Fire Equipment Digest

Fire Equipment Digest

DEPARTMENTS

Radiation Detector

Radiation Alert from Solar Electronics is a radiation detector that combines the features of a Geiger counter and a radiation alarm. It detects alpha, beta, gamma and X rays.

Calibrated to a National Bureau of Standards cesium-137 source, this device can be used as a monitor for field situations, such as plant ventings, highway spills, and other accidents involving radiation. Flashing lights and audible tones warn the user of any rise in radiation level. Like a standard Geiger counter, a meter reads directly in milliroentgens per hour.

Radiation Alert plugs into a 12-volt cigarette lighter socket, and is for stationary, portable or mobile use. Options include portable battery pack and AC power supply. The unit measures 4 x 2 1/2 x 4 1/2-inches and weighs 14-ounces.

Circle No. 14 on Reader Service Card

Brush Fire Trailer

Collins Industries, Inc. now markets the Brush Pup, a portable brush unit on its own trailer that will hook to a 6000-pound capacity pickup ball hitch.

The unit has a 300-gallon booster tank and a booster reel with 120 feet of 1-inch hose. A 12-volt electrical system provides power for starting the standard 11-hp or optional 18-hp pump with a maximum pressure of 270 psi.

The Brush Pup measures 142 x 77 x 66inches. The weight of the loaded unit is 4150 pounds.

Circle No. 15 on Reader Service Card

Inverter

Dynamote Corp. has introduced to its inverter line the A40-120, designed for fire apparatus use. It provides 3600 watts of 120 VAC and 120 amps of 12 VDC simultaneously, or a total output of 5000 watts.

A mid-range transformer ratio produces the power necessary to operate smoke ejectors, pneumatic rescue tools, and floodlights with the A40-120, at a lower rpm than previous models. Other features are crystal-controlled frequency output and disconnect harness. The harness is compatible with Models A/L25 and A60, permitting easy replacement by the new A40.

Also available from Dynamote is the 4-108 weatherproof panel-mount remote control for the A40 and A60. The 4-108 can be mounted on the outside pump panel.

Circle No. 16 on Reader Service Card

Smoke Detectors

Electro Signal Lab, Inc. has introduced its 500 series, a 4-wire system, photoelectric, smoke detector. Each unit has one set of form A contacts for connection to the alarm initiating circuit, and a set of extra form C contacts for other alarm functions.

The detector uses a pulsed infrared LED as its light source, and a high speed photodiode as the sensing element. The 500 series features a plug-in head ba.se/assembly and is available in 6, 12 and 24-vdc and 120-vac models. The 135° F heat sensor is optional.

Circle No. 17 on Reader Service Card

Portable Radio

Aerotron, Inc. recently announced PAC II, its new line of walkie-talkies.

Featuring temperature compensated channel elements and switch selectable RF outputs of 1 or 2.5 watts, this walkie-talkie is currently available for the 132-174 MHz band. Capable of up to six-channel operation, this radio comes with an earpiece jack, external speaker/microphone connector, and helical spring antenna.

A full line of accessory items are available.

Circle No. 6 on Reader Service Card

Basement Escape Unit

Guardian Angel Corp. has introduced an escape system designed for basement evacuation. The unit includes a double-pane sealed window in an aluminum frame, plus an all steel mechanism below the window that opens into a set of stairs when actuated. Steel bars on the window become handholds during use.

The window also serves as a means of ventilation.

Circle No. 3 on Reader Service Card

Radio Accessory

Setcom’s face mask communication accessory enables two-way radio communications while wearing breathing apparatus.

The complete accessory consists of the Setcom model GM-312 face mask kit and a portable radio cable assembly. The kit features a bone conduction microphone which senses voice-caused vibration of the skull and provides clear voice signals for transmission. Since no modifications to the facial portion of the mask are required to accommodate a microphone, the safety features of the mask are maintained. A lightweight earpiece is supported by an over-the-ear nylon loop.

A cable assembly connects the kit to a walkie-talkie and is available with a thumb operated switch or with a body switch.

Circle No. 1 on Reader Service Card

Warning Device

Scott Aviation has introduced “Vibralert,” which combines an audible alarm and a simultaneous vibration of the facepiece to signal the user that his air supply is approaching depletion. It is designed for use on Scott Air-Pak 4.5 and 2.2’s, and is NIOSH approved.

Scott is offering to replace the existing whistle-type warning device with Vibralert free-of-charge in all Air-Pak 4.5 and 2.2’s, providing the customer requests this modification by March 31, 1981. Vibralert has been incorporated in all Scott Air-Pak 4.5 and 2.2’s manufactured after October 1, 1980.

Circle No. 4 on Reader Service Card

Holster Series

First Responder Pouches has developed the FR 101F holster series. The FR 101F holds a stet hoscope and four other emergency items, while protecting them from the environment. The pouch is made of leather, sewn and riveted in a belt or clip model for the EMT or paramedic.

Circle No. 5 on Reader Service Card

Rope Rescue Set

Smith Safety Products has developed a rope rescue set which includes: lifeline and lifeline rigging accessories; descending tools and harnesses for four men; pulley system components to develop up to a 12:1 advantage; edge roller rope protectors; rigging and lashing equipment for all litters and all required hardware.

The complete set weighs less than 34-pounds.

Circle No. 2 on Reader Service Card

Paul Dansbach and Glenn Corbett

Buildings That Front on Two Streets

Paul Dansbach and Glenn Corbett consider buildings that front on two streets, share basements, or might otherwise challenge firefighters.

Fire Burns Through PA Aerospace Supplier

A large fire broke out Monday night at SPS Technologies, an aerospace supplier in Abington Township.