TRAINING AIDS
A wall chart that lists details on 35 test apparatus used for flammability testing of various materials is available from United States Testing Company. In addition to the identification of the equipment, the chart lists the appropriate test standard by ASTM, Federal, or National Code method. Other information includes descriptions of materials tested, specimen sizes, ignition source, and flammability properties measured. For a copy of the Equipment for Flammability Testing Wall Chart, write to United States Testing Company Inc., 1415 Park Avenue, Hoboken, NJ 07030.
A publication said to help strengthen a community’s ability to respond in emergency situations ranging from earthquakes to hazardous chemical spills has been published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and the American Petroleum Institute.
The 200-page Fire Service Emergency Management Handbook describes fire and emergency medical service responsibilities and the Comprehensive Emergency Management and Integrated Emergency Management System concepts; and provides information on dealing with special issues facing fire/emergency medical service leaders, including resources for funding and technical assistance.
Information and copies of the handbook may be obtained from the International Association of Fire Chiefs Foundation, Raymond E. Hawkins, 1329 18th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036. Telephone (202) 463-7305.
Snap-tite Hose, Inc., a manufacturer of large diameter, lightweight hose systems, has released a new videotape, Large Diameter Hose System Training & Maintenance. The 20-minute, full color tape is a comprehensive look at the advantages of large diameter hose over the traditional smaller hose, and includes instructional information on the proper manner to lay the hose, how to use a hydrassist valve, utilization of large diameter hose for water rescue, connecting hose to a fire hydrant, the correct way to recouple and put hose back in service, and an easy method to patch a slightly damaged piece of hose. For ordering information, call Snap-tite Hose at (814) 438-7616; or write Snap-tite Hose, Inc., 217 Titusville Road, Union City, PA 16438.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services published its revised 1986 edition of Working in Hot Environments. This 15-page pamphlet provides employers and workers with an overview of the health hazards associated with working in hot environments and alerts them to the precautions which should be taken to prevent injuries and other health problems due to heat stress. Copies of the pamphlet are available from Publications Dissemination, DSDTT, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226; telephone (513) 841-4287.
A printed Overview of Programs/Projects that are being worked on by the United States Fire Administration is available by writing to them at 16825 S. Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg, MD 21727; telephone (301) 447-6771. The 10-page report summarizes the responsibilities of the various offices of the U.S. Fire Administration (such as the Office of Firefighter Health and Safety, the Office of Fire Prevention and Arson Control, etc.), as well as listing the ongoing studies and research conducted by them.
A technician’s guide to Detroit Diesel engine bearings (tapered, straight, and ball bearings) is available from the General Motors division at $2 per copy. The 42-page brochure offers information pertaining to the maintenance, installation, and lubrication of anti-friction bearings used in Detroit Diesel engines. For information and/ or a copy of the brochure (number 7SE 380), write to: Detroit Diesel Allison, Publications Department, N75, 13400 Outer Drive West, Detroit, MI 48239.
The Fullerton, CA, Fire Department, with the aid of telecommunications students from Fullerton College, put together a fire prevention video entitled Don’t Get Burned, targeted especially at adult audiences. The video also contains information that children can easily grasp, such as the importance of crawling low in smoke. Further information about the video or about fire prevention in general may be obtained by calling the Fire Prevention Bureau of the Fullerton Fire Department at (714) 7386500, or writing to the bureau located in Headquarters Fire Station, 312 E. Commonwealth Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92632.
National Draeger delivered its first Mobile Training Gallery to the Connecticut State Fire School for use in state volunteer and paid fire departments.
The Mobile Training Gallery simulates the working conditions and physical stress encountered in actual firefighting situations. Firefighters crawl through a dark, obstacle-filled maze complete with heat zones, smoke, lighting effects, and noises. Their progress is viewed and recorded through videotape from a separate control.
State funding will provide training for as many as 2,500 firefighters during the course of a one-year period, and each firefighter will enter the class at different levels of difficulties according to individual experience.
For more information, contact: National Draeger Inc., P.O. Box 120, Pittsburgh, PA 15230; or call (412) 787-8383.
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. published the July 1986 edition of its Catalog of Standards for Safety. The catalog includes the 526 published and 50 proposed UL standards, arranged both by subject number and alphabetically by title. Write to: Publications Stock, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062; or call (312) 272-8800, extension 2658.
