PFKG publishes new knowledge shares

The Passive Fire Knowledge Group (PFKG) has published three new Knowledge Shares.

According to the company, the shares address widespread misunderstanding in the specification of passive fire protection systems across the built environment.

Together, the company highlighted that the documents provide clear, practical guidance in areas where poor terminology, legacy standards and inconsistent interpretation continue to undermine compliance.

Knowledge Shares

PFKG highlighted that Knowledge Shares 10, 11 and 12 include:

Knowledge Share 10

Knowledge Share 10 addresses frequent confusion between smoke-leakage-classified active fire curtains and simple smoke curtains.

Simple smoke curtains are intended solely to control and direct smoke towards smoke control systems and provide no fire resistance (integrity) performance.

This is in contrast to smoke-leakage-classified active fire curtains, which are tested to fire resistance standards.

The document cautions against the use of the term “smoke and fire curtains” in specifications, as it is misleading and can result in the selection of incorrect products.

Knowledge Share 11

Knowledge Share 11 highlights the frequent misapplication of insulation (I) performance where radiation (W) classification is more appropriate for active fire curtains.

Insulation fire resistance (I) refers to the time taken for the temperature on the non-fire side of a curtain to rise more than 180°C above ambient under test conditions, a performance that most active fire curtains do not achieve for any significant duration.

By contrast, the radiation criterion (W) measures the time taken for heat radiation at 1 m from the non-fire side to exceed 15 kW/m².

This typically provides a more realistic and meaningful measure of performance for active fire curtains, particularly when combined with integrity (E) to form an EW classification.

Knowledge Share 12

Knowledge Share 12 addresses another long-standing area of confusion: the distinction between fire barriers and cavity barriers.

The document explains the different regulatory roles these systems perform, along with the differing fire resistance requirements that apply to each.

It also highlights how misunderstanding can lead to non-compliance, particularly where products are installed within cavities, above ceilings or beneath raised access floors without appropriate supporting evidence.

Across all three publications, PFKG emphasises the importance of early engagement between fire engineers, designers, contractors and manufacturers to ensure specifications are clear, achievable and supported by suitable test evidence.

“Avoidable compliance risk”

Will Pitt, Chair of PFKG commented: “These Knowledge Shares are about removing ambiguity from some of the most frequently misunderstood aspects of passive fire protection.

“Incorrect assumptions around standards or performance don’t just create technical issues – they introduce avoidable compliance risk into fire strategies and ultimately undermine safety.

“Clear terminology and evidence-led specification are fundamental,” Pitt concluded.

Downloads

All three Knowledge Shares are available now as free downloads from www.pfkg.org, supporting PFKG’s ongoing commitment to improving competence and consistency across the fire safety community

Isoler reveals new London office opening

Isoler has announced that it has expanded into London following sustained growth and rising demand for fire safety and compliance services.

Isoler

Isoler, a Durham based firm has opened a new Central London office, extending its reach at a time of heightened focus on building safety across the UK.

Founded in 1992, the company specialises in building integrity, fire safety, compliance and complex remediation works.

The company provides services including fire stopping and compartmentation, fire doors, compliance surveys, fire dampers, structural fire protection, principal contractor services and wall remediation.

Expansion

According to the company, the expansion follows continued year-on-year growth, backed by long-standing client relationships, successful project delivery and reinvestment in staff, systems and service capability.

Isoler highlighted that the new London office will help build closer relationships with clients in the South, while retaining the company’s North East-led approach.

“A natural step in our journey”

Managing director Josh Watson said: “This move is a natural step in our journey, built on the strength of our North East operations, the commitment of our team, and the trust developed with our clients.

“This expansion allows Isoler to support a growing number of projects in the South while continuing to deliver the same standards of quality and integrity the business is known for in the North East.”

Kidde introduces FIREX Sentry to cut installation time

Kidde has launched the FIREX Sentry range.

According to the company, the new family of mains-powered smoke and heat alarms have been developed to help installers complete jobs faster while achieving a cleaner, more professional finish.

Sentry range

Built on the established Kidde FIREX hardwired platform, the Sentry range has been designed to simplify both new installations and replacement projects, addressing common challenges faced on site.

The company highlighted that a key feature of the range is a new slide-on Quick-Fit base, which aligns with standard back box fixing points to reduce the need for re-drilling and speed up installation.

A larger, flared base plate helps cover marks left by previous alarms, supporting a cleaner retrofit finish, while integrated cable management enables quicker and more consistent wiring.

The range is fully compatible with existing Kidde FIREX hardwired systems, allowing seamless interconnection with smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide alarms for whole-property protection.

It is available in Grade D1 (rechargeable lithium back-up) and Grade D2 (replaceable battery back-up) configurations across four core models covering optical smoke and heat detection.

“Sentry is the result”

Maciej Gruszecki, Associate Director of Product Management from Kidde commented: “We spoke directly to installers about what slows them down on site.

“Sentry is the result – a range designed to reduce installation time, simplify replacements and deliver a cleaner finish without changing the trusted FIREX system they already know.”

The launch

The company said that launch comes as demand for efficient, compliant fire safety solutions continue to grow across new build and refurbishment projects, where installation speed and consistency are key considerations for contractors and specifiers.

Hardwired D1/D2 alarms alarms are widely required under UK building regulations, with new build demand running at approximately 300,000 homes per year.

The Kidde FIREX Sentry range is now available through leading electrical wholesalers and distributor partners across the UK.

The FDI Group expands into Dubai

FDI Consultancy Services has launched in Dubai, providing independent, expert fire safety and fire engineering consultancy services across the built environment.

According to the company, the new regulations are aimed at strengthening the safety, quality and sustainability of buildings across the emirate.

The company said that it supports developers, designers, contractors and asset owners with technically robust fire safety solutions at every stage of the project lifecycle, from concept design to construction and occupation.

FDI Group

Founded in the UK in 2020, The FDI Group quickly established itself as one of the largest providers of fire door consultancy and inspection services.

Renowned for its expertise in delivering digital fire compliance data, the team works with several major residential developers and facilities management teams on high-profile projects, including London’s Canary Wharf expansion and has built a reputation for helping navigate increasingly stringent building safety requirements.

“A key priority”

Elliott Brown, Founder & Managing Director, The FDI Group, said: “Passive fire protection is a key priority across the UAE, underpinned by a clear commitment to raising standards and digitalising compliance processes.

“Given our international experience supporting high-risk and high-rise buildings, we saw a significant opportunity in Dubai and beyond.

“The response we have received from local stakeholders has been excellent so far.

“Having always championed the use of technology to enhance the flow of information, we look forward to playing a role in the future of passive fire compliance and supporting safer buildings for generations to come,” Brown concluded.

“The heart of FDI’s work”

Edward Gaynor, Director of Technical Excellence and Group Compliance, FDI Consultancy Services said: “I have spent my career committed to life safety, and supporting FDI’s growth in this market was a natural next step.

“Our objective is straightforward: ensuring robust design, expert installation and absolute system compliance across all passive fire protection projects.

 “Passive fire protection is a discipline where focused, demonstrable expertise separates a building that performs from one that does not.

“Technical knowledge, attention to detail and innovation have been at the heart of FDI’s work from the beginning and these principles will continue to guide everything we do,” he added.

Services

Services cover fire strategy development, design reviews, regulatory approvals, construction oversight, commissioning, certification and ongoing compliance management, ensuring fire and life safety requirements are effectively integrated, verified and maintained throughout every phase of an asset’s development and operation.

To support its growth plans, the firm said that it is actively building a team in Dubai, bringing together professionals who share the same commitment to superior standards that has characterised its success to date.

Intersec Saudi Arabia reveals new Summit Advisory Committees

Intersec Saudi Arabia has announced the formation of the Advisory Committees for its flagship Future Security Summit and Fire Protection & Technology Summit.

According to Intersec, the Advisory Committee brings together some of the region’s most respected experts to help shape discussions around the rapidly evolving security and fire protection landscape.

Future Security Summit and Fire Protection & Technology Summit

Taking place during Intersec Saudi Arabia 2026 from 16–18 November at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC), the two CPD-certified conferences will bring together international experts, policymakers and industry leaders to examine the technologies, strategies and partnerships needed to safeguard Saudi Arabia’s next phase of growth under Vision 2030.

Intersec revealed that the Future Security Summit Advisory Committee includes representatives from the Royal Commission for AlUla, Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Dubai Airports, IFPO MENASA, King Salman International Airport and other leading organisations.

Meanwhile, the Fire Protection & Technology Summit Advisory Committee brings together specialists from Saudi Aramco, Red Sea Global, Qiddiya City, King Fahd International Airport and AECOM.

“Decades of operational, strategic and technical experience”

Riham Sedik, Exhibition Director, Intersec Saudi Arabia explained: “The advisory committees bring together professionals with decades of operational, strategic and technical experience across security, emergency management, fire protection and resilience.

“Their in-depth knowledge will help ensure that the Future Security Summit and Fire Protection & Technology Summit address the real-world challenges facing organisations today, while providing practical insights into the technologies, frameworks and leadership strategies shaping these sectors in the Kingdom and beyond.”

“Maintaining secure, resilient and trusted environments”

According to Yusuf Hasan, Senior Aviation Security Advisor at the International Civil Aviation Organization and member of the Future Security Summit Advisory Committee, the convergence of rapid development and evolving risks is creating a new security paradigm across the region.

Hasan commented: “The key challenge today is managing rapid growth while maintaining secure, resilient and trusted environments.

“As Saudi Arabia’s tourism, aviation, logistics and digital sectors expand, so too does the complexity of the threat landscape.”

He added that artificial intelligence is accelerating the shift from reactive security to predictive, intelligence-led models through enhanced threat detection, analytics and automation.

Addressing the next generation of security challenges

The Future Security Summit will explore many of these themes through discussions focused on cyber-physical security convergence, AI-enabled security operations, crisis and emergency management, critical infrastructure protection, workforce development and resilience planning.

“More sophisticated approaches”

Dr Reginald D Freeman, Member of the Board of Directors, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and member of the Fire Protection & Technology Summit Advisory Committee, said the fire protection sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation.

“One of the most significant trends is the shift from traditional code compliance toward risk-informed, performance-based fire engineering.

“The complexity of today’s mega-projects requires more sophisticated approaches to fire and life safety.

“The future of fire protection in Saudi Arabia will not simply be about responding to emergencies; it will be about anticipating risk, strengthening resilience, and enabling sustainable growth,” Freeman added.

Advancing fire protection for a new generation of infrastructure

Intersec highlighted that together, the advisory committees will play a key role in ensuring that both conference programmes remain closely aligned with the priorities of Saudi Arabia’s security, safety and fire protection sectors, while supporting knowledge exchange among government authorities, developers, infrastructure operators and technology providers.

Intersec Saudi Arabia 2026 is expected to welcome more than 25,000 visitors and over 500 exhibitors from around the world, reinforcing its position as the Kingdom’s premier platform for innovation in security, safety and fire protection.

Requirements for Braille signs in public institutions

Embossed Braille signage represents a critical element in creating barrier-free environments across the European Union, the Broadband Technology Association stated.

Legal basis and scope of application

The international standard ISO 17049:2013 defines the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities requires public buildings to provide “signage in Braille and in easy-to-read and understand forms.”

According to the company, the key legislation included:

  • European Accessibility Act (EAA) 2019/882 takes effect from 28 June 2025
  • Web Accessibility Directive 2016/2102 requires public sector accessibility

The harmonised European norm EN 301 549 v3.2.1 (2021-03) provides uniform accessibility criteria across all EU member states.

Technical requirements standards

ISO 17049:2013 defines core requirements for braille signage, while EN 17210:2021 outlines accessibility criteria for built environments.

Technical parameters

  • Dot dimensional accuracy – ISO 17049:2013 specifies the dot base diameter of 1.5-1.6 mm with center-to-center spacing tolerances
  • Durability requirements – Materials must maintain tactile integrity under normal use conditions with a domed or rounded dot shape for extended service life
  • Material contrast requirements – Minimum 70% visual contrast for low vision users, while tactile distinction relies on raised dot height (minimum 0.8mm above background) and proper dome shape

Placement rules

General principles

EN 17210:2021 requires positioning signage at 1.2-1.6 meter elevation, with 1.4 meters recommended.

Sequence of placement of elements:

  • Information sign – 20 cm from the door frame;
  • Pictograms – 10 cm from the sign;
  • Call buttons – within reach.

Mandatory requirements

EU requirements apply uniformly across all public buildings regardless of sector:

  • All facilities – Room identification signs, restroom signage, exit routes, accessible entrance markers
  • Medical facilities – Room numbering, restroom identification, emergency exit marking
  • Educational institutions – Classroom numbers, office identification, accessible routes
  • Retail outlets – Room identification, restroom signs and accessible features

Types of tactile signage

A modern navigation system for people with visual impairments includes several types of tactile signs:

  • Signs at the entrance with the name of the organisation and opening hours
  • Signs on offices indicating the purpose of the premises
  • Tactile diagrams with floor plans and evacuation routes
  • Warning pictograms with a minimum 6-inch height field, accompanied by descriptive text
  • Directional signs to important facilities

All signage types must adhere to EN 301 549 specifications.

Practical recommendations for implementation

To ensure compliance with legal requirements, it is recommended to:

  • Conduct an audit of the existing navigation and identify missing elements of the information system
  • Create a comprehensive layout plan that takes into account the institution’s specific requirements and visitor traffic patterns
  • Select a certified supplier that guarantees compliance with EN 301 549 and ISO 17049:2013

Specialised companies, such as Bsign Store, offer professional custom braille signs with high-quality tactile fonts that can be adapted for various accessibility requirements.

Train staff to work with visitors with visual impairments.

Holík reflects on Interschutz 2026

Interschutz 2026 marked Holík’s first public appearance in its new visual identity.

According to the company, the decision to adopt a bold green color paid off, as the stand was instantly recognisable in Hannover’s packed halls and naturally drew attention.

The rebranding received very positive feedback from partners and long-time customers who know the brand well.

The attendance of Ivo Holík

The company reported that a powerful moment at the trade fair was also experienced by the company’s Founder and Owner, Ivo Holík.

He first attended Interschutz in 2005 with a small table and fourteen glove models.

Twenty-one years later, he stood at the centre of his own 137m² booth, where the company showcased almost complete firefighter protection system from gloves and footwear to its own turnout gear.

“A deeply personal moment for me”

Ivo Holík commented: “I am incredibly proud – not only of how the stand looked, but above all of the entire team.

“Every detail, every meeting, every interaction with visitors showed how far we have come over the years.

“Seeing Holík at this level among the world’s top players was a deeply personal moment for me.”

International visitors

Distributors from all over the world stopped by the stand, including visitors from Europe as well as Australia, Venezuela, Chile, Canada and Taiwan.

The sales team barely had a moment to pause, with the number of business leads climbing to nearly four hundred.

The company said that visitors showed strong interest in the facelifted line of leather gloves as well as the new advanced Marble glove.

In the footwear segment, the Firra model with cut protection and the new low-cut firefighting boot Verra stood out.

The newest addition to Holík’s portfolio – protective clothing – also attracted significant attention.

“The strong interest”

Petr Ovčáček, Sales Director of Holík stated: “We were also very pleased by the strong interest from our domestic market.

“Every Czech firefighter at the stand wanted to see the Czech turnout gear.”

Social media

This was further confirmed by a viral trade fair video featuring Holík Czech ambassador @hasicka_simca, which was viewed by nearly 80,000 people.

The booth also included a media corner with a photo booth and instant photo printing.

Simple idea that became one of the stand’s biggest attractions.

According to the company, a strong role was also played by active social media engagement, with the team sharing real-time updates, reaching over 300,000 cumulative views of content from the Holík stand.

Collaborating German influencers @firecross_ and @sophia_firefighter created such engaging content that German firefighting celebrity Anike Ekina, followed by two million people, also visited the stand and tried on the Vespid gloves.

Another highlight was the company’s appearance at an expert forum focused on wildfire issues.

“The most important moments”

Tomáš Pekař, CEO of Holík commented: “Speaking at the Interschutz Wildfire Forum was one of the most important moments of the trade fair for me.

“It confirmed that our approach – being a partner to firefighters through dialogue – truly makes sense.”

Historical event

Not only in terms of numbers but also from a product perspective, the trade fair was historic for the company.

Holík International presented its first collection of firefighter turnout gear, becoming one of the few manufacturers in the world with in-house development of gloves, footwear and protective clothing under one roof.

“Exceeded our expectations”

“The positive response to our new products exceeded our expectations.

“Besides the turnout clothing, visitors showed the greatest interest in the Firra footwear with the long-awaited Level two cut protection and the technologically advanced Marble leather gloves,” Ovčáček concluded.

Euralarm publishes White Paper on Fire safety in a connected world

The European fire safety industry is at a turning point, Euralarm explained in its latest White Paper.

Digitalisation, remote connectivity and cybersecurity are converging to redefine how buildings are protected and maintained.

White Paper

Euralarm’s new White Paper on fire safety in a connected world covers integrating detection, remote services and cybersecurity.

According to the company, this white paper outlines how fire detection systems are transforming into intelligent, connected infrastructures and what this means for service providers, building operators and policymakers across.

Digital transformation

Across the continent, false alarms remain a significant burden: studies such as Euralarm’s 2022 False Alarm Study show that in some countries the false fire alarm ratio of FDAS (Fire Detection and Alarm Systems) is over 85% Unnecessary activations disrupt business continuity, erode confidence in fire protection systems and potentially waste emergency resources.

At the same time, climate change, energy efficiency targets and a shrinking pool of skilled labour are reshaping building operations and maintenance practices.

Digital transformation offers powerful answers.

Euralarm stated that through smart connectivity, cloud-based monitoring and data analytics, fire detection systems can now provide real-time insights, enabling remote diagnosis, predictive maintenance and data-driven decision-making.

These capabilities reduce downtime, improve safety and support sustainability goals by cutting travel and optimising resource use.

However, with connectivity comes a new responsibility: cybersecurity.

As fire systems are more often connected via the internet, they must be protected from digital threats that could compromise safety or availability.

Standards

According to Euralarm, Standards such as EN 50710:2021 (for remote services), CLC/TS 50136-10 (for Remote Access Infrastructure), IEC 62443 (for industrial OT cybersecurity) and ISO/IEC 27001 (for IT information security management) provide the framework for building and operating secure systems that are designed to protect information, assets and operations from unauthorised access, damage or disruption.

Such secure systems that follow Security by Design and Security by Default principles ensure that fire protection remains reliable, even in the connected era.

Sustainable buildings

By integrating fire detection, remote services and cybersecurity, European stakeholders can achieve safer, more resilient and more sustainable buildings.

Interconnected digital fire safety is already emerging as the new operating model and is expected to become standard practice across many new and modernised buildings during the second half of this decade, as connectivity, remote services and cybersecurity requirements become embedded in building operations and European regulatory frameworks.

Those who act now will lead the market transformation, delivering smarter protection and stronger trust in the systems that safeguard lives and assets.

KASK unveils new solutions for wildlife firefighting and rescue

KASK has introduced two new Quantum accessories, expanding protection options for wildland firefighting and technical rescue.

Quantum Series

According to the company, the Quantum Series was developed as KASK’s first helmet range for wildland firefighting, technical and mountain rescue and water operations.

Designed to meet EN 16471, EN 16473 and EN 12492 standards, Quantum also complies with EN 1385 when protection panels are fitted.

Built for demanding emergency response environments, Quantum combines a fire and chemical-resistant polycarbonate shell, high-density EPS inner shell and an Adaptive Fit system that can be adjusted while wearing gloves.

The helmet also features integrated mounting points for eye, face, hearing and weather protection, along with attachment points for accessories such as headlamps and badge holders.

To further enhance the range, KASK has launched two new dedicated accessories.

FR Goggles

The company said that the FR Goggles provide heat and fire-resistant eye protection against smoke and debris for wildland firefighting and emergency response.

Featuring a two mm fire-resistant polycarbonate lens with anti-fog and abrasion-resistant coatings, they deliver Optical Class one clarity and meet EN 166 and EN 170 Category II standards.

The goggles are compatible with all KASK Quantum Series helmets.

L-5 POWER Helmet Torch

The L-5 POWER is an ATEX Zone 0/20 certified helmet torch designed for wildland firefighting and technical rescue operations.

Mounted directly to Quantum helmets via a 360° Helmet Mount, it provides 180 lumens of light with a beam distance of up to 106 metres and a runtime of up to 30 hours using four AAA batteries.

According to KASK, its impact-resistant thermoplastic body, IP67 protection rating, photoluminescent bezel and rear red LED ensure durability, visibility and wearer identification in challenging conditions.

The Quantum Series was recognised with the iF Design Award 2023, highlighting KASK’s commitment to innovation, performance and user-focused design.

Olympia Electronics launches new emergency exit signs

Olympia Electronics has revealed the launch of its new MLD PRO Series, a modern emergency exit sign solution.

According to the company, the signs have been designed to meet the demands of contemporary architectural projects.

The new sign has a slim profile, premium aesthetics and advanced LED technology.

The company added that the MLD PRO combines high visibility, reliability and effortless installation in a single product.

MLD PRO Series

The company explained that the MLD PRO Series has been designed with a number of notable features, including:

Minimal and contemporary design, a sleek and elegant appearance that integrates seamlessly into hotels, offices, retail spaces, commercial buildings and public facilities.

Maintained or non-maintained flexible operation modes to satisfy different project requirements.

Three hour emergency autonomy equipped with advanced LiFePO4 battery technology, ensuring dependable operation during power failures.

High-efficiency LED illumination uniform pictogram lighting with low energy consumption and extended LED lifetime.

Easy installation suitable for both wall and ceiling mounting, enabling quick and straightforward installation.

Fast pictogram replacement tool-free pictogram replacement saves valuable maintenance time.

Specifications

According to the company, the key specifications include:

  • Viewing distance: 20 meters
  • Protection rating: IP20
  • Emergency duration: 180 minutes
  • Battery technology: LiFePO4
  • Operation: Maintained or non-maintained
  • Mounting options: Wall or ceiling
  • Integrated TEST Button

Ideal Applications

According to Olympia Electronics, the ideal application for the MLD PRO Series include:

  • Hotels & hospitality
  • Office buildings
  • Shopping centres
  • Educational facilities
  • Healthcare buildings
  • Public infrastructure
  • Modern commercial spaces

Designed for modern spaces

The company highlighted that the MLD PRO Series delivers the perfect balance between aesthetics and safety.

Combining contemporary design, reliable emergency operation and easy maintenance, it is the ideal choice for architects, consultants, contractors and facility managers looking for a premium emergency exit sign solution, added Olympia Electronics.