THE FIREGEEZER PRODUCT LOCATER SERVICE has come across a trio of interesting training aids produced by a company called BullEx Digital Safety.  The company, based in Troy, New York, specializes in fire extinguisher training utilizing digital devices.

One is a live-fire simulator that is fed by a regulated propane source.  The training extinguisher feels and operates the same as a dry powder extinguisher, but utilizes pressurized water.  When the trainee squeezes the handle of the “smart” training extinguisher, a directional ultrasonic signal is emitted from the tip of the training extinguisher’s nozzle. This signal is picked up by the four sensors on the front of the I.T.S. base unit. The on-board microprocessor control system determines exactly where the user is aiming and sweeping. Variable electronic valves constantly adjust the amount of propane sent to the burners to simulate the fire’s response to the extinguisher.

• If the trainee aims at the base of the fire, and sweeps the training extinguisher properly, the flames gradually go out.
• If the trainee does not sweep properly the flames will continue to grow.
• If the trainee does not sweep all the way across the base of the fire, the flames will not go out. Only the areas of the fire that were hit with the training extinguisher will be extinguished.

You can view a promotional video of it HERE.

Another training device of theirs is called HotShot.  Using the same type of extinguisher as the I.T.S. system above, it is designed for use in places where a live fire is not practical.  Instead, there is a digital panel with electronically controlled flames that respond to the trainee’s sweep patterns, rising or going out depending on the way the nozzle is aimed.  HotShot can simulate Class A, B, and C fires at four different difficulty levels. The digital flames respond only to the actions of the trainee, and the system measures how well the user extinguishes the flames.

The video for this device is HERE.

The third training simulator is all electronic.  Designed for use in office-type settings where product couldn’t be discharged, it uses the digital flame screen along with an “extinguisher” that uses a conical laser to replicate extinguisher discharge rather than depending on a dry-chemical or CO2 extinguisher. Because only laser light is emitted from the training extinguisher, extinguisher training can now be conducted virtually anywhere.

The extinguisher has a hidden speaker that makes a sound like that of a real ABC extinguisher.

For more information, BullEx Safety’s website is HERE.

If any of our readers have actually seen or used this equipment, we’d like to hear about it.  Tell us what you think in the Comments box.

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