Profab Access: the benefits of bi-directional fire testing

The Hackitt Report revealed major concerns regarding the quality assurance of fire doors and the issues surrounding the transparency of information and availability of audit trails with regard to these types of building components.

Here Austin Stone, Technical Director at Profab Access, explores the importance of specifying riser doors that have been bi-directionally fire tested, to not only provide the highest standards of safety and compliance with current building regulations, but to successfully futureproof public sector buildings for years to come.

Following the release of Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, the issues regarding fire doors and their consistency of fire-resistance performance was, and remains, a significant concern for the industry.

The report, along with subsequent amendments to Building Regulations Approved Document B (Fire Safety), prompted significant changes to the adequate testing of fire doors, particularly with regard to the way in which these building components are manufactured, tested, installed and maintained.

Focusing on the specification and fire safety of riser doors in particular, the sufficient fire testing of these products is paramount to ensuring the successful prevention of the spread of fire to other parts of the building via the riser shaft. Whilst timber riser doors were traditionally popular among architects and specifiers, concealed steel riser doors offer superior fire performance, whilst also offering a range of enhanced aesthetics and security benefits.

Throughout the specification process, professionals should look to utilise steel riser doors that have been fire tested to BS EN 1634-1:2014+A1:2018 (as outlined in Approved Document B Volume 2) and BS476 part 22. The doors should also comply with BS 476-31.1 for smoke tests, BS8214 for the installation for fire doorsets and BS 9999:2017 for the Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings.

However, if the industry is to drive a cultural shift in the specification of these types of passive fire safety products, architects should look to specify riser doors that have been bi-directionally tested, superseding current industry requirements.

As the riser door is physically tested in both directions, it offers the highest levels of fire safety as professionals can be confident the riser door will withstand exposure to fire and smoke from both directions for the allotted time period. This adequately prevents the spread of fire throughout a multi-storey building as the opportunity for the fire to enter the riser shaft through a riser door located in a corridor and exit through another riser door in a different area or floor of the building is entirely eliminated because both sides of the door have been successfully tested.

Professionals here should look to specify riser doors that have been fire tested by a certified third party, providing a clear audit trail of test evidence that confirms compliance with all relevant regulations by demonstrating the integrity of the riser door for the specified duration. This includes the maintenance of the riser door’s frame, limitation of the spread of fire and the transmission of radiant heat.

For many architects, the configuration of double or triple riser doors in a single unit is a popular choice due to the style of aesthetics they offer over individual riser doors that are spaced at specific intervals. Professionals should here look to work with a manufacturer that offers bi-directional fire testing across a whole suite of configurations and complementary riser door products, successfully meeting the visual requirements of each individual project, without having to compromise on the fire safety of these elements.

Whilst bi-directional fire testing isn’t a current industry requirement, this proficient approach to fire safety also futureproofs the building as the architect has gone above and beyond the current specification to meet the requirements and regulations of the future.

This step change in the specification of riser doors must be implemented from the very initial stages and, in order to be successful, professionals should choose riser doors that are supported by a wide range of BIM and CAD files, along with comprehensive fire test certifications. This will aid the specification process and streamline the initial design stages, whilst also providing a clear audit trail of evidence and subsequent due diligence, supporting Dame Hackitt’s ‘Golden Thread’ of true transparency and accountability.

The test certifications play a vital role in helping architects facilitate the ‘golden thread’ of information, which seeks to extend fire safety best practice beyond fire professionals into wider society, successfully communicating key information about a building and the components utilised throughout its construction.

As Dame Hackitt encourages the industry not to wait for legal changes to start the process of behavioural change with regard to fire safety within commercial and residential buildings, professionals within the public sector can continue to drive this shift change through the specification of bi-directionally fire tested riser doors.

For further information on Profab Access, visit www.profabaccess.com

Venari Group partners with Avon Protection for thermal imaging camera distribution

Avon Protection, has announced Venari Group as its new distributor of thermal imaging cameras (TICs) for the UK fire market.

The agreement will see Venari commence distributorship of Avon’s ‘argus’ range of TICs with immediate effect. The British-manufactured argus technology has been the market leader within the UK fire and rescue industry for three decades, having continually invested in R&D and product innovation. Its evolved ‘Mi-TIC’ unit is the world’s smallest NFPA 1801-certified thermal imager for firefighting applications.

After launching into the fire market in early 2020 we have made significant strides forward, having acquired the UK’s biggest and most established ambulance manufacturer, O&H Vehicle Technology. We have also been announced as the UK manufacturer of Ziegler Group’s technologically advanced range of firefighting vehicles – providing world-class fire truck technology whilst wholly manufacturing in Britain.

Now, with the latest evolution in the Mi-TIC’s legacy, Venari will be tasked with spearheading customer care, sales and marketing for the UK fire and ambulance services, from its state-of-the-art, 60,000 sq. ft. emergency vehicle manufacturing facility.

Avon Protection European Sales Director, Mark Ridsdale commented: “I’ve worked with Oliver and many of the Venari team in the past and very much look forward to working with them again. Their passion for the Mi-TIC thermal imager completely mirrors that of our own which is an extremely exciting prospect for the UK fire and rescue services.

“With our latest development of Mi-TIC, incorporating the IGNIS engine, it means our thermal imaging camera can provide absolute clarity to firefighters in the most demanding situations. For our TIC be supplied and backed up by Venari’s incredibly efficient team will provide an excellent platform for our market share to solidify its position as the UK market leader.”

Venari Group CEO, Oliver North, added: “Avon Protection’s world-class range of TICs has long been at the forefront of UK firefighting strategy. Alignment of Avon and Venari completely champions the importance and significance of strengthening UK manufactured products.

“Avon Protection is genuinely one of the most exciting companies I’ve had the privilege of working with in my career to-date, and continuation of our previously very dynamic partnership is one which I’m excited to re-ignite.

“I’ve previously had seven years of experience with the Mi-TIC, and I’m thrilled to represent it to its fullest potential in both the UK fire and rescue market as well as the ambulance market with hazardous area response teams (HART) teams. Many of the wider team at Venari are also hugely experienced with the incredible Mi-TIC and wholeheartedly share my passion for the range.”

venari-group.com

Holmatro introduces the new Pentheon Series

The Pentheon Series offers a much higher speed than other rescue equipment. This is thanks to a new and patented mechatronic system inside these tools. This system continuously optimises the motor and pump settings to deliver a maximised oil flow over the full pressure range. Where all other rescue tools show a significant decrease in speed when switching to another stage to deal with higher loads, Holmatro Pentheon tools stick to the ideal stepless speed curve.

Being much faster than previous generations of rescue tools Pentheon tools are equipped with a two-mode control handle for ultimate speed control. This enables rescuers, at any time during the rescue operation, to choose between the tools’ high-speed and low-speed modes. Within these modes, the speed is still proportional to how far you turn the control handle to its left or right.

With Holmatro Pentheon tools battery management is as easy as just plugging it in. Thanks to On-Tool Charging you can charge the battery while it remains on the tool. This means you don’t need to swap batteries all the time. Simply connect the tool to the charger and the whole charging process will regulate itself. The battery on the tool always has priority over the one on the charger, which will resume charging when the battery on the tool is 100% full. Three chargers can be connected in series to be powered from a single outlet. This allows you to charge a total of 6 batteries without any management, whether placed on a charger or on a tool connected to it.

The Pentheon Series consists of the following rescue tool models: Inclined Cutter PCU50, Spreader PSP40, Telescopic Ram PTR50 and Combi Tool PCT50.

The tips on the spreader have pointed teeth on both sides that bite into the material. The middle row of teeth is taller and offers instant grip. The teeth on the outside alternately point in the opposite direction, which allows for a superior grip over the full spreading range. Finally, an interlocking profile results in reduced insertion dimensions.

Another user-friendly feature of the Pentheon Series is the Smart Extension of the telescopic ram. As soon as you connect the optional extension pipe, the ram will automatically adapt its force to the new maximum length of 1804 mm / 71 inches that can be achieved. Thanks to this solution Holmatro can offer you one compact ram for all applications, including cross ramming over a large distance.

There are many more unique features & benefits of Pentheon rescue tools, such as temperature management technology (which allows you to keep working in extremely hot conditions) and underwater use.

www.holmatro.com/pentheon

Danfoss launch new SEM-SAFE® fire hose reel cabinet with spray gun

Danish engineering group, Danfoss, have launched the new SEM-SAFE® fire hose reel cabinet with spray gun product version 2.0.

Through engineering and research, the company have developed a fire fighting product that is an immediate and efficient tool for the fire brigade and non-professionals to use in the fight against fire. The fire hose reel cabinet with spray gun is part of the 1st emergency response strategy in case of a fire – saving fire departments valuable time.

The new SEM-SAFE® fire hose reel cabinet with spray gun replaces the traditional design consisting of sprinkler system and separate hose reel system, whilst adding a series of advantages within installation, integration and operation. The most important goal is to offer the best possible efficiency when fighting fire and protect people, equipment and assets.

The SEM-SAFE® fire hose reel cabinet with spray gun is designed for direct connection to a high-pressure water mist system for fire fighting, meaning there is no need for separate installations and separate systems.                                                      

Precision & simplicity in handling have been crucial parameters in developing the product, according to the manufacturer. The 50m hose is thin and extra flexible for added ease of handling and a larger coverage area.

There is also extra flexibility in installation – by turning the cabinet around and by reassembling the internal main components, the fire cabinet door can be changed to left or right hinged. The fire cabinet has pre-cut holes for piping, which allow for extra flexibility in installation.

The SEM-SAFE® fire hose reel cabinets can be connected directly to the high-pressure water mist piping network with very small branch pipes (OD 12 mm). Thus, a dedicated separate piping network is not needed. This means less time is spent on piping work, planning and installation as well as fewer components need to be installed on-site.

The SEM-SAFE® high-pressure water mist system and the SEM-SAFE® fire hose reel cabinet with spray gun can share the same pump unit, leaving more space for other money generating activities.

semsafe.danfoss.com

Jactone achieves UL listing for detection tube range

UK manufacturer of fire safety and signage products, Jactone, have recently achieved a UL listing for all variations of its detection tube, used in its range of PAFSS Fire Suppression Systems, whether Direct or Indirect application.

According to the company, the detection tube acts as a linear heat and flame detector and is at the heart of all PAFSS systems, providing fast and effective detection.

The UL Listing qualifies all Jactone PAFSS detection tube as a ‘Heat-automatic Fire Detectors – Component’, after comprehensive testing in accordance with ANSI / UL 521 – ‘Heat Detectors for Fire Protective Signaling Systems’.

Distributors and end users alike, can now be further assured of the increased level of approvals and quality that a PAFSS system offers.

Specifically, this new UL Listing applies to detection tube used in the following PAFSS fire suppression systems:

• LPS1666 certified Electrical Enclosure Systems
• LPS1223 certified Commercial Kitchen Systems
• UNECE107R Bus and Coach Systems
• PAFSS Fume Cupboard Systems
• All other PAFSS Systems

Jactone says: “We are confident this will be a welcome addition to our growing list of 3rd Party certifications for our comprehensive range of PAFSS Fire Suppression Systems.”

www.jactone.com/

REV Fire Group set to host Apparatus Conference & Expo this month

The REV Fire Group Apparatus Conference & Expo, powered by FDIC International, is an upcoming free digital event to be hosted later in July – featuring interactive exhibits and weekly Webcasts with leading fire service instructors on apparatus-related topics.

The 5-week series is designed to help visitors connect with leaders in the industry as we continue to tackle unprecedented challenges. Visitors will get exclusive access to top instructors and get up close and personal with five of the industry’s leading brands for LIVE product walk arounds where REV Group will answer questions on demand and allow participants to easily connect with representatives from REV Fire to further the conversations one-on-one.

The digital conference will also feature the following free training presentations:

  • July 20, 2020: “Must Haves for First Arriving,” Jonah Smith
  • July 27, 2020: “Mayday Monday,” Tony Carroll
  • August 3, 2020: “Proven Truck Tactics That Might Surprise You,” Jason Joannides
  • August 10, 2020: “Aerial Device Strategies and Tactics,” G. Howard Blythe
  • August 17, 2020: “The Engine Company’s Guide to Winning: Stretching for Success,” Steve Robertson

Find out the full schedule here – www.revtruckexpo.com

ADJ Fire & Security and Hikvision launch thermal imaging cameras at Recycling Lives

ADJ Fire & Security has provided a solution to improve fire safety via Hikvision’s thermal bullet cameras for Recycling Lives.

Recycling Lives is a recycling and waste management operation, using a commercial element to support and sustain charity programmes for offender rehabilitation, residential support and food redistribution. It’s reportedly an effective approach to social aid, and one that has earned four prestigious Queens Awards and numerous admirers, including Andy Moore, Managing Director of ADJ Fire & Security Limited. ADJ works with Recycling Lives to provide technology-based solutions to minimise risk at its sites.

“The whole company’s called Recycling Lives, because that’s what it does,” Moore explains. “It gives people a second chance, people who have come out of prison or who are homeless, and they help them back into society. It’s providing help to people who really need it, by giving them jobs and if necessary rehoming them if they need somewhere to stay until they get their own place. They’re a special company, definitely. ADJ is extremely proud to be associated with a company like Recycling Lives.”

Recycling Lives has sites across the UK was founded, and is run, by second generation recyclers, time-served experts with a wealth of industry knowledge, insight and contacts. Their charity and social enterprise teams provide residential accommodation for the homeless, help to reduce reoffending and redistribute food, directly supported by recycling, recruitment, compliance and waste management businesses. As a result, they create more than just environmental and financial value from their activities: they provide significant social value too.

At the Recycling Lives site in Preston, on Longridge Road, ADJ was asked to help devise a solution which could help the Recycling Lives staff prevent and detect fires on-site during and out of office hours, explains Moore.

“These fires can happen within waste piles on site, and can end up burning inside without any notification,” he says. “They can seriously flare up when the pile is disturbed. There are batteries stored on site from depolluted cars and these can also be a serious fire hazard if ignited.”

The camera uses image processing technology, including Adaptive Automatic Gain Control, Digital Detail Enhancement, 3D Dynamic Noise Reduction, and a Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference of less than < 40mk. Its powerful behaviour analysis algorithm enables automatic smart detection including Line Crossing, Intrusion, and Region Entrance & Exit, and it also provides a reliable temperature exception alarm function and advanced fire detection algorithm. Temperature measurement range is -20℃ to 550℃ with ±2℃ accuracy.

The thermal imaging module provides 384 by 288 resolution, a high sensitivity sensor, and supports contrast adjustment and shutter adjustment in various modes. There are 15 palettes of adjustable colour available, and because this is a thermal imaging camera rather than a conventional CCTV device, there’s no need for additional lighting. 19 thermometric cameras were installed initially at the Preston site, with more set to be added in future.

“Cameras are located in the high-risk areas where fires could break out such as the plant rooms and stockpiles, shredder, and depollution areas,” Moore says. “When the cameras detect an increase in temperature that signifies a potential fire risk, they automatically raise an alarm and alert the client to the issue. That allows them to take action much more quickly than relying on traditional video or other forms of fire detection – they can react immediately even to the risk of fire breaking out.”

Recycling Lives Compliance Manager Dave Gallagher says: “The prevention of fire, and early detection of any fire that may break out, is of critical importance to protecting our people, infrastructure and the local environment. Whilst our risk controls have proved effective year after year, the opportunity to invest in new technology that enhances our ability to react fast in the event of an emerging fire hazard was one that was not to be missed.”

adjfireandsecurity.co.uk/adj/

21 injured after an explosion and fire on a naval ship in San Diego

Twenty-one people were injured after an explosion and fire on board a ship at the US Naval Base in San Diego, US Navy officials said.
“Seventeen Sailors and four civilians are being treated for non-life threatening injuries at a local hospital,” the US Navy said in a statement.
The sailors on the USS Bonhomme Richard had “minor injuries” from the fire and were taken to a hospital, Lt. Cmdr. Patricia Kreuzberger told CNN earlier Sunday.
The sailors are in stable condition, Rear Adm. Philip Sobeck told journalists Sunday evening. All of the crew is off the ship and accounted for, according to a tweet from the US Pacific Fleet Naval Surface Forces Sunday afternoon.
Firefighters battled a three-alarm fire on the ship Sunday morning, SDFD’s Mónica Muñoz said. Several different agencies worked to fight the blaze.
Two fires crews were still on board the ship Sunday afternoon, Federal Fire San Diego Division Chief Rob Bondurant said in a statement.
“Federal Fire is rotating their crews aboard the ship with U.S. Navy firefighting crews from the waterfront to fight the fire in order to find the seat of the fire and extinguish it,” Bondurant said. “Navy Region Southwest tugs are also continuously combating the fire from the bay.”
As of Sunday evening, firefighters were “at the seat of the fire, if you will,” Sobeck said. The firefighters are clearing compartment spaces in order to close in on the fire, Sobeck said.
“Sailors across this waterfront are absolutely doing a magnificent job,” Sobeck said, “They are saving their ship. We’re seeing just incredible results.”
It’s unclear what started the fire. When the fire was first reported Sunday morning, it was said to be in the lower vehicle storage area, Sobeck said, a “huge, open area where you store a lot of marine equipment and everything else.”
There is no ordnance on board, Sobeck said, “which was our initial concern” in ensuring safety on and around the ship. A safety zone has been set up around the ship, he said.
It is unclear what caused the explosion, Sobeck said. Initial reports indicated a “sort of a backdraft,” or over-pressurisation as the compartment started heating up.
The ship had about a million gallons of fuel, but it’s “well below” many of the heat sources, Sobeck said.
The ship could burn for days, “down to the water line,” San Diego Fire Chief Colin Stowell told CNN’s Erica Hill Sunday afternoon.
Sobeck, though, said the ship will probably be salvageable. “We’re absolutely going to make sure it sails again,” he said.
“She was in a stage of repair anyway,” Sobeck said. “So we’re just gonna get right back at it once we get this thing contained and put out.”
There was an explosion just as personnel were leaving the ship, Stowell said. The Navy has moved two nearby ships away from the scene, it said in a statement.
Secretary of Defence Mark Esper has been briefed on the situation, according to a defence official. Officials called for San Diego Fire Department’s assistance about 9 a.m. local time, Muñoz told CNN.
A second alarm was called at 9:09 a.m. and a third at 9:51 a.m., according to SDFD tweets. The USS Bonhomme Richard is an amphibious assault ship, according to the US Navy.
There were 160 people on board when the fire started, according to the Naval Surface Forces. The ship, which has a crew of 1,000, was undergoing maintenance.

Victaulic adds virtual access to renowned continuing education program

Victaulic is now offering free virtual courses from its accredited University program to construction professionals around the world.

Growing demand for more versatile training options and shrinking access to traditional classes given the COVID-19 pandemic presented an opportune time for Victaulic to make its robust catalog of courses, many of which offer International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) Continuing Education Units (CEUs), available to industry professionals such as owners, engineers, contractors, architects and designers online.

“The launch of Victaulic University’s virtual platform is another successful result of collaborating with customers to help solve their challenges,” said Eric Luftig, Vice President, at Victaulic. “We are pleased to introduce an innovative and convenient way to support the industry’s need for high-quality education.”

Victaulic has instructed 175 live sessions since March, attracting approximately 7,200 virtual learners from 99 countries. Attendance is growing rapidly as Victaulic adds new content and more users discover the program.

“The Victaulic education program presents valuable information in a well-organised and easily understood fashion,” said Mike Stossel, Senior Design Manager at KNS Sprinkler Design and a recent Victaulic University participant. “The content is extremely insightful, and we look forward to participating in more courses in the future.”

Victaulic’s 45+ piping technology courses are available at no cost in two virtual formats: live, instructor-led webinars and self-paced courses, which are available on-demand at any time. Courses are taught in English, Spanish, and German, with new languages being added regularly, and cover several industries, including:

  • General Engineering/Construction
  • Plumbing, Heating and Air
  • Data Centers
  • Fire Protection
  • Virtual Design and Construction

CEUs or Professional Development Hours (PDHs), which are required for maintaining engineering certifications are immediately available upon completion of applicable courses.

Victaulic established accredited Victaulic University in 2013.

“Between Victaulic’s 100-year legacy and over 200 years of knowledge amongst the instructors, the global construction industry will undoubtedly benefit from Victaulic University,” said Colin Phelps, Sales Training Manager at Victaulic. “So far, we’ve had more than 12,000 courses completed. With our robust content and a growing curriculum, there’s something for everyone.”

www.victaulic.com

S-Gard: providing protection for fire and rescue services

Current topics are weight reduction, breathability and freedom of movement. Another central topic that has been increasingly brought into focus in recent years is the avoidance of contact with hazardous substances. For example, fire smoke contains carcinogenic toxins such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). But other hazardous substances can also be deposited on clothing. There is an enhanced risk of absorbing the toxins, especially when the operational clothing is taken off. Appropriate operational hygiene is therefore of great importance.

On its YouTube channel S-Gard gives helpful recommendations in a video series. To deepen the knowledge, S-Gard regularly holds seminars on operational hygiene, cleaning and maintenance of protective clothing. S-Gard also has a list of cleaning companies certified specifically for the washing of protective clothing.

Ranger 2.0 – the protective suit for fighting wildfires

S-Gard also has new products available on the market, including Ranger 2.0 – the protective suit for fighting wildfires. During wildland operations, task forces are often exposed to high heat for hours and have to cover long distances on foot. Operational clothing must thus not only protect against heat, it should also be light, breathable and suitable for movement. For such applications S-Gard has developed the Ranger 2.0 protective suit. Jacket and trousers can be coupled with a zipper. In order to save weight, material doublings were dispensed with. Instead, a ceramic coating provides increased protection against abrasion.

S-Gard uses the highly breathable Ecodry from Hainsworth as the outer material. The suit also has ventilation openings on the arm and leg sides. Stretch zones made of elastic Nomex material, pant gusset and stretch pleats at the sleeve base ensure exceptional freedom of movement.

Hero 2.0 – The protective suit from S-GARD has been completely revised

The Hero jacket now features segmented reflective stripes, patch radio pockets and checker plate reinforcements at the elbows, cuffs and flaps. The multi-layer material is absolutely heat-resistant and very durable. S-Gard uses the highly breathable Gore-Tex Airlock membrane as a moisture barrier.

Its highlight: small silicone buffers provide space between the membrane and the outer fabric. This improves insulation in extreme situations, and the layer structure is also more flexible and less bulky. The three-dimensional special fabric DR3Lite is used for the lining.

www.s-gard.de