Four confirmed dead following explosion at waste water works

Four people have died following an explosion at a waste water works in Bristol. Three of those are reported to have worked for the firm.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service said they were called to reports of the blast on Kings Weston Lane, Avonmouth, and have been joined at the scene by Avon and Somerset Police officers and South West Ambulance Service medics.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service Area Manager Matt Peskett said: “We were called at 11.22am to reports of a large explosion on Kings Weston Lane, Avonmouth.  

“Crews from Avonmouth, Southmead, Yate, Patchway, Hicks Gate, Kingswood, Weston-super-Mare and Temple were mobilised and attended the incident.

“We were joined at the scene by our police and ambulance colleagues and have now handed over the incident to the police and continue to support our multi-agency partners.

A full investigation into the incident will be conducted.

FIA to continue supporting UK exporters

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) are continuing to work with the Government to ensure UK exporters continue to be supported. Here is what the key people involved in this great partnership have to say.

Ian Moore, CEO, FIA 

“Working with Government for our members and the wider industry is, and has always been, a key priority. We are proud our relationship with Government has improved over the last few years which has allowed us to better address the three key issues of Brexit, COVID-19 and Grenfell.

FIA

“It has taken incredible effort from both sides to get this great working relationship to where it is today. From weekly meetings with UK Defence and Security Exports on the transition period to sharing live updates on Brexit and how to best support our members export.

“A clear indication of both our improved relationship with Government and the incredible effort of individuals is the secondment of two specialists from FIA members to the Department of International Trade – UK Defence and Security Exports.

“Sarah and Michelle’s work is key to ensuring that the fire industry is able to continue exporting our world-leading products and services. I am immensely grateful and proud of the individuals and their companies allowing them to give up their time. Doing so will help everyone out in in this crucial area at this vital time in our history.”

Sarah Adamson, Sector Specialist – First Responder Capability

“I’m thrilled to have been appointed as a sector specialist for the first responder capability campaign for the UK Defence and Security Export team. For Angloco this is a chance to support the development of the UK export market for Fire and Rescue products, and to help the UK bounce back.

“During the secondments of the sector specialists, our ambition is to pull together and showcase the very best of the UK Defence and Security sector to be shared with the world. 

“The purpose is to grow the knowledge of our customers and DIT colleagues alike, to enable more British Products and Services to flow around the world. 

“I strongly believe that working together with the Government, as UK businesses, is our best way to work together. It’s fantastic for our industry to be engaged directly and we should all be sharing the experiences that we have gained for the benefit of the whole sector.”

Michelle Agius, Sector Specialist –  Infrastructure

“I am delighted to be a part of this initiative from the DIT, as a UK based SME myself I totally understand the difficulties of SMEs’ exporting.  I think it is a great initiative of the DIT to mix trade and Civil Servants together to obtain mixed views. 

“Any initiative to push and assist the visibility of UK SMEs is a positive move forward and one I am proud to be associated with.  Like most things in the business world, this is a complicated subject but our aim is to make it as simple as possible for the overseas posts to understand the great benefits of working with UK companies to obtain the best knowledge, experience, training and products.”

Tracy Buckingham, Deputy Director, Security & Cyber Exports in UK Defence & Security Exports

“While recognising the many challenges businesses are facing as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, UK Defence and Security Exports is here to help. As we start the economic recovery, we’re thinking about what happens next and how you can stay one step ahead of your competitors.

“As part of our implementation of the Security Exports Strategy, we are drawing together a series of UK Security Offers for our international partners. These offers will demonstrate to overseas buyers the fantastic capabilities that UK companies have across a range of sectors.

“This initiative is one way in which we are providing strategic leadership that contributes towards the key Government policy of encouraging more companies to trade internationally and to increase the value of UK goods and services that are exported.

“We are currently looking for companies who provide products and services in the first responder or infrastructure buyer categories to join the UK Security Offer and help us to showcase your capabilities to overseas buyers.

“This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the UK’s national security and prosperity. If you would like your company to be involved in this capability campaign, please get in touch with our sector specialists.

“We hope this represents a valuable opportunity for individuals from industry to engage directly with UK Defence and Security Exports to shape the way in which we support UK exporters and to create a legacy that can be built on to ensure that Government and industry work effectively together into the future.”

To find out more information, visit the FIA website: https://www.fia.uk.com/

E2S Warning Signals upgrades its signalling beacons

E2S Warning Signals is committed to a programme of continuous product improvements in response to technology advances, regulatory changes and customer feedback.

The latest products to be upgraded are the B350TLA traffic light warning signal beacons that feature a compact 100 x 140mm housing, ideal for space constrained applications or for mounting directly onto machinery.  

The larger 140 x 177mm B450TLA units have also been upgraded. The light engine for both is an array of 18 high output white LEDs, which give super-bright outputs up to 356 Candela.

The ultrasonic welded diffused lens determines the output light colour: Amber, Blue, Clear, Green, Red, and Yellow are standard, enabling on-site reconfiguration of colours and greater flexibility in inventory management. There are now seven flash patterns, including a temporal pattern for greater effectiveness, in addition to a steady output for status indication.

The included connector enables multiple units to be assembled into stacks and dual pluggable terminals simplify cable installation for looped installations.

The operating voltage are ranges are 10-14VDC/16-33VDC and 48-260VAC/DC, the 1Hz flash operating current is only 88mA @ 24Vdc and the operating temperature is a wide -40°C to +70°C.

Also upgraded with the latest 18 white LED array light source are the STA and STB families of customisable stack signals, UL approved for general signalling applications such as status indication, security and process control.

The STA stacks have a SONF1 compact 100dB(A) alarm horn sounder to give an integrated audible/visual unit; the STB family are beacon-only arrays.

Both versions are available with two, three or four units in a stack array which are terminated in a common junction box via a factory-fitted internal wiring loom to give a single external interconnect point. The UV stable PC lenses are available in Amber, Blue, Clear, Green, Magenta, Red and Yellow.

For more information E2S Warning Signals products visit the website

NFPA 101 Life Safety Code added to NFPA LiNK

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced the addition of the 2021 edition of NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®, to NFPA LiNK™, the Association’s new information delivery platform that will include all NFPA codes and standards, supplementary content, and visual aids for building, electrical, and life safety professionals and practitioners.

NFPA recently introduced the platform with the four most recent editions of NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code® (NEC®), the most widely used code in the United States and referenced around the globe, and NFPA 70E®, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace®. 

NFPA 101 is the most widely used source for strategies to protect people based on building construction, protection, and occupancy features that minimise the effects of fire and related hazards. Unique in the field, NFPA 101 is the only document that covers life safety in both new and existing structures.

NFPA codes and standards are designed to minimise the risk and effects of fire by establishing criteria for building, processing, design, service, and installation around the world. 

Fire and life safety practitioners have turned to the Association’s codes and standards to perform their work more efficiently and effectively for more than a century.

NFPA LiNK provides instant access to resources

Today, the approach to business has shifted and work now demands employees have the most current, relevant information and resources available at their fingertips to help solve problems quickly and at any given location. 

NFPA LiNK has been designed to provide users instant access to resources pertinent to their work and requirements for safe work practices that reduce a worker’s exposure to fire, electrical, and other hazards.

“Professionals tell us they not only want important code information, but they also need context and insights to help them better understand problems and make decisions in real time,” said Jim Pauley, NFPA president and CEO. “NFPA LiNK is a revolutionary platform that will allow people to collaborate and stay connected easily while in the field. This means more lives are saved and more property protected from fire, electrical, and other hazards.”

To help address these growing needs, NFPA LiNK can be accessed via mobile devices, tablets, laptops, or other preferred device, and will become a “living library” for users that offers:

  • The ability to work alongside the codes by adding personal notes, assigning colors, and saving to custom collections for quick and easy reference.
  • A broader understanding of code requirements through access to expert commentary, visual aids, and helpful resources.
  • Collaboration features to share code sections, work across teams, and ensure everyone knows what is required.
  • Navigation tools that enable users to quickly locate the information they need based on the situations they encounter.

NFPA LiNK subscribers will get access to continuous updates, features and functions, and new editions of NFPA codes and standards as they are released. NFPA will expand the collection of codes and standards within the application to include the more than 300 that NFPA offers.

More information about the NFPA LiNK platform, a timeline of additional codes and standards that will be coming to NFPA LiNK, and a product introduction video can be found at nfpa.org/LiNK. A video that highlights key functions and features in more detail is also available. Try NFPA LiNK by visiting the website

The Institution of Fire Engineers appoint new Technical Director

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) have announced the appointment of Dr Peter Wilkinson CEng FIFireE CSci MIScT, as the new Technical Director.

Peter will assume responsibility for developing the IFE’s position on wider issues within the sector, as well as informing members of the Institution’s involvement in the various working groups and industry forums, and the subsequent knowledge and guidance that will result from these.

His remit will involve working closely with similar organisations and institutions worldwide, whilst also acting as liaison for global professional registration.

Peter will support the existing IFE Technical Strategic Advisory Group (TSAG) and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) to develop the Institution’s involvement and views on contemporary issues in the sector, as well as working closely with IFE headquarters staff to ensure the improvement of technical resources for members.

A member of the IFE, Peter has been heavily involved with the Institution over a number of years, and currently sits on the Board of Directors. He is a Chartered Engineer, a Chartered Scientist and a Registered Fire Risk Assessor, bringing with him a wealth of experience to the role of Technical Director.

Peter holds an Engineering Doctorate where he investigated resilient fire engineering building design. He chairs the British Standards Technical Committee FSH/24, developing and codifying fire safety engineering practices.

Roy Bishop, IFE Chief Executive, comments: “We are delighted to welcome Peter to the team. The role of Technical Director is a new way of working for the Institution, which will provide structured international thought leadership as we become more heavily involved in sector-wide projects and move the Institution forward.

“This appointment comes after listening to our members and volunteers who have taken part in the reviews within our strategic plan, entitled the Programme for Change.

“Peter‘s appointment will allow us to more fully represent the members’ views and work towards being able to assist them in understanding the Institution’s policy positions in a range of technical areas.”

Commenting on his new role, Peter added: “I’m looking forward to representing the IFE membership globally and developing the Institution’s position.

“It is a role that is focused very much on external factors within the sector, from which knowledge and guidance can then be shared with our members.

“I will be working closely with individuals who represent the IFE around the world on forums and industry groups, and I look forward to understanding their work in greater detail. Do please feel free to get in touch with me to discuss this in more detail.”

Venari Group continue growth through 3 key staff appointments

For the second consecutive month, Venari Group have continued growth plans by adding three key new staff and commencing a recruitment process for ten new production personnel; in conjunction with a six-figure investment in machinery to increase manufacturing capability.

Sean Bailey comes in to lead procurement in the ambulance division, whilst Ashleigh Ellis-Hood joins to shore up procurement at headquarters. Steve Hill has also joined the team as homologation engineer to drive efficiency in vehicle standards and approvals.

The latest recruitment comes off the back of further growth and Venari Group now have ambitions to serve the emergency vehicle market to the highest standard possible.

Venari Group

They have also, simultaneously, spent a six-figure sum on new machinery in a bid to reduce production times whilst subsequently increasing product quality. The new machinery will be put to work alongside recent equipment purchased back in the summer, highlighting the rapid intentions for the group.

With sustained and continued growth for both Venari and subsidiary company, O&H Vehicle Technology, the firm look set to drive growth in the emergency vehicle sector throughout 2021, adding to a progressive 2020.

Group CEO, Oliver North, commented: “We warmly welcome the new high-calibre members of the team – Sean, Ashleigh and Steve – which also highlights our continued trajectory of quality and economic benefits to our client base.

“At the start of the year we looked ‘down the barrel’ of the pandemic, but we remained intent on driving forward to prevent moving backwards. The effort throughout the team this year has been nothing less than incredible and at 32 years-old; our Goole division is now truly starting to peak.

“Over the past few months we have grown capability and capacity, but with continued challenges in supply chain we have taken the decision to increase component production at headquarters. In parallel, this will allow us to drive quality whilst reducing lead times and protecting our IP.

“The intention now is to integrate our new team members to ensure we finish 2020 strongly and set up an exciting 2021.”

FLIR Systems announce acquisition of Altavian

FLIR Systems, Inc. announced today that it has acquired Altavian, Inc., a privately-held manufacturer of small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) for defense and public safety customers.

Altavian’s airframes integrate multiple sensors, including FLIR thermal technology, to provide users with decision support and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capability.  

Based in Gainesville, Florida and founded in 2011, the company designs and manufacturers Group 1 UAS solutions for long or short range operations.

With both quadcopter and fixed-wing UAS designs, Altavian’s expertise includes aeronautics, avionics, and software, and its solutions are engineered around an open system architecture aligned to the needs of government and defense customers.

Altavian is one of five drone manufacturers approved by the U.S. Department of Defense under the Blue sUAS program to sell to the U.S. military and federal agencies.

“Altavian’s proven engineering expertise and assets will allow us to offer customers the most comprehensive solution portfolio of any American sUAS provider,” said Roger Wells, General Manager of the Unmanned Systems and Integrated Solutions business of FLIR Systems’ Defense Technologies Segment, under which Altavian will be integrated.

“With the addition of both a low-cost, rapidly deployable quadcopter and a longer range fixed-wing UAS, FLIR is strengthening its already impressive drone lineup, including our Black Hornet® and SkyRaider™ platforms used extensively by militaries around the globe.

We’re excited about the multiple new franchise opportunities FLIR will be able to pursue for defense, public safety, and industrial markets worldwide.”  

For more information about FLIR Systems’ existing sUAS solutions, visit: flir.com/defense-uas.

Streamlight release one of their brightest and versatile lights, the ProTac® 90

Streamlight Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting devices offer a range of high-quality products built with precision and performance especially for law enforcement, sporting goods, fire & rescue, hardware/tools and the military.

Streamlight believe in a hands-on, real world experience for all its customers, this approach leads to new ideas, innovations and ‘Brilliant Thinking’ that set Streamlight apart.

With a range of new products available, Streamlight continues to ensure that new product development is at the fore of all they do, ensuring that they offer their customers the latest technology.

“The combination of its light output, size and multi-fuel technology make the ProTac® 90 one of the brightest and most versatile tactical lights on the market today”, said Streamlight Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Michael F.Dineen

ProTac® 90 offers versatility

“With its 90 head and multi-function clip designed to fit MOLLE and other gear, it provides a variety of wearing options for tactical professionals, sports enthusiasts and others requiring hands free operation. Users can choose between several different battery options to suit their need or preference.”

The ProTac® 90 is a superb bright, ultra-compact, right angle tactical light featuring the convenience of multi fuel technology. Other features include TEN-TAP® programmable switch for user selected operation, a specialised optic produces a blended beam and an impact resistant borofloat glass lens.

Fabricated from machined aircraft aluminum with a black anodized finish, The ProTac® 90 features a multi-function, push button tactical switch that permits one handed operation.


ProTac® 90 Product Features:

Lumens: – 300 lumens
Battery: – (1) 3V “CR123A” lithium or (1) “AA” alkaline/lithium
Size: – 3.78” x 1.05 x 86” (9.6 x 2.67 x 2.18 cm)
Weight: – W/CR123A 2.8 oz (79g)
– W/ALKALINE 3.1 oz (88g)
– W/LITHIUM 2.7 oz (77g)
Colour: – Black

The ProTac ® 90 has an MSRP of £53 and comes with the Streamlight Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Survival solutions provider Survitec launch offshore EBS

Global safety and survival solutions provider Survitec have created a new compressed air Emergency Breathing System (EBS) for offshore helicopter passengers and crew. It has been designed to offer personnel a greater chance of survival in a water impact scenario.

Survitec’s new bespoke Category A EBS has already been integrated into the company’s Halo aviation lifejacket and can be deployed in a single action, using one hand.

It features a mouthpiece with an integrated nose clip, a braided low-pressure hose and a reinforced carbon composite compressed air cylinder. The EBS weighs 949g which is 30% lighter than competing systems.

Survitec

“The most striking aspect of the new cylinder design, is its high air capacity,” Mark Lutman, Survitec’s Technical Sales Manager for lifesaving appliances (LSA), attests.

“In a water impact scenario, the short window for escape can be a limiting factor when escaping a submerged helicopter. We designed the bespoke EBS to deliver 80% more air than that required by CAP 1034, increasing the chances of survival for those escaping a ditched, capsized or submerged helicopter.”

The Civil Aviation Authority CAP 1034 guidelines (Development of a Technical Standard for Emergency Breathing Systems) to which Lutman refers were developed in 2013 after a spate of fatal helicopter accidents. It states that EBS should provide sufficient air supply for 60 seconds of breathing time at a depth down to 2m.

Over the last 20 years, EBS technology has evolved significantly. Originally, they were classed as rebreathers, these were superseded by hybrid rebreathers and finally, the compressed air systems that we see today. All of which have their advantages and disadvantages.

Nigel Parkes, Head of Lifejacket Design, Survitec, explains. “One of the first EBS was the rebreather system, ostensibly a counter-lung allowing the wearer to breathe back in their own expelled breath. These need to be orally inflated prior to submersion and are not effective when personnel have to escape from depths of more than a few metres.”

The rebreather style system evolved to a hybrid rebreather. This incorporated a cylinder of compressed air containing the equivalent of a lungful of air that is automatically released into the counter-lung on submersion.  

“The addition of an air cylinder does provide the user with air to breathe if there is little time to take a deep breath, but again, this type of system is less likely to be effective at depths of more than a few metres. The increased air capacity can also increase overall buoyancy of the lifejacket, impacting the means of escape,” said Parkes, before commenting on the advantages of a compressed air EBS.

“With these new systems, they are more suited for underwater deployment and can be used at depth because pressurised air is supplied on demand.

“Imagine you’re evacuating a submerged helicopter. It’s dark. Water is flooding in. You don’t know whether up is down or down is up and panic is setting in. The last thing you want to worry about is remembering to take a deep breath.”

“Further to this, sudden exposure to cold water can induce the cold water shock response, which can significantly affect the individual’s ability to hold their breath.”

Indeed, a primary reason for developing the new EBS was to take into consideration the additional air capacity required by someone under extreme stress. When people panic, their breathing is rapid and air supplies can be quickly depleted.

Parkes said: “The introduction of a 310 bar cylinder allows us to substantially increase the amount of breathable air available for use by the user in a water impact scenario. By combining composite materials within a pocket shielded and reinforced for impact protection, our design teams have also delivered a much lighter, more resilient CA-EBS.”

This new bespoke EBS is a key integrated feature of Survitec’s Halo lifejacket, launched in September last year.

Halo, the first aviation lifejacket to utilise Fusion 3D technology, allows for a much more ergonomic lifejacket that adapts to the shape of the wearer for enhanced comfort.

This, combined with the lifejacket’s slimline profile and the reduction in EBS size, takes into consideration the restrictive space and movement within the helicopter cabin – allowing for greater freedom of movement for the wearer during transit.

Global exhibition INTERSCHUTZ moved back to 2022

The dates for INTERSCHUTZ have been changed, with the event now taking place from 20 to 25 June 2022. The decision to reschedule the world’s leading trade fair fire, rescue, civil protection and safety/security was taken by Deutsche Messe after a process of thorough deliberation and intensive discussion with key market players.

In a context that has affected numerous other trade fairs and events, the move was driven by the latest developments in the global status of the COVID 19 pandemic.

“Flagship trade fairs like INTERSCHUTZ have a long-range planning horizon and require a lead time of several months. In addition, the industries that participate at INTERSCHUTZ, either as exhibitors or visitors, are among the people most heavily involved in dealing with the current pandemic across the globe,” comments Dr. Andreas Gruchow, Member of the Deutsche Messe Managing Board.

Delaying INTERSCHUTZ “a difficult decision”

“INTERSCHUTZ takes place every five years. The community of people involved in fire and rescue services as well as civil protection has been eagerly awaiting the next edition of the event.

“Against this background, the decision to reschedule was a difficult one. But a series of intensive discussions with our partners and exhibitors as well as representatives of key visitor target groups made clear to us that this move was unavoidable.

“A staging of the event in the summer of 2022 has been welcomed by all stakeholders. This is the only way we can offer everyone the necessary planning security for their trade fair appearance.

“A flagship fair like this one thrives on a large number of international visitors and, in particular, face-to-face encounters. Based on the current international travel restrictions, our clients would not be able to adequately prepare for such a major, globally significant trade fair,” Gruchow concludes.

“The auspices for INTERSCHUTZ have been excellent for a long time,” adds Martin Folkerts, Global Director of INTERSCHUTZ at Deutsche Messe, continuing: “We had already signed up a record number of exhibitors for the originally planned edition of the event in June 2020.

“We are confident our exhibitors will now join us in organizing 2022, which will be staged for the first time as a hybrid event. The pandemic has made us all aware of the importance of the fire department, rescue services and civil protection.

“In addition, we expect significant increases in investment in these sectors all over the world, which will present the ideal conditions for our marketplace. More than any other event, INTERSCHUTZ thrives on personal contact and direct networking. It is the platform for the worldwide community.”

“The manufacturers of fire fighting technology within the VDMA expressly welcome the postponement of INTERSCHUTZ to 2022. For us, INTERSCHUTZ is the most important international trade fair for the industry.

“Our expectation is that it will seamlessly follow on from the great success of 2015. We are certain that the conditions will be in place in 2022. Our highly innovative industry will have numerous exciting new products in its program by then.

“Our German and international visitors will make INTERSCHUTZ 2022 the big live event of the year as we know it,” said Dr. Bernd Scherer, Executive management member of the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA) and Managing Director VDMA Fire Fighting Equipment, commenting on the new date of INTERSCHUTZ in June 2022.

Dirk Aschenbrenner, President of the German Fire Protection Association (vfdb), also welcomes the decision to postpone INTERSCHUTZ until 2022: “Our emergency services are and will continue to be extremely busy in the coming months.

“As we know, INTERSCHUTZ is always a welcome opportunity for thousands of them to obtain information, exchange experiences and network. None of this would be possible at present in this tense situation. However, without the many visitors, including those from the non-material world, INTERSCHUTZ would not be what it has always been.

“Exhibitors also appreciate the direct contact with those who ultimately use their products and services. The industry needs this exchange between suppliers and users”.

Dieter Siegel, CEO of Rosenbauer International AG, welcomes the new date for INTERSCHUTZ in the summer of 2022: “Unfortunately, the COVID-19 crisis still has a firm grip on all of us and does not yet allow us to hold trade fairs and major events safely at the present time.

“However, the safety and health of people is of course our top priority as a system provider in firefighting and disaster protection. We are therefore in favor of postponing INTERSCHUTZ until 2022, because we all want nothing more than an INTERSCHUTZ as we know it: an unforgettable trade show experience and a meeting place for fire departments from all over the world, without compromising on the safety of our customers, visitors and guests”.

The next INTERSCHUTZ will take place from 20 to 25 June 2022 at the Hannover Exhibition Grounds.

The detailed statements of exhibitors and partners can be found here .