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New Developments
Testing time for gas suits
Bigger is better according to the Nelson firefighters who
recently tried out the new generation of gas suits.
Two makes of the limited-life suits
are being evaluated and the choice
will be made later this year. They will
replace the much more expensive
long-life suits that are nearing the
end of their lives.
In Nelson, half a dozen firefighters
took the suits through their paces,
trialling them in a Large and Extra
Large size.
The unexpected verdict was that the
bigger size felt better. It seemed less
claustrophobic and allowed the
wearer to use their arms and hands
inside the suit – to check their BA
gear, wipe away moisture inside the
face plate and so on.
“These suits are all designed to be
worn five times in practice but to
New BA a
step closer
A national trial of the next generation
of breathing apparatus will begin
shortly.
National Plant and Equipment Manager,
Rob McMahon, said. “Tenders have
come in from all the major players in
this part of the world and are going
through a desktop evaluation. The team
is also examining the sample sets that
have been supplied.”
BA from the shortlist of preferred
suppliers will go through a six-
month operational trial starting in July.
It will involve paid and volunteer firefighters
from throughout the regions
to ensure it is as comprehensive as we
can make it, said Rob.
The NZPFU and the UFBA are closely
involved in the project.
12 Issue No. 60
be used just once in a real situation
where they are contaminated. The
boots also have the same limited
life,” said Jon Graham who is part
of the project evaluation team.
Above: Chubb suit.
Left: Smaller size of the Draeger suit.
The evaluation exercise involved
personnel donning the equipment,
carrying out activities similar to those
in a spill scenario, and completing a
number of physical exercises such as
stair climbs, crawling, and lifting.
Step-by-step guide to
evacuation schemes
Just about everything the Fire Service and the public need to
know about evacuation schemes has now been revised, updated,
streamlined, and put on our website www.evaconline.fire.org.nz
Most buildings in New Zealand (other than private homes) need
an evacuation procedure and many of these must be developed
as evacuation schemes and approved by the Fire Service.
The website is the one-stop-shop for information for the public
and our staff. It now includes a comprehensive new guide to
making an evacuation scheme application and this should be
used by Fire Service personnel when they are giving advice
to the public.
Evaconline also has the scheme approval application form and
helpful examples of completed applications for commonly
needed schemes (e.g. a rest home and an early childhood centre).
More examples will be added later as needed.
Any queries or comments in relation to the Guide should
be directed to Alan Merry, Principal Advisor Fire Risk
Management, NHQ.