NFPA 1851 Classes, Firefighter Gear Cleaning, inspection, and repair Shamrock Gear and Repair News

PO Box 413 Magnolia, OH 44643

SHOP (330) 313-1220 FAX (330) 313-1666

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SHAMROCK NEWS

PRESS RELEASE

Shamrock Gear and Repair now available to "Verify" in fire gear maintenance.

MAGNOLIA, Ohio – October 27 - Shamrock Gear and Repair LLC who specializes in fire gear cleaning and repair has taken on the additional task of educating and in turn verifying members of local fire departments in the maintenance and safety of their respective department’s gear. Shamrock Gear & Repair has just completed its first seminar for twelve members of area departments on procedures that will help them buy, inspect, clean, repair, and store their work uniforms commonly known as “bunker gear”.

Rob Leahy, owner and General Manager is a firefighter himself who began by repairing gear and making various fire gear accessories nearly four years ago. Through additional training, national endorsements and recently moving into a 2,500 square foot facility, Leahy has become one of only a few in this part of Ohio qualified to train fire personnel in doing advanced inspections on their firefighting ensemble. “I hope many fire departments can take advantage of this seminar because it will set the stage for the new standards that are coming next year” says Leahy.

The next seminar is slated for November 16th with information available by calling

Shamrock Gear & Repair LLC at 330-313-1220 or downloading information from the website at www.shamrockgear.org.

Source: Shamrock Gear and Repair

Contact Information:

Rob Leahy

330-418-6879

Bob Leahy

330-936-4603

Shamrockgear@sbcglobal.net

www.Shamrockgear.org

END OF PRESS RELEASE

CHECK YOUR MOISTURE BARRIERS

The Moisture Barrier Component in a 3 Layer system is an integral part of keeping the user safe. If not in top shape, this component can fail, allowing water in. This failure can result in injuries such as scalds, steam burns, chemical burns, viral penetration, and even death. Each element in the ensemble is only as strong as it's weakest part. Water passage through the moisture barrier definitely weakens the whole protective ensemble to the point it should be repaired, condemned, and/or replaced.

How can you tell if you moisture barrier is meeting the standard?

NFPA 1851 Appendix 4.3.2.1 describes testing the moisture barrier and how to tell if it passes. The "Puddle Test" or "Cup Test" is recommended for end user field test. A solution of tap water and Isopropyl Alcohol is used and placed on the garment to test the water shedding ability of the barrier. This test can be done in multiple areas of the garment in a short amount of time to ensure it's protective properties.

At Shamrock, we use a Suter Hydrostatic tester. This equipment pressurizes water against the moisture barrier to test protective ability. Each testing area is complete in 15-20 seconds.

What happens if the moisture barrier leaks through?

If a moisture barrier leaks through- it is out of service until it can be deemed repairable or condemned and need replaced. This item needs to be evaluated by a Care and Repair Center. All moisture barriers are not the same. Different manufacturers use different seam seal tape at different temperatures and times. This does not mean your item can't be repaired, but don't take matters into your own hands. Let a trained facility help you make a decision.

NEOPRENE & POLYURETHANE MOISTURE BARRIERS

Neoprene and polyurethane do a good job of keeping water out when they are new. The life span of these two materials in fire gear is very short. Some studies have shown less than 2 years to 100% of these items failing. Be careful. This is not to say you need to replace all of your ensembles, there may be other options. Contact your manufacturer rep or a repair facility.

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