http:// 2013-03-27T02:17:38Z 2013-03-27T02:17:38Z australian-householders-urged-to-think-fire-safety-this-easter-1

As the Easter long weekend approaches and party preparations begin, householders are being advised to think fire safety and ensure working smoke alarms are in place throughout their homes. Mark Gowans from fire protection specialist Wormald advises, “Householders should identify potential fire hazards around the home and take the necessary precautions to prevent a fire.  Those planning a trip away for the long weekend should be extra vigilant to ensure their home stays safe while they’re away.” Gowans also warns of the importance of smoke alarms.  “If a fire occurs, smoke alarms can provide the precious time needed to escape.  However, there really is no point in having them if they are not in proper working order.  Now is a good time to check that there is a sufficient number of smoke alarms in place throughout the house.  Check alarms are working by pushing the test button and replace batteries if required.” To ensure Easter goes off without a hitch, Wormald offers the following tips: - Ensure smoke alarms are installed and in proper working order-  Equip your home with appropriate fire extinguishers and fire blankets and place them in accessible locations- Devise an escape plan with your family and practice emergency exit drills- Be sure to keep the barbeque monitored whilst lit.  Once finished, turn off the gas cylinder and let the remaining gas in the pipe run through the barbeque before shutting it off- If a gas leak should occur when using the barbeque, shut off the cylinder immediately and allow any gas to dissipate- Always keep lighters and matches away from children- Never leave candles, cookers, heaters or open fires unattended- Turn off appliances such as dishwashers and microwaves when not in use- Never overload power sockets and make sure the power is switched off when not in use- Ensure cigarettes are extinguished carefully Wormald’s sister company Exelgard offers a range of home fire safety equipment – visit www.exelgard.com.au for details.   

2013-03-22T04:49:04Z australian-householders-urged-to-think-fire-safety-this-easter

As the Easter long weekend approaches and party preparations begin, householders are being advised to think fire safety and ensure working smoke alarms are in place throughout their homes. Mark Gowans from fire protection specialist Wormald advises, “Householders should identify potential fire hazards around the home and take the necessary precautions to prevent a fire.  Those planning a trip away for the long weekend should be extra vigilant to ensure their home stays safe while they’re away.”Gowans also warns of the importance of smoke alarms.  “If a fire occurs, smoke alarms can provide the precious time needed to escape.  However, there really is no point in having them if they are not in proper working order.  Now is a good time to check that there is a sufficient number of smoke alarms in place throughout the house.  Check alarms are working by pushing the test button and replace batteries if required.” To ensure Easter goes off without a hitch, Wormald offers the following tips: - Ensure smoke alarms are installed and in proper working order- Equip your home with appropriate fire extinguishers and fire blankets and place them in accessible locations- Devise an escape plan with your family and practice emergency exit drills- Be sure to keep the barbeque monitored whilst lit.  Once finished, turn off the gas cylinder and let the remaining gas in the pipe run through the barbeque before shutting it off-  If a gas leak should occur when using the barbeque, shut off the cylinder immediately and allow any gas to dissipate-  Always keep lighters and matches away from children-  Never leave candles, cookers, heaters or open fires unattended- Turn off appliances such as dishwashers and microwaves when not in use-  Never overload power sockets and make sure the power is switched off when not in use- Ensure cigarettes are extinguished carefully Wormald’s sister company Exelgard offers a range of home fire safety equipment – visit www.exelgard.com.au for details.  

2013-02-22T01:01:43Z businesses-underestimate-the-impact-of-fire-wormald-report

New research by fire protection specialist Wormald has found that 83 per cent of Australian businesses show no concern for the downtime that could occur if their business was to experience a fire.  The research also found that 70 per cent of businesses are not worried about resulting loss of data. In compiling the ‘Business Fire Safety Report’, Wormald surveyed 320 Australian business owners and managers about their approach to fire safety.  While loss of life in the event of a fire is the main worry for 97 per cent of respondents, only 40 per cent cited damage to property and 33 per cent cited loss of plant, stock or equipment as concerns.  Wormald Managing Director, Mark Gowans says that while protecting people should be the number one consideration, business owners cannot be complacent about protecting their livelihood. “Protecting people should always be the number one consideration for businesses in order to minimise injury and prevent fatality in the event of a fire.  However, any business that has experienced a fire knows that the aftermath can take far longer to battle through than the fire itself.“Fire can have devastating consequences and the damage can sometimes be irreparable.  Property loss and damage can result in lengthy downtime while repairs and rebuilding take place and expensive equipment and important data can be destroyed.  When planning for fire protection, business managers should develop a crisis management plan, giving careful consideration to how critical data is backed up and how they would operate if their premises were affected by fire.”Most of the businesses surveyed have fire extinguishers (99 per cent) and fire detection systems (83 per cent) in place, but half do not have automatic sprinkler systems installed.  “Portable fire equipment such as fire extinguishers, fire blankets and fire hose reels are an essential line of defence and are vital for fighting small fires.  However, to operate the equipment someone must be physically on the premises,” says Gowans.“Fire can spread out of control very quickly, particularly within large businesses and facilities. One option is to install an automatic fire suppression system such as an automatic fire sprinkler system which can help minimise damage to property.  Sprinkler systems can be linked to a facility’s fire or smoke detection system and, once activated, automatically release water to quickly suppress and control the spread of a fire.  Other fire suppression systems are available which, when activated, suppress the fire using inert gaseous agents such as Inergen and Sapphire systems.Of those respondents that have experienced a fire, electrical hazards (29 per cent) and machinery (27 per cent) were the main causes, both of which commonly occur when a premises is vacant.“When it comes to fire safety, careful planning is required and all fire hazards and risks should be assessed in order for the most appropriate fire protection system to be recommended and installed”, Gowans continues.  “Business managers must realise the impact that a fire can have on their business’ day to day operations and, subsequently its bottom line.”To assist businesses in preparing for fire protection, Wormald has developed a business fire safety ‘checklist’ which is downloadable at http://www.wormald.com.au/resource-centre/business-fire-safety-checklist 

2012-12-06T05:04:27Z householders-urged-to-stay-fire-safe-this-christmas

With summer marking the beginning of one of Australia’s peak fire periods, fire protection specialist Wormald and the Fire Foundation are encouraging householders to consider fire safety and carefully assess potential fire hazards around their homes.   “The Christmas holidays are all about spending time with family and loved ones. However, with plenty of distractions it’s easy to leave a barbecue burner running or forget to turn the Christmas tree lights off before going out,” said Jodee Wyatt of the Fire Foundation.  She also says it’s also not uncommon for people to remove batteries from their smoke alarms to power up new toys and electronic devices.    “The Fire Foundation sees the catastrophic effects that fire can have and I am urging everyone to take extra precautions this Christmas and ensure their families, and their homes, are kept fire safe.”   Wormald’s Mark Gowans highlights the importance of having working smoke alarms in place, “If a fire occurs, smoke alarms can provide the precious time needed to escape but there really is no point in having them if they are not in proper working order.  Now is a good time to check that you have a sufficient number of smoke alarms in place, replace batteries and check that the alarms are working by pushing the test button.”   To ensure Christmas goes off without a hitch, homeowners should identify potential fire hazards around the home and take the necessary precautions to prevent a fire. Wormald offers the following tips:   Fire protection equipment ·         Ensure smoke alarms are installed and in proper working order ·         Equip your home with appropriate fire extinguishers and fire blankets and place them in accessible locations   Christmas trees ·         Locate Christmas trees a safe distance from any potential fire starting sources such as lamps or electrical sockets ·         Keep Christmas trees and decorations away from lights or candle flames ·         Source fairy lights from a reliable supplier, and do not overload electrical sockets with excessive number of lights or other electrical appliances   Barbecues/outdoors ·         Be aware of any fire restrictions that you should be compliant with ·         Be sure to keep the barbecue monitored whilst lit.  Once finished, turn off the gas cylinder and let the remaining gas in the pipe run through the BBQ before shutting it off ·         Always keep lighters and matches away from children ·         If a gas leak should occur, shut off the cylinder immediately and allow any gas to dissipate ·         Allow hot ashes or coals to cool for 48 hours before removing them   Wormald’s sister company Exelgard offers a range of home fire safety equipment – visit www.exelgard.com.au for details.  For information about the Fire Foundation visit www.firefoundation.org.au or call 1300 478 776.    

2012-07-05T00:36:45Z wormald-issues-fire-safety-reminder-to-businesses

Fire protection specialist Wormald is warning businesses to be extra vigilant about using portable heaters and electrical appliances in the workplace.According to Garry Kwok, National Manager of Wormald’s Technical Services Group, “Regardless of what industry you’re in, electrical fire hazards exist in almost every workplace. These hazards can increase during the winter months as a result of increased usage of electrical heaters and other equipment. We would advise against the use of portable heaters; however if they are in use, it is important that they have been adequately serviced and are in proper working order.It is essential that business owners and managers identify and assess all fire hazards in their workplace and understand the level of risk associated with those hazards. Almost all electrical equipment is potentially hazardous and can cause serious injury or damage if improperly used or maintained. Many workplace fires can be attributed to malfunctions in electrical equipment due to overworking, inappropriate use, inadequate ventilation or overheating, neglect, ageing or lack of maintenance.”Wormald recommends the following to help reduce the risk of electrical fires in the workplace:- When using portable fan heaters, avoid placing them under desks or in enclosed spaces. The heat from these units can cause paper or other combustible material to catch on fire or melt the insulation around electrical appliances.- Multi-way outlets and extension cords are often used in the workplace due to the number of devices and machines operating at any one time. Do not overload electrical circuits and extension cords as such overloads can result in a fire.- The use of unsafe, poorly maintained and/or poor quality electrical appliances should be avoided as they can develop electrical shorts which could result in a fire. Careful attention should be given to the condition of equipment and extension cords, including regular maintenance and testing by qualified tradespeople. All appliances should be turned off when not in use. - Replace any electrical tool or apparatus if it causes even the smallest electrical tingle/shock, shows evidence of overheating, shorts out (e.g., trips a circuit breaker), or gives off smoke or sparks.- Electrical office equipment such as computers, printers, scanners and shredders should be checked and tested regularly to ensure their power cords are not defective, frayed or improperly connected. Cords should never be placed on or near hot surfaces, such as radiators, or fastened to walls or windows or pushed tightly against or behind furniture such that the cord could become acutely bent, compressed or damaged. - Working on "live equipment" is a serious hazard. Before cleaning, adjusting or applying flammable solutions, electrical machines should be disconnected. - Combustible material such as cardboard boxes and paper should not be stored or allowed to build up in inappropriate locations near sources of heat or ignition.In-service electrical equipment should be inspected and tested periodically in accordance with Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZ 3760: In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment to help ensure the safety of those using the electrical equipment in the workplace.Wormald provides a wide range of fire safety products from portable fire equipment to large scale fire detection and suppression systems for commercial and industrial facilities. Wormald also offers a number of fire safety training courses for businesses ranging from the use of fire extinguishers to first aid training to comprehensive warden training. For further details or to speak to a Wormald representative call 133 166 or visit www.wormald.com.au-Ends-

2012-03-22T23:32:25Z xstrata-coal-staff-receive-wormald-fire-safety-training

The hazardous nature and typical remoteness of mining operations makes extra vigilance in preventing and preparing for fires an ethical, financial and regulatory necessity. For this reason workers at all levels within mining organisations need to maintain high skill levels in their emergency response capabilities.Leading fire protection specialist Wormald has delivered fire safety awareness training to staff at Xstrata Coal NSW’s Glendell Mine. The Glendell project is an open cut coal mine adjoining the Ravensworth East and MountOwen mines which produces up to 4.6 million tonnes of coal per year.Personnel who attended the fire awareness training were taught how to adopt the correct procedures upon discovering a fire; how to identify different types of fire equipment on the site and how to use the fire equipment correctly; how to determine the class of fire and select the correct equipment for each.Bernie Pilgrim, Newcastle Training Manager with Wormald, who regularly conducts the training, said, “Training is a critical element of fire safety planning and is particularly important in the high risk industries such as mining. It is vital that all staff know what to do in the event of a fire. Training helps organisations develop effective plans and procedures which can be readily executed if there is a fire. Knowing how to use the correct fire protection equipment means that staff can confidently manage an emergency situation.The fire awareness training that we conducted at Xstrata Coal includes a combination of theory, practical and assessment so staff have the opportunity to get involved in some hands-on training.”Wormald offers a range of fire safety training courses suitable for the mining industry including Confined Space Entry Training, Breathing Apparatus (BA) Training, Fire Extinguisher Training, First Aid, Spill Response Training, General Staff Emergency Awareness Training, Lay Flat Hose Training and Fire Safety Adviser Training (for QLD).For further details or to speak to a Wormald representative call 133 166 or visit www.wormald.com.au/training-Ends-

2012-03-21T06:35:18Z fast-track-fire-protection-for-v8-championship

Auckland, 21 March 2012: Leading fire protection specialist Wormald will again provide the fire protection solution for the ITM400 Hamilton, which hits the track on April 20th – 22nd 2012.Hamilton city will ignite during the three day event which will see championship drivers battle for victory through the city centre circuit. Wormald has been involved with the V8 Supercars Championship since the inaugural event in 2007 and will continue the partnership until 2014.Under the agreement, Wormald will supply over 200 fire extinguishers throughout the Hamilton race track and corporate hospitality tents. A comprehensive fire alarm system will also be installed in the main control building and in each pit bay.The fire extinguishers are a mixture of alcohol resistant foam units and high performance Purple-Kdry chemical units. Alcohol resistant foam extinguishers are particularly suitable for the V8 event as the fuel used in the cars is a blend of methanol and high octane petrol. These fire extinguishers will be for use by the fire marshals and by race teams in the pit area. Smaller dry chemical extinguishers will be provided for the hospitality and food preparation areas.A complex analogue addressable fire alarm system is being installed to allow for a wide scope of control in the event of a fire. The system consists of a main fire alarm panel which is located in the control building, as well as a number of manual call points which are located throughout the arena. Each manual call point has a unique number which is matched to a race teams’ pit area - this assists response services in quickly and accurately determining the location of an incident.Wormald staff will be involved in the event set up and a dedicated team of technicians will be onsite during the April Championship event.Greg Mosen, event organiser said, "The V8 Championship is a high powered event and with thousands of spectators gathering to watch these champions, being prepared for an emergency is absolutely essential. The Wormald team showed great understanding of our requirements and we are very grateful for their ongoing support.”Peter Fermor, General Manager of Wormald in New Zealand said, ‘For a major event like the ITM400 Hamilton, it’s vital to develop an effective emergency response plan. Our team has been working very closely with event organisers to carry out careful risk assessments of the arena and advise on the most appropriate fire protection solution. Everyone at Wormald is excited to be involved with the event and I have no doubt it will be another great success.”The International 2012 V8 Championship, which run throughout the year, includes 16 events which this year take place in Australia, New Zealand and Abu Dhabi.-Ends-

2011-12-16T00:51:19Z holiday-makers-reminded-to-install-smoke-alarms

As holiday makers prepare for their summer trips, Exelgard is reminding mobile homes, caravan and campervan owners to ensure they have working smoke alarms installed.Legislation introduced earlier this year in NSW requires all moveable dwellings, including motor homes, campervans, caravans, holiday or park vans and annexes where people sleep, to have a smoke alarm installed. The legislation also extends to mobile homes travelling through NSW from other States and Territories.Exelgard’s Mathew Pearson said, “The risks presented by small campervan kitchens, small appliances and gas cookers are often forgotten. Yet with the majority of domestic fatal fires occurring when people are asleep it makes sense for smoke alarms to be installed in every dwelling, whether mobile or permanent”.“If a fire occurs there may just be a few seconds to get out of a burning caravan or campervan so the warning a smoke alarm gives can mean the difference between life and death. It may also be useful to have a fire extinguisher and fire blanket available.”Pearson also said that holiday makers should regularly check their smoke alarms to ensure they are in proper working order. “Smoke alarms can assist in providing the precious time needed to act or escape - but to be effective they need to be in proper working order. Checking your alarm and making sure the batteries are working should be a regular task.”Pearson recommends taking time to carefully choose a suitable smoke alarm which is compliant to Australian Standard, AS3786–1996 and is ActivFire listed. “While a smoke alarm may seem like a generic product there are actually many types to choose from. For example, a photoelectric alarm is particularly responsive to smouldering flames which are most likely to occur when people are asleep. Positioning of the smoke alarm is also important, so that it is in the best place to have maximum impact if set off by a fire,” he said.Exelgard is the sole distributor of Exelgard and Wormald smoke alarms, which are available from Woolworths, Big W, RSEA and Australia Post outlets.

2011-12-15T06:25:44Z stay-fire-safe-this-christmas

With Christmas just around the corner, barbecues will be rolled out for festive entertaining and trees will be adorned with colourful decorations and lights. But while it’s time to celebrate, Christmas also marks the beginning of one of Australia’s peak fire seasons. “The Christmas holidays are an ideal time for homeowners to relax, kick back with a drink and catch up with friends. And with plenty of distractions, it’s all too easy to leave a barbecue burner running or forget to turn the Christmas tree lights off before going out,” says Mathew Pearson, Key Account Manager with Exelgard. To ensure Christmas goes off without a hitch, Exelgard is encouraging homeowners to identify potential fire hazards around the home and take the necessary precautions to prevent a fire from ruining the holidays. Here are a few tips: Christmas trees and decorations Make sure Christmas trees are located a safe distance from any potential fire starting sources such as lamps or electrical sockets Source Christmas tree lights from a reliable supplier, and do not overload electrical sockets with excessive number of Christmas lights or other electrical appliances Hang decorations away from lights or candle flamesBarbecues Be aware of any fire restrictions that you should be compliant with, such as total fire bans Be sure to keep the barbecue monitored whilst lit Once the food is cooked and served, turn off the gas bottle and let the remaining gas in the pipe run through the BBQ before shutting it off If a gas leak should occur, shut off the cylinder immediately and allow any gas to dissipate. Remember that LPG is flammable, heavier than air and may remain in the air for some time Allow hot ashes or coals to cool for 48 hours before removing them Equip your home with appropriate fire extinguishers and fire blankets and place them in accessible locationsExelgard's range of domestic fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and fire blankets offer advanced fire protection for the home. For details about the most effective way to use these products, visit www.exelgard.com.au. Exelgard fire extinguishers, fire blankets and smoke alarms are available from major retailers.

2011-12-06T07:28:46Z bus-fire-suppression-systems-should-be-as5062-compliant-wormald

Following a number of recent bus fires around the country leading fire protection specialist Wormald is calling for bus companies and transit authorities to ensure their vehicles are equipped with vehicle fire suppression systems compliant with Australian Standard, AS 5062-2006: Fire protection for mobile and transportable equipment. AS 5062-2006 (the Standard) specifies the minimum requirements for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of vehicle fire suppression systems. Wormald National Product Manager for Vehicle Systems, Steve Oxley said, “Providing protection against fire on vehicles poses unique and specific challenges. To ensure the highest level of protection possible, our recommendation is that vehicle and fleet managers not only install up-to-date fire protection systems and equipment but also make sure that those systems are compliant with AS 5062. “Although not mandatory, the Standard should be recognised as best Australian industry practice by every fire protection company,” he continues. “A key element of the Standard is that it promotes rigorous processes for risk analysis and assessment as a prerequisite. This assists in determining the areas of the vehicle with greatest risk in order to recommend the most appropriate systems to protect them.” In the event of a fire, the principal aim of a vehicle fire suppression system is to provide early detection and warning so occupants of the bus are given time to safely evacuate while also automatically suppressing the fire to help minimise damage to the vehicle. An important component of AS 5062 is the requirement for regular inspection, testing, preventative maintenance and survey procedures for the vehicle fire suppression systems. This helps ensure that the systems are fully functional and will perform as designed in the event of a fire. According to Oxley, bus drivers and operators should also be fully trained on how to manually activate the vehicle fire suppression systems when necessary and how to operate other fire protection equipment located in their vehicles, such as portable fire extinguishers. “Passengers have the expectation of safe travel on all public transport vehicles and rely on bus companies and transport authorities to have appropriate safety provisions in place,” says Oxley. ”We recommend vehicle operators, including bus drivers, are aware of their vehicle's fire protection equipment and are fully trained on how to use it.” Wormald’s Foam Water Spray Vehicle Fire Suppression System achieved approval listing to AS 5062 by undergoing and successfully passing a series of rigorous fire tests and system component stress tests. The Foam Water Spray System features high pressure, small droplet nozzles targeting high and medium risk areas, such as engine and transmission compartments and hydraulic areas, and utilises the fire suppression and containment features of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF). For further information about Wormald’s vehicle fire suppression systems, call 133 166 or visit www.wormald.com.au.

2011-11-08T06:39:24Z farmers-encouraged-to-prepare-bushfire-survival-plan

With summer fast approaching and the threat of bushfires not far away, GAAM Emergency Products is encouraging farmers in bushfire prone areas to seek advice from their local fire brigade about protecting their property and to prepare a bushfire survival plan.As part of any bushfire survival plan, farmers should assess how they can make their property defendable, consider what fire protection systems need to be in place and ensure they’re aware where their nearest shelter is if they need to vacate their premises quickly.In the incident of a small-scale fire, such as a spot fire or ember attack, GAAM Emergency Products has designed a portable firefighting pump, which provides a convenient and straightforward solution for fire suppression.The GAAM Fire Defender is a lightweight and easy-to-use firefighting package. Drawing water from a source such as a swimming pool, creek or dam, the device is simple to set up. Placed next to the water source, the Defender’s hard suction hose is connected to the pump and submerged in the water. The hose is then connected to the pump outlet and the Honda 4-stroke petrol engine is started by pulling the cord. Highly efficient, the Defender is capable of dispersing 240 litres per minute and pressures up to 390 Kpa.When not being used, the GAAM Fire Defender is small and compact so that it can be easily stored away.For more information contact GAAM Emergency Products on 03 9464 8400 or visit www.gaam.com.au.

2011-10-04T01:42:03Z almost-half-of-small-businesses-have-inadequate-fire-equipment-wormald

A study by fire protection specialist Wormald has revealed that a high percentage of small businesses in regional areas are not adequately prepared for a fire. With 45% of respondents admitting to not having a fire extinguisher onsite, Wormald is encouraging businesses to review and improve their fire safety measures.“Unfortunately fires are all too common in businesses and without basic equipment there is a high risk that serious damage will occur” said John Lynch from Wormald. “No matter what size your business, fire protection equipment and systems should be considered an important safety measure.”“It can take years to build up a business, but it can all be lost in a short time if a fire occurs. We are encouraging business owners to take responsibility by assessing their existing fire safety equipment and systems and making improvements where necessary.”When purchasing portable fire equipment, Wormald suggests using the following steps to ensure you are properly protected:•Assess potential fire hazards around your office and identify the fire protection products you require•Take some time to research the products available and make sure you select the right ones that carry the correct approval•Ensure you position your equipment in accordance with applicable regulations e.g. Building Code of Australia or local fire services requirements•Train all employees on how to use portable fire equipment•To ensure optimal performance, have your equipment regularly inspected and maintained in accordance with applicable standards and regulations. You should also seek advice from a fire protection specialistCommenting on the finding that 61% of small businesses do not have fire detection or evacuation procedures in place John Lynch said “In the event of a fire, employees often rely on direction from management on what to do and where to go. By not having an evacuation procedure in place, business owners are putting their staff and property at potential risk. It is not only vital to have a procedure in place but it should be practiced regularly to ensure everyone is as prepared as possible.”For further information about Wormald’s wide range of products and services call 133 166 or visit www.wormald.com.au.-Ends-

2011-08-31T00:51:13Z wormald-calls-for-farm-vehicles-to-upgrade-fire-suppression-systems

Fire protection specialist Wormald is encouraging the installation of fire suppression equipment on agricultural harvesters to help prevent machinery and crop fires.Wormald National Product Manager Steve Oxley said due to the size, fuel carrying capacity and cost of today’s farm machinery, particularly harvesters, appropriate vehicle fire suppression systems compliant to Australian Standards should be installed. Fire extinguishers suitable for smaller fires, or fires that may occur outside the risk area should also be installed.According to the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) each year more than 1000 harvesters catch fire, of which about one per cent, or approximately 12 harvesters worth at least $500,000 each, are burnt to the ground.[1]Commissioned in 2009 by the GRDC to investigate the causes of harvester fires, Dr Graeme Quick, an internationally recognised agricultural engineer, reported that the most common cause of harvester fires was in the engine bay, where material can collect on hot components such as the exhaust manifold and turbocharger.[2]Oxley said: “The mining and forestry industries have been installing vehicle fire suppression systems for some time. Based on the incidence of fires reported by the GRDC, the time is right for the agriculture sector to upgrade fire safety equipment in farm machinery.”“We are seeing growing interest from farmers to install vehicle fire suppression systems. Anecdotally, they’re telling us that insurance companies are imposing higher excess payments on these expensive machines, up to 10% on the cost of a $600,000 vehicle, unless they install vehicle suppression systems,” he said.Wormald offers a comprehensive Vehicle Fire Suppression (VFS) System, which is suited to different types of farm vehicles, from tractors to harvesters. In the event of a fire, the principal aim of Wormald’s system is to provide early detection and warning to allow extra time for the driver to safely evacuate, while at the same time quickly suppressing the fire to help minimise damage to the vehicle.The Wormald Foam Water Spray VFS System consists of high pressure, small droplet nozzles which discharge a continuous stream of foam water spray at high risk areas, such as engine and transmission compartments, and hydraulic areas. The system utilises the fire suppressing and containment features of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF).The VFS system offers both manual and automatic actuation options to suit individual preferences. It can also be recharged on the spot, which is particularly beneficial for vehicles travelling into remote areas where specialised support might not be immediately available.Wormald’s VFS system is ActivFire listed to be compliant to Australian Standard, AS 5062-2006: Fire Protection for Mobile and Transportable Equipment.In accordance with AS 5062, Wormald provides a fire risk assessment process which assists in determining the most appropriate system to use for each vehicle application. Another major component of AS 5062 is the regular inspection, testing and preventative maintenance and survey activities for the VFS systems, to help ensure a system is fully functional and will perform as designed if a fire occurs.For further information about Wormald’s vehicle fire suppression systems, call 133 166 or visit www.wormald.com.au. [1]GRDC article ‘Why harvesters are at risk of catching fire’, 4 January 2011 [2] GRDC article ‘The burning issue of combine harvester fires’, 19 November 2010

2011-06-05T23:43:51Z clinical-research-delivers-better-chance-of-survival-for-burns-victims

Critical burns victims at Queensland’s Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) have a better chance of survival due to ground-breaking clinical research conducted by the hospital’s Burns, Trauma & Critical Care Research Centre.The Research Centre, which is a collaboration of RBWH and The University of Queensland and funded by the RBWH Foundation, combines the medical expertise of the hospital’s burns, intensive care and trauma units and is the first of its kind in Australia.Fire protection specialist Wormald is a major supporter of the RBWH Foundation and has donated $250,000 towards the Centre’s clinical research over the past five years.“At RBWH, patients with 75% burns to their body have an incredible 50% chance of survival; a result which is amongst the highest in the world”, said Mark Gowans, Managing Director of Wormald. “The great work of the Burns, Trauma & Critical Care Research Centre has helped achieve this and we are proud to be involved with this initiative.”According to Professor Jeffrey Lipman, Director of ICU and Director of the Burns, Trauma & Critical Care Research Centre, the Centre’s collaborative approach is an important contributor to its success.“Serious burns are devastating injuries and a person’s complete physiology can take a very long time to recover. Drawing resources and expertise from the three hospital units has resulted in an increased survival rate for patients with very severe burns. Over the last ten years, burn mortality rates at RBWH have been reduced by 33% - this is amongst the best results in the world.”The clinical research conducted by the Burns, Trauma & Critical Care Research Centre is centred on a solid base of multidisciplinary expertise including burns surgeons, anesthetists, cardiologists, neurosurgeons, scientists, pathologists, nutritionists, physiotherapists and intensive care nurses. The Centre’s research is focused on improving resuscitation, improving skin coverage through enhanced methods and techniques and controlling infection by optimising antibiotic therapy. The importance of antibiotic therapy was highlighted recently by the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine when it recognised Professor Lipman for his research in defining antibiotic levels in intensive care unit patients. ”Infection in a burn victim remains a challenging concern for any burns team and the focus on antibiotic therapy is an important one of the Burns, Trauma & Critical Care Research Centre”, said Michael Muller, Senior Burns Surgeon at RBWH. “Everyone at RBWH is dedicated to saving and restoring lives to the best of our ability and this vital research assists us in achieving this.”Speaking of Wormald’s involvement with the RBWH Foundation Mark Gowans added, “As an industry leader, it is not only important to provide effective fire safety solutions which prevent fire and save lives, we must also provide support to those affected by fire. Our involvement with the Foundation helps doctors in accessing resources and research tools vital to assisting burns survivors and making sure they get the treatment they so desperately need.”For further information about the RBWH Foundation please visit: www.rbwhfoundation.com.au.

2011-05-17T00:15:42Z householders-urged-to-stay-fire-safe-this-winter

As the cold snap sets in, households looking to keep warm should be aware that portable heaters, electric blankets and radiators all pose potential fire risks around the home. Despite these dangers, many homes are not equipped to deal with a fire should one occur with only 34% having a fire extinguisher and 22% a fire blanket*. “If a fire occurs, fire extinguishers and blankets are essential for the home’s defence. However, householders need to do more than just buy the product, they need to fully understand where the equipment should be located around the home, exactly how to use it and when it will need to be serviced or replaced,” says Mathew Pearson, Key Account Manager, Exelgard. A leading distributor of fire products in Australia, Exelgard recommends householders run through a mental checklist before leaving the house or going to bed. •Ensure heaters are turned off on the appliance, as well as at the wall •Switch off electric blankets as soon as you get up•Be mindful not to place clothes or towels near heaters or let curtains fall near them•If using candles double check they’ve been blown out•Don’t leave matches and lighters lying around; store away safely Legislation across most of Australia stipulates that homes must have at least one smoke alarm, ideally located near where people sleep. If a home has more than one storey, there should be a smoke alarm on each level. Householders are advised to keep smoke alarms clean, test them regularly and replace batteries at least once a year. “If a fire occurs, smoke alarms can assist in providing the precious time needed to act or escape – but to be effective they need to be in proper working order,” Pearson warns. Exelgard is the sole distributor of Wormald and Exelgard smoke alarms and also offers domestic fire extinguishers and fire blankets which can provide comprehensive fire protection for the home. Exelgard products are available from major retailers or you can buy online at www.exelgard.com.au/shopping. *2008 AAMI Firescreen Index