Show & Tell: FireRescue technical editors review hot products from FDIC 2009

Despite a sluggish economy, FDIC 2009 in Indianapolis was still filled to the brim with new products. Three of FireRescue’s experienced technical editors hit the halls in search of innovative products that have the potential to simplify your job while making it safer. Following are detailed descriptions of a few of these products we felt deserved a spotlight. For more, check out the July issue of FireRescue magazine.

STANLEY TOOLS' FUBAR FORCIBLE ENTRY TOOL by Bob Vaccaro
Stanley has been a mainstay in the tool industry since 1843, but they haven’t been a big player in the fire market until their introduction of the Stanley FuBar Forcible Entry Tool at FDIC. The tool is available in two sizes: 30 inches long/9 lbs. and 18 inches long/5 lbs. Although they may be light in weight, they’re plenty rugged—and sturdy.

This tool belongs on every apparatus: A truck company can use it for forcible entry, and an engine or squad can use it as a basic hand tool. The FuBar features two board jaws, so it can grab lumber, as well as a hydrant wrench, spanner wrench, gas shutoff and nail puller.

Stanley also produces a line of sledge hammers, demolition tools, flashlights and pry bars that can be used in the fire service.

Stanley Tools Product Group
480 Myrtle St.
New Britain, CT 06053
860/225-5111
www.stanleytools.com


WATERWAY INC.'S FIRE HOSE & LADDER TESTING SERVICE by Greg Jakubowski
Hose and ladders are the fundamental tools of almost every fire department. But are you testing them annually to ensure they’re ready to go and safe when you need them? You certainly don’t want these tools to fail on the fireground. Besides, annual hose testing is a key item that ISO will look for when they show up to perform your community’s grading.

Hose testing is one of those jobs that everyone grumbles about doing, and many fire departments don’t have the equipment or knowledge to properly test their ground ladders. That’s where Waterway Inc. comes in. Waterway will conduct the testing for both hose and ladders, ensuring they meet NFPA requirements. Simply call to schedule their visit, be available to let them in and access your apparatus, and they take care of the rest.

Waterway has been testing my department’s hose for several years. They provide complete documentation of the testing for each length of hose, and we’ve been happy with their services. Another plus: This is the only fire-hose-testing company with ISO 9001 certification.

Waterway Inc.
732/300-8128
jgreen@waterwayfranchise.com
www.waterwayinc.com