Phenix Technology, Inc., an industry leader in first responder safety helmets and equipment based in Riverside, California, announced its ISO 9001 standard certification renewal from ISO 9001:2008 to the newly revised standard, ISO 9001:2015. The certification process included a rigorous audit of business processes as well as our quality management environment. Phenix Technology, Inc. is one of a small group of companies worldwide to certify to the new standard and one of the first in the fire safety industry.

“The International Organization for Standards (ISO) is an independent, non-governmental organization … that establishes world-class specifications for products, services, and systems, to ensure quality, safety, and efficiency.” – www.iso.org. The standard allows businesses to formally prove they consistently provide products and services that exceed customer and industry requirements. The system is managed through external audits performed by an independent accredited registrar company along with stringent internal audits.

“Our vision at Phenix is to be the most respected name in our industry. We achieve excellence by providing unparalleled products, world-class customer service, and top-quality solutions that earn admiration and genuine trust. We are committed to continuous improvement and quality at the highest level. ISO is one of the many facets of our quality system,” said Angel Sanchez, Jr., Phenix Technology, Inc.’s Director of Global Operations.

In addition to their ISO certification, Phenix Technology, Inc. is focused on maintaining a Lean Six Sigma culture. They recently announced the official Green Belt certification of their Production Manager, who is the fourth person to receive Six Sigma certification. Six Sigma is a disciplined, data-driven approach and methodology for eliminating defects. Lean Six Sigma utilizes a concerted team effort to improve performance by systematically removing waste and variation.

By achieving the levels of certification in ISO 900:2015 and Six Sigma, the company demonstrates their ability and desire to effectively and efficiently provide a top-quality management system. They are committed to continuous improvement at all levels of the organization.

FoxFury® Lighting Solutions, LLC., a pioneer of innovative lighting solutions, has released a new lineup of Command and Discover Headlamps and Helmet Lights. These rugged and tough lights feature increased lumens, panoramic beams and True to Life™ LED technology.

All headlamps and helmet lights have a rear flashing LED for high visibility (seen up to 1 mile away).

"FoxFury Command and Discover headlamps have helped tens of thousands around the world to work safer and respond faster. We're excited to offer better and brighter panoramic lighting with these new models to deliver a premium lighting experience." said Antonio Cugini, Director of Marketing of FoxFury.

FoxFury Headlamps/Helmet Lights are professional grade lighting tools that provide spot and flood lighting. They are powered by (4) AA batteries (not included). Rechargeable units come with a rechargeable NiMH battery and RC plug adaptor.

A front light bar and rear battery pack evenly distribute the weight of the light from side to side and front to back, which prevents the light from leaning forward or sideways.

When used with a flexible elastic strap (included in some models), these lights can be worn as a headlamp on a ball cap or forehead. When used with the (included) silicone strap, the light grips on to safety helmets, including hard hats. It also can be worn on most traditional and modern style firefighter helmets (including US style firefighter helmets utilizing goggles, visors and Bourkes eye protection).

Adjustable tilt models allow the light bar to be aimed up or down to best illuminate the area and reduce the blinding of others. Different modes adjust light intensity based on what the immediate situation requires.

These Headlamps/Helmet lights are versatile lighting tools for industrial professionals and first responders along with recreational enthusiasts. Get the right lighting tool for the right job. Click Here.

By Bill Adams

It was a good week. The raisin squad must have taken their meds and been drinking decaf. Morning coffees were relatively calm until one of the computer-literate geezers questioned some photographs in a recent online posting about using side pump panel discharges to supply crosslay hosebeds. Hey, how come they don’t use them drooping elbows? They gotta use them for the regular discharges. The raisin was right. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, sentence 16.7.7 states, “Any 2 in. (52 mm) or larger discharge outlet that is located more than 42 in. (1070 mm) off the ground to which hose is to be connected and that is not in a hose storage area shall be supplied with a sweep elbow of at least 30 degrees downward.”

I brought in some of the photos the next morning. Regardless of the manufacturer, every side 2-inch and 2½-inch side discharge used to supply crosslay beds did not have elbows. All of a sudden it was my fault; they ganged up on me. Look at that—that ain’t right—how come they did it? “I don’t know.” Why not? “Maybe they’re going to add them before they put the rigs in service.” That’s BS; some of those rigs are already in-service. “I can’t answer.” Why would they take them off to bring to a show? “I still can’t answer.” You should; you used to sell this junk.

Despite knowing some of these white hairs for more than 40 years, friendship goes out the window when they have you on the ropes. They can’t wait to ask a question that I don't know the answer to, or one where there really isn't a good answer. Hey, did you see they’re gonna buy them fancy replacement inhalator things for each rig? “They don’t use inhalators any more. They’re called automatic external defibrillators (AEDs). Why?” The other day you were talking about two-piece engine companies. “What’s that got to do with AEDs? Do they have to carry them on each rig? “Why?” What if they don't respond together or what if one goes out for gas? “They don’t use gas anymore; everything is diesel. But, I don’t know.” Why not? What does the standard say? "It says every rig has to have one." How come? That was too much pressure. I went home and took two aspirin and an early morning nap. When you’re down, they’ll whip you and ride you like a rented mule. 

The other morning I got hit with: Did you see that new aerial with the spinning red light on the front? “The Roto-Ray?" Whatever you call it—it looks like a damn pin wheel all lit up spinning at warp nine. One of their guys says it’s the best light on the market. Is that true? "Beats me, but it’s effective because its mounted low and probably gets your attention quicker than just a flashing light." Can you prove that? "How the hell can I?" I didn't think you could.

Another day, one of the actives wandered by the kitchen carrying his bunker pants. One raisin yelled out, New britches? “Nope, just bunker pants.” Why do they call them bunker pants? I went through the scenario of sleeping in the fire station in a bunk (bunking in) and at night you’d jump right into them? Stupid me, I said they also called them night hitches. Who did? Why did they? “I don’t know, but when I first got in they called them night hitches.” That's stupid, but then again you ain't from around here. Then they accused me of being so old (which