The rarity and complex aftermath of a pallet rack collapse leaves rescue professionals inadequately equipped for such a scene.

PLAINFIELD, Indiana — There are well over a million warehouses in the United States, housing billions of square feet of steel pallet racking. Those numbers continue to rise daily, as does the risk of a catastrophic pallet rack collapse. This rare but deadly event creates a tangled, unstable debris field like no other – and which no existing rescue apparatus is specifically designed to handle. The ShoreFit Shoring Strut to Pallet Rack Adapter is the patent-pending rescue solution that establishes a sturdy, secure, multi-plane connection for shoring strut engagement with pallet rack frames, and has been painstakingly engineered to work with major shoring strut brands.

A pallet rack collapse can happen suddenly and without warning. In this event, a damaged frame ignites a chain reaction that leaves a chaotic web of steel components woven into the wreckage of all the pallets of goods which they were previously holding. The aftermath of such an event is at a scale that is hard to imagine – and impossible to precisely train for. Further complicating critical rescue efforts, the shoring strut that rescue teams would instinctively reach for is not compatible with pallet rack frames.

Developed by a team of experts with decades of experience in rescue response, warehouse safety innovations, pallet rack maintenance, and collapse prevention, ShoreFit provides everything first responders need to create a secure entry triangle for pallet rack collapse rescue.

“While rare, these collapse disasters do happen more than most would believe,” said Daniel Klinger, Vice President of ShoreFit. “An industry insider, speaking on the condition of anonymity, related to us ‘It’s a fool who believes that these collapse events, be it partial or full collapse scenarios, aren’t playing out multiple times a month across the country.’ ShoreFit exists to ensure that first responders are fully equipped in advance to safely and quickly reach someone in need of rescue should the unthinkable happen on their watch.”

ShoreFit is tho

November 15, 2024 | 3 PM

Join us for an in-depth roundtable discussion with leading thermal imaging experts Manfred Kihn, Joe DeVito, and Andy Starnes as they explore cutting-edge advancements in thermal imaging technology for the fire service. In Thermal Imaging Unscripted: What’s Next in TICs, these top trainers will review the latest features and innovations in thermal imagers, providing valuable insights on how to seamlessly integrate this technology into your department’s training programs. Learn practical tips for ensuring your team is fully equipped to harness the power of thermal imaging for maximum effectiveness on the fireground. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your department’s readiness with expert advice from those at the forefront of thermal imaging training. This event is brought to you by Bullard.

November 20, 2024 | 11 ET

Join us for an important webinar on Firefighter Health and Safety, where we will explore essential practices and strategies to protect the health and well-being of firefighters and emergency personnel. This session will provide valuable insights into how ongoing education, effective prevention methods, and early detection initiatives can significantly reduce risks on the job. You will learn how to apply research, interpret lab reports, and understand safety policies that drive informed decision-making and safer work environments. We will also discuss practical steps for limiting exposure to hazardous materials, ensuring proper use of PPE, and maintaining overall wellness through personal hygiene and proactive health monitoring. Additionally, this webinar will emphasize the importance of setting a positive example for others by taking the initiative in health advocacy and encouraging early detection through regular physicals and exposure reporting. Whether you’re a firefighter, safety officer, or advocate for health and safety, this webinar is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to promote a safer workplace.

This event sponsored by RESCUE Intellitech.

Keeping It Safe Robert Tutterow

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) released its annual report on the 2023 fatal firefighter injuries this past June. There were 89 reported line-of-duty deaths (LODDs), which is fewer than the 98 reported in 2022. However, it was the second highest number in the past 10 years.

It is important to note that the report does not include cancer deaths. Of the 89 LODDs, 48 were volunteer firefighters (which includes paid part-time) and 30 were career firefighters. The other 11 were either wildland or military.

While many (especially nonfire service personnel) might suspect that well over 90 percent of deaths occurred on the fireground, the percentage was 36 percent. The second highest percentage, based on type of duty, was responding to/returning from a call at 21 percent. The other double-digit percentages for type of duty were nonfire emergencies and training with each at 11 percent. Station duties comprised 8 percent, while EMS was at 6 percent. Maintenance and other on-duty were each at 3 percent.

The NFPA started tracking LODDs in 1977 when there were more than 150 reported. In fact, in the second year of its reporting in 1978, there were 174 firefighters who lost their lives.

Through the mid 1980s, the average was around 125 annually. From the mid 1980s to 2000, the average was around 90. I think it is no coincidence that it was in the mid 1980s that the fire service started talking about firefighter safety and the first edition of NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety, Health, and Wellness Program, was published. A huge amount of gratitude must be extended to those pioneers who led the firefighter health and safety initiatives during this time, especially the late Phoenix (AZ) Fire Department Chief Alan Brunacini. The first 10 years of the new millennium saw a rise to just under 100 LODDs annually. In retrospect, I think a bit of complacency set in after the initial impact of NFPA 1500. From around 2010 to 2020, the average number dipped to around 70, with 2019 being the lowest at 48. The 2020s have seen another uptick with an average of above 80. Is it time for a renewedfocus on firefighter safety? (Please note that these numbers do not reflect the 343 firefighters lost in the World Trade Center.)

In examining the type of duty deaths, the responding/returning category of 21 percent is totally unacceptable. Many of these are single-vehicle accidents, and if not, very few are the fault of the other driver. Is the issue driver training? Or, adrenaline induced? Or, competition with other responding apparatus? Or, pure driver/occupant negligence—i.e., failure to be buckled in? I suspect the answer to each of those is “yes.”

I do not recall any of the events being mechanical failure of the apparatus, even though there are some poorly maintained, aging rigs making responses. Regardless, it is highly recommended that all fire departments focus on ways to minimize the risks associated with responding to and returning from incidents. A pet peeve of mine is seeing so many departments putting so much black on their apparatus—especially the retrore- flective striping. It is the most inconspicuous color, and it shows the world that your department values the “trendy appearance” of the apparatus over the safety of its members. The European fire service has decades of experience (and data) proving the validity of having conspicuous apparatus as a component of its safety programs.

Other key points of the report show that sudden cardiac arrest was the cause of 40percent of the d