3M announced that it would be phasing out the manufacture of products based on perfluorooctanyl chemistry by the end of this year. This includes all the company’s Class B firefighting foams sold under the 3M and Light Water brands. It does not include 3M Light WaterTM SFFF Class A Structural Fire Fighting Foam, 3M Training Foam, 3M InteramTM Fire Barrier Systems, or the company’s developmental Class A Forestry Foams and Clean Extinguishing Agents.
The phaseout decision was made because of extensive scientific research showing that low levels of material from this particular chemistry are widespread in the environment (including living organisms) and persist for a long time. However, the same research shows that the use of these products does not pose a risk to people. 3M Class B foams currently in use in the field are safe to use and under proper storage conditions will remain effective for years. According to the company, there is no reason to return these products.
The company will continue to take orders for these products until October 1, 2000, and will assist customers during this transition. All 3M express warranties for affected products remain in effect, and 3M representatives will work with customers to help identify potential replacements.
If customers have equipment that has been optimized for use with 3M foams and decide to convert to another manufacturer’s product, 3M recommends that they contact their foam equipment supplier to determine compatibility. If customers experience a foam system discharge, 3M strongly urges them not to top off the system with a different foam agent unless a qualified foam system consultant can assure compatibility. Empty the remaining 3M material into drums and use as emergency stock, and replenish the system with an alternative product. For further information, customers should contact their 3M sales or customer service representative.
VFIS announced that Lee Bainbridge has assumed the office of president, replacing Louis Klein, who will retire at the end of this year. Bainbridge previously served as president of Glatfelter Insurance Group (GIG). Bainbridge will lead the VFIS through a major reorganization to expand its offerings to the emergency services community beyond traditional insurance/risk control programs to include training, education, and consulting products and services.
LAMAR UNIVERSITY dedicated the Walter Nebgen Rescue Building at the opening of its 31st Annual Emergency Response Training School. Nebgen died in 1999 just before the start of the annual training school. He had been associated with the school from its inception in 1968 and served as a volunteer instructor. The four-day school is sponsored by Lamar University, Beaumont (TX) Fire/Rescue Services, and the Sabine Neches Chiefs Association.
The CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS (CAFC) announced that the organization’s management has been transferred to Clarke Association Management Services. Elizabeth Clarke, the management firm’s president, is responsible for CAFC management. CAFC President Donald F. Warden stressed that members will experience a continued high level of service as a result of the restructuring. All current programs remain intact, and issues raised by members will be dealt with promptly and appropriately. The CAFC distribution center remains at its present location and the telephone number is unchanged, (800) 668-2955. The following contact information is now in effect: telephone, (613) 270-9138 (Tania Robert); fax, (613) 599-7027; E-mail, cafc@igs.net.
AMERICAN AIRWORKS is the new trade name for Ray Lambert Enterprises, Inc., which specializes in high-pressure breathing air-oxygen products and services.
FERNO-WASHINGTON, INC. announced it will join the GLOBAL HEALTH CARE EXCHANGE, LLC, a healthcare business-to-business consortium formed to streamline the hospital supply business. Global was formed five years ago by Johnson & Johnson, GE Medical Systems, Baxter International, Inc., Abbott Laboratories, and Medtronic Physio-Control. It is an independent Internet-based company created to assist healthcare providers in making quicker, more efficient purchasing decisions over the Internet.
NAMES IN THE NEWS
DANIEL J. GAUMONT was appointed chief of the Watertown (NY) Fire Department. Previously, he was chief of the Ipswich (MA) Fire Department.
JOHN D. RUKAVINA was named Wake County (NC) public safety director. He served for the last 13 years as fire chief of the Asheville Fire Department. As public safety director, he will be responsible for overseeing and leading four county service divisions: Fire/Rescue, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management, and CCBI, which is responsible for crime scene investigation and other technical services.
JIM LINVILLE received the D. Peter Lund Award from the Society for Fire Protection Engineers for his contributions to the advancement of professional recognition of the fire protection engineer. Milville is product manager for the National Fire Protection Association and has served as editor, managing editor, or product manager for publications such as the NFPA Fire Protection Handbook and books involving fire protection engineering, fire protection system analysis, and fire safety.
MEREDITH K. APPY was named the 2000 Fire Protection Person of the Year by the Society for Fire Protection Engineers. Appy is National Fire Protection Association vice president of public education.
LINDA STUCKEY of the Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department in Columbia, Mississippi, received the National Volunteer Fire Council Marc Mueller Fire Prevention Award of Excellence. She organized a formal fire prevention program in 1986 and encouraged more firefighters to take part in fire prevention training. She worked with the Marion County Firefighters Association to purchase the Learn Not to BurnT program curriculum for the preschool through sixth grade classes for all county schools and day care centers. Stuckey was instrumental in the implementation of the Risk WatchTM program in the area, too. The award is given to volunteer firefighters who have made superior efforts in the development of fire prevention and protection programs. It is sponsored by Master Protection Corporation.
