Victims’ relatives and fire protection experts urge panel investigation into WTC towers’ collapse
The mother of Christian Regenhard, the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) probationary firefighter killed in the World Trade Center (WTC) attack on September 11; relatives of other WTC victims; and fire safety experts are among those petitioning federal officials and legislators to appoint a blue ribbon panel to conduct a thorough and formal investigation of the collapse of the WTC towers.
Sally Regenhard and some 160 relatives of firefighters and civilians killed in the WTC disaster have formed the Campaign for Skyscraper Safety. The group’s position is supported by Jim Quintiere, a fire protection engineering professor at the University of Maryland, and Give Your Voice, a civilian relatives’ group headed by Michael Cartier, who lost his brother in the collapse. Some spokespersons for the FDNY also have spoken in favor of having outside experts fully evaluate the WTC fire and collapse.
FDNY Deputy Chief (ret.) Vincent Dunn, expert in high-rise firefighting and author of Collapse of Burning Buildings (Fire Engineering 1988); Francis L. Brannigan, SFPE, Fire Engineering columnist and editorial advisory board member and author of Building Construction for the Fire Service, Third Edition (National Fire Protection Association, 1992); and Glenn P. Corbett, PE, professor in the fire science department of John Jay College and Fire Engineering technical editor, are asking members of the fire service to petition Joe Allbaugh, head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, other federal officials, and federal legislators to appoint a World Trade Center Disaster Review Panel to coordinate a complete review of all aspects of the WTC incident, including building construction, fireproofing materials, codes, and all other factors that combined to bring down the WTC.
They are dismayed that the steel removed from the WTC site-the scene of the greatest disaster involving a high-rise in the world-has been handled as garbage/scrap instead of as the crucial fire scene evidence that it is. “The WTC collapse was no ‘fluke,’ and the temperatures and heat release rates achieved at the WTC may be seen in future high-rise fires,” Dunn, Brannigan, and Corbett caution.
The following are among the questions they say should be answered in the investigation: Can the fire service really handle high-rise fires adequately? What part did lightweight steel trusses, some reported to have been in excess of 50 feet long, play in the collapse? How effective was the modern sprayed-on steel “fireproofing” employed at the WTC? How relevant to today’s fires are the criteria established for the ASTM E-119 fire resistance test developed in the 1920s? When should the defend-in-place strategy, which was not the right strategy for the WTC, be used and not used for large high-rise fires? What can be done to make communication by radio possible in high-rise buildings?
The complete text of “WTC ‘Investigation’?: A Call To Action” is on page 59 of the January 2002 issue and on the Fire Engineering Web site fireengineering.com (addresses are provided so that you can e-mail Allbaugh and other federal officials and members of Congress with your “Call to Action”). See also Editor’s Opinion in the January 2002 issue.
MSA issues User ICM™2000 and ICMtrademark2000 Plus Unit Advisory
Charles J. Seible Jr., manager of product safety at MSA (Mine Safety Appliances) Company, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, issued on September 30, 2001, an important User Advisory relative to ICMtrademark 2000 and ICMtrademark2000 Plus Integrated Computer Modules (ICMs).
The company said it is investigating reports from customers pertaining to the user’s inability to reset the PASS pre-alarm with motion, resulting in the unit’s going into a full-alarm status. MSA said that less that 2 percent of the units sold to date have been reported to exhibit this condition. No injuries have been reported.
MSA has notified the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Safety Equipment Institute of this matter; they support MSA’s actions and recommendations as outlined below.
Corrective Actions Taken. MSA explains that the motion sensor used in all MSA ICM units was purposely designed to latch in full-alarm status should any electrical fault occur within the motion sensor or its associated circuitry. MSA’s examination of the units returned so far indicates that this has occurred in every case, resulting in a condition that is immediately apparent to the user.
The motion sensor used in all ICM units uses a phosphorus bronze ball that tracks on a flexible circuit within a circular metal housing. The ball moves back and forth across the flexible circuit with user movement. If the user remains stationary, the ball will stop moving, and the PASS unit will enter the pre-alarm mode. When the user moves, the resulting motion of the ball tracking along the flexible circuit will reset the pre-alarm and prevent the unit from entering the full-alarm mode. If the user does not move, the ICM will, of course, go into the full-alarm mode as specified in the NFPA 1982 standard, to which it is certified. This motion sensor assembly is connected to the ICM’s main printed circuit board (PCB) with a ribbon cable. The ribbon cable terminates with a crimped connector that is soldered to the PCB.
MSA has examined the units returned from the field and has identified the primary factors that caused the motion sensor to become desensitized:
- The connector crimped onto the end of the ribbon cable. Examination of this joint on returned units revealed voids between the ribbon cable and the crimped connector on some units. This can result in the unit’s not resetting from the pre-alarm mode with user motion.
MSA is in the process of implementing an improved crimping method in its manufacturing operation. Its testing indicates this corrects the condition.
- The areas where the ribbon cable exits the motion sensor’s metal housing. It was discovered that the metal housing could possibly chafe the ribbon cable at this exit point, resulting in a loss of electrical continuity. Again, this will result in the ICM’s entering the full-alarm mode even with user motion.
This chafing possibility will be eliminated with a design modification to the metal housing at the point where the ribbon cable exits the housing. The housing now will have an upturned lip, eliminating the wire chafing potential.
- Insulation thickness on the ribbon cable. Insulation thickness on the ribbon cable will be increased, boosting its overall robustness and reducing the possibility of electrical continuity problems.
- Loosening of the mechanical pressure gauge retaining screws during fireground use. This can result in the gauge’s becoming loose and, in extreme cases, water’s entering the ICM unit. MSA’s investigation has revealed that this screw loosening occurs when repeated lateral loads are placed on the pneumatic high-pressure air hose where it enters the ICM case. The data indicate that this has occurred most often in larger cities, where the units tend to be used more frequently.
MSA has redesigned the gauge-retaining screws, which now have larger heads to eliminate any side-to-side play where the screws enter the ICM case assembly. Also, MSA has lengthened the screws for additional thread engagement into the pressure gauge assembly and has added a thread-locking compound to the screws when they are installed in the manufacturing process. MSA’s tests indicate that these improvements result in a pressure gauge assembly that will remain tight in severe and frequent use conditions.
User Action
MSA has issued the following cautions and instructions:
- Immediately remove from service ICMs that cannot be reset from the pre-alarm mode with normal user motion. Do not use an SCBA with the battery removed from the ICM.
- Do not ignore any full-alarm condition. All full-alarm signals must be acted upon, following your fire department’s standard operating procedures.
- Immediately remove and return to MSA for repair or replacement any ICM that performs in a manner inconsistent with normal operation as detailed in the MSA ICM User Instructions.
All repairs or replacements will be done under the conditions of MSA’s ICM warranty. All questions should be directed to MSA Customer Service, toll-free, at 1-877-MSA-3473. The full Advisory is available at http://www.msanet.com/msanorthamerica/msaunitedstates/Notices/01041-07(notice).pdf
Scoppetta appointed NYC fire commissioner
Incoming New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg has named Nicholas Scoppetta fire commissioner. Scoppetta replaces Thomas Von Essen. Most recently, Scoppetta, who does not have a firefighting background, overhauled the city’s child welfare system.
Scoppetta is a former prosecutor and has held a number of posts under various city administrations. These positions included serving in the administration of Mayor John V. Lindsay as the commissioner of investigation and as associate counsel to the Knapp Commission, which investigated police corruption in the 1970s. In the administration of Mayor Abraham D. Beame, Scoppetta served as a deputy mayor for criminal justice.
Bloomberg noted that Scoppetta’s background in criminal justice, management, and building will serve him well in his position as fire commissioner.
Morale, staffing, and recruitment would be the most pressing issues facing Scoppetta in light of the tremendous losses the department suffered in the September 11 World Trade Center attack. Scoppetta said that he views his role as that of a manager and that he would leave fighting fires to the firefighters, who are well trained and experienced.
Congress approves an additional $210 million for 2002 FIRE grant funding
On December 19, 2001, House and Senate conferees approved an emergency supplemental spending bill, attached to the FY 2002 Defense Appropriations Bill (H.R. 3338), which includes $210 million for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. This funding is in addition to the $150 million already approved by Congress and will bring the total amount of funding for 2002 to $360 million.
The Supplemental Appropriations Bill includes $20 billion for antiterrorism, military operations, and assistance for New York City.
In 2001, the first year of the program, more than 19,000 fire departments had applied for nearly $3 billion in assistance; only $100 million was available.
September 11 designated as “Patriot Day”
On December 18, President Bush signed a measure (HJ Res 71) that designates September 11 as Patriot Day. Each year, the president will issue a proclamation regarding the observation of Patriot Day. The U.S. flag will be displayed at half-staff in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of that day. The legislation was introduced by Representative Vito Fossella (R-NY) and passed unanimously by both branches of Congress.
National Institute for Chemical Studies offers training program
The National Institute for Chemical Studies (NICS) is offering without charge its “Protecting the Public in a Hazardous Materials Emergency” training program. The program, which is on CD-ROM and runs on WordT 97 and Power PointT, covers enhancing emergency plans and improving emergency response. To obtain a copy, call (304) 346-6264 or go to http://www.nicsinfo.org/CDOrderForm.htm.
DOT calls for removal of 300 cargo tanks from service
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is calling for the removal from service of more than 300 cargo tanks used for hazardous materials transportation. The affected units are equipped with rear-end protection devices that do not meet minimum regulatory requirements. These tanks transport primarily anhydrous ammonia, propane, and other compressed gases. Should the devices fail in a rear-impact collision, the tanks could leak and cause injury, death, and property damage.
The FMCSA is notifying the owners of these tanks that they can no longer use them to transport hazardous materials unless the protection devices are modified to meet federal safety standards. The owners must submit to FMCSA documentation showing that the tanks have been modified to meet compliance specifications or that the cargo tanks have been removed from hazardous materials service.
The notice is in the December 12 Federal Register. Additional information is available at www.dot.gov/affairs/cargo.htm.
NASA and Houston (TX) Fire Department work on firefighter suit prototype
NASA’s Johnson Space Center, in conjunction with the Houston (TX) Fire Department, the Department of Defense, Aerospace Design and Development, Oceaneering Space Systems, ILC Dover, and Lockheed Martin, is working to develop a prototype protective firefighting suit that could make it possible for a firefighter to fight a fire twice as long before necessitating rehab. The advanced firefighter suit employs a number of technologies that includes new outer garment fabrics and active cooling inner garments that will allow more lengthy exposure to temperatures of up to 500°F (2607C ) while protecting the firefighter from building up metabolic heat stress. Work on the suit began in 1997.
The development team has identified 40 additional areas from which space suit technology can potentially add improvements to structural firefighter protective gear, including integrated helmet, improved gloves, radiant heat protection, and ergonomic evaluation for best fit. The integrated helmet would have a built-in duplex digital radio, a bone-conduction headset for noise reduction, infrared imaging to search for fire victims, biodata and temperature sensors, and readouts on the status of its life support system.
For additional information, contact Tico Foley at 281-483-2996; fax: 281-244-5773, or by e-mail at [email protected]. Information on NASA’s Technology Transfer program is on its Web site: http://technology.jsc.nasa.gov/.
Anthrax attacks reveal need for improved communications
The anthrax attacks following the September 11 terrorist attacks have brought to light communication gaps that exist within the nation’s health response system and between the federal government and the nation’s health system.
Members of the health community and municipal emergency management organizations testified before Congress, citing problems including the following. Confusion as to who was in charge-local or federal authorities-in those jurisdictions in which anthrax surfaced delayed information pertaining to the identification and treatment of patients. Communications between the federal government and hospitals hindered timely treatment of exposed victims and eroded public trust. There were inaccurate media reports, and the Centers for Disease Control delayed releasing guidelines about the nature of the anthrax attacks and the need for antibiotic treatment.
Harvard Fellowship Program application procedures announced
Eight senior fire executives will be awarded fellowships to attend Harvard’s annual three-week “Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government” in 2002. Applicants must be able to attend one of the following sessions: Sunday, June 9, 2002, to Friday, June 28, 2002; or Sunday, July 7, 2002, to Friday, July 26, 2002; or February 2003 (dates not announced at press time).
Senior fire executives who have demonstrated significant career accomplishments and have the potential to impact and initiate change may apply. Attainment of a senior position is less important than having demonstrated experience in facilitating significant change within a public sector setting.
Although completing the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program is not a prerequisite, preference may be given to applicants who have graduated from the program, as well as to those who have completed graduate-level degree programs or course work.
Candidates from organizations that have been represented in the 1999, 2000, or 2001 Harvard Fellowship Programs will not be considered.
Candidates must submit a FEMA General Admission Application (Form 75-5) that must be postmarked no later than February 15, 2002; an organizational chart of the applicant’s sponsoring organization (with applicant’s position highlighted); and a resume.
The program is sponsored through a partnership of the Federal Emergency Management Agency/United States Fire Administration’s (USFA) National Fire Academy (NFA), the National Fire Protection Association, and the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
Forward all materials to Harvard Fellowship Program, U.S. Fire Administration, National Fire Academy, c/o Ms. Mary Wingert, 16825 South Seton Ave, Emmitsburg, Maryland, 21727. Semifinalists will be forwarded complete program information and materials for a secondary essay-based application process.
For additional information, contact Mary Wingert at (301) 447-1085 or by e-mail at [email protected], or go to the USFA/NFA Web site at http://www.usfa.fema.gov/nfa or the Harvard University/ John F. Kennedy School of Government Senior Executives in State & Local Government Web site at http://www.execprog.org/programs/sl/sl.htm.
U.S. Fire Administration to conduct needs assessment survey
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) is conducting a U.S. Fire Service Needs Assessment Survey. The mailing of questionnaires to fire departments was begun around the middle of December 2001.
This survey will supplement the census of fire departments begun by the USFA earlier in 2001. The objective of that project was to obtain accurate locations and points of contact for every fire department in the country. This survey will add information on resources and capabilities.
The USFA was directed to conduct a needs assessment survey as part of the FIRE Act, which created the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is assisting the USFA with the survey.
Philip C. Stittleburg, chairman of the National Volunteer Fire Council, stresses that every volunteer fire department needs to respond to this survey, which will be used to demonstrate to federal and state policy makers the enormous needs of our nation’s fire service.
A summary report of the survey findings prepared for Congress will be available on the FEMA/USFA Web site (www.fema.gov) after June 2002. The NFPA and the USFA will release only aggregated data from the survey; fire departments’ individual re-sponses will be kept confidential.
Proposed bill would assist firefighters with home mortgage rates
The Firefighters Affordable Housing Act (H.R. 3358), introduced in the House of Representatives by Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) and Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO), would authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make mortgage assistance payments to volunteer firefighters so that their federally insured mortgage payments for their primary residence would be reduced by 2 percent. In addition, the bill would enable career firefighters to purchase homes with down payments as low as 1 percent of the purchase price; they also would not be required to pay mortgage insurance.
The bill was referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
Line-of-Duty Deaths, 2001
December 14: Firefighter Ralph Vance, 70, of the Elk Creek Fire Protection District, Conifer, Colorado, died from a cause still to be determined. While responding to an emergency call, the water tanker he was operating left the roadway and slid down a 100-foot embankment.
December 15: Assistant Chief Darrell Thomas, 48, of the Somerton/Cocopah Fire Department, Somerton, Arizona, died of an apparent heart attack while filling the water tank on a fire truck.
Source: National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Database, United States Fire Administration.
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Tom Hanify, general president of Indianapolis Metropolitan Firefighters Local #416, accepted, in December, the True Blue Award from the People’s Burn Foundation (PBF) on behalf of the local’s more than 2,000 central Indiana firefighters representing 21 jurisdictions. In presenting the award, PBF Executive Director Shawn Tabor lauded “the many men and women of the local who have done extraordinary work at the PBF burn survivor’s camp and in the community through their support of the PBF’s burn safety education programs.”
