Tools news

Celsius plumbing and heating is a finalist in the most sustainable installer category at this year’s heating installer awards, thanks – in part – to its use of BigChange. This achievement recognizes the Edinburgh-based firm’s commitment to and success in achieving a more sustainable way of working. This includes working with BigChange to reduce paper waste and improve fuel efficiency, and Celsius’s commitment to spreading awareness and education of sustainable pra...

The trade fair INTERSCHUTZ offers the latest developments for every spectrum of the fire brigade, rescue services, civil protection, and safety. In addition, many side events guarantee excitement, entertainment, and training opportunities. No matter if users are participants or visitors it is worth being there when the Firefit European Championships, the new Hackthon@INTERSCHUTZ, the Holmatro Rescue Challenge, and the S-GARD SAFETYTOUR take place in Hanover. FireFit European Champion...

It’s no secret that COVID-19 brought unprecedented challenges to the facilities management industry, changing the way companies work and communicate with one another on an extraordinary scale. But whilst some are more adaptable than others, and continue to work effectively, for the vast majority of businesses, the pandemic has left significant gaps in efficiency and productivity. Ibrahim Imam, Co-Founder, and Co-CEO of PlanRadar explains how digital technology is nudging the needle for th...

3M announced that it has acquired the technology assets of LeanTec, a provider of digital inventory management solutions for the automotive aftermarket segment in the United States and Canada. The acquisition demonstrates 3M's commitment to its "connected Bodyshop," one of 3M's active digital platforms that integrate data capture and analysis with material product platforms, capitalizing on emerging needs and trends. Digital transformation, data integration "Businesses across i...

NIST released the WUI Structure/Parcel/Community Fire Hazard Mitigation Methodology (HMM) PDF to provide guidance for homeowners and communities to protect themselves from wildfires. Integrating the latest post-fire field observations and fire science research, this report defines dozens of clear, measurable, and cost-effective protective actions homeowners can take to defend their homes. Wildfires can spread through a community very quickly, especially one with dense housing. Often, the progr...

A number of vulnerable people were left at serious risk of fire at a hostel for vulnerable people with a huge number of safety failings, resulting in a Liverpool landlord being hit with a bill of almost £25,000 for exposing vulnerable and homeless tenants to serious fire risks in the House of Multiple Occupation (HMO). £20,000 fine Step One (NW) Limited was issued a £20,000 fine by Liverpool Magistrates Court on Thursday, 17 March, for failure to comply with the Management of...

The limit switch is activated by an eccentric cam disc mounted with a set screw on the shaft for lever and weight. The set screw enables adjustment of the cam disc position that gives the signal. Since the disc will move slightly up and down in the flow in an open position, it does not make sense to get a signal indicating an open position. Kits containing limit switch and mounting bracket are available as accessories. The swing check valves can be installed with lever and weight or with bare...

The city of Orlando is known for its amusement parks and attractions. However, so many of the city’s residents and tourists don’t see the daily acts performed by the city’s brave firefighters from Orlando Fire Department. Beyond running the typical daily calls that many departments run, the fire department also operate in the parks on technical rescue calls and to assist the park’s response teams with emergency medical incidents. Although, those technical rescue incident...

The Ethisphere Institute today recognized 3M for ethics and integrity in business conduct and compliance for the ninth straight year. 3M is one of only seven industrial companies worldwide to be honored this year. "For the past 120 years, 3M has built its reputation on doing things ethically," said Michael Duran, 3M senior vice president and chief ethics and compliance officer. "Our purpose as a company and unwavering integrity help us deliver to our customers and make 3M a great place to work...

A new study suggests that the presence of very highly reflective markings may decrease drivers’ ability to see first responders working adjacent to their vehicles. Traffic incident scenes are a dangerous place. Secondary crashes, including struck-by incidents, are a leading cause of line-of-duty deaths among emergency responders. One significant variable impacting the safety of responders operating along a roadway is their visibility to approaching and passing motorists, especially at ni...

Wildland urban interface (WUI) areas — where structures and other human development meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland — are vulnerable to wildfires. The destruction caused by wildfires can be exploited by criminals and, because of the minimal resources required and the potential for widespread damage, foreign terrorist organizations encourage arson attacks in WUI areas. First Responder's Toolbox The National Counterterrorism Center's Joint Counterterrorism Assessment T...

Since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic introduced the world to the concept of ‘the new normal’, nothing is normal anymore. A simple incident can be disastrous for something as vital as the supply chain, as we have seen with the blockage of the Suez Canal. The essence of that chain is to give companies the certainty that raw materials and components are available, in order to produce the finished goods. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in lockdowns, and a high demand because of digit...

An official 'topping out' ceremony has been held to mark a key milestone in the construction of the new training facility and fire station in Huntingdon. The event took place last week to celebrate the highest point of the main building being complete. The project involves building a modern, purpose-built training center and new community fire station at St John’s Park, north of Huntingdon. Work in progress Since construction began in September 2021, work has been progressing at pace a...

FoxFury Lighting Solutions, the global pioneer in safety lighting, welcomes Aaron Beckman as the new lighting application specialist.  For over 21 years, Aaron has served as an active firefighter in Norfolk, Nebraska, and has a strong background in fire science and scene documentation. Aaron works with several agencies and has aided in numerous cases.  certified FAA 107 pilot and instructor As a certified FAA 107 pilot and instructor, Aaron leads the mapping and investigations...

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in partnership with the Washington State Military Department’s Emergency Management Division, will open a Disaster Recovery Center on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022, in Ferndale, Whatcom County, Washington, USA, in order to help survivors of the November flooding and mudslides. New Disaster Recovery Center The new recovery center’s location will be Ferndale Chamber of Commerce, 2007 Cherry Street, in Ferndale, Washington The new recovery cente...

A report published reveals inspectors were left ‘impressed’ with how Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) had responded to the Covid-19 pandemic so far. Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) was commissioned at the end of last year by the Home Secretary to inspect all fire and rescue services in the country to see how the sector was responding to the pandemic. The inspection team visited CFRS and published its findings al...

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) has welcomed nine new on-call firefighters to stations across the county. The group completed their phase one, 10-week training course in December, and are now ‘on the run’ and at their new stations in Cambridgeshire. The initial training course gives them the core skills required to operate safely as a firefighter, while they will receive ongoing training before being assessed again later in the year. Wide range of emergencies The on...

The tragic loss of life from the 19-story apartment building fire that occurred in New York City on Jan. 9 reminds of the fire and life safety challenges that tall buildings present to the emergency services and to the occupants who live or work in them. Challenges and features Because of the inherent nature of tall buildings and a series of historic fires, the practice of protecting the people who live and work in high-rise buildings has evolved over the years. Very specific sets of precautio...

Following the unprecedented year prior, 2021 continued to present significant challenges for everyone, but Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service continued to deliver its vital services, while also providing support for partner agencies. The year began with mopping up from significant flooding across the county over the Christmas period. The country was also in the midst of another national lockdown, with those that were able to still working from their homes. Staff across the Service pulled o...

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fire Authority is asking residents to have their say on proposals to increase the fire service’s share of council tax for 2022/23. The Service is looking for a below inflation increase of £1.44 (around 2%) for the year, making the total contribution for the year £74.97 for a resident living in a Band D property. Following the financial settlement confirmed by the government at the end of December 2021, which confirmed the level of funding for th...

A Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) Project Manager has been recognized for his outstanding contribution to supporting the vaccination rollout in Cambridgeshire. John Barlow, who’s been with the Service for over 35 years, has been supporting the COVID-19 vaccination program since January 2021. In celebration of his efforts, John Barlow was invited by the Duchess of Cambridge on behalf of the Royal Foundation to attend a Christmas Carol Concert at Westminster Abbey. The event t...

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds, in order to help with firefighting costs for the Marshall Fire burning, in Boulder County, Colorado, USA. Fighting Marshall Fire FEMA Acting Regional Administrator, Tammy Littrell approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG), after receiving the request and determining that the fire threatened such a level of destruction that it would constitute a major disaster. At...

To help communities plan for the threats and hazards of climate change, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released its updated Long-Term Community Resilience Exercise Resource Guide: Designing Whole Community Exercises to Prepare for the Effects of a Changing Climate PDF in November 2021. Increase preparedness As the impacts of climate change are being felt across the country, this resource offers communities low-risk and cost-effective ways to increase preparedness with: Tools...

FireRite were asked by Pobl to attend a site in Swansea of significant risk and meet the Service Support Worker on site. Tracey Coles, the Fire Detection and Alarm Design Consultant, was tasked with this Project due to her technical relationship with Pobl's Senior Fire Advisor. Access and Safety Issues Urgency met obstacles as safety concerns delayed, highlighting the importance of fire risk complianceThe building is set over three floors, split level on the side of a hill, consisting of Comm...

A popular road safety initiative aimed at motorcyclists has returned to a county fire station. Biker Down offers motorcyclists the opportunity to learn practical skills to help avoid being involved in a crash, as well as essential first-aid training and advice on what to do should they find themselves first on the scene of a crash where someone is injured. The free course The free course, lasting around three hours, returned to St Ives Fire Station last week, with trained community developmen...

Pierce Manufacturing, an Oshkosh Corporation company, has announced the groundbreaking of a 90,000 square foot expansion, to the company’s 360,000 square foot main facility, located at 2600 American Drive, in Appleton, Wisconsin, USA. Additional production space An additional 60,000 square feet of production space will also be added to Pierce Manufacturing’s Neenah, Wisconsin facility. Along with facility expansions, recruitment efforts have begun for the hiring of more than 200 jo...

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service announced that the fire service has issued three top safety tricks, in order to help prevent unnecessary Halloween hazards during the festive period. Working with West Yorkshire Police and other partners, the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is campaigning for people to be mindful about keeping themselves and others safe, in the build up to Halloween, Sunday, October 31, 2021. Safety tips to prevent Halloween hazards The West Yorkshire Fire and Res...

In July 2021, MSA Safety Inc. completed its acquisition of Bacharach, Inc. to bring two pioneers in gas detection together, all headquartered in western Pennsylvania. This acquisition enables our newly combined organization to serve a wider range of markets with gas detection measurement and monitoring tools while advancing a common mission focused on workplace safety. Aaron Tufts Since July, a diligent cross-functional integration team, made up of both MSA and Bacharach functional leaders, h...

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) has come out with one of the best scores from 13 other fire and rescue services in the first tranche of the Government’s second round of inspections for fire and rescue services. Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has assessed the Service as Good across the three main pillars of efficiency, effectiveness and how it looks after its people.   The inspection took place in April just aft...

Cambridge fire station welcomed visitors to the station as part of Open Cambridge on Friday, September 10th, 2021. The city’s fire station, on Parkside Place, took part in the longstanding event along with many other venues across the city Due to precautions taken in response to the pandemic, the station itself remained closed, but the fire engines were parked outside and staff was on-hand to welcome visitors. The event During the event, members of the public could meet firefighters, lo...