Medina, OH (April 20th, 2016) - Fire-Dex has launched a new NFPA 1971 compliant hood, the H41 Interceptor™, designed to keep potentially carcinogenic particulates and other harmful contaminants off of firefighters' jaws, faces, and necks;  areas identified as highly absorptive and more permeable than other areas of skin(1), and are likely not getting enough protection from hazardous particles with the FR knit hood technology that is currently available(2).

Fire-Dex will be donating $5 per hood to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network for every H41 Interceptor™ sold this week during FDIC.
 
The development of this hood was inspired by the reports referenced above; the Firefighter Cancer Support Network Report(1) and the FAST Test Report, Commissioned by the IAFF(2).  The first report stated that firefighters  have a "significantly increased risk... for a number of cancers, including multiple myeloma, nonHodgkin's lymphoma and prostate and testicular cancer" (1).  This report also discussed that soot and smoke particles readily absorb and hold liquid and gaseous chemicals, that "soot has ultrafine particles that... [are] also absorbed through the skin traveling to most organs including the brain"(1), and that skin adsorption rate increases 400% with every 5°F increase in skin temperature. (1) The FAST Test Report demonstrated that particles at 2.5 micron size penetrated the standard FR knit hood (soot and smoke particles are usually 1 micron or less) and left a concentrated, heavy deposit on the subject's neck, cheeks, ears and jaw.

The H41 Interceptor™ Hood was developed in collaboration with DuPont™, utilizing their revolutionary new material, DuPont™ Nomex® Nano-Flex, that can block fine particulates almost as well as an impermeable membrane.  Unlike FR moisture barrier membranes however, this new lightweight (0.8oz/yd2), "barely-there" material is actually completely breathable; Nomex® Nano-Flex is a non-woven, web technology, made of submicron continuous fibers.  The H41 Interceptor™ Hood is constructed with Nomex® Nano-Flex sewn between two layers of  6.0oz/yd2 PBI®/Lenzing to provide the maximum performance for particle barrier filtration, comfort, breathability, thermal protection and protection in flashover condition.  The H41 Interceptor™ is patterned to protect the integrity of the filtration system and uniquely designed to promote easy donning and doffing from the stowed position to the SCBA face piece channel.

The H41 Interceptor™ blocks 95% of particulates at .2 micron in size or larger.  For perspective, there are 25,4000 microns in one inch and a human hair is about 75-100 microns wide, so a .2 micron particulate is about 500x smaller than a strand of hair.  Testing has shown that the particulates sized at less than .2 microns don't have enough mass to make it through the double layer knit and the Nomex® Nano-Flex; essentially meaning that this hood blocks 100% of particulates less than .2 microns.

This chart demonstrates the remarkable difference in particulate blockage from a standard FR Knit Hood to an FR Knit Hood with Nomex® Nano-Flex (measuring from 0.5 - 0.2 microns).



The air permeability of the Nomex® Nano-Flex is far superior to all FR moisture barrier films that others are offering.  Standard FR moisture barriers are a necessity in turnout gear, where gear can often get wet and such a membrane is necessary to prevent steam burns.  With bare skin being against the hood, and with the head and face generating considerably more sweat than most other areas of the body, breathability is an absolute must.  Using  Nomex® Nano

A 5,000-gpm flow through an aerial waterway is now possible with the Ferrara Fire Apparatus SKYFLOW. Being introduced at FDIC International 2016, the new midmount aerial fire truck is built on a Ferrara Inferno chassis and features a 600-hp Cummins ISX15 engine.

The aerial comprises four sections and features a brand new structure to accommodate the high flows possible through its hydraulically controlled monitor.

According to Paul Christiansen, aerial sales manager at Ferrara, the pump setup is the same US Fire Pumps arrangement as previous Inundator pumper rigs. 

Primarily designed for industrial fires, the aerial also features a 1,250-pound dry tip load. There are two 8-inch rear intakes and six-inch discharges. Wheelbase on the aerial is 258 inches, and its overall length is 51 feet 7 inches.

Also on display is an MVP pumper that features a variety of Hale/Class 1 electronic controls, helping to keep the pump panel extremely narrow.

At FDIC International 2016, MSA plans to showcase its latest plans for next-generation firefighting technology. “The response to our revolutionary G1 SCBA continues to be overwhelming, and for that we couldn’t be more proud,” says Samantha D'Uva, manager, public relations, MSA. “This year we invite you to continue that journey with us and dare to compare the G1 SCBA with your own expectations about what an SCBA should be. We promise you’ll be surprised—and excited—about what the future holds for the G1 platform.”

D’Uva continues, “Our commitment to the fire service—When you go in…We go in with you—is more than just words. It’s what drives us. So when we developed the G1 SCBA, we did so with the promise to provide firefighters with the latest technology available to help protect them when their lives are on the line.”

D’Uva says that while the G1 has been the single largest development effort in MSA’s history, introducing this product to the market just wasn’t enough. “So we continue to push the envelope, and this year we’ll be showcasing our latest plans for next-generation firefighting technology, which will all be built into the G1, she says. “These concepts represent the next step in our vision to create a truly unique and versatile platform that can keep up with the pace of technological advancements over the years ahead.”

In addition to what’s happening in the company’s booth, MSA is proud to be the official TIC sponsor of the show and a key sponsor of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation 2016 Stair Climb, honoring the 15th anniversary of September 11. “In fact, we invite all stair climbers to visit the MSA booth to receive a free commemorative 9/11 patch, featuring a custom-embroidered design,” D’Uva says.

Also on Thursday, April 21, will be the MSA Block Party at the intersection of S. Capitol Ave. and W. Georgia Street. Attendees will have a chance to win a Cairns Helmet for themselves or an Evolution 6000 TIC for their local fire department. All are welcome from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.! For more information, visit www.msablockparty.com.

Regarding FDIC International, D’Uva says, One of the greatest aspects of FDIC is that it provides endless opportunities for product research, relationship building, and networking. Attending FDIC is impressive because the latest innovations in firefighter safety are all at your fingertips!”

She sums up, “Firefighters put themselves in danger every day to keep our communities safe, and for MSA, our goal is to develop and provide these brave men and women with the most advanced safety equipment that helps protect them when their lives are on the line. Having a presence at FDIC allows us to come face to face with those that put their trust in the MSA brand day in and day out.

“All of us at MSA have a true passion for what we do—and we love FDIC! From the camaraderie and the sharing of best practices and training techniques to uncovering the latest in life-saving technology, we look forward to this show—and this opportunity—each year!