Posts tagged: breathing apparatus

IFSJ looks at Semmco’s innovative short-term breathing apparatus that is helping get people to safety

The UK’s HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) faces significant challenges in balancing the safeguarding of lives and maintaining order in prisons.

To address these challenges, they have turned to innovative solutions, notably partnering with Semmco Life Protection Systems, a UK manufacturer of short duration breathing apparatus.

In 2023, Semmco was awarded a £10 million contract by HMPPS, highlighting their commitment to improving safety across the prison estates in England and Wales.

Semmco’s HEAD RPE/CSRE escape breathing set has been particularly impactful in transforming the prison service.

Its design is simple, reliable, and unobtrusive, poised to revolutionise emergency responses in UK prisons and potentially in other institutions worldwide.

This marks a crucial advancement towards creating safer and more resilient penal institutions.

Semmco’s General Manager Carl Bennett and Communications Manager Sarah McOnie elaborate on this development in a discussion with IFSJ Editor Iain Hoey, showcasing Semmco’s role in enhancing prison safety.

History

Founded in 1993, Semmco Life Protection Systems initially focused on testing rather than manufacturing breathing apparatus.

The company accepted various contracts, collaborating with major companies such as British Airways and forming partnerships abroad, like with Langsdale in South Africa.

The journey wasn’t smooth, particularly after the demise of their Langsdale collaborator, which disrupted plans to introduce a chemical oxygen breather for the UK mining industry.

This setback, however, planted the seeds for Semmco’s pursuit of a more efficient, user-friendly breathing apparatus.

McOnie reflects on this pivotal moment, saying: “Stuart had the idea of trying to make a breather that was better because the one that they made was a traditional nose clip and mouthpiece.”

In 1995-96, a crucial development occurred when Semmco received a Smart Award from the government, providing £96,000 for product development.

“It was such a huge amount of money,” McOnie reminisces.

This funding was pivotal in transitioning their concept into a tangible product.

Carl Bennett, Semmco’s General Manager, who joined the company in 1996, speaks about the evolution of their unique product, emphasising Stuart’s vision for a chemical oxygen escape set.

The innovation that distinguished Semmco was their twin generator system.

Bennett describes the development process: “The challenge was really the generator and how to incorporate it with a hood.

We split the generator into two.”

This led to a second Smart Award and the launch of their first 10-minute escape set for the industrial market in 2001.

Another unique feature was the breathing bag positioned around the back of the neck, inspired by travel pillows on long-haul flights, McOnie shares.

Despite their innovative product, Semmco faced challenges in a market dominated by established breathing apparatus players.

They secured contracts with power stations and gained exposure on Tomorrow’s World, which helped the business grow.

However, the long lifespan of their products, up to 12 years in industrial settings, presented a business challenge, as McOnie acknowledges: “You have got to keep finding more and more customers.”

Turning point

In 2006, Semmco’s journey took a significant turn when their Head 10 set was showcased at a trade show, capturing the interest of the Irish and UK prison services.

These services were seeking an alternative to their Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) systems, which were cumbersome, costly to maintain, and demanded extensive training.

The goal was to find a more efficient means for evacuating inmates during cell fires, a task the existing systems struggled with due to high costs and limited usability.

Semmco’s Head 10 Escape set stood out as a viable option, offering simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and wider applicability among prison staff.

After successful trials, the Irish prison service noted several advantages of this new system.

However, existing regulations within Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and breathing apparatus did not allow escape sets to be used for ‘work’ activities, such as rescue operations and firefighting.

A collaborative effort between the Irish and UK prison services and the Health and Safety Executive led to a new specification that aligned with the Head 10.

This specification resulted in a competitive tender process in which Semmco was ultimately chosen, then developing a product that passed rigorous testing in Germany and earned its CE mark.

The product’s impact has been vast: over 6,500 sets are in use across the Irish and UK prison services, with the UK service using and refurbishing about 70 sets weekly.

This success led to the establishment of Semmco Life Protection Systems, focusing on manufacturing these headsets and expanding their range for various industrial applications.

In 2023, Semmco was re-awarded the prison services contract, a testament to their enduring impact and success since their initial contract win in 2006.

The Head 10 Escape Set

The Head 10 Escape set by Semmco represents a significant advancement in the market of breathing apparatus, combining simplicity with ingenious design for safety and ease of use.

Bennett, detailing the product’s features, emphasised its compact nature: “Everything is on the hood.

You’re not carrying anything with you – no cylinder hanging off the side.

It’s all compact on the hood.”

The device’s design includes a panoramic visor for unobstructed peripheral vision, crucial in escape situations.

It also features a latex neck seal to prevent external atmosphere infiltration.

Bennett explains: “Once you’ve got the hood on, you’re protected from any of the atmosphere that’s around you, that’s not going to come in past the neck seal as long as it’s tight around your neck.”

Operating on a closed circuit, the set uses an oral nasal mask to cover the mouth and nose.

The user’s breath is directed through a flow circuit, with a three-way pore ensuring a closed breathing system.

Bennett describes this process: “It’s your breathing in a closed circuit because you’re breathing from the mask, through the generator, into the reservoir bag.”

A standout feature of the Head 10 Escape set is its ability to convert exhaled carbon dioxide into oxygen.

Using KO2 generators that react to moisture in breath, it scrubs CO2 and generates fresh oxygen.

Bennett notes: “We create far more oxygen than we can actually breathe, the reservoir bag, over time, inflates fully like a balloon.”

An additional safety feature is an integrated alarm system with LEDs and a sounder, alerting users about the remaining time to reach safety.

“It flashes and beeps at two thirds duration,” Bennett notes.

The packaging of the device is crucial for its longevity.

Sealed in an airtight container with dry nitrogen and vacuum-sealed in high-grade foil, it includes a humidity indicator to signal any compromise in packaging integrity.

The Head 10 is designed for refurbishment and reuse, especially in high-use environments like prisons.

“They return them to us, we have to strip the set down completely and replace certain elements to make it new again,” Bennett explains.

The future of Semmco

Looking to the future, Semmco aims to establish itself as a leading expert in the escape market, focusing on creating specialised and intuitive products that enhance safety in emergencies.

Unlike many manufacturers in the breathing apparatus industry who target large-scale markets like long-duration BA and respirators, Semmco has chosen to specialise in the niche escape market, avoiding saturated competition.

McOnie says: “We’re developing and providing products that are of exceptionally high quality, work really well, and give the wearer that extra freedom.”

Semmco’s products are designed for ease of use and simplicity, akin to a fire extinguisher, allowing users to concentrate on escaping hazardous situations.

Currently, the marine sector is a significant focus for Semmco, especially with the launch of the Emergency Escape Breathing Device (EEBD).

This product, intended for single use, offers substantial business opportunities, particularly for ships that need backup sets.

“It’s a slightly different offering, but it’s a huge potential,” says McOnie.

Expanding their reach, Semmco is also targeting water authorities, laboratory industries, and chemical pharmaceutical companies, where their working rescue products are relevant.

Their equipment is particularly suited for confined spaces like vessels, tunnels, labs, or rooms.

Semmco’s goal is to serve industries with health and safety compliance needs, providing efficient and reliable escape solutions.

“If you can get out in 10 minutes, then we’re the solutions,” Bennett adds.

He also notes the advantage of its products in rescue operations, particularly in situations where attempting to help can result in becoming a casualty.

The combination of two of their products can yield highly efficient results in such scenarios.

Drawing from real-world experiences in the prison service and other sectors, Semmco’s product range offers reliable and proven solutions.

These products are designed to provide security and peace of mind, even though they are hoped never to be needed.

As Semmco continues to innovate and explore new markets, it remains committed to delivering high-quality, reliable, and life-saving products.

This article was originally published in the January 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

The Fire Brigades Union expresses concerns about the new guidelines that could compromise firefighters’ safety.

Fire Brigades Union voices concerns about new guidelines for firefighters

The Fire Brigades Union has expressed relief following the Health and Safety Executive’s decision to look into the latest breathing apparatus policy adopted by the Fire and Rescue Service.

Introduced by the National Fire Chiefs Council, this policy would direct firefighters to approach fires without immediately activating their breathing apparatus.

During high-rise fire interventions, it’s a standard procedure for the Fire Brigade to establish a ‘bridgehead’ at a secure location within the building.

Traditionally, firefighters would run a series of checks and enable their breathing apparatus before moving closer to the flames.

However, the newly suggested guidelines would instruct them to proceed without this essential step.

Several cities decline to implement the new breathing apparatus procedure

The proposed change might endanger firefighters, exposing them to threats like smoke before they can equip their breathing apparatus.

This could also mean greater contact with toxic fire pollutants.

Notably, fire authorities from cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester have already chosen not to adopt this new policy, but other locations seem poised to embrace it.

The Fire Brigades Union, after raising concerns in May 2022, waited over a year for a response from the Health and Safety Executive.

Initially, the HSE claimed that the issue was not their responsibility. However, recent developments show the HSE revising their initial stance.

They are now set to scrutinise the breathing apparatus policy closely.

In a subsequent correspondence with the FBU, the HSE admitted their previous approach had been insufficient and offered an apology to the union.

Throughout this phase, the Fire Brigades Union has consistently advised its members to ensure their safety. They recommend not venturing beyond the bridgehead without an activated breathing apparatus.

Statements from the Fire Brigades Union leaders

Ben Selby, Assistant General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, remarked: “We welcome the fact that the Health and Safety Executive has seen sense and decided to investigate this issue properly.

“The delays we encountered in addressing this critical safety concern were frankly unacceptable. It’s reassuring to see them now taking the necessary action. We urge all Fire and Rescue Services to reconsider this policy.”

Adding his thoughts, Riccardo la Torre, National Officer of the Fire Brigades Union, stated: “Changing the breathing apparatus safety procedures presents a significant risk to our firefighters.

“We remain committed to holding the Health and Safety Executive accountable and will challenge any service that looks to adopt this procedure.

“Our guidance to our members remains firm. As dedicated firefighters and BA wearers, they should avoid risking their safety without an activated breathing apparatus.”

IFSJ Comment

The evolving breathing apparatus guidelines and their potential impact on firefighter safety demonstrate the vital role of both regulation and advocacy.

The Fire Brigades Union’s persistent efforts underline the necessity of continuous dialogue and review in shaping policies that directly impact frontline workers.

IFSJ takes a look at the solutions from BAUER COMPRESSORS that keep firefighters’ air supply fresh

Necessity is the mother of invention, but sometimes invention can outgrow necessity. With the international outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, many companies rushed to create virtual solutions to overcome transportation restrictions, limitations on in-person contact, and supply chain issues.

Soon, fire chiefs were besieged with virtual reality (VR) options for training new recruits, sometimes confusing new technology for public safety, and more. For some in the industry, these new technologies could be overwhelming and rather than taking their inspiration from a preexisting demand, could be considered to fill a need where it did not exist.

With over 75 years of experience in manufacturing breathing air compressor systems, BAUER COMPRESSORS is not an amateur in the world of innovation. In fact, they were the force behind numerous technological introductions. “I’ve been in the breathing air industry for over 40 years, so I’m used to lots of old technology,” says Bill Dickson, the Vice President of Breathing Air Sales for BAUER COMPRESSORS.

“Well, times have changed, methods have changed, and at the end of the day what we’re trying to do is create solutions for the person at the end of the nozzle…to minimise their exposure to risk, if you will.”

One thing that sets BAUER apart is not only their leadership in producing new technology, but also their historic knowledge and investment in creating only what is necessary, with a reputation for responding and adapting to, the desires and feedback of firefighters.

BAUER is a company that is a leader in the industry after so many decades, which Dickson says is because it works consistently to regularly transform the industry for the better. BAUER continues to evolve by responding to new challenges, fueled by a desire to create the most dependable products in the industry.

BAUER B-VIRUS FREE

The pandemic brought a new awareness of the hazards of potential viruses, even in breathing air. Although breathing air goes through a rigorous purification process, this practice merely strips away the various unwanted gases and particulate matter and is not designed to target and inactivate viruses.

BAUER COMPRESSORS responded to this need with the first COVID-19 filtration system for breathing air compressors during the pandemic. The BAUER B-VIRUS FREE filtration system deactivates up to 99.9% of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the air intake section of the breathing air compressor using a specially designed UVC light source to destroy pathogens before the intake air section of the compressor, free of chemicals and ozone.

The UVC wavelength is absorbed into the pathogens’ DNA, where the photons destroy the bonds between the DNA strands of the virus, effectively preventing the virus from reproducing.

BAUER CONNECT 2.0

“When the firefighter is getting ready to fill the SCBA, they just scan it. And when they are finished at the end of the day, they use their Wi-Fi enabled handheld device to upload it to the BAUER cloud, giving them complete access to everything,” Dickson explains.

BAUER CONNECT is one remote option: an app and internet[1]based IoT solution that allows the user to remotely manage their entire breathing air compressor, purification, and SCBA filling system. The network can be accessed through any wireless mobile device or computer.

The BAUER CONNECT 2.0 update includes a new mobile “SCADA View” dashboard with a real-time display of the compressor system, improved historical reports functionality, a customer administrator function to manage users and access, and more. BAUER CONNECT 2.0 includes push notifications for instant alerts, as well as a remote HMI function for factory-trained personnel to control the system remotely for servicing upon request.

RFIDPro

BAUER’s RFIDPro data logging system gives a similar control. SCBA cylinders are scanned through the wireless handheld BAUER RFIDPro reader, which guides the user through the proper fill process. This allows fire departments to manage every aspect of their SCBA cylinders in real-time, including cylinder expirations, hydrotesting, and repairs, while eliminating the workload associated with manually logging SCBA fills and inspections.

Dickson says: “We have products that will enable the end user to electronically monitor and/or control the compressor system remotely. So if we have an unmanned volunteer fire department station, the fire chief can manage their compressor without being in front of the unit.”

BAUER ensures that each and every fire department’s data is completely secure, with cloud storage which is unique to each user, for total data integrity and compliance with data retention requirements. SSL data communication encryption between the RFIDPro server and user, along with SHA-256 password encryption with optional two-factor password authentication, provides the latest in state-of-the art network security.

The BAUER RFIDPro system keeps track of when the SCBA was put into service; when and where it was last filled; what pressure it was filled to; and more. The system also ensures that customers won’t be caught off guard, since RFIDPro alerts the user when the SCBA cylinder needs to be hydrotested, as well as when it has reached its expiration date. This allows the fire department to seamlessly log every SCBA fill event for convenience and accuracy, while maintaining compliance with NFPA 1989 regulations.

UNICUS 4i updates

The UNICUS 4i is one of the central solutions that BAUER has created for the fire service: an all-in-one compressor and filling station, controlled by a centrally located touchpad. The password-protected 15-inch HMI is around the same size as a laptop or computer screen, and can control the entire filling process – including the on-board air storage system, SCBA filling rate, and pressure.

“The compressors’ [HMI] control system is connected to the internet, when so equipped. So [the individual] can physically log into the compressor remotely to see what’s going on with [it]…maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnosing, things such as that nature,” Dickson tells.

In response to firefighters’ safety concerns with the compressor systems of the past, Dickson notes that the BAUER containment SCBA fill station is designed, proof[1]tested, and built in accordance with the latest edition of NFPA 1901, maximising firefighter safety and security during the SCBA fill process.

“We designed the SCBA containment fill stations to totally contain the fragments of a ruptured 5500 PSIG SCBA,” says Dickson. The fill station, when ordered with SCBA RFID data logging, has antennas integrated into the SCBA holders, such that during the fill process, data on the pressure and other metrics are uploaded automatically to the HMI and then to a cloud-based database specifically for the fire department.

The system also comes standard with BAUER’s unique auto-cascade function capable of handling up to 7000 PSIG (482 bar) service, precisely controllable by firefighters on the HMI touchscreen. The system will automatically direct air to-and-from the storage system, and compressor, without having to manually manipulate and monitor panel-mounted valves and pressure gauges. HMI keypad actuation will automatically send air from the onboard storage system down to the SCBA cylinders being filled by the UNICUS 4i.

In the event of a total power failure, the systems all come with a manual bypass system, ensuring that the fire department is still in service and able to utilise the stored air during electric outages.

75 years of support

Fire departments across Europe have their own specific regulations and codes. BAUER has responded to this diversity with a series of solutions adapted to meet a variety of needs, utilising the latest technological advancements. “We build to the customer’s requirements…because everybody’s requirements are different,” says Dickson.

BAUER’s vertically integrated approach to manufacturing allows for independence and control, while strengthening the support they can offer each and every fire department. With a 24/7 customer service line, ISO 9001 certified facilities, and a distribution network spread internationally, BAUER is a company that works to ensure that invention will not outpace support.