As citizens need protection from fires by firefighters, these same firefighters need protection from the elements. Because bunker gear is now waterproof, just water resistent, water can freeze directly to the gear.
This was the case for Roanoke City firefighters who are now encouraged to bring a warm change of clothes to work in case they get wet. Rain, sleet and snow are not the only circumstances that can lead to wetting a firefighter. Firefighters have to also drain water from both hoses and pipes in order to keep them from freezing.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Fire Gear Rental
Fire Gear Rental offers rental gear tailored to your needs. www.FireGearRental.com leases individual firefighter helmets, bunker pants, turnout coats, fire boots, nfpa gloves, suspenders, and gear bags or the whole ensemble. Please visit our website for additional details.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
New NFPA 1851 Revisions
We have witnessed a few changes within the past twelve months regarding National Fire Protection Association guidelines for the cleaning and repair of bunker gear. And, since there are some additional expected changes that are to take place yet again, you should probably make sure you know the past before you are too far behind.
First thing’s first, the standard has expanded to include proximity protective clothing and equipment, not just the usual bunker gear. One of the newest revisions of the NFPA 1851 Guidelines calls for the liner systems to be opened after three years of use so that the moisture barrier is exposed and can be inspected. The moisture barrier is sewn to a thermal liner and is not easily inspected. After the third year, this inspection must be completed annually.
These advanced inspections can only be performed by department personnel or independent service providers (ISPs) that have been properly trained by the clothing manufacturer. Previously advanced cleanings were to take place at a minimum of once every six months. The minimum frequency has been pushed back to one year.
Guidelines have changed a bit for cleaning procedures as well. NFPA guidelines now require the removal of the DRD and its separate cleaning if it is removable. Washing machines and/or extracting machines can not allow an acceleration or g-force that exceeds 980 meters per second squared.
But you do not have to worry about g-force if your garment has been around for ten years. New guidelines call for a mandatory retirement of any and all elements that have a manufacturing date of 10 years prior. If you would like to read about additional rules and regulation changes visit www.NFPA.org.
First thing’s first, the standard has expanded to include proximity protective clothing and equipment, not just the usual bunker gear. One of the newest revisions of the NFPA 1851 Guidelines calls for the liner systems to be opened after three years of use so that the moisture barrier is exposed and can be inspected. The moisture barrier is sewn to a thermal liner and is not easily inspected. After the third year, this inspection must be completed annually.
These advanced inspections can only be performed by department personnel or independent service providers (ISPs) that have been properly trained by the clothing manufacturer. Previously advanced cleanings were to take place at a minimum of once every six months. The minimum frequency has been pushed back to one year.
Guidelines have changed a bit for cleaning procedures as well. NFPA guidelines now require the removal of the DRD and its separate cleaning if it is removable. Washing machines and/or extracting machines can not allow an acceleration or g-force that exceeds 980 meters per second squared.
But you do not have to worry about g-force if your garment has been around for ten years. New guidelines call for a mandatory retirement of any and all elements that have a manufacturing date of 10 years prior. If you would like to read about additional rules and regulation changes visit www.NFPA.org.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
2008 World Firefighter Combat Challenge
The 2008 Scott World Firefighter Combat Challenge is all week long from Tuesday, November 11 to Saturday, November 15 in Las Vegas, Nevada.The Event
Wearing "full bunker gear" and a Scott breathing apparatus (SCBA), pairs of firefighters simulate the physical demands of real life firefighting by competing on a linked series of five tasks. Dominating the landscape is a five-story hydraulic tower, the centerpiece of all the activity.
Competitors climb to the top of the tower carrying a 42-pound high-rise pack; then hoist a 42 lb. hose roll to the top; next they descend to the ground floor where they simulate chopping by swinging a 9-pound shot mallet on the end of a 160 pound steel beam.
They then zigzag 140 feet through simulation hydrants to the fourth station, where they advance an attack hose a distance of 75 feet; and finally, competitors drag a life sized, 175 lb. "victim" a distance of 100 feet to the finish line. For additional information please visit the WFCC website.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Bunker Gear Wash joins the Community
Welcome www.BunkerGearWash.com as our newest member of our gear cleaning community. Bunker Gear Wash specializes in the washing and repairing of all bunker gear for firefighters. If you would like to receive additional information about Bunker Gear Wash please visit thier website.Fire Uniform Wash
www.FireUniformWash.com specializes in the washing, drying, inspecting, repairing and altering of fire uniforms. Fire Uniform Wash works with on fire uniforms from a multitude of manufacturers. For additional information regarding Fire Uniform Wash please visit thier website.
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