Britannia Fire launches AVD extinguisher and blanket for battery fires

Britannia Fire adds AVD products for battery fires

Britannia Fire has launched a 6-litre Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion (AVD) fire extinguisher and an AVD fire blanket for lithium-ion battery fires.

Britannia Fire said the products were developed in response to a rise in UK incidents involving lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, e-bikes and scooters, consumer electronics and communication systems.

The new AVD extinguisher is the latest addition to the company’s P50 range.

It uses a water-based extinguishing fluid mixed with vermiculite particles for lithium-ion battery fires.

When discharged onto a fire, the water cools the affected area and the vermiculite forms an insulating layer to smother flames and help prevent reignition.

The blanket is made from high-silica glass fibres with flame and heat-deflecting surface coatings and an oxidised base fabric.

It is designed to be placed over a burning battery-powered device to help contain flames, block heat radiation and limit fire spread.

The P50 AVD can then be discharged under the blanket edge to cool and extinguish the fire.

Product details and intended use

Britannia Fire said the new products are intended for areas with charging stations or groups of battery-powered devices.

Andy Spence, Managing Director of Britannia Fire, said: “It’s concerning that fires involving lithium-ion batteries are on the rise.

“These fires are by nature more explosive and intense than typical fires and can be particularly difficult to manage.

“Our new P50 AVD fire extinguisher and AVD fire blankets provide a powerful, complementary solution for tackling these fires.

“The blanket isolates and contains the incident, helping to prevent escalation, while the P50 AVD rapidly cools and suppresses the flames with precision and safety.”

Spence added: “Many of us rely on lithium-ion powered devices every day, both at home and at work, which is why having the right fire protection in the right places is essential.

“Our new AVD products are particularly suitable for areas with charging stations or clusters of e-battery devices, whether that’s car parks, warehouses, work spaces, bike storage areas or IT equipment rooms.”

The AVD fire blankets are available in three sizes for electronics, e-bikes or scooters, and electric cars.

Britannia Fire said the P50 AVD is fully recyclable, has a 20 year life span and comes with a 10 year guarantee.

Simple checks can be carried out by a responsible person, with record-keeping logged through the Britannia Fire App.

Fire-Dex turnout system verified for UL particulate ingress requirements

Fire-Dex verification covers AeroFlex configuration

Fire-Dex has announced that UL Solutions has verified particulate ingress results for its AeroFlex turnout system under UL Verification 1641.

The company said the verification confirms performance to NFPA Particle Inward Leakage testing requirements when the ensemble is worn in a specific configuration.

The evaluated setup included the AeroFlex coat with a properly engaged SCBA, along with AeroFlex pants fitted with the optional particulate-blocking barrier.

Results are published by UL Solutions under Verification 1641.

Test method and reported findings

Testing used a controlled particulate chamber in which a firefighter performed prescribed actions for 20 minutes.

Researchers then assessed skin contamination after the gear was carefully doffed.

According to Fire-Dex, UL’s verification posting reports less than 1 microgram exposure on the wearer across the ensemble.

The findings confirm that a properly engaged SCBA helps seal the coat-to-pant interface, preventing particulate migration into the torso area even without an added particulate barrier in the coat.

The optional particulate-blocking barrier in the pants provided added lower body protection.

AeroFlex design and company comments

Fire-Dex said the AeroFlex turnout system is built around zoned breathability.

It places VaporLite breathable composite panels at the side seams, armpits, inner thighs and behind the knees.

It also integrates AeroVent Technology within those zones to move warm humid air outward under pressure, with an integrated particulate-blocking element in the vent.

Todd Herring, V.P. of Product Innovation and Strategy, Fire-Dex, said: “Particulate barriers in pant/coat interfaces add protection from contaminants, but the trade-off is that they can limit breathability.

“AirFlex is designed differently, with vents that help hot air escape from inside turnouts but that also keep particulates out.

“That gives departments a clearer path when weighing particulate protection and heat management inside the coat, because our UL-verified system addresses both in one ensemble.

“This design supports breathability, wearer comfort, and operational mobility while maintaining required certified performance.”

Fire-Dex said AeroFlex was engineered to address the effect that added particulate barrier layers can have on moisture vapour transport through a structural coat.

Allegion to show fire door hardware at Fire Safety Event 2026

Allegion plans for The Fire Safety Event 2026

Allegion will present fire door hardware displays, live demonstrations and training information at The Fire Safety Event 2026 at the NEC in Birmingham from 28 to 30 April.

Allegion announced that its team will be based across stands 4/E90 and 4/F20 during the event.

At stand 4/E90, visitors will be able to view working door displays and live demonstrations showing how the company’s security, hardware and door control products operate within a fire door assembly.

The stand will also include practical guidance on tested and certified hardware for timber, steel and composite fire doors.

Products due to be shown include the Boss electromagnetic hold-open cam-action door closer, the fire-rated FinProtect Plus finger protection guards and the Zero International Drop Seal.

Allegion will also demonstrate Briton and Von Duprin panic and emergency exit hardware ranges.

Allegion training and competition at the NEC

At stand 4/F20, Allegion will provide fire door safety guidance and information on accredited practical training courses from Fire Door Maintenance (FDM).

The company is also running a competition linked to an on-stand fire door display.

Visitors who correctly identify faults on the display will be entered into a draw to win a free one-day accredited training course at the FDM training centre.

One winner will be drawn on each day of the event and can attend a course on a date of their choice.

Pete Hancox, country manager at Allegion UK, said: “The Fire Safety Event is a celebrated occasion in the industry calendar, and we are delighted to be making a return with our growing family of brands.

“More than ever, we remain committed to advancing fire door safety and raising awareness on the correct specification, installation and maintenance of door hardware.

“Our team of experts possess decades of experience and combined with a complete portfolio of high quality products from industry leading brands such as Briton, Boss, Fullex, Zero International and UAP, we are well positioned to reach, educate and support visitors at this year’s event.

“Over the three days, we will have a valuable platform that allows us to engage with professionals through live hardware demonstrations, compliance guidance and practical training sessions designed to improve fire door safety standards.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors to both our stands for what will be our largest presence at the event to date, as we showcase our fire door hardware solutions for both residential and commercial sectors.”

Visitors can find Allegion on stand 4/E90 and FDM training information on stand 4/F20 during the event.

NEBOSH bursary names 20 women for 2026 safety qualification

NEBOSH bursary winners announced for 2026

NEBOSH has announced the twenty recipients of the 2026 NEBOSH L’Oréal International Bursary: Enabling women in health and safety.

The bursary is run in partnership with L’Oréal and covers paid-for study and assessment fees for the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety for twenty women based internationally.

The 2026 winners are Lisa Mangwende, Leocadie Offukoh, Anastasia Mbagwu, Gladys Israel, Ana Zarir Fatikha Anwar, Iyanuoluwa Ayinde, Manyara Chaitika, Franca Adaaku Chukwuma, Ximena Victoria Rios Palacios, Nompendulo Lukhele, Sufia Tehseen, Malebo Matlala, Nosagiagbon Obasuyi, Lilian Ijeoma Ejim, Linda Onyia, Bridgette Ann Mabato, Charity Nkereuwem-Sunday, Zsuzsa Szomolayni, Tasmin Alkderat and Nandile Ncombo.

They represent South Africa, Nigeria, Indonesia, Zimbawbwe, Mexico, Eswatini, Pakistan, Qatar, Germany and Jordan.

Applications and responses to the NEOBSH bursary

NEBOSH said the bursary received over 2000 applications from women around the world who want to build their learning, develop their careers and influence workplace health and safety.

The judges selected applicants based on what NEBOSH described as genuine and emotive stories, clear passion for protecting colleagues and communities, energetic delivery, strong communication skills and video submissions that held attention.

Lisa Mangwende said: “Receiving the NEBOSH L’Oreal Bursary is truly an honour, and l am deeply grateful for this incredible opportunity.

“This bursary is going to remove a lot of barriers for me and makes what once felt out of reach, now realistic.

“It is an investment in my future and a vote of confidence in my potential.

“l am genuinely excited about the journey ahead and committed to making the most of this opportunity, not only for my own career growth, but to bring greater value to the people and organisations l will serve”.

Malcolm Staves, Global Vice President of Health & Safety, said: “We are proud to continue our partnership with NEBOSH in giving world recognized health and safety qualifications to women working in health and safety in developing countries.

“By offering women the opportunity to obtain a NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety we are giving them a boost to their career, helping them be future fit and giving them the tools to excel and make a difference.

“#bethehummingbird”

The 2026 bursary provides funded access to the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety for twenty women.

Mercurius Media Capital backs LifeSafe with $1.5m US fire campaign deal

LifeSafe receives first fire safety investment from MMC

Mercurius Media Capital (MMC) has announced a $1.5 million investment in LifeSafe Technologies to support a national direct-to-consumer media campaign for its consumer fire safety products in the US.

Mercurius Media Capital said the deal is its first investment in fire safety technology and will fund a campaign aimed at bringing LifeSafe products to US households.

The company said it invests media capital in exchange for equity in consumer categories where demand exists and no single brand has established dominance.

It described fire safety as one such category and said the investment is intended to build LifeSafe’s position in the US market.

LifeSafe product range and US sales position

LifeSafe, a UK-headquartered fire safety technology company, has sold over one million units of its StaySafe All-in-1 in the US since 2022.

The StaySafe All-in-1 is described as a suppression solution covering ten fire types in one compact plastic unit, including cooking oil, electrical and lithium-ion battery fires.

The product is also described as non-toxic, environmentally friendly and not requiring training or maintenance.

LifeSafe said it is extending its range with PanSafe for kitchen cooking fires, StaySafe Lithium for small lithium fires and a larger 600ml All-in-1.

Together, the four products are described as covering the most common fire scenarios in American homes.

Executives outline growth plans for LifeSafe

Piyush Puri, Founding Partner, Mercurius Media Capital, said: “We look for categories where demand is universal but consumer engagement remains underdeveloped.

“LifeSafe has built strong product-market fit and commercial momentum, and our role is to deploy media capital to accelerate awareness and build a leading consumer brand.”

Dominic Berger, CEO, LifeSafe Technologies, said: “When consumers see the StaySafe All-in-1 in action, they buy it.

“All our television activity to date has driven significant sales, and we are confident that this investment by MMC will supercharge our US sales and brand development and provide the platform for worldwide expansion.

“We believe every home, car, boat, RV, school, hotel, and office should have one, as all big fires start small.

“We hope to become the WD-40 of fire extinguishers – easy to use, effective first aid for fire – with a mission to save lives.”

BC Ferries selects Zelim rescue detection system for new ferries

Zelim secures ferry detection contract

Zelim has secured a contract to supply its ZOE man-overboard (MOB) detection system to four hybrid-electric ferries being built for British Columbia Ferry Services (BC Ferries).

Zelim announced the contract on 25 March, stating that the partnership was agreed in February 2026 and that installation is expected to begin in 2027.

The hybrid-electric New Major Vessels will replace four end-of-life vessels and are scheduled to start service in 2029.

BC Ferries operates 37 vessels across 25 routes serving 47 terminals across nearly 1000 miles (1,600 kilometres) of coastal British Columbia.

Developed by Zelim, ZOE MOB uses computer vision and video analytics to provide 360-degree surveillance for vessel crew.

The AI-enabled system is trained on a proprietary maritime dataset of over 9.5 million annotated objects.

It is designed to detect man-overboard incidents instantaneously, in compliance with ISO 21195:2020, the international standard for shipborne man-overboard detection systems.

ZOE has also been independently tested by Lloyd’s Register to detect adults and children during daytime and night-time conditions.

Zelim sets out vessel rollout details

Sam Mayall, Zelim’s Founder and CEO, said: “We look forward to building a strong partnership with BC Ferries as we deliver our technology to its New Major Vessels.

“It secures a multi-vessel rollout for Zelim and demonstrates the growing value of our ZOE technology for passenger ships.

“It also reflects the positive momentum we’re continuing to build with vessel operators in the ferry sector – and more broadly across the North American market.”

Ed Hooper, BC Ferries’ Head of Fleet Renewal, said: “Safety is our first priority throughout the entire organisation.

“We look forward to working with Zelim to incorporate this innovative technology into our New Major Vessels as we modernise our fleet and further strengthen the safety of our passengers and crews.”

MES-New Mexico becomes Rosenbauer dealer for apparatus sales and service

Rosenbauer dealer appointment in New Mexico

Rosenbauer America has appointed MES-New Mexico as its authorised dealer for apparatus sales and service in the State of New Mexico.

Rosenbauer America announced that MES-New Mexico will operate from a full service facility in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with in house and mobile service capabilities for fire departments across the state.

The appointment follows a transition in dealer representation in the region, which was previously managed by Artesia.

Rosenbauer America also welcomed Shannon Cherry, Apparatus Sales Manager, MES New Mexico, and the service team to its dealer network.

Service support for fire departments statewide

Diego Salazar, Director of Dealer Development, Rosenbauer America, said: “Rosenbauer is excited to welcome MES New Mexico to our dealer network to support customers throughout New Mexico.

“With both brick and mortar and mobile service capabilities, they are well positioned to serve our customers’ needs statewide.”

Cherry said: “We are proud to represent Rosenbauer and the company’s 160 year reputation for excellence.

“We align closely with Rosenbauer’s mission of saving lives and protecting property.

“We are excited to offer Rosenbauer’s full fire apparatus line.”

MES background and regional transition

Rosenbauer America stated that the change is intended to strengthen its presence in the region and raise service and support for fire departments across New Mexico.

Since 2001, MES has supplied SCBA and PPE in the United States through a national network of sales representatives and certified mobile service technicians.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority renews long-term deal with Telent

Telent contract begins in March 2026

Telent has signed a new long-term contract with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority (MFRA), extending a 25-year working relationship and continuing ICT managed services across the authority’s estate and frontline vehicles.

Telent said the contract began on 1 March 2026 and will run for an initial five-year period, with an option to extend by two years.

The agreement covers End User Services and Networks. It also includes Command and Control Systems, along with Compute and Cloud Services.

The contract applies across MFRA’s offices, stations, control room and frontline vehicles.

Service Level Agreements have been enhanced with new Key Performance Indicators to align with MFRA’s ICT requirements.

The agreement also includes support for MFRA’s future ICT strategy and project requirements.

Telent has previously supported business change projects for MFRA, such as a state-of-the-art operational training centre, along with command and control systems and voice communications infrastructure upgrades.

Telent’s ICT Service Desk remains based within an MFRA building.

The team supports ITIL-based delivery.

The service desk was originally created for MFRA.

It now also supports East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and provides internal ICT support for Telent nationally.

Telent and MFRA comments on the agreement

Peter Moir, Managing Director, Network Services at Telent, said: “This long-term partnership is built on trust, shared purpose, and delivery without disruption.

“We know what it takes to serve blue-light ICT Services, and we’re proud to continue supporting MFRA with reliable, secure and future-ready services.

“Telent remain focused on providing the technology backbone and services that let frontline teams focus on fire prevention and saving lives.”

Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority, said: “Telent has been a valued partner for more than two decades, and their team has become a trusted extension of ours.

“This contract award reflects the strength of that relationship following a competitive tender process.

“It provides the continuity we rely on, with the flexibility to evolve as our operational needs change.

“Their understanding of our environment and the demands we face remains critical to how we protect communities and respond when it matters most.”

Kev Pilkington, Head of IT Managed Services at Telent, commented: “This contract demonstrates the strength of our longstanding partnership with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority, built on 25 years of trust and collaboration.

“We remain committed to delivering ICT services that enable MFRA to focus on protecting lives and supporting vital fire prevention work.”

The new agreement was announced ahead of the BAPCO Annual Event in March 2026, where public safety technology will be showcased to the UK’s emergency services.

Lorna Smith appointed fire safety manager at Acorn Safety

Fire safety manager promotion at Acorn Safety

Acorn Safety Services has promoted Lorna Smith to fire safety manager, placing her in charge of one of the Northamptonshire consultancy’s three divisions less than nine months after joining the company.

The company announced that Smith joined in August last year as a senior fire risk assessor and will now lead its Fire Safety department.

Smith previously worked as a Health and Safety consultant for a large insurance company.

She shares her knowledge with colleagues who visit a range of buildings including fast food outlets and care facilities, along with offices, warehouses and public buildings.

Team structure and quoted response

Acorn Safety Services said two other specialists lead the consultancy’s Health and Safety section and Legionella division.

Smith said: “I am delighted to have been promoted to Fire Safety Manager.

“The Acorn Safety team has been so welcoming, and I enjoy the wide variety of work that we do.

“Keeping people safe and protecting life is the key factor in all fire safety work and I am proud of how well we do that.

“It has been incredibly busy since I started here and we’re now in the process of growing the fire safety division in order to effectively meet customer demand.”

Operations director comments on fire appointment

Acorn Safety Services operations director Zeynep Guzelkasap said: “Lorna has been an incredible asset to our business from the moment she arrived.

“Her knowledge and expertise are second to none and she embodies everything we look for in a fire risk assessor.

“She is conscientious, meticulous, and passionate and this promotion is wholly deserved.”

SPP Pumps secures Manufacturer of the Year for fourth year

SPP Pumps award win at 2026 ceremony

SPP Pumps has won Manufacturer of the Year at the 2026 Pump Industry Awards, marking its fourth consecutive win at the event.

The award recognises manufacturers in the pump sector, with the judges citing recognition from contractors and customers in areas including product delivery, technical expertise and after-sales service.

SPP Pumps said more than 60% of its sales are custom-engineered made-to-order products.

The company also said 70% of its products are exported to global markets.

SPP Pumps cites manufacturing and service work

Robert Tichband, COO, SPP Pumps UK, said: “This award is a meaningful representation of our commitment to industry excellence and manufacturing expertise. With a robust team of highly skilled and dedicated people, we pride ourselves on the quality, reliability and service provided to our customers around the world,”

The company said its products are installed across applications including flood risk reduction, fire protection, water management and chemical process pumping.

It said the award also reflects the role of its after-sales service division, which supports installed pumps through field service, planned maintenance, spares supply and regional repair centres.

Project example included in award announcement

SPP Pumps also referred to a flood risk project in comments from Yorkshire & Humber Drainage Boards.

Russ Towse, Director of Operations, Yorkshire & Humber Drainage Boards, said: “The pumps have become an asset to our communities.”

The announcement states that the latest award continues a run of four consecutive wins for the manufacturer.