FDIC 2011 PPE Product Picks

I’ve had the opportunity to briefly test the illuminating helmet band, and I found that it needs only a single light source for it to charge and emit light. Exposing the band to light for just a few minutes allows it to hold a charge easily for up to an hour. My entire crew noticed it several times while I was wearing it during fire operations and exterior non-fire operations at night. 

The band can still hold door chocks, but it also facilitates personnel accountability by providing something readily identifiable in a low-visibility environment. And that’s something we all need. (Note: For more about Foxfire’s illuminating products, check out this month’s Gear Test on the company’s illumination kit on p. 14.)

 

Over the years, there have been many integrated rescue belts and systems for SCBA and PPE garments to allow rapid egress in extremely hostile fire environments. This year, MSA introduced their innovative and NFPA-compliant device for emergency egress, which allows firefighters to rappel to safety should they become trapped in a building’s upper levels. The Rescue Belt II System is compatible with all MSA systems and is designed to be included on new SCBA purchases or added later as an upgrade. The Rescue Belt II is made of Ara-shield construction and comes with a pouch that easily stores 50 feet of MSA 100% Technora/nylon rescue rope, an F4 Sterling descender and a Crosby hook. 

Other features include a low-profile D-ring, a web management system with a regulator holder, end-of-rope indicators at 10 feet and 15 feet, a dual-action waist belt buckle and a releasable termination knot at the end of the rope. Another notable feature: the quick-release straps, which allow the user to drop the SCBA from the belt if needed. 
 

If you’re looking to utilize such devices on current MSA SCBAs or shopping for new SCBAs, this item may provide you with additional usefulness and added firefighter safety.

 

Firefighters and other responders frequently work in and around things that can quickly ruin their eyes for life: flying debris, sparks, ash, chemical and biological hazards, etc. Therefore, protecting our eyes while still being able to see well enough to do our job should be one of our highest priorities. But there are several types of safety glasses out there, including many inexpensive pairs that don’t hold up very well. One high-quality product is ESS Eye Pro’s Crossbow anti-fog safety glasses, which feature exceptional scratch resistance on the outside and anti-fog capability on the inside. Available with either clear lenses or smoke-grey lenses for high light conditions, they provide an extraordinarily clear view through the entire field of the lens, much clearer than many of the less expensive safety glasses. 
 

At minimum, all safety glasses should meet ANSI Z87.1, which these glasses do, to minimize risk from flying objects. While Z87.1 does not specify protection against splashes from chemical or other agents per se, the general design of safety glasses can reduce the risks posed by these hazards. 

The Crossbow anti-fog safety glasses can be purchased in a kit that includes both types of lenses, a rugged, zippered hard case and a micro-fiber pouch that protects the glasses when not in use. Take the time to protect your eyes so you can continue to do what you do best: protect your community when they need it most. 

 

My department was looking for a jacket that would clearly identify our chief officers at an incident scene, particularly because they’re volunteers who often respond out of uniform to the scene. Our chiefs may also be the first to arrive at auto accidents and other similar calls, so their PPE needs to protect them against bodily fluids and other fluids commonly found at vehicle accidents. So, we wanted something that was both visible in heavy traffic conditions and easily identifiable to residents and other responders. Blauer’s 9970-1 jacket fit the bill quite nicely. The jacket is comfortable, visible and can be customized with lettering that indicates your department on the back. It also features a comfortable, removable liner for use in colder weather. 
 

The design of the jacket allows for easy movement and includes a number of hidden pockets, including inside the sleeves, which allows for easy installation of shoulder patches for individual and departmental identification. There’s even a badge tab on the jacket. The only thing this jacket doesn’t have is a good spot on the outside to hold a pen. Blauer is taking this feedback into consideration, but don’t let that deter you from purchasing this product. If you need a jacket that lets you safely and comfortably do your job on scene, look no further. 

 

The concept of “happy feet” is one that firefighters struggle with constantly. Firefighters whose feet are not “happy” in their boots are going to be ornery–or more ornery than usual–particularly when they have to wear uncomfortable boots for hours at a time. Over the years, firefighters have worn basic rubber boots, which originally were full hip-length boots. Then, when they started wearing bunker pants on calls, they switched to shorter-length boots. After that, some firefighters graduated to leather work-boot-style footwear, which enhanced mobility but also made it easier for water to collect inside the boot. Boot manufacturers then began to realize that making boots as comfortable as possible would make firefighters very happy–and produce return customers. 

Honeywell has embraced this concept with their new Warrington Pro 4200 Hybrid Structural Firefighting Boot. The 4200 boot, which features an athletic-type construction, is available in sizes 5—15 and normal through extra-wide widths. It also comes with two different insoles that firefighters can use to help customize the fit, as well as a one-year warranty. I tried on a pair and found that they were very comfortable, which made my feet very happy.