UK Fire industry marks 5-year anniversary of Grenfell Tower fire

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsIndustry Sectors

Today (14 June 2022) marks five years since the Grenfell Tower fire of 2017. The five year anniversary is being acknowledged by organisations from across the fire industry.

Grenfell United – a group made up of survivors and bereaved from the 72 people who died in the fire – are holding a Silent Walk which will begin at Notting Hill Methodist Church at 18:30, and participants are being asked to wear something green to show support. The group is inviting members of the community and anyone who would like to join to take part in Silent Walk, as “the community continues to heal and fight for justice”.

In a joint statement, the British Approvals For Fire Equipment (BAFE) and FireQual paid its respects to all those affected by the fire. Justin Maltby-Smith, Managing Director at BAFE also commented on the Building Safety Act: “Whilst many requirements of the new legislation will not come into effect until April 2023, it is important to begin working as if this is in effect now. This is due to the length of projects that will crossover this date, so it is in your best interest to, if not already, introduce a new regime regarding safe working and competency expectations behind this.”

Pete Wolfenden, a firefighter who responded to the Grenfell Tower fire, said: “It’s been five years since the Grenfell Tower fire and the thoughts and wishes go out from all London firefighters and fire control staff personnel to the survivors and friends and family of those who lost their lives in this appalling incident, the worst domestic blaze in living memory.

“We also remember the brave and courageous members of all the emergency services who attended on the night and subsequent days, some of who still suffer Ill health and bear the mental scars of attending that traumatic incident.”

Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said: “Firefighters and the Grenfell community have a bond that was forged in tragedy, and the Fire Brigades Union stands in solidarity with all bereaved, survivors and residents. Today on the fifth anniversary of the fire, it is a time for reflection, and to remember all those who lost their lives, and the loved ones they left behind.

“Their legacy lives on in the fight for justice. The community have faced constant denials from those responsible for Grenfell being covered in cladding as flammable as petrol. They have faced a wait for criminal charges that continues to this day. They inspire us all with their relentless fight for justice and we continue to stand in solidarity with them every step of the way.”

London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe said: “Today as we mark the fifth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire, we remember the 72 people who lost their lives that night and our thoughts are with their family and friends, the survivors and the Grenfell community.

 “I have found the strength and dignity that the Grenfell community has shown in the face of such terrible loss humbling and inspiring.

 “I give my commitment that we will continue to listen and make changes to our service and work to drive improvements in the built environment to ensure such a tragedy can never happen again.” 

Mark Hardingham, NFCC Chair, commented: “It is hard to believe five years have passed since the devastating fire at Grenfell Tower.

“Today I will be taking time to reflect on the tragedy and remember the 72 people who lost their lives, those who were injured, along with the community who continue to be impacted by the terrible events that evening. The inquiry is ongoing and we continue to hear evidence which has been distressing for everyone involved. I hope that the findings will bring much-needed answers for families and friends.”

“We continue to work with government and fire and rescue services to improve how they respond to fires and the building safety regime, and ensure people feel safe in their homes.

And Dave Badillo, a firefighter who was one of the first on scene at the tragedy five years ago told the Guardian: “I truly believed Grenfell would be a turning point in the future of fire safety and building regulations in this country.

“But five years on, every time the bells go down I pray it’s not a high-rise fire. Because there’s a real chance it’s wrapped in flammable materials, and its fire doors and door closures aren’t compliant, a list of vulnerable residents is absent and there’s just one smoke-filled escape route. This leaves me helpless to rescue all the desperate families screaming for help.”

Government ‘aware of regulatory confusion’ around combustible material before Grenfell Tower fire – FBU

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsIndustry SectorsPassive

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has called the latest report into the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, released to the public today, “massively significant” evidence.

The FBU said that the report details previous cladding fires which can be viewed as missed opportunities to prevent Grenfell, and Building Research Establishment (BRE) failures around them. It also builds up a picture of BRE only doing work within contracts, and only specific things – close to client and government demands – within those contracts.

The report, written by Professor Luke Bisby, a professor of fire and structures at Edinburgh University and an expert witness to the inquiry, details the flaws with the BRE – the government’s former safety research and testing body that was privatised in 1997 – which was responsible for testing many of the cladding, insulation and other building materials used in the Grenfell refurbishment.

Bisby’s report concluded: “What emerges from this overview of the development of England’s building regulatory environment, and the major cladding fires that have occurred during the same period, is a picture of increasing freedom for industry…”. He also highlights a “profound lack of competence of actors” including the BRE [both page 253] and “powerful commercial and ideological objectives” to increase flexibility for industry.

The Fire Brigades Union said that many of these flaws can be explained by the privatisation of BRE and the creeping, increasing influence of the private sector in the BRE in the years running up to the completion of full privatisation.

Mark Rowe, Fire Brigades Union national officer, said: “Professor Bisby’s report details multiple failings on the BRE’s part in the run-up to Grenfell, failings which were caused – fundamentally – by private ownership and the increasing encroachment of the private sector. It is massively significant.

“We are clear: the BRE was not, and is not, fit for purpose, because it is privately-owned. It is vital that the BRE is taken back into public ownership and run for the public good, not profit.

“In the run-up to Grenfell their status as a private company meant that they were dependent on fee income from clients, such as Grenfell manufacturers. This made them too willing to please clients and too reluctant to challenge them or the information they provided. The BRE’s private status also meant it did not share information as it should have done, and there were basic failures of competence in vital areas.”

What is the report about?

The FBU breaks down the report, which is centred around Building Research Establishment failures, mainly in relation to key cladding fires:

Regarding the Knowsley Heights fire in 1991 the BRE “had a significant organisational incentive to enable overcladding solutions whilst being seen to mitigate their fire risks – rather than prohibit their use” (page 253), with the BRE having significant “reputational investment” here (p100), and the failure to “properly interrogate the key issues” here is “tragic” (p99).

According to Bisby the BRE report has a “striking absence of any explicit discussion regard the degree to which the GRP rainscreen product may have contributed fuel to the fire” (page 98). The GRP rainscreen product was later found to have contributed to the fire (also page 98). 

Bisby includes a handwritten note detailing a Department of Environment press office request to BRE to “play down the issue of the fire” (p104).

Following the Garnock Court fire in 1999 there were “surprising oversights” made by the BRE with regards to a lack of investigation of cladding and other materials, and possible implications for building regulation (p125). “It is not clear” why a later, more detailed set of reports was not properly communicated to government or Parliament by BRE (page 136).

Around this fire there was an insight into how BRE worked and prioritised work: “We are a private sector organisation; we are not part of government. Clearly, in days gone by, when we were part of DoE then this work was done and would have been done in the public interest without the need for formal contract. One regrets there are now commercial pressures that require clients to place formal contracts with us before we can undertake work.” (BRE comments to the select committee on Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs, page 131).

A BRE report on the Lakanal House fire “contains very little insight” into the roles of combustible materials in and on the walls in the fire’s development. Bisby expresses surprise that there was a lack of comment around the external fire spread at Lakanal (from p186 – para 1046, 1049, 1052, 1055, 1058) and the questions this should have raised in relation to building regulations.

The “BRE “External Fire Spread” Reports (2014-2016) are in places incomprehensible, and they appear to lack in any real insights or practical significance” (page 229).

As early as 2017 the BRE – as well as government – was aware of regulatory confusion that would later help lead to combustible material being used in the Grenfell refurbishment, but “it appears that little or no action was taken” by the BRE “to seek to highlight or mitigate this confusion or the resulting significant hazards” (page 255).

Blackline Safety announces equipment trade-in programme

by Featured NewsFirefighting EquipmentProducts

Blackline Safety Corp, a global leader in connected safety technology, has unveiled an equipment trade-in program designed to make it easier for fire departments and emergency response teams to acquire cutting-edge gas detection equipment and the monitoring software.

The Blackline Safety program allows fire departments and emergency response departments to trade in older safety monitoring equipment that is either end-of-life or not working properly, in exchange for credit towards the purchase of next-generation Blackline Safety G7 EXO area monitors or G7 personal gas detectors.

“Emergency responders are in a class of their own when it comes to safety,” said Blackline Safety Business Development Specialist Doug Mayer. “They need to be prepared to face any situation in order to protect not only themselves, but potentially the community at large. It’s critical they have the most advanced safety monitoring technology at their fingertips.”

The incentive is important because fire departments and response teams are relied on to use the best methods and equipment available to enhance safety, yet most are publicly funded and therefore have tight budgets. “We’re taking old equipment off their hands and giving them an affordable way to upgrade to a replacement that is leading edge,” Mayer explained.

The opportunity to upgrade also gives first responders access to equipment with longer battery life, ensuring it outlasts even the longest response scenario.

“In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to be prepared around the clock for the unexpected,” he said. “We can help and we offer free evaluations of all our technologies.”

More information about the trade-in program can be found at: www.blacklinesafety.com/refresh

Warringtonfire study finds new fire hazards in residential care homes

by Featured NewsPassive

Warringtonfire has completed the second in a series of three studies at the request of the Flemish Government, that focus on the fire safety in residential care buildings.

Pieter Poppe, Project Manager of the second study, also called the VIPA2 study, and Head of the Consultancy Department of the Institute for Fire Safety (ISIB), said: “We wanted to identify the effectiveness of smoke control measures by means of five large-scale fire tests and additional CFD-simulations (CFD: Computational Fluid Dynamics) as part of the evacuation strategy for non-self-reliant occupants of a residential care building.”

The results of the VIPA2 study revealed new ways of considering fire safety for more vulnerable members of society, such as citizens who reside within care buildings. Since common areas within these buildings can currently include combustible materials (e.g. kitchens, sofas, etc.), a possible fire hazard is inherent in these evacuation routes. This risk is currently not considered within the concept of the current (Belgian) fire safety regulations.

“The VIPA2 study has scientifically demonstrated the effectiveness of different kinds of applications of a smoke control system in a residential care building,” explained Poppe. “This kind of smoke control system is not only limited to residential care buildings, but can also be applied to all types of structures with similar geometry. Such application is not mentioned in any normative document related to Smoke and Heat Exhaust Ventilation systems (SHEV-system) and is therefore very innovative.”

This research, completed by Warringtonfire has informed a further third study, the VIPA3 study.

On the next study, Poppe said: “In the VIPA3 study, an assessment framework has been developed where minimum fire safety measures are determined as part of the evacuation strategy (i.e. immediate evacuation or Defend in Place) in case of non-self-reliant occupants of a residential care building. These fire safety measures can be active (e.g. residential smoke control system, fire screen, automatic extinguishing) or passive safety measures (e.g. fire resistant door, smoke control door, fire resistant damper).

“The effectiveness of the applied fire safety measures has been demonstrated through large-scale fire tests and additional CFD simulations (CFD: Computational Fluid Dynamics) as described in the VIPA1 and VIPA2 studies.”

The three studies will act as crucial stepping stones in creating a safer and more secure future for non-self-reliant individuals, by potentially guiding future regulations.

Exclusive Interview: Jason Traynor, General Manager, MSA Safety talks delivering durability

by Breaking NewsProducts

Jason Traynor, General Manager at MSA Safety, speaks exclusively with IFSJ about the company’s move into the fire protective clothing market and its plan for Interschutz

In 2017, MSA acquired Globe Manufacturing, marking its entrance into fire protective clothing for the North American market. Speaking to MSA Safety General Manager Jason Traynor, he says they learned a lot through that first acquisition and began developing a deeper understanding of how the company could influence the overall system of products worn by firefighters.

In the years that followed the Globe acquisition, MSA recognised the benefits of having a head-to-toe system for fire-fighting attire and set about creating a cohesive collection of products that, when combined, would work together to make the end-user experience as comfortable as possible without sacrificing the necessary safety features. To make this a reality, MSA acquired UK manufacturer Bristol Uniforms.

“We were very excited and anxious to enter the European norm fire protective gear market,” tells Traynor. “We wanted to get into the EMEA market, but we knew that for us to build it ourselves and start from scratch would be a really long path.”

Prior to the Bristol Uniforms acquisition, MSA was working the UK on building new breathing apparatus – the MSAM1 – and was getting input from the local market with end-users, working closely with customers in different areas of the region to gain insights into their specific wants and needs. Through this research, says Traynor, they learned a lot about the fire service in the UK and saw an opportunity to acquire the UK manufacturer and immediately gain a strong foothold in the fire protective gear market in a new region. In January 2021, MSA acquired Bristol Uniforms.

“We were really excited about the brand and the people that came through with the acquisition that are working to design garments, manufacture, and service the product,” Traynor enthuses. “There’s a lot of passion around fire protection clothing around MSA Bristol and we’re excited to be along that journey with them.”

Looking at competitors in the market, MSA realised there were very few multi-national competitors taking an all-in-one approach. The MSA team already has a well-established, high-performing sales team and channel partner network throughout Europe, the Middle East and the Asia Pacific – teams that have been selling breathing apparatus and fire helmets for many years.

“We were really excited to introduce our teams to Bristol Uniforms fire protective clothing,” says Traynor. “To have them better understand the complexities of fire protective clothing, to be able to go to their customers and clients with longstanding relationships with and let them know that they can come to MSA for this important product that’s part of our portfolio as well.”

The X4

As with any company with a global reach, there is never a one-size-fits-all approach. Traynor says MSA recognised the need to understand the differences between the UK and central Europe, and the differences seen in different parts of the world. To do this, it carried out a ‘voice of the customer’ survey, asking the customer about their current experience, their current supplier, what they like about it, what would they change. This market research was carried out in 2021 and was used to inform and to design and build a new garment: the X4.

“We’re excited about the X4,” says Traynor. “We’ve built it with input from firefighters, we’ve gotten further input now that its complete. The market seems very excited about the approach that we’ve taken.

“We’ve looked certainly at thermal protection which is critical. Durability and wash cycles are critical, but comfort and breathability is also very important – those are the things when we look at design of a new garment. How it feels when worn and having that end user at the centre of the design is critical for us.”

MSA uses a human centred design process, starting with the individual and building outwards. With the broader MSA portfolio of products, Traynor says it now has the luxury of going to an end user and saying: “We’ll supply you with the market leading helmet, we’ll supply you with this great new innovative fire protective clothing – we have that head-to-toe experience.”

Traynor says they are really happy about where MSA is today and thinks there is a lot of benefit to engaging with a supplier that is able to cover as many different product areas as possible. Looking to the future, its goal is ensuring it designs products that together are more valuable than the sum of the individual parts.

“This way, rather than buying four different manufacturers products, the end user is able to buy a series of products which when put together will make them think ‘wow this helmet was designed with the facepiece in mind’ or ‘the straps on my breathing apparatus engage really well with the material of my jacket’ – these are now things that we can plan for and design for and control a lot more variables than we were doing previously,” he explains.

In controlling these variables, he says it allows MSA to build a more efficient system hand in hand with firefighters, understanding their needs, the limitations of what they have today, and how together they can address those needs through product design, through material science, and overall understanding what it can do to make an inherently difficult and dangerous job a little bit more comfortable.

Looking at the broader MSA portfolio globally, it’s a world leader in breathing apparatus, in fire helmets and in fire protective clothing. With that, says Traynor, comes the responsibility building great products, continuing to engage with the end-users, driving innovation, and maintain its insight into the market. Key to this is understanding the unique factors about each market, but also identifying the common thread that can be brought between the international market.

“We look at it not only from a product standpoint, but also from a geographic standpoint and understanding differences and similarities,” he tells. “Building products that are unique to regional environments, we build in a manner that is well received, well regarded, and emphasised the benefits of having a cohesive product set.”

Regional requirements

The biggest consideration in producing a product across different regions are the local industry standards. Manufacturers have to cater to each regulatory body that define what materials can be used or how can the product be designed, and much of this is regulatory and required.

On top of this, each region will have its own unique environments, for example locations with underground subway systems will have a different set of requirements to that of a city with no underground at all.

Whilst all of these things must be considered, a key thread that MSA has recognised as running through all regions is cleanability – making sure that everything is not as porous as it used to be ensure that it holds up in terms of durability. “Durability is really important,” says Traynor. “Regionally it’s going to be different because some areas wash more, some wash less. Those are the kind of things that drive variants between the products are generally customer driven and we’re happy to help work towards a solution for their unique needs.”

Interschutz Focus

With one of the fire industry’s biggest conference events set to return to Germany this year after seven years away, since the last show MSA has undergone a huge transformation and launched and extensive range of new products – meaning that for lots of people meeting with them in person at Interschutz 2022 is going to look like an entirely different organisation.

“It’s almost like we’ve gone through a digital transformation from a pneumatic system and a mechanical helmet to this whole broad system of products, but also the software and the technology that allows them to be connected, taking all data from various different inputs, aggregating it, and sending it to the cloud,” he tells.

The whole digital transformation has been a significant investment for MSA, but one that has clear solutions for the end user for problems that it made the effort to understand, covering everything from fleet management, service, where a product is, and what it has been exposed to.

“These are all things that historically were lost after the incident, but we’re now able to capture that information and use that data to make things better for the future, whether it’s through product design, or whether it’s through an understanding and history of how your products were serviced – that data is going to be something that’s completely different and unique coming from MSA, that’s something we know that end users have a real thirst for and excitement around,” he says.

The key focus MSA will be driving at Interschutz will be its ownership of Bristol Uniforms and transition into a global architect in a new market. “The acquisition was completed in early 2021, and we spent the first 6-8 months in lockdown unable to get out and see customers, so brand awareness, awareness that MSA is a key player in this market, that we’re looking to understand the need of the EU customers – those are the key things when we’re thinking about our booth at Interschutz,” Traynor explains. “The highlight is we have a new product, we’re deeply engaged in fire protective clothing in this region, we’re working with all the key suppliers.

“It’s not like we’re a start up,” he adds. “We have a good history with fire protective clothing through the Globe acquisition, we have the legacy of Bristol. We’re not starting from scratch; we’re hitting the ground running and are happy about the momentum we’ve built over the first 18 months. Interschutz is by no means an endpoint – it’s more of a jumping off point for us, for the X4, and for what we intend to continue to invest in for Europe, the Middle East and for Asia Pacific.”

This article was originally published in the June edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

JBS launches forest fire taskforce to protect Brazilian Pantanal

by ActiveAmericas - Featured NewsFeatured News

A new JBS-funded Pantanal forest fire taskforce comprising one degree, Brigada Aliança, Instituto Homem Pantaneiro (IHP) and Polo Socioambiental Sesc Pantanal, has been launched with the aim of protect 2.5 million hectares of the biome through early fire detection, big data analysis and rapid response. 

The Embrace the Pantanal initiative will combine highly equipped and qualified forestry brigades with next generation analytical, operational and community impact data, to avoid an estimated 15 million tons of CO2 throughout the project. JBS is investing R$ 26 million (US$ 5.33 million) in the initiative.

Initially more than 2.5 million hectares (an area roughly the size of Belgium) will be monitored in Serra do Amolar, the central Pantanal region, overseen by IHP which had more than 90% of its protection network affected by the 2020 mega fires. 

Early detection of outbreaks will be facilitated by Pantera software developed by umgrauemeio. The 24/7 system processes high resolution images captured from the communication tower through an artificial intelligence algorithm and automatically identifies the fire teams outbreaks and notifies the cameras. There are plans to triple the scope of the area protected in a second phase.

Embrace the Pantanal is part of a larger Embrace the Forest initiative providing a holistic approach to monitor and manage firefighting in real time, while protecting biodiversity through the integrated Pantera platform for managing forest fires. 

Umgrauemeio aims to expand the preserved area in the Pantanal after the first phase as well as extend the project to other national parks and reserves, such as Chapada dos Veadeiros (Goiás), Chapada dos Guimarães (MT), and areas of the Amazon. 

“These resources and satellite information provide a  breakthrough for fire outbreak detection,” commented  Liège Correia, JBS Friboi’s director of Sustainability. “ Actions like this benefit the entire livestock value chain, as fires devastate the ecosystem, seriously harm rural properties and release polluting gases into the atmosphere that causes global warming.”

“In 2020, it was disturbing to see 26% of the Pantanal, one of the world’s main UNESCO biosphere reserves, be consumed by fire, compromising more than 4 million hectares, killing about 17 million vertebrates and emitting millions of tons of CO2 in the atmosphere”, commented Osmar Bambini, Chief Innovation Officer and co-founder of umgrauemeio,  when describing the motivation to design the Pantanal monitoring strategy and resilience plan. 

The task force brings together Public Ministry representatives, scientists and researchers, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector with the common goal of supporting local institutions that historically fight fires in the biome.

LFRS urges people to take fire safety precautions at home

by Featured NewsSafety

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) are urging people to take fire safety precautions in the home to stay safe as the cost of living rises across the UK. The advice has been issued as part of of NFCC’s national Home Fire Safety Week taking place between this week (13-19 June), which aims to keep people safer from fire in their homes.

NFCC is concerned that people may put themselves at additional risk as the cost of living increases and remind people to buy, charge and run electrical products safely and ensure they keep warm safely as taking a few simple steps can reduce the risk of fire in the home. NFCC is also urging people not to take additional risks and be alert to how simple measures could save lives and reduce injuries.

The week of action covers a range of areas such as electrical safety, the dangers of illegal cigarettes and the offer of home safety fire checks and fire safety advice. People are being urged to buy electrical products from reputable retailers, to register appliances and always sign up to the national product safety alerts and recalls: https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls

With rising energy costs and many people look to reduce heating bills, LFRS want to ensure people are keeping warm safely. It is encouraging residents to ensure they have smoke and carbon monoxide alarms fitted and to ensure portable heaters and electric blankets are in good working order, not subject to any recalls and used correctly.

With older relatives and neighbours thought to be particularly vulnerable and at a higher risk in the home and, LFRS is offering a home fire safety check, vital safety help, advice and solutions, as well as help from a range of organisations. Registering for personalised fire safety advice can be done here.

LFRS Prevention lead Kirsty McCreesh said “As the cost of living increases across the entire UK, we are offering help and advice to help people stay safer in their homes. This ranges from simple steps such as smoke detection and checking electrical items to how fire services can assist people who are more vulnerable.

“While we understand the pressures people are currently facing and affordability is a major factor for many, I am hoping that by giving practical help and advice, we can raise awareness and offer useful assistance. Prevention work is at the heart of all fire and rescue service work and we are here to help.”

Vintage fire engine parade to close INTERSHUTZ

by EventsFeatured NewsProductsVehicles

On the final day of INTERSCHUTZ 2022, around vintage 50 fire engines will drive through Hanover in a long procession, closing out the week-long conference. Together, the vehicles have around 2,000 years or more under their belt.

This convoy will make its way from INTERSCHUTZ to downtown Hannover in the morning and, after a stop in front of the New Town Hall, back to the exhibition ground, tying into the 29th German Firefighters’ Day.

But not only vehicles from yesterday and the day before yesterday are on the road: The oldies meet together with the motorcycle-riding fire brigade fans “Red Knights” (International Firefighters Motorcycle Club): Tradition meets modernity.

Both at INTERSCHUTZ and during the planned two-hour stop in front of the town hall, there will be an opportunity to have “petrol talks” with the drivers of the fire engines and motorcycles – as experts like to call their shop talk about the various high-horsepower models.

“Right at the opening of the last INTERSCHUTZ day, the participating vehicles will be available for visitors to visit on the INTERSCHUTZ site,” commented Thomas Ruß from the Lower Saxony State Fire Brigade Association, who is organizing the event as project manager for the German Fire Brigade Association (DFV). “In the late morning, the start towards the city center is planned.”

IFSJ Exclusive: Unrestrained performance from Holmatro

by Breaking NewsProducts

Rescue equipment manufacturer Holmatro gives the lo-down on its Pentheon Series of tools designed for first responders

All around the world first responders work in the most extreme conditions to save people’s lives. They are faced with different challenges every day, all requiring quick decision making and solid teamwork. Working under pressure, in a race against the clock, first responders need equipment they can fully rely on.

Rescue equipment manufacturer Holmatro has been developing innovative ways to solve the biggest challenges they face, resulting in its Pentheon Series of high-tech, battery-powered rescue tools.

Speed, control, endurance

When saving lives, time is of the essence as even a few seconds can make the difference between life and death. Holmatro put its focus on developing fast-use products which resulted in the development of a mechatronic system inside its tools.

The result is called stepless speed maximisation. It continuously optimises the motor and pump settings, resulting in a maximised oil flow over the full pressure range and providing rescuers with rapid tool speed at any load.

In the rescue business speed is nothing without control, but when working near a patient, it is important to take precaution, and so Holmatro built in speed control to its Pentheon tool range. Its two-mode control handle offers the choice, at any time during the rescue operation, to switch between the tool’s high-speed and low-speed modes. Within these two modes, the speed is still proportional to how far you turn the handle to its left or right.

It is impossible to predict the conditions rescue equipment will be needed in, but whether it is hot or cold, in the rain or snow and even under water, tools need to work, and so the Pentheon series of tools has been designed to work under all of these conditions. Both battery and tool temperatures are continuously monitored to make sure they remain useable as overheating may cause the tool to shut off. At extremely high temperatures, Pentheon tools will automatically switch to working at a lower power consumption, without loss of force, enabling rescuers can continue working even in hot weather and at high tool loads.

Peak performance

The Pentheon Series tools contain a battery with increased capacity, specially developed for high-performance tools, and due to its bigger cell volume, it heats up much slower than regular batteries, allowing more work to be completed while using its maximum power.

Its patented mechatronic system controls the motor and pump settings of Pentheon tools and is extremely energy efficient, designed in a way to extend the working time. When the tool is not operated or has reached its maximum pressure, the motor stops automatically, saving valuable battery capacity, the tool can be restarted by turning the handle again.

Visibility is key in emergency situations, and so in Holmatro’s range, there are six high-output LED lights in the carrying handle, illuminating the working area at night and neutralising shadows during the day. These are powered from the main battery, which means they automatically switch on and off together with the tool and, if desired, the lights can be switched off separately by pressing a button on the tool.

Swapping batteries is something that can cost valuable time, and so the Pentheon series allows the battery to be charged while it is still on the tool. Also, after connecting the tool to the charger the whole charging process will regulate itself. The battery on the tool always takes priority over the one on the charger if both are connected and the latter will resume charging when the battery on the tool is 100% full.

Up to three chargers can be powered from a single outlet, allowing users to charge six batteries without any management. The charging cord features a magnetic connector which enables easy connection and no disconnection is required. The on-tool charging cord allows for grabbing a tool and walk away with it. Thanks to the cord’s magnetic connector the tool releases itself.

The LED indicators on the Pentheon’s battery and charger give instant feedback on the battery’s temperature, state of charge and state of health. For more detailed battery information, Holmatro offers diagnostics software which can be used. A more extensive version of this software is available for authorised Holmatro Dealer Service Technicians. This combines in-depth tool diagnostics with integrated inspection procedures, to provide the best service for Pentheon tool owners. Holmatro also has special accessories available to connect the Pentheon tools and batteries to a laptop or pc.

Tool Design

Tool design is crucial to make them easy to use and to handle. When working near a patient, the tool should not be too bulky, as it will be difficult to reach the right space. On top of that, if the tool is too heavy, it will be harder to operate and carry. The compact integrated motor and pump share the same shaft – this saves a lot of precious space. The battery has a semi-circle shape which makes it fit around the tool like a bracelet, which also contributes to the slim design of Holmatro Pentheon tools.

With a carrying handle that goes all around the tool, you can hold the tool in any position. It also includes a suitcase grip for easy and well-balanced carrying. The handle is made of a damage-proof high-grade synthetic polymer. This extremely tough and elastic material has the unique property of always returning to its original shape. Centrally positioned on the back of the tool, the control handle is always within reach. This allows for easy tool operation at all sides of the car and in any position. All these things make the tools way easier to handle.

“The new Holmatro Pentheon Series rescue equipment offers you the unrestrained performance, unparalleled speed and ultimate control, and with battery management made easy, you are always rescue ready,” says Mattijn de Graaf, Research and Development Manager for Holmatro Group,

The Pentheon Series

The Pentheon Series consists of cutters, spreaders, rams and combi tools, with four versions of each tools.

Cutters

The blades of the Pentheon cutters are mounted at a 30 degree angle, creating an ergonomic design and allowing users to operate the tool from a comfortable waist height, resulting in more space between the tool and the car, meaning easier and safer cutting.

Because modern cars are becoming increasingly difficult to cut, the Pentheon Cutters are equipped with new car technology: the U-shaped blades pull even the strongest car materials into the cutting recess, close to the central bolt, where they are cut at the highest possible force.

Spreaders

The Pentheon Spreaders feature pointed teeth which bite into the material at both sides. Teeth on the outside alternately point in the opposite direction to prevent the spreader from slipping away and allowing for a superior grip over the full spreading range.

Telescopic Rams

The Telescopic Rams from the Pentheon Series come with a smart ram extension, meaning users will only need one compact ram for all applications, including cross ramming. The integrated laser pointer marks the exact spot the ram will touch the car construction, positioning the tool first time right.

This prevents users from needing to retract the ram, so the car construction could spring back and re-entrap their patient. The double carrying handle makes it easy to place the tool on both sides of the car, and the cross ram support set can help prevent the ram from pushing through car interior surfaces.

Combi tools

Next to the unique grip teeth that are also on the spreaders, the combi tools come with removable tips, making it easier to switch from spreading to cutting, without crushing the material the user cuts.

Holmatro at IINTERSCHUTZ

The Pentheon Series of tools will feature on Holmatro’s inside booth (Hall 26, Stand J27) at Interschutz, where visitors will be able to see them in action during the Holmatro Rescue Challenge (Stand L64, near Pavilion 35) at the show where they will prove their power on the latest models of BMW.

This article was originally published in the June edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Rosenbauer to present Fireboat for Wildland Firefighting at INTERSCHUTZ

by EventsFeatured NewsProducts

Firefighting vehicle manufacturer Rosenbauer is set to show off its jet-powered rescue and fireboat, developed in collaboration with PALFINGER MARINE, at INTERSCHUTZ in Hannover, Germany later this month.

The boat is designed for fire departments to fight forest fires near the coast or shore from the water, providing an advantage wherever the scene of the fire is difficult to access over land or access with forest fire vehicles is not possible.

It can also serve as a rescue vehicle of choice when people have to be rescued from beaches because a burning forest edge has reached the coast or shore and is blocking the escape route over land.

The fireboat is equipped with the Rosenbauer N55 high-performance pump, which has a capacity of up to 5,500 l/min at 10 bar, and is also suitable for use with seawater due to the robust, corrosion-resistant design.

In addition, the boat can be connected to the Rosenbauer operations management system RDS Connected Command allowing integration into the central mission command and making it visible to all responders, also enabling the boat crew to be provided with mission-relevant information in the same way as their colleagues in the vehicles on land.

The new fireboat from Rosenbauer and PALFINGER  is made of seawater-resistant aluminum (marine grade aluminum), is 8.50 m long and 3.10 m wide and has a jet drive (water jet propulsion) with which it can reach a speed of up to 38 knots (approx. 70 km/h). The jet drive is powered by two 6-cylinder diesel engines, each with an output of 215 kW (292 hp). Three crew members are usually on the boat, up to 12 additional people can be transported.

The vehicle will be presented for the first time at INTERSCHUTZ 2022 from June 20-25 June in Hanover (Hall 27/Booth B58) as part of the Rosenbauer forest fire exhibition alongside various forest fire vehicles and personal protective equipment.