NEW Eclipse Bullard Thermal Imager

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Thermal Imaging Camera by Bullard has quickly become an instant success. For additional information please visit our website at www.911se.com. For a free demo please contact Nick toll free at 866.370.7800, extension 106. The following are recent press releases regarding the Eclipse Thermal Imaging Camera:

Eclipse Press Release - 04/22/09

Deploying the Eclipse - 04/22/09

How it Works - 04/22/09

Innovations in Thermal Imaging - 04/22/09

Product Descriptions - 04/22/09

Testimonials - 04/22/09

The small design, quality images and affordable price make Eclipse a must for every firefighter. Check out the innovative design features of Eclipse:

• Ultra-small form factor
• Super lightweight
• Large, glove-friendly, easy one-button operation
• 1000 degree dynamic range
• 80 x 60 array
• Desktop charger with one battery standard
• Extended warranty available
• Eclipse Control Panel software sytem
• Bullard SmartLine™ online training
• Eclipse Powerhouse™ charger available
• Rugged retractable strap lanyard available

Velcro introduces Evaptex

Velcro USA Inc has just introduced Evaptex(TM), a high performance fabric that wicks water and offers additional protection against new bacteria and odor-blocking technology. According to Daryl Pfaff, Senior Marketing Manager, it new fabric comes as a response to the emergency responder market about heat retention, moisture, weight, comfort and thickness of fabrics currently available.

Epaptex(TM) includes the following features:

• Patent-pending evaporation technology which wicks moisture away from the skin and creates a temperature-neutral environment
• Soft surface next to the skin for long-lasting comfort
• Anti-microbial properties from the material's silver ion technology to eliminate odors and repel harmful bacteria
• Durability allowing EVAPTEX(TM) fabric to be machine washed
• VELCRO(R) brand hook-compatible loop surface to ease positioning and adjusting of fasteners, resulting in the perfect fit for the wearer

Velcro USA Inc. is part of a worldwide family of companies founded on innovation inspired by nature. The Velcro companies worldwide are a technologically driven, global organization and the industry leader in hook and loop fasteners. For more information, visit www.velcro.com.

Grant Helps Keep Firefighter Gear Clean

By: THERESE APEL, DAILY LEADER Staff Writer

Among firefighters, dirty turnout gear is somethng of a pride issue - nobody want to roll off the truck with shiny gear that implies they haven't seen any action. But recent studies show that it's better to wash turnout gear. The reason is the dirt and soot will break down the fibers in the gear, thus reducing the equipment's ability to keep heat off a firefighter. Monticello Fire Department Capt. Jared Evans said the turnout washer and dryer that the fire department just acquired through a federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant will help MFD keep their gear in working condition for at least a little longer. "The dirtier your gear is, it looks like you've done something," he said. "If you could keep your gear cleaned so it's similar to new condition by washing it correctly, fibers aren't going to break down nearly as fast." Fire department personnel assembled the dryer Monday, and the washer is under construction, Evans said. While turnout gear will often take up to a week to dry after being thoroughly soaked in a fire, or after it's been washed, the dryer will take care of not only the gear, but also boots, in just a matter of hours. "I haven't played with it yet, but it shouldn't take more than three or four hours," he said. "The inside gets fairly warm. We haven't got the washer quite put together yet or I would have tried it out already." Evans wrote the grant for MFD and has helped other departments in Lincoln and Lawrence counties acquire equipment through federal grants. He said he knew a washer and dryer for gear would be a great investment for the 5 percent of $13,000- $14,000 the department would pay simply because it would save money in the future on gear. "Your gear needs to be washed, surely after every fire, particularly if you got to get in there and play and got nasty," he said. "The longer you leave that junk on there, the more breaking down is occurring." And Evans said the washer and dryer will also save firefighters some time with a scrub brush and soap. "They used to say, 'Why can't you just scrub your gear? People have been scrubbing gear for years,'" he said. "If just scrubbing was good enough, nobody would have washers or dryers at the house, we'd still be scrubbing our clothes."

©The Daily Leader 2009

Fire and Ice can be Deadly

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.

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.

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.

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