Manufacturers stress need to regularly inspect all turnout moisture barriers amid reports of “signs of degradation”
The manufacturers of Body-Guard®, Cairns Protective Clothing, Fire-Dex, Fire-Gear, Globe Firefighter Suits, Janesville®, Quaker Safety, and Securitex brands of turnout gear have issued the following statement relative to the wear life of moisture barriers (the statement is quoted in full):
- The moisture barrier is the most fragile protective component in your gear. While everyone would like to understand exactly what causes moisture barriers to wear out, and when it will happen, it is likely to happen before other elements of your protective clothing wear out. For this reason, every firefighter and fire department should inspect their gear on a regular basis, as stated in our user guides. Particular attention should be paid to the moisture barrier, regardless of what brand it is.
- Aldan Industries, Inc., the producer of the majority of the moisture barriers being used today, has written to manufacturers of NFPA-compliant turnouts to advise them that some of their “BREATHE-TEXT® moisture barriers used in fire fighters’ turnout garments are showing signs of degradation.” The letter from Mr. Edwin T. Winter, Chairman/CEO of Aldan, goes on to say that their “investigations suggest that the garments may have been subject to attack resulting from storage conditions, length of service, care and/or maintenance.” Mr. Winter also indicates there are a number of factors that may cause this degradation to occur over time.
- BREATHE-TEXT® has been in the fire service since 1994. Wear life issues were only recognized recently, five years after the product was introduced.
- We believe that the potential exists for polyurethane moisture barriers similar to BREATHE-TEXT® to degrade over time in a similar manner. However, recent improvements in the construction of these barriers by other suppliers may provide longer wear life.
- The long-term wear characteristics of most fire fighting fabrics are not fully apparent until they have been in service for an extended period of time. For example, the full extent of the wear life difference between 6.0-ounce PBI and 7.5-ounce PBI was not known until the lighter-weight product had been in service for several years.
- Just as no manufacturer claimed equivalent wear life for 6.0-ounce and 7.5-ounce PBI, no manufacturer (including Aldan) has claimed that any polyurethane-based moisture barrier will have equal durability to a CrosstechT PTFE barrier.
- There are differences and tradeoffs in performance, quality, durability and price throughout the entire range of outer shells, thermal barriers, moisture barriers, reflective trim, reinforcements, etc.
- Another manufacturer’s 11/10/99 “recall” program for BREATHE-TEXT® denies the similarities between that product and other Aldan offerings such as BREATHE-TEX PLUS®. It also fails to address the importance of inspecting and checking all moisture barriers on a regular basis.
- There is a simple field test you can perform to check any moisture barrier: Place your liner on a flat surface (or over a bucket) with the dry thermal barrier facing down and dry moisture barrier facing up. Pour about 1/2 cup of water on the moisture barrier and wait a few minutes. If the water passes through the moisture barrier and wets the thermal barrier, your liner should be removed from service and repaired or replaced. Perform this simple test in high-abrasion areas (like the broadest part of the shoulders, at the knee, or the seat of the pants), or where you have detected other potential damage to the shell or thermal barrier. It is difficult to determine with any certainty whether your moisture barrier leaks by looking at either the film or the fabric it’s laminated to. Do the test! Or have the test done by a reputable turnout cleaning and repair company.
If you do this test on your gear, and there is leakage, or [if] you detect leakage, contact your local dealer or [the] original manufacturer about repair or replacement of the moisture barrier.
Cause of automatic defibrillator “ventings” under study
Four incidents involving the venting of the nonrechargeable lithium batteries used in Medtronic Physio-Control LIFEPAKT 500 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) have been reported as of November 12, 1999. The manufacturer has been investigating the matter and had posted a “Dear Customer” letter, as well as several updates, on its Web site (www.physio-control.com/lithiumbattery.html). Customers will continue to be updated at frequent intervals through the Web site, according to Tom Swenson-Healey, quality assurance, at Medtronic Physio-Control.
Among the information the manufacturer has passed along to customers is the following:
- The company has conducted on-site investigations, directly interviewed the individuals involved, and completely evaluated the devices from an engineering perspective and “has found no evidence of fire or heat-related damage and no explosions associated with any of these events.”
- Findings indicate that the venting that occurred resulted from a rapid battery chemistry pressure buildup within the cell, not an explosion caused by heat or fire within the cell. The following pattern was identified in the incidents: rapid venting and cell rupture, battery case rupture caused by the sudden pressure change, and the release of gas and carbon particles within the soft case or into the surrounding area if the soft case was not on the device.
- In the case reported on October 15 [in the Okaloosa Island (FL) Fire Department], two firefighters were handling the device when it vented. Both firefighters were examined in a local emergency room and released the same day. One suffered soreness to the hand that was in contact with the device when the venting occurred and was treated for first-degree chemical burns. He sprained his other hand when he fell as a result of the unexpected occurrence. Both firefighters reported respiratory irritation from inhaling the sulfur dioxide gas released by the battery cell. One firefighter is being treated with anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the respiratory irritation.
- The venting broke off the bottom plate of the units involved; those devices could not be and should not have been placed back in service. In one unit, the connection for the battery was displaced. Consistent with standard practices, these devices were returned to Physio-Control for further evaluation. In the engineering tests conducted at Physio-Control with the devices involved in the incident, when a battery was connected and the power button pressed, all the affected units were in calibration and able to defibrillate normally. All battery history information was obtained, and automatic self-tests were passed.
- The company is continuing “an intense investigation using all expertise available” and will continue doing this “until an answer is found or all possibilities are exhausted.”
- The following are ongoing: a thorough evaluation of the cell failures, a chemical analysis of the cells, bench testing of the batteries to try to reproduce the same failure, looking at the history for each of the failed units, and evaluating all production records at Physio-Control and at the battery manufacture site to identify any changes in the manufacturing or design process.
- Thus far, no root cause has been identified, and the manufacturer has been unable to get other batteries to fail in the same manner.
- All users are encouraged to review the sections on proper care and storage for the LIFEPAK 500 AED in the operating manual. Using the soft carrying case can limit “the collateral effects of the venting to a moderate degree.”
- This battery technology is appropriate for use in AEDs, “given the low maintenance, service duration, and chemistry safety characteristics. Though we recognize each service must make its own decision, based upon the low incident of this problem and the results of our investigation to date, we continue to recommend you keep your devices in service.”
- “The company will provide additional information as it becomes available and will update its Web site at frequent intervals.”
- The manufacturer will contact its customers directly if it is determined that preventive or corrective action is required.
For additional information, contact the manufacturer’s customer hotline at (800) 732-3088.
IAFF requests NIOSH investigation
In a Safety Alert concerning the LIFEPAK incidents posted on the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Web site (www.iaff. org/iaff/Health_Safety/safety_alert.html), the organization expressed concerns “with the potential of further injuries of fire fighters and emergency medical personnel when using such AEDs and with the potential of injury to patients being treated with these life-saving devices.”
Accordingly, the IAFF has taken the following actions and made the following recommendations:
- It formally requested that the National Institute of Safety and Health (NIOSH), through its Division of Safety Research, investigate these incidents and conduct any needed independent research on the potential safety hazards of such rechargeable and nonrechargeable (lithium battery) AEDs. It was also requested that a fact sheet be prepared and distributed to workers and their employers using this equipment.
- It asked the Food and Drug Administration, through its compliance offices within the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, to assist in the NIOSH investigation, as well as initiate any product recalls.
- IAFF members who have experienced similar problems with these AEDs are asked to report the incidents to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Medical Products Reporting Program on FDA Form 3500A (consult FDA’s Web page
). - IAFF affiliates are encouraged to report any difficulties with medical devices to the FDA and the IAFF Department of Occupational Health and Safety.
- Departments using these AEDS are advised to check them immediately.
IAFC and IAFF introduce physical ability test
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) have developed the Fire Service Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). The IAFC/IAFF Fire Service Joint Labor Management Task Force introduced the program at Fire-Rescue International in Kansas City, Missouri, last August.
The test, which can be administered as part of a fire department’s hiring process, is designed to measure the physical ability of candidates to perform the following routine firefighting tasks: climbing stairs, dragging hose, carrying equipment, raising and extending a ladder, forcing entry, negotiating a search maze, engaging in a simulated rescue, and breaching and pulling a ceiling. It runs from eight to 10 minutes.
The cost of implementation runs between $10,000 and $15,000, which can be shared among jurisdictions jointly sponsoring the program. IAFF affiliates will receive the CPAT without charge. The IAFC will make it available to members for $90 and to nonmembers for $120. According to IAFF General President Alfred K. Whitehead, the test has been through “an extensive validation process, including scientific, legal, and fire service review.”
IAFC President Richard “Smokey” Dyer called the CPAT “a valid model,” one which he said “would lead to fewer firefighter injuries and better service to citizens.” He also lauded “this cooperative effort of IAFC and IAFF. This process of labor and management working together,” he noted, “will help them to tackle other issues in the future.”
The CPAT was developed over the past 18 months by the two organizations, 11 IAFF local affiliates, and 10 fire departments from across the United States and Canada. In all, 195 people were involved. Departments that participated were Austin, TX; Calgary, Alberta; Charlotte, NC; Fairfax County, VA; Indianapolis, IN; Los Angeles County, CA; Miami/Dade County, FL; New York City; Phoenix, AZ; and Seattle, WA.
Sources: Fire Control Digest, Washington Capital News Reports, Inc., Arlington, Va., Oct. 1999, and “IAFF Unveils Candidate Physical Ability Test,” IAFF Web site.
Fallen firefighters remembered
Career firefighters from across the United States and Canada participated in the 13th Annual International Association of Fallen Firefighters (IAFF) Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial Service in Colorado Springs last September. The names of 58 firefighters were added to the wall of honor; nearly 1,000 names of firefighters and emergency medical workers have been inscribed on the wall since 1976, when the memorial was first initiated.
Among the speakers were IAFF General President Alfred K. Whitehead, United States Fire Administrator Carrye Burley Brown, and Colorado Springs Mayor Mary Lou Makepeace. Additional information on the memorial is available at the IAFF Web site at
. House passes FLSA firefighter/paramedic bill
Firefighters who are cross-trained/dual-role paramedics, work for a fire department, and have the legal authority and responsibility for suppressing fires are covered under 7(k) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and thus qualify for overtime after 53 hours, according to The Fire and Emergency Services Definition Act (H.R. 1693), recently passed by the House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Rep. Bob Ehrlich (R-MD) and is being considered by the Senate.
The bill defines a “firefighter” as an employee who is trained, authorized, and responsible for the control, prevention, and extinguishment of fires. A firefighter is covered by the overtime exemption anytime he or she is engaged in an emergency situation where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Duties involving EMS activities are explicitly included within exempt firefighter activities.
New Jersey warehouse fire raises safety issues
A warehouse fire that occurred in Bergen County, New Jersey, injured 26 firefighters. This led to proposed legislation that would require warehouse owners to inform their local fire departments whenever they receive even small shipments of hazardous chemicals. However, no legislation has yet been passed. Another warehouse fire occurred in the county last October.
Although state legislators agree that loopholes in the state’s Community Right to Know law must be closed, they cannot agree on how to accomplish it. Several attempts were made to introduce bills to close these gaps, but they did not make it out of committee. Under the current state law, enacted in 1983, warehouses are largely exempt from disclosing the chemicals they have in-house.
At the October fire, some 50 firefighters responded and were surprised to find pallets loaded with burning chemicals, many of which are on the state’s list of environmental hazardous substances. No one was hurt seriously. The last site inspection of the 70,000-square-foot warehouse by fire officials in December 1998 indicated that drums of olive oil, office furniture, and garden hoses were on the premises-but no chemicals.
Firefighters found more than a dozen pallets that held more than 40 chemicals-none of them in amounts that would meet the 10,000-pound federal minimum threshold for reporting them.
Business interests have opposed legislators’ attempts to change the law. They maintain that the current system does not work for anyone and propose a complete reworking of the Right to Know law.
As the law now reads, New Jersey companies (not warehouses, however) must file an annual report if they store or use more than 500 pounds of any substances designated by the state as “environmental hazardous substances” or if they store more than 10,000 pounds of any chemical listed under the federal version of the Community Right to Know law. The federal hazardous substance list, administered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is much shorter than New Jersey’s list of environmental hazardous substances.
Under the state law, reports should include the types and quantities of hazardous chemicals as well as the details about the facilities in which they are stored. The town in which the business is located also receives this information.
Warehouses, on the other hand, are subject only to the federal standard and need to file a report only if they store more than 10,000 pounds of a hazardous chemical.
Source “Warehouse blaze fans new interest in old law: Hazardous chemicals hadn’t been reported,” Paulo Lima, Bergen Record, Hackensack, N.J., Aug. 23, 1999.
Mesa, Arizona, adopts new fire code
In keeping with the spirit of National Fire Prevention Week, the City of Mesa, Arizona, adopted on October 6, 1999, a fire code that requires automatic fire sprinklers to be installed in all new residential and commercial buildings after May 1, 2000. Chief Dennis Compton called the move “perhaps the most significant step for life safety from a fire protection standpoint this community could ever take.”
Mesa is expected to experience a doubling of its almost 400,000 population within the next 20 years. It is estimated that passing of this ordinance would protect half of the businesses and homes within the city during this time. The city had 3,300 significant fires and a fire loss of $45 million during the past decade. Thirty-five people died in fires during that time.
The adopted fire code includes the 1997 Uniform Fire Code® and associated Uniform Fire Code standards with the 1998 and 1999 UFC supplements and amendments. The highlights of the fire code amendments include the following:
- Automatic fire sprinklers will be required in all commercial and residential buildings constructed after May 1, 2000.
- Adult care homes must have automatic fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems when residents are no longer ambulatory and cannot exit their homes.
- The fire department has the authority to stop construction and to remove the contractor’s personnel from the construction site when excavations or confined spaces are unsafe (improperly shored, for example) and to report the violations to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration if the contractor fails to comply after having been notified of the violations.
At press time, it was learned that a petition to subject the sprinkler section of the ordinance to a referendum vote in the city’s March election had been submitted to city officials, who were checking to see if the signatures were valid and sufficient. The signature drive had among its sponsors local realtors.
Cosponsors for the FIRE Bill reach 205
At press time, the Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement (FIRE) Act had 205 cosponsors. Introduced by Representatives Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) and Curt Weldon (R-PA), the bill would authorize $5 billion in grants to fire departments over five years and attempts to bring firefighter funding up to the levels of that for law enforcement, educators, and other professions (see “The ‘FIRE’ Bill: It’s Now or Never!” Fire Engineering, June 1999, 55).
In November, a version of this bill (S. 1941) was introduced in the Senate by Senators Christopher Dodd (D-CT) and Mike DeWine (R-OH).
FLAME bill would establish grant program for volunteer departments
At the end of October, Rep. George Gekas (R-PA) introduced H.R. 3155, the Firefighter’s Local-Federal Assistance for Management of Emergencies (FLAME) Act.
It would make available $11 million in grants per year to help emergency response organizations in states that have an emergency response loan program in effect and distribute through these programs federal grants of up to $15,000 or equal to what the company received through voluntary contributions and local government and municipality grants. Available FLAME Act funds would be drawn from existing accounts under the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Gekas notes, “The funding crisis suffered by volunteer fire companies poses a potential public safety threat.” The bill was referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Pilot study: Firefighters may lose sense of smell
Many firefighters might gradually lose their sense of smell, according to a test involving 102 Chicago firefighters, 48 percent of whom had a significantly impaired sense of smell. Neurologist Alan Hirsch of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation reported that the firefighters couldn’t tell natural gas or smoke from perfume and bubble gum odors. Hirsch presented his findings to the American Public Health Association in Chicago in November.
Among the study’s findings was that the sense of smell of firefighters who used breathing masks while fighting fires was not better than that of those who did not use masks. Hirsh notes that firefighters who do not use their masks once the fire has been extinguished may suffer damage to the olfactory nerve because the chemicals remain in the air.
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has indicated it would like to see additional studies involving a larger number of firefighters. The study “raises a flag about health and safety,” says George Burke, IAFF spokesperson.
Source: “Firefighters risk losing sense of smell,” Marilyn Elias, USA TODAY, Nov. 9, 1999, 1A.
Arsonists barred from New York State volunteer fire departments
Effective April 1, 2000, all prospective and transfer volunteer fire company members-county, city, town, village, and fire district, as well as all independent companies-will be subjected to background checks for a history of arson. The mandated criterion for prospective volunteer firefighters was added to Chapter 423 of the Laws of 1999. The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services will conduct the search.
New IEC/ISO standards aim at standardizing flame test methods
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has announced that the following recently published IEC/International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards will help to ensure standardization of flame test methods, testing protocols, and procedures:
- IEC 60695-11-10 (1999-03)-Fire hazard testing, Part 11-10: Test flames-50 W horizontal and vertical flame test methods, and
- IEC 60695-11-20 (1999-03), Fire hazard testing-Part 11-20: Test flames-500 W flame test methods.
According to Nic Maennling, secretary of the IEC Technical Committee 89 (Fire hazard testing), “The publication of these standards has resulted in the replacement of IEC 60695-2-4/0, IEC 60695-2-4/2, ISO 1210, and ISO 10351.” The new series of standards will provide material producers and consumers with a more reliable means of assessing flammability characteristics, adds Maennling. Additional information is available at the IEC Web site
Building products evaluated for compliance with international codes
Manufacturers wishing to show that their building products-ranging from plumbing and mechanical fixtures to roofing materials and exterior coatings-are in compliance with the 2000 International Building Codetrademark(IBC), may obtain an evaluation report from the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) Evaluation Service, Inc. (ICBO ES). Products may also be evaluated in relation to ICC and ICBO plumbing, mechanical, and fire codes. The IBC, published by the International Code Council (ICC), is a comprehensive and coordinated family of model codes created to promote code uniformity throughout the United States. The ICBO ES reports may be accessed without charge on the Internet at
. They are also available in printed form by subscription. For additional information, call (800) 423-6587. TriData study focuses on international exchange among fire departments
If you or your department has been engaged in any formal or informal exchange of information pertaining to fire service issues with individuals, fire departments, or localities outside the country, TriData Corporation of Arlington, Virginia, would like to hear from you to learn about the nature of the ex-change.
International exchange has broadened the perspective of many U.S. firefighters in many areas, including new approaches to countering, preventing, and suppressing fire, TriData explains. When the research is completed, a list of “sister cities” will be made available on the Internet without charge. To submit information or obtain additional details, contact Philip Schaenman, TriData Corporation by fax, (703) 351-8383, or mail: 1000 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209.
International certification exam for housing inspectors announced
The international certification examination for property maintenance and house inspectors has replaced the Building Officials and Code Administrators International (BOCA) property maintenance and housing inspection examination. Inspectors holding BOCA certification are eligible for the international certification on renewal and do not have to be retested. BOCA; the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO); the Southern Building Code Congress International, Inc.; and the American Association of Code Enforcement (AACE) jointly developed the international exam.
The Assessment Systems Incorporated (ASI) testing facility will offer the examination on a daily basis. Reference materials and additional information may be obtained from Bill Hartz, BOCA International certification manager, at (215) 638-0554, e-mail [email protected], or from BOCA’s certification secretary at (800) 214-4321, ext. 334.
Line-of-Duty Deaths, 1999
October 29: Forestry Aide David Pack, 63, of the Tennessee Forestry Division, presumably drowned. His body was recovered from a pond after battling a wildfire.
November 3: Volunteer Firefighter Michael Sims, 38, of the Highland Hose Company of Tarentum, Pennsylvania, died from massive head injuries after falling off an apparatus while responding to an alarm.
November 3: Probationary Firefighter Jerry Ramey, 18, of the West Fork Volunteer (AR) Fire Department, was killed after stepping on a 7,200-volt downed power line while operating at the scene of a brush fire.
November 4: Captain Robert Ulrich, 57, of the Scipio (IN) Volunteer Fire Department, died after suffering serious internal injuries when the fire truck in which he was responding rolled over on a sharp turn.
Hurricane Floyd Inflicts Losses on North Carolina and Virginia Firefighters
Firefighters in North Carolina and Virginia have sustained significant losses as a result of Hurricane Floyd.
Many firefighters in North Carolina lost their homes, cars, and personal belongings. More than 50 percent of the counties in the state were affected by the storm. Organizations and private citizens throughout the country have offered to help the 147 fire families who suffered losses. The North Carolina State Firemen’s Association will serve as a collection point for donations. All contributions will be distributed to those in need. A disaster relief fund committee will disburse the funds on a priority basis. Donations are tax deductible. Contributions may be sent to The North Carolina State Firemen’s Association, P.O. Box 188, Farmville, NC 27828. Please indicate on your check that it is for “Hurricane Floyd Relief.”
Three firefighters (one a newlywed) from the Franklin (VA) Fire and Rescue Department also lost their homes to flooding caused by Hurricane Floyd. The department has set up a fund to help them and their families get back on their feet. Those wishing to assist should send their contributions to Franklin Fire and Rescue Department Relief Fund, Attention: Chief J. D. Eggleston, 100 S. Main Street, Franklin, VA 23851.
College Students
These students of Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina, are also members of the Buies Creek Volunteer Fire De-partment and are first re-sponders with the Dunn Fire Department. In addition to being certified firefighters, most of the Campbell volunteers are certified emergency technicians at the EMT-D level.
Buies Creek Fire Chief Jimmy Sox considers the students vital members of the department and says he relies on them heavily because of their proximity: “They’re right here in the community. We can have a truck out in three minutes.” Assistant Fire Chief Ashley Bradshaw was a volunteer with the Buies Creek Department while he was a student at Campbell and went to work as a full-time firefighter two weeks after graduation. Other Campbell student firefighters have also become career firefighters. Firefighter/students are (front row, left to right) Bruce Dayton, James Garris, and Misty Rouse; (second row) Richard Johnson, Wright Jackson, John Wall, and David Hesselmeyer; and (third row) Gene Parsons, Nicholas Stein, Brook King, and Chris Peluso.
