sophisticated safety solutions, has pledged a donation of more than $400,000 of safety equipment to Ukrainian firefighters.

This donation is made in partnership with Fire Aid, a UK-based non-profit organization that facilitates the donation of fire and rescue equipment around the world.

The donation comprises a wide range of fire safety equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus, fire helmets, firefighter protective apparel, fire boots, fire gloves, and safety goggles.

Bob Leenen, president for MSA International said: “For more than a century, MSA has been dedicated to one singular mission: helping to ensure that men and women may work in safety, and that they, their families, and their communities may live in health throughout the world. For our 4,800 global associates, the devastation being faced by people in Ukraine reminds all of us of the importance of that mission.”

Founded in 2014, Fire Aid is an association of charities and services with a mutual interest in providing ethical and sustainable donations of fire and rescue equipment, as well as training services, in more than 50 countries around the world.

The non-profit organization has a long-standing experience in coordinating humanitarian aid projects, facilitating product donations, and supporting the volunteer efforts of firefighters around the world to help train more than 5,000 firefighters residing in countries in need.

Fire Aid has a history of helping support firefighters in Ukraine, commented Claire Hoyland, Fire Aid Coordinator. “Because of our relationship with Ukranian first responders, we appreciate the donation of this equipment by MSA Safety. It will go a long way in helping protect emergency workers as they help to protect civilian lives,” Hoyland said.

Stephanie Sciullo, chief legal officer and VP of corporate social responsibility and public affairs for MSA, noted that in addition to the product donation, the company is also providing support through other humanitarian efforts, like the International Red Cross. “In the spirit of our mission, we are extending our support to those in need through multiple humanitarian efforts to help ease the burden so many are facing.”

FIA commends UK’s efforts towards Ukraine fire fighters

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The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has lauded the efforts of UK’s fire industry in its efforts to assist firefighters in Ukraine.

The FIA CEO Ian Moore said it has been an “honour and a humbling experience”. As he lauded members for contributing not just equipment but other resources as well.

“The whole of the fire industry has come together to support the UK deployment of aid through Fire Aid, our charity partner,” Moore said in an official statement on the FIA’s website.

“It has been both an honour and humbling experience to be part of a truly collaborative humanitarian response from the UK.  We are incredibly proud of our sector for their determined and unified effort to help the fire fighters of Ukraine,” he added.

Fire Aid and International Development (Fire Aid), along with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) are coordinating donations of more than 5,000 items of fire and rescue equipment and PPE which will be sent in convoy to Ukraine.  

Eighteen fire engines, thermal imaging cameras for finding victims, generators, lighting, hoses, rescue equipment, and thousands of sets of PPE are among the items being donated. Every fire service across the UK has stepped in to support these efforts.

Moore said: “Our members have donated time, money, and equipment to supporting the UK Fire Sector Humanitarian response, but most of all they have stood shoulder to shoulder, working alongside all of the great organisations, as a team with a clear objective: to help the fire fighters of Ukraine. We are all united in our desire to do this.”

UK fire services collect kits for Ukraine firefighters

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Fire services across the UK are donating thousands of items of kit and equipment to their counterparts in Ukraine.  

UK charity, FIRE AID and International Development (FIRE AID), and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) are coordinating donations of more than 5,000 items of fire and rescue equipment and PPE which will be sent in convoy to Ukraine.   

Eighteen fire engines, thermal imaging cameras for finding victims, generators, lighting, hoses, rescue equipment, and thousands of sets of PPE are among the items being donated. Every fire service across the UK has stepped in to support these efforts. 

The deployment of these donations is being supported by funding from the Home Office, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and the FIA Foundation, as well as through a public appeal via JustGiving – https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/KeepUkraineFireFightersSafe

Following a successful scoping visit to Poland conducted by FIRE AID volunteers this week, an initial convoy of three fire engines and a lorry of PPE and rescue equipment will depart the UK today, led by the Scottish Emergency Rescue Association (SERA).  

FIRE AID is then coordinating a subsequent convoy consisting of 15 fire engines and two lorries of equipment, donated by fire services across the UK, which will depart on 19th March. 40 UK firefighters will join FIRE AID volunteers as part of the team driving the vehicles across Europe, where it will be received by the Polish State Fire Service and transferred to Ukraine.  

When it reaches Ukraine, the equipment will be used to support firefighters, emergency services and volunteers who are battling together on the front line, often using old or worn equipment. They are dealing daily with fires and other emergencies to protect lives, people and property as the invasion devastates the country.  

Claire Hoyland, project manager, FIRE AID said: “FIRE AID and its members have over 25 years of experience responding to requests for aid and support for emergency services in over 50 countries. Following the invasion of Ukraine, our members immediately mobilised to gather equipment and aid to donate to their Ukrainian counterparts. FIRE AID members have been working in partnership with the Ukrainian emergency services since 2012 and we are proud to be coordinating this unprecedented emergency response on behalf of the UK Fire Sector.” 

Priti Patel, Home Secretary, said: “The British Government and British people are standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and its citizens during this barbaric invasion. 

“I have been speaking regularly to my counterpart at Ukraine’s Interior Ministry and the Ukrainian Ambassador in London to understand what practical help we can offer. 

“We are helping to ensure that crucial fire and rescue equipment and PPE donated by Fire and Rescue Services will get to where it can directly provide succour to those brave firefighters, emergency services and volunteers on the front line in Ukraine.” 

Mark Hardingham, chair, National Fire Chiefs Council said: “As the terrible scenes unfold in Ukraine, the UK fire and rescue service is once again doing all it can to support those who urgently need help. The response has been incredible and it is testament to the public, private and voluntary sectors combining resources, enthusiasm and skills in response to the crisis. Thousands of items of kit and equipment – along with fire engines – have been donated to help the Ukrainian emergency services, battling together on the front line, as they strive to save lives and protect people and property.  

“I cannot express how proud I am of everyone who has come together to support this; from getting the equipment together, the hard work which has gone into ensuring the logistics of one of the largest convoys we have seen, to volunteering to be part of the journey itself. This is our sector at its very best – selflessly working together and supporting one other – ultimately helping and hoping to save lives.” 

The wider fire sector – including the MSA Safety, Fire Sector Federation (FSF), the Fire and Rescue Suppliers [FIRESA] Council and the Fire Industry Association (FIA) – are also key partners in supporting and making the deployment. 

London fire: How Europe’s longest ladder and a fire escape hood helped

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More than 125 firefighters locked horns with a blaze in East London as they successfully evacuated 60 people were from a tower block as a large fire broke out.

A fire broke out in the tower block of flats and offices on Whitechapel High Street in Aldgate East on Monday afternoon with large flames could be seen fanning out of the 17th floor of the building. Dramatic footage from onlookers showed falling burning had fallen to the ground.

In its aid firefighters deployed a 64m (210ft) ladder, which is being touted as Europe’s largest. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said a woman had to be given ‘fire survival advice’ until firefighters got to her as she was trapped on the 17th floor.

Chris Jenner, station commander, told the BBC: “Fire crews used a fire escape hood to help lead the woman to safety via the internal staircase.”

A fire escape hood offers up to 15 minutes protection from fire gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen chloride and acrolein. They do not provide oxygen but temporarily filter toxic smoke to make breathing easier, LFB said.

London Ambulance Service said two patients were taken to hospital while two others were checked over at the scene.

Clifton firefighters launch statewide gear collection for counterparts in Ukraine

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Firefighters in Clifton, North Jersey have started a statewide gear collection drive to help their counterparts in Ukraine. 

Pat Trentacost, fire chief, Passaic said: “What I’m seeing is nothing less than miraculous as they’re working to remove victims with limited resources, regardless of the potential of being killed by Russian attack.”

Clifton’s fire chief Frank Prezioso reached out to enlist his help to collect surplus fire equipment for Ukraine’s fire service. Trentacost had seen photos of firetrucks and apparatus buried in rubble after Russian attacks.

Prezioso said the idea came from third-year Clifton firefighter Oleg Skachko, who emigrated from Ukraine when he was 14.

Skachko’s first thought was to gather personal protection equipment, also known as turnout gear, for Ukraine’s firefighters. He had been contacted by friends in Ukraine who knew he was a firefighter, and their requests resonated, first with him and later with his peers. 

In Ukraine, Skachko lived next to a fire station and when he moved to the US in 2022, he lived just down street from a Paterson fire station. He wanted to be a firefighter for as long as he could remember, he told NorthJersey.com. 

Clifton is taking the lead in organising the effort to collect equipment and has reached out to fire departments across the region. The aim is to get departments from around New Jersey to contribute equipment to help their firefighters in Ukraine. 

The worry is that as the war continues and resources are destroyed, firefighters would be forced to work in their street clothes.  

Passaic discovered that neck collars, backboards, bandages and other supplies would soon be in high demand. In terms of shipping, the heavy, bulky equipment is being shipped to nearby areas which will then be transported to Ukraine. This is because several airports in Ukraine were targeted by Russians forces early on in the invasion.