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Body dimension data improves safety

January 7th, 2016

Researchers at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have recorded and developed a database of firefighter body measurements to improve the design and safety of fire apparatus and equipment. It’s estimated that 100 firefighters die in the line of duty in the U.S. each year and about 72,000 are injured. Working with […]

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Hazardous duty

December 1st, 2015

How fabric technology is protecting rescuers against ever-more-dangerous situations. On the hot summer day in 2013 when 19 experienced firefighters lost their lives, the Yarnell Hill fire, northwest of Phoenix, Ariz., spanned 8,400 acres. The trees were dry, the humidity was low and the wind suddenly turned, cutting off escape and creating an inferno. The […]

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