Companies Struggle with Cost of Turnout Outfits
Dec 10, 2009 Industry News
Guideline from the National Fire Protection Association, better known as NFPA in the firefighting industry, suggest that firefighters should wear turnout and bunker gear that is less than 10 years old when inside a burning structure. The problem is that small volunteer fire departments are finding it difficult to come with the necessary funding to replace the old firefighter gear.
The NFPA, which is a non-profit organization whose major concern is making the standards for firefighters, conducted test on various equipment of all brands and ages to determine that the materials used in firefighter turnout gear start to degrade and deteriorate over time.
While many firefighters argue that his or her gear may look adequate, even the smallest of holes could lead to steam burns. If the burden of replacing all firefighting equipment seems too much for your station or township to pay, you can always apply for state and federal grants to offset the cost of purchasing turnout gear.
If you would like to speak with a bunker gear specialist from 911 Safety Equipment please call toll free 866.370.7800 or contact online through thier website.
Tags: 911se, firefighters, nfpa, struggle
Heat Press Evaluation Test
Dec 4, 2009 Cleaning, Multimedia
Click to watch a video on how to perform a heat press evaluation test on firefighter turnout gear. The Heat Press Evaluation Test is part of the Complete Liner Inspection during which heat is applied to one side to evaluate the integrety of selected portions of the barrier layer.
3rd Party Certified Facilities like 911 Clean apply heat to the substrate side of the moisture barrier. If damaged, a leak will form on the film side of the barrier.
Heat Press Evaluation Test
Leakage Evaluation Test
Dec 4, 2009 Cleaning, Multimedia
Click to watch a video on how to perform a leakage evaluation test on firefighter turnout gear. The Leakage Evaluation, which is also called the “puddle test” involves an alcohol-water mixture, which is made with 1 part rubbing alcohol and 6 parts tap water.
3rd Party Certified Facilities like 911 Clean applies the mixture onto the selected cupped areas of the moisture barrier side of the lining to evaluate the integrity of the piece. After waiting three minutes you examine the thermal barrier side of the lining to determine any signs of wetness. 3rd Party companies will evaluate three different moisture barrier material areas with a seam including:
- broadest part of shoulders
- back waist area of coat
- knees
- crotch area
- seat area
Leakage Evaluation Test
Tags: bunker, evaluation, gear, leak, test
Leakage Evaluation Test Results
Dec 4, 2009 Cleaning, Multimedia
Click to watch a video on how to perform a leakage evaluation test on firefighter turnout gear. The Leakage Evaluation, which is also called the “puddle test” involves an alcohol-water mixture, which is made with 1 part rubbing alcohol and 6 parts tap water.
3rd Party Certified Facilities like 911 Clean applies the mixture onto the selected cupped areas of the moisture barrier side of the lining to evaluate the integrity of the piece. After waiting three minutes you examine the thermal barrier side of the lining to determine any signs of wetness. 3rd Party companies will evaluate three different moisture barrier material areas with a seam including:
- broadest part of shoulders
- back waist area of coat
- knees
- crotch area
- seat area
Leakage Evaluation Test
Tags: bunker, evaluation, gear, leakage, test
Water Penatration Evaluation Part2
Dec 4, 2009 Cleaning, Multimedia
Click to watch a video on how to analyze the results of a water penetration evaluation on firefighter turnout gear. The Water Penetration Barrier Evaluation is part of the Complete Liner Inspection during which a hydrostatic tester is used to evaluate the integrety of selected portions of the barrier layer.
3rd Party Certified Facilities like 911 Clean applies water pressure to the substrate side of the moisture barrier. If damaged, a leak will form on the film side of the barrier.
Water Penatration Evaluation Results
Tags: bunker, gear, penetration, water
Water Penatration Evaluation Part1
Dec 4, 2009 Cleaning, Multimedia
Click to watch a video on how to analyze the results of a water penetration evaluation on firefighter turnout gear. The Water Penetration Barrier Evaluation is part of the Complete Liner Inspection during which a hydrostatic tester is used to evaluate the integrety of selected portions of the barrier layer.
3rd Party Certified Facilities like 911 Clean applies water pressure to the substrate side of the moisture barrier. If damaged, a leak will form on the film side of the barrier.
Water Penatration Evaluation Results
Tags: bunker, evaluation, gear, penetration, video, water
Firefighters Armed with New Safety Device
Dec 3, 2009 Industry News
Firefighters around the nation are now equipped with a new safety harness system that is meant to protect them should they need to escape a building from high level floors. Being in Norristown, Pa we remember well Black Sunday, when six firefighters in New York City had to jump from burning building because of the terrible condition of the fire. Four firefighters survived the third story jump while two perished from the fourth floor jump.
Personal Bailout
One of the surviving firefighters, Jeffrey Cool, who has suffered career ending injuries, has been pushing the personal bailout system ever since first to his own department and then across the nation. Some have already made the personal bailout system mandatory as the harness, 40 feet of rope, and breaking system could be life saving.
If you are interested in learning more about the personal bailout system please visit 911 Safety Equipment or call them toll free at 866-370-7800.
Tags: black sunday, firefighter, harness, rope, safety
Firefighter Relief Associations Found in Compliance
Dec 3, 2009 Industry News
The Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General found the Clymer and Hallstead volunteer firefighter relief associations in compliance with tested laws and regulations. Clymer is in Tioga County, Pa., and Hallstead is in Susquehanna, Pa.
The VFRAs are non-profit organizations established to provide financial protection to volunteer firefighters who are injured as a result of their participation in the fire service. VFRAs receive state aid from a 2 percent state tax on fire insurance.
Tags: firefighter, pa, pennsylvania, relief, vfra
