Intersec, the largest fire and rescue show in the region takes place in Dubai this month. MSA Safety, a global leader in firefighter safety equipment and technology, will be introducing a new line of firefighter protective clothing for the Middle East fire market and demonstrating the power of firefighter connectivity with their latest solutions. MSA’s Middle East Sales Manager, Yassin Afroukh, tells us more.
At this year’s Intersec, MSA is introducing its brand-new MSA Bristol X4 protective clothing line, which uses the very latest fabric and fibre technology alongside modern streamlined styling to provide enhanced comfort, ergonomics and protection.
Originally launched at Interschutz for firefighters on the continent, the Bristol X4 range will be coming to fire services in the Middle East and has full compatibility with MSA’s advanced safety equipment and Connected Firefighter solutions.
Firefighters’ needs and preferences vary across countries as they have different roles and responsibilities. Training and modes of operation vary, and the landscape, terrain and climate determine the types of incidents they face, as do differences in housing stock, or the prominence of certain industries. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach, so the Bristol X4 has been designed to suit the requirements and preferences of customers in the region.
Firefighter clothing must be flame-proof, heat-resistant and water resistant but at the same time breathable to keep the body cool and dry, and light and flexible to enable ease of movement. The Bristol X4 is made up of a complex combination of specialist fabrics in layers and together they protect against numerous health risks, whilst allowing maximum movement and comfort.
MSA Bristol works closely with the industry’s leading international fabric and fibre manufacturers, and the Bristol X4 features premium materials such as Hainsworth Titan outer fabric with a Gore Parallon moisture barrier for ultimate comfort and breathability, along with reflective taping in specific figurations favoured by Civil Service firefighters.
Crucially, the Bristol X4 also offers full compatibility with MSA’s suite of state-of-the-art firefighter equipment, from helmets and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), to the very latest in monitoring accountability and communication devices.
In particular, the jacket fits seamlessly with MSA’s iconic Gallet F1XF structural helmet and its industry-leading M1 SCBA, both of which are already widely used among fire services across the region. The collar, for example, has been adjusted to better fit with helmets, with the height slightly reduced to prevent rubbing against the chin. Extra foam padding has been introduced at the top of the jacket across the shoulders, and at the top of the trousers over the lower lumbar region, to ensure that SCBA is comfortable to wear and that the kidneys are protected.
The new line meets European CEN standard EN469:2020 Level 2 for firefighter protective clothing, as well as EN1149:2018 for anti-static properties. It is available in a wide range of colour combinations to suit regional preferences and can be customized with a selection of optional pockets and loops to accommodate specific equipment.
We’re excited to be introducing the Bristol X4 in the Middle East, showcasing quality and improved comfort and flexibility to firefighters across the region.
As well as introducing brand-new, bespoke fire-protecting clothing at Intersec this year, MSA Safety will also be showcasing its Connected Firefighter Platform – a suite of advanced safety technologies, which includes its telemetry-enabled M1 SCBA, LUNAR Connected Device and FireGrid software services, which work in collaboration to significantly improve firefighter monitoring, accountability and communication.
In a fast-paced, quickly changing environment, firefighters need reliable and readily available equipment that not only protects them from the physical dangers of the job but also connects them to colleagues on and off site. Connected equipment is something firefighters have been requesting for a long time and manufacturers, such as MSA, have listened, introducing a brand-new generation of firefighter equipment for the future.
The M1 is MSA’s most advanced, ergonomic and modular SCBA system. It is easy-to-use, reliable, adaptable and a good communicator when paired with MSA’s telemetry-enabled M1 control module. The M1 control module is a personal alert safety system (PASS) with a motion sensor. Its full-colour, integrated digital display also helps firefighters clearly understand their situation by giving clear pressure and alarm indications. With telemetry, it is capable of transmitting firefighter information directly to Incident Command, or to those monitoring the incident remotely, helping them to better manage incidents and keep firefighters safe.
Small and wireless, LUNAR can be used as a stand-alone device or in combination with the M1 SCBA, expanding the technological capability of the Connected Firefighter system. LUNAR is a multifunctional handheld device, combining personal thermal imaging capabilities with Firefighting Assisting Search Technology (F.A.S.T.), for alerting and guiding firefighters to teammates in difficulty.
LUNAR’s personal thermal imaging capabilities include a new feature called edge detection, which highlights areas of significant thermal difference in frame, effectively identifying objects such as ventilation points and making it easier for firefighters to find their way around in zero visibility.
F.A.S.T. combines distance and direction data with thermal imaging, so that separated teammates can be located quickly. Motion sensors automatically create an alert when a firefighter stops moving, or a firefighter in distress can manually raise an alarm on the LUNAR device. When one LUNAR goes into alarm mode, all other LUNAR devices on the scene receive a notification. Because this comes through the independent LUNAR-to-LUNAR network, it is independent of radio communication, Incident Command or cell reception.
LUNAR has cellular network capabilities to connect to MSA’s cloud-based software platform, FireGrid. It also has Bluetooth to connect with devices such as the M1 SCBA to aggregate air pressure.
Both LUNAR and M1 SCBA capabilities are expanded by MSA’s cloud-based software platform, FireGrid. This software platform gives fire and rescue services the right data at the right time. FireGrid is ISO 27001 certified and is where data can be monitored and easily accessed by the on-scene Incident Commander or remotely by colleagues back at the station or headquarters.
The embedded cellar technology means that each LUNAR device can instantly connect to FireGrid, independently of other infrastructure or devices. This level of live data can be crucial for making real-time operational decisions, providing access to the exact location, movements and well-being of each and every firefighter on scene, and enabling informed direction and instruction.
FireGrid also allows for data-storage capabilities that allow for post-scene analysis and reporting. This clever software makes post-scene incident analysis easy and can provide useful insights for maintenance managers and training officers, enabling them to make informed decisions about SCBA maintenance and injury prevention.
Connectivity matters in dangerous environments and maintaining constant communication and awareness is key to firefighter safety. In the heat of the moment, quick decision making can save lives and technology is now playing such an important role. All of MSA’s Connected Firefighter products combine to create a useful and powerful tool for use in the field.
MSA Safety has a strong presence in the Middle East, with many long-standing customers in the region, including oil and gas companies and Civil Defence forces. It has firefighters in the region covered, providing innovative and technological advanced solutions for keeping them safe.
For more information, go to ae.msasafety.com/connected-firefighter
About the Author
Yassin Afroukh is Middle East Sales Manager at MSA.
