Bureau Veritas appoints Lou DeLoreto as VP of Safety and Sustainability

Bureau Veritas have announced that Lou DeLoreto has been appointed Vice President of Safety and Sustainabilty for their North American division.

Effective immediately, DeLoreto will be responsible for driving safety and sustainabilty efforts within the company for 7000 employees across North America.

DeLoreto will assume the responsibilities of shaping internal policies, organisational goals and objectives to assure Bureau Veritas meets the highest safety standards, social responsibility practices, and environmental policies.

“For us at Bureau Veritas, safety is paramount and the top priority for our company as we serve our clients, and communities. As a global authority in safety and sustainability, our clients rely on our high safety standards and the accuracy and integrity of our inspection, testing, and certification services,” said Natalia Shuman, EVP and CEO, Bureau Veritas, North America. 

“We look forward to having Lou join our team, and step into the Vice President, Safety and Sustainability role to support our unparalleled commitment to ensure a culture of safety and sustainability at every level of our organisation.”

DeLoreto brings with him 24 years of safety leadership experience, and is an expert in high risk operations, construction, field service, supply chain and production environments

“I am excited about my new role as the safety and sustainability leader and look forward to supporting Bureau Veritas’ mission of shaping a world of trust,” said Lou DeLoreto, Vice President, Safety & Sustainability, Bureau Veritas, North America.

Dräger and Breas Medical enter agreement to extend ventilation solutions

Dräger have announced that it has entered into an agreement with Breas Medical, a global medical device company delivering respiratory care solutions throughout the continuum of care. Dräger and Breas Medical will provide long-term acute care (LTAC) and skilled nursing facilities (SNF) in the U.S. access to both Dräger and Breas Medical mechanical ventilator technologies.

Dräger and Breas Medical offer solutions specifically designed to
address the challenges faced by many LTACs and SNFs, most notably the
complexity and costs associated with caring for chronically ill patients after
requiring mechanical ventilation following intensive care. This new agreement with Breas Medical will extend the reach of high quality ventilation, along with the company’s unparalled service and support,
into these and other non-acute settings.

“In an effort to reduce costs, the care of stable but chronically ill patients is
increasingly being pushed from the hospital out to extended care settings with many of these patients relying on mechanical ventilation,” said Dräger Senior Vice President of Sales, Hospital Solutions, Steve Menet.

“Administrators at these alternative care facilities continue to deliver quality care with limited resources. This distribution agreement with Breas Medical offers a more comprehensive solution with the combined goals of positively impacting patient and financial outcomes.”

“Quality and patient comfort are Breas’ top priority; we put great focus into
these core values using innovation in all of our devices. This agreement with Dräger will improve the experience for patients, operators and clinicians while creating more effective access and support for Breas ventilators in the LTAC and SNF markets,” said Chris Southerland, General Manager of Commercial Operations, Americas Region at Breas Medical. “Dräger is known throughout the healthcare industry and respiratory community for its state-of-the art mechanical ventilation technology. We are proud to partner with Dräger in their efforts to care for more clinically complex patients.”

CENTEGIX partner with Mutualink to improve communication for first responders

CENTEGIX, an IoT company that innovates technology to save lives, is partnering with Mutualink, a leader in public safety interoperability solutions, to advance two-way radio and video communications to first responders in the case of an emergency. Both CENTEGIX and Mutualink focus on interoperability for public safety organizations and work diligently to secure communities. 

CENTEGIX’s CrisisAlert™ platform is an incident alerting solution that protects people by empowering users to discreetly and immediately request help through a smart badge while providing first responders with actionable information enabling them to respond faster in any situation.  Importantly, CrisisAlertTM delivers precise, room-level alert location accuracy within buildings, immediate audio and visual incident notifications (including lighted strobes, screen messages, and two-way radio integration), simple activation via a mobile CrisisAlert badge, and 100% full campus coverage. 

Mutualink enables the sharing of telephone, radio, video, and data over one secure interoperability platform. Emergency managers and first responders use the technology to collaborate in real-time. The Mutualink multimedia solution can be accessed via desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, providing interoperability wherever users need it. 

“With a common goal of innovating technology to save lives, Mutualink is the ideal partner for CENTEGIX when it comes to advancing communications and situational awareness for first responders,” said Matthew Stevens, CEO, CENTEGIX. “This partnership continues to achieve our goal of delivering the fastest and most accurate response in an emergency because Every. Second. Matters.”

“Mutualink is currently used by hundreds of public safety agencies and private entities worldwide. Our partnership with CENTEGIX will further expand our network of connected communities,” said Jeff Kelly, National Director K12 Security, Colleges and Universities, Mutualink. “Collaborating with CENTEGIX enables us to deliver greatly improved public safety collaboration by combining best-in-class communications solutions.”

Mulligan Security acquired by Protos

Protos Security have announced the acqusition of Mulligan Security, a fire and life safety services specialist.

“Mulligan Security is an iconic trade brand in the security services industry. This acquisition greatly accelerates the growth of our self-perform direct guard capabilities,” said Nathaniel Shaw, Protos Security CEO. “With an impressive roster of blue-chip customers across many industries, the addition of Mulligan further diversifies Protos and makes us an attractive security services partner to customers such as real estate firms, schools, and corporate institutions. Kevin Mulligan and his talented team are a great fit with our service-first culture.”

“I’m thrilled to partner with Protos and Southfield Capital to ensure the continuation of the Mulligan service commitment and growth track record. We look forward to working with Nathaniel and the Protos team to further tech-enable our business and continue to delight customers as we have for decades,” said Kevin Mulligan, Founder and President of Mulligan Security. “I know that our leadership position as the premier security services and fire and life safety provider in NYC and the Tri-state area will only expand in partnership with Protos.”

Andy Cook, Partner at Southfield Capital, stated, “We have been working to expand the self-perform direct guard and fire safety capabilities for the Protos platform since our investment almost two years ago. The combination creates a formidable national player, establishing us as one of the largest security firms in the country, and reinforces our commitment to our clients to provide greater program flexibility and intelligence and high-quality services driven by our technology platform and breadth of experience.”

SimpliPhi Power Receives UL 9540 Certification

Following completion of rigorous evaluation by nationally recognised testing labs, a wide range of SimpliPhi Power’s energy storage products and system configurations are approved for Certification under UL 9540. The AccESS, BOSS.6 & BOSS.12 systems can be used individually or in combination to achieve multiple, robust solutions across residential and commercial applications, both on & off grid, and AC or DC coupled.

SimpliPhi Power also completed UL 9540A cell and module testing — the industry’s most stringent fire-safety testing protocols — affirming the inherent safety advantages of using cobalt-free, non-toxic lithium ferro phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry in their award-winning energy storage systems.

“Distributed energy storage is more than just backup power; it is critical to our economic recovery and sustainable energy future, creating savings for customers on their electricity costs and reducing losses compounded by ongoing planned and unplanned power outages,” said Catherine Von Burg, CEO and president of SimpliPhi Power. “Since our founding ten years ago, we have always prioritised the safety and simplicity of installing our best-in-class battery systems. Completing UL 9540A fire testing and receiving our UL 9540 certification provides further assurance to customers and installers, code officials and emergency responders that our range of cost-effective energy storage solutions meet the highest safety standards for resilient battery systems that can be installed in homes and businesses.”

The US market for energy storage had a breakout year in 2020 despite the global pandemic and economic slowdown, and is expected to grow from just under $1 billion in revenue last year to more than $7.2B in 2025, according to Wood Mackenzie. Sales at SimpliPhi Power grew more than 40% in 2020, as demand for safer lithium-ion chemistries continued to accelerate amidst a series of notable battery fires and global product recalls of cobalt-based lithium-ion batteries.

With systems operational in more than 40 countries, SimpliPhi products offer a decade of demonstrated safety and performance due to their proprietary manufacturing processes and inherently safe materials. SimpliPhi’s product line is based on the superior LFP lithium-ion chemistry, which is more cost-effective, longer lasting, and does not use cobalt, the primary hazard in other lithium-ion battery fires.

As more and more battery storage systems are installed in homes and businesses, building and fire codes, which vary from one jurisdiction to another, are rapidly adapting to accommodate customer demand. UL 9540 certification and 9540A fire safety testing eases the burden on local code officials and simplifies the approval process for new installations. Now, this wide selection of SimpliPhi Power system configurations can be approved and installed in just a few weeks, instead of months of lead time needed for competitor products that lack UL certification.

“Instead of limiting customers to a one-size-fits-all solution, we sought UL certification for a wide range of system configurations, using multiple SimpliPhi equipment components, such as the AccESS Sol-Ark, BOSS.12 and BOSS.6,” said Sequoya Cross, director of global sales & business development for SimpliPhi Power. “From 15.2 kilowatt-hours (kWh) up to 136kWh in one system, including single phase, split-phase, and three-phase setups, we have certified product offerings available to meet the resilient power needs of customers of all types – including residential systems, multi-family apartments, campuses, and commercial and industrial buildings.”

SimpliPhi Power’s network of Elite IQ™ installers and numerous distributor partners can deliver SimpliPhi’s line of UL9540 certified products all over the world.

Hendrickson Fire Rescue Equipment expand product portfolio

REV Fire Group, a manufacturer of fire apparatus have announced that Hendrickson Fire Rescue Equipment is expanding its product portfolio and will represent Ferrara Fire Apparatus and E-ONE.

Hendrickson Fire Rescue Equipment has been a successful Spartan Emergency Response dealer, providing its New York Metro area customers with best-in-class sales and service.

“We are thrilled to expand our portfolio of product offerings to meet our customers’ fire apparatus needs,” said Craig Probst, President of Hendrickson Fire Rescue Equipment. “We look forward to growing the Ferrara and E-ONE customer base in New York by providing our next generation customer support strategy.”

Located in Islandia, NY, Hendrickson Fire operates out of a state-of-the-art 20,000 square foot facility, which includes a collision center featuring a 55’ spray booth and an expansive parts inventory.  The Hendrickson team of 65 leverages their knowledge and facilities to provide complete fire apparatus service. 

“Hendrickson has made significant investments into its dealership with people, facilities and aftermarket support capabilities in order to provide customers with a premium experience. We look forward to their contribution in growing the Ferrara and E-ONE brands,” said Mike Virnig, Vice President of Sales for REV Fire Group.

Anthony Morgan appointed Technical Director of Baldwin Boxall

Baldwin Boxall, a manufacturer of life safety sound systems, have appointed Anthony Morgan to the role of Technical Director. Anthony has been with the company for over six years now and leads a strong R&D team, alongside Dave Boxall, who has been confirmed as the new Founding Director.

Dave previously worked as Technical Director before moving on to his new role. As an active member of many board committees in the industry, Anthony is well versed in the multitude of aspects of life safety and is well placed to continue Dave’s hard work.

Sales and Marketing Director, Nick Baldwin said: “We are very pleased to welcome Anthony to the board of directors and we know he is the perfect fit for this role”.

Anthony added: “I thoroughly enjoy coming to work every single day. It is the people at Baldwin Boxall that make it so great, we truly have a fantastic, friendly and professional team.”

FEMA continue to provide housing for families affected by Oregon wildfires

The U.S Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are to begin construction of housing for qualified families affected by the Linn and Marion Wildfires. Once completed, the new site in Mill City is expected to hold up to 16 temporary housing units.

In addition to Linn and Marion counties, the Agencys Direct Housing mission is in the process of providing transportable temporary housing to qualified disaster survivors in Jackson and Lincoln counties. To date, 47 Jackson County families have been placed in temporary housing units in commercial parks and at one group site – similar to the one now under construction in Mill City in Linn and Marion counties.

Currently, 250 survivor families are approved to receive FEMA Direct Temporary Housing in the four counties. The number of qualified families has decreased over time as many households have located alternate temporary or permanent housing on their own.

To the degree possible, FEMA works to keep survivors as close as possible to their communities, schools and places of worship. Direct Temporary Housing is provided to survivors for up to 18 months from the date of the disaster declaration (until March 2022).

Disaster survivors affected by the Oregon wildfires and straight-line winds can also get personalised mitigation advice to repair and rebuild safer and stronger from a FEMA Mitigation Specialist.

NVFC release Psychologically Healthy Fire Departments (PHFD) initiative

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), in partnership with the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, have launched the Psychologically Healthy Fire Departments (PHFD) initiative to support firefighters and EMS providers and create healthy, successful departments.

The Psychologically Healthy Fire Departments: Implementation Toolkit delves into six categories leaders should focus on to support well-being and high performance: member involvement, health and safety, member growth and development, work-life balance, member recognition, and effective communication. The toolkit examines each category along with specific actions that can be taken, special issues to consider, case studies from successful departments, and additional resources.

“A department that supports its members and is committed to fostering a positive work environment has a healthier, engaged, and more successful workforce,” said NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch. “This implementation toolkit will walk fire department leaders through the steps and considerations necessary to make sure they have a psychologically healthy fire department that benefits the individual, the organisation, and the community.”

The PHFD: Implementation Toolkit is based on APA’s Psychologically Healthy Workplace model and was adapted to fit the unique characteristics of the fire service. Fire service leaders who understand the link between the well-being of their members and the performance and success of the department take comprehensive steps to create a positive environment that supports and promotes good health and optimal functioning.

“Psychological research shows workplaces that promote good mental health and work-life balance are associated with increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and higher job satisfaction,” said APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD. “We commend the National Volunteer Fire Council for creating this toolkit and distributing it to its members.”

The PHFD initiative is supported by a Fire Prevention & Safety Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. In addition to the implementation toolkit, resources include a Directory of Behavioral Health Professionals that lists local mental health providers equipped and ready to help firefighters, EMS providers, dispatchers, rescue workers, and their families. The directory is updated monthly as new providers are added and can be viewed or downloaded on the PHFD webpage. A training course to supplement the PHFD: Implementation Toolkit is also being developed.

Download the PHFD: Implementation Toolkit and learn more about the PHFD initiative at www.nvfc.org/phfd.

OGUK welcome positive outcome of Brexit deal

The UK offshore oil and gas industry have welcomed the deal between the EU and the UK following a vote in Parliament last week. The leading representative body for the sector said that as the detail of the agreement is worked through, it is important that any friction is kept to a minimum, whist ensuring it also reinforces the opportunity to pursue an exciting energy future.

OGUK chief executive Deirdre Michie OBE said: “OGUK has consistently stated that a deal would be the best outcome for our industry. We therefore welcome the agreement and thank both the UK and EU for their efforts in securing this trade deal. We continue to work through the details with our members, the government, and the broader business community to ensure that every opportunity is taken to minimise and manage any potential disruption to goods and services in the energy sector, as well as limiting inefficiencies and red tape as changes are implemented.

“With anticipated agreement for the deal there is no time to waste, and it must also mark a renewed ambition in pursuit of an exciting energy future. We look forward to progressing the North Sea Transition Deal in the new year, which was supported in the government’s Energy White Paper and will unlock the full potential of our changing sector as a partner to deliver net zero.

“Through making the most of our domestic resources and putting our essential expertise to work, we can continue to provide jobs and opportunities in energy communities across the UK, while providing the affordable and lower carbon energy needed by millions across the country.”