By David Durstine
VP, Akron Brass Company

The most current edition of NFPA 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, went into effect in January 2010 and included a number of new requirements improving fire apparatus performance, reliability, and safety. One of those safety provisions placed a mandatory requirement that all apparatus compliant with NFPA 1901 include a vehicle data recorder (VDR) similar to the "black box" on an aircraft. VDRs record a number of modern apparatus parameters, including vehicle speed, acceleration, deceleration, engine speed, throttle position, antilock braking system (ABS) events, seat occupied status, seat belt status, master optical warning device switch position, time, date, and other data.

Many fire industry leaders were the driving force behind this VDR requirement as a solution to help with one of the most disastrous and preventable problems facing today's fire service. All too often we hear or read about firefighters being injured or killed as a result of vehicular accidents involving fire apparatus. In most cases, these accidents were and are preventable. When used as a proactive tool, the VDR, combined with a proper operator training program and continuous improvement, can be of real value to your department.

Two Ways to See It

Some city officials, fire officers, and firefighters might argue this requirement from both sides of the fence. If the VDR records an accident and can confirm safe, responsible driving, then they would probably love the indisputable data. On the other hand, if this data pointed to irresponsible operation, then the opposite would be true. Both viewpoints were part of regular discussions at NFPA 1901 meetings leading up to the revised standard. At the time, it was shared with me and others numerous times leading up to finalizing the current NFPA 1901 revision that since 1992 all electronic engines have had a last incident reporting system onboard, which could be downloaded by engine manufacturers using special software. These incident reporting systems captured much more data than VDRs with the exception of master warning lights, seat occupancy, and seat belt status. This knowledge helped reinforce the fact that the data were there whether we wanted them or not. Today's VDRs simply provide fire departments with easy access to the data and in a way that can be used proactively to help save lives.

VDR Types

There are numerous VDR manufacturers and suppliers. All have very similar devices with some level of differentiation between each. But, two things are very consistent: They all record the same NFPA-required data and they all make it accessible for you to use and be proactive with. Rick Fix, of Fire Research Corporation, states, "As for VDR usage, most departments I have seen with them only download from them when they have an incident, not realizing that they have a great tool to monitor driver and firefighter safety." Pete Luhrs, with Weldon, a division of Akron Brass, says, "The intent of adding the VDR and seat belt indicator to fire trucks is to promote safety. Too many good men and women get hurt each year on their way to and from scenes. However, one of the cool features available is that this information can be used for troubleshooting a vehicle issue as well."

Using VDR Data

Are you really getting the most out of your VDR? I would like to share a personal experience regarding my department. We rarely look at our VDR data. As a small volunteer department, we really don't have the time and resources to download and evaluate the data. However, a couple of months ago my chief asked me to download the VDR data from our engine and provide him with some key pieces of information.

More precisely, as I probed more details from him, he

By Chris Mc Loone

It's interesting how as you ascend the career ladder, that target on your back gets bigger and bigger with every new position. There seem to be those in this world who were put here simply to call into question everything we do, assemble roadblocks to everything we want to do, and work to derail everything we do manage to accomplish. It's the nature of the beast, of course, and as we climb our career ladders we just have to work through it all. It's a pretty trite phrase these days, but it truly is what it is.

The connection to apparatus and equipment is that these people routinely find themselves on apparatus purchasing committees (APCs). Many times it's because they've been on the last four APCs, so they are kept on for their perspectives. And, many times they are former white coats who may be past their prime. How many of us have had to deal with that one APC member who insists on throwing wrench after wrench into the works? One day it is, "The last time we specified a truck, company A could accommodate this request. Why can't this company?" Then the chassis is different than all the other chassis in the house, and this causes more consternation and additional wrenches are tossed into the machine.

Some of these individuals are valuable APC members, while others seemingly only seek to serve on the APC to call into question every decision made. Some say this is a good "check and balance" for a committee. If the goal of those doing the checking and balancing is to build the best possible truck based on the needs of the department, then I agree. But, if all they wish to do is denigrate those on the committee and second guess everything, then that's not checking and balancing. It's impeding progress.

How do we deal with these people? is the question. In many cases, they are former chiefs who have earned the right for newer members to treat them with respect-if for no other reason than by their saying, "Yes, I volunteer to lead this department as a chief officer," at one point in their careers. There are fewer of these men and women than we think. And, many of us owe them a debt of gratitude for building our departments into the organizations that many revere in communities around the world. So, taking a dismissive approach isn't the answer-especially since many can still contribute positively.

It falls on the APC chairman to figure all this out. The chairman of the APC has a monumental responsibility to keep the committee on course. He has the unique responsibility to manage the seasoned veterans along with the younger upstarts who think they have all the answers. Be careful-sometimes they do hold a few answers. These are the members who will be riding what you spec for the department.

Have an agenda for each meeting, assign someone to take minutes, and make sure you develop deliverable action items for APC members at the end of every meeting. At the next meeting, go through the action items and act on them. Then go through the process again according to your agenda for the meeting. There will be disagreement. Don't let it get heated. Don't let either side of the table act in a disrespectful manner to the other side. Eventually through it all, you'll come up with a truck that will be the envy of your surrounding communities-that is, until a neighboring department takes delivery of its newest piece. Again, it is what it is.

Remember that this translates into all other facets of leading an organization. Leadership isn't easy, especially when you are sitting in a room with a mixture of your mentors and those you are now called on to lead. Subtly reminding the veterans that you are owed the same respect they expect from you and the youngsters in the room isn't easy and, unfortunately, might take a private meeting to get the idea across. Conversely, explaining to the youngsters why they owe respect to the veterans isn't a

Chris Mc Loone

The realities of today's fire service staffing issues are not lost on any tool or apparatus manufacturer. As personnel numbers shrink, so have fleets in some cases as many departments have shifted to multipurpose apparatus. Shifting to multipurpose apparatus makes tool mounting more critical than ever because equipment from two rigs is consolidated into one. Organizing it all and making it fit are no easy tasks. Additionally, new vehicle technology has created the need for more powerful tools in some cases, which typically weigh more.

But, beyond apparatus design, equipment manufacturers are tasked with creating equipment that is easily deployable by fewer firefighters at incident scenes. Tools being designed to address reduced staffing include hydraulic rescue tools.

Through the years, hydraulic rescue tool manufacturers have come up with a variety of setups for deploying the tools. One setup is to have the power units mounted on the trucks and the tools connected to reels. When the apparatus would pull up to the rescue scene, the operator would get the generator going, and firefighters would stretch the tools from the truck. Apparatus placement for this setup was key because to get decent power from the tool, the hydraulic line had to be a certain length. Make the line too long, and performance decreases.

Moving to all gas-powered units solves some tool performance problems because departments could spec shorter hydraulic lines. But, atmospheric contaminants like exhaust become an issue for both rescuers and victims.

Some departments have mounted power units and tools on carts. Once on scene, they would essentially have everything they needed to start a rescue on a cart. One person could wheel the cart into position while another firefighter stretched an electric cord for power. The only problem here is getting the carts off the truck easily. You need at least two firefighters. The name of the game these days is to give crews tools they can deploy with a minimum number of firefighters-sometimes only one.

Hydraulic Innovations

First and foremost on the minds of many equipment purchasing committees is how to purchase tools that match the staffing realities of each department. These tools need to be deployable by one firefighter in many cases. It's important to remember that although your department may field enough firefighters generally for vehicle rescues, it needs to be prepared that sometimes the crew won't be what is needed when the truck leaves the firehouse.

Holmatro Inc.'s philosophy for many years has been to address staffing requirements with the tools it designs, according to Fran Dunigan Jr., marketing manager, Holmatro, Inc. "Holmatro's tools have been on the cutting edge of power, while still keeping light weight and portability in mind," he says. "Plus, CORE Technology™ is still helping make rescue operations faster, easier, and safer." Dunigan adds that the auto-return CORE™ coupler eliminates dump valves on Holmatro power units and the need to dedicate staffing to that task. "The single-line CORE hoses are up to 60 percent lighter than traditional twin-line hose and are kink- and snag-free," he states.

(1) The HURST Jaws of Life CombiTool SC350E is part of the company's eDRAULIC hydraulic-electric line of rescue tools that free rescue workers of power units and heavy hoses, reducing the number of firefighters and associated setup time needed with traditional tools. (Photo courtesy of HURST Jaws of Life.)

Holmatro has also recently introduced a way for customers to turn all of their existi

HMA Fire and Hannay Reels Partner on Off-Road Utility Vehicles

HMA Fire and Hannay Reels have partnered to create off-road utility vehicles by adding Hannay Reels' high-pressure hose reels to HMA's ultra-high-pressure (UHP) mobile fire apparatus. UHP systems deliver microscopic water droplets at an extremely high velocity, always 1,100 pounds per square inch (psi) or higher. Using UHP technology, HMA Fire can offer systems for on- and off-road vehicles, ATVs, brush trucks, skid units, or retrofit packages for existing vehicles like pickup trucks and full sized fire apparatus.

HMA Fire recently began creating off-road utility vehicles to extinguish fires in areas where traditional trucks can't access. These self-sustaining units are completely mobile and equipped with a water and foam tank for flammable or combustible liquids. The units carry 100 gallons of water.

With UHP, small water droplets provide more surface area to extinguish a fire. These droplets also convert to steam quicker, which displaces oxygen. Additionally, UHP systems can emit a layer of foam for a fuel fire when using the appropriate foam type.

The pressures required for UHP demand a hose reel that can handle high pressures through long hoses. HMA Fire chose Hannay Reels to supply the reels for its new off-road utility vehicles. Hannay Reels manufactures durable hose and cable reels for both OEM and aftermarket applications.

With all UHP system components, there is limited space left on these vehicles, so HMA Fire requires a reel that can precisely fit into a small space. Hannay Reels will take parameters and specifications for every reel HMA Fire orders to ensure the reels precisely fit and operate under the expected conditions to which they will be exposed. Additionally, the reels must withstand 1,500 psi and accept foam without corroding. Stainless steel construction is a must.

The reels Hannay provides are standard-profile and low-profile to place alongside the UHP pump and motor. The reels provide fast payout and rewind with a chain-and-sprocket drive powered by an electric motor. An adjustable spring drag brake locks the reel in place, and a four-way roller guide helps reduce response time, increase hose capacity, speed cleanup, and improve lifesaving on-scene operations.

The off-road utility vehicles have been delivered to countries around the world for use in desert environments and remote locations. A customer in Dubai recently ordered the vehicles for desert fire suppression and 10 units were shipped to Mexico. In America, the United States Army and Navy requested units for use in operating bases and tent cities in Afghanistan. In all these areas, standard vehicles are too large for certain roads and cities and are also unable to tread through heavy sands.

For more information, visit www.hannayreels.com (518-797-3791) or www.hmafire.com (800-338-2010).

Kingsway Industries, Inc.'s TRI-MAX 200 SUPER CAF System is designed specifically for wildfire prevention and produces 4,000 gallons of foam per tank load compared to the 2,400-gallon average. TRI-MAX CAF system's foam is meant to last longer than air-aspirated foam, so fewer trucks are required. A one-ton truck with two operators can transport TRI-MAX systems, so a fire engine is unnecessary. The TRI-MAX 200 SUPER CAF relies on traditional firefighting tactics but aims to offer an inexpensive and compact

In the News

• FORT GARRY FIRE TRUCKS celebrated the grand opening of its new facility by welcoming more than 450 fire chiefs, firefighters, guests, and suppliers to the celebration. Chiefs got to mingle with suppliers at a mini trade show as well as tour the facility. A roast beef dinner was served and a casino night followed. The Dalum Fire Department, Drumheller, Alberta, won the $25,000 credit toward the purchase of a new fire apparatus within the next two years and a trip for two to Florida. The 50,000-square-foot facility has been up and running since the end of January 2013. The new space has allowed the company to specialize in building fire apparatus for all kinds of extreme climates and providing rubber products to its industrial customers.

• EAGLE COMPRESSORS, INC. appointed former Finance Manager Becky Dreier as the new vice president of finance. The position requires Dreier to manage all aspects of accounting and finance work; coordinate external auditor statement reviews; and oversee all administrative departments, material handling, and warehouse operations. Dreier has more than 30 years of experience in accounting and finance at manufacturing companies, half of which she spent in key management positions.

• E-ONE DEALERS and sales representatives were recognized for their outstanding performance over the past year, with individual sales representatives across five different regions of the United States receiving the Regional Sales Excellence Award. Dealerships taking top honors received the Dealership Sales Excellence Award: Fire Service, Inc., Greenwood Emergency Vehicles, Hall-Mark Fire Apparatus, Inc., Sunbelt Fire, and Techno Feu, Inc.; Dealer Achievement Award: Fire Service, Inc.; Dealer Parts Sales Award: Hall-Mark Fire Apparatus, Inc.; and Customer Service Award: Fireline, Inc., Chief Fire & Safety Company, Inc., Greenwood Emergency Vehicles, and Sunbelt Fire.

Sales representatives honored received the Regional Sales Excellence Award for the following regions: Mid Atlantic Region, Randy Powell of Advantech Service & Parts, North Central Region, Tom Pour of Banner Fire Equipment, Inc.; South Central Region, Curtis Gho of Sunbelt Fire; Northeast Region, Bertrand Bouchard of Techno Feu, Inc.; and Southeast Region, Nate Gilman of Hall-Mark Fire Apparatus, Inc. The Sales Achievement Award for the Stainless Steel Product went to John Buckley of Greenwood Emergency Vehicles.

• FDM SOFTWARE and OPEN INC. have formed a partnership and will collectively comarket and support each other's offerings to emergency services agencies through North and South America. FDM Software provides public safety enterprise solutions and OPEN Inc. specializes in manufacturing technology products for EMS services. The companies expect the agreement to enable FDM and OPEN to leverage each other's skills to better serve their clients in North America and to expand their operations in international markets. Each company will train one another's staff to help integrate the companies.

• PIERCE MANUFACTURING INC. received an order for 10 fire apparatuses from Polk County (FL) Fire Rescue. The purchase includes five pumpers, a 100-foot Pierce Aerial Platform, and a heavy-duty rescue/hazmat vehicle, all built on the Pierce® Velocity™ chassis. The order also includes three tandem rear axle tanker-pumper vehicles. The pumpers and aerial platforms feature an optional forward roof cab design that enhances interior space for the crew and improves visibility. The pumpers also feature a 450 hp DD13 engine, Pierce Command Zone® advanced electronics, and a 1,250-gpm si

Alan M. Petrillo

Motiva Enterprises' Norco Manufacturing Complex in Norco, Louisiana, is a dual-use facility that contains a Motiva petroleum refinery and a Shell chemical plant, each presenting unusual hazards in terms of fire prevention and suppression. Add the fact that the complex is a small city complete with office buildings, warehouses, housing, and a web of large and small roadways, and the task of designing a pumper to protect the facility seems daunting.

Last year Michael Mitchell, emergency response manager for the Norco Complex, was faced with developing specifications for two industrial pumpers and an industrial aerial platform in less than a month. "We were advised there was capital available for the apparatus but that we had to put the specs together quickly," Mitchell says. "We contacted Ferrara to help us with the specs for the pumpers." Ferrara ultimately got the job to build two vehicles.

(1) Ferrara Fire Apparatus built two industrial pumpers for Motiva Enterprises' Norco Manufacturing Complex with Hale 8FG 3,000-gpm pumps, 1,000-gallon foam tanks, and 500-gallon water tanks. (Photos courtesy of Ferrara Fire Apparatus unless otherwise noted.)

Specific Requirements

Mitchell says replacing older pumpers was a major concern and that he had specific needs to be met on the new vehicles. "We wanted the pumpers to be on a single axle for better maneuverability, be able to carry 1,000 gallons of foam and 500 gallons of water, and be able to deliver 10,000 gallons per minute (gpm)," he says.

When pumping from the refinery's water system, Mitchell points out, firefighters can tap a great deal of volume and pressure. "We have up to 30-inch water mains throughout the complex," he says. "And, there are eight locations where we can take fire water from a river, wells, and lakes with a pumping capacity of more than 20,000 gpm."

Motiva Enterprises awarded Ferrara the contract for the two pumpers, Mitchell notes, "because we had dealt with them in the past, they are a local provider in our state, they have excellent engineering and sales support, and they turned in the low bid on the two pumpers."

(2) The two industrial pumpers each have two Task Force Tips Monsoon 2,000-gpm monitors at the rear in addition to a Williams Fire & Hazard Control Ambassador 2,000- to 6,000-gpm main deck gun.

Twin Engines

The two pumpers are identical. Each is built on a Ferrara Igniter XMFD four-door custom cab and chassis with a 3⁄16-inch 5052 H32 marine-grade extruded aluminum body with a Cummins 600-horsepower ISX15 diesel engine and Allison 4000 EVS transmission; each carries a Hale 8FG 3,000-gpm pump, a 1,000-gallon foam tank, and a 500-gallon water tank.

Firefighting punch is delivered by a Williams Fire & Hazard Control Hot Shot 2 balanced pressure foam system that can be directed to any or all of three monitors-a Williams Ambassador 2,000- to 6,000-gpm main deck gun and two Task Force Tips (TFT) Monsoon 2,000-gpm monitors at the rear

By Troy Padgett,
Director, ARFF Products,
Oshkosh Corporation

Picture this: A brand new Air Force recruit finishes up his technical training, where he learns everything there is to know about repairing fire trucks. It wasn't until he arrived at his first duty assignment that he realized there was much more to this job than what he learned in school. After all, he grew up in a part of the country where there were no fire trucks. If your house caught on fire, someone grabbed the garden hose while everyone else did their best to haul out the furniture. His recent education taught him the basics but in no way prepared him for what was to follow. In week two of his entry into the real world of aircraft rescue fire fighting (ARFF) vehicle maintenance, he got the "honor" of being assigned as the standby mechanic responsible for any afterhours repair needs at the fire department. Of course, he gets a call on his very first night.

One of the ARFF trucks broke down on the taxiway and had to be moved right away. As he drove in to "save the day," he couldn't help but worry that he had no clue what may be causing the problem with the truck. Fortunately, the firefighter that met him out on the taxiway had been the driver of that particular vehicle for a very long time and knew a lot about his rig. He pointed right to an air valve on the engine and said, "There's your problem, sonny." He was absolutely right, and the repairs were made in short order.

Yes, this is my story, and that night I learned a valuable lesson about building relationships between maintenance teams and firefighters. There are many ways to tackle the maintenance needs on ARFF vehicles, but constant and open communication between the operators and mechanics is at the heart of all successful plans. As mechanics, we need to remind ourselves that our firefighter friends are using these trucks to save lives and property. This is not the lawn mower we are repairing. We have one of the most important jobs in the world-making sure the vehicles we are responsible for are always ready for the stressful duty they will face in an emergency.

Improving Relationships

So let's look at just a few suggestions that may help improve these relationships.

Be present. In a best case scenario, each airport fire department has assigned mechanics on site dedicated to supporting the firefighting fleet. This allows for immediate reaction to any truck deficiencies found during the daily operator checks. Reacting immediately prevents a growing list of issues, which may hinder firefighting operations.

Unfortunately, reality kicks in and tells us that most airports cannot have a full-time fire truck mechanic on staff. In these cases, they use maintenance personnel assigned to a larger organization that also are responsible for all other pieces of equipment at the airport. All is not lost though. If these maintenance groups assign staff members a primary responsibility of supporting the fire department, those team members can take advantage of available training to stay proficient in the ever-changing world of ARFF maintenance. If this is the strategic plan, someone from the assigned group should arrange for a daily check-in with the fire department. During this check-in, they can correct any minor issues or make arrangements to correct larger ones. Either way, you will be able to promote the effort of minimizing defect lists.

Be educated. Training comes in many forms. Many of the daily maintenance challenges are easy to solve with a basic understanding of electrical, hydraulic, air, and mechanical systems. A background in heavy truck maintenance goes a long way when thinking about ARFF service. However, there are a number of systems designed specifically for aircraft firefighting that you will need advanced education to support. The million-dollar question is, &

Chris Mc Loone

CM: How has the F-Shield been received and what led to its development?

CF: It was really a unique theory and process. We all thought, looking at the fire industry, that we really wanted to come up with something that could have a dynamic impact on the fire service throughout the country.

One thing we have seen year after year-that a lot of the frame rails are deteriorating and rusting. So, we reached out to fire departments across the country and found that that is really a growing problem. With some of the corrosive materials they use for salting roads and deicing roads, it's really playing havoc on a lot of the understructure of fire trucks, mainly in the northeast but really all across the country with some of the issues even in the south with salt conditions around Florida and the Gulf Coast areas.

We did some research and we found this product that we think is going to set the bar to solving the rust and corrosion of frame rails. As you know, fire departments have to keep fire trucks longer than any other time before with the tough economy. So, we came out with this idea and it seems to be taking off by storm. I think we set the bar and I think it's going to be a great savings and a mechanic's dream working on these trucks as the trucks get older.

CM: What is the biggest issue in the fire service today and what is Ferrara doing to address it?

CF: I think the biggest issue is the funding-whether it's firefighters getting laid off or funding to purchase equipment. I think we really have a tremendous problem across the world of helping fund fire departments so they can maintain their services. That's a big concern to me and I'm sure it's a big concern to a lot of fire departments. Every time we see our U.S. congressmen [or] our U.S. senators, we tell them day in and day out that they have got to help fund this fire service program. So any time we can reach out to any of our politicians or anyone that will listen to us, we spread the word that we have to have additional help in the fire service to help promote fire safety across the country and help support these fire departments.

CM: What is the most important product Ferrara makes?

CF: That's a tough question. We build so many different products. We're so diverse in building rescues to aerials to specialty units, but what really sets us apart is that we are still a custom builder today. Customers love what we do where we can sit down with a customer and say, "What best fits your needs?" If you want a special compartment size, a special length of body, a special length of chassis, we can do it. It really makes a big difference in my mind that the customer really wants what he wants and why he wants it. And, we want to give it to him and fulfill his needs. So, the most important product is all the products we manufacture. Because whether it's a rescue or an aerial, it's a heavy duty product. We really set the bar of building the heaviest product out there. As Peter [JØrgensen] would say, we have more extrusions in our body. I was nicknamed Mr. Heavy Duty by him many years ago, and we have stuck to that tradition.

CM: What's next for Ferrara?

CF: We are constantly looking for new ideas and new ways to make the product better and last longer. We're known to come up with different innovations and we really like to show our customers how the trucks are built from the inside out. So, you'll see at some of the major trade shows that we actually bring an unfinished body on one side and a painted body on the other side so we can show customers how our product is built from the inside out. The number one goal as we move forward is finding ways to enhance the product to last a lot longer given the restraints of the economy today. But not only that, also making the product safer for the fire departments. Our n

By Robert Tutterow

In last month's column, I shared the story of a sales representative for a thermal imaging camera (TIC) manufacturer complaining about National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1801, Standard on Thermal Imagers for the Fire Service (2013 ed.). He was lamenting that the standard had caused a huge price increase-a statement later refuted by fire service members of the NFPA 1801 technical committee. They were quick to say that the price increases he mentioned were very inflated and the changes in the thermal imager standard were fire service-driven.

It is appropriate that we take a look at some of the changes that were driven by the fire service-not the manufacturers. There are three broad categories of change: usability and interoperability, image quality, and durability.

Usability and Interoperability

The unit must have a green power button and have a way to attach to the firefighter. It must have a basic mode that allows for a firefighter to quickly use any manufacturer's TIC without additional training, limiting the display to a digital temperature readout, temperature bar, and heat-indicating color with a reference color scale. Any additional features are to be found in a plus mode. Activating the plus mode requires a special action separate from the power switch. The reasoning behind the special action to engage the plus mode is to prevent firefighters from inadvertently accessing features for which they have not been trained.

Image Quality

There are a minimum field of vision and minimum requirements for thermal sensitivity, and the unit must have an effective temperature range. It must also pass a very important image recognition test. The requirements for image quality were based on a study conducted through the NFPA's Fire Protection Research Foundation under the guidance of a fire service-driven technical panel, which did not include any manufacturers. Five manufacturers were project sponsors.

Durability

The unit must pass intrinsic safety requirements. It must pass multiple drop tests as well as pass heat-resistance tests and flame tests. There is a 24-hour durability test that subjects the unit to temperature extremes, water tightness, and a tumbling. Once the 24-hour test is complete, the unit must still pass the image recognition test.

Standard Evolution

This is a great example of how NFPA standards evolve. There are several thermal imagers on the market. They are used by the military, law enforcement, building inspectors, and other nonfire agencies. Why should the fire service accept an inferior product that is not designed for its intended use? Do we get our ground ladders from the local hardware store? The fire service insisted that thermal imagers meet a standard of design and performance for the fire service environment. The requirements are not manufacturer-driven.

Buyer Caveats

Buyers should be aware of the wording used by some manufacturers to sell their products. For example, the following are suspect statements:

• NFPA Approved. The NFPA does not approve any product.

• NFPA Certified. The NFPA does not certify products.

• Meets NFPA requirements.

• Designed to meet NFPA requirements.

Always look for the independent third party testing label that states the product is compliant with the applicable NFPA standard. Also, buyers should be aware of the current edition of the NFPA standard that applies to the product they are intending to buy and purchase a product that is compliant with the latest edition.

Informed buyers will have a familiarity with the applicable NFPA standard. NFPA standards can now be accessed at no charge online through RealRead. Standards cannot be printed or downloaded. Informed buyers should also be aware of the NFPA standards-making process. Keep in mind that NFPA