The PAC TRAC Tool Mounting system, the latest in a line of products from GSF Slides, is the latest solution to securing tools and heavy equipment across different applications. Jeremy Binninton, Head of Sales and Marketing for GSF explains: “The US military have commended the products’ rugged fast lock and instant release mechanisms, which have proved highly dependable in emergency and hostile environments.” 

While doing everything in our power to eliminate industrial and public incidents, we can implement systems that detect the very first signs of combustion, intrusion, terrorist activity or other hazardous event.

GSF Slides, a UK-based drawer slide company, has announced that its 20.0007 slide (yes, this is its name) is four times stronger than the standard type of heavy duty 500lb (227kg) class slide, typically specified for many US fire truck drawer trays.
The company conducted several tests to simulate standard operating conditions of slides mounted on fire apparatus.

There are many health and safety issues to overcome with industrial firefighting vehicles. The main challenge remains the plethora of different industrial applications, says Alfred Bidlingmaier from Iveco Magirus Brandschutz Technik in Germany. “A vehicle meant for a chemical or petrochemical plant, is totally different from one that is for an assembly or production factory.”

The Oshkosh Striker has gained almost iconic status in airport emergency response history, but apart from its famous angular appearance and its sheer firefighting power, a lot of thinking has gone into firefighter safety.

In Germany most petrochemical and chemical facilities run full professional fire services that attend every incident. Some just have a part time force which may receive insufficient training due to having to combine a conventional job in the plant with the function of emergency responder. “If a call comes in they get alerted to go to the scene, and then they  switch from being plant workers to firefighters,” explains Tonhaueser.

Within the existing Pioner collection is the Firemaster coverall, an item of clothing that is prevalent with workers in the North Sea oil and gas industry, both onshore and offshore. The Firemaster was created for use in environments where flash flame hazards are present.

COBRA – the dual purpose extinguisher. The COBRA cutting extinguisher is an abrasive water jet cutter that has been modified for firefighting and also rescue work where it is essential to not generate sparks or heat.

The sword of Damocles of exploding cylinders hovers permanently over the heads of owners of  filling stations.

The moving components within this series of compressors have been electronically balanced to run smoothly, and are amongst the most silent in the market. MSA says this protects operators from noise and vibration while keeping in line with noise control laws within Health and Safety at Work Act.

The latest in electronic monitoring for SCBA has been unveiled by Draeger – the Bodyguard 7000.

The SweFan 21” was launched in 2005 as a result of demand for a high quality fan with a high capacity but in a smaller size than the larger fan SweFan 24”.
Developed in close co-operation with the Swedish Fire and Rescue Service, the objective was to design and develop a highly efficient and low weight tool that could be relied upon.

It does exactly what its name says – the Multicar is a  multipurpose vehicle that can go virtually anywhere.

Bremach’s Job Xtreme rapid response off road vehicles are well known in southern Europe, and their reputation is beginning to spread elsewhere too.

Spare parts for a MAN vehicle can be had in less than 48 hours for most parts of Europe. And with Euro4 emissions compliance, MAN has its environmental credentials in order too, reports Ann-Marie Knegt.

Mercedes-Benz has developed a double-seal system that increases the all-wheel drive Unimog's ability to tackle deep floods and fords.

GSF Slides, a UK-based drawer slide company, has announced that its 20.0007 slide (yes, this is its name) is four times stronger than the standard type of heavy duty 500 lb (227Kg) class slide, typically specified for many US fire truck drawer trays.
The company conducted several tests to simulate standard operating conditions of slides mounted on fire apparatus.

The days when a brigade only needed a fire appliance are long gone – the modern fire service is expected to attend any time anywhere, so having the right set of wheels is vital. Ann-Marie Knegt brings you some of the best utility vehicles on the market.

When MFC Survival was asked to design a craft to be towed behind a Jet ski to recover survivors from a plane forced to land at sea within 1,000 metres from the end of the runway, using a rescue crew of only four persons, the team came up with a solution, the RS15 Rescue Sled, which can be towed singly or in tandem behind a jet ski.

Few rescue appliances are as versatile as the Italian made, purpose-built HTI Rescue hovercraft.

Recent developments in post incident data capture as part of the CLG IRS  project (Department of Communities and Local Government Incident Recording System) have resulted in significant additional data capture facilities for most FRSs. However, is the information being captured meeting the needs of each and every FRS?

Fire brigades are increasingly installing reliable tertiary systems to issue turn out messages and other vital communications.

Holmatro Rescue Equipment has recently launched a new cutter for difficult materials, the SMC 4006. This specialised cutter has been designed for hard solid materials, such as chains, padlocks and re-bar, which regular rescue cutters cannot cut, at least not without risking serious blade damage. The blade and jaw design of the SMC 4006, however, specifically lends itself to cutting materials far exceeding the EN 13204 norm in terms of hardness.

We tend to forget that the world is changing just a little bit at a time and as firefighters we often tend to stay the same, calling our inability to adapt, tradition.

The authorities of privately-owned Engadine Airport in Samedan, Switzerland, aim to offer travellers a state-of-the-art infrastructure and the highest level of safety, which is why they have an ambitious investment programme.

The authorities of privately-owned Engadine Airport in Samedan, Switzerland, aim to offer travellers a state-of-the-art infrastructure and the highest level of safety, which is why they have an ambitious investment programme.

Antwerp Airport’s (ICAO Cat.7) new container unit is a first for Belgium. Based on a Renault Kerax chassis on a 6x4 wheelbase, this vehicle weighs a massive 26 tonnes and features a huge 8,000 litre water tank with a 450l/m capacity pump. There is space in the cab for three people, and on top of the vehicle a sixteen tonne Palfinger winch is mounted.

In response to feedback from frequent users of mobile decon showers, DQE launched the Indestructo Decon Shower, for use in rugged field conditions. “Most systems are made with pipes made of PVC, which can shatter if dropped on the ground.

Maryland company Laurus Systems has launched a new affordable radiation monitor that is permanently installed in an appliance to help reduce the risk of exposure.

In response to the demand for a cleaning system to accompany the drying of chemical protection suits, Top Trock engineered the first all-automatic cleaning, disinfecting and drying system for all kinds of chemical protection and gas tight suits, the SWT,   over 10 years ago.

IA new emergency evacuation device that has been designed for moving and handling incapacitated, disabled or overweight individuals has been developed and launched in the UK.

New equipment on the market

One of the latest innovations in TETRA digital radio has been the addition of programming language Java.

Acquiring a new fire appliance is a complicated affair. Not only has the initial acquisition price to be taken into consideration, but also maintenance, operational and end-of-life costs. And if that wasn’t enough, in addition there is the question of what to do with your old appliances. Ann-Marie Knegt finds out what the trends are in different parts of Europe.

POSEIDON COMPRESSOR FROM BAUER
Bauer Compressors has introduced a new range of compressors to complement its Bauer Premium Line.

Jeanne van Buren, senior specialist in industrial safety at the Centre for Industrial Safety for the Regional Rotterdam-Rijnmond Fire Services in the Netherlands, takes a closer look at diesel-powered fire pumps, where all is not as it seems.

Palle Stevn of MTG Engineering  thinks that the limitations of photo-luminescent emergency evacuation systems means they have had their day. Dynamic low location lighting systems that automatically find the safest and fastest escape route are the way of the future.

FireDos has been a household name in the European fire industry for years. In the US the foam proportioning system isn’t as well known yet, but Ann-Marie Knegt thinks this is about to change.

The history of Ulm and Iveco Magirus has been interwoven since Conrad Dietrich Magirus, Fire Commander of the City – and one of the founding fathers of the German fire service – invented the turntable ladder in 1872. Ann Marie visited Iveco to find out the latest developments.

When entering industrial areas with equipment such as torches and radios it is imperative that these devices do not react with the atmosphere and potentially cause explosions – ensuring they are ATEX compliant is the answer. Dan Worth looks at some of the latest developments in this growth area.

Fire pumps need to fulfil a long list of requirements as well as complying with ever more stringent emissions regulations. Is this a case of fire buyer beware? F&R gives the lowdown on pumps.

New products available in the industry:

Advanced Firefighting Technology (AFT) recently launched the MPM, a motor propelled modular firefighting system that can operate with water mist or foam. Claus Casimir, Chief Operating Officer for AFT, talks to Ann-Marie Knegt.

The PSS 7000 BA is Draeger’s latest development in advanced technology and modular design, allowing quick configuration for different operational requirements and seamless integration with facemasks, head protection and communications equipment.

MSA is set to revolutionise the SCBA buying process with two innovations - a new modular industrial SCBA system, and the Configurator, an interactive online or CD-ROM tool that does the legwork for you.

With air traffic increasing, protection of flight domes and aircraft needs to be enhanced. Ann-Marie Knegt checks out the latest demands and developments  in crash tenders.

The technology used in today’s high vis vests is well established, but what happens when you need your high vis PPE to light that extra mile? What happens when even high vis vests just aren’t high vis enough?

Marketing manager at GB Solo James Brooks believes his company supplies the most ergonomically efficient protective helmets and the most versatile and rugged long-range thermal imaging cameras available today.

Environmentally-friendly foams are not a new concept in many countries but they are in the UK. The purpose of the Vigo trip, explains ABC MacIntosh’s Gary McDowall, was to demonstrate how environmental foams could be beneficial to the emergency services, and that going down the environmental route would not necessarily cost more.

The merger of two German companies and three French ones has provided a technical springboard for this extremely efficient system, says Gimaex.

Increasingly, more incidents are occurring where an existing fixed water supply system has been rendered useless. An initial explosion on a site has wiped out the fixed system completely.

e2V’s Gordon Haddow, technical authority on thermal imaging cameras (TICs) and Robin Wareham, sales engineer, explain why the Argus4 is currently one of the best-adapted TICs for firefighters on the market.

The new US standard (‘Protective ensembles for structural firefighting and close proximity firefighting’) brings together two previous standards into one. It features major design improvements which reflect the changed hazards firefighters face since the previous revision in 2000.

Most sets BA sets available now offer a basic framework set to which can be added modular options such a electronic monitoring, telemetry capability and second-wearer adaptors.

Bronto Skylift has developed a genuine giant in the fire sector and currently holds the record for the world’s tallest truck-mounted rescue and firefighting vehicle. The 101 m unit is the latest member of the famous HLA range, now covering the working heights from 69 to 101 meters.

The availability of small, rugged, industrial air-cooled petrol engines has revolutionised the design of portable fire pumps over the last decade.

In September 2007 a European Norm standard EN12845 will come into force. This is a fire sprinkler specification which includes a definition for the fire pump controller.

Buyers today demand an independently approved hose that will give a high return on investment by providing a long operating life with minimal maintenance.

Tyco recently launched an extinguishers specifically designed to fight metal fires that typically can reach temperatures in excess of 2,000 degrees 0C.

The National Fire Protection Association NFPA amended its codes on monitoring of fire extinguishers in September 2006. The decision to accept this technology was made at last year’s World Safety Conference and Exhibition.

Peter Kallio is an avid user of the Cutters Edge 2171 RS with 16” bar for structural tasks. “I also use Ramfan PPV ventilators, due to their high speed of airflow,” he explains.

Various styles of monitors are fixed to fire appliances and pumpers. There are roof-mounted, manually-operated or remote-controlled deck guns, telescopic extending monitors and bumper-mounted turrets for wildland operations. Here are some of the latest developments.

BLÜCHER, a world market leader in the development and production of adsorptive compound materials for CBRN protection, is best known for its SARATOGA CBRN protective systems used by military, law enforcement, emergency response, and other personnel in more than 35 different countries around the world.

The new Wolf rechargeable, lightweight R-50 safety torch, ATEX Certified to Zone 1, originally designed for the European Firefighting market, is now becoming the preferred choice for offshore gas and oil operators around the world, says the manufacturer.

Members of the Fügen Fire Brigade of Austria are eagerly awaiting this month’s delivery of a new Metz aerial L32. First unveiled in 2006, the new L32 made its public debut during Rosenbauer’s 140th anniversary celebrations.

During the last few years numerous reports have highlighted the need for improved, resilient and interoperable communications. Furthermore, with the increasing concern over homeland security and interoperability issues, communications within the fire service on an international scene is facing severe pressure.

A software company that within eight months of its foundation won a UK  Regional Business Start-up of the Year award and was runner up in the same awards in the following year as Innovative Business of the Year, has now been selected to provide the risk management software for the World Firefighters Games 2008, which are due to be held in Merseyside. The company is also in talks with a major petrochemical company who is exploring the possibility of a tool to manage risk across its entire business.

Costain Ltd., main contractor for the recently initiated M25 Holmesdale Tunnel near London, a widening and maintenance project, has placed what is believed to be the largest single order (2.7m Euros) for spray-applied passive fire protection materials in the UK.

In conjunction with manufacturing conventional Halon alternatives such as argon, nitrogen, IG 55 or IG 541, Eusebi Impianti srl has developed two new firefighting systems: the NAF S 125 and the EI FOG Water Mist System.

The use of CAFS (Compressed Air Foam Systems) as a primary fire attack tool has now caught on thanks to positive reports involving front-line fire engines equipped with the Schmitz GmbH ‘ONE SEVEN’ system – many fire brigades across Europe have been following this innovative approach. Now this innovative extinguishing procedure is being used to protect recycling plants, reveals IFJ.

It’s enough to make even the most hardened driver salivate. Imagine a top quality fire truck with a RENK 5-speed automatic transmission – with retarder and mechanical emergency shifting – a progressive coil spring suspension and EG brake system with ABS and 16.00 R 20 Michelin XZL tyres. 
It truly sounds the business, doesn’t it?

In April 2005, United Technologies Corporation acquired the Kidde plc group of companies for approximately $3b.  It then combined the non-aerospace companies with its Chubb operating segment as a new UTC Division, UTC Fire & Security. This Division employs some 52,000 people in total across 25 countries.

The French manufacturer R-PONS recently developed the ‘Compactor 2000’, a 6kg portable monitor with the ‘VSC’ safety valve.

We produce a whole range of synthetic AFFFs and alcohol-resistant foams and protein-based foams. Across the spectrum we can offer a very broad range of products.

A recent session organised by the German Federal Environment Agency at the Annual Meeting of German State Public Health Institutes held in Berlin at the end of March 2006, was entitled “Fluorosurfactants - a Blessing for Consumers or an Unrecognised Risk?”.

Firmly established as a world leader in the manufacture of high pressure compressors designed for pressure  regulation, distribution, and filling systems  for breathing air, Lenhardt   &   Wagner   Kompressoren   (L&W Compressors) offers a number of reliable options for industry.

MSA has announced the launch of two new products; a new rapid cylinder exchange coupling for breathing apparatus, and a high performance single-gas detector.

Did you know that there is a new European standard for firefighters’ boots?

Question
Recently, a rail road tank car containing a flammable liquid ignited while on a railroad siding (side track) at an industrial facility.  Several firefighters asked - which type of master stream nozzle/tip would be most appropriate for fighting this type of fire?

Task Force Tips’ new Jumbo BIV ball intake valve now features one of the industry’s toughest coatings, producing a corrosion resistant valve which delivers huge volumes of water with loss of only 3 psi @ 2,000 gpm.

In the early 1970s the UK fire brigades came together and set down a standard for a portable fire pump that would deliver the flow and pressures needed for fire fighting and flood control.

With the pendulum swinging far to the side of caution, it is prudent to wonder whether the concern over what has come to be termed ‘harness hang syndrome’ is a monumental step toward harness safety, or an overreactive and injurious blow to work at height?

Rescue tool manufacturer Lukas and Dutch rescue software developer Moditech have launched a revolutionary new system for rescue professionals. The Crash Recovery System comprises a multilingual database, which provides emergency responders with technical information about new car models.

e2v technologies has launched the Argus4 TIC. The Argus4 is smaller and lighter than its predecessor the Argus3, which was the first camera to offer image capture. Argus4 comes with x2 zoom, 13 colour settings and a picture capture facility. The Argus4 features include improved functionality and useability, and it enables the user to take100 photographs which can be stored and then downloaded to a PC/Laptop through a USB cable for quicker transfer.

The new L1 Zone 0 has been designed especially for use in hazardous atmospheres. This flashlight is said to be an extremely safe tool to  work in high-risk areas. “We combined these high­tech features with the design of one of our most recent Lights, the L1,” says Estefania Fenoy, marketing manager for Peli Products.

Did you know that there is a new European standard for firefighters’ boots?

In co-operation with the Denmark-based manufacturer, Sawo, Plastisol has delivered several firefighting vehicles for Denmarks fire and rescue sector. Since 1995 the company has delivered more than 100 superstructures with seven rollershutters and cab extensions. Together, Sawo and Plastisol have created a special adaptation based on a MAN chassis.

Who says PPE developments are few and far between? Today’s revelations include a truly ‘green’, Proban-treated FR garment, and the first non-gold PBI fibre outfit.

What does Robocop have in common with the average firefighter? At the moment not much, you might think, but if the cool gadgets currently being developed and trialled by the Paris Fire Brigade are anything to go by, then the firefighter of the future is going to be so technologically equipped that he’d make James Bond look like a kid with a leaky water pistol. Unlike Robocop, however, the firefighter will still look human and so will still be able to interact with people in distress.

Draeger Safety has been active in the industry since 1889. Since that time the company has built up considerable expertise with gas detection equipment and its installation. IFJ spoke to Ian White, Draeger’s UK product manager for fixed and portable gas detection and Jon Shine, the UK Sales manager.

The latest newly developed cabin extension  development from Netherlands-based Plastisol is designed for the Mercedes-Benz Econic. This vehicle is mainly used for specialised municipal purposes like crush-load lorries and ladder trucks.

MEDC has been designing and manufacturing alarm, signal, control and communications equipment since 1975. Over the years the company has specialised in a range of products designed for harsh environments and where there is a risk of explosion due to the presence of flammable atmospheres both offshore and onshore.

Comments Andy Shiner: “While water mist systems have been used for some time in industrial and certain types of commercial premises - and are also increasingly being used in maritime applications, the significant contribution they can make to fire safety is still not fully appreciated.”

There is a great debate raging worldwide over nozzles and application of water in the fire rooms.  What seems to be the best balance for interior structural fire attack is a solid bore nozzle or a combination nozzle always operated on straight stream. A 15/16th-inch solid bore nozzle will discharge 180 gpm onto the fire at 50 psi nozzle pressure assuming the water supply is adequate.

A good hose should be strong but flexible, resistant to both pressure and punctures and preferably lightweight.

Powered hydraulic tools have effectively revolutionised the process of penetrating aircraft fuselages in recent years. Energised by hydraulic fluid supplied through special hoses from a pump - although there are a few pumps which are operated by compressed air - most are powered by electric motors, petrol-powered motors or water pressure.

“Our ultra-compact positive pressure ventilation (PPV) smoke ventilator from French company Groupe Leader, the MT236 has the best airflow/size ratio on the market. Already the leader in its category in Europe, the MT 236 has become an essential tool for firefighters,” says Severine Badmington of Groupe Leader.

Extreme solutions to extreme situations with Tesimax.

What does Robocop have in common with the average firefighter? At the moment not much, you might think, but if the cool gadgets currently being developed and trialled by the Paris Fire Brigade are anything to go by, then the firefighter of the future is going to be so technologically equipped that he’d make James Bond look like a kid with a leaky water pistol. Unlike Robocop, however, the firefighter will still look human so as still to be able to interact with people in distress.

Due to roll off the production lines in early 2007, this latest pump range from Angus - LD1100 (diesel) and LW1100 (petrol) - incorporates new developments in pump technology and materials.

What do fire brigades really need from firefighting vehicles: reliability, structural integrity, the right accessories? Aidan Turnbull looks at five new innovatory types which recently went into service.

The best PPV from Sweden!

So, what would you call a ‘typical’ industrial vehicle? Let’s consider a recent example - the Hovensa Fire Department of Christiansted, US Virgin Islands, found itself in need of a pumper capable of handling a factory, port or fuel storage facility fire.

Following studies with the Rotterdam Fire Brigade to determine the most effective method of weight distribution and body mounting of BA sets, leading BA manufacturer Draeger found that it was able to significantly reduce the likelihood of back injuries and reduce stress on the body. 

During the UK’s largest ever industrial fire at Buncefield, 14 high volume pumping gave an essential water supply and provided enough water to fill 90 Olympic sized swimming pools (30m lites).

Extending the family of Tetra portable gas monitors, the lightweight Tetra:3 from Crowcon Detection Instruments combines extremely rugged design with small size and simple operation.

Solberg Scandinavian AS has been established in Bergen, Norway, since 1967 and in 1982 a new factory was built at Olsvollstranda, about 30 km north of Bergen. Here, Solberg Scandinavian AS was able to establish a full and comprehensive range of AFFF/ATC foams which were all compatible with Lightwater.

“You break it, we replace it ... forever” - that’s Peli Products’ Unconditional Guarantee which covers its entire range of tough, technically-advanced safety-approved torches and watertight protector cases.

Today’s rescuers need tools which are fit for the job, reports Aidan Turnbull. The fact is that road vehicles now feature more rigid materials and improved construction features that make them harder than ever to get into.

Thermal imaging cameras (TICs) are more popular than ever within the emergency response community. However, choosing the right camera might be trickier than expected, as there are no guidelines for TICs yet. Ann-Marie Knegt casts some light over this situation.

Aidan Turnbull spoke to Michael Mills to get the answers.

EN 469: 2005 took 10 years to come into life, and has wide reaching implications for thousands of firefighters across Europe. So how will the new standard affect the purchasing of firefighting gear? We speak to some of the movers and shakers who made it.

In the last decade the increased incidence and severity of wildland fires has been noted by the international firefighting community.

“A RM25E water/foam monitor on the roof can be electronically remote-controlled via pistol grip. This has an output of 2500 l/min at 10 bar and a throw­range of 50m.” Rosenbauer’s Andrea Schiffer on Berlin’s new tender.

A programme of continuing investment and a commitment to maintain the highest production standards demonstrates PROFOAM's determination to be the eminent firefighting foam specialist.

As was demonstrated at the UK Buncefield depot fire in December 2005,  firefighting monitor excels not only in its striking power but also in its ability to gain maximum ‘reach’ advantage during its application of water and foam.

There is now a wide choice of detectors available to the fire engineer - and detector selection can now be focussed on to the particular products of combustion and site specific conditions.

“Fires inside long tunnels are rare but can be catastrophic,” says Markku Vuorisalo, the  Business Segment Manager, Transportation Segment of the Marioff Corporation.

Concern over tunnel fire safety worldwide has led to the increasingly widespread adoption of VSD or Video Smoke Detection.  Recently D-Tec’s system has been installed, for example, in the new 2.5 km Alassio Tunnel in Italy and in the 13-year-old, 2.3km, four-lane Sydney Harbour Tunnel in Australia, reports Ian Moore is Managing Director of D-Tec, the world’s leading authority on camera-based fire detection.

A long-range thermal imager from GB SOLO Ltd, the STEALTH is capable of identifying people over 500 metres away through smoke, fog, darkness or camouflage and is said to be suitable for use onboard helicopters.

Portable gas monitors from ISC

New products for the industry:

Although governments and local authorities do everything they can to prevent them, Europe’s coastal areas and rivers are flooding with alarming regularity. Richard Verhoef of Kuiken Hytrans b.v. comments:

Understanding and becoming competent with foam technology presents a challenge since it is a broad subject for firefighters to absorb, understand and in which to become skilled, reports Dominic Colletti.

A torch can mean the difference between life and death in several ways. A firefighter needs to see where he or she is going when working in a dark environment - but when the atmosphere is also potentially explosive, switching on a normal light can kill you, F&R reports.

When a special team from the UK's Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue flew to Pakistan after a catastrophic earthquake, the unit they took with them was the SoloVision STEALTH.

Firefighter's boots have come a long way since the days of the unisex rubber Wellies - and with new European standards about to come into force, it may be that fire trucks will need a separate trailer just to carry all the new safety footwear!

A new range of Mariners Wheelapproved marine suits has just been launched by Bristol Uniforms.

Plastisol is world market leader in design, engineering and production of glass-fibre reinforced polyester (GRP) bodywork, especially for the firefighting and rescue industry. Hans Koolen, Benelux regional sales manager told FIRE & RESCUE why the company's GRP-technology has proven to be such a success.

One of the most difficult challenges for any fire & rescue service - and for firefighting vehicle manufacturers - can be found in airport environments. FIRE & RESCUE reports on some of the latest developments with an impact on the market.

UK-based Packsome Clothing, an ISO9001:2000 certified company, has launched a new range of garments under the brand name Flame-Pro.

Finding the best protective clothing solution for workers can be daunting. Get it right, and workers will be comfortable, productive, and most importantly, safe. Getting it wrong could lead – at best – to a demotivated workforce, or at worst, to the law courts – or loss of life.

There are two salutary lessons about extinguishers to be learned from events in 2005, explains Vince Grenadine.

Recovering an aircraft is not an exercise for the weak-hearted. It is a specialised job that requires skill and training. “Every recovery is different and therefore requires a different approach,” explains Jan Pieter Maarschalk. “The type of aircraft and its position all influence the way the recovery should be handled. Weather and ground conditions also have a major impact. These factors influence the grip the tools have and how easy - or not - it is to position them correctly.”

2004 was a crucial year for Vienna-Schwechat Airport fire department; it needed to replace all its turnout gear with the very best quality equipment  offering safety, comfort, effectiveness and durability - and so the service began a programme of testing and evaluation.

PPE must provide the right level of protection for the anticipated exposures without causing undue stress to the firefighter. It should be remembered that for complete protection, as well as protective clothing for the upper and lower body, the firefighter will require other suitable PPE to protect the head, hands and feet, as well as vision and hearing and respiratory protection might also be required as applicable.

A fire engine on a bike:
“Industrial fire services now have a new way to tackle complex fuel fires. The unique Firexpress is a compact firefighting system that packs into the back of a car - or even on a motorbike - yet is highly effective,” Richard Bailey, MD of the Aire Group, tells IFJ.

Bronto Skylift stole the show at INTERSCHUTZ with its display of the world’s tallest rescue and firefighting platform. It has a working height of 90-metres (the height of a 33-storey building).