Letters to the Editor
DEPARTMENTS
Hearing Ability Essential in Firefighting
After reading “Don’t Turn a Deaf Ear to Hearing Losses” in the February 1984 issue of FIRE ENGINEERING, I had a few thoughts that I jotted down and decided not to let go to waste. They are an expression of my personal opinions which I hope you will find useful.
- There appears to be at least two major sources of noise production related to firefighting: natural (wind, voice communication, leaks under pressure, running water, other fireground-related activities, etc.) and manufactured (apparatus engines, mechanical equipment, etc.).
- Some sources whll not be able to be eliminated or reduced and must be considered as normal and acceptable (only to the extent that they cannot be eliminated or reduced) hazards of firefighting.
- Major efforts to eliminate or reduce noise levels which adversely affect firefighters must be directed at the source of the noise for the reasons stated below. Removal or reduction of the firefighter’s sense of hearing, which at times is so critical to his effectiveness, appears to be the wrong direction in which to go.
- To impair the firefighter’s ability to hear everything occurring around him at the scene of a fire or emergency could create an undue hazard to the firefighter and others. The firefighter may not hear the sounds related to a fire or emergency which are essential to effective and safe operations.
Lives are saved by a firefighter’s detection of faint or muffled sounds such as those made by a victim in need of immediate assistance.
Sounds detected of impending collapse of a building in which firefighters are operating have prevented structural losses from becoming life losses.
It is essential to effective fireground operations that a firefighter be able to hear the sounds of a roof being opened, windows being vented at remote points, doors being forced, hose lines being operated, voices of fellow firefighters warning of impending dangers or of their presence above a floor about to be vented or in the vicinity of a power saw being operated, etc.
- Use of earphones for more effective communications or use of a helmet or attachments thereto, which involuntarily or routinely covered the ears of a firefighter would not only impair his hearing but could effectively preclude the use of his ears as heat detectors.
- To impair the firefighter’s ability to hear while responding, especially those responsible for operation and control of the apparatus could also create a potential hazard. Other audible warning devices or the voices of members sounding a warning may not be heard.
Be assured that I am aware that most of the actions mentioned in the article were directed toward the proper objective.
Bill Manning
Chief
For the Good of the Fire Service
As I shuffle through the mail on my desk, it becomes apparent that my article, “Down to Earth Talk About Nozzles” (Feb. p. 26) was read by quite a few people. This, of course, pleases me very much. At the same time, it appears that the article has “muddied the waters” a bit between Task Force Innovations Inc. and the editorial staff of FIRE ENGINEERING, (see the letter from Mr. Doug McMillan, May Letters to the Editor department). This fact disturbs me. Therefore, I’d like to comment.
The editorial comment which appeared at the end of the article did not upset me. I understood what the editorial staff was trying to say.
There are variables which can cause nozzles of this design to operate at less than optimum. There were some inaccuracies regarding nozzle reactions, but the general thrust of the comment was, “be cautious of other factors.”
The letter from Mr. McMillan took the editorial staff to task regarding the technical inaccuracies which seemed to be implied. Mr. McMillan really went to bat for me. The technical points made by Mr. McMillan are irrefutable.
I congratulate FIRE ENGINEERING for providing the forum in which we can air our views and convictions. It appears from letters that I have received, that the editorial comment did not “scare” people, but rather caused them to stop and think; even become interested in using the nozzles. Similarly, I congratulate Mr. McMillan, of Task Force Tips, not only for having the good taste to read my article, but also for taking the time to write the letter to the editorial staff and perform the pertinent calculations. As for myself, if I had “done the job right” in the first place, none of this would have happened!
Thank goodness there are manufacturers, editors and authors who can get into a little free-for-all once in a while. They say it cleans up the spleen a bit! No doubt in my mind that all parties have the good and welfare of the fire service as their goal.
Ed Spahn
Deputy Chief
Orange County, FL Fire Department
Company Support Needed for Brigades
1 don’t usually write letters to magazines about articles I’ve read, but the articles on Industrial Fire Brigades in the April issue made me want to.
I am a volunteer fireman in my hometown, with training at the Police and Fire Academy in Mahwah, NJ.
I’ve had training through the school in Firefighter I classes and in late summer I’ll begin going through Firefighter II.
The company I work for sent us through the Industrial Fire Brigade school at Mahwah, which was a great training and learning lesson. But the followup by the company fell very short of having a good fire brigade.
At first it seemed that the company was all out for having a good brigade. They bought the best equipment that could be bought, and that was it. For three years the brigade has had no training at all in any type of fire that could happen in a plastic factory.
I’ve seen men try and put out electrical fires with water, plus many other things you wouldn’t believe.
Not because they didn’t want to get involved, but because they just didn’t know better. No training.
I think that before a company has a brigade, it should be checked by the local fire department and the insurance company issuing coverage.
How can you have an effective fire brigade when the management and plant owners don’t really care?
Don’t get me wrong, I know of a lot of good industrial brigades in the area I work. They had hands-on training courses with the local fire department.
Just talking to the management is like talking to the wall. It’s a shame to say, but one day an incident is going to happen and the only people they can blame is themselves.
Keep up the good work in FIRE ENGINEERING. I find it to be an invaluable learning tool.
Volunteer Firefighter
Hashrouck Heights, NJ
