TRAINING AIDS
Alaco Ladder Company, a manufacturer of tapered truss wood fire ladders, put out a 12-page catalog (no. FL-84) containing an extensive discussion of fire ladder features as well as product information. The brochure states that wood ladders are lighter in weight than aluminum (a very surprising fact to some), do not conduct electricity, do not anneal, do not conduct heat or cold, are stiffer, easier to climb, faster to operate, and longer lasting. Contact: Alaco Ladder Company, 10775 Lower Azusa Road, El Monte, CA 91731.
Pigeon Mountain Industries Inc. put out a 32-page catalog and equipment guide featuring a complete range of ropes and related accessories for the fire service. Contact: Pigeon Mountain Industries Inc., P.O. Box 803, Lafayette, GA 30728.
The Waterous Company’s mobile demonstrator will tour the northeastern region of the United States in 1985 to offer free training on fire pump theory, operation, and maintenance. Demonstrations will be done on motorized cutaway pump models. Training classes will be conducted at the invitation of fire schools, mutual aid associations, universities, state mechanics’ schools, etc. The mobile demonstrator schedule will be filled on a first come, first served basis, with a minimum attendance of 50 persons recommended for each class. Those interested in taking advantage of this free training should contact: Dan Juntune, Waterous Company, South St. Paul, MN 55075. Telephone: (612) 450-5070.
A booklet describing techniques of coastal area emergency managers to heighten public awareness to the dangers of hurricanes is available free of charge through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Office of Public Affairs, Washington, D.C. 20472. The. 48-page booklet, PERSPECTIVES ON HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS, is a compilation of 15 cases detailing awareness techniques developed by emergency managers, volunteer agencies, the media, and others.
The American National Standards Institute’s 1984-1985 safety and health catalog lists all existing standards for safety and health. The 900 standards listed provide authoritative guides to industrial safety and to protection of the individual. The 32-page safety and health catalog is available free of charge from: American National Standards Institute Inc., Sales Department, 1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018.
The National Fire Protection Association published FIRE COMMAND, a book by Alan V. Brunacini, chief of the Phoeniz, AZ, Fire Department. FIRE COMMAND features chapters on function of command, fire stream management, support activities, apparatus placement, safety, sectoring, and staging. The text is accompanied by a self instructional workbook developed by J. David Bergeron. The FIRE COMMAND text and workbook (order number SET-70) is available for $21 ($18.90 for NFPA members). The FIRE COMMAND text is available separately for $15 ($13.50 for NFPA members). Write: National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.
Entering a vat, tank car, or truck can be hazardous if safety precautions against exposure to gases, explosions, toxic fires, and electric shocks are not taken. A 17-minute film/ video, “Vessel Entry,” produced by Media Arts Inc., outlines the steps for safe vessel entry; demonstrates the proper procedures for entering places where dangerous gases may be present; shows the importance of using ventilators, air-testing equipment, and protective clothing; demonstrates the role of the standby person; and explains how to prepare for emergencies. “Vessel Entry” is available for license (for $355) or rental (one week, $160; three days, $120; 24-hour preview, $40). For further information, contact: BNA Communications Inc., Customer Service, 9439 Key West Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850.
A slide/tape series from the International Society of Fire Service Instructors entitled “Water Distribution Systems,” includes an overview of the water distribution system; control valves and devices; purposes and types of industrial hydrants; and flow testing and evaluation of industrial hydrants. For more information, contact: International Society of Fire Service Instructors, 20 Main Street, Ashland, MA 01721.
Ideanetics has introduced a new design for its models 101 and 101-A fire simulators. The control panel is now located directly in front of the simulator operator and features a tape input and output to introduce sound effects and record all communications. There is also a fire and smoke reverse switch and black smoke adaptors allowing the addition of black smoke to the simulated scene. For more information, contact Indeanetics, 6431 Glenroy Street, San Diego, CA 92120. Telephone: (619)286-3718.
“What to Do When Someone Chokes” is a video program that shows how to assess a choking situation and what steps to take to get someone breathing again. The procedures shown in this program are based on the recommendations of the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association. The film, which runs for 15 minutes, is produced by KG Productions and distributed by Film Communicators, 11136 Weddington Street, No. Hollywood, CA 91601. The program can be rented for $70/week, or purchased for $280.
Three technology reports from the Society of Fire Protection Engineers bring the science and technology of fire into practical form. Do Smoke Detection Systems Work in College Dormitories (TR 84-8) by David E. Breen, fire protection engineer, Harvard University, reviews evidence from Harvard’s 75 dormitories showing that “unnecessary” alarm frequency from system smoke detectors generally increases with the number of smoke detectors in service. Analysis coupled with field observations suggests that some dormitories may be less fire safe than prior to the installation of detectors because the motivation to evacuate has eroded or disappeared.
A Methodology for the Assessment of Risk of Major Fire Loss in Multi-Unit Turbine Generator Buildings (TR 84-9) by Wayne D. Holmes, senior engineer, American Nuclear Insurers, applies risk assessment techniques in evaluating loss potential from a fire involving lube oil in a nuclear or non-nuclear generating plant.
Bench-Scale Methods for Prediction of Full-Scale Fire Behavior of Furnishings and Wall Linings (TR 84-10) by Vytenis Babrauskas, Ph.D., Center for Fire Research, discusses bench-scale measurements that allow the successful prediction of full-scale data for variables of interest, which are the peak rate of heat release and the time to flashover. Ignition behavior was seen to be important for wall materials, but less so for furniture.
Each report is priced at $7.50. For more information, contact Lisa Juliano, Society of Fire Protection Engineers, 60 Batterymarch Street, Boston, MA 02110. Telephone: (617) 482-0686.
A publication from the Fire Retardant Chemicals Association conference series presents 13 reports on major topics in fire science and fire safety. Reports in this volume deal with the fire toxicity, combustion toxicology, testing, codes, and hazard assessment. The publication is available for $35 from Technomic Publishing Company Inc., 851 New Holland Avenue, Box 3535, Lancaster, PA 17604.
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. has made available at no charge an audio-visual presentation describing their standards development and revision procedure guided by the principles of due process and balancing of interests. Also included is a description of UL’s appeals mechanism. For further information, contact Ray Novic, UL, 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062.
A public education-fire safety media kit is available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Fire Administration. The fire safety package consists of four television public service announcements, a set of slides for public education presentations, and a how-to guide about getting the stop, drop, and roll message to the community. The kit is produced and distributed by the Chesterfield Fire Protection District under a grant from FEMA. Contact: Chesterfield Fire District, P.O. Box 229, Chesterfield, MO 63017.
A series of firefighter videotape programs are available from IFSTA, Fire Protection Publications, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078. The video programs include: Anatomy and Behavior of Fire, 25 minutes, $90; Fire Safety, 20 minutes, $85; Protective Breathing Apparatus, 30 minutes, $95; Fire Hose and Nozzles Part 1, 30 minutes, $95; Fire Hose and Nozzles Part 2, 30 minutes, $95; Fire Streams, 20 minutes, $85; Ventilation, 30 minutes, $95; Sprinklers, 15 minutes, $80; Ladders, 30 minutes, $95; Forcible Entry, 15 minutes, $80. All programs come with an instruction guide for review, and when used with complementing IFSTA manuals, a total training package can be developed, according to IFSTA.
An informational booklet, “The Es of Electrical Safety,” has been developed by the National Safety Council to teach the safe use of electricity. The booklet gives the reader a basic understanding of the nature of electricity and covers house electrical systems, fuses, circuit-breakers, and electrical appliances. For more information, write to the National Safety Council, Order Department, 444 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.
An updated second edition of a book on high-rise fire alarms has been published by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. HIGH-RISE FIRE ALARM SYSTEMSRECOMMENDATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL CODES reflects the latest codes for fire alarm requirements of the 50 states and 20 major cities. Information is provided on fire alarm requirements of major model codes; an overview of state and city code applications; code recommendations for high-rise fire alarm and communications systems; and specifications for smoke detectors, audible alarms, two-way communication systems, door unlocking devices, power systems, and manual fire alarms. The information on existing codes includes a summary of pertinent sections of the three code models with requirements for high-rise alarm systems plus the Life Safety Code of the National Fire Protection Association. Single copies of the book are available for $5 each (prepaid) from NF.MA, 2101 L Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037.
Lab Safety Supply has developed a newsletter consisting of abstracts of significant publications in the area of chemical health and safety. Subjects include personal protection; laboratory safety; safe handling, storage, and disposal of toxic and hazardous chemicals; biosafety; radiation safety; and more. For a complimentary copy of Chemical Health & Safety Abstracts, write to Lab Safety Supply Company, P.O. Box 1368, Janesville, WI 53547.
The Film Library’s 1984 film catalog and supplement are available free of charge from the Greater Los Angeles Chapter National Safety Council, 616 South Westmoreland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90005. The Film Library has over 1,500 films on safety, training, fire, and health.
Developing a Highway Emergency Response Plan for Incidents Involving Hazardous Materials, a 15-page booklet outlining recommendations for dealing with emergency incidents involving the transport of hazardous materials, is available from the American Petroleum Institute, 1220 L Street, Northwest, Washington, D.C. 20005. Telephone: (202) 682-8375. Emphasis is placed on training company personnel, establishing an inventory of special equipment and protecting the environment. Suggested procedures for transferring petroleum products from overturned tank trucks and uprighting these vehicles are also included.
A three-part fire brigade training program showing how to set up and maintain a fire brigade is available from the National Fire Protection Association. Unit 1 focuses on fire concepts and protection equipment; unit 2 covers non-emergency brigade operations; and unit 3 deals with emergency brigade operations. This instructional package includes a 55-minute video tape, instructor’s guide, and student manual, covering the workings and maintenance of automatic fire protection systems and fire brigade equipment, fire hazards in the workplace, pre-fire planning, control of utilities, fire suppression, and more. For more information, contact the National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269. Telephone: (617) 770-3500.
Computer users from nearly 300 fire and emergency medical service agencies have joined On-Line Resources to create an information and software sharing directory entitled RESOURCE DIRECTORY “85.” The goal of the directory is to increase the effective use of microcomputers while minimizing the time and expense of developing original fire and EMS software applications. The directory is divided into three main sections, agency users, software marketplace, and vendors. The agency users section lists the hardware, software, and computer applications currently in use.
The software marketplace contains a listing of 82 public domain applications programs, many of them provided free of charge by the listed agencies. Available programs include: training records, business inspection data, hydrant data, and more.
The vendors section lists 46 companies providing products and services related to fire and EMS computer needs.
Continuous updates to the listings in RESOURCE DIRECTORY “85” are provided monthly in a six-page newsletter and 24 hours a day through On-Line Resources’ computerized information service. The directory is priced at $9.95. An $18 subscription to On-Line Resources includes the directory and 11 six-page monthly newsletters. For more information write to: On-Line Resources, P.O. Box 140, Emmitsburg, MD 21727.
To help reduce the number of accidents, injuries, and deaths suffered by motor vehicle accidents, The Hartford Insurance Group had developed a multi-media defensive driving program for emergency vehicle operators. The emergency vehicle response program is designed to help emergency vehicle drivers cope with the hazards that they may encounter when responding to an incident. The Hartford’s program, which identifies common hazards, is being offered to fire and police departments, municipalities, and ambulance companies, whether or not they are insured by The Hartford. Each program is about 2½ hours long and includes two multi-media slide shows. Route selection, lights and sirens, intersections, passing, high speed, and expressways are some of the topics discussed. For more information, contact Myron Stacks, Loss Control T-A, The Hartford Insurance Group, Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06115. Telephone: (203) 547-4968.
Industrial Risk Insurers offers a four-page folder that provides recommendations for handling PCB transformers and capacitors. The potential for PCB contamination is possible through either fluid leakage or widespread dispersion of toxic emissions as the result of fire. For a free copy, contact Mrs. P. A. Sasso, Industrial Risk Insurers, 85 Woodland Street, Hartford, CT 06102. Telephone: (203)525-2601.
