Firefighter Health and Safety - News

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...

Cases of arson are still commonplace in the construction industry and are widely believed to be the number one cause of on-site fires. An ongoing problem requires a proactive defense mechanism, as John Tyrer, Sales Director at wireless solutions firm Ramtech North America, explains. Causes of arson Irreplaceable heritage buildings lost, costs that go through the roof, and progress that cannot be recovered, the effects of arson are vast and uniquely upsetting. But these are concerns consi...

In 2021, Optimum experienced another year of uncertainty within the construction industry. With both COVID and Brexit exacerbating material availability and putting unprecedented strain on the supply chain. However, Optimum is delighted to have navigated through the turbulence of 2021 and ended the year on a high, and are very proud to announce that the Optimum Fire Stopping team won Best Installation Project of the Year for their contribution to The Grange University Hospital (SCCC) project in...

As one of the industry’s leading trade events, it was great to have Intersec back on the tradeshow calendar and it was even more pleasing to see the show supported by many exhibitors and visitors. The DT team took up their usual space in Hall 4 and was supported by distribution partners for the Middle East – Novus Fire & Security. Throughout the three days, the DT stand welcomed more than 200 people and hosted numerous meetings with customers and local authorities, it was grea...

A new code of practice for the fire risk appraisal of external walls and cladding of multi-occupancy residential buildings has been published by BSI. The code has been developed to support the changes to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 brought about by the Fire Safety Act 2021, which provides for the fire performance of exterior walls and cladding to be a material consideration. PAS 9980:2022 Fire risk appraisal The code, PAS 9980:2022 Fire risk appraisal of external wall...

Advanced’s industry-renowned MxPro 5 fire alarm control panel is now compatible with Hochiki’s most sophisticated addressable multi-sensor device, the ACD. The new development enables Advanced’s customers to install its EN54 parts 2, 4 and 13-approved MxPro 5 fire panels, alongside an even wider range of detection devices, delivering increased choice and flexibility. MxPro 5 fire panels As an open protocol fire panel manufacturer, we understand how important choice is to our...

Streamlight, Inc., a globally renowned provider of high-performance lighting, has introduced the BearTrap, a high-power work light that delivers up to 2,000 lumens for automotive and other inspection, identification and repair uses. Featuring both spot and flood beams, the light can rotate 270 degrees in its frame and clamps to virtually any surface or stands on its own for hands-free task illumination. It also features a magnetic base and a hanging hook for additional hands-free lighting optio...

Inspect Point, a globally renowned company that offers cloud-based business management software for the fire inspection industry, has announced a US$ 28 million investment from Mainsail Partners, a growth equity firm that invests exclusively in fast-growing, bootstrapped software companies. Inspect Point, end-to-end business solutions Utilizing capital invested by Mainsail Partners, Inspect Point intends to invest further in its product Founded in 2014, Inspect Point is an end-to-end business...

A road safety barrier firm is now protecting the planet as well as people by recycling every item of PPE when it reaches the end of its life. Hardstaff Barriers, which manufactures and supplies vehicle restraint systems (VRS) and security barriers, is now ensuring that all personal protective equipment that can no longer be worn is recycled rather than disposed of. Personal protective equipment PPE has been widely used in the workplace for many years, but since the outbreak of COVID-19, its u...

FSi has continued with the passion to do more within the business following on from their sustainability project, and off the back of this they have installed Electric car chargers that they now have at the front of Olympic house (following SDG 7 and SDG 11). These car chargers are for all staff to use, they are in the process of setting up a fair system for use. They have a number of plans/goals for next year that will continue the company’s development within sustainability. More susta...

AQUASYS is very pleased to have MECTRON International LLC as a new partner in Oman. The very dry and desert characterized country relies on AQUASYS' high pressure water mist (HPWM) technology for firefighting. MECTRON International LLC is a multi-disciplined engineering, professionally managed engineering solutions company that specializes in HVAC & Ventilation system, Fire Alarm & Fire Fighting Systems, ELV & BVM Systems, Industrial Kitchen & Laundry Equipments, Duct Manufactur...

As the World braces for another rapidly advancing mutating version of COVID-19, face masks are being used to reduce the chance of spreading or capturing COVID-19 once again.  To limit the spread of the virus as much as possible, countries across the world are advising their citizens to consider making mask use mandatory both outdoors and indoors. As the world starts enforcing limited lockdowns it's important to understand the differences between various types of face masks. Three types of...

Cancer is a leading cause of death among firefighters, and research suggests firefighters are at higher risk of certain types of cancers when compared to the general population. Educating fire service members To educate fire service members about this problem and empower them to take steps toward detection, treatment, and prevention, there are several new resources available from: The Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) - In partnership with the International Association of Fire Fight...

As the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus spreads rapidly, 3M has been providing information about the company’s 3M N95 respirators, including information on where to buy them, how to ensure a proper fit, and why they are considered the standard equipment for protection. “As we have throughout the pandemic, 3M is committed to making sure everyone who needs an N95 has access,” said Raymond Eby, the President of 3M’s Personal Safety Division, adding”3M's N95 respi...

Comelit-PAC has upgraded its entire fire system range with the launch of LogiFire, which represents a complete technical and aesthetic evolution of its innovative addressable platforms. LogiFire, from newly formed Comelit-PAC, is guaranteed by a new range of control panels.  The systems can be expanded from 1 to 8 loops and support up to 2000 devices on an 8-loop system and have a greater loop capacity of 700 mAh. The panels are feature rich and have many onboard fault-finding diagnostics....

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...

Personal protective equipment, or PPE, has been widely used in the workplace for many years to protect employees from health or safety risks. But since the outbreak of COVID-19, the use of PPE has skyrocketed. While this protective clothing ensures the safety of the workforce, what about the effect that the increased production and subsequent disposal of this PPE are having on the environment? Textile destruction and recycling service In the UK, approximately one million tonnes of clothing is...

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is joining the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) and International Association of Fire Fighters in recognizing January as Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month. Chances are someone in the department or a firefighter who has battled cancer. This is a very prevalent and serious issue facing the fire service. The good news is that there are actions taken to lessen the risks and prevent future tragedies so members don’t lose more firefighters...

Cummins Inc. has announced that Bonnie Fetch has been named the Vice President – Global Supply Chain and Manufacturing, effective February 1, 2021. Bonnie Fetch currently serves as Vice President – North America Regional Operating Team and Distribution Business Supply Chain Services. Navigating supply chain challenges “Bonnie is the right person for this role, as we continue navigating supply chain challenges and executing our Supply Chain transformation,” said Jennifer...

Cancer is a serious threat facing today’s fire service, but there are ways by which people can lower the risks. These include the 11 best practices for firefighter cancer prevention, outlined in the Lavender Ribbon Report. Firefighter cancer prevention This course explains how to incorporate these practices into daily routines, so as to reduce the exposure risks and protect themselves and fellow firefighters. For a limited time, interested individuals can take this course for free in the...

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...

ImageTrend, Inc. released the second issue of the Collaborate Short Report: Pediatric Behavioral Health Incidents in the Pre-hospital Setting, from January 2018 to October 2021. Studies have found an increase in emergent pediatric behavioral health incidents over the last two decades and even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaborate Short Report This Collaborate Short Report focuses on how these incidents have changed across age groups and different regions from 2018 to 2021, by look...

Between the 16th and the 18th of January 2022, Argus Spectrum International will take part in the world’s premier trade fair for Security, Safety & Fire Protection - Intersec Dubai (UAE). Argus Spectrum International as being one of the world’s pioneers in the design and manufacturing of wireless fire systems will present certified in 83 countries wireless fire detection system Streletz-PRO at the stand A12, Hall 4.  MESH-network Streletz-PRO is a new product line of wire...

More than half a million COVID-19 vaccinations have been given by fire and rescue services staff, according to a report by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC). As reported, the figure as of now is at 510,540 – a testament to the hard work from all involved, and will only increase as fire services continue their efforts to support the national program. Additional vaccination sites It is estimated up to 2,500 members of staff are supporting this vital work to get everyone eligible pro...

The past 18 months have been transformational in many ways. Events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing safety legislation, and a squeeze on profit margins have been a catalyst for change, thereby leading to significant investments in new software. It’s also put the spotlight on productivity and efficiency. According to ONS figures, productivity levels in construction have remained consistently below the UK average, until more recently. New digital strategy However, civil engineeri...

Personal Protective Equipment, vernacularly known as PPE, is a term they have all come across several times amidst the global pandemic. From the shortage of PPE kits to countries ramping up the manufacturing process, are some of the only topics that made headlines most of 2020 and through the latter 2021. In between all this, the cardinal question of “What is PPE?” comes to mind. From being used by beekeepers as reported in ancient literature, to 16th-century plague doctors in Europ...

Personal Protective Equipment, vernacularly known as PPE, is a term users have all come across several times amidst the global pandemic. From the shortage of PPE kits to countries ramping up the manufacturing process, are some of the only topics that made headlines most of 2020 and through the latter 2021. In between all this, the cardinal question of 'What is PPE?', comes to mind. Personal Protective Equipment From being used by beekeepers as reported in ancient literature, to 16th-century p...

Ten people from across the fire sector have been named in the New Year Honors 2022 lists, in recognition of their services. The honors system recognizes extraordinary people, who in accordance with the list's criteria, ‘made achievements in public life and committed themselves to serving and helping the UK.’ Ongoing impactful work The FPA would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and congratulations to everyone named in the New Year Honours list for 2022, for their ongoing impa...

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...

EEAST Paramedic, Paul Chittock, has been awarded a Station Commander’s Commendation, marking 15 years of voluntary support for RAF colleagues based at Marham air force base in Norfolk. Paul’s volunteering has seen him working on everything from events and first aid training to critical incident scenarios, this is all alongside his day job with EEAST as a Paramedic, based at Kings Lynn. Over the years of service, Paul Chittock has provided medical cover and education for Family and F...