By Plymovent Staff

Some fire stations find it hard to get all firefighters to consistently use installed diesel exhaust removal systems. This is understandable, given the physical and mental exhaustion that firefighters often experience when returning from a fire. Getting out of the truck to attach the exhaust removal hose to the tailpipe may not be the first thing on a firefighter's mind. But the long-term health risks make this a must-have activity. And, firefighters know they need to take advantage of any safety gear that prevents a fellow firefighter from long-term injury or health issues.

Richard Hasley, an engine driver for 17 years in Franklin, Tennessee, and owner of EDI, an authorized distributor of Plymovent, states it this way: “What the driver and officer of that apparatus need to understand is that each time the hose is hooked up it improves the quality of life for not just them but for each and every brother and sister firefighter in that building.”

To continue the training message in day-to-day activities, some stations have posted a “visual procedure” on a wall nearby to make hooking up the hose standard practice. The flier often contains an illustration showing the exhaust as a deadly hazard as it leaves the tailpipe, and focuses more on the “Why” than the “How” of using the hose. The training message reminds firefighters that they need to take advantage of ALL the safety equipment available to them, including SCBA, particulate hoods, wipes, etc. Here’s an example of a “Hook up the Hose” flier that a station using the Plymovent system:

Diesel Exhaust Is Carcinogenic – So Hook Up the Hose!

Reduce our carcinogenic exposure from diesel exhaust and the diesel particles that cause cancer.

Help Us Get to 0.05 mg/m

Diiesel particulate matter levels in a fire station range from 0.1 to 0.48, according to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The EPA’s recommended maximum long-term exposure to diesel particulates is just 0.05 mg/m. You are the key to helping all of us reduce our exposure.

Hook Up the Hose

Remember, the exhaust removal hose is a key piece of PPE equipment that keeps all of us healthy and safe. To hook up the hose, place the lower part of the nozzle onto the tailpipe and press down on the safety disconnect.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/hookupthehose/.

Since 1980, Ready Rack™ by Groves Incorporated has been a leader in supplying fire departments with quality storage systems. Groves started with the open-air turnout storage system and over the years developed our Red Rack® product line. The Red Rack® storage systems are available in mobile, freestanding, and wall-mounted configurations.

Wall-mounted Red Racks® have an exclusive modular design, allowing them to be available in any run length needed. They also allow for maximum air circulation permitting PPE and gear to dry faster and last longer. Available in 18”, 20”, and 24” wide sections, Ready Rack wall-mounted racks are 20” deep and 72” in height. The length depends on how many units are purchased. They are made with heavy-duty tubular steel with a red powder coated finish that stands up to demanding firefighting environments and helps the racks from fading or chalking under UV light conditions. The materials also stand up to a 184-hour salt spray test. Each locker unit comes complete with: adjustable boot and helmet shelves, hanging pole, appeal/bunker pant hooks, label holder for name plate, and a limited five-year warranty on manufacturer defect. Groves offers a security option that incudes a lockable door and top security shelf that are sold seperately.

Other items that pair with the Red Rack® systems are PPE Hangers, Gear Guard Covers, Personal Property Boxes, and Ready Rack Benches.

For more information, visit www.readyrack.com.

Park Ridge (IL) Fire Department pumper. Enforcer cab and chassis; Cummins L9 450-hp engine; Hale Qmax 2,000-gpm pump.

Park Ridge (IL) Fire Department pumper. Enforcer cab and chassis; Cummins L9 450-hp engine; Hale Qmax 2,000-gpm pump.