Deltair™, a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) designed for the fire service industry, has been recognized with the GOLD Industrial Designers Society of America, International Design Excellence Award (IDEA) for research relating to the Deltair product development. Started in 1980, the prestigious design industry IDEA program recognizes excellence in industrial design.
As news broke of Avon’s success, Avon’s Global Director of Product Management, James Wilcox said: “Avon Protection has time on time delivered innovative industry firsts to each of its core markets and our new SCBA for the firefighting community, Deltair, does just that.
“Avon’s design team worked directly with firefighters to establish requirements and deliver a world leading SCBA system approved to the new NFPA 2013 standard and our thanks go to those involved for providing their expertise. At Avon we work to keep firefighters safe in the harsh environments in which they must work.”
Avon’s Deltair design team developed a product that provides the features and benefits that are most important to the firefighting community, utilizing a completely new platform, unlike others which simply add adjustments to existing and dated products.
The revolutionary Deltair offers superior air management, single-power supply, clearer communications and optimal weight distribution for firefighters and other first responder teams. The ergonomic design of this advanced SCBA evenly distributes the weight of the cylinder on the firefighter’s hips which alleviates pressure on the back and shoulders, minimizes the risk of fatigue and increases a firefighter’s ability to maneuver in tight spaces and challenging environments. The low-profile mask design provides the greatest field of vision in the marketplace, which is critical when firefighters are navigating dark, smoky environments.
“Avon Protection does what it says it will do,” said Dean Holland, retired Saginaw, Michigan fire chief with more than 40 years’ experience and secretary/treasurer of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Great Lakes Division. “The company provides excellent service, training programs and product maintenance. Avon Protection helps firefighters do their jobs effectively and with confidence.”