January 06, 2010

Whether involved in a road incident, civil disaster or terrorist attack, emergency services personnel are having to detect a wide range of hazardous chemical and biological agents - and protect both themselves and others against them. Draeger offers a host of gas detection, escape, chemical protection and breathing apparatus solutions to help in the task.

Gas Detection

In terms of gas detection, portability and fast response are essential. Providing continuous measurement in real-time, Draeger gas detection instruments are easy to use and will quickly detect a wide range of chemical warfare agents, as well as toxic industrial compounds and materials. Developed for use as personal detectors or as monitors for post-event surveying, they are designed for single-handed operation, even whilst wearing gloves, and incorporate straightforward, menu-driven, push button controls.

Many emergency situations bring the threat of combustible hazards. Designed to monitor explosive gases as well as oxygen levels (for depletion or enrichment), the Draeger PacEx2 explosive gas and oxygen monitor combines extended operational time with minimal training and charging time requirements. Featuring “smart” technology, this two-in-one instrument can be supplied in two versions: as an instrument for explosive gas measurement, or as a “plug and play”, combination instrument for explosive gas and oxygen measurement. Designed to monitor hazard concentrations continuously, simultaneously and independently, it has a short response time and emits vibrating, audible and visual alarms as soon as the alarm thresholds are reached.

On-the-spot detection of nerve, blood, lung, nose and throat irritating agents is also easy to achieve with the Draeger Civil Defence Set (CDS). Compact, easy to use and able to detect up to eight chemical substances, it is also low in cost when compared to spectroscopic devices.

Aiding Escape

Whilst the effects of dense smoke and toxic fumes can be lethal, the use of the Draeger Parat C Escape Hood can aid an escape by providing up to 15 minutes of breathable air. Activated immediately on opening, this lightweight, compact hood is easy to use and is supplied complete with multi-lingual instructions. Bright orange in colour, it is clearly visible to both rescuers and users alike and combines a flame retardant, heat resistant hood with an integral gas respirator. Able to withstand flash temperatures of up to 900°C, the Draeger Parat C also has a large clear visor to ensure maximum visibility. Developed to filter potentially lethal fire gases and to eliminate the dangers associated with smoke poisoning, the hood protects against odourless carbon monoxide as well as other respiratory poisons such as hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen chloride.

Helping others to escape is often a remit of the firefighter – particularly in hospitals, office blocks and hotels. Designed to protect against toxic gases including nerve agents, blood agents and tear gas, the DefendAIR filtering hood can be donned in less than 10 seconds to provide up to 15 minutes of breathable air. Ideal for use by first responders, law enforcement or emergency response personnel, it can also be used by children and adult civilians alike, irrespective of face shape, their need to wear spectacles, or the presence of facial or long hair. Incorporating an integrated half mask with no mouth bits or nose clips, it enables the wearer to breathe and speak normally – something that is essential where the issue of life saving instructions may be required.

Chemical Protection

Although breathing apparatus will protect the respiratory system, it will not solve all the problems associated with a chemical hazard. In some instances, emergency services personnel will need the all-round, complete protection of a chemical protection suit.

Providing total encapsulation, Draeger chemical protection suits can be worn for long periods in addition to the decontamination phase (up to 90 minutes). Allowing breathing apparatus as well as helmets to be worn inside or outside the suit, the range features large visors for maximum visibility and flame resistant materials that combine superior chemical and mechanical protection with robustness and cost-effectiveness.

Other features of the range include the specially designed seams to ensure a strong, gas tight suit and an innovative glove connection which offers both gas tightness and increased tensile strength, whilst allowing the glove to be easily changed without using extra tools. An additional outer visor can also be provided to protect against heavy soiling and the suits can also be used in conjunction with the Draeger AirPack, a mobile cylinder trolley supplying breathing air.

Breathing Apparatus

Draeger also offers a wide range of ergonomically designed, state-of-the-art, compressed air breathing apparatus (CABA) for use in all firefighting applications.

Forming part of a revolutionary, complete system solution, the new Draeger PSS 7000 Breathing Apparatus (BA) has been specifically designed with the needs of firefighters in mind. Developed by professionals for use in even the most hostile of environments, this innovative set boasts advanced technology as well as a modular design. Enabling the set to be easily and quickly configured to suit different operational requirements, it also provides seamless integration with facemasks, head protection and communications equipment.

Easily upgraded to meet future needs and incorporating tried and tested pneumatics as well as the most advanced materials, the Draeger PSS 7000 is also designed for use with personal monitoring and/or telemetry systems.

All trademarks are the registered trademarks of the companies concerned.

Further information is available from David Fenton, Draeger Safety UK Limited, Ullswater Close, Blyth Riverside Business Park., Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 4RG. Tel: 01670 352891. Fax: 01670 356266

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Whether involved in a road incident, civil disaster or terrorist attack