Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor

DEPARTMENTS

Nuclear Attack Awareness

Recently, I have read a number of articles concerning pre-incident planning for nuclear attack. I fully agree that this is necessary, however no one seems to be addressing our concurrent responsibilities in the areas of prevention and public education regarding such an occurrence.

I would like to draw an analogy here. In the history of fire protection, it has only been relatively recently that we have emphasized prevention and public education programs. Progressive chiefs recognize that these programs translate into lives and dollars saved. In contrast, it was not too long ago when suppression was the only priority. Many people and businesses paid dearly for this short-sightedness. Are we going to suffer the same tunnel vision on the nuclear issue?

Note that I am purposefully avoiding the question of whether or not we can effectively handle a nuclear strike. Rather, I propose that each jurisdiction evaluate it’s own capabilities in such a situation (resources vs. demand; similar to pre-fire planning). Only when this is accomplished should a chief decide whether to support prevention efforts or simply plan for an attack to occur. Further, he should make the public aware of his findings so that they can better decide whether to support pro or antinuclear policies.

For years, physicians have had a group dedicated to public awareness of their capabilities in the event of a nuclear strike. Do we not also have such a responsibility? Are we not also obligated to actively pursue avenues of prevention if we feel we cannot effectively respond to an attack? Would you remain silent if a conflagration potential existed in your backyard?

Matthew I. Chibbaro, P.E. Fire Protection Engineer Fire Science Lecturer

Prevent Head Injuries

With great interest 1 read and studied the February article by Chief Manahan entitled “Get the Most from Your Protective Gear.” It revealed numerous points concerning protective clothing which should be of great concern to every firefighter. It was well written and informative.

I am a firefighter for the city of Milwaukee, WI. In the article he mentioned the hazards of an improperly secured helmet and the very real danger of injuries should a firefighter loose his helmet in a fire fight.

Approximately three and a half years ago I experienced the unfortunate accident of losing my helmet while engaged in an interior fire attack at a college dormitory. My head was immediately exposed to heat, steam, plaster and other serious elements. Being second pipeman, I was forced to abandon my position and, in a confused manner, try and locate my helmet or escape the fire area. Fortunately, a third firefighter found my helmet and thrust it into my hands, enabling me to put it back on my head. Not only did I fear for my own safety, but that of my partner whom I had to abandon.

Soon after that incident, we developed a chin strap for helmet use.

Most firefighters take their helmets off when putting on a facepiece.

Most chin straps are continuous, which makes it difficult and time consuming to properly get the strap past the facepiece and inhalation tube to underneath the chin where it belongs. Fire helmets which are form-fitting and do not have chin straps are inadequate to say the least.

The problem lies in the design of conventional chin straps and in educating fire service personnel. I believe that the Milwaukee Strap solves the design part of the problem and education will become easier because the strap is so simple and effective.

If you wish any further information or discussion please do not hesitate to contact me at Milwaukee Strap Inc. Daniel M. Berendt President Milwaukee Strap Inc. Milwaukee, WI

Cylinder Fill Time

First Lieutenant H. Douglas Hoes states in his article “Portable Air Supply” (March issue, FIRE ENGINEERING, p. 45), that SCBA tanks are being filled in approximately 30 seconds. This could be a very dangerous practice for two reasons.

Cylinders that have been in service for a long period of time since the last hydrostatic test date may be corroded internally, and, therefore, structurally weakened. Shock or rapid charging of such cylinders could result in violent rupture.

Frangible discs or fusible plugs in cylinder valves are designed to prevent cylinders from exploding as a result of over-filling or from gaseous expansion when exposed to excessive heat. These devices will thermally fatigue during rapid filling of the cylinder due to heat and abrupt pressure changes, and may cause system failure. A stretched or misshapen disc could rupture if bumped or overheated and cause rapid loss of air. During an actual fire, such a failure would seriously compromise the safety of the firefighter.

Standards for filling cylinders is less than 300 psi/min. or 7 cu. ft./ min. Shock filling also warms the cylinder and volume of air is not achieved. Reference; CSA-Z-94-4 Standard 9.6.6.

Stan Hoard

Director of Training Oshawa Fire Department Ont., Canada

Legal Information Important

I appreciate and did very much enjoy the timely and very informative article “Firefighter Safety—Steps in a Legal Direction” as it appeared in the March 1984 issue of FIRE ENGINEERING. As a firefighter, paramedic, registered nurse, president of the Irving Professional Firefighters Association and vice-president of the Texas State Association of Firefighters, I share your expressed concern for firefighter health and safety. Time is short and there is much to be done. This legislation must, of necessity, begin at the state level, where many of us lack the expertise to initiate this complex and controversial legislation. Ozro Henderson

Texas State Association of Firefighters

Unlimited Possibilities

My thanks to Mr. Sutton, you and your staff for such a practical and straightforward article (“Straight Line Hydraulics” April 1984 issue of FIRE ENGINEERING)! There really isn’t too much that is really “new” under the sun, but the possibilities for seeing that which we already know from a new and higher vantage point are never limited. I applaud the vision which created this new tool for the fire service.

Lee Weatherby Tampa, FL

fort lauderdale dogs fire

Fort Lauderdale (FL) Firefighters Save Dogs From House Fire, Department Says

Firefighters pulled four dogs from a smoldering Fort Lauderdale home that was in flames just minutes earlier Thursday morning, according to the department.
MN Barn Fire

4,000 Pigs Lost in MN Barn Fire

A fire late Wednesday evening has resulted in a total loss of a hog confinement and the 4,000 hogs inside.