MATTOON - Many people may be familiar with PASS - pull, aim, squeeze, sweep - in reference to fire extinguishers, but a different kind of PASS is drawing growing scrutiny in fire departments nationwide.

Personal Alert Safety Systems are one-way communication devices with a motion sensor that sounds an alert tone if a firefighter stops moving for 30 seconds. It also flashes its lights telling others that a firefighter is in danger.

Recent reports and lawsuits from around the nation claim the devices aren't doing their job, raising concern from some fire departments and organizations.

A special MSNBC.com report earlier this year alleged the federal unit charged with probing firefighter deaths overlooked a warning in 2000 that the devices might be failing. According to MSNBC.com, "Tests by federal and independent labs illustrate that some PASS alarms can fail to perform as intended if they get too hot or wet, which causes a serious problem for firefighters who rush into burning buildings with water hoses."

Federal investigative reports evaluated by MSNBC.com showed that 15 firefighters have died since 1998 in fires where a personal safety device either didn't sound or was muffled, making it difficult for rescuers to find the firefighter quickly. The first generation of personal safety devices was introduced in the early 1980s.

Local fire officials said the reports do raise concerns, however, firefighter organizations and retailers are working to correct potential problems with the device.

The Charleston and Mattoon fire departments haven't had any problems to date, but Andy Adair, assistant chief of the Mattoon Fire Department, said he can see how it is possible for problems with the device to develop.

"If a firefighter was unconscious and did fall on it (the device), it could become muffled," he said.

Adair and Mattoon Fire Chief Mike Chism said it can also be difficult sometimes to tell where the beeping is coming from in a smoky building.

"The problem we have (in training) is that it's hard to detect where it's coming from in a smoky building, but it does let you know something's going on," Adair said.

Local fire department personnel said they're thankful for the helpful devices, and even though they haven't had any trouble yet, they welcome the reports about the malfunctions.

"(The reports) are a benefit to us because they're showing this to us," said Kris Phipps, Charleston fire chief. "It's a good thing that we have this information."

Phipps also said some of the deaths reported by MSNBC.com were not a direct result of a failing personal safety device. He said in some cases there were other contributing factors.

Phipps said when he first heard reports of the devices potentially being faulty, he contacted the department's suppliers to ask if they had any problems or upgrades, something every department should do, he added. Officials at both fire departments also said they check the devices, which are integrated into the firefighter's air system, regularly.

Phipps said although he is always concerned with the safety of his firefighters, the personal safety device is not the only line of defense. Phipps said an accountability system used by many departments in which team leaders are responsible for a small team of men, usually three to four, is an effective way to make sure a situation never gets to the point of using the device.

He said smart decisions at the scene of a fire are important, too.

"We have to look at scenarios closely," Phipps said.

Phipps looks at common-sense things like not sending firefighters into a building if it's unsafe and always having backup for those on scene, he said.

A new standard for personal safety devices in heat and water is going to be issued by the National Fire Protection Association. The measure will be stricter than the original drafted in the 1980s. Some manufacturers said it will be months before an improved device is on the market. According to the MSNBC.com report, when new models become available, however, there is no plan for recalling the old ones, so fire departments may have to bear the cost of replacing them.

Phipps said despite the reports, his fire department will continue to use the devices they have, but he is glad the potential for malfunctions has been recognized.

Kate Henderson can be reached at khenderson@jg-tc.com or 238-6858.