EQUIPMENT DIGEST
New cutting units
The Arcair Company has introduced three new portable Slice Pak exothermic cutting units that add convenience to the company’s Slice System. These units can be quickly transported to any location to cut, burn, or vaporize almost any metallic, non-metallic, or composite material, according to the company. The Slice System cuts materials such as: steel, aluminum, iron, ceramics, plaster, steel reinforced concrete, rust-coated metal, etc.
Slice Pak comes in three versions: Slice Pak Complete, Slice Pak Basic, and Slice Pak Battery Unit. Each one contains a Slice torch, striker, cutting rods, and other equipment packed in a rugged carrying case.
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Protective clothing system
Cairns and Brother has standardized a new version of its Aegis protective clothing system to include more comfort, increased protection, and better weight distribution.
The Aegis system redistributes the suit’s weight from high on the shoulder and back to the body’s center of gravity at the hips. The wide-opening, expanding configuration of the Aegis bib overall pants ensures step-in convenience that compensates for large hips and moves firefighters out fast, according to the company. The pants are teamed with a short, light, quick-donning jacket and a breakaway zipper.
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Ratchet headband for helmets
E.D. Bullard Company announces the new Sure-Lock adjustable ratchet headband for its Firedome II firefighters’ helmet. The Sure-Lock increases the level of comfort and security of fit for firefighters, according to the manufacturer. The wearer can obtain his correct size by turning the knob until the desired fit is achieved.
The ratchet also allows a firefighter to quickly adjust headband size when donning an SCBA mask. The brow pad is made of foam-backed, breathable vinyl that absorbs perspiration, provides ventilation, and is washable.
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Hydrant socket wrench
A hydrant socket wrench with a two-way ratchet handle that opens and closes any size hydrant with only a seven-inch swing is available from Lowell Corporation.
Offered with a 16and 20-inch cast-iron handle, the heavy-duty Lowell Series 50F Hydrant Wrench can be ordered with a 11/2-, 13/4-, or 2-inch pentagon socket. The wrench head has a 9 1/6-inch square opening that is ready to use by turning it over.
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Workboat catalog
Boston Whaler, a manufacturer of custom fiberglass workboats, announces the availability of their “86” full-line workboat catalog. It includes 45 pages of action photography, detailed illustrations, specifications, and pricing for five lines of boats ranging in size from 13-27 feet. There is also a complete option listing with pricing for such items as heavier laminate, tow bars, seats, canvas, and power options.
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Rescue tools
New Super Quic-Bar multi-purpose rescue tools from Ziamatic Corporation have been redesigned for better leverage and greater efficiency. Used by police, fire, and emergency rescue teams to force entry through almost any door or window, the tools are especially effective in narrow areas where conventional tools can get hung up, according to the manufacturer.
Three models are available in different sizes: 12, 20, and 30 inches. Each tool features a sturdy, slotted claw at one end, which also works as a gas shut-off. The other end is a combination wedge and pike. All tools feature both flat and hammer head type striking surfaces.
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CPR instruction device
The CPR Prompter from Auralogic Inc. is a small, battery-powered plastic case about the size of a hard-covered book that is used during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. It guides trainees through the proper sequences and cadences via spoken instructions stored on a microchip.
Practicing CPR while hearing the unit’s voice instructions helps to embed the timing and cadences of CPR in a trainee’s memory. The prompter also frees the instructor to give trainees personal attention.
Potential purchasers of the device include: fire, police, hospital, and ambulance personnel, as well as CPR-trained employees in factories, offices, hotels, and restaurants.
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Fireground command simulation
Fireline Systems announces the availability of their advanced fire simulation training device, the Fireline Fireground Command Simulator. The microcomputer-based simulator was developed to provide the nation’s fire service with “true-to-life” fireground simulation. The Fireline Fireground Command Simulator can be used to expose fire officers and firefighters to a variety of typical fireground challenges.
The simulator requires no computer experience and can be used by individuals, groups, or for large class training sessions.
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New gas detector
The Electronic Nose, Model 850 Investigator’s Aid is a simple-to-use detector manufactured by Grace Industries Inc. This unit will detect hydrocarbons that may be present at the fire scene days after the incident.
It is equally effective as a general purpose gas detector, and can detect methane gas of less than 50 ppm. The Model 850 sensor element is housed in a metal cone that is mounted on the end of a telescoping wand, which permits easy survey of suspect areas, according to the company.
The Model 850 is responsive to a broad range of gases and hydrocarbon accelerants. When the sensor is exposed to a gas or accelerant, a deflection on the meter will be observed accompanied by a series of audio beep tones. The faster the beep tone, the higher the gas concentrations.
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Fire salvage tarps
The Griffolyn Company is marketing a line of fire salvage tarps designed for easy handling. The Griffolyn tarps, which are constructed of light-weight, fire-retardant material with nylon reinforcement throughout to make them tear resistant, replace the older, heavy canvas tarps.
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Fire alarm protector
Safety Technology International announces its Stopper II device that helps prevent false fire alarms.
The Stopper II device consists of a tamper-proof, clear Lexan shield and frame that fits over manual pull stations. When lifted to gain access to the actual alarm, it sounds a piercing warning horn. Immediate attention is called to the station, and a prankster will run or be caught before pulling the alarm.
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