"Tools and Everything for first responders including Federal Government, Municipality, Volunteer, Private contractors, Hazardous materials teams, structual Firefighters, wildland Firefighters and Rescue crews. Also articles on training and educational opportunities for the Fire Service, EMT, Rescue, disaster response. Please submit and comment on stories. Firefighting related Stories."

This site will focus on first responder safety equipment and gear including Fire fighting tools, personnel protective equipment, high angle gear, safety equipment anything and everything for first responders including Federal Government, Municipality, Volunteer, Private contractors, Hazardous materials teams, structual Firefighters, wildland Firefighters and Rescue crews. Also articles on training and educational opportunities for the Fire Service, EMT, Rescue, disaster response.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Tool Tips: How to maximize your locking pliers

Tool Tips: How to maximize your locking pliers

Simply swapping out the traditional set bolt on your "Vise-Grips" with an eye bolt adds a tremendous amount of versatility to the tool

By Jimm Walsh
From http://www.firerescue1.com

Locking pliers — more commonly known by firefighters as the brand name "Vise-Grips" — are an extremely handy tool to have readily available. They can be used  for a number of different tasks on the fireground and on other emergency calls.
These tools can be easily modified to increase their effectiveness. Simply swapping out the traditional set bolt with an eye bolt adds a tremendous amount of versatility to the tool.
This simple modification adds the ability to quickly attach a lanyard to the tool. The tool and lanyard combination can be used in a number of different forcible entry situations.
The two main sizes of locking pliers that should be considered for fireground usage are the 7-inch and 10-inch versions. The 7-inch version works well if the locking pliers will be carried as a personal tool.
The 10-inch (or larger) may offer more versatility, but tend to be a bit bulky to carry in your pocket. The 7-inch version typically requires a 5/16-inch x 18-inch thread bolt, and the 10-inch version typically requires a 7/16-inch x 14-inch thread bolt.
The average home improvement store may not have either size eye bolt in stock, but here is the secret: they more than likely have a turnbuckle with the proper size eye bolt. Just keep in mind that one of the eye bolts on the turnbuckle will have a reverse thread.
The lanyard is made from a 6-foot piece of 1-inch webbing and a snap hook. Once the knots are tied in the webbing, it makes an approximately 4-foot long lanyard with handle.
The style of snap hook shown is the preferred style because it can easily be clipped with a gloved hand. Unclipping with a gloved hand will be difficult, regardless of the style of hook used.
Snap hooks with a thumb latch are not able to be clipped while wearing gloves and typically have a smaller opening, making it difficult to work with this size webbing.
Thinner webbing (or rope) with smaller hooks could certainly be used, but they end up being more difficult to "feel" and manipulate while wearing gloves.
The lanyard can be secured to the locking pliers with a rubber band or section of tape for storage. Either one will keep the lanyard neatly stored and can easily be removed when the tool is placed in service.
One of the most popular tasks for the locking pliers lanyard combination is to hold a padlock while cutting with a rotary saw.
Simply clamping the locking pliers onto the body of the lock allows a firefighter to hold tension on the lock to prevent it from bouncing around while cutting. Keep in mind that when faced with a padlock and chain combination, it may be quicker to cut the chain verses cutting the lock itself.
Even when separated from the locking pliers, this lanyard is extremely useful. The most popular use is to control the door during forcible entry operations.
The lanyard can quickly be girth hitched around the knob of an inward facing door. This allows the forcible entry team to control the door during the force, and provides a means to pull the door closed from a safe area if conditions require.
Article Source: firerescue1.com Link

Wednesday, June 01, 2011

ALCO: SAR teams watch man drown due to policy...

Rescuers watch suicidal man kill self in SF Bay

"Handcuffed by policy" as firefighters forbidden from trying to save 50-year-old in 54-degree water


SAN FRANCISCO - Fire crews and police could only watch after a man waded into San Francisco Bay, stood up to his neck and waited. They wanted to do something, but a policy brought about by budget cuts strictly forbade them from trying to save the 50-year-old, officials said.

The apparently suicidal man, identified in the San Jose Mercury News as Raymond Zack, was in the 54-degree water for around an hour.

One witness, Sharon Brunetti, told the Mercury News that Zack's stepmother asked her to call 911 and said he was threatening to kill himself.

He "gradually inched our farther and farther" from the shore, Brunetti told the paper.

"The next thing he was floating face down," she said.

A witness finally pulled his lifeless body from the water.

Interim Alameda Fire Chief Mike D'Orazi said Monday's incident is troubling. He has directed staff to write a new policy that would allow water rescues in the city of about 75,000 people across the bay from San Francisco.

The previous policy was implemented after budget cuts forced the department to discontinue water rescue training and stop maintaining wetsuits and other rescue gear, D'Orazi said Tuesday.

"The incident yesterday was deeply regrettable," he said. "But I can also see it from our firefighters' perspective. They're standing there wanting to do, SAR, Cold Water Rescue something, but they are handcuffed by policy at that point."

A witness, Perry Smith, told a television station the man was visible from the shore of Crown Memorial State Beach and was looking at people.

"We expected to see at some point that there would be a concern for him," another witness, Gary Barlow, told KGO-TV.

The Coast Guard was called to the scene, but the water was too shallow for a boat, Alameda police Lt. Sean Lynch said. Police officers didn't have the gear for the cold water and couldn't risk being pulled under.

"Certainly this was tragic, but police officers are tasked with ensuring public safety, including the safety of personnel who are sent to try to resolve these kinds of situations," Lynch said.

D'Orazi said crews may have decided it was too risky to attempt the rescue, even if they had not been shackled by the restrictions on water rescues.

In addition to the new policy, Alameda fire personnel will receive training in water rescues, and rescue equipment will be inspected to make sure it is not damaged, D'Orazi said.

There are no lifeguards at the beach, said Isa Polt-Jones, a spokeswoman with the East Bay Regional Park District. Signs at the park advise swimmers to enter the water at their own risk.
Source: http://www.cbsnews.com  Link

Limited edition 10th anniversary 9/11 tribute painting "Twin Towers"

Order 9/11 Tribute Painting & Support CA Fire Foundation
{EAV_BLOG_VER:ec40134ac98fdc23}



Get your limited edition 10th anniversary 9/11 tribute painting "Twin Towers" by retired Santa Clara City firefighter Frank Walsh.
In Walsh's painting, the firefighter and police officer are shown standing together, where the World Trade Center once stood.
"For the families of the 343 FDNY firefighters, 37 PAPD and 23 NYPD police officers, this was a most tragic day but for these men and women it was their finest hour," said Walsh. "To serve and protect is what they do and sometimes they make the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow man. This was never more exemplified then on September 11, 2001."
To honor their sacrifice, Walsh painted each of their names in the smoke. The 343 on firefighter's helmet shield represents the number of firefighters lost.
All proceeds benefit the California Fire Foundation.
Canvas Giclee 20"x30": Time limited through September 11, 2011. Signed and numbered by artist. $343 each.
Lithograph: Limited to 1,000 editions or through September 11, 2011, whichever comes first. Signed and numbered by artist. $75 each
Poster: Unlimited. $25 each.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AN ORDER FORM.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Fire Equipment Video: SERV Gradall Strategic Emergency Response Vehicle


Watch the Gradall Strategic Emergency Response Vehicle "SERV" in Action.


Improve Firefighter Safety.
Attack Fires More Effectively.


These are the real-life benefits of the revolutionary Strategic Emergency Response Vehicle models by Gradall.

SERV models by Gradall — the industry's premiere Strategic Emergency Response Vehicles — enable firefighters to reach out to break through roofs and walls, and then drown the sources of dangerous fires. SERV models integrate a strong, telescoping Gradall® boom with a fire cab and chassis to effectively fight fires in dangerous locations where firefighters often get hurt or killed, or where they can't possibly access.

Reach out with the famous Gradall boom

Eliminating the dangerous task of firefighters having to physically vent roofs or side walls, the massive Gradall SERV boom safely reaches right into the heart of man’s worst and oldest enemy… fire. Telescoping out to a length of over 47 feet, and without hindrance from overhead obstructions, the SERV boom can swing either left or right, and it can rotate 110 degrees in either direction to effectively position the 5th Man piercing nozzle for attack.

The Gradall boom is an integral component of the new Gradall SERV firefighting apparatus. Delivering the benefits of a half-century of hydraulic technology leadership, the Gradall SERV boom continues the tradition of all Gradall booms, known globally for their exceptional strength, durability and versatility in metal mill furnace maintenance and road and bridge demolition and construction.

Gradall SERV and 5th Man break tradition

The exciting new 5th Man piercing nozzle boom end attachment draws its muscle from rugged Gradall hydraulic boom forces and stability. From a safer position, firefighters can thrust a 5th Man stainless steel piercing head through windows, walls, roofs – even concrete structures. When mounted on a firefighting vehicle, this new venting solution eliminates the need for firefighters with axes to stand on burning rooftops. After piercing the structure, the 5th Man head has 52 aqua-jet nozzles that direct a massive broken stream curtain of water into the heart of the fire.

Wireless remote keeps firefighters out of harm’s way

Using a wireless remote control device, firefighters using with the Gradall SERV apparatus can strategically attack blazes from a distance of over 200 feet… in locations previously thought to be too dangerous or out of reach. After the Strong Arm Firefighting Vehicle is moved into position, a firefighter uses an easy-to-understand system of switches and joystick controls on the belt-held remote device.

With precision, the firefighter can telescope and tilt the Strong Arm boom into the correct position to demolish walls and ceilings, and then launch and direct the flow of water. For chemical tank fires, the Strong Arm boom can position the 5th Man directly over the fire to direct a massive release of foam.


Stabilizers… firm footing for vigorous firefighting

Rugged Gradall Strategic Emergency Response Vehicles models are equipped with a system of four stabilizers for strength and stability, creating a solid stance for vigorous firefighting. With the wireless remote control device, stabilizers telescope out and then down onto pavement or uneven terrain. Stabilizers can be positioned independently or all at the same time, providing short-jacking capability in close quarters.

 More Information: SERV http://www.gradallserv.com/serv-tv.html
Source: Gradall Link
Facebook: Gradall Link

Thursday, June 24, 2010

LODD: Washington Fire Chief Dies in Wildland Fire Incident Vehicle Accident

DEATH: Fire chief's death under investigation

Investigators are continuing to look into the death of a rural Franklin County fire chief killed while fighting a brush fire Wednesday in Adams County.
Chief Chet Bauermeister, who led Franklin Fire District 4 in Basin City since late 2003, was operating a tracked ATV on a steep slope of Saddle Mountain when the ATV lost traction, said Adams Fire District 5 officials.
The rig flipped backward and rolled about 100 feet down the hill, officials said.
Bauermeister, 46, died at the scene.
Another firefighter from Fire District 4, Ryan F. Theroff, 29, was thrown from the rig and suffered minor injuries. He was treated at Othello Community Hospital and later released.
The 42-acre brush fire broke out around 2:45 p.m. in the area of Hart Road and Highway 24, south of Othello.
Firefighters with Adams Fire District 5 responded and found the brush burning on the south slope of Saddle Mountain near the Saddle Mountain Orchards, officials said.
Mutual aid was requested from Grant Fire District 8, Franklin Fire District 4, U.S. Fish & Wildlife and Hanford Fire.
The cause of the fire, which is now out, remains under investigation.
Washington state Department of Labor & Industries, as well as the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, with help from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office traffic unit, are investigating the accident.

Read more: http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2010/06/24/1067793/death-fire-chiefs-death-under.html#ixzz0rnshcR1l

Sunday, July 12, 2009

CALIFORNIA FIRE NEWS

CALIFORNIA FIRE NEWS: Cisco's Network Emergency Response Vehicle (NERV)

Cisco's Network Emergency Response Vehicle (NERV) emergency response vehicles can bring communications to first responders in disaster areas when traditional telephony and radio systems are unavailable or destroyed.

Cisco TACOPS NERV- Network Emergency Response Vehicle

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Saturday, July 11, 2009

Eye Safety for Emergency Response and Disaster Recovery

NIOSH Safety and Health Topic:

Eye Safety

Eye Safety for Emergency Response and Disaster Recovery

After the structural collapse of a large building, emergency responders and support personnel are often exposed to hazardous agents and conditions. These workers are at high risk of injury and illness at such a site. Described below are common eye hazards and injuries that can occur during these operations and recommendations for protective eye gear, first aid, and steps for preventing eye injuries. All safety eyewear should comply with the American National Standards Institute Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices Standard Z87.1

Common Eye Hazards

The most common eye hazards faced by emergency workers at
the structural collapse of a large building are the following:

  • Dust, concrete, and metal particles
  • Falling or shifting debris, building materials, and glass
  • Smoke and noxious or poisonous gases
  • Chemicals (acids, bases, fuels, solvents, lime, and wet or dry cement powder)
  • Cutting or welding light and electrical arcing
  • Thermal hazards and fires
  • Bloodborne pathogens (hepatitis or HIV) from blood, body fluids, and human remains

Common Injuries

Injuries commonly suffered by emergency response and recovery
workers at a structural collapse include the following:

  • Corneal abrasions and conjunctivitis (red eyes)
  • Concrete or metal particles or slivers embedded in the eye
  • Chemical splashes or burns
  • Welder’s flash
  • Eyeball laceration
  • Facial contusions and black eyes

Recommended Types of Eye Protection

Before selecting appropriate eye protection for emergency workers at a site, assess the conditions and hazards and follow these recommendations:

  • At a minimum, wear safety glasses with side protection.
  • Wear goggles when more protection is needed.
  • Consider using hybrid eye safety products with the comfort of glasses, the enclosure of goggles, and better breathability.
  • Add a faceshield over glasses or goggles for even greater protection.
  • Use a full-facepiece respirator for the best overall protection.
  • When cutting or welding, use a welding helmet, goggles, or welding respirator with the appropriate lens shade.
  • Make sure that cutter’s and welder’s helpers, other workers, and bystanders are protected from the light and sparks coming from torch cutting or welding.

Consider each of the following types of eyewear when selecting one for emergency workers at a structural collapse site:

1. Safety glasses, including hybrid safety glasses or goggles—minimum protection required

Wear safety glasses for general working conditions when there is some risk of exposure to dust, chips, and flying particles. Use safety glasses that have the following:

  • Side protection (such as side shields or wrap-around lenses)
  • Treatment to prevent fogging
  • A retainer to keep the glasses tight to the face or hanging from the neck when not in use

For added protection, use one of these types of glasses:

  • Hybrid glasses with foam or rubber around the lenses to protect against dust and flying particles (these protect workers better than conventional safety glasses with side
    shields only).
  • Wrap-around hybrid safety glasses that convert to goggles with a soft plastic or rubber face seal for better peripheral vision than conventional goggles.

Take these precautions if you use safety glasses with prescription lenses:

  • Use polycarbonate or Trivex® lenses for prescription safety glasses. These lenses provide the best impact protection in prescription safety glasses.
  • Make sure that new safety glasses with polycarbonate lenses are hard coated to reduce scratching.
  • Make sure that you are using ANSI Z87.1-compliant safety eye protection.
  • Do not use prescription safety lenses with tempered glass or acrylic plastic lenses for protection from high impact unless they are covered by goggles or a face shield.
  • If you wear prescription safety glasses without goggles, use glasses with side shields.
Nonprescription safety glasses with wrap-around side protection Prescription safety glasses with side shields.
Nonprescription safety glasses
with wrap-around side
protection.

Prescription safety glasses with side
shields.

2. Goggles—better protection

Goggles are needed to protect workers from high impacts, dusty environments, chemical splashes, and torch cutting or welding light (see item 5 below for welding protection). Consider the following characteristics when selecting goggles:

  • Use goggles with indirect venting to protect workers from splashes or fine dust. Use goggles with direct venting for less fogging when working with large particles.
  • Use safety goggles designed with high air flow, minimum fogging, and maximum particle and splash protection (for example, ski-type goggles).
  • In dusty environments, wear tight-fitting goggles over normal streetwear glasses, contact lenses, or prescription safety glasses.
  • If you wear contact lenses, wear tight-fitting goggles or a full-facepiece respirator to avoid corneal abrasions in dusty areas.
Indirectly vented goggles.
Indirectly vented goggles.

3. Face shields—additional protection

Use face shields to protect workers from high-impact hazards that may be present during chipping and grinding operations. Use full-face protection to prevent contact with chemical or blood-borne hazards that may be sprayed or splashed onto the face. Also do the following when selecting and using face shields:

  • Use face shields that are tinted or metal-coated for heat and splatter protection.
  • Always wear safety glasses or goggles under a face shield, since the curve of the face shield directs particles or chemicals from the side into the eyes.
Clear face shields with crown protector Clear face shields with crown protector (may be mounted on hard hat).

4. Full-facepiece respirators—best eye protection from
dust, chemicals, and smoke

  • When respiratory protection is required, use full-facepiece respirators for the best eye protection against dust, chemicals, and smoke.
  • Note that not all facepieces are Z87-compliant for impact protection.
  • Full-facepiece respirators do not seal properly over streetwear glasses or safety glasses. Therefore, if you wear glasses and must wear a respirator, use prescription inserts designed to be compatible with a respirator and approved for use with your specific respirator.
  • If a worker wears a half-mask respirator, select the proper eye protection and make sure that
    — the half mask does not interfere with the proper positioning of the eye protection, and
    — the eye protection does not affect the fit of the respirator.

5. Welding helmet, goggles, faceshields, and welding respirators

Exposure to cutting or welding light can cause severe burns to the eyes and surrounding tissue (welder’s flash). The lenses for protection from cutting or welding light must be marked with the shade number—1.5 through 14 (the darkest).

Protect cutter’s or welders’ eyes with a helmet, goggles, faceshield, or welding respirator equipped with lenses of the correct shade number.

  • Always wear safety glasses or goggles under a welding helmet or faceshield to protect workers from particles.
  • Also protect the eyes of the cutter’s or welder’s helper and bystanders with lenses designed to protect against cutting or welding light.
  • Use the darkest shade of lens possible:
    Torch soldering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.5–3
    Torch brazing/cutting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–6
    Gas welding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–8
    Electric arc welding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10–14
  • Use ANSI Z136 eye protection for laser light hazards (not Z87).

First Aid for Eye Injuries

Specks in the Eye

  • Do not rub the eye.
  • Flush the eye with large amounts of water.
  • See a doctor if the speck does not wash out or if pain or redness continues.

Cuts, Punctures, and Foreign Objects in the Eye

  • Do not wash out the eye.
  • Do not try to remove a foreign object stuck in the eye.
  • Seek immediate medical attention.

Chemical Burns

  • Immediately flush the eye with water or any drinkable liquid. Open the eye as wide as possible. Continue flushing for at least 15 minutes. For caustic or basic solutions, continue
    flushing while on the way to medical care.
  • If a contact lens is in the eye, begin flushing over the lens immediately. Flushing may dislodge the lens.
  • Seek immediate medical attention.

Blows to the Eye

  • Apply a cold compress without pressure, or tape crushed ice in a plastic bag to the forehead and allow it to rest gently on the injured eye.
  • Seek immediate medical attention if pain continues, if vision is reduced, or if blood or discoloration appears in the eye.

Information Resources

Obtain additional information about the selection and use of eye protection from these sources:

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
1–800–CDC–INFO

Occupational Safety and Health Administration
External Link: http://www.osha.gov
1–800–321–OSHA

Prevent Blindness America
External Link: http://www.preventblindness.org
1–800–331–2020

International Safety Equipment Association
External Link: http://www.safetyequipment.org
1–703–525–1695

American Society of Safety Engineers
External Link: http://www.asse.org
1–847–699–2929

Acknowledgments

First Aid advice provided courtesy of Prevent Blindness America.®

Safety eye protection photos provided courtesy of Paul Vinger, Tufts Medical School.

Note: The examples shown are for illustration purposes only and do not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Page last updated: April 7, 2009
Page last reviewed: May 27, 2009
Content Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Division of Safety Research


Source article: Eye Safety for Emergency Response and Disaster Recovery "NIOSH Safety and Health Topic:
Eye Safety- Link

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Cal Fire-Butte County: California Office of Traffic Safety grant

Cal Fire-Butte County: California Office of Traffic Safety grant

Cal Fire grant will boost efficiency: $197,373 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, Butte County Fire Rescue will purchase a new Rescue Vehicle for Butte County Fire Volunteer Company 71 in Richvale and equip thirteen engines and two Rescue vehicles with new, state-of-the-art extrication gear.

The grant announced Friday will leave more than a dozen Cal Fire-Butte County fire stations better prepared to deal with rescues at vehicle crashes.

Rescue tools: slated for purchase are air bags used to safely lift and stabilize crashed vehicles, and the latest models of extrication tools, including the "jaws of life."

In addition to Richvale, stations in south Chico, Kelly Ridge, Butte Meadows, Stirling City, Cohasset, Forest Ranch, Paradise, Jarbo Gap, Feather Falls, Robinson Mills, Oroville and Nord, as well as the Paradise Fire Department, will share funding for new equipment.

Cal Fire Training Bureau Chief Darren Read said the money for Richvale's rescue truck is also coming from a cost-sharing fund benefiting county fire departments, as well as donations from the Richvale community.

The following engines/communities will be receiving the new equipment purchased with the grant funds:

Town of Paradise Fire Department
CAL FIRE/BCFD Station 44 - South Chico
CAL FIRE/BCFD Station 64 - Kelly Ridge
CAL FIRE/BCFD Station 71 - Richvale
CAL FIRE/BCFD Station 11 - Butte Meadows
CAL FIRE/BCFD Station 12 - Sterling City
CAL FIRE/BCFD Station 22 - Cohasset
CAL FIRE/BCFD Station 23 - Forest Ranch
CAL FIRE/BCFD Station 35 - Paradise
CAL FIRE/BCFD Station 36 - Jarbo Gap
CAL FIRE/BCFD Station 51 - Feather Falls
CAL FIRE/BCFD Station 54 - Robinson Mill
CAL FIRE/BCFD Station 63 - Oroville
CAL FIRE/BCFD Station 41 - Nord

The media and the public are invited to attend a demonstration of the new equipment during a Bus Extrication class on Sunday May 10, 2009 between the hours of 10AM and 2 PM. The training will be held at the Butte College Fire Training Grounds.

Source: CALIFORNIA FIRE NEWS: "Cal Fire-Butte County: California Office of Traffic Safety grant

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Gas, Water, telescoping valve control tool

California Fire News: New valve control tools

Fire hydrant 2" square telescoping valve tool

We want to introduce you to our new waterworks tools for the public safety professional, contractor or the homeowner.

We are a family run Central valley California business that has been around for over 15 years. We are introducing our new line of waterworks tools which include the 3 in 1 pro waterworks tool, the 3 in 1 mini pro waterworks tool and the 3 in 1 pro pent head (San Jose style) waterworks tool.


Opens Curb box, controls water meter valve,









Controls gas meter valves




Wheel handle valve control








These tools are constructed for durability and ease of use. They are designed to do many jobs with just one tool. Both the pro pent head and the pro are suitable for professional use by waterworks, utility companies, landscapers etc.


Buy Now special pricing for California Fire News: Ace Fabrication presents the Three in One Mini Pro - Gas, water valve control tool, manhole and Curb box cover hook, Convenient storage, telescoping tubular construction, all steel, American made


Click here to buy the 3 in 1 Mini -Pro valve control tool, Special Internet sale price.


The mini pro is a smaller version designed for the professional but priced for home use.

Please check out our website and feel free to contact us with any questions you might have.

SAR News: 21.5 and 243 MHz emergency beacons


SAR News: 21.5 and 243 MHz emergency beacons will no longer be monitored by satellite after February 1

U.S.C.G. - Get the Fix...Switch to 406

121.5 and 243 MHz emergency beacons will no longer be monitored by satellite after February 1, 2009

Where can I find more information regarding the the phaseout of 121.5 MHz beacons for satellite distress alerting?
Information regarding the phaseout is available from the NOAA SARSAT website: http://www.sarsat.noaa.gov
Who can I contact if I have questions regarding the switchover?
Individuals may contact LCDR Katherine Niles (katherine.m.niles@uscg.mil) in the Coast Guard Office of Search and Rescue (CG-534)


More Information:

121.5 MHz Phase Out: The International Cospas-Sarsat Program will terminate satellite processing of distress signals from 121.5 and 243 MHz emergency beacons on February 1, 2009. After this date, mariners, aviators and other persons will have to switch to emergency beacons operating at 406 MHz in order to be detected by satellites.

Coast Guard Message

Code of Federal Regulations
Press Release
Articles on Phase Out

racing stripe line

Satellites will stop processing signals from 121.5 MHz
emergency beacons (EPIRBs and ELTs) on 01 Feb 2009.

Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking:
SARSAT

SARSAT overview graphic
picture of an emergency beacon Is your emergency beacon registered?
To enhance protection of life and property, it is mandatory that emergency beacons be registered with NOAA before installation and that information be kept up to date.
Click here for easy online beacon registration information.
Beacon Registration Website


EPIRB registration form ELT registration form PLB registration form

racing stripe line

SARSAT Information:

Training Presentations:

Properly Dispose of Old Beacons To Prevent False Alerts
Discarded radio beacon triggers false alarm... [read more]

A Survivor's Story
A testimonial from Rudy Snel on surviving the sinking of Sean Seamour II, thanks to an EPIRB [play audio]

racing stripe line

Beacon Types
There are three types of beacons used to transmit distress signals:
an assortment of emergency beacons

EPIRB: Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon for maritime use

ELT: Emergency Locator Transmitter for aviation use

PLB: Personal Locator Beacon for land-based applications

Friday, January 16, 2009

Firefighters Now Exempt From Wearing High-Visibility Apparel

Safety News: CPF wins firefighter high-visibility safety apparel

Firefighters Now Exempt From Wearing High-Visibility Apparel

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) today issued an Interim Final Rule to address safety concerns raised by the firefighting community regarding high-visibility safety apparel.

The Interim Final Rule:

• Revises the definition of "worker" to exclude firefighters when they are exposed to flame, fire, high heat or hazardous materials

• Exempts firefighters from the requirement to use high-visibility safety apparel, when the use of such apparel may increase the risk of injury to firefighter personnel

The rule is effective as of November 24, 2008. This amends the Worker Visibility rule (23CFR 634), which was designed to improve the safety of workers by providing increased visibility to approaching motorists and construction traffic.

"Firefighters across the country spoke out and were heard," said Lou Paulson, President of California Professional Firefighters. "The firefighter's job is dangerous enough without adding the risks that these high-visibility garments pose. Common sense has prevailed."

Click here to read this Interim Final Rule.

Source: http://www.cpf.org - Link
Firefighters-now-exempt-from-wearing-high-visibility-apparel

More:
1 - Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
is recognized as the national standard for all traffic control devices
installed on any street, highway, or bicycle trail open to public travel. It is available at - Link

2 - ANSI 107-1999 is the nationally recognized standard for
high-visibility garments developed in conjunction with the
International Safety Equipment Association. Copies may be obtained at: - Link
Safety News: CPF wins firefighter high-visibility safety apparel exemption

Google
 

This site will focus on first responder safety equipment and gear including Fire fighting tools, personnel protective equipment, high angle gear, safety equipment anything and everything for first responders including Federal Government, Municipality, Volunteer, Private contractors, Hazardous materials teams, structual Firefighters, wildland Firefighters and Rescue crews. Also articles on training and educational opportunities for the Fire Service, EMT, Rescue, disaster response.