PPE Accessories news

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs) released a joint statement PDF warning firefighters that synthetic chemicals in their protective gear are associated with various health risks, including an increased risk of liver and kidney cancer. The chemicals responsible are a group of fluorinated compounds called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances commonly referred to as PFAS. They are used in firefighter turnout gear to incr...

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs) released a joint statement PDF warning firefighters that synthetic chemicals in their protective gear are associated with various health risks, including an increased risk of liver and kidney cancer. The chemicals responsible are a group of fluorinated compounds called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances commonly referred to as PFAS. They are used in firefighter turnout gear to incr...

With more than one million helmets sold in over 140 countries, Rosenbauer’s HEROS firefighting helmets are one of the most successful firefighting helmets in the world. The HEROS’ success story began in 1992. After communicating intensively with fire departments, as well as a development phase lasting several years, Rosenbauer presented its first own firefighting helmet based on a new type of helmet shell made of plastic. This makes it one of the most modern helmets on the market, f...

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is pleased to announce that it will host its signature health and safety focused educational conference, the NVFC Training Summit 2023, from June 23 to June 24, 2023, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA. The NVFC is now accepting proposals from qualified instructors and speakers for presentations to educate first responders about critical issues in the fire and emergency services. Submit proposal by September 30, 2022. NVFC Training Summit 2023 The theme...

A pair of Toyne Tailored Apparatus is a welcomed sight for Southwest Central Fire Territory (SWCFT) firefighters in South Bend, Indiana. Their latest Toyne Pumper Tanker/Tender delivery concludes a multi-apparatus buildup for the department in 2022. Toyne is proud to have been a part of SWCFT’s modernization efforts.  Established in 2008 with the merger of two departments, SWCFT protects a 75-square-mile area comprising unincorporated Centre and Portage townships, as well as most of...

Community members and business owners must understand the importance of protecting their structures from ember and fire exposures (radiant, conductive, and convective heat). Preparing for all fire exposures, not picking and choosing only one, is vital for improving home and building survival chances. Information for the community Wildfires spread primarily by: Ember generation and deposition: Burning or smoldering pieces of material generated during a wildfire event can land on combustible...

Get a 2-page Checklist for Communications Technology in Training and Exercises PDF that provides planning and evaluation considerations for statewide interoperability coordinators and other emergency preparedness personnel when incorporating new communications technology into a training or exercise. The checklist Offered by the National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators' Planning, Training and Exercise committee, the checklist, developed directly from emergency communications...

Landing a medical helicopter is a delicate operation that requires skilled flight crews and trained personnel on the ground following well-rehearsed, pre-planned procedures for the safety of all involved. Fire and emergency medical services agencies can access free resources to review their procedures for establishing a safe air medical transport landing zone: A June 2022 FirefighterCloseCalls.com article provides tips and links to training videos on landing zone safety. Responder Safety Le...

Helmets are essential and required on practically all construction, mining, and industrial sites. They are the most frequent and fundamental type of PPE. What is the composition of a safety helmet? A safety helmet is made up of three parts: The cover (outer section): It protects the head from impact. The harness: It provides shock absorption. The chinstrap: The helmet is held firmly on the head by the chinstrap, which is an adjustable strap beneath the chin. Jasper – A lightweight s...

Integrations will enable alerting authorities to disseminate wireless emergency alerts to the public in near real-time through vehicle navigation and entertainment systems. The Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate concluded a proof-of-concept demonstration of the wildland urban interface (WUI) integration model that integrates next-generation technologies with FEMA's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) and GPS navigation applications and cutting-ed...

Rosenbauer America announces new executive leadership. Mark Fusco is appointed as President, and Randy Brummel as Executive Vice President Operations. The company’s purpose remains unchanged, Rosenbauer exists to support the mission of saving lives and protecting property. This new structure allows the American custom fire truck builder to expand its growth plans and further focus on operational excellence, dealer development, financial discipline, customer satisfaction, and serving firs...

To use the fluorine-free foams currently on the market safely and effectively, fire departments will need to adopt different tactics and new training on how to select, use and dispose of these new foams. Fire Service Roadmap outlines the transition from the fluorinated aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) currently used to extinguish flammable liquid (Class B) fires to fluorine-free foams (FFFs). AFFFs going away AFFFs use of a class of chemicals containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances,...

Crews from two Norfolk Fire Stations are working with the East of England Ambulance Service to respond to some medical incidents in Norfolk, United Kingdom (UK). The scheme, which is currently underway, sees Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) crews responding to adult cases of cardiac arrest within areas surrounding Sheringham and North Walsham Fire Stations. The Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service crew are co-responding to incidents, along with the East of England Ambulance Service. The trial...

Fire and Safety Solutions Ltd is pleased to support Ambition Aspire Achieve (AAA), a charity founded in June 2016 by Kevin Jenkins OBE, who had a long-standing desire to provide opportunities for children and young people in the London Borough of Newham and surrounding areas. 

On Monday 19th September, the UKAS offices will be closed for all but essential business cover, to allow them all to pay their respects and commemorate the reign of Queen Elizabeth II on the day of her state funeral. Information regarding UKAS This notice outlines important information regarding the arrangements UKAS will be making: Office Closure: Their office will be closed for normal business, but will remain open for essential business cover. On-site/remote activities: UKAS will aim to...

As those first on the scene to respond to disasters and emergency events, first responders prioritize the safety and well-being of the communities they serve. This often means first responders are facing dangerous and challenging situations, leading to high-stress levels and possible development of burnout, compassion fatigue, or unhealthy coping mechanisms. The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently featured 2 behavioral health resources for first responders....

As those first on the scene to respond to disasters and emergency events, first responders prioritize the safety and well-being of the communities they serve. This often means first responders are facing dangerous and challenging situations, to high-stress levels, and possible development of burnout, compassion fatigue, or unhealthy coping mechanisms. The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently featured 2 behavioral health resources for first responders. Disast...

An outpatient diagnostic and rehabilitation unit at an Isle of Wight hospital has been deemed unfit for purpose due to fire safety failings. The Laidlaw unit at St Mary’s Hospital, Newport was found to have disconnected alarms in the roof space of the ward and ‘inadequately sized and positioned’ fire exits, as detailed in a report produced for the Isle of Wight NHS Trust. Fire safety failings This will mean that safe evacuation will be compromised, as there will be minimal w...

MSA Safety, DuPont Personal Protection, and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have teamed up once again to help volunteer fire departments obtain much-needed personal protective equipment through MSA and DuPont’s Globe Gear Giveaway. This annual program began in 2012 and has to date provided 611 sets of turnout gear to 134 departments. Another 13 departments will each receive four new sets of turnout gear and four new helmets to help enhance the safety of their firefighters. The...

Firefighters are inviting residents to Dogsthorpe Fire Station for an open day for a free event that promises something for all the family. Crews will be on hand to give tours around the fire engines and equipment, as well as live safety demonstrations of emergency scenarios. There’ll also be the chance to dunk-a-firefighter, look around the smoke-logged training building, as well as other fun activities to raise money for The Fire Fighters Charity.   Donations will also be we...

Fire-Dex, a global manufacturer of head-to-toe PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for first responders, is growing again with a significant expansion of its Pelham, Georgia manufacturing facility and production team. With planned investments totaling over US$ 1 million, the company aims to build on its strong success in the southwest Georgia region, where it has operated since 2018. Expansion of Georgia manufacturing facility New spending for floor space, equipment and personnel are all part...

The National Collaborative PPE Framework is celebrating five years of success in delivering high-quality PPE to Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) across the UK. Launched in June 2017 to streamline the PPE procurement process, the scheme has since delivered protective clothing to around two-thirds of FRSs across the country, equating to more than 30,000 firefighters. Created with a view to sharing best practices and delivering efficiencies, the National Framework is managed by the National Fire Ch...

This World Drowning Prevention Day (25 July), Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is urging Kent and Medway residents to respect the water. In the UK, drowning is a cause of accidental death and statistics have shown that drowning deaths are increasing, with more lives lost in inland water, than on the coast. KFRS has specialist water safety teams with crews always ready to respond to inland water rescues, where people are in trouble in lakes and rivers. Water rescue experts With a number of...

Fire-Dex is hosting a one-of-a-kind Christmas in July giveaway, taking place from July 22 to July 29, 2022.   The giveaway will award three fire departments with a bundle of firefighter accessories and products. The bundle includes three Captain Jim Fire Hoods, three pairs of Dex-Pro Gloves, and three pairs of the FDXL200 Structural Fire Boots.   Giveaway kit Fire-Dex also partnered with SOOTSOAP, an all-natural line of personal care products made to ke...

An International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) study has reclassified the occupation of firefighting to the highest hazard category: Group 1, “carcinogenic to humans.” The previous study, conducted by IARC in 2007, had classified firefighting as Group 2B, “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” Group 1 classification of the firefighting occupation applies to men and women, career and volunteer personnel, and both structural and wildland firefighting occupations around...

UKAS has welcomed the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) as its most recent Member. As a company limited by guarantee, UKAS does not have shareholders and is governed by its Members. UKAS Members There are 21 UKAS Members, including the SMMT, who are drawn from government, business, professional institutes, and customer groups, all with an interest in accreditation. Other UKAS Members include the Confederation of British Industry, the Association for Innovation, Research and T...

DuPont (Dupont Personal Protection) has partnered with a renowned UK fashion design university to develop Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) that is fit for today’s changing workforce. The collaboration between Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design and DuPont Personal Protection aims to innovate protective clothing in line with evolving worker needs. Evolving demographic makeup of the workforce The demographic makeup of the workforce is evolving. The share of Eur...

DripDrop and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have teamed up for the third year to provide dehydration relief to firefighters, as they battle wildfire and other strenuous response situations. In 2022, DripDrop has donated 400,000 servings of its oral rehydration solution (ORS) to volunteer fire departments across the U.S.A (United States of America). DripDrop – NVFC partnership While the program is now closed, volunteer firefighters can still receive a 20 percent discount on o...

At Interschutz 2022, the German specialist for cleaning and disinfection technology Meiko presented itself for a second time only - but as a convincing solution provider in the respiratory protective equipment workshop of fire departments and the industry. The new Meiko product portfolio for personal protective equipment (PPE) further expands the range for more safety in the respiratory protection workshop. Valid mechanical solution “We have deliberately continued to work on reducing th...

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) has posted 2 user notices that may impact certain respirators used by fire and emergency medical services providers. The NPPTL issued a May 2022 notice PDF for 3M Scott SCBA Air-Pak models manufactured between Nov. 1, 2019 and April 12, 2022. 3M Scott has received reports on the Air-Pak X3, Air-Pak X3 Pro and X3-21 Pro models referencing the primary and/or secon...