Fire Industry News for March 2024

In the dynamic world of industries, Mallcom believes that ensuring the safety and well-being of industrial workers is of paramount importance. This is where European Standards (EN) for protective clothing come into play, providing a comprehensive framework for the design, manufacturing, and performance of workwear across various sectors.  EN standards are European standards that define the requirements and test methods for various types of personal protective equipment (PPE). The...

Mallcom is India's renowned Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) brand, known for its commitment to quality and safety. With a wide range of products, including safety gloves, Mallcom has a strong presence in the Indian market and plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of workers across various industries. EN Standards The EN Standards are a set of technical standards that define the minimum requirements and provide a uniform and reliable way to assess the quality and effec...

The world of safety is a dynamic one. Fascinatingly, within the dynamic realm of PPE safety, European Standards (EN), derived from the German term "Europäische Norm" ("European Norm"), represent invaluable technical benchmarks meticulously curated and upheld by CEN - the European Committee for Standardization. Cornerstone of PPE safety How do EN standards safeguard lives selflessly? EN standards selflessly safeguard lives through their meticulous development and constant vi...

Firefighting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes turnout gear, helmets, gloves, and boots, all designed to protect them from the intense heat, smoke, and hazardous materials they encounter on the job. Properly maintained PPE is essential not only for the safety of the firefighter but also for the success of firefighting operations. Reduced Thermal Protection Firefighters depend on the insulating properties of their PPE to withstand extreme temperatures.  Improper washing can co...

The comfort and health of the feet are significantly impacted by the soles used in shoes. One of the top safety shoe producers in India, Mallcom India, is known to manufacture safety footwear with advanced soles that take care of our comfort and foot health. Their renowned safety footwear Tiger Safety Shoes are not only made to keep the feet safe but also improve their comfort and health. The Significance of Proper Shoe Soles Foot health is dependent on the shoe soles. Good foot health is...

PU Leather Gloves, also known as synthetic leather gloves, have become indispensable in numerous industries and specific industrial applications.  Synthetic leather, often referred to as faux or vegan leather, is a highly sought-after alternative to traditional leather. This man-made material emulates the appearance and texture of genuine leather without relying on animal hides. ethical and environmental reasons Although animal leather has its place, choosing artificial leather over...

The fire service is known for its brave and selfless firefighters who risk their lives to protect communities from the ravages of fire and other emergencies. However, there's a hidden danger that poses a significant threat to the health and well-being of these heroes – breast cancer. Breast cancer in the fire service is a pressing issue that deserves attention. Although the gender shift has been significant, breast cancer can show up in men as well. Explore the challenges faced by firefig...

While many firefighters own their gear, there are several reasons to consider renting bunker gear. Explore the flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and hassle-free maintenance that come with renting, ensuring they're equipped for every mission without compromising on safety or convenience. 1. Cleaning and Repairs One compelling reason to consider rental PPE is the convenience it offers, when it comes to cleaning and repairs. When the primary gear is sent for cleaning or requires repairs, havin...

Firefighters put their lives on the line to protect the communities, facing various risks in their line of duty. To ensure safety, it's crucial that the gear remains in top-notch condition.  3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material, Series 5680 Fire Coat Comfort Trim, plays a significant role in enhancing visibility during firefighting operations. However, like any other equipment, wear and tear may occur over time, necessitating proper inspection and repairs. Here are some ways to...

Staying dry is not only a great concern but also a major hurdle within heavy-duty industries. It is a prerequisite and a tall ask for heavy-duty industries that expose the workforce to the forces of nature like excessive rain. This holds especially true in tropical countries like India. Whether faced with torrential downpours, splashes of liquid, or rigorous work conditions, maintaining dryness becomes a critical priority. In such demanding environments, where the interplay between safety, comf...

When it comes to working in cold environments, protection is key. Without the right gear, working in extremely cold conditions can expose users to frostbite and other serious injuries. One of the essential pieces of gear for cold work environments is winter thermal gloves. However, not all thermal gloves are created equal. It's essential to ensure that winter hand gloves provide adequate protection, especially in industries that require workers to handle materials in sub-zero temperatures....

Firefighters selflessly put themselves in harm's way to protect others, and as covered before, their noble actions come with significant risks, including exposure to a multitude of hazardous contaminants. Understanding the sources and pathways of exposure is crucial for developing effective preventive measures and protocols to mitigate these risks. Enhanced training, improved gear, regular medical monitoring, and strict decontamination procedures are essential for safeguarding the health and w...

Safety has been such a common yet underestimated word throughout generations, with the urge to take on risks and give ourselves a boost of adrenaline, individuals leave behind the basic necessity that can keep them going for the long run. Even with so many signs & announcements on safety and security everywhere, individuals tend to take safety for granted. National Safety Day India observes National Safety Day on March 4 every year. This day is set aside to raise awareness of the value of...

At Gear Wash, the main priority is keeping the department safe and healthy by keeping gear clean and ready for the next firefight. Throughout Mental Health Awareness Month, they want to emphasize that supporting those who serve them is valuable and needed. The first way to break down the stigma of Post Traumatic Stress in the fire service is to understand what it looks like. Studies estimate that about 20 percent of firefighters will experience symptoms at some point during their...

One of the biggest topics within the fire industry in the last few years has been cancer prevention and awareness. Everyone knows the importance of this, but what is something that can be targeted immediately, to prevent preliminary exposure after being on scene?   NFPA 1851 specifies the recommended actions for the cleaning and drying of turnout gear. It defines three types of cleaning: preliminary exposure reduction, advanced, and specialized, which regard hazmat contaminants. Let&r...

Where does the department keep PPE when not in service? Lockers in the bay, exposed to UV rays and exhaust emissions? If so, it’s time to reconsider how the gear is being stored. Making sure that the PPE is stowed correctly is a perfect example of how users can lessen the risk of damage in the future. Proper NFPA storage Needs Before storing, the garments should be clean and dry - avoiding contact with contaminants, such as oils, solvents, acids, or alkalis. The storage areas must be...

Ankle support is an essential feature of safety shoes that may be sometimes overlooked by many industrial workers. It is important to understand the benefits of this feature in order to make an informed decision when choosing a pair of safety shoes for work.  Why ankle support is crucial?  Spare the ankle the issue of sprains   One of the main benefits of ankle support in safety shoes is that it helps to reduce the risk of ankle sprains and strains. This is because the support...

Versatile gloves are a thriving safety proposition, as can be seen with Mallcom India’s NIF Techo FL 40.  These nitrile safety gloves offer the perfect protection in every inch for several applications, making them ideal for various uses. NIF Techo FL 40 Gauntlets cover the arm down the length of the wrists a few inches. The NIF Techo FL 40 is a pair of Gauntlet Style NBR Gloves that offer inch-perfect protection against chemicals like oil, by-products, and other hazardou...

The process of cutting and sewing was an old practice that involved careful hand-stitching, one at a time. Nowadays, sewing machines are used by workers to produce gloves of various kinds. Such a knitting technique makes it easier to produce high-utility gloves.   However, why is this technique used to make safety gloves?  Process of Cutting & Sewing  Cut-and-sewn designs use pieces of fabric stitched together on a sewing machine, like cotton jersey gloves. This proces...

Since ancient times, humans have treaded upon the skin of animals. This can be traced back to literally all major cultures and civilizations of the world. Called as 'Leder' in old English and Proto-German, it meant 'tanned or otherwise dressed hide or skin of an animal'. In ancient Roman, Greek, Indian, Egyptian, and Mesopotamian civilizations as early as 3000 BC, the use of leather products for making shoes and gloves and drinking water bags is found. Replacement for natural leather The use...

Good grip, spark resistance, and defense against jagged or abrasive surfaces are some of the features that leather welder gloves bring to the table. This is owing to the fact that leather is renowned for its resilience and capacity to absorb heat. In fact, it can withstand temperatures as high as 350°C without charring. Mallcom’s F834 Leather Split Welder Gloves serve as the ideal pair of gloves that exemplify all these above-mentioned features.  F834: Welding Heat Resistance wi...

The process of buying welding gloves is not straightforward. It may not be as simple as grabbing the first pair they see and handing them to the employees. There are various welding methods, and each one necessitates using a specific type of welding glove to provide adequate protection from hazards such as sparks and heat.  Types of Welding Purposes  Primarily, there are three types of welding: Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Welding  Stick Welding  Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Wel...

Gear Wash is excited to announce the promotion of three associates and welcome one member to the Fire-Dex and Gear Wash Family! Michelle Guthrie has been with Fire-Dex for 15 years and has been promoted several times, most recently from Warehouse Supervisor to Production Planner.   New appointments Gear Wash has also recently promoted two associates – Debbie Roberts and Karina Suquilema. Debbie will serve as Operations Supervisor at the Atlanta location and Karina will serve a...

Coveralls are industrial protective clothing or safety workwear made to protect against dangerous substances. In fact, it is meant to protect both the industrial product and workers from the adverse effects of contamination. They are primarily employed as a defense against low-hazard splashes and sprays and dry particles.   Coveralls are mostly used in the healthcare industry in the spheres of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Coveralls ought to be professionally disposed of by profe...

They're pleased to announce the Minerva acquisition adds six locations to the expansive coast-to-coast equipment care network serving thousands of fire departments! Gear Wash is now the firefighting industry’s largest turnout gear cleaning and repair operation, having acquired Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners and its six locations. The agreement, which closed on May 13, also marks our largest Gear Wash acquisition to date and greatly expands the company’s growin...

Taylor Burke Gilman, the President at Gear Wash, highlights when departments should consider renting fire gear in a guest spot from Carolina Fire Journal. NFPA 1851 recommendations The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1851 guidelines recommend two cleanings per year for turnout gear. All departments know the importance of proper care and maintenance for firefighting protective garments, but what can be done when primary helmets, jackets, pants, gloves, and boots...

The longevity of the turnout gear and its effectiveness against carcinogens relies heavily on one factor: proper maintenance. Firefighters handle dangerous materials regularly and the turnout gear can pick up several highly toxic contaminants. Keeping up with maintenance on the turnout gear can help users in three ways: Reduce the risk of being exposed (or exposing someone else) to carcinogens. Save the department money. Extend the usable life of the garments. Negative effects  T...

Adjust accordingly to best suit unique incidents or the department’s protocol. Before a fire call 1) Invest in individually customized PPE that is properly fitted to each firefighter. When budget allows, consider particulate barrier hoods; light, breathable turnouts; and a set of alternative PPE for non-structural calls (this may also reduce heat stress and cardiac fatigue). 2) Stock the apparatus with decon supplies, including: 5-gallon bucket A hose with a small nozzle Scrub bru...

NFPA 1851 is the standard for PPE selection, care, and maintenance. The purpose of this standard is to reduce health and safety risks associated with improper maintenance, contamination, or damage like exposure to harmful carcinogens that are often present in structural fires. Sometimes it's hard to get to an ISP to get the cleanings done. That's why they've created a guide to walk through the proper cleaning for the turnout gear.  Step 1: Preparation  To begin, don the necessary un...

Everyone knows cleaning turnout gear twice a year is recommended by the NFPA, but do users think about hoods too? It's easy to forget this small piece of gear, but that doesn't make it any less important! Follow these 4 quick and easy steps to get the fire hood properly cleaned. Step by Step  Tools Needed: Examination gloves, apron, & safety glasses. A large utility tub or programmable extractor that doesn't have a G-Force that exceeds 100 G. Step 1: Preparation Observe nec...