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.

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.

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.

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

by Featured News

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.”

Cutting edge solutions: Weber Rescue Systems showcases smart rescue equipment

by Breaking NewsProducts

The slogan “Let’s create future” has been WEBER RESCUE SYSTEMS’ motto for quite some time. With the presentation of the new battery tool series at Interschutz 2022, the slogan has at last been realised. The innovative rescue equipment manufacturer demonstrates how digitalisation and networking – the leading theme of the trade fair – are also making their way into the fire department.

Just in time for the firefighting international trade fair, WEBER RESCUE SYSTEMS is presenting the new SMART-FORCE tool series, which marks a milestone in rescue tool technology. Revolutionary cutting technologies, high-performance batteries from Milwaukee and the use of smart additional functions will make accident rescue significantly faster and more efficient in the future. In addition to digitalisation, underwater use, service and training are also taken into consideration with the new product series.

Intelligent rescue

With the introduction of the new device series, smart functions are integrated into the rescue device itself for the first time. The SMART-FORCE devices enable communication via WLAN/UMTS connection and offer numerous additional functions for device control and management within their own app, including a pressure display, a training and theft mode, and the ability to analyse the current device status.

“Visitors to Interschutz can look forward to a wealth of new possibilities here, which we will be demonstrating live at our booth,” says Patrick Allinger, Product Manager responsible for the smart features of the new rescue equipment.

In recent years, battery-powered devices have become the standard in firefighting technology, proving over time that they are in no way inferior to hose-bound devices. By switching to the Milwaukee M18 High-Output battery technology, this offers a major advantage for rescue forces as one battery can be used for all operations currently across the range of 17 SMART-FORCE rescue tools from WEBER RESCUE and over 200 compatible Milwaukee tools.

Additionally, thanks to a robust, waterproof and dustproof housing, the new devices are submersible regardless of whether it is fresh, salt or dirty water, thanks to the IP 68 design. This enables work even under extreme conditions, such as high water or vehicle recovery under water.

Smooth Cut technology

In addition to the SMART-FORCE devices, WEBER RESCUE SYSTEMS is presenting a new cutter series with innovative cutting technology at Interschutz.

“The new SMOOTH CUT technology represents a quantum leap in cutting performance,” explains Product Manager Hannes Buchner. It allows us to ensure quiet, low-stress and therefore safe cutting performance with low weight.” The new technology has now also enabled the device capable of cutting through the strongest standard material F7 according to the American NFPA 1936 standard.

The new shape of the blade inserts means that only one roll pin needs to be changed. “This saves time and money. The Plus blade inserts can be changed by anyone in one minute directly at the point of use, and immediately resume working,” Buchner points out.

WEBER RESCUE continues to rely on forged blades that can withstand extreme loads. The forging process pre-shapes the material in the direction of the load, meaning the risk of blade breakage is greatly reduced even under extreme stress.

The new extreme U-shape makes it possible to grip the vehicle pillar even better, featuring an acute angle making them even sharper with two continuous teeth bite into the material and hold it at the pivot point during cutting.

Systemised crashing

The crash system presented as part of this year’s roadshow, the WEBER RESCUE Experience Tour, will also be presented to an international audience for the first time at Interschutz.

In co-operation with the S-GARD SAFETY TOUR, practice vehicles will be crashed live on the outdoor exhibition area. The crash system can be used to realistically recreate various scenarios for exercises. In addition to frontal, side and rear impacts on passenger cars, accident patterns on larger vehicles such vans and truck cabs can also be simulated. This is designed to make the exercises more realistic and optimally prepares firefighters for accidents like those that happen every day on our roads.

Flexible applications

Other product highlights from WEBER RESCUE SYSTEMS at the show include the Handvario RIT-Tool, WEBER RESCUE SYSTEMS’ recently developed hand-operated combination tool for rapid intervention teams (RIT) which functions completely independent of a power supply with hose or battery, enabling flexibility. The interchangeable tips and a wide range of accessories make it suitable for use in a variety of situations, from opening doors to pulling loads or pushing away obstacles.

The device can also be used under water up to a depth of 25 meters and its small size makes it easy to stow away and quick to deploy. Optimum cutting performance is ensured via high strength, forged lightweight blades. For user-friendly operation, the headpiece can be rotated 360-degrees.

The company is also promoting its compact battery-powered unit with an XL-sized hydraulic oil tank, which features a usable volume of five litres and allows the operation of any equipment combination. In Eco mode, the unit can run for up to ten hours and a connection to the external continuous power supply is also available.

Digital solutions

Digitalisation has long been a core topic for WEBER RESCUE SYSTEMS. To drive development in this area, a separate subsidiary was founded – RESCUE DIGITAL SYSTEMS GmbH. The company develops individual and easy-to-use apps and software applications in the areas of: alerting, administration, training, accident prevention, rescue and many more.

The new product configurator for the RIT tool makes it possible to configure necessary accessories such as battery and tips as well as additional gadgets online. From this, a pdf document is automatically created, which can be sent to WEBER RESCUE SYSTEMS as a request with one click.

With WEBER RESCUE System’s seismographic measurement via app, RETTERSeismo, vibrations and movements are detected via smartphone, enabling an early acoustic warning of the emergency forces in the event of uncontrolled changes in the situation. In addition, the data can also be evaluated for training purposes. The app’s multimode makes it possible to network up to 16 sensors that are attached to the object and track the operation or exercise in detail using mobile, providing data for handling the patient during the rescue of persons from buildings or accident vehicles and is a valuable support for the training of aid organisations.

Remote learning

Coronavirus and social distancing have shown that e-learning is an ideal complement to the training of rescue workers. WEBER RESCUE SYSTEMS offers two platforms that are also available as an app: RETTERAcademy and WEBER RESCUE Academy

RETTERAcademy, the individual e-learning platform, allows organisations to create their own e-learning platform. In addition to creating their own learning content, the layout can also be customised to suit the organisation in question, with customisable colours or logos able to be selected to ensure a unique appearance. In the backend, organisation’s own courses, videos, knowledge tests and certificates can be stored. The courses and videos can be completed independently of time.

WEBER RESCUE Academy, the learning platform, provides courses, expert videos and materials on various WEBER RESCUE SYSTEMS topics. This content can be purchased via the WEBER RESCUE online store and accessed in the individuals own account. A certificate of participation is issued upon completion of a course. WEBER RESCUE Academy and RETTERAcademy are also available as APP.

On WEBER RESCUE SYSTEMS RETTER AR application, training takes place in a virtual environment. Exercises and scenarios such as a head-on car collision, a rear-end collision or a house fire can be projected into the real environment and trained without any risk. In addition, technical data on the respective equipment used can be called up. With the Pro version, it will soon also be possible to connect to multiple devices.

Raising the alarm

Finally, WEBER RESCUE SYSTEMS is showcasing its RETTERAlarm offers a perfect supplement to alerting via radio detectors or the siren. RETTERAlarm makes it possible to alert emergency forces individually, in groups, or even subsequently again in a targeted manner, via either push notification, e-mail, SMS or voice call as appropriate to each emergency worker. It also offers other practical tools such as calendar for events or training services, readiness query, chat function, integration of smart home, alarm monitors for the fire station.

As an extension of RETTERAlarm, ZEUS offers even more efficient, comprehensive and detailed mission management. The display of situation maps as well as the display of deployment plans is possible. ZEUS offers the possibility to make an operation documentation, which can be used afterwards for the operation report. 

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

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.

MSA Safety launches new line of Firefighter Protective Clothing

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsPPEProducts

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.

Flourine-free foam concentrate launched by Perimeter Solutions

by EventsFeatured NewsProducts

Perimeter Solutions, a leading global manufacturer of high-quality firefighting products and lubricant additives, has announced the launch of SOLBERG VERSAGARD 1×3 Multipurpose Fluorine-Free Foam Concentrate.

The launch marks Perimeter Solutions’ first 1×3 fluorine-free foam concentrate available on the market, and serves as the newest addition to the SOLBERG VERSAGARD line of fluorine-free firefighting foam concentrates.

SOLBERG VERSAGARD 1×3 is an alcohol resistant, fluorine-free pseudoplastic foam technology. It is non-persistent, siloxane-free, and contains no intentionally added per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

The foam concentrate is designed for extinguishing and securing both Class B (hydrocarbon fuel and polar solvent fuel) and deep-seated Class A Fires. It is ideal for industrial emergency response and is expected to be used extensively at facilities that store crude oil on site.

Jeff Emery, President of Global Fire Safety at Perimeter Solutions, explained: “The fire safety industry has been seeking non-fluorinated firefighting foams capable of meeting the most demanding emergency response applications.  This is exactly what Perimeter Solutions has delivered, with our new SOLBERG VERSAGARD 1×3 Multipurpose Fluorine-Free Foam Concentrate. At Perimeter Solutions, we continually innovate to develop new products that are more environmentally responsible, and that help firefighters in their efforts to protect property and save lives.”

SOLBERG VERSAGARD biodegradable and non-persistent fluorine-free foam concentrate is a combination of hydrocarbon surfactants and additives that delivers excellent foaming, vapor sealing, drain time, extinguishment and burnback properties for attacking and securing both shallow and fuel in-depth fires, using fresh, sea or brackish water. It is designed to generate stable foams with high fluidity and slow drainage.

The foam is fully compatible with standard firefighting equipment, including in-line inductors, self-inducting nozzles, fire truck pumps, bladder tanks, pump skids, balanced pressure systems and more.

SOLBERG VERSAGARD enters the market having earned multiple international certifications, including EN-1568:2018, International Marine Organization and LASTFIRE batch testing.

SOLBERG VERSAGARD 1×3 maintains viscosity levels similar to the viscosity of traditional 1×3 alcohol-resistant aqueous film-forming foam (AR-AFFF) concentrates, improving its storage, handling and long-term stability.

“This is a game-changing product for the fire safety industry and demonstrates how Perimeter Solutions continues to innovate to develop new solutions that will help advance the fire safety industry,” commented Javier Castro, General Manager of the EMEA Region for Perimeter Solutions.

“Product testing has shown that our 1×3 foam concentrate performs similarly to AR-FFF products that are currently on the market, and several major multinationals oil companies have already signed on to consider SOLBERG VERSAGARD 1×3 in their transition programs to fluorine-free foam concentrates.”

For more information on SOLBERG VERSAGARD 1×3, go to www.perimeter-solutions.com. If you’re attending INTERSCHUTZ 2022, visit Perimeter Solutions in Stand G49, Hall 13.

West Yorkshire sees sharp drop in firefighter numbers

by Featured NewsPeople

West Yorkshire has experienced of the sharpest drops in firefighter numbers in England since the Grenfell Tower disaster five years ago according to government figures.

There was a combined total of 1,106 full-time firefighters, on-call firefighters and control staff at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service at the end of March 2021, the latest available Home Office figures show. That was down by 61 (5.2%) from 1,167 four years earlier, which was the last workforce count before the Grenfell fire on June 14 2017.

It is one of more than 20 areas across England to see the number of firefighters and control room staff dip since the tragic fire at the London tower block on June 14, 2017, which took the lives of 72 people.

It means West Yorkshire saw the joint ninth-biggest drop of any of the 44 fire and rescue services across the country over that time. In comparison, London Fire Brigade saw the figure rise by 45, from 4,799 to 4,844.

The fall was driven by the declining number of full-time firefighters, offset slightly by the rising number of on-call firefighters and control staff, who answer 999 calls.