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The purpose of the Fire Mechanics Section is to promote standardization of fire apparatus and equipment preventative maintenance, improve safety standards and practices, promote workshops, conferences, and seminars related to the purposes of this Section, and to promote cost savings through standardization of building and equipment purchasing and maintenance.

RECENT FIRE MECHANIC NEWS

Posted: Apr 19, 2017

Frost & Sullivan Applauds Honeywell’s Life Guard Hood for Protecting Firefighters against Carcinogenic Particles with its Triple-layer Barrier

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — April 19, 2017 — Based on its recent analysis of the firefighter personal protective equipment market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes Honeywell with the 2016 North America Frost & Sullivan Award for New Product Innovation. Honeywell’s particle-resistant hood, the Life Guard Hood, protects wearers against carcinogens present in high-risk, unpredictable environments. This impermeable firefighting hood specifically protects the most vulnerable areas of the body—the neck, head, and jaw. The material composite of the hood has a particulate filtration efficiency of 99%, when tested to F2299 as proposed by the National Fire Protection Act (NFPA).

“Honeywell’s Life Guard Hood replaces the traditional ‘sock hood’ design with a superior fit, form, and function that allows for the seamless integration of the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and turnout gear with the hood. It also features a comfortable knit top without a barrier, which provides adequate ventilation without adding bulk to the gear,” said Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Sanjana Prabhakar. “Additionally, it is very durable, lasting more than 50 washes and enabling regular decontamination to lower the risk of absorption of carcinogens.”

The Life Guard Hood leverages a seam-sealed, 4.7 ounce per square yard triple layer polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE) barrier that completely blocks particulate matter. Furthermore, it has a thermal protective performance (TPP) of 24 for the barrier composite material and 28 for the knit material, and total heat loss (THL) of 360-385 for the barrier composite material and 370 for the knit material. As a testament to its product efficacy, it meets the rigorous test requirements of the International Association of Firefighting (IAFF) and the Fluorescent Aerosol Screening Test (FAST) in a simulated use environment.

Honeywell has brought together members of the garment design and engineering teams to offer the Life Guard Hood in different hood sizes and form factors. This integration was seamless, as evinced by the breakthrough improvements in the design of the product. The new Life Guard hood ensures that the interfaces between the head and neck are robust, eliminating the likelihood of contaminant seepage. Particular care has been taken to strike an optimal balance between protection and breathability.

“The hood has been engineered using a patent pending hybrid design that integrates a knit fabric with a lightweight barrier composite weighing 16 ounces per square yard of fabric and incorporates Honeywell’s patented Mask Mate™ face opening,” noted Sanjana Prabhakar. “These design and engineering improvements have been made possible by seeking inputs from the firefighters in the product development stage.”

Overall, Honeywell’s Life Guard Hood is uniquely positioned for sustained success as it addresses the core issues that customers care about – quality, functionality and reliability.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has developed an innovative element in a product by leveraging leading-edge technologies. The award recognizes the value-added features/benefits of the product and the increased ROI it offers customers, which in turn raises customer acquisition and overall market penetration potential.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets that demonstrate outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.

About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with client

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Posted: Apr 19, 2017

Hannay Reels Displays Diverse Array of Firefighting and Rescue Reels at FDIC International 2017

Firefighters using Hannay Reels

Hannay Reels, the world leader in dependable, high quality hose and cable reels for OEM and aftermarket applications, will showcase hose and cable reels designed specifically for firefighting and rescue applications at the 2017 Fire Department Instructors Conference, April 27-29, 2017, at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis.

Visit booth #3536 for a chance to win a Hannay Reels C16-10-11-DE compact portable cable reel. Equipped with a storage drum extension, this lightweight and durable reel easily manages long lengths of cable. It also features an adjustable cam-lock drag device to brake the reel, as well as a crank handle permanently attached to the disc.

Also on display at the Hannay Reels booth will be various reels for firefighting and rescue applications designed to maximize vehicle space limitations and provide quick deployment, including the following:

·         New! Portable Reels for 1” Forestry and Standard lay Flat Hose: Two lightweight and portable hose storage reels – ideal for forestry lay flat and standard lay flat hose – when extra lengths are needed in an emergency.

·         ELFCR Series Power Rewind Cord Reels: Designed with low height for tight area installations; handles live electric cable, features chain and sprocket drive powered by an electric gear motor

·         TEF Series Twin Dual Hydraulic Rescue Reel: A pair of independently operated dual hydraulic rescue tool reels housed in a shared space-saving frame

·         Booster Hose Reel: Dependable, rugged reel; available in stainless steel or lighter-weight “Super Booster” (aluminum) construction

·         Power Rescue Hose Reel: Compact design featuring chain and sprocket drive powered by an electric gear motor, threads determined based on rescue tool manufacturer.

Firefighters and rescue squads demand equipment that can deliver top performance under extreme conditions day after day,” said Ken Fritz, Manager of Engineering and Quality Assurance at Hannay Reels. “Our reels help cut attack time and increase safety, which makes a big difference in an industry where the lives of your crew – and community – are on the line.”

Hannay Reels is the leading manufacturer of durable hose and cable reels for both OEM and aftermarket applications, offering thousands of standard models along with a wide range of custom design capabilities. Hannay’s superior manufacturing techniques, consistent quality, outstanding service and unmatched value result in the most dependable, best-engineered reels in the business. This formula has solidified Hannay’s reputation for helping companies around the world improve the productivity, efficiency and safety of their operations since 1933. Hannay’s industry-specific expertise comes from decades of experience with a variety of markets, including audio/visual, aviation, firefighting, industrial, processing, and transportation. For additional information, visit us at www.hannay.com or email info@hannay.com.

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Posted: Apr 19, 2017

Petzl Showcases NFPA-Certified Product at FDIC 2017

 Petzl Showcases NFPA-Certified Product at FDIC 2017

Petzl will showcase its innovative, NFPA-certified EXO AP personal escape system at FDIC International 2017. New for 2017, Petzl has endorsed 25 premier fire rescue-training organizations as official EXO AP trainers.

“Petzl is committed to providing “solution-based” support to firefighters who brave the fireground, with continuous improvements of innovative products and training,” said Michel Goulet, professional division manager for Petzl America.

The upgraded, ultra-light EXO AP, $489.95, is 20% smaller than its predecessor. The original EXO was developed in 2006 following a terrible tragedy, which unfolded in New York City in January 2005. In its wake, Petzl’s research and development team worked closely with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) to create a device that would allow firefighters to escape burning buildings via a personal rappel safety system.

It took the fire rescue industry by storm and landed a Time magazine Best Invention of 2006 award thanks to its patented lever mechanism that allowed users to control their speed of descent.

The new EXO AP better controls panic-fueled escapes with an anti-panic function that engages if the user's adrenaline spikes and he or she yanks too hard on the handle. The descent will stop and give the firefighter a moment to collect him or herself before re-engaging the handle for a controlled descent.

The EXO AP descender allows users to quickly and securely anchor the rope, move horizontally, climb through a window and safely descend, including the ability to control speed or stop a descent. The 50 ft. Technora escape rope provides greater resistance to abrasion and high temperatures than nylon or polyester ropes. The Nomex carry bag attaches the system directly to the harness.  

Petzl will also debut two new NFPA-certified products at FDIC: a cam-loaded rope grab and fire rescue rope as well as a new seat harness.

The updated RESCUCENDER, $84.95, is an openable cam-loaded rope grab designed for use in raising systems as a haul cam and a progress capture device. The integrated cam spring helps avoid accidental snagging and increases durability.

The VECTOR, $192.95, is a low-stretch kernmantle, high-strength rope with excellent handling characteristics for rescue work. Its large diameter ensures great strength, abrasion-resistance, and excellent compatibility with rescue hardware when manipulating heavy loads.

The FALCON, $184.95, is a lightweight, comfortable seat harness designed for the rescue professional. It features a gear management system and a steel ventral attachment point that distributes the load between the waist belt and the adjustable leg loops during suspended rescue. The Falcon comes in three versions tha

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Posted: Apr 19, 2017

Petzl Showcases NFPA-Certified Product at FDIC 2017

 Petzl Showcases NFPA-Certified Product at FDIC 2017

Petzl will showcase its innovative, NFPA-certified EXO AP personal escape system at FDIC International 2017. New for 2017, Petzl has endorsed 25 premier fire rescue-training organizations as official EXO AP trainers.

“Petzl is committed to providing “solution-based” support to firefighters who brave the fireground, with continuous improvements of innovative products and training,” said Michel Goulet, professional division manager for Petzl America.

The upgraded, ultra-light EXO AP, $489.95, is 20% smaller than its predecessor. The original EXO was developed in 2006 following a terrible tragedy, which unfolded in New York City in January 2005. In its wake, Petzl’s research and development team worked closely with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) to create a device that would allow firefighters to escape burning buildings via a personal rappel safety system.

It took the fire rescue industry by storm and landed a Time magazine Best Invention of 2006 award thanks to its patented lever mechanism that allowed users to control their speed of descent.

The new EXO AP better controls panic-fueled escapes with an anti-panic function that engages if the user's adrenaline spikes and he or she yanks too hard on the handle. The descent will stop and give the firefighter a moment to collect him or herself before re-engaging the handle for a controlled descent.

The EXO AP descender allows users to quickly and securely anchor the rope, move horizontally, climb through a window and safely descend, including the ability to control speed or stop a descent. The 50 ft. Technora escape rope provides greater resistance to abrasion and high temperatures than nylon or polyester ropes. The Nomex carry bag attaches the system directly to the harness.  

Petzl will also debut two new NFPA-certified products at FDIC: a cam-loaded rope grab and fire rescue rope as well as a new seat harness.

The updated RESCUCENDER, $84.95, is an openable cam-loaded rope grab designed for use in raising systems as a haul cam and a progress capture device. The integrated cam spring helps avoid accidental snagging and increases durability.

The VECTOR, $192.95, is a low-stretch kernmantle, high-strength rope with excellent handling characteristics for rescue work. Its large diameter ensures great strength, abrasion-resistance, and excellent compatibility with rescue hardware when manipulating heavy loads.

The FALCON, $184.95, is a lightweight, comfortable seat harness designed for the rescue professional. It features a gear management system and a steel ventral attachment point that distributes the load between the waist belt and the adjustable leg loops during suspended rescue. The Falcon comes in three versions tha

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Fire Mechanics Section Board

Chair

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Chair

Elliot Courage
North Whatcom Fire & Rescue
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Vice Chair

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Vice Chair

Mike Smith 
Pierce County Fire District #5
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Secretary

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Secretary

Greg Bach
South Snohomish County Fire & Rescue
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Director #1

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #1

Doug Jones
South Kitsap Fire & Rescue
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Director #2

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #2

Paul Spencer 
Fire Fleet Maintenance LLC
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Director #3

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #3

Jim Morris
Mountain View Fire Department
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Director #4

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #4

Arnie Kuchta

Clark County Fire District 6

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Director #6

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #6

Brett Annear
Kitsap County Fire District 18
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Director #5

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #5

Jay Jacks
Camano Island Fire & Rescue
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Legislative Representative

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Legislative Representative

TBD
TBD
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Immediate Past Chair

Posted: Oct 20, 2015

Immediate Past Chair

Brian Fortner
Graham Fire & Rescue

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