Weather stations rolled out across Victoria to help fire response

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProductsProjects

New weather stations are being rolled out across Victoria, Australia, to help fire agencies better respond to bushfires and carry out planned burns.

The 10 new portable and remote-automated weather stations include seven portable units which are to be used on location to help firefighters understand fire behaviour and measure weather conditions. The remaining three weather stations are to be static and remote automated, permanently situated at Ballan, East Trentham, and Glenburn where there are no permanent weather stations.

The state government provided more than $680,000 to buy and maintain the Country Fire Authority (CFA)’s new weather units. CFA acting chief fire officer Gary Cook said understanding local weather conditions was fundamental to safely and successfully controlling fires.

Mr Cook said the new automated weather stations would provide data where the Bureau of Meteorology’s weather stations are lacking.

“We use the bureau sites, but this allows us to put more into the field and connect back into the bureau with that information, just to give us a better route of what’s happening across the state,” said Cook. The acting chief fire officer explained that the modern technology would be used in conjunction with current portable, handhold tools in vehicles that are also used to monitor weather conditions, and called the technology embedded into these units “world-class”.

Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes said the units would generate more accurate predictions of where a fire might spread and more accurate local data for community warnings.

“We know that the more information that people have about conditions leads to better safety outcomes,” Symes said. To have seven portable devices we can really deploy them around the state on an as-needed basis.”

Heathcote fire brigade captain Carl Watkins said the portable weather stations will prove extremely useful: “We’re 30 kilometres from the nearest weather station so for localised weather it will be terrific for us. It will give us real-time information that’ll help us on the fireground. It will be a lot more accurate — what the weather’s doing, where you are. It’ll change how we deal with fires.”

Heathcote CFA volunteers travel large distances to fight fires, including at least one 200-hectare bushfire a year.

Drager wins iF design awards for PSS AirBoss and HPS Safeguard

by Featured NewsProducts

Dräger has been awarded two iF Design Awards for its PSS AirBoss self-contained breathing apparatus and HPS SafeGuard helmet for excellence in their respective idea, form, function, differentiation and impact.

Dräger’s PSS AirBoss achieved its iF Design Award for its ‘high adaptability to the user’s ergonomics, needs and mission, providing the best possible protection and agility in challenging environments’. The judges also reported that it has ‘excellent weight distribution and optimal fit which allow the user to operate freely and fully concentrate on the task at hand’. PSS AirBoss’ communication links, highly-visible decals and integrated lighting were also said to support teamwork and safety. 

The ultra-light Dräger HPS SafeGuard helmet was commended for an ‘innovative design that combines optimal protection with the highest levels of wearing comfort’. It was also praised for the design’s ‘optimal operability’ even in the most challenging of environments, and ‘excellent ergonomics’. Overall, the judges reported that its ‘sporty look, lightweight and tailor-made accessories make the helmet a real all-rounder for any challenge’.

Elizabeth Millward, Marketing Manager at Dräger Safety UK, says the awards are a testament to years of development: “The research and development and design process happens in conjunction with fire services, industry, medical and educational organisations to ensure that our safety products and systems deliver the utmost in safety – crucially – whilst also providing user comfort for a wide variety of heights, weights and body forms. We’re immensely pleased to have been recognised in such a prestigious international awards’ scheme.”

The iF Design Awards are recognised as a symbol of design excellence around the world, with this year’s entries coming from a total of 49 countries. Each entry is scored during a three-day process where submissions are evaluated, discussed and scored in the Wilhelm Hallen exhibition space in Berlin by 75 international design experts.

Protective coating market to reach $16.7bn by 2030

by Featured NewsSafety

The global protective coatings market size, which was valued at USD $12.2 billion in 2021, is expected to reach USD $16.7 billion by 2030, recording an estimated CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 3.40% over the forecast period (2022–2030), according to Straits Research.

The protective coating is widely used in construction, oil & gas, aerospace, industrial, marine, automotive, power generation, mining, and protects a range of surfaces from the elements, which could jeopardise an item’s operation or integrity. The building industry’s global expansion has boosted demand for protective coatings dramatically.

A growing demand for green coatings has driven the market. Green coatings are formulations that have been designed to have the least amount of environmental impact possible throughout their supply chain. These coatings are eco-friendly throughout their entire life cycle and in addition to raw materials and emissions, green coatings have reduced fire risk during handling and storage.

Asia-Pacific now has the dominant position in the global protective coatings market and is expected to witness the highest CAGR during the 2022-2030 forecast period. It is predicted to reach a value of USD $8,825 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 4.3%.

China is a key hub for chemical processing in the Asia-Pacific and accounts for a significant proportion of the chemicals produced globally. With the increasing need for various chemicals worldwide, the demand for protective coating from this sector is expected to rise during the forecast period.

North America holds the second-largest share in the regional market and is estimated to reach a predicted value of USD $3,475 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 2.9%. Protective coatings have a significant demand from the United States construction sector compared to the other countries in North America due to their larger market size and active investments in the development of the construction sector.

Europe takes third place in the market with estimated value to reach of USD $2,750 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 2.7%. The chemical industry in Germany is the largest in Europe. Germany is the primary chemical manufacturer, accounting for more than 70% of all chemical exports from Europe.

In the future years, the industry is predicted to expand, which will increase demand for the market under consideration. The market analysed is expected to grow over the projection period, thanks to increased demand from major end-user industries.

National Fire Protection Association announced theme for Fire Prevention Week

by ActiveFeatured News

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape” as the theme for Fire Prevention Week which takes place on 9-15 October. The initiative is designed to reinforce the critical importance of developing a home escape plan with all members of the household and practicing it regularly.

According to NFPA data, home is where people are at greatest risk, with three-quarters (74 percent) of all US fire deaths occurring in homes. When a home fire does occur, it’s more likely to be serious; people are more likely to die in a home fire today than they were in 1980.

“Today’s homes burn faster and hotter than they used to, minimizing the amount of time they have to escape safely,” aid Lorraine Carli, vice president of the NFPA Outreach and Advocacy division. “In a typical home fire, you may have as little as two minutes to get out from the time the smoke alarms sounds.”

The Fire Prevention Week 2022 theme, “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape,” promotes messages that the NFPA said could mean the difference between life and death in a fire. Developing a home escape plan with all members of the household and practicing it regularly ensures that everyone knows what to do when the smoke alarm sounds and uses that time wisely.

Following are key messages behind this year’s “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape” theme:

  • Make sure your home escape plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
  • Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound.
  • Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.
  • Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet.
  • Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. Practice at least once during the day and at night.

As the biggest annual campaign at NFPA, Fire Prevention Week works to educate people about the leading risks to home fires and ways they can better protect themselves and their loved ones. Local fire departments are invited to play a key role in bringing Fire Prevention Week to life in their communities each year and spreading basic but critical fire safety messages.

To learn more about Fire Prevention Week, its 100th anniversary, and this year’s theme, “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape,” visit www.nfpa.org/fpw.

Global fire extinguishers market to grow at rate of 5.6%

by Breaking NewsProducts

The fire extinguishers market is expected to witness market growth at a rate of 5.60% in the forecast period of 2022 to 2029 according to a Data Bridge Market Research report.

The market report provides analysis and insights regarding the various factors expected to be prevalent throughout the forecast period while providing their impacts on the market’s growth, with rapid urbanisation cited as a key driver for escalating the growth of fire extinguishers market.

Another cause for market growth is the increase in the number of fire fatalities in homes and businesses across the globe as the introduction of new safety norms by government to prevent any unexpected incident on account of fire outbreaks.

The expansion from prominent companies of product portfolio by including compact, lightweight and cost-efficient fire extinguishers, and investment in merger and acquisitions to expand their consumer-base is also likely to influence the market.

Additionally, increase in food expenditure, change in lifestyle, surge in the disposable income of people and growing awareness positively affect the fire extinguishers market.

Furthermore, increases in preference for eco-friendly and gas- or powder-based fire extinguishers are expected to extend profitable opportunities to the market players in the forecast period of 2022 to 2029.

However, increased price of raw material is expected to cause issues for the market growth as the report says that risk in terms of mild respiratory, skin, or eye irritation is projected to challenge the fire extinguishers market in the forecast period of 2022-2029.

North America dominates the fire extinguishers market because of the rise in construction activities within the region.

Asia-Pacific is expected to witness growth during the forecast period of 2022 to 2029 due to the implementation of strict fire norms in the region.

Rosenbauer showcases PANTHER electric at INTERSCHUTZ

by EventsFeatured NewsProductsVehicles

Rosenbauer is showcasing the first PANTHER 6×6 with electric driveline at Interschutz this week.

The development of the electric model follows an agreement among International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Airports Council International (ACI), and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the goal of net zero emissions by 2050 in global aviation.

According to the ACI, some airports 100 want to be climate-neutral as early as 2030, including, for example, Amsterdam, Delhi, London City, Marseille, Rome, Vancouver and all Norwegian and Finnish airports. The ADV airports in Germany are aiming for a joint CO2 reduction of 65%, and by 2045 they want to have achieved the goal of “climate neutrality”.

The electrification of ground support (ground vehicles), which includes the fleet of ARFF vehicles, promises to be one of the biggest levers in this regard. Rosenbauer is also convinced that this measure will play a key role in the “green recovery” of airports after the Covid 19 pandemic.

Safety and performance

Airport operators and fire departments from all over the world were involved in the design of the PANTHER 6×6 electric right from the start.

Safety is also the top priority for the PANTHER electric, and there can be no compromises in performance either. Rosenbauer said it was clear from the very beginning that the PANTHER electric had to meet all global standards for ARFF vehicles and that no compromises would be made with regard to the performance of the overall system, even in purely electric operation.

According to Rosenbauer, the development of the PANTHER 6×6 electric was only made possible by the fact that drivelines, on-board networks and electrical components are now available that can also meet the high performance requirements of an ARFF vehicle.

Despite the increasing electrification in the commercial vehicle sector, the required electrical power demand proved to be a challenge.

Rosenbauer decided to create its own e-drive platform for the PANTHER electric in order to get the best out of the electric components.

The vehicle manufacturer’s development partner is Magna, one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers and mobility technology groups. Rosenbauer and Magna will further develop a scalable modular system for the PANTHER, which can be used to electrify not only the PANTHER 6×6 but also other variants in the future.

Refined design

Compared to its predecessor, the PANTHER Electric emphasizes the sheer power and permanent operational readiness of the vehicle with a somewhat more angular and aggressive front as well as clear, simply defined lines and surfaces.

It features a new lighting concept from the airfield projector lamp and the scene lighting to the rear lighting makes the PANTHER electric more visible and safer. The paintwork of the technological leader also symbolizes the transition from the last PANTHER generation, presented at Interschutz 2015, to the new one.

At the front, the PANTHER 6×6 electric is still decorated in black, similar to the trade fair vehicle at the time. From the rear, practically from the engine compartment, comes the new energy, which is expressed with the colour turquoise.

The next steps

Rosenbauer said: “The transition of the concept vehicle to series development will take place over the next two years, with sales of the PANTHER 6×6 electric starting in 2024. For the pre-series, too, Rosenbauer will cooperate with innovation partners, as it has successfully done with the RT, and will incorporate the findings from the test operations under real conditions into the development work and the set-up of series production.”

Online courses to reduce wildfire risk to property launched by NFPA

by Featured NewsTraining

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is helping serve the need for information and knowledge toward wildfire safety with the launch of two new online learning courses thanks to a Fire Prevention and Safety Grant from FEMA.

Developed with the help of wildfire safety experts and based on the latest structure ignition research, the new courses are hoped to reach millions of Americans living and working in areas prone to wildfire, motivating them to take action to help reduce structure loss and community devastation.

The new courses supplement NFPA’s wildfire safety programs, including the national Firewise USA Recognition Program, and support the tenets of its Outthink Wildfire policy initiative by dramatically increasing public access to wildfire risk reduction education.

“There are nearly 45 million American homes at high risk to damage from wildfire, and many people in these areas have no easy access to risk reduction training or education,” said NFPA Wildfire Division Director Michele Steinberg.

“Digital delivery can reach millions directly, helping expand their knowledge of wildfire causes and disaster prevention strategies. Most importantly, the trainings engage people in safety actions long before a fire starts, spurring much needed risk-reduction measures at the property and neighborhood levels.”

Reducing Wildfire Risk to Property: Protecting Your Home or Business

This course is designed to educate homeowners, business owners, and property managers on the key factors that determine risk to property from wildfire, steps they can take to protect their homes and businesses, and tips on how to share the information with other community members. An Individual Property Protection Plan is built into the course, which offers tailored, practical steps to help prevent the destruction of property.

The course also comes with a mobile app, the “NFPA Wildfire Risk Simulator” that includes an interactive 3D and augmented reality (AR) tool illustrating wildfire risk to structures. Users can select the environment, type of structure, and other details that most closely match their own scenario. As the simulated wildfire approaches, users will see the variables that help contribute to the destruction of their virtual home or building. Based on this learning, users can then adjust those variables for a more successful outcome.

Reducing Wildfire Risk to Property: Professional Online Training

This course is designed for wildfire mitigation professionals who want to increase their knowledge and confidence in evaluating wildfire risk in their communities and effectively communicating with property owners and community leaders.

The two-hour self-guided online training includes dynamic videos, animations, and graphics that illustrate key concepts of wildfire spread, structure ignition, and risk reduction. Interactive exercises help users practice how to communicate risk and mitigation options to home and business owners and guide them to take effective steps to protect their property.

This course provides continuing education units that can support job requirements as well as the maintenance of the NFPA Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist (CWMS) credential.

To learn more about reducing wildfire risk to property and to register for these free courses, visit nfpa.org/wildfirepreparedness.

Officials break ground on $3.5m fire station in Edinburgh, Indiana

by Americas - ProjectsFeatured News

Edinburgh officials have broken ground on the new Edinburgh Fire Station 41 in Indiana on County Road 900 North. The town’s fire operations are set to be relocated to the new property from its current location at 203 S. Walnut Street when works are completed.

The project is expected to cost $3.5 million dollars and is being funded by the down with a Build Operate Transfer (BOT) agreement. The agreement will mean that a developer funds and arranges financing for the project and when it is complete it becomes the property of the town. The town will then pay back the financed amount over 10 years at a 2.5% interest rate, said Dan Cartwright, town manager.

Cartwright said that the new building will provide more space for equipment and personal space for each of the firefighters, following the decision in recent years to have firefighters on duty 24/7. The new site will give firefighters have a modern living space with separate sleeping rooms.

“Well, our firefighters have been living in really substandard conditions. It’s a really old fire station, with no separate sleeping rooms, and it’s just very jam packed so they were in desperate need of a new one,” said Cartwright.

Edinburgh Fire Chief John Henderson said: “I couldn’t be happier that the council has supported the idea of really giving these guys proper accommodations to consolidate our equipment and to make them feel more comfortable while working.”

He added: “We hope this is a recruitment opportunity, we’ve talked to other departments and they have invested like this as well and were able to recruit more. We hope that happens, we are going to start another fire training program in July to train some of our own.”

Construction on the station is expected start in July and the station is expected to be complete by May 2023, Cartwright added.

Head of Trinidad and Tobago Fire Services Association calls wage increase ‘woefully inadequate’

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Commenting on the four per cent wage hike proposed on Wednesday by Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) Dr Daryl Dindial, Trinidad and Tobago Fire Services Association head Leo Ramkissoon said the proposal was ‘disappointing’.

Speaking to Newsday after meeting with Dindial, Ramikssoon noted that whilst the increase was an improvement of the CPO’s previous offer of two per cent (to all public sector workers) but fell short of the 15 per cent sought by the association.

He told Newsday: “What was offered was two per cent in 2016 and two per cent in 2019. The remainder of the years is zero, zero, zero, zero. It is a four per cent over six years.

“It is an improvement from the initial offer of two percent over eight years.

“But it is woefully inadequate in meeting the buying power which would have eroded well by over 40 per cent.”

He said the association will now respond to the CPO and then move the negotiating process forward and that the association was unfazed by the CPO allegedly saying that any failure of these negotiations would lead to the matter ending up in court, adding: “There is always the court of public opinion.”

On the sought after 15 per cent rise, Ramikssoon said under the Industrial Relations Act, his association would calculate their due wage-hike based on other workers such as estate police in the public sector, in bodies such as TTEC, TSTT and the Airport Authority. “Based on the average market shift for a comparable period, you can the market in TT had on average a 15 per cent market shift, a 15 per cent shift in salaries over that period,” he explained.

He added: “We are hoping the government really maintains dialogue and continues to negotiate in good faith. I must admit that starting off at this point does not lend itself to a very promising process, but we are still hoping good sense will prevail and the State will take on board all of the circumstances that employees face and treat with us fairly.”

Bollé Safety publishes its first carbon footprint

by Featured NewsProducts

In the wake of the launch of its Go Green ESG approach, the Bollé Safety brand, leader in eye protection, published its first carbon footprint (scope 1, 2 & 3), which was evaluated at 25,000 tons per year. The first observation will help inform what steps to take to transform a market in which Bollé Safety has said it wishes to position itself as a leader.

In 2021, the global eye protection brand launched its Go Green plan. One of the first steps of this plan was to have its CO2 emissions (scope 1, 2 & 3) assessed by UTOPIES, an independent consulting firm. What the carbon footprint shows: To develop and produce eyewear for 20 million wearers worldwide, the brand emits 25,000 tons of Co2 per year.

The emissions are divided between the use of raw materials (39%), production (35%),  transport (15%), distribution (6%) and the end of the products’ life (5%). This first significant insight into its greenhouse gas emissions will serve as a reference for the company for future assessments. Beyond its environmental impact, the company’s CSR program, which is aiming for B Corp certification in 2024, is built around a true corporate vision.

Participating in the transformation of its market towards a more responsible industry is one of Bollé Safety’s ambitions. The company has set itself the goal of reducing its carbon emissions by 30% by 2027. As a member of the UN Global Compact (a United Nations initiative encouraging companies to have a responsible attitude), the company has developed a plan in three axes: Measure, Act and Transform. It is based on several pillars and concrete actions.

“As a major player in the market, Bollé Safety has a real role to play in the transformation of the market. Internal initiatives as well as innovation around the manufacturing, packaging, routing, and recycling of our products are crucial,” commented Quentin Chapelain, Bollé Safety’s ESG Manager.