Fire Equipment Digest
departments
Rear-Step Belt
Atlas Safety Equipment Co., Inc. has designed the Atlas Rear-Step Belt No. 248, that protects fire fighters from being thrown off the rear step. It is a one piece assemble, made of 1 3/4-inch wide nylon. The test web waist belt and strap is 9,500 pounds.
Circle No. 9 on Reader Service Card
Dual Type Detector
Pyrotronics has introduced a photoelectric/ionization detector which offers two chamber detection methods and sensitivity over the combustion products spectrum. Either detection chamber can activate the alarm circuit.
Circle No. 20 on Reader Service Card
Safety Bar
Fire Research Corporation has introduced the Man-Saver, an automatic safety bar that mounts across a jump seat opening.
The bar is lifted up for exiting. It is spring-loaded and returns to its original position across the jump seat.
Circle No. 16 on Reader Service Card
Walkie-Talkies
Ritron Inc. has introduced their R.T. series of walkie-talkies. Models are available for VHF high band and UHF. Each unit is powered by a rechargeable ni-cad battery pack and comes with antenna, plug-in charger and crystals for one channel. The units have two-channel capability. The unit weighs one pound.
All units have double-conversion superhetrodyne receivers with both 10.7 MHz monolithic crystal filters and 455 KHz ceramic filters.
Circle No. 24 on Reader Service Card
Four-Band Scanner
Electra Co. has introduced the Bearcat 5 scanner that receives up to eight channels in any mix of four bands (high and low VHF, UHF, and UHF “T” public service bands).
All channels can be scanned at the rate of 10 per second. Each channel has a blockout control to permit bypassing. The unit operates on 117 vac.
Circle No. 13 on Reader Service Card
Vehicle Warning Light
Tuff-Bilt, manufacturer of lighting and safety products, has introduced the Chief emergency revolving light.
Designed for volunteer fire fighters, this light is available with red, blue, or amber lenses. The eight-foot coil cord plugs into a 12-volt cigarette lighter receptacle, and the light is secured to the car roof by its threepoint magnetic mounting. A mounting plate is provided for non-magnetic surfaces. It can also be permanently mounted.
Circle No. 11 on Reader Service Card
Siren System
A siren system that provides wail, yelp, hi-lo and Hetro sounds from a toggle switch is now available from Dunbar-Nunn Corp. This Unitrol 180H system is designed for fire apparatus, ambulances and other emergency vehicles.
It provides adjustable power for all siren speakers from 58 to 200 watts. The amplifier measures 3 x 5 x 5-inches.
The system also provides automatic horn ring control of one warning light or a Unitrol Hi-Beam Wig-Wag Flasher. It is field-expandable to include microphone/PA capability.
Circle No. 3 on Reader Service Card
Nozzle
Elkhart Brass Mfg. Co., Inc. has introduced a nozzle, the Chief, that features a bright orange protective bumper, spinning teeth for a wide full water curtain and perforated stem for foam application. The Chief also offers the flush feature without shutting down. The constant flow, single gatlonage nozzle is available in preset flows of 60, 95, 125 or 150 gpm.
Circle No. 10 on Reader Service Card
Helmet
Firecraft Division has developed the Firecraft II, a 33-ounce helmet, complete with faceshield and Nomex ear flaps.
The suspension assembly adjusts for sizes 6 3/4 to 8 and includes a sweat band. The helmet can be worn with breathing apparatus without awkward adjustments, according to the manufacturer.
Heat buildup is reduced because the suspension assembly allows air circulation around the head.
Circle No. 6 on Reader Service Card
Rescue Suit
United Divers, Inc. has introduced a rescue suit for water extrication emergencies. The suit is made of neoprene, and hard soles permit running on most surfaces.
A 2-inch D-ring is stitched into a nylon belt to maintain lifeline contact with land-based rescue personnel.
Circle No. 23 on Reader Service Card
Trauma Box
Life Kit has introduced an addition to its trauma box line, the Life Kit II. It is a 16gage aluminum trauma box measuring 14 x 9 1/4 x 6-inches and weighs 4 1/2 pounds.
The upper compartment has three sections and the two-section lower compartment is sealed to prevent moisture damage.
Circle No. 2 on Reader Service Card
Mobile Antenna
The Antenna Specialists Co. has developed a 39-50 MHz, quarter-wave whip that mounts on a 1-inch x 2 1/2-inch flat area. The model ASP-775 will handle 150 watts maximum RF power and has a VSWR of less than 1.5:1 across the specified 3.5 MHz bandwidth.
Features include a tapered stainless steel whip, shock spring and swivel base. A back-up plate is provided to reinforce mounting area and cable, connector and alien wrenches are included.
Circle No. 8 on Reader Service Card
Compressed Air Testing
Texas Research Institute offers a breathing air analysis program by mail. Equipment is sent by priority mail to a fire department with instructions on how to obtain and return a representative sample of the breathing air system’s output.
Results are returned within three days after laboratory analysis of samples. If contamination is detected, the fire department is notified immediately by telephone.
Circle No. 7 on Reader Service Card
Turnout Coats
Midwestern Safety Manufacturing Co. has introduced newly patterned turnout coats. Raglan and set-in sleeve patterns will now be used. The coats are available in 6 or 7-ounce Nomex, 7 1/2-ounce neoprene-coated Nomex, and 13-ounce fire retardant cotton duck.
Various liners are also available.
Circle No. 5 on Reader Service Card
Portable Tanks
Fol-Da-Tank Company has introduced the DBL-HI 5-foot-deep tanks with 2000 and 3000-gallon capacity. Helicopter buckets for water and retardent transportation can be filled from the tanks.
The liner, available in red or yellow, is made of DuPont Hypalon. The liners are equipped with two 4-inch NPT female PVC flanges and are fitted with PVC plugs.
Circle No. 4 on Reader Service Card
Warning Light
J.W. Speaker Corporation announces Ultra-Strobe, a flashing warning lamp that is 7.5-inches high and has a minimum rate of 60 flashes per minute. The light has a current drain of 2 amps at 12 volts. Ultra-Strobe operates in temperatures from — 30°F to 125°F. Standard lens colors include red, amber, blue and clear.
Circle No. 22 on Reader Service Card
Emergency Light
Streamlight, Inc. has introduced the Litebox, a portable emergency light that can be used continuously for 7 hours on one charge.
The PAR 36 halogen sealed beam lamp is powered by a lead acid battery.
Features include: an ABS plastic case, built-in LED charge indicator, adjustable lamp head, nonskid feet, and a mountable charge rack that automatically stores and recharges the litebox.
Circle No. 1 on Reader Service Card
Battery Charger
Dynamote announces its Power Guard series battery charger/conditioners, for fire apparatus and ambulances. Battery life is extended by automatically equalizing the batteries in each charge cycle. After equalization, the Power Guard automatically switches to float voltage, eliminating overcharging and battery boiling. The guard also compensates for up to 10 percent variation in input line voltage with no change in output voltage to the batteries.
Standard features include a remote indicator panel and dual isolated output for dual battery systems. Available options include shore power transfer switch and ground fault interrupter.
Circle No. 17 on Reader Service Card
Gloves
Fire fighting gloves designed for various tasks are now available from Tempo, a division of Apex Glove, Inc.
Styles include driver shell with optional wool or cotton liner, an integrated wool liner and 4-inch Kynol knit wristlet, and a mitten.
All outer shells are constructed of AquaTemp leather, chemically treated to be flame retardant as well as waterproof. The gloves will not shrink, despite repeated immersion and drying, according to the manufacturer. Leather welts are sewn into major wear areas.
Circle No. 18 on Reader Service Card
Traffic Light Pre-emptor
Solid State Sonics and Electronics, Inc., has developed a sensor that activates traffic signals when a siren is detected.
Designed to provide safer intersections, the sensor is connected to a traffic controller, thus adjusting the lights to an emergency indication (either blinking red or amber) to alert motorists to the approach of emergency vehicles.
Circle No. 15 on Reader Service Card
Gas Detector
The TIF8800 is a portable, battery-operated, solid-state electronic combustible gas detector developed by TIF Instruments, Inc. This instrument’s ticking signal increases in frequency as the source of combustible gas or vapor is approached.
The location of combustible gas leaks as minute as 50-1000 ppm can be detected, according to the manufacturer. The detector comes with carrying case, rechargeable batteries and recharger adapter.
Circle No. 19 on Reader Service Card
Chain Saw
Echo, Inc. has introduced a small chain saw, model CS-280E, that has a 28 cc displacement and weighs 7.4 pounds without bar and chain.
Features include an electronic ignition, automatic oiling system and rewind starter. This top-handle saw has a fuel tank capacity of 6.8 fluid ounces and the oil tank capacity is 3.7 ounces.
Circle No. 21 on Reader Service Card
Sirens
Solid State Sonics and Electronics offers several siren speakers, including the 100RC, 100HG, 100CG, 200CG, and 110D siren driver.
Features include wail, yelp, hi-lo, public address, radio and manual models. Options include a noise cancelling microphone for open cab vehicles as well as custom configurations to fit specific needs.
Circle No. 14 on Reader Service Card
New Publisher of National Building Code
After 75 years of publishing the National Building Code—a pioneering model regulation for life safety and fire protection in buildings—the American Insurance Association (AIA) has agreed to transfer the responsibility to the National Conference of States on Building Codes and Standards (NCSBCS).
Transfer of control over the historic code, which provides safety guidelines to municipalities throughout the nation, was announced jointly by John L. Jablonsky, vice president of AIA’s Engineering & Safety Service, and Donald F. Pinkerton, executive director of the NCSBCS.
The two organizations agreed that AIA would relinquish its long voluntary role in publishing the country’s oldest national model building code, and that the NCSBCS would assume responsibility for its maintenance, updating, and the issuance of future new editions.
The AIA is a trade association of more than 150 member property and casualty insurance companies, with the Engineering & Safety Service among its varied subscriber activities. It has headquarters at 85 John Street, New York, N.Y.
The NCSBCS, with offices in McLean, Va., and Washington, D.C., is comprised of 50 governor-appointed state delegates with responsibilities for building codes and standards at the state level. It is governed by a board of directors elected by the delegates.
Mr. Jablonsky said his Association considered the 75th anniversary of the National
Building Code an appropriate time to relinquish the code’s future to the National Conference “which is organized to bring a much-desired consensus procedure to the building code.”
“We are extremely proud that the model code has substantially achieved its original objectives of reducing the number and severity of fires that destroy life and property,” Mr. Jablonsky said, “but we recognize the realities of today’s environment and the benefits that accrue from a building code that is truly a consensus document.”
Mr. Jablonsky said the Association’s action does not signal a discontinuance of its codeoriented activity. “We expect to participate in the code activities of the NCSBCS and our staff will continue to offer assistance to the many municipalities using the current edition of our building regulations,” he said.
Mr. Pinkerton said his organization’s assumption of the National Building Code “supplies us with an important tool which, under the direction of our Conference, will eventually and broadly reflect society’s desires in the field of building codes and public safety.”
The National Building Code was first developed and published in an edition of 263 pages in 1905 by the National Board of Fire Underwriters, a predecessor organization of the AIA. Since that time, 10 new editions of the code have been promulgated, the most recent in 1976. At its peak, some 1800 municipalities throughout the country had adopted the code’s regulations.
Registries Criticized
The National Professional Qualifications Board for the Fire Service, an independent body established by the Joint Council of National Fire Service Organizations to coordinate professional advancement of the service under peer group auspices, is concerned that a number of “registries” of fire service personnel established by private individuals for profit are being mistaken as part of the National System of the Joint Council.
The board points out that there is no connection between any of these registries and the national professional qualifications system of the Joint Council. Under the criteria used for accreditation by the board, only certification by a state fire commission or, where none exists, certification by an organization approved by all fire service interest groups in a state is recognized under the national system.
NFA’s First Graduates
The National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Md. graduated its first class of 75 fire service personnel on Feb. 1.
Fifty participants completed executive development III and 25 others completed educational methodology I.
Present plans expect the enrollment to expand up to 175. Applications will continue to be accepted for courses scheduled later in the year.
Scholarship Competition
The International Association of Fire Chiefs Foundation is offering its annual scholarship program.
The objective is to assist individuals who wish to further their education in the fire science field. Elegibility requirements include any active membership in a fire department and demonstrated proficiency as a member.
The deadline for receiving applications is Aug. 1. For more information write to the IAFC Foundation, 1329 18th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036.
