Firefighter Health and Safety - News

Cordico is proud to announce that they have entered into a strategic nationwide partnership with The Resiliency Project. The Resiliency Project is a non profit organization with a mission to end the silent suffering of the country’s first responders by providing peer support and funding for treatment, recovery and psychological services in an effort to treat posttraumatic stress, build resilience and end suicide. While The Resiliency Project supports the use of departmental peer support t...

Instead of the Fire Safety Event, which was meant to take place in late April 2020 (postponed until September 2020), Nineteen Group hosted an online webinar event (15/05/2020) to discuss current fire topics. Several notable fire safety specialists discussed different topics, but the overarching topic was how the coronavirus pandemic will affect fire safety and any additional changes it will require. COVID-19 safety measures Niall Rowan, CEO - ASFP, noted Dame Judith Hackitt’s comments t...

With the support of the Scottish Government, the Supplier Development Program has launched a survey on the effects of Supplier Relief. short survey Suppliers in Scotland, especially small, medium, and micro-sized businesses, can fill in a short survey to share their experience of supplier relief with public sector buyers during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) crisis so far. Responses will be collated into a report which will be shared with the Scottish Government and local authorities throughout S...

Victaulic, the globally renowned manufacturer of mechanical pipe-joining systems, is now offering free virtual courses from its accredited and award-winning Victaulic University program, to construction professionals around the world. Growing demand for more versatile training options and shrinking access to traditional classes given the COVID-19 pandemic presented an opportune time for Victaulic to make its robust catalog of courses, many of which offer International Association for Continuing...

Unparalleled speed, ultimate control and battery management made easy: Holmatro launches a new series of high-tech cordless rescue tools, designed to outperform all other tools on the market, regardless of whether these are battery-powered or connected to an external pump by means of a hose. The Pentheon Series offers a much higher speed than other rescue equipment. This is thanks to a new and patented mechatronic system inside these tools. Maximized oil flow This system optimizes the motor a...

The Site Operating Procedures have been updated to incorporate a number of technical changes as a result of the recently published Government guidance on Working Safely during Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Construction and other Outdoor Work. Version 4 inclusions The changes in Site Operating Procedures – Version 4 are minimal and include: Removal of the requirement for face-to-face contact to be kept to 15 minutes or less. The section on PPE links to the latest Government guidance...

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is calling on Kent residents at home to tune into the first-ever online fire station open day on Thursday 28 May. Aimed at families of all ages, the virtual event has been organized in place of a number of the service’s annual ‘Family Open Days’, which were canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. online open day The online open day will take place from 11 am on Thursday 28 May on the Kent Fire and Rescue Service Facebook page, start...

DuPont Personal Protection announced that face coverings made with DuPont Nomex may be used along with (FR) garments, such as those made of Nomex, in response to the protection needs of COVID-19. When used as face, nose and mouth coverings, properly designed masks, balaclavas, gaiters and hoods made with Nomex may help meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) social distancing guidance on wearing masks in worker environments that also require FR protection. Nomex is a trusted F...

Now that businesses are starting to operate again, there are some key fire safety matters for organizations to consider, in order ensure employees can return safety back to work. The Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service (RBFRS), Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service (BFRS) and Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service (OFRS) are helping businesses return to work safely, in these extraordinary times. Adapting to new ways of working Businesses have had to adapt to new ways of working, over...

Twiceme Technology is entering the protective work gear segment and launching the first safety helmet ARMET together with the Swedish-innovative brand Guardio. The Twiceme technology provides a fast and reliable safety tool in the workplace and takes Twiceme one step further to the vision of making vital info accessible – everywhere to everyone. Twiceme x Guardio In 2020, only a year after the launch of Twiceme technology in the market, they are expanding into the protective work gear s...

Ian Moore, CEO of the FIA, has been working closely with the Government’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) on behalf of the FIA members on several issues, more recently the work has focused mainly on the business issues created by COVID-19; such as working safely during COVID-19 in offices, construction industry recovery plans, key worker status, training while on furlough, etc. He states “BEIS has posted a lot of valuable guidance for businesses affe...

Firetrace Ltd announced that the company is operating business as usual, in spite of the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic. During these very uncertain times, the company added that they are still providing their services throughout UK and Ireland, while abiding to government guidelines on operations. safety of staff and Customers While continuing business as normal, the company reaffirmed that their main priority is the safety of suppliers, clients, customers and staff. In some cases, fire sup...

Eric Lounsbury has joined the Hannay team as the new Facilities Director and Coatings/Finishing Manager. For the past 4 years, Eric has been the site facilities manager at GlaxoSmithKline’s plant in Oak Hill, New York. Prior to GSK, Eric acquired several years of wide-ranging experience as a chief building engineer for CBRE amongst other positions. Eric’s hands-on skills and knowledge are expected to be a great asset to Hannay Reels.  

The Ontario government has taken additional steps to protect people and property during the wildland fire season, including an increase in base funding for emergency forest firefighting by $30.2 million, and ensuring safety measures are in place to protect Ontario's highly trained fire rangers from COVID-19. On May 16, 2020, Ontario is lifting the Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ) designation that was put in place last month across Ontario's fire region.  The province will continue to assess fore...

In the frame of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), Airbus and Fraunhofer FKIE have created an independent panel of experts on the responsible use of new technologies to define and propose ethical as well as international legal 'guard rails' for Europe’s largest defense project. The expert panel, which was first initiated in Germany in 2019, currently includes stakeholders such as the German Ministry of Defence, the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, foundations, univers...

Rosenbauer America is donating 24,000 KN95 face masks to first responders, as thanks in appreciation for their dedication throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The facemasks will be distributed to fire departments across the United States and Canada. KN95 face masks “Our communities rely on first responders answering calls for service. We need to protect their health and safety,” said John Slawson, Chairman and CEO of Rosenbauer America, adding “COVID-19 is personal and the virus...

The industry’s first watertight battery-powered extrication tool line is expanding, as HURST Jaws of Life introduces nine new tools that will give first responders a full selection of extrication solutions that are completely operational underwater. HURST Jaws of Life’s EWXT line The company that has revolutionized the rescue industry time and again, HURST Jaws of Life, introduced its innovative eDRAULIC watertight extrication tool (EWXT) line, with water-resistant casing, in 2019....

The document “Our Plan To Rebuild: The UK Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Strategy” has been published. HM Government has released “Our Plan to Rebuild,” a document outlining the UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy. Section 4 outlines the “roadmap to lift restrictions step-by-step”. Regarding returning to work, Government guidelines state “All workers who cannot work from home should travel to work if thei...

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) joined with other major national fire service organizations in asking Congress to provide full funding, $750 million each, for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs in FY 2021. The letter also asks Congress to waive local matching funds requirements under AFG and SAFER and to increase flexibility for using SAFER funds to retain personnel in FY 2020, FY 2021, and for any s...

First responders and emergency workers risk their lives and wellbeing on the COVID-19 front lines every day to care for families, friends, and communities. To support these everyday heroes and shoulder some of their to-do lists at home, Cub Cadet is partnering with TaskEasy to offer them free lawn mowing. Free lawn mowing service Cub Cadet, a manufacturer of lawn care equipment, and TaskEasy, an on-demand lawn care service serving more than 12,000 U.S. cities, are offering a free month of lawn...

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) created a survey to better understand the experiences of volunteer and combination fire, EMS, and rescue departments dealing with the outbreak of COVID-19 and related social distancing measures. NVFC asks that all take a few minutes to complete the survey here and that one re-takes the survey once a week so that NVFC can track changes over time. The more responses the survey receives the more robust and useful the data are, keeping NVFC informed about...

Angloco Co. has announced partnering with Adaro Tecnologia to supply the Adalit range of professional safety torches. Adalit professional safety torches Designed for emergency services teams and other demanding professional applications where safety is critical, every Adalit torch features advanced optics, high quality engineering and has received ATEX approval. The Adalit range of professional safety torches include the L-10, the first re-chargeable flashlight to be specifically designed for...

On the 8th June, 2020, the North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service will be opening recruitment process for wholetime firefighters. Between now and then, the fire and rescue service wants to raise awareness of the role of modern day firefighters and encourage applications from all parts of the communities. Raise awareness on fire safety When the recruitment application window opens, the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service will be recruiting wholetime firefighters for the following fire st...

Bryx, a globally renowned provider of first responder technology products, is selling t-shirts to raise awareness of mental health resources available to first responders and emergency rescue personnel. mental health Awareness All proceeds for the sale of the t-shirts will benefit The Code Green Campaign, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving mental wellness for first responders and eliminating the stigma surrounding the discussions around mental health. Resources available specifi...

The Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service (RBFRS) is supporting the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) week-long sprinkler campaign, taking place from 18-24 May, 2020. Sprinklers are widely recognized as the most effective method of fighting the early stages of a fire, can save lives and reduce damage to property. RBFRS’ Area Manager for Prevention and Protection, Doug Buchanan, said “Although times are challenging at the moment, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we w...

Residents across the county are being urged to stay at home and keep fire safe over the upcoming bank holiday weekend. With the weather set to be warm and sunny for most of the weekend, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is reminding people to follow the government's advice to stay home, while also keeping fire safe. Protecting NHS Group Commander Paul Clarke, the Service's Head of Community Fire Safety, said, “This has been a challenging time for many people and we want to thank ev...

FIREX International is proud to announce the free Digital Week content series on 18-22 May 2020. This five-day digital gathering delivers interactive and curated webinars, video interviews, technical reviews, and live Q&A sessions to keep you connected with your fire safety colleagues. The program will address major industry issues including COVID–19 and the fire sector, sourcing PPE, post-Grenfell regulatory updates, and third-party certification. It’s users' chance to hear the...

Evita V600 and V800, and Babylog VN600 and VN800 are Dräger's new devices for the intensive care ventilation of adults to premature babies. For the intensive care and neonatal ventilation devices, Dräger has developed an operating concept that makes orientation even easier and provides clearer user guidance. Evita and Babylog ventilators The user is intuitively guided through the individual menus with larger icons, important functions at the top menu level, and a clear, color-coordin...

Perimeter Solutions, globally renowned company in fire safety chemical solutions, has announced that it has completed the acquisition of Colorado-based LaderaTech, a biomaterials company with commercial technology in wildfire prevention and the delivery of agriculture chemicals. The acquisition includes LaderaTech's FORTIFY Fire Retardant technology and rights to associated intellectual property. FORTIFY Fire Retardant technology The addition of FORTIFY technology, which is used in ground-bas...

If there’s one thing that everyone has learned in the last few months, it is that the world can change at a moment’s notice. While there will certainly be more surprises to come in the future, a few things are certain, including population and climate change. How will humans change the way they build to tackle these challenges? and How can fire safety be maintained in the buildings of the future? These are some of the key questions. Ageing global population The world’s popul...