Regulator appoints new leaders to Building Advisory Committee

Building Safety Regulator announces BAC leadership changes

The Building Advisory Committee has appointed Dr Barbara Lane as Independent Chair and Dr Hywel Davies OBE as Deputy Chair in a leadership change linked to the Building Safety Regulator.

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) announced the appointments and said Dr Lane is the first Independent Chair of the Building Advisory Committee (BAC).

Dr Lane is a Fellow of Arup and a chartered senior engineering executive with 30 years’ experience across sectors in the built environment.

She served as an expert witness for the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 from 2017 to 2024.

Dr Davies has served on the BAC since it was created and is Head of Technical Insight at the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE).

He also chaired the BAC’s predecessor body, the Building Regulations Advisory Committee, from 2020 to 2023.

Committee transition and advisory role

BSR said the appointments mark the start of a transition for the committee as it continues its advisory role alongside the Industry Competence Committee (ICC) and the Statutory Residents’ Panel.

Dr Lane and Dr Davies are liaising with BSR as the leadership transition progresses.

The committee’s strategic direction is being considered as part of work to align it with BSR.

The Statutory Residents’ Panel is recruiting its own Independent Chair.

Comments on the Regulator appointments

Dr Lane said: “Taking on this independent role is part of my ongoing commitment to create a safe and equitable built environment, one that works for everyone.

“I believe that the committee can be a powerful force for good across the sector, building on the harsh lessons learnt from the Grenfell fire.

“My aim is to try and remedy the shortcomings exposed in our building standards to protect and improve the lives of millions throughout the country.”

Dr Davies said: “I am pleased to be appointed Deputy Chair, supporting Dr Lane in her new role.

“The committee has a critical role to play supporting BSR in its work to improve the building safety regime, identify risks to building users, and provide consistent and timely standards and guidance that can meet the complex challenges we face today.”

Charlie Pugsley, Acting Chief Executive Officer of BSR, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to welcome both Dr Lane and Dr Davies to their new roles on the Building Advisory Committee.

“Together they bring a wealth of expertise garnered from successful careers working in the built environment and will make a real difference to the positive impact of BSR, the committee and regimes under the Building Safety Act.

“Their combined knowledge and skills will be invaluable to informing and supporting our mission to ensure safer homes and buildings for all.”

The committee is considering its strategic direction as the leadership transition continues.

UL Research Institutes updates search and rescue training course

FRSI training course adds new tactical lessons

UL Research Institutes and its Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) have announced a new version of the free online training course Search and Rescue Tactics in Single-Family Single-Story Residential Structures on the Fire Safety Academy.

The updated training course reflects findings from full-scale burn experiments and adds three tactical considerations to the original Search & Rescue course.

One lesson covers simultaneous exterior and interior suppression operations when crews arrive to a fully developed fire with extension to the exterior and sufficient resources are available.

A second lesson covers local ventilation in compartments remote from the fire area, including pre suppression isolation of the compartment before ventilation.

A third lesson covers hydraulic ventilation immediately after suppression to increase the rate at which combustion gases exhaust from the structure.

New materials for officers and instructors

FSRI said the updated course also includes ready-to-use materials for training officers and instructors.

These include five scenario based drill sheets designed to reinforce decision making and coordination across search scenarios and victim removal.

The updated materials also include time-to-task sheets to track how long crews take to complete actions such as forcing entry, a single-room search and drag-and-carry.

Discussion guides have also been added to support post-drill or informal conversation intended to reinforce learning and improve retention.

Meghan Maloney, manager of education and training for the Fire Safety Research Institute, said: “The re-launch of this course builds on years of research and ongoing collaboration with the fire service to meet their training needs.

“On the fireground, every decision and every minute matters, and our free training helps firefighters at all levels be better prepared to make smarter, safer decisions that influence occupant survivability and firefighter safety.”

The course states that firefighters who complete it will learn how isolation and ventilation affect occupant survivability and firefighter safety, how the timing of suppression actions affects search and rescue operations, and how removal tactics and timing may influence survivability.

The Fire Safety Academy also provides free self-paced training on topics including fire dynamics, firefighting tactics, firefighter health, lithium-ion batteries and WUI fires.

The updated course adds new lessons and training materials to the existing search and rescue programme.

Fidelity acquisition extends Ranger footprint into the South East

Ranger expands into the South East

Ranger Fire and Security has made its first acquisition in the South East with the purchase of London-based Fidelity Integrated Systems, announced on Wednesday 15 April 2026.

Ranger said Fidelity, which is based in Orpington, will act as the group’s business hub in the region.

Fidelity provides fire and safety-security services including access control, CCTV, intruder alarms and gate automation.

Its fire safety work includes detection, suppression and compliance solutions intended to minimise risk and damage to properties.

The company has served customers across London and the home counties for more than 20 years.

Its client base includes listed buildings, schools, retail stores and residential developments.

Fidelity holds NACOSS Gold accreditation for Security Systems and for Fire Alarm Systems and is fully regulated by the NSI.

The acquisition is Ranger’s 18th since its formation in early 2024 and its fifth of 2026.

Leadership and regional plans

Ranger said Fidelity Managing Director Andy Atkinson will remain in his role alongside the existing senior management teams.

Mark Bridges, CEO of Ranger Fire and Security, said: “Fidelity is Ranger’s first move into the South East and will function as the group’s leading business “hub” in the region.

“While several Ranger businesses operate nationally, the capital and South East the area has been a gap in our geography.

“With Fidelity joining the team we will be able to reach new customers and potential fire and security businesses alike, offering our extensive services to new clients while being better placed to expand our footprint through future acquisition in the region.

“We will be working closely with Andy and the wider team to support their growth and help them to continue delivering their award-winning fire and security services in the South East and beyond.”

Andy Atkinson, Managing Director at Fidelity Integrated Systems, said: “Becoming part of Ranger Fire and Security marks a significant moment for our company and will allow us to grow and enhance our service offering to our existing clients.

“At Fidelity, we pride ourselves on offering customers the highest service and we are especially looking forward to working with the other businesses under the umbrella that share our values, to help them bring their specialist services to customers in the South East.

“We will also continue to serve our existing loyal customer base in the area and provide the high level of customer service we have become known for in the region.”

Ranger said the deal forms part of its strategy to bring together local businesses into a national fire and security platform across the UK and Ireland.

Fidelity will now serve as Ranger’s regional hub in the South East while continuing to operate with its existing leadership team.

Industrial fire was initially contained before deadly vapor explosion

Industrial fire kills two firefighters in Wando

Two firefighters died after a vapor explosion during an industrial fire at a seafood processing facility in Wando County, South Jeolla Province, South Korea, on 12 April.

The Dong-A reported that Senior Fire Sergeant Park Seung-won, 44, of Wando Fire Station and Firefighter Noh Tae-young, 30, of Haenam Fire Station were trapped inside the structure when conditions escalated.

The fire started in a first-floor freezer used for seaweed storage.

A worker was removing epoxy flooring with a torch at the time of ignition.

Fire crews arrived at 08:38 and achieved initial suppression within nine minutes.

The fire then reignited and prompted a second operational phase.

About three minutes into that response, a vapor explosion occurred within the enclosed space.

The explosion caused a rapid spread of flames consistent with flashover conditions.

Both firefighters were unable to exit the structure.

Investigation examines industrial fire conditions and staffing

The Dong-A reported that preliminary findings suggest flammable vapours accumulated inside the sealed warehouse environment and were then ignited by an ignition source.

Authorities referenced a comparable 2020 logistics centre explosion in Icheon that resulted in 38 fatalities.

An investigation is ongoing into compliance with operational and site safety requirements.

The review includes the use of open flame equipment in confined industrial environments.

It is also examining adherence to the two-person work rule during hazardous operations.

The incident has prompted review of staffing levels across local fire stations and deployment practices during high-risk incidents.

It has been reported that Noh was primarily assigned to emergency medical services and had been redeployed to firefighting duties due to staffing shortages.

Park had 19 years of service and is survived by his wife and three children.

Noh was in his fourth year of service and had been preparing for his wedding later this year.

Authorities have indicated that findings from the investigation will inform any required changes to safety procedures and operational protocols.

Three firefighter fatalities have been recorded in the line of duty this year.

Smart Fire Detection Systems: How AI and IoT Are Revolutionizing Fire Safety Standards in 2026?

A fire rarely gives a clear warning before it becomes dangerous. It starts small, unnoticed, and grows until it is too late to control easily. The real problem is not that fire systems fail. It is that they respond too late or react when there is no real risk.

Most traditional alarms still depend on fixed smoke or heat levels. By the time these thresholds are reached, the fire has already begun to spread. At the same time, false alerts caused by dust or steam reduce trust and delay real action.

This is where smart fire detection systems are changing fire safety.

With AI fire detection systems and IoT fire alarm systems, these solutions analyze multiple conditions in real time. They detect patterns, not just signals, which improves accuracy and response speed.
This change is also creating a lot of demand. By 2030, the market for fire protection systems is expected to reach USD 42.95 billion, which shows that there is a growing need for smarter safety solutions.

What Are Smart Fire Detection Systems?

Smart fire detection systems use AI, connected sensors, and real-time data to detect fire risks early and reduce false alarms. These systems move beyond basic alarms by analyzing multiple conditions at once instead of reacting to a single trigger.

How do smart fire detection systems work?

  1. Sensor layer (data collection)
    Modern fire detection sensor technology relies on multi-criteria inputs such as smoke, heat, gas levels, and air quality. Unlike traditional alarms, smart smoke detectors collect continuous data from the environment. This allows the system to identify unusual patterns early and supports effective fire detection false alarm reduction.
  2. Intelligence layer (AI processing)
    This is where AI fire detection systems analyze the collected data. Instead of reacting to isolated signals, AI models evaluate patterns using metrics such as FRR and FAR. This helps distinguish real fire events from non-threatening conditions like dust or steam. In real deployments, this approach improves accuracy and enables early detection, especially in complex environments.
  3. Connectivity layer (IoT integration)
    With IoT fire alarm systems, all devices remain connected across the building. This allows real-time alerts, remote monitoring, and seamless integration with fire alarm monitoring systems. These systems also support smart building fire safety by enabling automated actions such as system shutdowns or emergency alerts.

What makes these systems different?

Smart fire detection systems find risks earlier, cut down on false alarms, and give accurate location data through addressable fire alarm systems. This is better than traditional setups. They also support flexible deployment with wireless fire detection systems, so they can be used with both new and old infrastructure.
This shift toward connected and intelligent detection defines intelligent fire detection 2026, where systems focus on prediction, not just reaction.

The State of Fire Safety in 2026: Why Traditional Detectors Are Falling Short

Fire safety systems are widely used, but many still fail to detect risks at the right time. Traditional systems rely on fixed triggers such as smoke or heat. This method does not respond well to modern environments where conditions change quickly.
Fires continue to lead to a serious impact, with losses reaching nearly 1–2% of GDP in many developed countries. Early detection improves response and reduces damage, yet many systems still react too late or provide limited insight. This gap is pushing the shift toward smart fire detection systems, which focus on early signals and data-driven detection.

False Alarm Epidemic: The Numbers and Real Cost

False alarms remain a major issue in fire detection. Up to 97–98% of automatic fire alarm activations are false alarms, with some studies reporting rates between 87% and 97%. Fire departments in the United States respond to over 2 million false alarms each year. This is why false alarm reduction in fire systems has become a priority, especially in environments where frequent alerts impact safety and operations.

These alarms are caused by dust, steam, or cooking activity. Traditional systems cannot distinguish between real fire and non-fire conditions.

This leads to:

  • Frequent business disruptions
  • Unnecessary evacuations
  • Pressure on emergency services
  • Reduced trust in alarm systems

Over time, alert fatigue makes real emergencies more dangerous. This is why it’s important to cut down on false alarms for fire detection. AI fire detection systems and multi-sensor approaches make things more accurate by looking at more than one input.

Market Growth Driving Smart Adoption

The demand for better systems is driving strong market growth. The fire safety equipment market is growing from $49.42 billion in 2025 to $52.89 billion in 2026. Organizations are adopting IoT fire alarm systems and predictive fire alarm systems to improve monitoring and response. These systems support real-time alerts, better control, and stronger compliance. This shift shows that traditional systems are no longer enough for modern fire safety needs.

Core Technologies Inside Smart Fire Detection Systems

Smart fire detection systems combine sensors, AI models, and connected networks to improve detection speed and accuracy. These technologies work together to identify fire risks early and reduce false alarms in complex environments.

Multi-Criteria Sensor Fusion

Multi-criteria sensor fusion combines data from multiple sensors, such as smoke, heat, gas, and air quality. Modern fire detection sensor technology does not rely on a single trigger. Instead, it analyzes several conditions at once to confirm real fire events. This approach helps reduce false alarms caused by dust, steam, or environmental changes. In real deployments, it improves reliability and supports effective fire detection and false alarm reduction.

AI and Machine Learning for Fire Pattern Recognition

Machine learning is used by AI fire detection systems to look for patterns in different types of data. These systems use metrics like FRR and FAR to tell the difference between real fires and other conditions. AI models can also find fires that are still small or hidden by looking at past data. Compared to older methods, this makes predictive fire alarm systems more accurate and responsive.

IoT Connectivity and Real-Time Monitoring

IoT fire alarm systems connect devices across a network to enable real-time monitoring. Data flows between sensors, control panels, and dashboards, allowing instant alerts and remote access. Integration with fire alarm monitoring systems improves coordination and response. This connectivity supports smart building fire safety and ensures continuous system visibility.

Addressable vs Conventional Systems: The Upgrade Gap

Traditional systems group detectors into zones, which limits location accuracy. Addressable fire alarm systems assign a unique identity to each device, making it easier to locate the exact source of a fire. Combined with wireless fire detection systems, they offer better flexibility and control. This upgrade is a key step toward adopting smart fire detection systems.

Real-World Applications: Where Smart Fire Detection Is Being Deployed

Smart fire detection systems are now used across industries where early detection and accuracy are critical. These systems help reduce risk, improve response time, and support continuous monitoring in complex environments.

Industrial Facilities and High-Hazard Environments

Industrial sites face high fire risk due to machinery, chemicals, and harsh conditions. Traditional systems often fail due to dust, heat fluctuations, or airborne particles. AI fire detection systems and multi-sensor setups improve accuracy by analyzing multiple signals at once. In these environments, industrial fire detection systems help reduce false alarms and detect slow or hidden fires early. Integration with connected fire suppression systems also allows faster response and damage control. These systems can also integrate with industrial fire suppression systems to enable faster response and limit damage during high-risk incidents.

Smart Buildings and Critical Infrastructure

Modern buildings rely on connected systems for safety and operations. Smart building fire safety uses IoT fire alarm systems to monitor conditions in real time and send instant alerts. These systems integrate with building management systems to automate actions such as shutting down HVAC or activating emergency protocols. Addressable fire alarm systems also provide exact location data, which helps teams respond faster in offices, hospitals, and data centers.

Tunnels, Airports, and Large Public Venues

Large public spaces require fast and precise detection due to high occupancy and complex layouts. In tunnels and airports, smoke and airflow can delay detection in traditional systems. Smart fire detection systems use AI and real-time monitoring to detect fire risks quickly, even in challenging conditions. These systems integrate with centralized fire alarm monitoring systems, enabling coordinated response and improved safety in crowded environments.

Compliance, Standards & Regulation: What You Must Know

Fire detection systems must meet strict standards to ensure safety, reliability, and legal approval. As smart fire detection systems change, regulations now address connected devices, data handling, and system performance. 

NFPA 72 (2026 Edition) Key Changes

The NFPA 72 fire alarm code guide continues to guide system design, installation, and maintenance, with updated requirements for connected fire detection systems. Recent updates focus on system reliability, documentation, and integration with connected technologies. There is also increased attention on cybersecurity for networked systems and proper communication between devices. These changes reflect the shift toward intelligent systems that require continuous monitoring and accurate data reporting.

EN 54 (Europe) and Global Standards Alignment

EN 54 defines performance and testing standards for fire detection systems in Europe. It ensures systems meet strict requirements for response time, reliability, and certification. As global projects expand, there is growing alignment between EN 54 and NFPA standards. This helps ensure that smart fire detection systems meet consistent safety requirements across regions while supporting modern technologies like AI and IoT. This is especially important for industries following strict fire safety compliance for manufacturers, where system accuracy and documentation are critical.

Cybersecurity Obligations for IoT-Connected Fire Systems

With the growth of IoT fire alarm systems, cybersecurity has become essential. Connected systems must protect against unauthorized access and data risks. Compliance now requires secure communication, access control, and regular updates. Since these systems connect with wider networks, they must follow both IT and operational safety standards to ensure reliable performance.

How to Specify, Select, and Deploy Smart Fire Detection

Choosing the right smart fire detection systems requires a clear understanding of site risks, system capabilities, and integration needs. These systems must fit the environment and work reliably under real conditions.

Evaluation Checklist for Engineers and Integrators

Engineers and integrators must evaluate both technical and operational factors before deployment. A structured checklist helps ensure the system performs as expected.

Key points to assess:

  • Detection capability using multi-sensor inputs such as smoke, heat, and gas
  • Accuracy and reliability with support for AI fire detection systems to reduce false alarms
  • Compliance with standards such as NFPA 72 compliance 2026
  • Scalability for large or complex facilities
  • Connectivity with IoT fire alarm systems for real-time monitoring
  • Maintenance support with remote diagnostics and alerts

A proper site survey is also important. Device placement, environmental conditions, and risk zones must be evaluated before installation.

Integration with Building Management Systems (BMS)

Integration with a Building Management System improves how fire detection systems respond during an event. Modern systems connect using protocols such as BACnet or Modbus, allowing seamless communication with building infrastructure.

This enables automated actions such as:

  • Shutting down HVAC systems to control smoke
  • Activating alarms, lighting, and evacuation systems
  • Sending real-time alerts through dashboards or mobile devices

This integration supports smart building fire safety and ensures faster, coordinated response across systems. These systems also support structured response by aligning with an emergency response planning guide, helping teams act quickly and follow clear procedures.

What’s Next: The Future of Fire Detection Technology

Fire detection is changing from reactive alarms to systems that predict and prevent risk. The next phase focuses on early signals, automation, and connected intelligence.

AI fire detection systems are becoming more advanced. They analyze small changes in temperature, air quality, and electrical activity to identify fire risk before ignition. At the same time, image-based fire detection is growing in industrial environments. Cameras can detect smoke and flames in real time, even in large or complex spaces.

IoT fire alarm systems are evolving into fully connected networks. Devices share data, trigger automated responses, and support remote monitoring. Systems can also detect faults early and improve maintenance planning.

Market trends support this shift. The automatic fire suppression market is expected to grow from USD 19.6 billion in 2025 to USD 31.4 billion by 2035. A global survey shows 83% of stakeholders prioritize compliance, while 71% focus on smart technology integration. The future is clear. Smart fire detection systems will predict risk, automate response, and improve safety across industries.

Conclusion

Fire safety is changing because old systems react late and trigger many false alarms. This slows response and creates risk. Smart fire detection systems take a different approach. They use AI fire detection systems, IoT fire alarm systems, and multiple sensors to check conditions in real time. This helps detect fire risk early and reduce false alerts. Teams get clear, accurate signals and can act faster.

As safety rules tighten and environments become complex, upgrading to smart systems is no longer optional. It helps protect people, reduce damage, and keep operations running without disruption.

FAQs

Q1: What is the difference between an addressable and a smart fire detection system?

An addressable system knows exactly where the device is. A smart fire detection system uses AI and data analysis to find risks sooner and more accurately.

Q2: Do smart fire detection systems comply with NFPA 72 and EN 54?

Yes, if they are installed and set up correctly, most systems will meet NFPA 72 compliance 2026 and EN 54.

Q3: Can AI fire detection systems reduce false alarms in industrial environments?

Yes, AI fire detection systems look at a lot of different signals to cut down on false alarms caused by dust, steam, or other things in the environment.

Q4: Are IoT-connected fire alarm systems a cybersecurity risk?

IoT fire alarm systems can be at risk, but they can work safely if they have the right security measures in place, like access control and updates.

A key part of fire safety strategy: Passive fire protection growth driven by regulation and risk

International Fire and Safety Journal explores the growth within the passive fire protection market

According to the Fire Protection Association (FPA), the purpose of passive fire protection is to slow or prevent the spread of fire within a building through the use of fire rated materials.

These systems ingrained within a building’s overall fire safety strategy are not there to extinguish a fire but to minimise the spread of fire throughout the building.

Passive fire protection is one of the most impactful ways to safeguard a structure, not only because it protects the structural integrity of a building but also because it is often very cost effective too.

This is due to the minimal maintenance costs surrounding the passive fire protection, which includes fire resistant doors, walls and floors and how the systems often have a longer lifespan compared to active systems.

A report by IMARC Group into the sector revealed that the global passive fire protection market reached USD 4.7 billion in 2025.

According to IMARC, they predict that the market will reach USD 6.3 billion by 2034, showing a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.21% during 2026-2034.

This increased growth is expected to happen as a result of an increased awareness surrounding fire hazards, a shifting focus on safety in the construction industry and an increased demand for updated regulations.

These mitigating factors are already on the uptake, as the fire protection market is only gaining more prevalence.

Regulations and repercussions

Like many industries within fire and safety, stringent regulations and standards mold the way companies work and the products that they produce.

Within passive fire protection, regulations are particularly notable because they are helping the protection of life and properties, therefore, operating at the highest level of importance.

If these standards are not met, then the repercussions can be critical.

Operating in high-risk industries

Alongside adapting to regulations, the passive fire protection market is also having to accommodate to high-risk industries such as oil and gas, chemicals and power generation.

These industries are centered around hazardous materials, flammable substances and complex machinery, making them increasingly susceptible to fire risk.

This means that there is a heightened desire for passive fire protection to try and prohibit the spread of any incidents on scene.

Companies working within these high-risk industries are looking to invest in advanced fire-resistant materials, fire barriers and other protective measures.

These investments all help to drive the economic growth within the passive fire protection market.

Overall, the markets’ mindset is changing.

Companies are understanding the importance of passive fire protection more than ever.

With increased media coverage of incidents and disasters, public awareness is only building surrounding the importance of implementing fire protection strategies.

This heightened awareness is only helping to accelerate the growth of the global passive fire protection market.

This was originally published in the April 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Hydrogen detection deal adds new technology to Consilium portfolio

Consilium expands hydrogen detection portfolio

Consilium Safety Group has acquired all assets and intellectual property related to Insplorion AB’s hydrogen sensor technology business following approval at an extraordinary general meeting held on April 13.

Consilium announced the acquisition as part of its gas safety work for marine, critical infrastructure and energy-related applications.

The transaction includes Insplorion’s hydrogen sensor NPS-P2 and an ongoing certification process linked to the product.

The company said the acquisition adds hydrogen detection technology and related expertise to its existing safety portfolio.

Consilium deal includes NPS-P2 and certification process

The acquisition includes the NPS-P2 hydrogen sensor, which is described as having documented performance in demanding environments.

It also includes an ongoing certification process intended to open access to the marine sector and regulated industrial environments globally.

Consilium said it is positioned to take over that process and move the product towards full-scale commercialisation through its distribution network and brand presence in the safety sector.

Philip Isell Lind af Hageby, President and CEO, Consilium Safety Group, said: “For us, this is a strategic investment in the safety of tomorrow.

“With a sophisticated sensor technology and a capable team, that we are delighted to partner up with, we are now stepping straight to the forefront of hydrogen detection and strengthening our position as an industry pioneer,”

The acquisition was conditional on approval from an extraordinary general meeting of Insplorion AB, which was obtained on April 13.

Kentec expands Sigma ZXT compliance with UL 864 listing

Kentec panel gains UL 864 listing

Kentec has announced that its Sigma ZXT control panel has achieved an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listing to the UL 864 10th edition standard, allowing the platform to support compliant fire detection and suppression systems in global markets.

Kentec said the listing applies to a panel designed for early-warning fire detection and suppression systems across the Americas, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

The Sigma ZXT builds on the company’s Sigma A-XT range with additional features and compliance with the latest standards.

It can be configured with dual extinguishing outputs to support main and reserve cylinders, helping reduce downtime after a release.

A dynamic LCD display provides real-time system status using green, red, blue and amber indication for conditions including fire, faults and releasing stages.

The panel can also store 1,000 event logs in a downloadable record for diagnostics and investigation.

Technical details of the Sigma ZXT

Kentec said the panel is suited to high-risk applications including battery energy storage systems (BESS), where conditions that could lead to thermal runaway and fire need to be identified quickly.

Three initiating device circuits can be configured for coincidence activation so extinguishant release only occurs after confirmation of a fire event.

Three notification appliance circuits support horns, strobes and horn strobe devices from multiple suppliers, with patterns that indicate different stages of extinguishant release.

Six programmable volt-free relay outputs and two programmable inputs allow site-specific function control.

Remote indication and control can be provided through Sigma ZSi Status Units, with up to seven units connected on a monitored RS485 Data Bus.

Additional fixed-function relay outputs can be added through up to seven Sigma ZXT UL Ancillary Boards.

Kentec outlines market use

Derrick Hall, director of sales at Kentec Electronics, said: “Achieving UL certification for the Sigma ZXT is a major step forward for Kentec.

“It allows us to bring a proven and trusted platform to a much wider global audience, particularly in regions where UL compliance is essential.

“Over the last five years, the ZXT has already demonstrated its reliability in the field.

“This certification ensures customers in new markets can benefit from the same high standards of performance and safety.

“As industries such as BESS continue to expand, the need for intelligent, early warning fire detection and releasing of fire suppression agents has never been greater.

“The ZXT platform provides a powerful solution to help protect both assets and operations.”

BESA’s new competence toolkit targets Building Safety Act compliance

Competence guidance under the Building Safety Act

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has published a free guide setting out how employers can demonstrate competence under the Building Safety Act and show compliance to the Building Safety Regulator.

BESA said the document, titled Demonstrating Competence under the Building Safety Act, is the latest in its series of practical guides for the building services industry.

The guide is intended to help employers meet legislative competence requirements in professions where formal qualifications or full competence frameworks are still absent.

It explains how individuals and organisations can understand, evidence and apply the principles of Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Behaviours that define competence.

BESA sets out competence as part of a wider risk management process that is governed and reviewed through each stage of project delivery.

The guidance includes evidence of how work is allocated on the basis of demonstrable competence.

It also covers how competence is monitored and reviewed and how gaps should be addressed when they are identified.

The document outlines a proportionate competence management system based on the SKEB model developed by BESA.

Competence evidence and compliance pathway

BESA said the advice is aligned with work being carried out by the Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority (EBSSA) and the Industry Competence Steering Group (ICSG).

The guide states that construction-related professions are still expected to show the Building Safety Regulator that people carrying out safety-critical tasks are competent for those specific tasks.

That requirement applies even where sector frameworks are still incomplete.

BESA said the guidance was produced in response to requests across the sector for clearer information about what competence is, what good practice looks like and how it can be evidenced to regulators and clients.

The guidance is divided into ten sections.

These sections cover defining competence, using assessment and evidence to satisfy the Regulator, addressing competence in supply chains and linking to other tools and standards.

BESA’s director of specialist knowledge Rachel Davidson said: “Employers have always been liable for ensuring the right competence is in the right roles at the right time.

“However, the Regulator has now tightened the alignment between legislation and the Building Regulations to explicitly impose competence requirements on both individuals and organisations.

“This gives more clarity and oversight around how competence is defined, demonstrated and governed – and our new guide shows employers how to comply.”

Davidson added that competence should not be regarded as “a tick box exercise” and described it as a continuous management discipline combining technical rigour with behaviour to achieve compliance.

She said: “Many employers in this industry already have good systems in place and employ excellent people keen to do a good job.

“They don’t need to wait for the various industry committees to finish their work on formal competence frameworks.

“Our guide provides a method for establishing or verifying a system you can defend in the face of Regulator scrutiny now.”

The guide is available as a free download.

Lakeland Fire + Safety promotes Kevin Rae to lead EMEA fire sales

Fire leadership change in EMEA

Lakeland Fire + Safety has promoted Kevin Rae to Executive Vice President, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa fire sales, giving him responsibility for its Eagle, Jolly and LHD brands across the region.

Lakeland announced that Rae will lead its fire business across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa in the expanded role.

Rae has more than 20 years of leadership experience in personal protective equipment and fire safety across the UK and EMEA.

Since joining Lakeland in 2022, he has served as Vice President, EMEA Fire and Global M&A Integration.

He also serves as Managing Director of Eagle Technical Products Ltd, a position he has held since 2013.

Scope of the appointment

The company said Rae has been involved in shaping its regional fire strategy and integrating acquisitions into a single operating platform.

His new role gives him direct responsibility for Lakeland’s Eagle, Jolly and LHD brands in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Jim Jenkins, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lakeland Industries, said: “Kevin has been central to building our Fire platform into what it is today, and he will continue to play a key leadership role in driving growth, strengthening customer relationships, and advancing our position as a premier global fire safety platform.

“He understands the customer, the product, and the operational detail required to execute at a high level.

“Kevin’s leadership continues to strengthen our global Fire platform, enhancing operational integration, elevating safety standards, and positioning the company for long-term, sustainable growth.

“This promotion reflects both his leadership to date and the critical role he will play as we continue to scale our Fire business across EMEA.”

Rae comments on next steps

Rae said: “I am proud of what our team has built across Eagle, Jolly, and LHD, and excited about the opportunity ahead with a strong foundation, a differentiated portfolio, and a clear path to growth.

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with our teams and customers to expand our presence and deliver best-in-class fire protection solutions across the region and to providing updates on EMEA on our upcoming quarterly conference call on April 16.”

The announcement states that Rae is due to provide an update on EMEA during Lakeland’s quarterly conference call on April 16.

The promotion places Lakeland’s three regional fire brands under Rae’s direct leadership across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

The appointment gives Rae regional responsibility for Eagle, Jolly and LHD as Lakeland prepares its April 16 quarterly conference call