More than 65,000 injuries occurred in the line of duty The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) released the latest edition of its U.S. Firefighter Injury Report which highlights data on injuries sustained by firefighters on duty. The statistics were collected from fire departments responding to the 2013 NFPA survey for U.S. Fire Experience. In 2013, 65,880 firefighter injuries occurred in the line of duty, a decrease of 5.1 percent from the previous year. · Of those injuries, 29,760 (45.2 percent) occurred during fireground operations, with the leading causes reported as overexertion, strain (26.5 percent) and fall, slip, jump (22.7 percent). · The Northeast had the highest fireground injury rate, with more injuries per 100 fires than other regions of the country. The major types of injuries received during fireground operations were: · strains, sprains, and muscular pain (55.3 percent) · followed by wounds, cuts, bleeding, and bruising (13.8 percent) · burns (5.1 percent) · smoke or gas inhalation (5.0 percent) An estimated 11,800 injuries occurred during other on-duty activities, including: · 4,015 while responding to or returning from an incident · 7,770 during training activities · strains, sprains, and muscular pain accounted for 58.4 percent of all non-fireground injuries In addition to injuries, there were 7,100 exposures to infectious diseases, and 17,400 exposures to hazardous conditions.

Solberg achieves ULC Listing Certification on the company’s RE-HEALINGTM   The Solberg Company, the world’s foremost innovator of firefighting foam concentrates and systems hardware, has announced that the company has achieved Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada (ULC) Listing Certification on the company’s RE-HEALINGTM fluorine-free and ARCTICTM AFFF / AR-AFFF (ATCTM) foam concentrate product lines. In addition to its outstanding fire performance and long drain times to provide superior vapor suppression, RE-HEALING Foam concentrates from Solberg are an innovative environmentally sustainable fluorosurfactant and fluoropolymer-free firefighting foam used to effectively extinguish Class B hydrocarbon fuel fires with no environmental concerns for persistence, bioaccumulation or toxic breakdown. RE-HEALING Foam can be used with fresh, sea or brackish water and possess excellent fire extinguishment and superior burn back resistance due to its flow and rapid sealing characteristics. The product takes its name from the foam’s physical “resealing” characteristics. The ULC Certification for RE-HEALING Foam includes RF3, 3% and RF6, 6% concentrate types. “All of the ingredients in RE-HEALING foam have been individually tested under the HOCNF protocol and are safe for use from the North Sea to the South Pacific” explained Solberg’s General Manager Steve Hansen. “Every question that has been asked of RE-HEALING foam has been answered without a sacrifice in fire performance.” The expanded ULC Listing certification for RE-HEALING foam includes bladder tanks, proportioners, foam chambers, foam makers and fire sprinklers. “This is yet another milestone for Solberg” said Mitch Hubert – Vice President Global Product Development. “Solberg now offers the world’s only true fluorine-free foam concentrate that is multiple-agency product certified (UL, ULC, FM, EN, ICAO) and backed by the world’s only Foam Concentrate Environmental Warranty.” Further to the ULC Certification on RE-HEALING Foam, Solberg also obtained ULC Certification on ARCTIC 1% AFFF, 3% AFFF, 1×3% ATC and 3×3% ATC foam concentrates. ARCTIC foam concentrates are 2015 compliant to the U.S. EPA Stewardship Program on C6 fluorine chemistry. RE-HEALING and ARCTIC concentrates are very effective firefighting foams for flame knockdown, fire control, extinguishment, and burn-back resistance,” Hubert went onto say. “Control, extinguishing time, and burn-back resistance is paramount to the safety of firefighters everywhere. RE-HEALING and ARCTIC foam concentrates have shown excellent performance in each of these categories.”

Defense-related work is being offset by commercial work, including fighting forest fires in the U.S   Erickson Inc. reports defense-related work as being offset by commercial work, including fighting forest fires in the U.S., Greece and Turkey. Erickson Inc. reported third quarter revenue of $118.3 million, a 1.6 percent decline it attributed to a drop in the Portland aviation firm’s work for the Department of Defense. The dip was offset by growth in its commercial segment, including a new two-year contract with Agip Oil Ecuador to provide two medium-lift helicopters to ferry workers involved with oil exploration activities in Ecuador. "We delivered solid performance during our peak season, despite softness in fire activity across the globe. Recent contract wins and proposal activity in both oil and gas and in our government segment give us confidence in our long-term strategy," said Udo Rieder, president and CEO. " We remain focused on diversification to achieve a more balanced mix of end markets while positioning our business for sustainable growth. We continue to see an excellent opportunity to increase utilization of our fleet around the world." For the year to date, Erickson (NASDAQ: EAC) reported year-to-date earnings of $273.4 million, 21 percent higher than the same period the prior year, when it completed its acquisition of Evergreen Helicopters Inc.

The new edition of VdS CEA 4001 uses traditionally practical orientation   The new guidelines supersede the version of 2010 and are applicable to all sprinkler systems applied for from December 1st, 2014. Claas Baier, Head of VdS Inspection Services said: "The guidelines have been updated, among other things, regarding the requirements for new storage concepts on the basis of fire tests and regarding the connection of further consumers, such as interior hydrants. The entire chapters on electrically driven pumps and extinguishing water tanks have been revised, too. "The new edition of VdS CEA 4001 is a guideline with a traditionally practical orientation, applied to realise fail-safe and efficient sprinkler systems."

SIL is a measure of safety system performance in terms of probability of failure on demand  Safety Integrity Level, SIL, is a measure of safety system performance expressed in terms of probability of failure on demand (PFD). In the oil and gas industry, particularly in the fire and gas detection systems where safety integrity is critical, SIL 2 is becoming a common standard across systems. To meet the growing demand in the oil & gas industry, E2S Warning Signals, the leading independent audible and visible warning device manufacturer, has recently added additional fault monitoring to give SIL 2 compatibility to its products. Initially available for its BEx explosion proof 117 dB(A) horns and 5, 10 and 15 Joule strobes, its explosion proof GNEx GRP family will be the next one to be upgraded. In large petro-chemical installations, the safety-critical warning devices are installed over large distances, so central monitoring is a key requirement. While fire and gas detection systems continually monitor the integrity of the cabling, the warning devices themselves are not checked. The new SIL 2 technology in the E2S horns means that the functionality can be remotely checked and an alert sent to the control panel in case of any fault. A smart combination of software and hardware removes the need for time-consuming inspection and test of each individual warning device by intelligently reading the sound output of the horn or the light emitted by the strobe to check it is working properly. State-of-the-art technology ensures that spurious signals are not picked up by the sensors to ensure a reliable monitoring at all times. To comply with SIL 2 requirements, this is only done during an automatic test of the system and any faults are reported back when the system returns to its normal monitoring state. Communication with the system control panel can be configured in two ways: either a contact is closed or a series resistor is brought into the monitoring circuit in the event of a fault. A dedicated SIL 2 information page can be found at http://www.e2s.com/information/sil2-certified-audible-and-visual-warning-signals. The web site www.e2s.com has full product information, distributor contact details and a useful reference section, with technical bulletins and white papers on various aspects of warning signalling, freely available as a resource for specifiers, system designers and consultants.

Specifically designed to meet the training requirements of the military The maritime wing of the Australian Army purchased and installed a VSTEP simulator classroom at its Townsville base in Queensland. The maritime simulators are used for landing craft operations and navigation training. The simulator purchase was made following an enquiry from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Bohemia Interactive Simulations, a global software company providing simulation training solutions for military and civilian organizations. As a developer of certified maritime simulators, VSTEP was approached by the ADF to supply an advanced maritime simulator classroom for the Australian Army at the Townsville base. The maritime simulator classroom delivered by VSTEP includes 12 NAUTIS Desktop Trainers and 2 NAUTIS Instructor Stations. The simulators use the NAUTIS Naval Task Force software module, a training module specifically designed to meet the training requirements of the military. NAUTIS Naval Task Force includes tactical communications, landing craft operations, replenishment at sea and anti-piracy training. To maximize familiarization during training, VSTEP has also modelled and integrated the Townsville base and surrounding waterways into the NAUTIS simulators. Joost van Ree, VSTEP Sales Director: “Supplying the Australian Army with maritime simulators to realize its high end simulator classroom and fulfil its training objectives was a priority for us. The VSTEP Simulators provide the Australian Army with a very effective training tool for naval and landing craft operations due to their integrated Naval Task Force module.” The Australian Army contract is the latest in a row of military simulator contracts for VSTEP. Earlier this year, VSTEP won the contract to provide maritime simulators to the Mexican Navy.

The upgraded kit is more user friendly Apollo Fire Detectors, the world-leading independent fire detection manufacturer, has launched a Diversity Loop Interface Unit and Survey Kit especially for the XPander range. Connecting up to 31 XPander devices to an Apollo addressable loop, and reporting the status of each device to a control panel, the upgraded Diversity Loop Interface Unit provides increased signal integrity. Signals to and from the device are transmitted through the internal orthogonal bi-directional aerials, which require no adjustment or maintenance, allowing for easier set-up and no on-going costs. The device is backwards compatible with previous versions of the device, allowing for continuity of support at existing sites using the XPander range. The Diversity Loop Interface Unit is approved to EN54: 17, EN54:18 and EN54:25. The XPander Diversity Survey kit allows a more detailed site survey to be undertaken to determine the suitability for an XPander installation and its integrity once installed. Providing details such as dB and background noise levels, the upgraded kit is more user friendly, allowing for quicker and easier use. The new Survey kit meets the requirements for BS5839 Part 1 for conducting a site survey. Charles Smith, Head of Product Management at Apollo Fire Detectors, said: “We are delighted to release the upgraded Diversity Loop Interface Unit and Survey kit for our XPander range. The devices will continue confidence in our detection equipment, from the initial site survey to the connection of XPander devices to the Apollo loop.” For more details on XPander Diversity please visit www.apollo-fire.co.uk/xpander.

On duty in Elizabeth, N.J. Pierce Manufacturing, an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) company, placed a Pierce® Arrow XT™ custom firefighting apparatus, equipped with a Snozzle® High Reach Extendable Turret (HRET) featuring a piercing nozzle, at the Elizabeth Fire Department located in Elizabeth, N. J. The vehicle, expected to respond to over 1,000 calls per year, will also operate as a specialized foam pumper. It joins three other Pierce Arrow XT vehicles purchased by the department within the past year. “The tough and reliable Pierce Arrow XT, matched with the innovative Snozzle HRET, is a powerful combination for a wide range of emergency responses,” said Jim Johnson, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Fire & Emergency. “The fast set-up time and penetrating nozzle technology allow firefighters to quickly discharge more extinguishing agent directly where it is needed – while keeping them farther out of harm’s way.” Elizabeth FD also purchased a Ford F-450 utility vehicle that carries a 1,000-pound dry chemical system to supply dry chemical powder to the Snozzle apparatus. Additionally, in the past year, the department purchased three Pierce Arrow XT vehicles including a stock pumper, a 2,000-gpm pumper, and a 100-foot aerial ladder. In addition to industrial, commercial, and residential areas, the Elizabeth Fire Department’s protection district includes portions of Newark International Airport as well as a major portion of the largest container seaport on the East Coast. The Snozzle is a versatile device that operates above or below grade, and can pierce a shipping container. When operating as a foam pumper, the apparatus will enhance the fire department’s foam-making capabilities. Built on the Arrow XT chassis with dual rear axles, the Snozzle-equipped vehicle sports a 500-hp engine, five-speed pushbutton transmission, and a Command Zone™ advance electronics system. The 10-inch raised roof cab provides seating for six firefighters, includes a pair of forward facing EMS cabinets, and is equipped with Pierce’s front impact and side roll protection systems. The vehicle also features a 750-gallon water tank, dual deck guns, a 2,000-gpm pump, a Husky® 60 foam system, a Hydrochem nozzle, and a 300-gallon foam cell. The Pierce-exclusive Snozzle HRET, with a hardened carbide steel tip and a perforated nozzle, enables firefighters to penetrate virtually any material in a building, cargo container, or other structure. Its ability to discharge from 20 feet below grade to elevations as high as 65 feet gives the apparatus maximum versatility. Click here (http://youtu.be/D7S_rTftziY) to watch a walk-around video of the apparatus. Established 350 years ago, the City of Elizabeth is New Jersey’s birthplace and, today, is a hub for transportation, shipping, and industrial and retail businesses. The first fire company in Elizabeth (Protection Engine Co. 1) was established in 1789. Today, the Elizabeth Fire Department is comprised of 269 firefighters and more than 50 EMS personnel. Pierce dealer, Fire & Safety Services of South Plainview, N.J., provides local service and support through its full service facilities and seven trained mechanics.

Two containerships caught fire Fire that broke out on board containership Al Riffa has been extinguished but fire fighting could still be ongoing on containership San Felipe, according to a spokesman from Malaysia’s Port Klang Authority (PKA). The two containerships, the 13,470-teu Al Riffa and the 8,714-teu San Felipe, caught fire after they brushed against each other on Tuesday night at Port Klang. A spokesman from PKA confirmed that the fire on Al Riffa has been extinguished but there was still fire on board San Felipe as of last night. “We are still waiting for updates regarding the fire on San Felipe,” the spokesman told Seatrade Global. San Felipe is managed by Bernhard Schulte for Ship Finance International (SFI) and Al Riffa is owned by United Arab Shipping Co (UASC). In an update yesterday, PKA said it is working with the relevant agencies, the owners/shipmanagers, and the experts appointed by the ship’s insurance company to extinguish the fire on board San Felipe completely. It added that San Felipe has been safely towed and anchored at the outer anchorage of Pintu Gedung while the fire fighting continues. The fire on Al Riffa was put out by 2030 local hours on Tuesday. No fatalities or injuries were reported. Vessel movements in and out of Port Klang have resumed as per normal, according to PKA.

93 delegates from 21 nations attended this event The 14th International Water Mist Conference took place in Istanbul, Turkey, from 22nd to 23rd October at the Lütifi Kirdar ICEC. In all 93 delegates from 21 nations attended this event. Delegates came from – amongst others – Norway, Italy, Australia, South Africa, Egypt, Iran and the US. The Turkish delegation accounted for 17.2 % of all delegates. Day one was “Applications Day”. Alan Brinson (European Fire Sprinkler Network) gave the keynote speech and asked: “How does Water Mist fit into the Water-Based Fire-Fighting World?” A panel discussion entitled “The Future of Water Mist – Where lay the Boundaries? Are there any?” completed the day. Highlight on day two (“Research & Testing Day”) was the speech given by IFAB’s Rajko Rothe who presented the results of step one of the IWMA research project. The title of that project is “Water Mist – an alternate Solution to Sprinkler in Building Fire Protection”. Aim of step one was to compile all existing test procedures, including corresponding pass fail criteria. In all 19 speakers gave 18 presentations during the conference. All these presentations are available on the IWMA webpage.