We’re all feeling the heat this summer. And if we’re struggling, so is your firefighting equipment. Climate damage is one of the leading causes of deterioration of fire equipment so here's 7 tips to protect the tools that save lives!

We’ve all been there. The car stereo isn’t working so you begin to play “scientist” and turn things off and on, jam a few buttons, run a few “tests.” That may work for your car stereo but when firefighters start to do it with their SCBA air compressors, it's a fast track way to put your compressor out-of-service.

Air test kits provide the fastest, most efficient solution to air testing. The kits are purchased through a certified laboratory (we use Tri Air Testing) and typically range between $500 and $600. While this option has a higher price tag upfront, the longevity of the kits out-weigh the initial expenditure. With several compressors, the test kits pay for themselves within 1-2 years. TRI also offers loaner kits.

As an employee of AOS Services, the child of a diver and a former diver myself, I’ve been around compressed air most of my life. And yet, I’m somewhat bashful to admit that I didn’t fully understand why we tested our air. 

So, with a mixture of my own curiosity and a desire to bring awareness to others about the importance of air testing, I visited TRI’s Air Testing Laboratory here in Austin, Texas to find out more.

I can't stress the last point enough -- shop smart. What that doesn't mean is find the cheapest ladder/PPE/Service company on the market. Even with budgets being tight, you get what you pay for. Instead, your department MUST do their research and way the pros and con's of several providers. And once again, refer back to your goals. If saving money in the long-term is more important to you, let that reflect in your decision making.