Ergonomics is the study of people’s efficiency in their working environment. The Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) has been promoting firefighter ergonomics for decades through its own firefighter survey and in cooperation with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). One application of ergonomics in apparatus design involves the configuration of hose storage Continue reading
A previous FAMA Forum article focused on air disc brake maintenance and the industry trend towards converting conventional drums to disc brake systems. This article will focus on the vehicles with conventional drum brake systems in service today and stress the importance of regular maintenance on these brake systems to ensure long-term safety and performance. Continue reading
The Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association’s (FAMA) goal is to provide tools and information to promote fire apparatus safety. Safety begins at the firehouse and must extend to every fireground and emergency medical services call. Clean cab design and enhanced field decontamination procedures are two examples of how the fire service is evolving to reduce the Continue reading
Of the thousands of fire apparatus purchased in North America each year, about 30 to 40 percent are mounted on a commercial chassis. “Commercial chassis” is simply the U.S. fire apparatus industry’s—and the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association’s (FAMA’s)—term to describe any truck chassis not specifically designed for emergency service use, e.g. Ford, Navistar, Freightliner, Mack, Continue reading
Lithium ion batteries have entrenched themselves in our everyday lives. From cell phones to laptops to cameras to passenger vehicles, lithium ion batteries have transitioned from “future technology” to technology of today. Lithium ion technology has significantly evolved in the last decade and is now a viable option on fire apparatus. Before we get into Continue reading
Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) member companies are dedicated to producing safety products that automate processes used in the industry that truly simplify and create a safer working environment. FAMA, the Fire Department Safety Officers Association, and other safety associations have been promoting more and more seminars at their conferences, teaching the science of automation Continue reading
The Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) is a safety-driven organization. FAMA companies and their members make end-user-driven contributions through multiple industry channels. Development of complimentary FAMA Buyer’s Guides, participation of its members on the FAMA technical committees, which make recommendations to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards councils; educational outreach of FAMA member companies partnering Continue reading
Like many industries, technology has made a significant impact on fire truck design and manufacturing, including the selection of apparatus color and graphics. The advancements and resources developed by the dedicated members of the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) have helped put the most technologically advanced, functional, and safe fire apparatus and equipment into service Continue reading
Emergency responders and public safety agencies are uniquely impacted by the advent of new technologies and trends in transportation, communication, and city management. While other industries and markets can transform or disappear as new technologies emerge, emergency responders must continuously adapt their practices, tools, and protocols to remain effective to the communities they serve. The Continue reading