Fans & Blowers news

The site of the fire and explosion lacked warning signs CSB investigators determined that a lit cigarette or lighter was the likely ignition source for explosion.A fiery explosion that took the life of a 21-year-old member of the public in Weeletka, Oklahoma, on April 14 occurred at an unattended oil and gas production site that was unsecured and likely lacked fire or explosion warning signs, CSB investigators have determined following a four-day field assessment. Investiga...

NIOSH and USFA have joined to study cancer-related issues among fire service professionals The United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are partnering on a study to examine the potential for increased risk of cancer among firefighters due to exposures from smoke, soot, and other contaminants in the line of duty. This multi-year USFA supported NIOSH study will include over 18,000 current and retire...

The new green building code is meant for traditional and high performance buildings The International Code Council (ICC) recently unveiled the IGCC Public Version 1.0 at its Washington, D.C., world headquarters office with participants from the fire safety community in attendance. In an answer to the public demand for more energy-efficient and renewable technologies in schools, hospitals, and worksites of all types, the International Green Construction Code (IGCC) is...

Andrew Velasquez brings his work experience in emergency management to the new post Andrew Velasquez III brings extensive experience in emergency management at the state and local level. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate today applauded President Obama's appointment of Andrew Velasquez III as FEMA Regional Administrator for Region V, which encompasses Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. "Regional Administrators...

The programme will analyse policy options and examine the responsibilities of leadership The fellowship programme for fire service leaders is a joint effort between the USFA, IFSTA, IAFC, NFPA, and Harvard. Kelvin J. Cochran, Administrator of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), announced that six senior fire officials have been selected for fellowships to attend the Harvard University's Senior Executives in State and Local Governm...

Volunteer emergency responders would benefit from the new act Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Reauthorization Act (S. 3136), would extend income tax exemptions on property tax benefits and up to $360 per year of other benefits. On March 18, Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) along with original co-sponsor Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Reauthorization Act (S. 3136), which would extend income tax exemptions on property t...

Along with products Draeger will also offer its training courses Draeger's extensive range of personal escape systems, portable gas detection equipment and diagnostic equipment for non-invasive drug and alcohol testing will be on display at the Fire Rescue International 2010.   New firefighting helmets, self-contained breathing apparatus, thermal imaging cameras and chemical protection suits will be unveiled by Draeger at this year's show. As well...

The CAP program is intended for software application developers The IPAWS CAP Profile Conformity Assessment Program will provide an independent, objective analysis of qualified products to ensure they adhere to the IPAWS CAP Profile.FEMA will ultimately publish a list of vendors whose products conform to the CAP IPAWS v1.2 Profile so that purchasers may be assured that their equipment complies with the FCC's and FEMA's requirements. Our guest will be Mark A. Luc...

Earth Day will bring issues like energy saving, greenhouse emissions and recycling on the global front Environmentally beneficial steps can save your department money in the long-run by lowering energy costs and reducing waste. April 22 marks the 40th anniversary of the Earth Day, and first responders can do their part to promote a healthy, sustainable environment by taking simple steps to "go green" in your department. The following Earth-friendly chang...

The topics at FIA/BAFSA seminar will include legal obligations, responsible person and fire risk assessments The free seminar, entitled ‘Fire Safety in Warehouses', will take place at Tranmere Rovers Football Club, Birkenhead on Wednesday 19 May. It is designed to provide all the latest information for the responsible persons: owners, operators, health & safety managers, building designers and consultants of such facilities along with those who use third party w...

The FIA seminar was attended by people from across the fire service industry The seminar was given by Martin Duggan, General Manager of the FIA, and was well attended by representatives from many different sectors of the fire protection industry. Despite risk assessment being the fundamental platform on which fire safety measures are based under the Fire Safety Order, to date there has been no definition as to what constitutes a ‘suitable and sufficient' fire risk...

Campus Fire Safety Education is of utmost importance in today's educational infrastructure Over the course of Hill Day, groups of advocates met with dozens of House and Senate offices to promote several pieces of legislation that are vitally important to campus fire safety. On March 23, National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) staff participated in Campus Fire Safety Hill Day, along with a number of individuals and representatives of other fire service organizations. Over the...

Wyoming fire service is glad to hear the passing of Fire Safe Cigarette Legislation Wyoming is the 50th state to pass legislation aimed at reducing the number of cigarette fires and fire fatalities. Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal recently signed legislation requiring all cigarettes sold in Wyoming to meet a specific fire safety standard as of July, 2011. This marks the 50th state to pass legislation aimed at reducing the number of cigarette fires and fire fatalitie...

Arson fire in Lebanon, in February of 2009. Photo Credit: Jonathan Paul, Fire Inspector Lebanon Fire Department The focus of Arson Awareness Week will be on the horrific crime of arson, and provide communities with tools and strategies to combat arson in their neighborhoods, businesses, schools, and places of worship. The United States Fire Administration (USFA) announces this year's Arson Awareness Week (AAW) theme Community Arson Prevention. The USFA will partner w...

Fire Safety Regulatory Reform has created major positive changes in fire safety The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order came into force in October 2006 and replaced over 70 separate pieces of fire safety legislation. London Fire Brigade is warning London's business and premises owners that by not paying attention to fire safety laws, they are not only putting lives at risk but could also face heavy fines. The Brigade has revealed that last year in London the co...

HAZUS helps in determining the potential loss from catastrophes and framing a solution Attendees at the conference will learn how HAZUS, a nationally standardised methodology, estimates potential losses from earthquakes, hurricane wind and floods.Going to the APA Conference in New Orleans? If so then stop by HAZUS Booth #508 to learn about the latest in the world of HAZUS and pick up valuable information about the program and tools. At the booth you'll also be able...

FEMA's LIVE Webinar is a new age effort to build better backup system among the common man about safety LIVE webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, April 14th at 2:00 EDT and will provide information about 9-1-1 education, innovation, and the importance of working closely with local Public Safety Answering Points. FEMA's Individual & Community Preparedness Division is excited to announce the eighth webinar in the Community Preparedness Webinar Series: National 9-1-1 Educat...

A change in schedule has been brought up for open enrollment courses  All updated policies were emailed and mailed to users of open enrollment courses.The Fire Science Academy has recently updated policies governing seats on hold, course review, "no show"students, and student cancellations, reschedules, substitutions and refunds. A copy of the updated policies were recently emailed or sent via standard mail to frequent users of the FSA Open Enrollment courses. The updates...

FEMA personnel are working on the forefront of flood affected areas FEMA and Department of Homeland Security have increased their effort to bring life back to normal in flood-affected Rhode Island. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Deputy Administrator Richard Serino traveled to Rhode Island to tour areas affected by flooding and meet with Congressional, state and local leaders to discuss the...

The pump row prop redevelopment has been taken up by FSA FSA's pump row prop is a reproduction of a product transfer unit, very common in petrochemical facilities. Construction to refurbish and incorporate client-suggested changes to the Pump Row Prop have begun in earnest. The Pump Row Prop is a reproduction of a product transfer unit, very common in petrochemical facilities. Refurbishment of the prop includes installing a HDPE liner over the existing concrete slab...

Ten states have passed laws limiting or outright proscribing sales of novelty lighters On February 2, Maryland's House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on House Bill 191, which would prohibit novelty lighter sales in that state.Toy-like or novelty lighters have been responsible for injuries, deaths, and accidents across the country. Children are attracted to novelty lighters because they look like toys. A number of accidents involving novelty lighters have been documented,...

The President's budget request proposes funding allocations for all federal departments The President's budget request proposes funding allocations for all federal departments, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through which the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program, and other programs vital to the emergency services are funded. For FY 2011, the...

The Fire Protection Research Foundation has appointed new trustees New trustees will each begin a three-year term in January 2010.The Fire Protection Research Foundation, an affiliate of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), has named Donald P. Bliss of National Infrastructure Institute Foundation and Steven T. Edwards of the University of Maryland as new trustees. Foundation trustees are selected and appointed by the NFPA board of directors. Dona...

Chubb Fire has retained its No 1 position in the Superbrands UK list for 2010 The new 2010 Business Superbrand list confirms Chubb as the UK's number one fire and security brand. Chubb is part of UTC Fire & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. Chubb retained its position in the top 20, ahead of such names as Vodafone, Boeing and Siemens. It finished more than 20 places ahead of its nearest category rival, Yale, and 170 places in front of ADT. Top of the lis...

  FRI provides the most comprehensive leadership training for both chief officers and company officers Maximize your budget and get the most for your training dollars in 2010. Make your plans now to attend Fire-Rescue International (FRI), August 24-28 in Chicago. FRI provides the most comprehensive leadership training for both chief officers and company officers at a price that fits your budget. The sessions provide: • In-depth learning. Attend focused education...

CSB has voted to initiate an investigation of recent accidents at the DuPont chemical complex in Belle The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) has voted to initiate an investigation of recent accidents at the DuPont chemical complex in Belle, West Virginia, following a release of highly toxic phosgene on Saturday that fatally injured a veteran operator. DuPont officials told the CSB that a braided steel hose connected to a one-ton capacity phosgene tank suddenly ruptured,...

Young people were awarded at a special ceremony at the Brigade's Southwark Training Centre Over 80 young people from all over London have been recognised for their outstanding achievements while attending a firefighting skills course run by the London Fire Brigade. The Local Intervention Fire Education (LIFE) programme is an intensive five day course that teaches young people between the ages of 13 and 17 firefighting skills alongside real firefighters. At a special ceremo...

Firefighters from Mid & West Wales Fire & Rescue Service tackled the fire throughout the night at Afan Lido The blaze was tackled by the use of ground monitors and main jets together with high volume pump and aerial appliances.Fourteen appliances and more than 100 personnel from Mid & West Wales Fire & Rescue Service attended a major fire at the Afan Lido Aquadome at Sandfields, Port Talbot with the additional support of three appliances from South Wales F...

The completion of both boroughs' 50th LIFE courses a passing out parade was held on 11 December at Dagenham A successful London Fire Brigade scheme that works with young people at risk of social exclusion to raise their self esteem has marked its 50th pass out parade in two boroughs. Since being introduced in Newham in December 2004, 800  young people have completed Local Intervention Fire Education (LIFE) courses there, while over 650 teenagers have completed the...

  London Fire Brigade has welcomed new government guidance on sprinkler systems for new buildings   The London Fire Brigade has welcomed new government guidance for new buildings with sprinkler systems. The guidance would ensure that new and refurbished school buildings, including those built under the Building Schools for the Future programme, are likely to have sprinkler systems. They will be working to make sure that decision makers and the general public...