Advanced control systems for remote controlled monitors and robotic nozzles
At Unifire AB of Sweden (Unifire.com), technology is rapidly progressing in terms of controlling its robotic nozzle (remote controlled monitor) systems for fire fighting and numerous other applications. The Swedish robotic nozzle…
Improving the standards and competency of fire investigators
Fire investigation can be one of the most complex forensic evidence types. The destructive forces involved create difficulties in interpreting the fire scene and the evidence recovered from it. Improving the standards of training and competency of fire investigators is…
LNG in your port – Part 2
In the first part of this article, which appeared in the June 2018 issue, we discussed how LNG is not only being transported on ocean-going ships it is now fueling those same ships and now also some smaller vessels. In…
Bristol in Europe
Richard Cranham, International Sales Manager at Bristol Uniforms, looks back on 40 years of supplying firefighting PPE across Europe, and the strong relationships it has formed with its European distributors. Bristol Uniforms is a company with a rich history, dating…
The evolution of SCBA
The biggest barrier to firefighters trying to extinguish a blaze, or attempt a rescue within a building, is smoke. The need to provide crews with the ability to breath, manoeuvre within a building freely and interact with colleagues has shaped…
Understanding class ‘B’ obstacle fire hazard situations
Fires occurring within industrial and commercial applications are commonly controlled and extinguished with portable fire extinguishers, provided those fires are caught early enough and the proper extinguisher is used. That’s why it’s important to understand the various characteristics associated with…
Remote-controlled fire monitors for fixed firefighting systems
The requirement for automated firefighting is continuously increasing. Remote-controlled monitors, especially in combination with automated fire detection, allow a targeted but flexible firefighting operation in limited areas. The technical development in the field of drive engineering, sensor technology and control…
Airbag deployment during extrication
I have made a point of asking the question: ‘What is the most likely thing to cause us harm at the scene of any road traffic collision?’ and I would estimate that well over 90% of the time the answer…
The heart of your water pump: Impeller 101
A pump is the workhouse of an apparatus. Within this complex mechanism are many critical parts that work in tandem to ensure consistency, accuracy and reliability. One of the most important mechanics within that pump is the impeller. The impeller…
Improvement of preventive fire protection at a tank farm
Tank farms are used for the storage of highly flammable and explosive substances; Consequently, preventive fire protection is of major importance. When rehabilitation of such a tank farm is planned, contractors often recommend extensive – and thus costly – measures. A fire-protection solution developed by TÜV SÜD demonstrates that an equivalent level of safety can also be reached with a far more cost-effective solution. A central role in damage limitation is played by early fire detection using thermographic cameras.
Victorian fire agencies take collaborative work to the skies
One of Australia’s smallest states, Victoria is also one of the country’s – and the world’s – most bushfire prone areas. The “We Work as One” mantra of its Country Fire Authority (CFA), Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFM Vic) and…
Buying high value equipment – The ins and outs of the procurement process – Part 2
So, you have been approved to spend some money. A lot of money for that matter. Now the fun begins! Sound familiar? As we discussed in the previous article of this topic, the next steps are delivery, acceptance and training.…
Putting an end to bullying and harassment in the fire service
Bullying and harassment. These two words have become quite the buzzwords in recent years. Back when I was younger, it seemed the general reaction when these occurred was to look the other way, that this is the way things are.…
Hydraulic rescue – Reaching new depths
With our latest innovation, first responders now have the ability to literally plunge new depths of possibility with hydraulic rescue tools that can operate whilst completely submerged. LUKAS EWXT (eDraulic Watertight Extrication Tool) mean it is now safe to go…
Should we rethink the protection of petrochemical tanks in light of the ITC Deer Park Fire?
After the ITC Deer Park Incident, the industry urgently needs to discover what went wrong and how is it possible that a relatively small fire escalated to an inferno that lasted almost four days resulting in the destruction of 11…
Air traffic control tower evacuation equipment
Anthonius Gunawan Agung died from his injuries after jumping from his ATC Tower. This 21-year-old Indonesian Air Traffic Controller stayed behind at his post during a major earthquake to safely guide a loaded airline off the ground. Anthonius is a…
The importance of being prepared for the recovery of disabled aircraft
Aviation remains one of the fastest growing industries in the world. The number of passengers has increased significantly over the past few years and, based on International Air Transport Association forecasts, it will double by 2037. Growth in the air…
Going door to door for fire safety
You seldom hear about the fire that was prevented, but these unheralded moments are our greatest source of pride. This requires more than just the hard work of our firefighters and fire inspectors; it requires a commitment from everyone in…
Leadership
One thing as leaders that we rarely talk, or even think about are the leadership traits. These are the things that make people want to follow you, an essential component of leadership. As a leader you should look behind often,…
Mutual Aid initiative in the Amsterdam harbour to start in 2020
Recently, in the seaport of Amsterdam, the foundations have been laid for a new firefighting organization with a special character. The Amsterdam-Amstelland fire service, the Port of Amsterdam harbour authorities and 16 industrial companies based in the port area have joined forces in a collective fire service tailored to the risk profile of the industry and the port activities.
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