IFF Issue 24

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

FIRE FIGHTERI N T E R N A T I O N A L

FIRE FIGHTER

An MDM PUBLICATIONIssue 24 – November 2009An MDM PUBLICATION

Issue 24 – November 2009

www.mdmpublishing.com

Reporting Worldwide to Municipal, Industrial and Fire Training ProfessionalsReporting Worldwide to Municipal, Industrial and Fire Training Professionals

Indianapolis19th–24th April 2010

Official International Media Sponsor

OFC IFF24 November 09 6/11/09 12:47 pm

Williams IFF23 full page 4/8/09 4:02 pm Page 1

INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER 1

Front Cover Picture: Crash Rescue’s Snozzlefitted to a Rosenbauer Panther at NewcastleAirport. Pic courtesy Mark Bathard

PublishersDavid Staddon & Mark Seton

Sales and Editorial ManagerMark Bathard

Contributing EditorsJorg Linssen, John Olsen, MarkBathard, Dr Clifford Jones, BradHarvey, John Allen, Paul Furler, Carl McMillan

IFF is published quarterly by:MDM Publishing Ltd The Abbey Manor Business Centre,The Abbey, Preston Road, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 2ENTel: +44 (0) 1935 426 428Fax: +44 (0) 1935 426 926 Email: [email protected]: www.mdmpublishing.com

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DISCLAIMER:The views and opinions expressed inINTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER are notnecessarily those of MDM Publishing Ltd.The magazine and publishers are in noway responsible or legally liable for anyerrors or anomalies made within theeditorial by our authors. All articles areprotected by copyright and writtenpermission must be sought from thepublishers for reprinting or any form ofduplication of any of the magazinescontent. Any queries should be addressedin writing to the publishers.

Reprints of articles are available onrequest. Prices on application to thePublishers.

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Printed in the UK



FIRE FIGHTER







November 2009 Issue 24

69-71

5-20 News andProduct Profiles

MUNICIPAL SECTION

22-23 Feeling SafeIn Safety Equipment

25-28 EvaluatingThermal Imagers

31-38 PositivePressure Ventilation(PPV) EquipmentFocus

INDUSTRIAL SECTION

41-44 StorageTank Fire Protection – Meeting TheChallenge Head On

47-54 TheFrankfurt Airport FireService – ProtectingOne Of The World’sBusiest Airport Cities

56-58 Foam TrialsAt Leeds BradfordInternational Airport

60-62 Fire HazardsWith LiquefiedPetroleum Gas (LPG)

TRAINING SECTION

65-66 The ABCs,Ds, and Ks of FireExtinguishers

69-71 ColombianFire Fighters ReturnTo The UK

72 Advertisers’Index

41-44

31-38

25-28

22-23

5-20

56-58

47-54

Contents

P. 01 Contents 6/11/09 12:53 pm Page 1

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Recovery teams are confronted withextremely difficult and varying situationswhen carrying out aircraft recovery. Withthe newly developed Vacuum ContourChambers they literally get a better holdon the situation at the operation site.

For their size, aircraft have a lightweightconstruction. Naturally, this is of advantagefor flight characteristics but for recoverythis is more difficult. In addition to thisfact, the shapes of wings and fuselagesare as numerous as the many types ofaircraft. When carrying out recoveryoperations with conventional aircraftlifting bags – without individual contourmatching – it is often not possible tooptimally position the aircraft lifting bags.The consequence: the object beingrecovered can easily slip.

Flexible and stable in everyoperational situationVETTER, the pneumatic specialist,determined the weak points in the rescueprocess and now offer an innovativesolution: Vacuum Contour Chamberswhich individually match to the shape ofthe aircraft. During operation these are

firstly filled with polystyrene pellets andlastly vacuumed. The shape match is soexact that even areas of unevenness arereproduced in shape, e.g. rows of rivets.

Everything is solid but gentlyunder controlApplicable for all types of aircraft, thestable chambers meet the highest safetyspecifications. Applied any amount oftimes, they enable guaranteed straightlifting with the minimum of pressure pointloading on the sensitive aircraft body.

From innovation to standardSince its new development in 2007, thesystem has become indispensible as an aidin the field of aircraft recovery. Also becauseit is able to be combined with normalpneumatic aircraft lifting bags. At the “InterAirport” Munich, the International TradeFair for Aircraft Equipment, Vetter will bepresenting its fully developed product seriesfor Vacuum Contour Chambers between6th – 9th October.

For more information:Vetter GmbHIDEX Hydraulic Equipment GroupBlatzheimer Str. 10 – 12DE-53909 Zülpich/GERMANYTel: +49 (0) 2252/300860Fax: +49 (0) 2252/300871Email: [email protected]: www.vetter.de


NEWS

By kind invitation from the airportfire chief at NEWCASTLEINTERNATIONAL AIRPORT,IFF Magazine attended inOctober, a morning ofdemonstrations involvingthe testing of a new foam.The airport fire departmentdeployed two of their three RosenbauerPanther ARFF vehicles which were delivered toNewcastle only two years ago by Angloco toassist in the foam trials. The Rosenbauer Pantheris an awesome vehicle. It boasts a power outputof 705hp at 2300rpm and can reach 80kmh inless than 34 seconds. Its pumping system candeliver an incredible 7000lpm at 10bar while itsfoam proportioning system delivers foam ateither 3%, 6% and 8%.

Newcastle Airport RosenbauerPantherFitted to the Panthers are Crash RescueEquipment’s “Snozzle”. These are the model 501with piercing nozzles which have a 36” (914mm)piercing depth with proportional speed control.The nozzle joystick contains all fire fightingfeatures. High flow and low flow water/foamdischarge, dry chemical discharge, pierce/volume

nozzle selection and fog/streamcontrol. The boom joystick also

has “dead man” buttons toprevent unintended boommovement. The volumenozzle can flow at

1000gpm (3785lpm)at fullelevation and the piercing nozzle

can flow at up to 375gpm (1420lpm).

Snozzle during foam tests One of the tests on the foam was to see how itretained its blanketing qualities and after two orthree tests, the consensus was that this wasmore than successful retaining its blanketing farlonger than other foams at the same mixture.

As mentioned above, further tests will becarried out later this year where a full reportwill be published in the February issue.

For more information about the Snozzleplease contact:Crash Rescue Equipment IncTel: +1 972 243 3307 or visit us atwww.crashrescue.comFor more information about Angloco:Tel: +44 (0) 1924 441212 or visit us atwww.angloco.co.uk

Vacuum chambers for safe access

Newcastle InternationalAirport Foam Trials

News P. 5, 10, 12, 20 6/11/09 12:55 pm Page 5

6 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER

QUIC-LIFT LadderAccess SystemsZiamatic Corp’s QUIC-LIFT Ladder Access Systems are available forraising and lowering aluminum ladders and hard sleeves commonlycarried on fireapparatus. It uses twounits that are mountedon the side of theapparatus’s body. Theladders and hardsleeves are kept closeto the vehicle whenlowered allowing forapparatus to bepositioned into tightsituations.

PRODUCT PROFILE

There are three different units. Model LAS willmount on either a horizontal or verticalsurface, the LAS-BHM mounts on vertical sur-

faces only. It is commonly used when a shelf is notavailable for the unit to rest on. And the third unitis the HSS, which is for mounting hard sleeves. Thesystems are constructed of high-strength aluminumcastings and are controlled by a double-throwmomentary switch. At the flick of the switch, thesystem lowers the ladders to a comfortable levelfor retrieval, reducing the chances of back injuriesand allowing for more accessible storage space.The units can be easily retro-fitted onto existingpumpers or tankers and only requires 12 VDC. Aflashing light kit is provided to produce a visualsignal when the ladder access system is out of thestored position. Mounting brackets may beattached to castings for storage of folding laddersand pike poles. The total height, above themounting shelf, is 33” for ladders and 30” forhard sleeves. The unit lowers ladders and hardsleeves 31” from the stored position. The unit ispowered by either two durable high cycle electricactuators or self contained hydraulic actuators, bothof which have been tested to over 5,000 operatingcycles. The systems are rated up to a maximum loadof 300 lbs and can have a manual or electric lockingsystem added on for additional security.

Zico’s Horizontal Ladder Access Systems, modelHLAS, is designed to store fire department groundladders horizontally over side compartments onfire apparatus. The basic unit is mounted in thecenter of the compartments and a door is typicallyput in front to cover the basic unit from view(Door is not provided). The base casting may bebolted to the top of the side compartment and/orto the hose bed as well. By using a center mount-

ing unit, less compartment space is lost helping tocreate maximum storage without compromisingon safety. The electro-hydraulic system with abuilt-in electric safety latch only requires 14”W x12”D x 56”H for mounting. The Electrical systemhas a 60-amp draw and requires an 80-amp fuse.Both the control and electrical panels are providedwith the unit. Each HLAS system comes completewith a flashing light kit to indicate when thesystem is out of the store position. Like the LAS,the Horizontal Ladder Access Systems is alsoconstructed of high-strength aluminum castingsand has a maximum lifting capacity of 300 lbs. Avariety of optional equipment is available for theHLAS. Some of the options are pike pole mounts,folding ladder mounts and hard sleeve mounts forthe top of the unit. An audio/visual alarm systemcan also be added to provide an audio indication,as well as visual, when the system is out of thestored position. The HLAS is also available to carrystrictly hard sleeves or a portable tank. All availablecombinations can be found on our website atwww.ziamatic.com

Both the standard Ladder Access Systems andthe Horizontal Ladder Access Systems are builtwith the highest of standards of quality and havebeen on the market and field tested for over 12years. IFF

For more information, pleasecontact:Ziamatic Corporation10 West College AvenueYardleyPA 19067USATel: +1 215 493 3618Fax: +1 215 493 1401www.ziamatic.com

P. 06 Zico Prod. Profile 6/11/09 12:56 pm Page 6

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PRODUCT PROFILE

Having contributed aid at some of the world’smost notable disasters, members of THWknow the importance of having the correct

protective clothing when volunteering in a disaster.Rescue workers from the voluntary organisationhave been faced with many hostile environmentsincluding the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami andHurricane Katrina in 2005.

It is these environments that make it necessaryfor the rescue workers to be fitted with the correctpersonal protective apparel, including gloves. THWput out a Europe wide tender to supply its 60,000members with a multi-functional protective glove.The glove needed to offer protection against alleventualities as rescuers handle different materialsor substances and can be exposed to a vast arrayof situations from varying weather conditions tosharp, rough and hot surfaces, which unavoidablyhave to be dealt with in case of emergency.

Multi-functional protectionIt was the multi-functionality of the glove by Seizthat satisfied the requirements of THW towithstand all hazards the rescue workers couldpotentially be exposed to. Speaking about the newtender, Rainer Seiz, owner and head designer ofFriedrich Seiz GmbH said: “From the very start ofour conceptual work it had been clear that onlyhigh end performing material combined with up todate sandwich design technology would enable usto meet all the properties described in the tender”.Germany based company, Seiz, is renowned forproducing tailor made hand protection solutionsfor fire fighters, police and diverse industries.

The glove incorporates DuPont™ Kevlar® and

Nomex® fibres that increase its multi-functionalproperties. Due to the inner lining of DuPont™Kevlar®, a high level of cut resistance is achieved.The back of the glove is made from a flameresistant fabric that combines DuPont™ Nomex®

with an applied felt made from Kevlar® thatincreases the safety against contact heat, perfora-tion and cuts. On top of this, the glove providesgood abrasion properties and water repellence.

Low weight, high dexterityAs well as its multi-functional protective propertiesthe Seiz-THW glove presents itself as a low weightchampion at only 5 ounces (150 grams) with highdexterity qualities that enable a tight grip on tools,such as hammers, screw drivers and wrenches, aswell as easy handling of technical equipment likeplugs and computers. The light weight glove pro-vides maximum comfort for the rescue workerswhilst still offering this highest level of protectionin many environments.

DuPont™ Kevlar® – the key to successWhenever outstanding cut and stitch resistance isrequired the DuPont™ Kevlar® brand fibre is the key to success. Extremely tear resistant Kevlar® offers a manifold of strength as well asmaintaining its mechanical performance up totemperatures as high as 320°C.

The overall versatility of this high-tech all-rounder has raised the bar of hand protection andcomfort to a new height. Rainer-Seiz hints: “Theunique combination of dexterity and temperatureisolation of the Seiz-THW glove might even stirskiers’ blood”. IFF

For more information onDuPont™ KEVLAR® pleasevisit www.dpp-europe.com

For more information on Seiz Gloves contact:Friedrich Seiz GmbhTel: +49 (0) 7123 1704-0Fax: +49 (0) 7123 1704-44Email: [email protected]: www.seiz.de

DuPont Kevlarcollaborateswith state of theart glovedesigner SeizGmbHA glove for heroes – The new THWglove from SEIZ60,000 members of THW Technisches Hilfswerk (German Urban Search andRescue Association) are better protected thanks to the new safety glovemanufactured by Seiz.

P. 08 Seiz Prod. Profile 6/11/09 12:57 pm Page 8


P. 09 ads 6/11/09 12:57 pm Page 9

BRONTO SKYLIFT, the world’s leadingmanufacturer of big truck mountedhydraulic platforms, has always been apioneer in product development, but it hasalso been in the forefront in advancing theecological sustainability. Bronto Skyliftobtained ISO 14001 environmentalcertification already in 1999, first in thefield. Those days most competitors werestill struggling to get their quality systemscertified – which Bronto had done someyears ago.

Nowadays, sustainability is muchbroader term which encompassescompanies’ responsibility for the impactsof their activities not only on environment,but also on employees, customers andcommunities. The total financial benefitsof ethical and pro-environmentalperformance are sometimes difficult toquantify, but some clear and measurablechanges in day-to-day operations can beshown. Bronto Skylift has succeeded inreducing the environmental impact ofmanufacturing through several actions:distillation of paint solvents, improvedwaste sorting and treatment of hazardousmaterial, refusing the use of propellent-driven aerosol containers etc. By taking theabove measures the VOC (volatile organiccompound) emissions per manufacturedmachine have been reduced by over 10%.Waste sorting and recycling have beenpart of everyday life in Nordic countries fordecades already, but Bronto Skylift hasmanaged to reduce the amount ofdumping ground waste of the total wastefrom 30 to 10 percent during the last 10years

The manufacturing, however, representsonly about 10% of the environmentalimpacts of the Bronto Skylift platfomduring its entire life cycle. The high qualityof our products means reliableperformance for decades, longer serviceintervals and lower consumption of spareparts – all factors that reduce environmetalimpact of the product use. The companyalso facilitates pro-environmental featureslike the use of biodegradable hydraulic oil,separate power supply units, combustionengines and electric motors to reduce fuelconsumption, exhaust gas emissions andnoise.

During the 2000’s a special emphasis

has been put on social aspects. The well-being of staff has an effect on productivityand makes it easier to recruit newemployees. Bronto Skylift has had several“open doors” days for the employees’

families and local residents, presented thecompany in local school classes etc.

The aim of Bronto Skylift is doingfinancially, socially and ecologicallysustainable business. The company haslearned and showed that all three aspectscan be combined.

For more information please contact:Bronto Skylift Tel: +358 20 7927 111 or visit us at our website at www.bronto.fi


NEWS

Sustainability – being aresponsible company

Akron Brass Heats Upwith Special Rebates forFirefightersAKRON BRASS is showing its appreciation tothe men and women who risk their lives fortheir communities by offering special rebateson Akron Brass nozzles with the FirefighterAppreciation Rebate.

From now until December 31, 2009, a $50 cash rebate will be given to firefighterswho trade in any used Akron Brass nozzleand purchase one of three new Akronnozzles. For those firefighters who turn inanother brand’s nozzle and purchase a newAkron nozzle, a $75 cash rebate will beprovided.

The Firefighter Appreciation Rebate offersthree, diverse Akron nozzles, so that everyfirefighter will find what they are looking for.The Turbojet®, Saberjet™ and Assault™nozzles each offer unique qualities whiledelivering the exceptional durability andsuperior performance you have come toexpect from Akron®.

The adjustable gallonage Turbojet® nozzleis known for its flexibility and flow control,making it one of the best nozzles in the world. The Assault™, with its superior streamperformance and quick change pattern adjustment, is one of the most reliable and easy-to-use nozzles in today’s fire service.

For a multipurpose nozzle, the Saberjet™ is the way to go. The Saberjet™ nozzle offersa Single Shutoff complete with a unique three position handle, and a Dual Shutoff, whichallows both solid bore and fog stream to flow at the same time.

For more information on Akron Brass or the Firefighter Appreciation Rebate, visitwww.akronbrass.com, call your local authorized Akron Brass Distributor or Akron’sCustomer Service Department at 1-800-228-1161.

Founded in 1918 and celebrating its 91st Anniversary, Akron Brass is a worldwidemarketer and manufacturer of high performance fire fighting and emergency rescueequipment. A Premier Farnell company, Akron Brass is ISO 9001:2000 registered and hasan excellent reputation for developing and manufacturing innovative products.

For more information, please contact:Kim Morrow at 800-228-1161 or email at [email protected]

Bronto Skylift celebrates the 10th

anniversary of ISO 14001 Environment

Management certification

News P. 5, 10, 12, 20 6/11/09 12:55 pm Page 10

We are a family owned and managed British Company proud to be manufacturing and supplying specialist safety systems to Emergency Services and Industry across the World Kevlar Lined Sharp End Protection Kevlar Steering Wheel Airbag Protection RTC Jackets & Hi Visibility Surcoats BSEN471 Class 3 High Visibility Clothing Incident Command System Wallets BA Cylinder Covers BA Facemask Bags & Log Book Pouches Paramedic & Trauma Bags Bariatric Rescue Kits Specialist & General Purpose Lines BA Guide Lines & Personal Lines Line Bags & Line Pouches Salvage & Hearth Sheets Bespoke Leather Goods Flags & Banners

Tel: +44 (0)191 523 99 33 Fax: +44 (0)191 523 99 55Email: [email protected]

Please visit our NEW website and online store

www.speedingsltd.co.ukPlease remember that our ‘Consultancy, Design & Manufacture’ service allows us to take a customer’s initial thoughts and ideas and convert them into a detailed product design and then forward to manufacture. This means that you get exactly what you require.

UK distributors for

Worldwide Distributors

Required


NEWS

Fraport fire service and MSA maintain abusiness relationship for many years. Thebrigade used to run BD96 breathingapparatus but over the last years, alldevices have been updated to AirMaXXSL-Q. All of the roughly 250 units of thispremium basic apparatus feature a lengthadjustable back plate and the uniqueSingleLine pneumatic system. Togetherwith the curved harness, this highlyergonomic tool supports its usereffectively.

The Quickfill connection serves torecharge the cylinder via a high pressurecoupling while the cylinder remains on theapparatus or even on the user. This featureis essential in scenarios where extendedoperation time is needed for individual

persons. Fraport FS is prepared for quickrefilling on the scene, e.g. in undergroundsituations with considerably long accessroutes.

The positive pressure demand valveAutoMaXX-AE is appreciated particularlyby the service personnel. As there is noneed for regular service to the valve core,the maintenance effort is very limited.

When deciding for the AirMaXXbreathing apparatus system, a thoroughcalculation with regard to total cost ofownership has been conducted. As a resultof MSA’s efforts to focus on longevity andmodularity of components, as well asminimized amount of serviceable parts,MSA’s offer has been regarded as leadingtechnologically and commercially.

The equipment is tested fullyautomatically by ProfiCHECK test benches.To cope with the volume of face masks,one of the benches is a ProfiCHECK.twin,which features two test heads foruninterrupted mask testing.

Ten concurrent user licenses enableaccess to the data base from a total of 25PCs. The TecBOS.Tech professional moduleis planned to be used not only for thetesting and management of all respiratoryequipment, but as well all other operationtools, including chain saws and hoses. Allitems are registered with regard to locationand service intervals in one centraldatabase, which is accessible from all threefire stations.

A long term scheme on equipmentmaintenance and replacement has beenagreed upon. In their partnership, Fraportand MSA run a complete solution forSCBA equipment and management,tailored to efficiently address the specificneeds.

Contact detailsJürgen BossMarketing Manager SARMSA International

GB SOLO, the UK’s leader in thermalimaging cameras and fire fighting helmets,are once again pushing boundaries with theintroduction of new products and advancedtechnologies that continue to bring them tothe forefront of the industry. Their clientbase now spans the globe and they haveachieved unprecedented growth throughoutthe last 18 months. This is testament to theteam that Managing Director, VictoriaMcLaren, has brought together and thisweek she announced the introduction of anew addition to their team.

Mark Smith will join GB SOLO as SalesManager and will work on key accountsthroughout the UK and Europe. Mark joinsthe company having previously worked forPersides Ltd., catering for the defence andaerospace sector. He has worked with, andhas contacts throughout, military andpolice forces. This is invaluable in theresearch and development of the GB SOLOrange of products and it has also givenMark the experience and knowledgeneeded to offer the best possible service tomany of their larger clients.

Mark is fully up to date with all theproducts and services GB SOLO offer andhas worked previously with similarproducts. He is delighted to join acompany like GB SOLO and said “GBSOLO have the reputation and vision to

become market leaders through theirinnovation and creativity. I am lookingforward to working with such a creativeteam selling products that help saveslives.” GB SOLO welcome people tocontact them and set up a demonstrationwith Mark. They also have a presencearound the world through GB SOLOagents operating on various continents.

You can meet Mark at the DSEi inSeptember or the Emergency ServicesShow 2009. Contact GB SOLO on +44 (0)1609 881855 for further details or to arrange a demonstration.

Everyone from Firefighters, Crash Teamsand Marine Rescuers moving quickly toaccident sites through to SecurityPersonnel identifying intruders on even thedarkest of nights have benefited from GBSOLO products.

Whatever the task, don’t go it alone . . .go with SOLO.

For more information please visitwww.gbsolo.co.uk

GB SOLO Welcome a newmember to the team

Respiratory ProtectionEquipment at FrankfurtAirport Fire Service: a longpartnership with MSA

News P. 5, 10, 12, 20 6/11/09 12:55 pm Page 12

www.scotthealthsafety.comFor further information call Customer Services on: +44 (0) 1695 711711 quoting reference FT0309 or email [email protected]

Don't get left in the darkSee the light

The new Eagle 320 Thermal Imaging Camera features a large 10 cm screen with up to 4 x zoom and a variety of temperature indicators to ensure you have the information you need

l Maximum Temperature Indicatorl Large LCD Display with 4x Zooml Over 4.5 hour Battery Life l Ergonomic Multi Positioned Handle

Scott Health and Safety 10/3/09 3:51 pm Page 1


PRODUCT PROFILE

With today’s automotive manufacturersutilising boron made posts and TRIP steelinserts, cutting power and blade design

is paramount.The new generation of WEBER-HYDRAULIK

rescue cutters are the result of continuousdevelopment to further improve the renownedreputation of WEBER-HYDRAULIK cutters, whichhave lead the market for many years.

As manufactures continue to improve thestrength and composite of materials used withinautomobile construction, the demands of the -rescue equipment increases with each new vehiclegeneration. Offering a maximum cutting force of 1050 kN (107 tons) our latest cutter, the “New”RSX200-107 ensures that the most modernmaterials in cars and trucks are tackled with ease.

Designed blade geometry pulls the materials tobe cut, into the centre of the blade arrangement,thus always guaranteeing optimum cutting per-formance. Additionally to aid the cutting ofround/bar material the base of the blades areequipped with an aggressive bolt cutting serrationrecess which enables solid material up to 43mmdiameter to be cut simply and safely.

Complete with a 360° adjustable and remov-able handle, combined with its comparatively lowweight and unique push button control, furtherensures that this ultimate rescue tool is operatedwith ease.

Some of the unique features of the newRSX200-107 include:

● 200 mm blade opening● new blade design for better cutting

performance tested on the modern car models

and prototypes designed to cut high strengthmaterials and constructions of A -,B and Cposts

● 107 tons cutting force● cuts 43 mm round bar● NFPA cutting class: A8 / B9 / C8 / D9 / E9● Weight: 19.9 kg● single coupling

Weber Hydraulik have over 65 years’ experience inhydraulic applications and have been supplyingthe world’s fire and rescue departments withquality rescue equipment. Founded in 1939 byEmil Weber the company has remained whollyowned by the Weber family. The company employ1100 staff and its current turnover is in excess of €210 million. IFF

For more information pleasecontact:Weber Hydraulik GmbhIndustriegebiet 3+4A-4460 LosensteinAustriaTel: +43 72 55 62 37 464Fax: +43 72 55 62 37 461Email: [email protected]: www.weber-hydraulik.com

Weber gives youall the power, butit’s time to thinkoutside the boxWhen it comes to power and cutting performance, there’s no better andstronger tool on the market than Weber Hydraulik’s New RSX200-107 cutter.

Weber’s New RSX200-107 has aggressiveblade cross-over, with immense power

The RSX200-107 cutter is packed with uniquefeatures

P. 14 Weber Prod. Profile 6/11/09 12:58 pm Page 14


PRODUCT PROFILE

Over the six days of INTERSCHUTZ 2010,Leipzig will serve as the world capital forfirefighters from across the globe. Running

from 7 to 12 June, the international exhibition forrescue services, fire prevention, disaster relief andsafety/security will take place in five halls as well ason the open-air site at the Leipzig ExhibitionCenter. As at INTERSCHUTZ five years ago inHannover, the organizers at Deutsche Messe areanticipating over 1,000 exhibitors and attendanceof considerably more than 100,000. A ratio ofmore than 90 percent trade visitors makesINTERSCHUTZ the ideal platform for generatingbusiness leads and deals – all the more so sincethe 28th German Firefighting Convention hasbeen scheduled to run concurrently in Leipzig.

A full nine months before opening day of theevent, just under 900 exhibitors from 42 nationshad already registered for INTERSCHUTZ, under-scoring the event’s strong international appeal.With more than 430 registered exhibitors so far,Germany has the strongest contingent, followedby China, the United States, Italy and the UnitedKingdom. First-time exhibiting nations at nextyear’s event include Australia, Hong Kong andPeru. The amount of display space occupied byforeign exhibitors is up 15 percent for theupcoming event. The concept of developingINTERSCHUTZ into the international exhibition forrescue services, fire prevention, disaster relief andsafety/security has thus been fully validated.

A major focus at the show will be on rescueservices and fire prevention, which have alreadyregistered strong exhibitor growth. Additionalgrowth has come in the area of measuring anddetection equipment.

Innovations and trends highlighted atINTERSCHUTZ 2010The upcoming INTERSCHUTZ in June 2010 willpresent the current state of the art as well as thelatest trends for fire prevention and disaster relief,including ultra-modern vehicles equipped withsophisticated, specially tailored communicationand navigations systems as well as mission controlcenters that can directly transmit video images ofthe blaze or disaster site to vehicles underway. Aspecial focus will consist of how rescue robots anddrones can relieve crews, issue warnings andprotect people in dangerous situations; they arealso capable of monitoring hazardous zones andlarge areas. This field will also be thoroughlyexplored at a two-day, international fire preventionsymposium, organized by the German Fire Protec-tion Association (vfdb) and covering the latest

developments in fire risk analysis and prevention.The area of “rescue services” will be even more

strongly represented at next year’s INTERSCHUTZ.At the most recent event in Hannover five yearsago, some 40,000 visitors reported having aparticularly strong interest in this field. AtINTERSCHUTZ 2010, exhibitors from the “self”and “outside” rescue service sector will be locatedprimarily in halls 2 and 3 as well as on the open-airsite. Here, too, the number of exhibitors has goneup.

Big-name manufacturers of emergency andmedical ambulances will also be back for theupcoming INTERSCHUTZ. All the major emergencyrelief organizations will be on hand todemonstrate their high level of expertise andtraining – including their perfect command ofstate-of-the-art medical technology and sophisti-cated electronic equipment. This part of the showwill also be backed up by a comprehensivesupporting program. At the German RescueServices Conference, the focus is on hygiene,organizational tactics, pandemic planning andrescue squad training. The conference will onceagain focus on issues of direct interest to the workof rescue assistants and emergency physicians.This time the conference will clearly differentiatebetween medical and organizational-technicalthemes, staging the relevant presentations inseparate auditoriums.

High-caliber supporting programThe important role of INTERSCHUTZ will be under-scored by a high-caliber supporting programconsisting of forums, workshops, special eventsand live demonstrations on the open-air site.INTERSCHUTZ offers a unique mix of commercial andnon-commercial exhibitors for maximum synergyeffects. Exhibitors will be displaying the latest tech-nologies, trends and services from the areas of pro-tection and prevention, rescue work and defense,contingency planning and organization, makingINTERSCHUTZ the No. 1 international event foranyone involved in fire prevention, disaster relief,rescue services and safety/security. Further informa-tion is available at www.interschutz.de/events andwww.vfdb.de IFF

For more informationcontact:Andrea StaudeTel: +49 511 89-31015Email:[email protected]

Further information as wellas digital images areavailable for downloading atwww.interschutz.de/pressservice

Firefighting andrescue services:Scores of new attractions and innovations

form backbone of INTERSCHUTZ 2010

P. 16 Interschutz Prod. Profile 6/11/09 12:59 pm Page 16

Crash Rescue IFF24 p00 4/11/09 8:53 am Page 1


New premium-build Skum™foam trailermonitor unveiledTyco Fire Suppression & Building Products has unveiled its new SKUM™ brandRAFT – which stands for Rapid Response Foam Trailer.

PRODUCT PROFILE

Designed for fast, accurate and safe deploymentin high-hazard environments, the new RAFTfirefighting trailers are claimed to be highly

mobile, versatile and cost-effective. As standard,they are available as a single-axle 1,000-litre tankcapacity unit, and as twin-axle 1,800-litre and 2,300-litre capacity trailers. They can be fitted withthe latest generation of manually-operated SKUMFJM-80S or the FJM-100S fire monitors to suitspecific site conditions and firefighting requirements.

The new monitors have exceptional flow perfor-mance characteristics, such as wide and adjustableflow ranges and long throw lengths – up to approxi-mately 80 metres – to ensure fast fire knock-down.The SKUM FJM-80S monitor has a water capacity of3,700 l/m (litres a minute) and a foam capacity of 170 l/m while, for the FJM-100S, water capacityincreases to 6,000 l/m and foam capacity increases to320 l/m.

The monitors incorporate a constant flow nozzle,so the nozzle capacity is unchanged whether it isused to deliver a fog or jet of foam or water. Theycan be rotated through a full 360 degrees; their ver-tical elevation is between minus 45 degrees and plus90 degrees, and they can be locked in any desiredoperating position. These heavy-duty monitors areconstructed with built-in foam concentrate inductorsthat ensure reliable, accurate and adjustable propor-tioning between one percent and six percent for alltypes of foam concentrate, eliminating the need fora separate proportioning system.

Both the 1,800-litre and the 2,300-litre twin-axletrailers have the option to incorporate either one ortwo high-capacity hose baskets designed to carry upto six 30-metre long hoses, each with a maximumdiameter of 75mm. For optimum effectiveness, therecommended hose is the top-specification, abra-sion and heat resistant MACRON VIKING “Type 3”that is also unaffected by contact with oil andchemicals.

Especially suited to challenging hydrocarbon pro-cessing, petrochemical, heavy industrial, military andaviation environments, the RAFT units are built toprovide years of low maintenance, trouble-freeservice. Even in the most extreme environments, thenew SKUM unit has impressively robust durabilitycharacteristics. The monitor has a stainless steelbody and a bronze nozzle and bearings, and ismounted onto the unit’s fully-welded tank that isfabricated from 2.5mm thick stainless steel andincorporates a 250mm diameter auto-venting,

quick-release filling lid, and 2.5mm thick internalbaffle plates to minimise any surge.

The trailer incorporates a beam axle system toincrease stability and reliability, and ensure its suit-ability for harsh locations. The stability of the newRAFT unit is further boosted by the incorporation ofindustrial heavy-duty, fully retractable prop standswith jacking pads on each corner, and the trailer’ssuspension is far more reliable over rough terrainthan any other suspension system.

The units’ four-way inlet manifold with one-waycheck valves ensures that there is no loss of water ifany individual hose is punctured. This manifold isconnected to the monitor via a 100mm waterwaythat is integrally welded inside the tank and termi-nates at the monitor. All of the pipe work in the tankis stainless steel to safeguard against the possibilityof corrosion caused by the foam concentrate.

The trailer is fitted with a 50mm ball-hitchcoupling, although other international standard tow-ing eye connections can be supplied; the lightingand breaking system fully conforms to Internationalstandards laid down for towing trailers on publichighways. The two pack epoxy paint finish gives avery durable finish to ensure long corrosion-free lifein the most arduous of conditions. The SKUM rangeof FJM monitors are FM (Factory Mutual) approvedand certified by DNV (Det Norske Veritas), Rina(Registro Italanio Navale), and BV (Bureau Veritas).

While the standard specification has beendevised to suit the vast majority of applications,customer-built RAFT units can incorporate a numberof optional features. These include manifold designand nozzle types and different hose and fire fightingfitting specifications. IFF

Further information on RAFTfoam trailers is availablefrom Tyco Fire Suppression& Building Products bytelephone on +44 (0) 161875 0402, by fax on +44 (0)161 875 0493, or via email [email protected] website address iswww.tyco-fsbp.com

The new SKUM™ brand RAFT foamfirefighting trailers are highly mobile,versatile and cost-effective

P. 18 Tyco Prod. Profile 6/11/09 12:59 pm Page 18


NEWS

New training postersfrom Holmatro‘Holmatro’s EmergencyShoring & LiftingTechniques’Holmatro Rescue Equipmentintroduces a new series of posters,explaining the basic principles ofemergency shoring and liftingoperations, as required for thesafe rescue of persons trapped.

The posters series (5 posters) cover thedisciplines:● Vehicle on its side/on its roof● Large vehicle stabilization &

lifting● Progressive lifting – Trench

rescue approach● Trench rescue: rapid safe area

creation● Collapsed structure rescue

With the help of clear full-colour illustrations all information is visible at a single glance.Therefore theseposters are ideal for quick reference in a classroom or at a rescue station.Theposters (size 50 x 70 cm and printed on high quality paper) are available in threelanguages: English, German and Dutch.

Available through your local Holmatro dealer (see:www.holmatro.com/rescue).

For more information please contact:Holmatro Rescue Equipment, P.O. Box 33, 4940 AA RaamsdonksveerThe NetherlandsTel: +31 162 58 92 00 Fax: +31 162 52 24 82Email: [email protected] Website: www.holmatro.com

PeliProductsSafetyTorchesAdaptingTo NewATEXStandards Is your lightcompliant withthe EuropeanDirectiveregardingexplosionprotection?PELI™ PRODUCTS, the global leader in the designand manufacture of advanced lighting systemsand virtually indestructible case has announcedthat several of their safety approved torch modelswill fully comply with updated ATEX safetystandards.

The ATEX Directive embodies the Europeanrequirements for equipment used in potentiallyexplosive atmospheres; changes in thestandards are effective on October 1st 2009.Designed for use in hazardous areas,professionals working in chemical, electrical, gas,oil, power, pharmaceutical, fire rescue, hazmatand other high-risk industries can be confidentthat Peli offers the safety approvals needed forthe large variety of hazardous environments.

ATEX Standard changes affecting torchescertified in Category 1&2 (Zone 0&1), are a resultof Standard for Protection of Equipment byIntrinsic Safety “i” changes (from EN50020 to thenew EN60079-11:2007) and Increased Safety “e” changes (from EN60079-7:2003 toEN60079-7:2007).

For more information, visit www.peli.com orhttp://www.peli.com/?q=en/content/peli-lights-atex-directives

News P. 5, 10, 12, 20 6/11/09 12:55 pm Page 20

MUNICIPAL

Pic courtesy of Reuters

Dividers p. 21, 39, 63 6/11/09 1:00 pm Page 21


By Jorg Linssen

FEELING SAFE IN SAFETY EQUIPMENTMUNICIPAL

In the EU, the answer is simple, in principle: Stan-dards exist, which apply to individual protectionclasses in all 27 member states. If, for example, a

manufacturer brings a new protective boot to theEuropean market, it must first submit the boot fortesting to a recognised test centre, such as TÜV orPFI. These test procedures are standardised and areprecisely logged and evaluated by the test centre.

If the shoe passes the tests, the manufacturer isissued a so-called model certificate. The test centresigns this model certificate, which must alwaysindicate the exact name of the tested products.Since the test centre is also answerable for the testby dint of its own registration, its ID code isprinted on the model certificate and appliesthroughout Europe. The model test certificatemust also indicate the registration and lognumbers of the test centre. Fake model test certifi-cates are frequently detected because these threenumbers are inconsistent.

Customers sometimes doubt the validity of amodel certificate that was issued some years

earlier. These concerns are, however, unfounded,since a model certificate retains its validity for aslong as a shoe continues to be manufacturedwithout modification. The same applies if a stan-dard is amended. EN 345-2, for example, is thestandard that governs the properties of firefighterboots, and was replaced in 2006. So while shoesthat comply with the former standard do not losetheir old model certificate, they do not, however,comply with the new standard, EN 15090:2006.Official bodies, such as the district governments inGerman federal states and the state governmentsin Austria, forbid the wearing of firefighter bootsduring assignments if these do not comply withthe latest standard. As far as work safety isconcerned, however, each individual company isresponsible for ensuring that the staff wear safetyshoes that comply with the latest standard. Thecurrent applicable standard for safety shoes is EN ISO 20345:2004 + AC:2007+A1:2007 and for work shoes EN ISO 20347:2004 +AC:2007+A1:2007 (see box).

Explanation, certification, standard –what to look out for with certificatesFirefighters, miners, police officers or avalanche experts – anyone who needspersonal protective equipment for their work needs to be able to rely 100percent on the quality of the same. And yet there are always somemanufacturers who turn out to be black sheep. So how do I recognise whether a safety shoe complies with the standards?

Feeling safe in saf e

EN ISO 20345:2007 for safety shoes The following individual points are tested andconfirmed:SB – Basic requirements according to thestandard – e.g. toe capS1 – same as SB, but also includes: closed heelarea, antistatic properties, energy absorptioncapacity in heel area S2 – same as S1 but alsoincludes: compliance with the requirement forwater penetration and water absorptionS3 – same as S2 but also includes: punctureresistance and profile soleMeanings of additional requirements (excerpt)P – Penetration protectionHI – Thermal insulation of sole complexCI – Cold insulation of sole complex

E – Energy absorption capacity in heel area

WR – Water resistance of shoes

WRU – Water penetration and absorption ofshoe upper part

HRO – Behaviour of sole with regard to contactheat

EN ISO 20347:2007 for work shoesThe following individual points are tested andconfirmed:OB – Basic requirements and an additionalrequirement from the supplementary requirementsO1 – closed heel area, antistatic properties,energy absorption capacity in heel areaO2 – same as O1, but also includes: compliancewith the requirement for water penetration andwater absorption O3 – same as O2, but also includes: punctureresistance and profile soleMeanings of additional requirements (excerpt)P – Penetration protectionA – Antistatic shoesHI – Thermal insulation of sole complexCI – Cold insulation of sole complexE – Energy absorption capacity in heel areaWR – Water resistance of shoesWRU – Water penetration and absorption ofshoe upper partHRO – Behaviour of sole with regard to contact heatFO – Fuel resistance of sole

Currently applicable standards for safety shoes in the European Union

P. 22-23 Boots 6/11/09 1:00 pm Page 22

Customers should not, however, just be satisfiedwith manufacturers who can present a modelcertificate that complies with the latest standard.After all, the model certificate only indicates thata test shoe complies with the European standard.A model certificate on its own says nothing aboutthe standard production of the manufacturer.This is where a second term comes into play:conformity. Conformity means that the shoesproduced for sale actually do correspond to themodel for which the model certificate was initiallyissued. But watch out: there are two differenttypes of documentation that confirm this confor-mity: a declaration of conformity and a certificateof conformity.

The certificate of conformity is issued by animpartial test laboratory. This certificate onlyapplies for a limited period which is clearly statedby the test laboratory on the document. Afterthat, a new certificate must be issued.

The declaration of conformity demands morefaith on the part of customers. It is issued by the

manufacturers themselves. By issuing this declaration, the manufacturer confirmsthat a product is identical to the model. Although this statement by the manufac-turer is legally binding, it would seem to be worth less than a certificate of confor-mity at first glance. Such a declaration does, however, serve a purpose. It isdemanded by major customers, above all, who require a legally binding statementfrom the manufacturer in addition to a certificate. A declaration of conformityissued by the manufacturer also serves a purpose, however, if it only applies to a lessimportant component of a shoe that is modified over the course of time (e.g.appliqué sewn onto a work shoe) or if a component for which a certificate has beenissued is used in a different shoe. Customers should be aware of what they are let-ting themselves in for if manufacturers have only issued a declaration of conformity.Especially if this declaration is based on a certificate that has expired. IFF


f ety equipmentClassification of firefighter shoes according to EN 15090:2006 Identified by the FPA logo embossed in the shoe:Code I: Shoes made from leather or other materials with the exception ofsolid rubber or all-polymer shoesCode II: Solid rubber or all-polymer shoes

Types of firefighter shoes according to EN 15090:2006 Type 1 – suitable for general technical assistance (e.g. type 1, HI1) andfirefighting exclusively in the open (e.g. type 1, HI2; type 1 HI3)Type 2 – basic heavy-duty protection, suitable for inner attack and other firesof all types; standard firefighter boot (e.g. type 2 HI2; type 2 HI3)Type 3 – special protection version, suitable for use under extraordinary riskconditions, such as hazardous substances; also suitable for all types offirefighting (e.g. type 3 HI2; type 3 HI3)

Meaning of the code symbols (extract from EN ISO 15090:2006, Table 4)HI1 – Thermal insulation performance of the sole complex at 150°C/30 min.HI2 – Thermal insulation performance of the sole complex at 250°C/20 min.HI3 – Thermal insulation performance of the sole complex at 250°C/40 min.P – Penetration protectionT – Toe caps, if available on type 1R – Front cap strength

Only required for type 1:

Safety standard embossedon a HAIX® firefighter boot– something customers canrely on from well-knownbrand names

A – Antistatic shoesI – Electrically insulating shoesIS – Highly insulating outsolesCI – Cold insulation of sole complex

CH – Resistance to chemicalsM – Middle foot protection AN – Ankle protection

P. 22-23 Boots 6/11/09 1:00 pm Page 23


MUNICIPAL

Evaluators must select among several technolo-gies, a great number of features, and a widerange of service and support offerings. With

the increasing complexity of the market, many firedepartments are finding it difficult to determinewhich thermal imager and accessories they shouldpurchase. This article aims to provide a picture ofthe ideal evaluation process, which will result inyour department making the best purchasedecision.

Step One: team up and learnStart by selecting a team of people to manage theTI evaluation. It is important to include people ofdifferent ranks and specialties, including an officerwith decision authority as well as line firefighterswho will actually be using the TI. This variety

ensures that the selected unit is the actual unitthat best meets the individual department’s needs.

If you have never purchased a thermal imager,take the time to learn the basics of thermalimaging. How does the technology work? What arethe uses and limitations of TIs? Evaluation teamsshould seek advice or instruction from local depart-ments using TIs, attend large trade shows, trainingseminars and even visit TI manufacturers. Be sure toverify what you are learning from as many indepen-dent sources as possible because there is conflictingand inaccurate information in the field.

If you have owned TI’s in the past, take the timeto familiarize yourself with the features andbenefits of the latest technology. If you areexpanding your current ownership, consider thecapabilities of the equipment that you already

By Brad Harvey

Bullard ThermalImaging ProductManager

EvaluatingThermal ImagersFive Steps to Selecting the Best TIfor Your DepartmentBecause thermal imagers (TIs) have quickly become a necessary tool for firedepartments, the number of suppliers and models has expanded, giving firedepartments (FDs) more choices than ever when it comes to choosing a TI.

The real world test is themost critical part of yourthermal imagerevaluation

P. 25-28 Thermal Imaging 6/11/09 1:01 pm Page 25

have and look for consistency of operationbetween a new imager and imagers that youalready own. The technology in a TI improvesrapidly so you should always invest some time insurveying the market prior to any purchase.

Step Two: do your homeworkInitiate the homework phase by gathering infor-mation from distributors and TI manufacturers,with the goal of identifying all of the currentproducts available. Next, get direct input fromother FDs currently using different TIs. Ask howwell the unit has handled the rigors of firefighting,

the value of various features on the unit and thetype of service and support received from themanufacturer and/or local distributor. Ask the FDabout specific manufacturer claims on options orperformance to verify if the unit performs asadvertised. If you are new to thermal imagingtechnology, you will benefit from gleaninginformation and learning from the experiences ofa number of different FDs.

After researching what is available as well aswhat other FDs have found useful, develop aninitial outline specifying what you believe are thecritical features for a TI. Differentiate between“essential features” (such as heat and waterresistance) and “desirable features” (such as 2-hour battery life). Then review the units availableand determine if you can immediately eliminateany of them from your evaluation process. Youmay eliminate them because they lack a featureyou feel is critical, or because a unit received poorreviews from other FDs. Even if you can limit theinitial field to five or six TIs, the evaluation processcan demand a great deal of time and resources.

Step Three: the classroom testOnce you have narrowed the field to a manageablenumber of potential units, it is time to gain moredetailed information and first-hand experience.Schedule a day for each manufacturer or local rep-resentative (or several of them) to make a “class-room presentation.” In an effort to be fair to thesales people, plan on 30 minutes per TI. This givesthe sales person time to show you the features and

Part of any successfulevaluation includesdetermining how easilyfirefighters can carry animager as well as theirnormal supply ofequipment

MUNICIPAL

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benefits of his TIs whileyou gather other infor-mation, including: ● Standard and option-

al features availableon the unit, whichcan include tempera-ture measurement,telemetry, color dis-play and others.

● Unit operating proce-dures, including unitactivation, batterychanging and charg-ing, and use ofadditional features.

● Service issues, includ-ing length of war-ranty (be sure toclarify what it cov-ers), availability of extended warranty as well asservice turnaround.

● Performance characteristics, including durability,heat resistance, water resistance, telemetrypower, etc.

● The cost of the unit, including additionalfeatures, extended warranties, accessories andspare parts.

● Support offered as part of the overall package,including training (clarify the type of training:20 minutes of how to turn it on or two hoursof how TIs work?), web resources and ongoingeducation.

Evaluating teams should always keep one keynote in mind: there is no recognized consensusstandard for TI performance. As a result, FDsshould ensure that the supplier proves every claimhe makes. If the supplier says his/her TI can stayunderwater for an hour, fill up the kitchen sink andtime how long it lasts. If the supplier says the TI canthe tossing begin. While most supplierbe tossedacross the room, then clear a path and lets are hon-est and ethical, some may unfairly stretch the truthto win your business. To protect yourself and yourdepartment’s purchase, do not accept any claim orstatement as fact until the supplier proves it.

Test features of eachunit under variousconditions andscenarios, includingstructural fire

EVALUATING THERMAL IMAGERSMUNICIPAL

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For convenience, attempt to schedule all pre-sentations on the same day or the same week,with all evaluation committee members present toask questions and document their impressions ofeach manufacturer. Ideally, committee membersshould use a checklist or table to document theirconclusions and to help ensure that a fair andequal comparison is made between the TIs.

Step Four: the real world testThe real world test, or hands-on evaluation, is themost critical part of your evaluation process. Whileone thermal imager may stand out in the class-room, the FD’s final decision could be differentafter firefighters get the opportunity to usethermal imagers under realistic conditions. In theevaluation, some TIs will show they look and actbetter in the classroom than in a real fire. Somefeatures seem great in the classroom, but do notperform as expected once they venture into thereal world of emergency response. As with theclassroom presentations, aim to evaluate all of theunits on the same day. This will allow each unit tobe compared side-by-side in real time, undersimilar conditions.

Careful planning and preparation are essentialto a successful hands-on evaluation. Before theevaluation, decide how you will test the featuresthat mean the most to your department, anddevelop a checklist to make sure that committeemembers are using the same criteria. Test eachfeature of the unit under various conditions andscenarios, such as live fire, simulated hazmatincidents, fire-alarm investigation and outdoorsearches. Crawl with each unit; look underobjects. Determine if the TI can be carried up aladder easily, or if a hose team can advance a linewhile carrying the TI. Always evaluate TI’s underreal fire conditions if possible. This is where theperformance of the TI is most critical and whereyou should spend some time evaluating.

Have each member write notes about each TIimmediately after they use it. To help quantify the evaluation process, members should beencouraged to rank specific factors using anumber scale. Develop the scale and factor sheetin advance, grading such aspects as ease of use,

performance in a fire, ability to carry otherequipment, etc.

Step Five: the decisionFollowing the completion of the classroom andhands-on evaluations, it is time to decide whichthermal imager best meets the department’sneeds. Compare the written notes and total thescored rankings. If there are specific features thatare more valuable, you may want to considerweighing them more heavily. Remember to includenon-tangible issues such as service and support,which will not only help you get your units intooperation, but will also assist you in keeping themin service for years to come. Consider exactly howrepairs are handled and the overall support youwill receive. Do not forget the information yougathered from other FDs about their experienceswith TIs. Your neighbor may be the best proof ofwhat happens after you sign the purchase order.

Once you have determined which TI you willpurchase, place your order or formulate the tenderdocuments. The distributor or manufacturer canhelp you write appropriate tender specifications.

ConclusionDespite the wider acceptance of TIs in the fireservice, there is still much misinformation andmisunderstanding about the technology. The realityis that TIs are still expensive tools. As a result,potential buyers must perform the proper amountof preparation and evaluation to ensure that theypurchase the best overall value possible. Rememberthat value is not just price. Purchasing cheaper TIsmay seem like a bargain, until those TIs are repeat-edly out of service or sitting in compartmentsbecause the line firefighters find them awkward orunusable. Like any other capital expenditure, FDsshould expect their units to provide years of reliableservice. To do this successfully means selecting theTI with the best design and features, best record ofaccomplishment in real world performance andbest possible service and support. It is not easy tomake a proper selection effort, but time well spenton the process will ensure that the FD and thepublic it serves will reap long-term benefits fromthese valuable tools. IFF


During your evaluation,be sure to use thermalimagers in a variety ofeveryday tasks, includingsizeup and overhaul

EVALUATING THERMAL IMAGERSMUNICIPAL

Brad Harvey is the ThermalImaging Product Manager atBullard. He is a veteran ofpublic safety as a firefighter,police officer and paramedicand is certified through theLaw EnforcementThermographers’ Association(LETA) as a thermal imaginginstructor. Harvey has workedas a high-angle rescueinstructor and is a certifiedrescue technician and fireinstructor. If you havequestions about thermalimaging, you may e-mail himat [email protected]


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Plastisol IFF21 13/12/09 1:32 pm Page 1

FDIC IFF24 p30 4/11/09 9:44 am Page 1


GROUPE LEADER is seeking to revolu-tionise fire fighting in the UK with twonew products.

Many Brigades use Positive PressureVentilation (PPV) fans to clear smokelogged buildings AFTER the fire has beenextinguished.

But that could all change as Le Havre-based Groupe Leader has designed theEasy Pow’Air ventilator which can be usedDURING fire fighting operations.

Use of the compact Easy Pow’Airreduces the risk of backdrafts, speeds upsearch and rescue operations and providescrews with greater visibility of actual seatsof fire, thereby allowing them to quicklytackle the fire. Such actions also reducethe resultant carbon footprint and theamount of water damage.

Effective up to 6 metres, the fan alsogives firefighters more room to manoeu-vre, and its low noise level output ensuresclear communications between commandand front line Firefighters.

The fan tilts between –10 and +20°, mak-ing ventilation possible in varied situationssuch as raised doorways, high windows,stepped entries, landings and basements.

Many problems with traditional PPVsuch as high maintenance, noise output,fuel cut outs and manual handling havebeen engineered out of the Easy Pow’Air

to make this probably the most advancedand stable fan in the market today.

Groupe Leader is also behind a newstate-of-the-art search and rescue locationsystem.

Audio ResQ uses exceptionally sensitiveseismic probes to triangulate the exactposition of the victims of building collapseor earthquakes.

The easy to use, plug and play devicecan detect the slightest noises or vibrationscreated by those buried alive whileadjustable electronic filters reduce distur-bances caused by drills, passing vehiclesand even rain, making the Audio ResQ anessential part of the Search and Rescue kit.

For more information contact:Leader Group UK Ltd195 Allport Road, BromboroughWirral CH62 6 BATel: +44 (0) 1513 340 202Fax: +44 (0) 1513 461 057Contact: Robert McCaaEmail: [email protected]: www.leader-group.co.uk

Groupe Leader release two new products

PPV Equipment FocusIFF takes a look at some of the recent developments in PPV technology

TurboForce™PPV BlowersEuramco Safety manufactures a completeline of high performance portable PPVventilation blowers used by Fire RescueProfessionals throughout the world.

RAMFAN’S TurboForce™ Fan Bladetechnology generates a 20% higher veloci-ty airflow than standard propeller fanblades and results in faster cooling andclearance of dangerous smoke and toxicgas present at fires.

In addition, RAMFAN’S more focusedairflow generates peak airflow perfor-mance inside the normal set-up zone area2 feet to 8 feet from the door whichmakes set-ups fast and easy, anywhere inthe ZONE.

The RAMFAN Line of PPV Blowersincludes gas, electric and water poweredTurbo Blowers and Smoke Ejectors from16” to 24” in size. Airflow performancenumbers have been Third Party tested andcomply with the AMCA Certified RatingsProgram.

The EV400 Variable Speed ElectricTurboForce™ Blower is the only variablespeed electric with a switch on the fan thatcan instantly switch from the 20 amp circuit

to a 15 amp circuit to eliminate blownbreakers when operating on house current.

RAMFAN’S Explosion Proof Line ofBlowers and Exhausters offers a completeline of 8”, 12” and 16” TurboBlowers forConfined Space and Hazardous Locationapplications. All Explosion Proof Blowershave been UL tested and are whole-unitATEX Certified worldwide, a first in the FireRescue Industry.

Euramco Safety is an ISO-9000 Compa-ny with headquarters and manufacturingin Spring Valley, CA, a sales and distribu-tion office in Luxembourg and sales outletsthroughout the world.

For more information contact: Euramco Safety [email protected] tel: +1 (619) 670-9590 or fax: +1 (619) 670-7345

Euramco Safety

RAMFAN GF165 TurboForce PPVBlower. This PPV Fan is our mostpopular worldwide fan. Smallfootprint and big performance – 6 HPHonda Engine and CFM = 14,421

P. 31-38 PPV R/U 6/11/09 1:09 pm Page 31

RUWU produces fans with welded casingsfor almost every industrial application.Specialized in job-oriented single-piece orsmall-scale production we transform yourrequirements into a complete product –from construction to installation.

The focal point of our program areradial fans or centrifugal fans which covera range of 5,000 m3/h up to 600,000 m3/hvolume flow in low-, middle- and high-pressure regions.

The spectrum of our centrifugal fansextends from extremely wear-resistant ver-sions with plated impeller blades to conveydust laden media over compression-proof

fans to multi-stage fans. They are availablewith all kinds of casing positions and drivesystems.

Other examples are:● Hot-gas-fans for temperatures up to

900°C, with or without casing● Double inlet fans● Shock resistant fans● Explosion or spark-proof fans● Fans without casing● Fans made of special metals● Fans with special linings, wear and

corrosion resistant

We also offer all accessories to optimizethe use of your fan.

Next to these types we produce axialflow fans up to the nominal size 2,240with or without guide vane or diffusors(volume flow 2,000 – 700,000 m3/h).

Another top-product of ruwu areportable fans of the lines MWM incentrifugal style and VL in axial style. Theyare used for ventilation and extraction ofsolvent or explosive fumes and gases outof rooms, ducts, pits or tanks by coupledflexible hoses. Available with threephase-,A.C.- or petrol motor they cover a varietyof utilizations. Explosion proof models areavailable as well.

For more information contact:Russwurm Ventilatoren GmbHOrtsstrasse 25D-86405 Meitingen-Ostendorf (Germany)Tel: 0049-(0) 82 71 / 81 75-0Fax: 0049-(0) 82 71 / 81 75-40Email: [email protected]: www.ruwu.de

SUPER VAC is known worldwide forour high quality PPV blowers andSmoke Ejectors which we have beenmanufacturing for rescue personnel forover 50 years. With powerful fans inyour choice of gas engines, electricmotors, hazardous location motors,batteries, water motors and com-pressed air from 20 cm to 2 meters indiameter. We also feature innovativesaws and smoke machines to maketough jobs a little easier.

Our portable PPV fans includes sizesfrom 40 cm to 80 cm in diameter com-plete with full width handles and largediameter tires to easily cross largediameter hoses, curbs and go up stair-ways. All units feature a full cagedesign to protect the engine andshroud. The new Econo Line fans andGC engines by Honda can help yourbudget dollars go further in a tougheconomy. Our VR2 Series variablespeed fans provide all the power of avariable speed fan with the ability to


POSITIVE PRESSURE VENTILATION EQUIPMENT FOCUS

ruwu fans with welded casings

Super Vac PPV blowers and SmokeEjectors

P. 31-38 PPV R/U 6/11/09 1:09 pm Page 32

run off GFCI circuits. Options for the PPVline include ducting, water mist for cool-ing, high expansion foam generators,

exhaust extensions, and the innovativehandle mounted light kit.

Our large PPV is the powerful SVU-50with a big 165 Hp engine to clear largestructures. The reasons customers chosethe SVU-50 over the competition is morepower, more airflow, in a sleek designalong with robust components.

Super Vac manufactures the entire blowerto maintain the utmost power and durabilityrequired for the rigors of emergency use.The heart of all these blowers is the patented

cast aluminum blade. Plastic bladesdon’t hold up to the intense radi-

ant heat produced duringstructure fires. Each blade isengineered to maximize the air-flow, then precision cast, tooled,hand-balanced, and polished.

We have been factoryapproved by all engine manu-facturers to assure you of a unitthat will run in any environmen-tal condition. Powder coating isdone in-house to guarantee aperfect finish. Whether youchoose the gas powered unitsor units powered by electricity,battery, or compressed air theSuper Vac fan will run flawlessly

for years to come.All fans are then 100% test run to

assure you of perfect operation from theminute they are unboxed in your station.

Included with each unit at no charge is themost comprehensive training manual inthe industry. Covering topics from Positiveand Negative Pressure Ventilation to Con-fined Space and High Rise use, you canrest assured that 50 years of emergencyventilation knowledge are provided witheach unit.

All Super Vac products are manufac-tured by employees who owe their job toemergency service customers. Quality andattention to detail are a way of life in ourcompany to match the commitment of ourcustomers to their job.

For more information about our companyand our range of fans contact: [email protected] call us atTel: +970-667-5146Fax: +970-667-4296Or visit our website at www.supervac.com



Ortstrasse 25D-86405 Meitingen-Ostendorf

Phone: +49-(0) 82 71 / 81 75 - 0Fax: +49-(0) 82 71 / 81 75 - 41E-Mail: [email protected]

http://www.ruwu.de

Light kit

P. 31-38 PPV R/U 6/11/09 1:09 pm Page 34

TEMPEST TECHNOLOGY CORPOR-ATION’s mission is the promotion ofthe use of air as a tool for eliminat-ing hostile interior environmentsencountered by firefighters, rescueteams, industrial workers, andindustrial contractors worldwide.

This mission will be accomplishedby identifying opportunities wherePositive Pressure Ventilation and otherventilation techniques can be appliedto make a work or emergencyenvironment safer and educatingmanufacturers, distributors, and endusers through live demonstrationsand professional training programs.

Tempest will continually improveand expand its existing product lineto meet the needs of its customers in variousdomestic and international markets. In order to fullyuse the strength of its resources and worldwide dis-tribution system, Tempest will develop strategicpartnerships, add complementary product lines, andengage in private labeling agreements with othermanufacturers.

Positive Pressure Ventilation = IncreasedSafety for Fire Fighters

Tempest Technology Corporation was founded in1987 to develop positive pressure ventilation tools forfire fighters. The first Tempest Power Blowers wereused by fire brigades in the United States to ventilatesmoke and heat from burning buildings after the firehad been extinguished. By placing the blower on theoutside of the structure, blowing inward, they areable to quickly remove the smoke, heat, and danger-ous gases. This allows them to locate victims faster,put out the fire faster, and it creates a safer environ-ment for fire fighters to work within.

Over the past 22 years, Tempest has successfullypromoted the concept of PPV around the world andit has become an accepted fire fighting technique inmany countries in Europe, Asia, the Middle East andthe Americas. In many countries, positive pressureventilation is being used for aggressive fire attackusing a technique called, “Positive Pressure Attack”or PPA. Tempest has played an important role insupporting the testing and research of new positivepressure ventilation applications such as PPA.

Tempest Technology offers a wide range ofgasoline and electric powered blowers to meet yourspecific emergency ventilation needs. Tempest blow-ers are available with petrol or electric motors in sizesranging from 400mm (16”) diameter to 900mm (36”)diameter. Explosion proof motors are also available.

The latest addition to the Tempest line of ventila-tion products is the Mobile Ventilation Unit (MVU).It is a 1250mm (48”) diameter fan for ventilatinglarge structures such as highway tunnels, under-ground tunnel systems, and high rise buildings. Itapplies the principles of positive pressure ventilationon a very large scale. Capable of airflow of over221,000 cubic meters per hour (130,000 cfm), theTempest MVU can quickly and efficiently ventilateany large structure. The MVU can be mounted ontoa truck, trailer, or skid for easily deployment to theincident scene.

For more information contact:Leroy Coffman, PresidentTempest Technology, Inc.4708 N. Blythe AvenueFresno, California 93722 USAOffice: 001-559-277-7577 x-108Mobile: 001-559-250-3501Email: [email protected] us online at:www.tempest-edge.com



Tempest Technology Mission Statement

The Tempest 27” PPV Blower is used by the NewYork Fire Department (FDNY) for High RiseVentilation

P. 31-38 PPV R/U 6/11/09 1:09 pm Page 35

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UNIFIRE Positive Pressure Ventilation fans are built from the ground up to be the moststable, reliable, and efficient ventilation fans available. Designed specifically for the fireand rescue industry, Unifire positive pressure ventilation fans feature rubber feet thatgrip even the most slick of surfaces and allow for stand-alone operation.

The lower-frame of Unifire positive pressure ventilation fans features a special anglethat raises the upper body of the frame, 7 inches above the ground. This feature allowsthe fan to clear fire hose, steps, and curbs that otherwise would be in the way. Thelower frame of the Unifire positive pressure venti-lation fan also features a patented friction lockmechanism. This allows the ventilation fan to betilted from a negative ten degrees to a positivetwenty degrees and locked in any positionbetween.

The upper-frame of Unifire positive pressureventilation fans is fully wraps the motor and isconstructed with ninety, degree angles in mind.The use of ninety-degree angles helps to protectthe fan in the event where they are tipped ordropped.

Unifire positive pressure ventilation fans featurean open shroud design. This allows air to beentrained from the side’s top and bottom of theshroud instead of just the back, which is the casewith a closed shroud design. With an open shrouddesign Unifire positive pressure ventilation fanscan be placed closer to an opening than closed


Positive PressureVentilation fansfrom Unifire


Super Vacuum Manufacturing Co., Inc. • P.O. Box 87 • Loveland, CO 80539 USA

www.supervac.comTel: +970 667 5146

Super Vac SVU Blows Up a 425,000 cmh Windstorm!The Super Vac SVU is useful in situations where a district includes large retail outlets, warehouses, public sites, tunnels, or airports. It can easily mount on trailers, skids, or trucks. Optional features include, lift,tilt, rotation, water misting and lighting. Contact your dealer for more details on ...

“The Most Powerful PPV Available”

P. 31-38 PPV R/U 6/11/09 1:09 pm Page 37

shroud counterparts, allowing the use of them on stoops or smallerspaces where a positive pressure ventilation fan would not

be usable. Instead of developing the cone of air from thefront of the shroud forward, Unifire positive pressure fans

develop the cone of air from the blades. Unifire uses a composite material called Unitron on

all of the blades of their positive pressure ventilationfans. This material is very robust and can withstandhigh heat conditions and is shatterproof. Unifire givestheir Unitron blades a limited lifetime warranty againstany and all defects in quality of manufacture, materials,and workmanship.

Unifire positive pressure ventilation fans are designedwith a low center of gravity. This center of gravity is solow that the fan must be tipped past forty-five degrees inorder to fall on its side.

Along with the standard DS series frame listed above,Unifire positive pressure ventilation fans are also availablein a DST frame with no-flat wheels and a thirty-five inchextendable handle, and a DU-All frame is also availablethat allows electric fans to be tilted in 360 degrees.

For more information please contact:Unifire, Inc., 3924 E. Trent Ave.

Spokane, WA 99202, USATel: 509-535-7746 Fax: 509-535-9064

Email: [email protected] Website: www.unifireusa.com



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P. 31-38 PPV R/U 6/11/09 1:09 pm Page 38

INDUSTRIAL

Pic courtesy of Reuters


FIRE PROTECTION WITH INNOVATION75 YEARS OF EXCEPTIONAL RELIABILITY

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Unit 6, Westpoint Enterprise Park,

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INDUSTRIAL

Fixed foam systems are undeniably the bestmethod of protection for storage tanksbecause they do not demand the hasty mar-

shalling of emergency equipment and manpower.Much has been written on the various techniquessince SKUM™ developed the first reliable storagetank fire protection solution 60 years ago. Today,systems are available for cone roof and fixed rooftanks, open-top floating roof tanks, covered float-ing roof tanks, and horizontal tanks.

However, storage tank fires frequently start withan explosion that may seriously damage the tankstructure and nullify the effectiveness of foamgenerators used in fixed or “over-the-top” sys-tems. This has led to the more widespread use of

the less vulnerable sub-surface injection and semi-subsurface injection systems for applicationswhere there is sufficient water pressure availablefor their use.

In sub-surface systems, foam is introduced closeto the bottom of a tank through a separate foamline and then floats to the surface to spread andextinguish the fire. However, this technique is notused on gasoline blends that contain alcohol orother polar solvent additives as oxygenates,because polar solvents destroy the foam, evenwhere alcohol-resistant concentrates are used.Sub-surface injection also cannot be used on coneroof tanks with internal floaters, in accordancewith NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 11

By John Allen

EMEA MarketingDirector, Tyco FireSuppression & BuildingProducts

Storage TankFire Protection– meeting thechallenge head onStorage tank fire safety remains a major concern throughout the petrochemicalsindustry. Here John Allen reviews some of the latest “front line” firefightingresources and techniques that can be easily all that stand between recovery anddisaster.

P. 41-44 Storage Tank 6/11/09 1:10 pm Page 41

(Standard for Low, Medium and High-expansionFoams). The semi-subsurface injection techniqueovercomes this problem. It can be used for alltypes of fuel and has all of the benefits of sub-surface injection. This technique uses a flexible hosethat is filled with foam under pressure. When thesystem is activated, the hose floats from the bottomof the tank to deliver the foam to the surface.

Horizontal storage tanks have been known torupture following an explosion, so it is vital toensure that the bund area is adequately protected.Even for larger bund areas in major tank farms,fixed low or medium-expansion generators can beused to create an effective foam blanket, with anyremaining fuel in the tank being protected using amonitor. Monitors can be used to protect thebund area, but this leads to much higher foamconsumption, and the recommendation is for atleast two monitors to protect larger bunds toensure complete coverage and the effectiveness ofthe equipment in all wind conditions.

Ensuring a sense of proportionFirefighting foam is made up of three ingredients:water; the foam concentrate; and air. The pro-portioning of the foam occurs when foam concen-trate is mixed with a flowing stream of water to

form a foam solution. This is mixed with air – theterm normally used is aspirated – to produce foamthat is a stable mass of tiny, air-filled bubbles witha lower density than oil, petrol or water, allowingit to easily flow over the surface of the fire’s fuel.

Although there are several methods of propor-tioning, fixed foam systems typically use what isknown as balanced pressure proportioning forinducing the foam concentrate into the feed waterline, so called because the foam concentrate pres-sure is balanced with the water pressure at theproportioner inlets. This allows the proper amountof foam concentrate to be metered into the waterstream over a wide range of flow rates and pres-sures. Because balanced pressure proportioningequipment is capable of continuously generatinglarge volumes of foam, these systems are com-monly used to protect tank farms.

There are two types of balanced pressure pro-portioning equipment. One type is used in foampump systems, while the other is used in conjunc-tion with bladder tanks. Both ensure accuratefoam delivery to fire monitors and deluge systems.

The latest generation of SKUM low-pressure-drop balanced pressure proportioners for foampump systems come in both standard and wide-flow designs that typify the performance of


INDUSTRIAL


proportioners currently available on the market.The wide-flow proportioner has an orifice, thearea of which changes in relation to the flow,ensuring the correct proportioning within a widerange of flows. The new line-up includes a num-ber of options, with capacities that span from aslow as 100 litres a minute (26 US gallons a minute)to a maximum of 37,850 litres a minute (10,000US gallons a minute), with a maximum operatingpressure of 16 bar (232 psi).

They offer accurate proportioning of the foamconcentrate irrespective of any variations in theflow or pressure and incorporate the facility tosite-adjust the proportioning over the full per-formance range, up to three percent. Standardbalanced pressure proportioners are available withwater inlet sizes of between 50mm (two inches)diameter and 250mm (ten inches), and 100mm(four inches) and 200mm (eight inches) diameterfor wide-flow range proportioners.

Bladder tank proportioners from SKUM come ina similar number of design and performanceoptions and are the ideal solution, particularlywhen upgrading an existing water sprinkler systemto a foam/water system. They are currently

available either as a horizontal tank with capacitiesspanning from 400 litres (106 US gallons) to25,000 litres (6,600 US gallons), or as a verticaltank with a lower maximum capacity of 12,000litres (3,250 US gallons). However, plans are inhand to introduce larger tanks in the comingmonths.

Currently, bladder tank proportioners, which arealso available in standard and wide-flow designs,offer similar capacities to the balanced pressureproportioners for foam pump systems, but with aslightly lower top limit of 34,100 litres a minute(9,009 US gallons a minute).

Stand & deliver – the role of firemonitorsWhile fire monitors spend the vast majority of theirlives motionless and inert, when the call to actioncomes, their effectiveness can easily be all thatstands between recovery and disaster.

In essence, there are two types of fire monitor.The first type is the fixed monitor; a static unit thatis attached permanently to pipework and is posi-tioned to stand guard over a specific fire risk. Thesecond type is the mobile monitor which tradition-ally has most frequently been employed to protecta multitude of fire risks. As the terms “mobile”

implies, they are trailer mounted for fast deploy-ment around the site so they do require a watersupply, which is usually provided by hoseconnection to a hydrant or portable pumps.

The decision to install fixed monitors or opt formobile equipment is not as straightforward as itmay first appear. Undeniably, a fixed monitor hasthe potential to be brought into action on a partic-ular fire risk faster than a mobile unit that has tobe moved and connected to a water supply.However, an explosion has the potential to disableor destroy the fixed equipment before it has evenhad time to spring into action. So dependency onfixed monitors can be a higher risk strategy.

Conversely, reliance on mobile monitorsinevitably means some delay before firefighting cancommence. It is also imperative that all of the site’spossible fire scenarios are carefully assessed so thatthis delay is not extended while, for example, themost effective positioning of the monitors is deter-mined. This requires careful fire planning to takeinto account the throw characteristics of the moni-tors, the proximity of hydrants, the need for hosesor pumps and possible wind conditions. Planning,therefore, is not an option – it is essential.

Frequently, the best solution is a combination offixed and portable monitors, with fixed monitorsacting as the first line of defence, and portablemonitors used to protect bunds, deal with fuelspillages and vapour concentrations, and cooladjacent fire risks.

Monitors can be operated either manually by thefirefighter or be remotely controlled. Remotely con-trolled monitors enable the firefighter to operate theequipment at a safe distance from the fire, movingthe monitor in both the horizontal and verticalplanes and, on the most sophisticated units on themarket, adjusting the flow, stream pattern andthrow. Power is hydraulic, or on the more recentmodels, electric. Each system has its particular bene-fits and SKUM, for example, offers hydraulic andelectric options, as well as both manually operatedand remotely controlled monitors.


STORAGE TANK FIRE PROTECTION – MEETING THE CHALLENGE HEAD ONINDUSTRIAL

There are two types of

balanced pressure

proportioning equipment. One

type is used in foam pump

systems, while the other is

used in conjunction with

bladder tanks. Both ensure

accurate foam delivery to fire

monitors and deluge systems.


Electric remote control can be supplied withexplosion-proof EEx (e) and flameproof EEx (de)electrical equipment in accordance with ATEX(ATmosphères EXplosibles) guidelines for when themonitor is likely to be used in areas that may beexposed to explosive gases. These ATEX guidelinesapply in Europe and are similar to the USA’s NEC(National Electrical Code) guidelines.

New foam trailer monitorOne of the latest pieces of tank farm fire safetyequipment to come onto the market is the newSKUM RAFT – which stands for Rapid ResponseFoam Trailer – firefighting foam trailer. It enables

an effective firefighting solution for these high-hazard environments to be brought into action inthe shortest possible time.

Designed for rapid response and fast, accurateand safe deployment, the new RAFT units areavailable, as standard, as a single-axle 1,000-litretank capacity unit, and as twin-axle 1,800-litre and2,300-litre capacity trailers. They can be fitted withthe latest generation of manually-operated SKUMFJM-80S or the FJM-100S fire monitors to suitspecific site conditions and firefighting requirements.

These particular monitors have exceptional flowperformance characteristics that ensure fast fireknock-down. Their wide and adjustable flow

ranges and long throw lengths – up to approxi-mately 80 metres – means that they can bebrought into action quickly, accurately and safely.The SKUM FJM-80S monitor has a water capacity of 3,700 l/m (litres a minute) and a foam capacity of 170 l/m while, for the FJM-100S,water capacity increases to 6,000 l/m and foamcapacity increases to 320 l/m.

These monitors incorporate a constant flownozzle, so the nozzle capacity is unchangedwhether it is used to deliver a fog or jet of foam orwater. They can be rotated through a full 360°;their vertical elevation is between –45°and +90°,and they can be locked in any desired operating

position. Built-in foam concentrate inductorsensure reliable, accurate and adjustable propor-tioning between one percent and six percent forall types of foam concentrate, eliminating theneed for a separate proportioning system.

Both the 1,800-litre and the 2,300-litre twin-axle trailers have the option to incorporate eitherone or two high-capacity hose baskets designed tocarry up to six 30-metre long hoses, each with amaximum diameter of 75mm. For optimumeffectiveness, the recommended hose is the top-specification, abrasion and heat resistantMACRON VIKING “Type 3” that is also unaffectedby contact with oil and chemicals. IFF


STORAGE TANK FIRE PROTECTION – MEETING THE CHALLENGE HEAD ONINDUSTRIAL

John Allen is EMEAMarketing Director at TycoFire Suppression & BuildingProducts.

More information is availableby telephone on +44 (0) 161875 0402, by fax on +44 (0)161 875 0493, or via emailat [email protected] website address iswww.tyco-fsbp.com

Designed for rapid response and fast, accurate and

safe deployment, the new RAFT units are available,

as standard, as a single-axle 1,000-litre tank capacity

unit, and as twin-axle 1,800-litre and 2,300-litre

capacity trailers.


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BRONTO SKYLIFT GMBHSinkenbreite 8DE-89180 BERGHÜLENGermanyTel +49 7344 92 499 0 Fax +49 7344 92 499 50www.bronto-skylift.de

Bronto Skylift IFF24 p45 5/11/09 10:55 am Page 1


INDUSTRIAL

On an average, 150,000 passenger’s transientthe airport each day. This equates to anannual passenger flow of 54 million. The

pulsating beat of the airside is a true indication ofhow busy this airport is. There are 83 aircraftmovements each hour or one movement every 43seconds! The 19 km2 airport city is home to morethan 500 companies employing over 70,000 peo-ple. The airport, owned and operated by FraportAG, operates three runways, each 4,000m inlength, two passenger terminals, cargo centers, ageneral aviation terminal, medical facilities, park-ing garages and a large magnitude of other air-port and non-airport related venues. Frankfurt

Airport is the “Home-Base” for Lufthansa,Europe’s largest airline. Lufthansa operates itsmaintenance base in Frankfurt and has numerousaircraft hangars to include the recently constructedstate-of-the-art A380 maintenance hangar. Theairport has 138 flight gates and over 200 aircraftparking positions. Parking garages at the airportprovide parking for more than 15,000 vehicles.Each day, aircraft are serviced with more than 17million liters of fuel. Alone a single Boeing 747-400 can take-on approximately 216,000 liters. Tomaintain fueling capacity, on the airport is fuelfarm consisting of 10 above-ground storage tankswith a total capacity of 186,000,000 liters of

The FrankfurtAirport Fire Service– protecting one ofthe world’s busiestairport cities.

The Frankfurt Airport at a glanceFrankfurt Airport, proudly known as the gateway to Europe is one of the world’sbusiest international airports and is home to 102 airlines traveling to over 180destinations worldwide.By John A. Olsen

Senior programmanager and fire andemergency servicesconsultant for the FireTraining Center ofFraport AG FrankfurtAirport ServicesWorldwide, Germany

Pic courtesy ofRosenbauer

P. 47-54 Frankfurt Airport 6/11/09 1:11 pm Page 47

Safety requires real-time information and monitoring. The Dräger Bodyguard® 7000 electronic unit is akey element of the Dräger PSS® 7000 personal safety system. It combines innovative ergonomic designwith advanced monitoring and warning features. Dräger Bodyguard® 7000: safety in the palm of yourhand. Interested? Take a look at the innovative system solutions of Dräger under www.draeger.com

Working together for your safety.

1612-2009

1612-2009_AD_Working_together_DINA4_engl.qxd:1612-2009_AD_Working_together_DINA4_engl 07.08.2009 11:02 Uhr Seite 1

aviation fuel which is supplied via pipeline fromthe fuel storage and dispensing facilities on theMain River.

A major part of the Frankfurt Airport City is its“Cargo City South” a large industrial complexlocated directly south of the main operating areaof the airport. Cargo City South is the home tomany freight forwarders and expediters necessaryto handle the 2 million metric tons of cargo thatpass thru Frankfurt each year. Currently the airportis nearing its full operating capacity of 56 millionand major airport expansion projects are underwaywhich will provide increased passenger capacity aswell as increased challenges for the airport.

An airport city with such complex infrastruc-tures and dynamic operations present unique fireand safety challenges. As we look at airportsaround the world, we see the effects of globaliza-tion. Airports are no longer airports . . ., globally;airports are evolving into “Airport Cities” pulsating

with major development and expansion projects.They are becoming the “Market Places of “TodaysEconomy” becoming the business place of majorretailers, hotels, cargo forwarders, conference cen-ters and public transportation facilities. The rapidgrowth and expansion of these airports is a posi-tive reflection towards the “Globalization Move”,however the move into the global future and therapid expansion and development of our airportspresent special and increased challenges on ourairports fire and emergency services

Meeting the challenges – theFrankfurt Airport Fire Service

About the Airport Fire ServiceProtecting the 19km2 airport and all of its criticalinfrastructure, is a great challenge that can only beachieved by staffing and operating a professionallytrained and equipped fire protection organization



THE FRANKFURT AIRPORT FIRE SERVICEINDUSTRIAL


at the airport. The airport fire service, managed byMr. Karl-Christian Hahn, Senior Manager AirportFire Safety & Security provides Category 10 (A380)Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) for airsideoperations as well as structural fire protection,hazardous materials response, technical rescueand other emergency services for all operationswithin the airport complex. To achieve effectiveand efficient levels of fire protection, the firedepartment is organized in four (4) separate oper-ational branches (Operations, Fire Prevention Divi-sion, Fire Training Center and the Administrative &Support Branch), each with specific responsibilitiesand operational functions. In the forefront of theorganization is the “Operations Branch” responsi-ble for fire fighting and rescue activities and allother functions related to the over-all operation ofthe department. The fire department is currentlystaffed with a total of 234 employees operatingout of three (3) strategically located fire stations.

The majority of the employees are assigned to theoperations section which is divided into two oper-ational shifts. Each shift is staffed with 95 firefighters working a 24 on 24 off shift schedule. Tomaintain adequate levels of fire protection for theairport, a minimum of 50 fire fighters are on-duty24/7 to staff the three fire stations. The main firestation (fire headquarters) which is located in thesouth-east sector of the airport has the primaryresponsibility for structural fire protection, haz-ardous materials response, technical rescue andfirst-responder emergency operations. Fire stationone also provides support to the ARFF stationsduring aircraft emergencies. The primary vehiclesoperating out of station one are the engine-rescueunits, aerial ladder, hazardous materials unit, com-mand vehicles and other support units. On anaverage, fire station one responds to between10–15 emergency calls per day. The calls rangefrom simple fire alarm system activations to

motor vehicle accidents and hazmatreleases. Fortunately due to a veryaggressive fire prevention and safetyprogram at the airport, structural fires are a seldom occurrence. Firestation one also provides the infra-structure required to operate the firedepartment. This includes operationalwork areas for the testing and main-tenance of self-contained breathingapparatus, hazardous materials equip-ment, protective clothing and supportequipment.

Naturally the priority of any airportfire service is to develop and maintaina highly efficient response capabilityto aircraft emergencies. During an air-craft incident, seconds count and thefire department must be capable ofreaching any part of the aircraft move-ment area within less than 3 minutes.The structural integrity of an aircraftfuselage exposed to an external fuelspill fire is dependent on how quicklythe fire department can respond andreact to the situation. A fire impinging


Rosenbauer Simba 8x8with HRET

INDUSTRIAL


on the aluminum skin of the aircraft fuselage is acritical situation. In less than 4 minutes, the firecan breach the aircraft skin and spread rapidly intothe aircraft cabin jeopardizing the safety of thepassengers. The International Civil Aviation Orga-nization (ICAO) specifies the minimum fire protec-tion requirements for airports based on the airportcategory. The airport category is based on thelength of the aircraft and the diameter of the fuse-lage of the largest aircraft operating at the airport.For example, the Boeing 747-400 is classified byICAO as a Category 9 aircraft requiring the airportto have a minimum of three (3) ARFF vehicles witha combined agent capacity of 24, 300 liters.Frankfurt Airport is classified as a Category 10based on the future servicing of the Airbus A-380.For Category 10, the airport is required to main-

tain a minimum of three (3) ARFF vehicles with acombined agent capacity of 32,300 liters and haveto reach each point in the runway system in lessthe 3 minutes. To achieve effective response timesand be capable of providing reliable fire and emer-gency services for the airport, the Frankfurt Airportfire department operates two (2) Category 10ARFF Stations. (Stations 2 & 3). Each ARFF stationis equipped with three (3) ARFF Vehicles (MajorCrash Units), one (1) Engine-Rescue, one (1) Res-cue Stairs Unit and a command vehicle. The SimbaARFF unit illustrated is the fire power in the ARFFfleet. Manufactured by Rosenbauer International,these vehicles combine state-of-the-art ARFF tech-nology into a very powerful fire fighting machine.The vehicle has three (3) engines, 2 for the drivetrains (front and rear) and one for the fire fightingsystem. The 49,000 kg vehicle with its 1,200horsepower can accelerate from 0-80 km/h in 21seconds and can travel up to speeds of up to 140 km/h. The vehicles fire fighting systems con-sist of a 12,500 liter water tank, 1,500 liter foam


ARFF rescue stairs inoperation A-380 rampchecks


The airport category is based

on the length of the aircraft

and the diameter of the

fuselage of the largest aircraft

operating at the airport.

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tank, 500 kg Dry Chemical System (Hydro-Chem™Technology), and a 15 meter High Reach ElevatingTurret (HRET). The vehicle has the capability todischarge foam/water solution at the rate of 6,000 liters per minute at 15 bar pump pressure.Additionally, each vehicle is equipped with a GPSnavigation system (ETNA-Electronic Taxiway Naviga-tion Array) and infrared cameras are mounted onthe HRET. The average staffing at each of the ARFFstations is 11 fire fighters and one command officer.

Although Frankfurt Airport maintains a highlyqualified and proficient airport fire service and arecapable of providing efficient fire and rescue ser-vices during a major aircraft incident, they alsodepend on support from local municipal firedepartments and rescue organizations. To effec-tively manage a major aircraft disaster, pre-plan-ning and close cooperation with local emergencyservice organizations is essential. The Frankfurt

Airport has a comprehensive Airport EmergencyPlan and response procedures in place and trainsregularly with local authorities to continually evalu-ate the effectiveness of emergency response, com-munication and incident mitigation procedures.Next year, the airport will again test this plan byconducting a major airport exercise which willchallenge not only the airport but also the sur-rounding communities and municipal fire and res-cue services. Emergency response planning andmaintaining high levels of readiness is FrankfurtAirports number-one priority.

Providing fire and emergency services for theairport is only one of the main responsibilities ofthe airport fire department. Critical to the safety ofany airport is the effectiveness of the airports fireprevention program. The airport fire departmentoperates a fire prevention and engineering divisionresponsible for establishing and maintaining fire


INDUSTRIAL



safety at all operational facilities and airfield operations. The fire prevention divi-sion conducts regular fire safety building inspections, provides fire and life safetydesign engineering reviews for all renovations and new construction projects toensure facilities are designed and constructed with fire and life safety concepts astop priority. In addition, this section develops fire safety strategy and emergencyresponse plans for all operational entities at the airport. At the airport there areliterally thousands of portable fire extinguishers and hundreds of fire detection(with app. 50,000 smoke detectors) and fixed suppression systems (with app.100,000 sprinkler heads). The fire prevention section manages a quality assur-ance program to ensure the reliability of these systems and their fire extinguishermaintenance section provides all inspection, testing and servicing of airportowned fire extinguishers. The best way to handle a fire incident is to prevent it inthe first place and this . . . the fire prevention section does this well!

Train as your life depends on it . . . because it does!The efficiency and effectiveness of any fire service organization can be directlyrelated to the how well the fire fighters are trained. Aviation fire protection pre-sents unique and diverse challenges for the fire fighter. Airport fire fighters notonly have deal aviation incidents, they also must be properly trained and skilledto deal with a wide magnitude of domestic and industrial types of emergencies.To ensure that the department’s fire fighters maintain the skills and competenciesnecessary to perform their duties with professionalism and competence, the FireTraining Center (FTC) was established. The FTC has two primary operationalfunctions, training of the airports fire service and providing external training,consulting and aircraft recovery services to external customers.

Each fire fighter assigned to the airport fire department must attend a 24week fire fighting course at the FTC. The course teaches the basic principles offire protection, chemistry of fire, fire fighting tools & appliances, search and res-cue, structural fire fighting, fire pump operations, fire prevention, vehicle rescue,hazardous materials, building collapse, fire detection and suppression systems aswell as a variety of other subjects. After the basic fire fighter training, traineesthen participate in a 4 week emergency medical technician training course and 2week specialized ARFF course. Upon successful completion of the basic training,the fire fighters are then assigned to an operational shift in which they will per-form 18 months of on-the-job-training (OJT). Following the OJT period, the firefighters then obtain certification in accordance with local and state fire trainingstandards.

FTC’s global activitiesThe Fire Training Center (FTC) is a leading provider of fire and emergency servicestraining, fire protection consulting and disabled aircraft recovery services toairports and fire departments across the globe. Each year over 2,500 courseparticipants attend training programs either at the Fire Training Center inFrankfurt or at the client’s location. The FTC has extensive experience in providing


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The expanding airport city – newchallenges for the fire departmentThe rapid expansion at Frankfurt Airport includingthe construction of a the new North-West Runway(2,900 m), the future construction of a New Termi-nal (Terminal 3), the construction of the sevenstory 152,000m2 Airrail Center and the expansionof Cargo City South has placed many new chal-lenges on the airport fire service. To provide fireprotection for the new runway which is expectedto become operational in October 2011, the air-port will construct an additional CAT 10 ARFF fire

station (Fire Station 4). This station will beequipped and staffed similar to fire stations 2 & 3.To have sufficient fire fighting personnel trainedand available prior to operation of the new run-way, the airport fire department is currentlyrecruiting 44 new fire fighters, procuring 3 addi-tional ARFF vehicles, an additional engine-rescueunit, rescue stairs and other support equipment.The opening of the new runway will significantlyincrease the number of aircraft movements (from83/hr to 120/hr) which will in-turn significantlychallenge the airports fire service. The airportdevelopment and expansion in the south and thefuture construction of the new terminal willrequire the relocation of the fire training center tothe location of the new fire station 4. Ongoingmajor construction projects and increased aircraftmovements at the airport present a significantincrease in risk potential for construction site acci-dents, aircraft emergencies or other fire situations.The airports fire service is actively involved in allaspects of the airports expansion program and isprepared to handle this increased risk potentialand continues to expand its emergency responsecapabilities. The Frankfurt Airport Fire Department. . . prepared for the worst case! IFF



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John A. Olsen is the seniorprogram manager and fireand emergency servicesconsultant for the FireTraining Center of Fraport AGFrankfurt Airport ServicesWorldwide, Germany. His fireprotection career has spannedover thirty-two years servingboth the civilian and militaryfire and emergency services atlocations world-wide. John’srecent activities includedeveloping and implementingfire prevention, protection andemergency responsestrategies at numerousinternational airports toinclude Cairo InternationalAirport, Egypt, Burgas andVarna Airports in Bulgaria, theIndira Gandhi InternationalAirport in New Delhi. andKing Khalid and KingAbdulaziz InternationalAirports in Saudi Arabia. Johnand his team are currentlyinvolved in designing “state-of-the-art” fire trainingcomplexes and fire stationfacilities for the aviation andindustrial sectors in theMiddle East and Asia. Mostrecently, John and his staffdeveloped and presentedcustomized Aircraft Rescueand Fire Fighting trainingprograms for airports in NewDelhi, Czech Republic,Slovakia, Egypt and Qatar.Additionally, John is an activemember of the Aircraft Rescue& Fire Fighting WorkingGroup, International AirTransport Association AircraftRecovery Task Force,International Aviation Fireprotection Association andthe European Aviation Groupfor Occupational Safety. Johnspecializes in airportemergency planning, disabledaircraft recovery planning &training as well.



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The new RosenbauerPanther at LeedsBradford Airport.Supplied earlier in 2009by Angloco. Pic courtesyMark Bathard

INDUSTRIAL

The list of attendees was very impressive whichincluded visitors from Cumbria Fire & RescueService, Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue,

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue, Airbus UK, TheEnvironment Agency, Westland Helicopters, Sercoand Dumfries & Galloway Fire & rescue. Airportsfrom around the UK were also in heavy atten-dance with representations from Edinburgh,Heathrow, Southampton, Stansted, Birmingham,Blackpool, Oxford, Coventry, East Midlands,Humberside and London Luton Airports.

The morning started with an introduction andwelcome to Leeds Bradford International Airportby Ray Booth. This was followed by an introduc-tion to Angloco headed by Alistair Brown who isthe Sales & Marketing Director for Angloco.Alistair explained to the delegates that Angloco isstill a family owned business founded in 1965 andcurrently has 70 employees. Their factory covers35,000 sq ft and their 2009 turnover is currently£15million. Angloco’s core business is the designand manufacture of fire fighting vehicles. Theyalso specialize in the distribution of products man-ufactured by specialist European companies. Leeds

Bradford International Airport has recently takendelivery of a new Rosenbauer Panther ARFF vehiclesupplied by Angloco.

Companies that Angloco act as distributors forinclude Bronto aerial ladder platforms, GunzburgerSteigtechnik ladders, Minimax dry powder firefighting and fixed suppression systems, Rosen-bauer fire fighting vehicles, Protek nozzles andmonitors, Spectenhauser flood clear up pumps,Rheinmetall Defence Electronics blue light drivertraining simulators and Dr Sthamer Hamburg, whoare the Europe’s largest and the world’s thirdlargest foam manufacturer with a turnover of 31 million US$.

The next introduction was presented by JanKnappert who is the international sales director forDr Sthamer Hamburg. Jan explained that DrSthamer is also a family owned and operated com-pany founded in 1886 by Dr Richard Sthamer.Actual foam production started in the 1920’s andthey now have a staff of 42 of which nearly 25%are in research and development. Sthamer prod-ucts include Foamousse, Sthamex, Sthamex-AFFF,Moussol, Fettex and wetting agents. Dr Sthamers

By Mark Bathard

On the 21st October by special invitation from Ray Booth, Airport Fire Chief atLeeds Bradford International Airport, a delegation made of individuals andgroups from airports and fire and rescue organisations from around the UKgathered at Leeds Airport to listen and witness a breakthrough in Fire FightingFoam. Leeds Bradford Airport kindly lent the hosts, Angloco and Dr SthamerHamburg the use of their facilities and equipment for the day.

Leeds Bradford In tAirport Foam Tria l

P. 56-58 Leeds Bradford 6/11/09 1:12 pm Page 56

products are used all over theworld mainly in the Airport,Petrochemical, Oil & Gas,Municipal fire brigades, Indus-trial fire brigades, Marine andOffshore industries. Sthameralso supplies all the majorGerman fire brigades andoperate a 24/7 emergencysupply operation to satisfy allpossible contingencies. Janalso explained that amongtheir customers are some veryprestigious and famous namessuch as Mercedes, BMW,Audi, Porsche. They also sup-ply most of the major airportsin Germany including Frank-furt, Hamburg, Bremen andLeipzig to name but a few.

Jan handed over to Dr Sthamers chief chemist,Dr Matthias Prall, an expert in the field of firefighting foams. Dr Prall explained in depth thescience behind fire fighting foams and started withexplaining that foam concentrates come undertwo catagories, these are protein foam concen-trates and synthetic foam concentrates. Proteinconcentrates include a standard protein (P)(Sthamer Foamousse 3% & 6% ) of which typicaluses would be in the petrochemical industries,storage tank farms and refineries. Fluoro Protein(FP) (Sthamer Fluor – Foamousse 3% & 6%) thisconcentrate is similar to standard protein but hasadditional operating activities such as in airportsand sub surface response. Film-Forming FluoroProtein (FFFP) (Sthamer Foamousse –FFFP 3% &6%) this is similar to an FP but with an aqueousfilm forming on non-polar solvents. Finally, AlcoholResistant Film Forming Fluoro Protein (FFFP-AR)(Sthamer Foamousse –FFFP-AR 3/3) this concen-trate is like FFFP but a polymer film can build onpolar solvents.

The second category of foam concentrates,synthetic, include foams such as AFFF, MPF, AFFF-AR and wetting agents. Multi-Purpose foam(MPF) (Sthamex f-6, f-15, f-25 and Sthamex classA) can be used in a multitude of ways and applica-tions would include the petro chemical industries,fire brigades, airports and shipping as well as smallclass A and class B fires. Aqueous Film FormingFoam (AFFF) concentrates (Sthamex AFFF 1,3,6%and f-15) contain fluoro surfactants and can beinducted at rates of 1%, 3% and 6% applicationsinclude airports, class A fires and fires of non-polarliquids and solvents. The concept of AFFF is itproduces an aqueous film which runs in front ofthe foam which means that the foam spreadsquickly which means you get stable barrier againstvapour re-ignition and the aqueous film meansthat you get a low fuel pick up. Finally, Alcoholresistant foam concentrates (AFFF-AR) (Sthamer

Moussoul-APS 1/3, 3/3 and f-15) this is very similarto standard AFFF but it can be used on polarsolvents. On polar solvents the foam produces agel-like protective layer between the solvent andthe foam which means it creates good foamexpansion. A gentle application is required whenusing this foam as it needs to allow the formationof a coherent and tight film which glides onto theliquid surface.

Fluorine Free foams have always existed (class Aand standard protein foams) but Dr Sthamer haveproduced a new product called Moussoul-FF 3/6alcohol resistant fluorine free foam. This product is

already EN1568 and ICAO level B approved. Thisproduct is a new generation of fire fighting foamdesigned to combat fires involving the new Bio-Ethanol fuels and was the foam that we wereall going to see demonstrated on the airfield laterthat morning. Quite simply, alcohol resistantfluorine free foam is designed to fight class Bhydrocarbon and polar solvent based liquid fuelfires which include Ethanol E85, MTBE, Biodiesel,E10 and E95. The foam develops a polymerblanket on top of the liquid fuel surface thus pre-venting the vapour from re-igniting and protectingthe foam bubbles from being absorbed by thealcohol. Good applications for this foam wouldinclude storage tanks and fuel spills. Dr Prall


Sthamer Moussol FFalcohol resistant foam at 3% quicklyextinguishing the panfire. Pic courtesy MarkBathard

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n ternationala ls

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finished off with an in-depth look at the actualingredients of foam plus a brief debate aboutPFOS and fluorosurfactants.

After the discussions Ray Booth led us throughsecurity where we were to go airside to see justhow effective this new foam would perform. Therewere to be four fires. Two 10ft sq pan fires and twohalf barrel fires. The first of the pan fires had 80litres of Jet A1 fuel poured in with a water base andthen lit and left for a pre-burn of about 2 minutes.This demonstration involved a branch pipe with acapability of 275lpm with clamp on foam tube andthe UK’s leading standard FFFP at a mix of 6%.After the two minutes the attack on the pan firestarted and the fire was soon extinguished afterabout 35-40 seconds. The second pan fire was thenlit again with 80 litres of Jet A1 fuel and also left topre-burn for 2 minutes. This time however, SthamerMoussol fluorine free 3/6 alcohol resistant foam ata mixture of 3% was to be used. After the pre-burnof 2 minutes, the attack on the fire started andbefore I knew it, was completely extinguishedcertainly within a time of less than 25 seconds. Thedelegates were certainly impressed with the perfor-mance of this foam especially at only 3%.

The half barrel fires then started. The first halfbarrel had 20 litres of a leading UK supermarketsBio-fuel (E85) poured in lit, and left to burn for 11⁄2minutes. The UK’s leading standard FFFP again at6% was used from two 6litre hand held extin-guishers with expansion tube. Again, the attackstarted and this time it looked as though it was

quenching the flames from the barrel but by thetime it had eventually put the fire out, both extin-guishers were spent. The second half barrel wasagain filled with E85 and left to burn for 11⁄2 min-utes. Two 6 litre extinguishers were used again butthis time filled with a pre-mixed solution ofSthamer Moussol FF 3/6 alcohol resistant foam atthe same mix of 6%. The attack started and over-whelmingly extinguished the barrel fire with foamto spare and in less time. The comparisonsbetween the two foams were noted even morewhen we went back to the 10ft pan fires whichhad now both been out for a good 15 minutesand noted the blanketing capabilities of theSthamer Moussol. The Moussol blanket was stillthick and it was clearly evident that there was nochance of any re-ignition. The UK’s leading FFFPblanket however, was starting to break apart thuscreating a possible hazard for re-ignition. Afterabout 10 minutes, the same story was evident inthe half barrel fires, The Sthamer Moussol’sblanket was still level with the top of the barrelwhereas the UK’s leading FFFP had dissipateddown to the remains of the E85.

In conclusion, On behalf of myself, Angloco, DrSthamer and all the delegates who attended thisday, a great deal of thanks must go to Ray Boothand his staff at Leeds Bradford Airport for takingthe time and resources to stage these demonstra-tions. I was taken aback with the performancequalities of this new foam and I look forward tofuture demonstrations of this product. IFF


Sthamer Moussol FFalcohol resistant foamblanket after 10 minutesstill level with top ofbarrel. Pic courtesy Mark Bathard

LEEDS BRADFORD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FOAM TRIALSINDUSTRIAL

For more information aboutAngloco, contact AlistairBrown at +44 (0) 1924441212 or visitwww.angloco.co.uk

For more information aboutDr Sthamer Foams,contact either Angloco orJan Knappert at +44 (0)7795 101770 or visitwww.sthamer.com



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By J.C. Jones

School of Engineering,University of [email protected]

INDUSTRIAL

Effects of the high storage pressuresA related calculation, which also features in another publication by the present author,1 is in the shadedarea below.

Propane and butane dissolved in crude oil are released on refining. Unlikemethane, propane and butane can be made into a liquid at ‘ordinarytemperatures’ by application of pressure. The result is a liquid-vapour equilibriumin which the vapour pressure is well in excess of atmospheric pressure. In factpropane alone at 25°C has an equilibrium vapour pressure nine timesatmospheric. An obvious consequence of the high pressure is that this will leadto rapid exit of gas in the event of container failure. This is looked into more fullyin the following section.

Fires hazards with lpetroleum gas (LP G

1The author is grateful to P. Deller of Premier Group, Nottingham UK, manufacturers of petrol pumps, for supplyingthis information.

The equation which will be applied to leakage of propane through an accidentally created orifice ina storage container is:

Q = AP √–

{(Mγ /RT)[2/(γ +1)] (γ + 1)/( γ – 1)}

where Q = mass flow rate of gas (kg s–1), A = discharge area (m2), P = upstream pressure(N m–2), M = molecular weight (kg mol–1), R = gas constant = 8.314 J K–1mol–1,

T = gas temperature (K) and γ = ratio of principal specific heats.

A reader is encouraged to consult other sources (e.g. Perry’s Chemical Engineers’ Handbook) forbackground on the equation and conditions for its applicability. Consider a container of LPG,

approximating in composition to pure propane, at 25°C. Its pressure will be 9 bar (––– 9 × 105 N m–2)as noted. Imagine that a hole the size of a five pence coin develops.

Such a coin has a diameter of 18mm and an area of:

π × 0.0092 m2 = 2.5 × 10–4 m2

The value of γ for propane is 1.136 the molar mass is 0.044 kg mol–1. Putting P = 9 × 105 N m–2, R = 8.314 J K–1mol–1 and T = 298K gives on substitution:

Q = 0.6 kg s–1

It is possible from this to calculate the mechanical power with which propane exits the orifice. The pressure energy is:

ΔP/ρliq J kg–1

where ΔP is the drop in pressure on orifice exit (= 8 bar) and ρliq the liquid density (= 493 kg m–3).The rate of expenditure of pressure energy is then:

(8 × 105/493) J kg–1 × 0.6 kg s–1 = 975 W ––– 1.3 horse power

Now this is about the power at which a fuel dispenser at a filling station operates. Such devicesoften incorporate either a 3⁄4 h.p. or a 1 h.p. pump.1 Our example considers release of LPG through

a very small hole, and the effect of the pressure is equivalent to there being a standard petroldispenser to aid release. This gives a perspective on the consequences in the event of leakage of the

high internal pressures associated with liquefied gases.

P. 60-62 LPG Fires 6/11/09 1:14 pm Page 60

The calculation relates to release through anorifice. When a container of LPG breaks opencatastrophically so that there is release of theentire contents in time of the order of seconds,the mechanical power due to pressure effects is ofcourse much higher still.

Electrostatic dischargeThe mechanical vigour of LPG release, quantita-tively discussed in the previous section, is such thatelectrons are ripped off. Electrostatic effects result-ing can lead to an ignition source. Static electricityeffects are associated with high voltages. In a‘static effect’ with clothing leading to a cracklingsound, the potential difference between the fabriccontaining the charge and earth can be thousandsof volts. The minimum ignition energy of propanevapour in air is of the order of 1 mJ. Such a quan-tity of energy will be obtained if a microcoulomb(µC) of charge created by electron removal passesthrough a potential difference of 1000 volt. Thesefigures give a reader a ‘feel’ for the quantitiesinvolved and help him or her to appreciate thisadditional hazard when hydrocarbon liquid ismoving rapidly.

Dispersion of leaked LPGLeaked hydrocarbon will not of course necessarilyignite, and in risk assessment a probability will beassigned to ignition. When there is no ignition ahydrocarbon gas or vapour will disperse, and astage can be reached where the concentration inair is below the lower flammability limit. Ignition isnot possible beyond such a degree of dispersion.Where ignition does occur it might be immediate,as would be expected if electrostatic dischargewas the cause. On the other hand release

hydrocarbon might drift a considerable distancebefore ignition by a source other than staticelectricity internally generated.

Returning to LPG in particular, mention wasmade above of possible catastrophic release:release of the entire contents of a vessel of LPGover a very short time. We first note that propaneis considerably denser than air. The densities areactually in the ratio 44/28.8 = 1.53. This meansthat propane displays dense gas dispersion. Bycontrast a gas such as ethane, which has a densityonly 4% higher than that of air, shows passive gasdispersion.

The point was also made in a previous sectionthat the mechanical energy accompanying cata-strophic release of LPG is enormous. This has theeffect of sending the released material upwardsagainst gravity so that the distribution immediatelyafter leakage approximates to a cylinder. Asdispersion takes its course the cylinder ‘slumps’,thereby decreasing its height and increasing itsradius.

The equation for dense gas dispersion is [2]:

dR/dt = (cE /R) √[(σo– σa)gVo /πσo]

where R is the radius at time t, cE = a constant,termed a ‘slumping constant’, having a value closeto unity, σo = density of the cloud at time zero (kg m–3), σa = density of air (kg m–3), Vo = initialvolume of the leaked material (m3). The integratedform of the equation is:

R2 – Ro2 = 2cEt √[(σo- σa)gVo/ πσo]

A related calculation follows in the shaded areabelow.


FIRES HAZARDS WITH LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG)INDUSTRIAL

h liquefiedP G)

Consider a quantity of leaked LPG, approximating in composition to pure propane. It forms initiallya cylindrical cloud of vapour of initial radius 15 m and initial height 4 m. We calculate the radius

after ten seconds and after three minutes using the equation above.

For the ratio of densities we can substitute the molar weights to give:

(σo– σa)/σo = (0.044 – 0.0288)/0.044 = 0.35Assigning the initial height the symbol Ho, other symbols as defined previously:

(Vo/π) = Ro2Ho = 900 m3 and we take cE to be unity, giving:

R2(10 s) = 225 + 2 × 10{√ [0.35 × 900 × 9.81]}

R(10 s) = 37 m.

R2(180 s) = 225 + 2 × 180{√ [0.35 × 900 × 9.81]}

R(180 s) = 142 m.

➯➯


In the calculation, as dense gas dispersion takesplace over a ten minute period the radius of thedispersed LPG increases by almost a factor of 10.This causes envelopment of parts of the surround-ings which were not affected by the initial cloudand so places them at risk.

One further point might be made in relation tothe equation for dense gas dispersion whenapplied to LPG. We have tended in this article toapproximate the composition to pure propane, butof course LPG can contain significant amounts,even a preponderance, of butane. If the abovecalculation is repeated for butane, for which themolar mass is 0.058 kg, the radii are respectively39 and 155m. These differ almost insignificantlyfrom the values for propane. If the composition, asproportions of propane and of butane, of a partic-ular example of LPG were known the effectivemolar mass could of course be calculated andused in the equation, but it is doubtful whethersuch a refinement would be of benefit. Equivalently,one can use the molar mass either of propane or

of butane to represent LPG generically for thepurposes of a dense gas dispersion analysis.

Combustion behaviourWhen LPG exiting an orifice ignites, it burns as ajet fire. Returning to our example where propaneleaks at a rate of 0.6 kg s–1 and noting that thecalorific value of propane is approximately 50 MJkg–1, a jet fire resulting from such a leak willrelease heat at a rate:

50 MJ kg–1 × 0.6 kg s–1 = 30 MW

A burner for natural gas and/or fuel oil at a powerstation would release heat at a rate comparable tothis. There are empirical correlations for predictingjet fire lengths according to leakage rate,2 and sucha length has only a weak dependence on the orien-tation. The importance of flame length is that ifthere is impingement of the flame on to previouslyunaffected hydrocarbon inventory escalation willoccur, as happened at Crescent City (see below).

When there is catastrophic release of LPG aBLEVE – boiling liquid expanding vapour explo-sion – is expected whether or not there is ignition.This is a consequence of the enormous mechanicalenergies involved in sudden release, a point notedmore than once previously in this article. A BLEVEis a physical phenomenon and water can display a

BLEVE: that is what happens when a pressurecooker or an autoclave blows up. If when LPGleakage occurs there is ignition it will burn as afireball, so the course of events is best described asa ‘BLEVE-fireball’.

Case study: Crescent City Illinois 1970This was the worst ever accident involving LPG andhas already been recounted at some length by thepresent author.3 It began when there was derail-ment of a train pulling 12 tank cars of LPG, whichwere distributed amongst other types of car whichthe train was pulling. One of the LPG-bearing carsruptured immediately on impact and a BLEVE-fire-ball resulted. Heating caused by the fireball causedsome of the other LPG rail cars to start to dischargeinventory through their safety valves, which wereset to open at 20 bar which is just over twice thepressure at ordinary temperatures. LPG so releasedfrom one car ignited and burnt as a jet fire whichextended to a nearby one and had a ‘torch effect’,causing it to burst open and its contents burn as a

BLEVE-fireball. The course of events whereby a jetflame from one tank car heated another causing itto burst open was repeated.

Concluding remarks: the non-interchangeability of LPG and natural gasIn bringing this article to a close the author willemphasise that serious consequences can resultwhen a burner designed and adjusted for naturalgas, for example at a cooker, receives LPG instead.There have been cases of this in situations wherenatural gas supply has been interrupted. Natural gasand propane/butane have different air requirements.More importantly, a natural gas flame propagatesmore slowly than a propane/butane flame making aburner for the former unsuitable for the latter. Onno account should such substitution take place.

References1. Jones J.C. ‘Hydrocarbons: Physical Properties andtheir Relevance to Utilisation’ Ventus Publishing,Fredricksberg, in press. 2. Jones J.C. ‘Hydrocarbon Process Safety: A Text forStudents and Professionals’ Whittles Publishing,Caithness (2003) US Edition published by Pennwell,Oklahoma. 3. Jones J.C. ‘Combustion Science: Principles andPractice’ Millennium Books, Sydney (1993).

IFF


FIRES HAZARDS WITH LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG)INDUSTRIAL

We have tended in this article to approximate the

composition to pure propane, but of course LPG can

contain significant amounts, even a preponderance, of

butane. If the above calculation is repeated for butane,

for which the molar mass is 0.058 kg, the radii are

respectively 39 and 155m. These differ almost

insignificantly from the values for propane.


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Fire extinguishers are a common sight whereveryou travel, from government buildings tobusinesses to restaurants. They are placed in

conspicuous locations purposely so they are easyto locate in case of fire. However, even though theplacement of fire extinguishers may seem obvious,there are strict guidelines and standards set forthby the Occupational Health and Safety Administra-tion and the National Fire Protection Association.These guidelines and standards concern the classi-fication, labeling, and location of common fireextinguishers.

Classification Fire extinguishers are classified by the type of firethat they will extinguish.

A Class A fire extinguisher is used for ordinarycombustibles, such as wood, paper, some plastics,and textiles. This class of fire requires the

heat-absorbing effects of water or the coatingeffects of certain dry chemicals. Extinguishers thatare suitable for Class A fires should be identifiedby a triangle containing the letter “A”.

A Class B fire extinguisher is used for flammableliquid and gas fires such as oil, gasoline, etc. Thesefire extinguishers deprive the fire of oxygen andinterrupt the fire chain by inhibiting the release ofcombustible vapors. Extinguishers that are suitablefor Class B fires should be identified by a squarecontaining the letter “B”.

A Class C fire extinguisher is used on fires thatinvolve live electrical equipment, which require theuse of electrically nonconductive extinguishingagents. (Once the electrical equipment is de-energized, extinguishers for Class A or B fires maybe used.) Extinguishers that are suitable for ClassC fires should be identified by a circle containingthe letter “C”. Employers must select and dis-tribute fire extinguishers based on the classes of

anticipated workplace fires and also on the sizeand degree of the hazard.

A Class D fire extinguisher is used on com-bustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium,sodium, etc., which require an extinguishing medi-um that does not react with the burning metal.Extinguishers that are suitable for Class D firesshould be identified by a five-point star containingthe letter “D.”

A Class K fire extinguisher is used on firesinvolving cooking media (fats, grease, and oils) incommercial cooking sites such as restaurants.These fire extinguishers work on the principle ofsaponification. Saponification takes place whenalkaline mixtures, such as potassium acetate,potassium citrate, or potassium carbonate, areapplied to burning cooking oil or fat. The alkalinemixture combined with the fatty acid creates asoapy foam on the surface that holds in the vapors

and steam and extinguishes the fire. These extin-guishers are identified by the letter K.

Labeling Fire extinguishers are labeled so users can quicklyidentify the classes of fire on which the extinguisherwill be effective. The marking system combinespictographs of both recommended and unaccept-able extinguisher types on a single identificationlabel. Following are examples of typical labels. Alsolocated on the fire extinguisher label is the ULrating. The UL rating is broken down into Class Aand Class B:C ratings. These numerical ratingsallow you to compare the relative extinguishingeffectiveness of various fire extinguishers. Forexample, an extinguisher that is rated 4A:20B:Cindicates the following:

The A rating is a water equivalency rating. EachA is equivalent to 11⁄4 gallons of water. 4A = 5 gallons of water. The B:C rating is equivalent to

By Carl McMillan

Technical ServiceRepresentative, LabSafety Supply

The ABCs, Ds,and Ks of FireExtinguishers Extinguishers need to be conspicuously located and available in the case of fire.They should be located along normal paths of travel and near exits.

Even though the placement of fire extinguishers may seem

obvious, there are strict guidelines and standards set forth by

the Occupational Health and Safety Administration and the

National Fire Protection Association. These guidelines and

standards concern the classification, labeling, and location

of common fire extinguishers.

P. 65-66 Extinguisher Training 6/11/09 1:18 pm Page 65

the amount of square footage that the extinguish-er can cover, handled by a professional. 20 B:C =20 square feet of coverage. C indicates it is suit-able for use on electrically energized equipment.

When analyzing these ratings, note there is nota numerical rating for Class C or Class D fires.Class C fires are essentially either a Class A or aClass B fire involving energized electrical equip-ment where the fire extinguishing media must benon-conductive. The fire extinguisher for a Class Cfire should be based on the amount of the Class Aor Class B component. For extinguisher use on aClass D fire, the relative effectiveness is detailed onthe extinguisher nameplate for the specific com-bustible metal fire for which it is recommended.

Location OSHA requires that employers select and distributefire extinguishers based on the classes of antici-pated workplace fires and also on the size anddegree of the hazard that would affect their use.The following chart contains OSHA requirementsfor classes of fires and travel distance to an extin-guisher. Note there is no distance requirement forClass K extinguishers. Typically they are located atthe point of possible cooking fire ignition. Some

local requirements may be stricter, so you shouldalways check with your local fire marshal andinsurance agent.

Fire Class Travel Distance Class A 75 feet (22.9 m) or less Class B 50 feet (15.2 m) Class C Based on appropriate A or B Hazard Class D 75 feet

Extinguishers need to be conspicuously locatedand available in the case of fire. They also shouldbe located along normal paths of travel and nearexits. Portable fire extinguishers that are notwheeled should be installed on the hanger orbracket supplied or placed in cabinets or wallrecesses. The locations of fire extinguishers mustbe identified so they are readily available toemployees without subjecting them to injury.Height requirements for mounting extinguishersdepend on the weight of the unit. If the unitweighs less than 40 pounds, it should be installedso the top of the extinguisher is no more than 5feet above the floor. If the unit weighs more than40 pounds, it should be installed so the top of theextinguisher is no more than 3.5 feet above thefloor. At no point should the extinguisher be less 4 inches from the floor.

Instead of Class A portable fire extinguishers, anemployer may use uniformly spaced standpipesystems or hose stations connected to a sprinklersystem installed for emergency use by employees.Such systems must meet the respective require-ments of 29 CFR 1910.158 or 1910.159- that theyprovide total coverage of the area to be protected,and that employees are trained at least annually intheir use.

Training Where the employer has provided fire extin-guishers for employee use, the employer mustprovide an educational program to familiarizeemployees on the principles and use of theextinguishers. This educational program should becompleted during the initial hiring and annuallythereafter.

Inspections Portable fire extinguishers must bevisually inspected monthly. The inspection shouldassure that: ● Fire extinguishers are in their assigned place; ● Fire extinguishers are not blocked or hidden;

Fire extinguishers are mounted in accordancewith NFPA Standard No. 10 (Portable FireExtinguishers);

● Pressure gauges show adequate pressure (aCO2 extinguisher must be weighed to deter-mine whether leakage has occurred);

● Pin and seals are in place; ● Fire extinguishers show no visual sign of

damage or abuse; ● Nozzles are free of blockage.

Maintenance, inspection, and testing of anextinguisher are the responsibility of the employer.Maintenance should be done at least annually ormore often if conditions warrant.The employershall record the annual maintenance date andkeep these records for one year after the recordeddate or the life of the shell of the extinguisher.

Hydrostatic testing of portable fire extinguishersis done to protect against unexpected in-servicefailure. This can be caused by internal corrosion,external corrosion, damage from abuse, etc.Hydrostatic testing must be performed by trainedpersonnel with proper test equipment and facilities.OSHA requires hydrostatic testing according to theschedule listed in 29 CFR 1910.157 Table L-1.

Fire extinguishers, correctly used on the type offire they are intended for, can have a large role instopping major fire damage and dollar losses.When walking by a fire extinguisher, you’ll knowthat all of the letters and numbers have specificmeanings and why it is located where it is. IFF


THE ABCS, DS, AND KS OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERSTRAINING

Carl A. McMillan lives inBeloit, Wis. He has beenemployed for 15 years as aTechnical ServiceRepresentative by Lab SafetySupply, at Janesville, Wis.,direct marketer of specializedindustrial and safetyequipment.

The locations of fire extinguishers must be identified so they

are readily available to employees without subjecting them to

injury. Height requirements for mounting extinguishers

depend on the weight of the unit. If the unit weighs less than

40 pounds, it should be installed so the top of the extinguisher

is no more than 5 feet above the floor.

P. 65-66 Extinguisher Training 6/11/09 1:18 pm Page 66

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TRAINING

The project was initiated by the Services retiredChief Fire Officer Paul Young in 1999 but hasreceived continued support since his appoint-

ment at the beginning of 2009 from Devon &Somerset’s new Chief Fire Officer Lee Howell.

Last year International Fire Magazine reportedthat three Fire Officers from Devon & SomersetFire & Rescue Service travelled to Colombia to help construct Fire behaviour and compartmentfire-fighting unit in the City of Manizales, Caldas.

Nigel Snowshall, Pete Sandel and Paul Furlerwere in Manizales for four weeks overseeing theconstruction process and training assistant Firebehaviour Instructors who were to form part ofthe resident team to provide continuation coursesfor the Fire-Fighters of the region using the unit.

A contingent of Instructors from the Country’scapital city, Bogotá also took part in this trainingwith a view to eventually providing their own unitin their City.

The Officers from Bogotá indicated that it was

their intention to build a new fire training centre inthe City in the near future and that they wouldlike with our help, to include a fire behaviour unitas part of the build.

Mr Graham Leney of Transitional Fire has onceagain offered support to the project in the form ofhis technical expertise in the construction of Firebehaviour containers.

It was then decided that the best way forwardwould be to bring a team of the prospectiveInstructors to the UK to take part in a dedicatedFire behaviour Instructor course at Devon’s Breath-ing apparatus and Fire behaviour training Centreat Exeter in Devon.

It also made sense to use our previously trainedInstructors from Manizales to assist with thecourse, as their knowledge, skills and command ofthe Spanish language would be invaluable.

Fire Officers Hector Gonzales and DiegoMoreno were therefore invited to attend by theBogotá Fire service and gladly agreed to form part

By Paul Furler

Colombian FireOfficers returnto the UKThe latest stage of a ten-year project of assistance and collaboration betweenthe Colombian Fire Service and Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service tookplace recently. Officers from the Country once again travelled to the UK toreceive Instructor training for Fire behaviour and compartment Fire fighting.

P. 69-71 Columbia 6/11/09 1:20 pm Page 69

of the Instruction team here in the UK.All but one of the five strong Bogotá part of the

team had taken part in the Manizales course in2008 and had been trained to assist with con-tainer sessions but had predominantly acted asstudents during Hector and Diego’s Instructortraining there. It was very important therefore forthe Bogotá Officers to be proficient as Instructorsin their own right at some time before construc-tion eventually takes place in their city. The team,led by Bogotá’s Officer in charge of training MrPedro Higuera arrived in the UK during the firstweek of September 2009 and were in the countryfor four weeks of intensive ‘one to one’ training.

After an introduction to the new member ofthe UK team, Fire behaviour Instructor JohnGilhooley the first week of training started withthe team being given a basic initial familiarisationof the AGA BA set used by Devon & Somerset and

an introduction to UK BA control procedures. Thiswas achieved by way of a number of confidencebuilding search and rescue exercises in bothdarkness and cold smoke.

The emphasis on safety in all aspects of the UKFire service, but particularly in the use of breathingapparatus has always been the catalyst for theColombian Fire Service’s keen interest in our train-ing and procedures, and so it was no surprise thatthis initial phase of training prompted considerablediscussion and debate.

The fire behaviour element of the training start-ed with Hector and Diego delivering a series oflectures in Spanish to refresh the Instructorstudents prior to the course starting in earnest atthe beginning of week two.

The Colombian FBI course was scheduled to runalongside a UK FBI course for prospective Instruc-tors from a number of Brigades and an initial Fire-fighter Breathing apparatus course for newlocal recruits at Devon & Somerset’s busy trainingcentre at Exeter Airport.

The second week of the course started with FBInstructors Nigel Snowshall and Paul Furler runninga demonstration container, once again to refreshthe practical knowledge delivered the previousyear in Manizales.

Various experiments to demonstrate the chem-istry of combustion, fire development and theflammability range of fire gases that it was not pos-sible to re-produce in Colombia were included aspart of the next theoretical element of the training.

Branch techniques were then refreshed prior tothe first introduction to the attack containers.

An ‘Attack 1’ fully ventilated session was run,again ensuring that the Colombian Officers wereacting as students but integrating Hector andDiego as lead Instructor with a UK Instructormentoring during the session.

The following days included a reduced ventila-tion ‘Attack 2 session’ run on the same formatwith Hector & Diego taking the lead followed by a‘Window session’ to demonstrate ‘Back draft’ con-ditions, and additionally to demonstrate that byusing the correct branch techniques an impending


TRAINING


back draft can be prevented. The third week consisted of a number of

Demonstration, Attack 1 and Attack 2 sessionswith the Bogotá Instructors gradually taking therole of lead Instructor with a mentor to assist ineach session. In addition the Bogotá Instructorswere given syndicate work and theory lectures todeliver to their colleagues.

The week culminated in a full-blown exercise topractice compartment Fire fighting using all thetechniques learnt in a realistic scenario in the ‘Villa’.

The Villa consists of a number of shipping con-tainers welded together to form a building of twofloors with multiple inter-connecting compart-ments on each floor. The students had to dealwith live carbonaceous fires and the associated firegases using correct door entry procedure, correctbranch techniques and methodical search & rescuetechniques while under the strict UKBreathing apparatus control procedures.

When each Instructor had demon-strated that they could safely run andsupervise each of the three containersessions and deliver the necessary theoryinput they were deemed to be com-petent to deliver training up to andincluding Attack 2. It was stronglyadvised that these skills will need to berefreshed and practiced ‘in house’ priorto live training with students takingplace in Bogotá, particularly if the Train-ing Centre construction time is lengthy.

Certificates to acknowledge the skillsthat had been acquired during their staywere presented to the Officers by Devon& Somerset’s Deputy Chief Fire OfficerNeil Gibbons at a presentation ceremonyat the Services Headquarters.

It has been agreed that Officers fromDevon & Somerset will travel to Bogotáto assist with the construction of the Firebehaviour containers and compartmentfire training unit and also to deliver theinitial courses to be run in the cityduring 2010.

Thanks must go to all the staff atDevon & Somerset Fire & RescueService’s Breathing apparatus and Fire

behaviour training centre led by GM Tam Alfordwho all gave their expertise, support and time toenable the project to be fitted in to the depart-ments busy schedule and to move forward onceagain.

It was particularly gratifying to learn that as aresult of the training received by our colleagues inManizales during 2008 and under the leadershipof FBI Hector Gonzales a team of his assistant Firebehaviour Instructors were able to safely deal witha serious fire in the city using compartment fire-fighting techniques.

A serious fire on the 12th floor of a high risebuilding had caused heavy smoke logging downto the 9th floor, his team progressed to the firefloor and safely and successfully extinguished thefire using their acquired knowledge of firebehaviour and the correct branch techniques. IFF


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IFF Issue 24

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