The Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) will hold its 28th Annual Apparatus Symposium January 18-20, 2016, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
The link between apparatus and firefighter safety continues to grow as the importance of safety in apparatus design and maintenance becomes more apparent. This year’s event takes another step forward in a couple of ways. The FDSOA will be holding its Annual Safety Forum immediately following the Apparatus Symposium January 20-22, even sharing a keynote address by Gordon Graham, noted speaker and risk manager. In addition, the FDSOA is partnering for the first time with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Safety, Health, and Survival section (SHS) for the Safety Forum.
The Safety Connection
So many advances and changes in apparatus are directly related to firefighter safety. The list includes seat belts, rollover protection, air bags, securing loose equipment in cabs, hearing protection, braking systems, and diesel exhaust removal systems. The risks to firefighters relative to apparatus are being addressed and are certainly a part of the responsibilities of fire department safety officers. These people continue to seek collaborative and cooperative relationships to improve firefighter safety. This includes the need to work more with manufacturers, fleet supervisors, and mechanics.
The Apparatus Symposium offers a unique opportunity to hear more specific information about all aspects of vehicle acquisition and maintenance-more so than the typical expo. Vehicles are not on display, but vendors and manufacturers will have detailed information available. Attendees will hear the latest during workshops and then be able to follow up for more specific information from the presenters. Vendors and manufacturers will also have displays, and this is a great opportunity to expand your network and renew old friendships. The size and intimacy provide adequate time to delve into details that will improve knowledge and offer safety and savings tips.
While there is clearly a benefit to the attendees to learn more about their job responsibilities regarding apparatus acquisition and maintenance, the manufacturers and vendors also get to learn about the needs of departments and organizations. While not necessarily a formal focus group, those in attendance are accessible and more than willing to offer their opinions on anything regarding vehicles. Besides the usual attendees, manufacturers and vendors will also have the chance to talk to safety officers who will be around because of the merging of the two conferences. These safety officers are getting more sophisticated regarding their job responsibilities, so they are acutely aware of the importance of safe and reliable apparatus.
New Partnership
The partnership with the IAFC SHS section adds yet another layer of personnel with a passionate interest in firefighter safety. The members of this section are chiefs and chief officers who understand the need to continually improve firefighter safety. They know the importance of the safety officer in the overall well-being of the organization and offer great support for these efforts. The officers and safety personnel know the relationship between safe apparatus and the goal of providing as safe a work environment as possible. As safety continues to get more recognition as a vital component of every fire department, the influence of those committed to safety continues to grow.
Whether you are interested in safety, apparatus, or both, this conference offers a great opportunity to provide additional tools in your toolbox to improve your job performance and knowledge. Manufacturers, vendors, fleet managers, mechanics, safety officers, and chief officers interested