Smithfield, RI, May 20, 2010 – Sperian Respiratory Protection, working with Fire Innovations LLC, has obtained NFPA and NIOSH certifications on an escape belt and rappelling system integrated on to the Warrior SCBA.
The integration of the escape belt and optional rappelling products with the Warrior SCBA allows fire departments to add a critical piece of rescue equipment to their Warrior SCBAs while maintaining critical compliance with NFPA 1981 2007 edition and 1983 2006 edition.
The Sperian belt features a patented quick-release jettison system that allows the Warrior SCBA to be disengaged from the belt with a tug of two quick release pull straps. By pulling these straps, the firefighter jettisons the SCBA, allowing an escape from a confined space without the bulk of the SCBA. The straps also allow the firefighter to change easily the orientation of the SCBA while keeping the MMR secure on the facepiece.
The Sperian Warrior Escape Belt and Rappelling System is multi-functional. "The configurations and uses of the belt are endless," said Jeff Shipley, product manager for Sperian Respiratory Protection. "For example, the standard belt is NFPA 1983 certified as an escape belt but with the addition of an optional multi-use strap, it can be converted into a NFPA-certified ladder belt." Additional uses for the belt include firefighter drag, buddy rescue, Columbus prop and steep roof safety strap. The optional rappelling pouch is compact and holds up to 50 feet of NFPA-certified Sterling® 7.5mm rope. The Hook-N-Go™ pouch can be quickly fastened to the back of the escape belt.
The belt is constructed of a Kevlar® and Nomex® weave that is braided, minimizing the possibility of breakage. It is highly visible, with a silver stripe and offers an impressive 4,000 lbs of tensile strength.
"We believe this is the safest, most practical escape and rappelling belt ever made for firefighters," said Shipley. "Moreover, because the Warrior Escape Belt is modular, fire departments can purchase the Warrior, then add the belt, rappelling products and other components as time and budget allow."
The Sperian escape and rappelling belt is available from all Sperian Fire distributors in North America. For more about it, go to www.sperianfire.com. For a free demonstration and the name of a distributor near you, call Sperian Respiratory protection at 800-821-7236 or 888-APR SCBA.
About Sperian Fire
Sperian Fire is a division of Sperian Protection. The Sperian Fire group (formerly Survivair®, Biosystems™ and Securitex®) is committed to offering easy-to-use, tested and proven, high performance respiratory, protective apparel and instrumentation products to fire and emergency service professionals.
About Sperian Protection
With nearly 6,000 employees worldwide, Sperian Protection (formerly Bacou-Dalloz) is the world leader in personal protective equipment (hearing, eye, respiratory and fall protection, gloves, clothing and footwear). The Group offers innovative products adapted to high-risk environments so that workers in the manufacturing and services industries can work with confidence.
About Fire Innovations
Fire Innovations is a leading manufacturer of firefighting accessories. JC Colorado, the founder of Fire Innovations, developed his first escape belt in 1998 as a result of his experience as a paramedic in San Francisco observing a firefighter forced by rushing flames to jump from a three-story building. Since then, Fire Innovations has expanded its line of escape belts and rappelling systems based on the requirements of firefighters in the field. Fire Innovations is located in Petaluma, CA.
