EQUIPMENT DIGEST
DEPARTMENTS
Safety tool kits
Team Equipment is now marketing various safety tool kits for hazmat units. These tools, designed to protect against spark and explosion risks, are produced from non-ferrous alloys approved by the U.S. Government and Factory Mutual Research.
The tools will not rust and are excellent for use around battery acids and other common corrosive media, according to the manufacturer. Over 60 common tools such as wrenches, hammers, etc., are available.
Circle No. 5 on Reader Service Card
Heavy rescue torch
Caldo International Inc. introduces their Mini Torch for heavy rescue and forcible entry operations. This unit will cut and pierce through metal doors, floors and walls, break concrete, brick, bolts, locks, and hasps. It will also cut steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and glass, according to the manufacturer.
The unit is portable. The only fuel used is oxygen. A 12-volt battery is all that is needed to ignite the rod.
Circle No. 57 on Reader Service Card
Voice-activated throat mike
A hands-free VOX-TM communications system for personnel who must wear breathing equipment, face masks, firefighter helmets, or protective clothing has been introduced by the David Clark Company Inc. The system provides clear voice communications when combined with a two-way portable radio, according to the manufacturer.
It uses a variety of David Clark Company noise-attenuating headsets with electret throat microphones and a portable, voiceactivated VOX-TM unit. The system, which weighs seven ounces, is compact and has a belt clip for portability.
Circle No. 58 on Reader Service Card
Encapsulated suit
Standard Safety Equipment Company introduces the Universal Acidmaster, an encapsulated suit that is designed to be compatible with almost all brands of SCBAs, according to the manufacturer.
The integral hood accommodates a hard hat and features a hermetically sealed cover lens for clear vision.
The Universal Acidmaster also features stocking-foot booties for use with either the individual’s standard turnout boots or special boots as the situation requires. The suit incorporates a cover flap over the boot top to prevent splash-in between the stocking foot and boot.
Circle No. 30 on Reader Service Card
Ultraviolet detector
A portable ultraviolet flame detector that can see “invisible” hydrogen fires has been introduced by Detector Electronics of Minneapolis.
Designed for hydrogen generating plants, storage tanks and pipelines, rocket and missile launch platforms, or other areas handling hydrogen, the hand-held detector reacts in milliseconds to any flame, according to the manufacturer. Because it looks through a narrow “window” of ultraviolet radiation, the detector does not react to sunshine, reflections, lights, or shimmering heat waves.
Circle No. 18 on Reader Service Card
Air system
The Clifton Air Mule is now available. It features a filtration system and “back up” air. It also has a portable cascade, which provides 1-2 hours of air duration. It can be used for hazardous material operations or extended air requirements, such as tunnel evacuation or firefighting operations.
Circle No. 31 on Reader Service Card
Management info system
Public Service Data Systems offers a complete fire service data management series of computer software, designed to assist fire department managers in cities of all sizes.
The software packages are designed to capture, manipulate, and retrieve data in the following categories: personnel management, training records, inventory (hose, hydrants, fixed assets, and vehicle maintenance), fire investigation, code enforcement, incident reporting, and budget analysis.
Circle No. 35 on Reader Service Card
Anti-fog device
The Smith Therma-Clear offers a fog-free vision area and a replaceable inner lens. The Therma-Clear is used in the field of emergency response and plant safety to combat the fog associated with hazardous situations. It is designed to fit a variety of enclosure suits and breathing apparatus. Circle No. 41 on Reader Service Card
Stainless steel descender
American Rescue Systems is now manufacturing the American Descender. It is made of machined stainless steel and aluminum with no cast metals or welded parts. One or two ropes can be used from 7/6 to ⅝ inches.
The large center plate and replaceable friction cylinders dissipate heat. The American Descender also has an easy tie off and positive locking. The materials’ average tensile strength is over 60,000 psi.
Circle No. 47 on Reader Service Card
