Unmanned systems used in search and rescue
Here at Unmanned Systems Consultancy our goal is to make military-spec technology available in the world of commercial public rescue. This is achieved by integrating sophisticated technology to support rescuers when they…
High-pressure water mist – suitable for modern data-centre cooling methods
If you design data centres, you will have noticed that facilities are getting bigger – and hotter. As a result, data-centre cooling is evolving towards new techniques that provide effective, sustainable and cost-effective cooling that maintains the right temperature, even…
Make heat sources visible and extinguish with pinpoint accuracy
Thermal imaging cameras and extinguishing monitors Early fire detection systems using infrared technology enable the early recognition of fire and potential sources of fire (hotspots) within minutes, sometimes even before smoke or flames develop. Conventional fire detection systems, such as…
Keeping the freeze on fires in Europe’s growing cold storage space
Europe’’ freezers are filling up fast. Fuelled by the surge in online grocery shopping, a growing preference for healthy fresh produce and the expansion of the pharmaceutical industry, demand for cold storage is booming. Allied Market Research forecasts the European…
Strengthening resilience – NFPA 1660 Disaster Preparedness: Planning and Implementation
This article is the second of a four-part series that discusses the key elements of NFPA 1660 (2024) Standard for Emergency, Continuity, and Crisis Management: Preparedness, Response, and Recovery. The first article in the series introduced the significant consolidation of…
The safety challenge of achieving net zero
It is often the case that modifications to training schedules or the introduction of new content is required following major or critical incidents locally, regionally, or in some instances, internationally. As the Fire and Rescue Service respond to the impacts…
From ashes to innovation: the emergence of the fire-tech industry
Throughout history, adversity has often ignited unparalleled innovation. The crucible of World War II witnessed the emergence of pivotal advancements – penicillin, jet engines and the electric computer – all essential products born of necessity during a global conflict. Moving…
Visual perception
Visual perception refers to the mind’s ability to process and make sense of what the eyes see. Our perception of the displayed image on a Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC), will affect our ability to interpret information for making quick and…
The importance of underground rescue training in Australia and the growing demand for competent specialist responders
Australia’s vast and diverse landscape is home to a myriad of industries, each contributing significantly to the nation’s economy. Among these, mining is a cornerstone, with Australia being one of the world’s leading producers of minerals such as coal, gold…
Mobile extinguishing systems for the oil and petrochemical industry
Recently, FireDos published an article focused on the ‘Use of foam for fire fighting in tank farms of the oil- and petrochemical industry’. In that publication the focus was put on common tank farm configurations, laws and regulations, typical incidents,…
Hazardous-materials transportation – high-hazard rail
Railroad accidents have shown that high-hazard transportation situations can be risky and devastating. However, the global supply chain relies on rail transit to move commodities long distances through populated areas. This article will look at past hazardous-materials disasters and discuss…
Data, not opinions: gathering data for real-world firefighting applications
At Fomtec, our mantra is ‘Data, Not Opinions’. We recognize our ongoing responsibility to the industry to provide accurate, data-driven information. The Enviro Programme recently completed its 3,000th fire test, and we are committed to continuing our rigorous testing efforts.…
How manufacturer involvement can mitigate labour risks
While the construction industry grapples with attracting and developing talent, clever product design and manufacturer-led training can go a long way towards boosting productivity and quality, says Graeme Leonard, EMEA fire protection division manager at Victaulic. The construction industry’s labour…
The importance of underground rescue training in Australia and the growing demand for competent specialist responders
Australia’s vast and diverse landscape is home to a myriad of industries, each contributing significantly to the nation’s economy. Among these, mining is a cornerstone, with Australia being one of the world’s leading producers of minerals such as coal, gold…
The Fire Catch: new kids on the block plan to take the stress out of the job
Created by a wet technician for wet technicians, the Fire Catch is set to become a must-have in the toolkit. In a world-first application of ultrasonic technology, the Fire Catch takes the stress out of draining down a system and…
Customised weather and environmental intelligence: driving rapid response
Weatherzone Business, a DTN company since 2019, is now known as DTN. For many years we have supplied critical decision-support solutions to fire and emergency services across Australia. Industry-leading lightning detection and rapid-update weather monitoring with automated alerting form the…
Leading the way with high-performance, fluorine-free firefighting foams
Organisations around the world are already transitioning to fluorine-free firefighting foam technology as global awareness of environmental and health impacts from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) used in legacy firefighting foams grows. This shift is driven not only by new…
What constitutes NFPA 22 compliance and equivalency?
How to Correctly Assess Corrugated Bolted Steel Water Storage Tanks with a Flexible Membrane Liner for Fire Protection SYNOPSIS When it comes to fire protection, the safety and reliability of a functional water storage tank are of utmost importance. These…
Overview of modern watermist systems
My personal journey with watermist systems dates back to the early 2000s when I was still working within Finnish academia. At that time, several Finnish and Danish companies were developing water hydraulic products as eco-friendly and fire-safe alternatives to oil…
Training to meet the current and changing needs of firefighters
‘Training is the process of learning the skills that you need for a particular job or activity.’1 For the modern firefighter, is skills acquisition enough to meet the needs of their role and professional identity? I would argue not. Firefighters…