blewis
Admin Group
Joined: 23 February 2005
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 51
|
| Posted: 05 March 2007 at 11:23am | IP Logged
|
|
|
IAFC MEMBER ALERT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: IAFC Communications Department
703/273-0911 • www.iafc.org
IAFC MEMBER ALERT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: IAFC Communications Department
703/273-0911 • www.iafc.org
PASS Device Safety Issue on NBC News Tonight
Fairfax, Va., Feb. 28, 2007... In recent weeks, MSNBC.com has been reporting on the deaths of firefighters and PASS device failures coinciding with those deaths. Tonight, Brian Williams, NBC Nightly News, will be reporting the issue to a national audience.
This alert is to notify you of the news story, provide you with background and offer IAFC recommendations for PASS device safety in your department.
Brief Background:
* The IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section (SHS) first alerted members in December 2005 to concerns about PASS devices:
* www.iafc.org/displayindustryarticle.cfm?articlenbr=28745
* www.iafc.org/displayindustryarticle.cfm?articlenbr=28747
* On February 8, MSNBC began a two-part series pointing out problems with PASS devices and concerns about firefighter fatality investigations.
* www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17007251/
* After the articles appeared on MSNBC.com, the IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section (chaired by Chief David Daniels) convened a working group to study the issues and provide recommendations to the board.
* On February 12, the IAFC board of directors adopted a policy statement addressing PASS standards, recommendations for manufacturers, the NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality and Prevention program and future investigations of firefighter deaths.
* http://www.iafc.org/displayindustryarticle.cfm?articlenbr=32 844
* The IAFC is working with the International Association of Fire Fighters to address long-term issues of firefighter death investigations. This group has been aggressively meeting in the last 10 days.
After continued study of the issue, the IAFC is issuing these recommendations, provided by the Safety, Health and Survival Section, to fire chiefs.
Recommendations:
* Immediately test your existing SCBAs and PASS devices along with related operational readiness systems.
* Immediately contact your PASS device manufacturers; ask them about any reported problems with the devices. Additionally, ask them what upgrades they will be offering to ensure the safety of the devices to meet the recent improved NFPA standard.
We hope this provides you with sufficient information to share with your city and county leaders and local media. For further updates to the issue, visit our website at www.iafc.org.
-end-
Established in 1873, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) is a powerful network of nearly 13,000 chief fire and emergency officers. Our members are the world's leading experts in fire fighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, search & rescue, and public safety legislation.
on NBC News Tonight
Fairfax, Va., Feb. 28, 2007... In recent weeks, MSNBC.com has been reporting on the deaths of firefighters and PASS device failures coinciding with those deaths. Tonight, Brian Williams, NBC Nightly News, will be reporting the issue to a national audience.
This alert is to notify you of the news story, provide you with background and offer IAFC recommendations for PASS device safety in your department.
__________________
Bill Lewis Executive Director
|
Topic: PASS Device Safety Issue
