Category: Industry News

Delegates Approve Resolutions Addressing PFAS in PPE

Delegates at the IAFF 55th Convention voted overwhelmingly in favor of resolutions to protect members from toxic substances in personal protective equipment (PPE) and to end sponsorships from manufacturers that use these substances.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of some 4,000 chemicals used in virtually all bunker gear inner liners to make them waterproof, have been linked to cancer and other illnesses among fire fighters.

Resolution 28, approved by delegates by a vote of 1,536 to 10, calls on the IAFF to no longer accept sponsorships from the chemical industry, textile manufacturers or PPE manufacturers that use toxic chemicals in PPE.

Resolution 31, approved by delegates by a vote of 1,472 to 4, calls on the IAFF to actively oppose the use of PFAS in turnout gear and to seek independent testing of PPE currently available to determine levels of PFAS and the ability of the chemicals to penetrate skin.

While it is known that PFAS is contained in turnout gear, and that these dangerous substances have been detected in blood, it remains unclear how it enters the human body. The IAFF is currently supporting three ongoing studies: exploring PFAS levels in dust in fire stations, PFAS levels in fire fighters’ blood, and the levels and nature of PFAS in various types of turnout gear.

Read the full IAAF News Article

SAESI making history with e-platform for RPL

SAESI making history with e-platform for RPL - click to read moreToday SAESI has made history again. The NQF 4 Occupational Certificate Fire Fighter can from today be accessed through the RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning)
route utilising a digital platform.

For the first time in Fire Fighter history the knowledge assessments of training have been converted into a digital format and are being hosted on an e-learning platform enabling upload and submission of an E-Portfolio. Similarly the E-Assessment and E-Marking have been converted into
a digital format and hosted on an e-learning platform.

Read the full news release.

Australia bushfires: Pregnant firefighter defends decision to fight fires

A 23-year-old pregnant volunteer firefighter has fiercely defended her decision to fight dangerous bushfires that have swept across Australia.

Kat Robinson-Williams, who is 14 weeks pregnant, said she received many appeals from worried friends to stop.

It prompted a powerful post from her on Instagram where she said she would not “just stay behind”.

Read the full article by BBC’s Yvette Tan and Frances Mao.

Vroue in Afrikaans – ‘n videoreeks

This article is published in Afrikaans. Please refer to the bottom of the article for an English translation.

Vroue vir Afrikaans – ‘n videoreeks

Afrikaans.com kies jaarliks vier besondere vroue wat uitstaan en ’n verskil maak in en deur Afrikaans. Augustus is Vrouemaand en daarom is dit gepas dat ons hierdie vroue juis gedurende dié spesiale maand aan julle voorstel. Jy kan elke Dinsdag na heerlike onderhoude op ons webtuiste uitsien.

Arlene Wehr wil veral jong vroue inspireer.

Arlene Wehr

Lees die volle artikel

Women for Afrikaans – a video series

Annually, Afrikaans.com chooses four remarkable women who stand out and make a difference in and through Afrikaans. August is Women’s Month and it is therefore appropriate that we introduce these women to you during this special month. You can look forward to great interviews on our website every Tuesday.

Arlene Wehr especially wants to inspire young women.

Read the full article (the article is in Afrikaans)

International Seminar: Recognition of Prior Learning for Professional Qualifications and Professional Designations

As Professional Body, SAESI attend as far as possible all SAQA meetings and events in order to comply but also to learn and grow. Below are links to the International Seminar: Recognition of Prior Learning for Professional Qualifications and Professional Designations held on 21 June 2019.

PROGRAMME INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR RPL 21 JUNE 2019 (287kb)
PRESENTATION RPL POLICY AND PRACTICES – DR KB REDDY (984kb)
PRESENTATIN RPL PRACTICES STATUTORY PB – MR NICHOLAS MALEBANE (1.8MB)
PRESENTATION RPL PRACTICES NON-STATUTORY PB – MR ENRICO DU PLESSIS (875kb)
PRESENTATION VALIDATION OF PRIOR LEARNING IN FRANCE – DR BORHENE CHAKROUN (1.6MB)

 

SAESI presents at IMATU Mid Term Conference

Mr Melvin Ramlall, President of SAESI presenting to members of IMATU at its Mid Term Conference. SAESI was invited to participate in the conference during the focus sessions on Service delivery failures and moving local government forward. As could be expected, given the recent challenges in the fire and emergency sector the presentation spawned intense discussions and positive engagements.

Read Mr Ramlall’s full presentation.

  • The president of SAESI Melvin Ramlall

Approved Professional Bodies Advertorial

The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Act requires the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) to recognise professional bodies and register their professional designations on the NQF. This only happens if the professional body meets the SAQA Policy and Criteria for recognising professional bodies and registering professional designations.

Benefits of being a SAQA recognised professional body:

  • Recognition as trusted professional bodies through an Act of Parliament
  • Part of a national database of professional bodies that uphold high standards of competence and ethics
  • Registration of professional designations on the most comprehensive national database of learner achievements
  • Exposure to best practice through access to fora that improve professional bodies functions

SAQA recognises a professional body if it:

  • Complies with, and adheres to, good corporate governance practices
  • Protects the public interest in relation to services provided by its members
  • Promotes professional development of its members to meet their relevant designation requirements
  • Has a code of conduct for its members to adhere to
  • Does not apply unfair exclusionary practices in terms of membership admission

VIEW THE LIST OF THE PROFESSIONAL BODIES RECOGNISED BY SAQA

Approved Professional Bodies Advertorial

International Fire Fighters’ Day – 4 May 2018

International Firefighters’ Day

Firefighters dedicate their lives to the protection of life and property. Sometimes that dedication is in the form of countless hours volunteered over many years, in others it is many selfless years working in the industry. In all cases it risks the ultimate sacrifice of a firefighter’s life.

International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD) is a time where the world’s community can recognise and honour the sacrifices that firefighters make to ensure that their communities and environment are as safe as possible. It is also a day in which current and past firefighters can be thanked for their contributions.

Read more…