This first phase of this research and development effort involved extensive testing to support a request for a special permit from the U. S. Department of Transportation to gain clearance to use the technology in SCBA. Approval from the Transportation Department is expected within the next two months, enabling field testing of an SCBA prototype. The timeline for fire service availability is currently under development due to the need for cooperation from the many industry entities instrumental to the commercialization of this revolutionary technology.
To see video of pack in testing click here
http://community.fireengineering.com/video/video/show?id=1219672%3A…
For more video click here http://community.fireengineering.com/video/video/show?id=1219672%3A…
The International Association of Fire Fighters, headquartered in Washington, DC, is the leading advocate in North America for the safety and training of fire fighters and paramedics. The IAFF represents more than 296,000 full-time professional fire fighters and paramedics who protect communities in every state in the United States and throughout Canada. More information is available at www.iaff.org
The Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate is the primary research and development arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The S&T Directorate’s mission is to improve homeland security by providing to customers state-of-the-art technology that helps them achieve their missions. S&T customers include the operating components of the Department, state, local, tribal and territorial emergency responders and officials. Under Secretary Dr. Tara O’Toole currently leads the S&T Directorate.
Established in 1914, MSA is a global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety products that protect people’s health and safety. Many MSA products typically integrate any combination of electronics, mechanical systems and advanced materials to protect users against hazardous or life-threatening situations. The company’s comprehensive line of products is used by workers around the world in the fire service, oil, gas and petrochemical industry, homeland security, construction, mining and other industries, as well as the military. Principal products include self-contained breathing apparatus, gas masks, gas detection instruments, head protection, ballistic body armor, fall protection devices and thermal imaging cameras. The company also provides a broad range of consumer and contractor safety products through retail channels. These products are marketed and sold under the MSA Safety Works brand. MSA has annual sales of approximately $1 billion, manufacturing operations in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America, and more than 42 international locations. Additional information is available on the company’s Web site at www.msanet.com