Barbados Fire Industry News

Some insurance carriers delay or deny a patient’s medically necessary care, despite recommendations by doctors or other health professionals, in order to reduce costs and increase profits. A delay or denial can happen to anyone with a health care plan. However, firefighters are particularly vulnerable because, as government employees, their plans are not protected by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) in the United States. Protections for firefighters Without th...

The T-band radio spectrum provides critical communications for firefighters and other first responders in large metropolitan areas. However, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently required by law to auction off the spectrum for other uses in February 2021. Congress will need to pass legislation in the next several months to stop the auction, which is a provision of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012.   In the last several years, various bills ha...

Refrigerants used in cooling systems for homes and businesses are being replaced with alternatives that have less potential for global warming. But the transition comes at a risk: Some of the new refrigerants are flammable.  Although less flammable than gases such as propane, for example, new refrigerants can still ignite and burn with a high intensity under ideal circumstances. The new materials have low-flame velocity and are less easily ignited; however, one byproduct of combustion is t...

With many countries in lockdown, face-to-face seafarer training is also being suspended and some flag administrations have responded by granting automatic three-month extensions to the STCW Certificates seafarers must update every five years. However, VIKING Safety Academy has designed a unique training set-up so that seafarers can undergo training for a full certificate renewal even while the crisis persists. STCW refresher training VIKING Safety Academy has worked with Estonia’s Reval...

The Gorman-Rupp Company (Gorman-Rupp) will continue to conduct business at all of its locations, within the US state of Ohio, because it is an ‘Essential Business’ pursuant to the Director’s Stay at Home Order, issued by the state of Ohio, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. The Stay at Home Order for Ohio is effective from 11:59 p.m. on March 23, 2020, until 11:59 p.m. on April 6, 2020. Prioritizing the health and safety of everyone During this period, protecting...

PACCAR Inc, announces that in response to current public health guidance for COVID-19, it will hold its 2020 annual meeting of stockholders in a virtual meeting format only, via live webcast. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. Pacific time. The company is mailing to stockholders a notice of change of format for the 2020 annual meeting containing a 16-digit control number that will enable access to the meeting. Stockholders have the same rights and opportunities t...

In response to the rapid, ongoing spread of COVID-19 in Austria and the work stoppages announced by some of chassis manufacturers, Rosenbauer will be temporarily cutting production at its Austrian locations. In an initial step, the annual shutdown of the Austrian locations, which was originally scheduled for August, will therefore be brought forward to April 6-17, after which short-time work is to be requested as a precautionary measure in consultation with the Works Council. Critical function...

As the Coronavirus outbreak continues to spread across the globe, more companies are adopting stronger measures to protect employees from contracting and spreading the virus.  However, as the work practices, movements and behavior changes, businesses should also consider how their fire and security systems can help them mitigate risks in the wake of COVID-19.  Fire safety during COVID-19  During this extraordinary situation, it must be noted that fire safety cannot be put on ho...

In light of the latest UK Government measures, which it is introducing to reduce the spread of coronavirus, Advanced wanted to update on its current position. These necessary measures have and will continue to have an impact on the lives of the company’s employees and the business. However, Advanced is acutely aware that some of the customers are currently working to maintain public fire safety in essential buildings, such as hospitals, and Advanced will, therefore, continue to remain ope...

Powering Chicago, the voice of Chicago's unionized electrical industry, announced a free solar safety training program for Chicago area fire departments designed to help firefighters safely handle solar panels while on the job. Launched in late 2019 as a pilot program, more than 150 firefighters from 12 suburban departments have successfully completed the training to date. With generous federal and state incentives available to homeowners and business owners who adopt renewable energy practices...

​​​VIKING Safety Academy has addressed a fast-emerging seafarer training issue brought by coronavirus by delivering a unique e-learning tool that can keep seafarers STCW compliant until restrictions on movement and social interactions come to an end. With many countries in lockdown, face to face seafarer training is also being suspended and some flag administrations have responded by granting automatic three-month extensions to the STCW Certificates seafarers must update every five years. Howev...

AVK shared an update on the latest policies as regards to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier the Company announced that all staff, where they are able, are to work from home. This update is to inform that customers will still be able to contact in the same way that they would have done prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. All of the incoming landline numbers are diverted to mobile phones; if for any reason the call doesn’t get answered, one may hear a message service from a mobile provid...

Paul Hubbard shared the update on the latest policies amidst the current COVID-19 pandemic.  The government informed that in an effort to drastically reduce the rate of transmission of the virus, they are imposing enforceable measures to stop all but essential traveling and personal interaction for the next 3 weeks.  In response to this, the Company has ensured the welfare of customers, the staff and the wider population as a whole, whilst maintaining the highest possible level of se...

As one comes to terms with the latest restrictions announced by the Prime Minister, one shares the uncertainties of the ‘lockdown’ requirements.  BAFE had the news recently that fire alarm technicians are considered key workers, when they are responding to alarms or system failures. However, to date there is no other clarification regarding other services.  BAFE has set out to remind property managers of their obligations under legislation to maintain fire protection syst...

SYFRS is launching a poster drawing competition for youngsters and is giving away a load of LEGO prizes that are up for grabs. It’ll be sharing as many entries as possible with their staff to help keep spirits up, too. All SYFRS wants youngsters to do is get a piece of A4 paper and draw a firefighter, fire engine, or fire station. safety messages The drawings must also include at least one of the below safety messages: Don’t forget about cooking! Don’t leave clothes near...

SYFRS launches a poster drawing competition for youngsters and they are offering a load of LEGO prizes that are up for grabs. It’ll be sharing as many entries as possible with staff to help keep spirits up, too. Safety messages All SYFRS wants youngsters to do is get a piece of A4 paper and draw a firefighter, fire engine, or fire station. They must also include at least one of the below safety messages: Don’t forget about cooking! Don’t leave clothes near electric heater...

When Sean Bone-Knell applied to be a firefighter at Kent Fire and Rescue Service in 1984, he was told the window to apply had closed and to try again in a few years. Fortunately, his passion to join the fire service prevailed, and two years later, at 19 years old, his dream came true. Now, 33 years on, having climbed to be the highest-ranking fire officer in the service as Director of Operations, he’s hanging up his helmet for the last time. Sean's career  Sean said, “Being a...

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a major incident being declared by Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service. With the number of confirmed cases continuing to rise throughout the UK and the government's advice for those showing symptoms or knowing someone showing symptoms, to isolate for extended periods, the Service is getting ready to face staffing challenges. Prepare for COVID-19 impact Chief Fire Officer - Chris Strickland said, “Please be assured that we currently have...

PACCAR Inc is providing a business update in response to recent changes in customer demand and a weaker outlook for the global economy, as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic. The Company will suspend truck and engine production at its factories worldwide from March 24 until April 6, 2020. The company will review future actions on a regular basis. PACCAR will continue to provide aftermarket support to its customers who deliver essential infrastructure services to the communities. Strong...

FSi Limited (FSi Ltd) announced in a statement that they would like to update on the actions that the company is taking as a business to support customers, suppliers and protect the staff during the on-going COVID-19 outbreak. From the beginning of this outbreak, FSi Ltd has followed Government advice and will continue to do so in order to protect the business, but most importantly the company’s employees and business partners, which will always remain a priority. To date, FSi Ltd has be...

Sepura is carefully monitoring the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic and taking all necessary precautions to protect and support its employees and customers as they in turn protect and support the public. They are closely following UK government advice. Critical functions are being maintained in the office, supported by home-based teams as necessary to minimize the risk of infection whilst ensuring customer requirements can be met. warehousing, configuration and support Sepura’s main o...

BAFE has announced releasing a fire safety advisory during the on-going coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic. The advisory stated, “During this extraordinary situation, it must be noted that fire safety cannot be put on hold. Fire does not discriminate, and it is important that your fire safety policy is well maintained appropriately”. Fire safety systems and provisions It further reads, ”BAFE have discussed this fact before, but fire safety systems and provisions are different to...

The BAFE office is temporarily closed due to coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns. Staff safety is a priority and they will be working from home.  BAFE will be monitoring emails and accessing voicemail left to the BAFE office number. The response times may be longer than normal. 

First responders are on the front lines of the latest health crisis that involves spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. Around the country – and around the world – EMS departments are facing the uncertainties of a rapidly-spreading virus. One problem is a shortage of face masks. As cases surge, it will also be harder for ambulance companies to get other needed supplies. In King County, Wash., an epicenter of COVID-19 cases in the United States, Kirkland, Wash., firefighters and...

Bryx, a provider of first responder technology products, launches a new COVID-19 Critical Warning banner within its free Bryx 911 mobile alerting application. Keywords associated with the virus are systematically pulled from the supplemental data, triggering a banner that informs first responders of possible cases in which safety protocols and equipment may be necessary. The company’s algorithm, used to trigger the COVID-19 Critical Warning banner, can be extended to provide warnings for...

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Authority (SYFRA) has appointed a new Deputy Chief Fire Officer. Chris Kirby was appointed following a selection process, which included a written application, leadership team presentation, interview by staff group and trade union representatives and panel interview with members of the Fire Authority. Barnsley-born Chris Kirby will join South Yorkshire later this spring from West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, which he first joined as a Firefighter in 199...

South Yorkshire’s firefighters are calling on people to take extra steps to keep themselves safe from fire, following the Government’s recent announcements on social distancing. They say that, with thousands across the county expected to either self-isolate, work from home, or generally stay away from others, it’s never been more important to think about fire safety. And despite the fact that crews are continuing to respond to 999 emergencies as normal, senior fire officers ar...

On March 21st, 2021 E811B and A811 were dispatched for a multi-vehicle collision on BW parkway at Beaver Dam Rd. Upon arrival, both units initiated patient care and checked all disabled vehicles. All occupants self extricated with non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to local trauma centers.

Following the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Forman Vehicle Services wanted to reassure everyone that they are doing everything they can to reduce the risk of infection for customers and employees. The company understands that many businesses are keen to maintain normality and they would like to do what they can to make business as usual as easy as possible. Operation update due to COVID-19 spread Supplying and maintaining their systems is a high priority for Forman Vehicle Services...

The proposed Fire Safety Bill will ‘amend the Fire Safety Order 2005 to clarify that the responsible person or duty-holder for multi-occupied, residential buildings must manage and reduce the risk of fire for: The structure and external walls of the building, including cladding, balconies, and windows. Entrance doors to individual flats that open into common parts. This clarification will empower fire and rescue services to take enforcement action and hold building owners...