Fire Shield installs SRF fire safety systems

Fire Shield Systems has provided waste management company Hamilton Waste and Recycling and cement company Tarmac with “specialised and technical” fire safety systems to safeguard the production and storage of solid recovered fuel (SRF).

Fire Shield was engaged by the two companies last year after Tarmac partnered with Hamilton Waste in spring 2019 with to boost the sustainability of its cement plant in Dunbar, Scotland.

This included using SRF produced at Hamilton Waste’s Edinburgh site from non-recyclable waste material, to fuel Tarmac’s Dunbar plant’s operations.

Director of Fire Shield Systems James Mountain underlined that “the production of SRF carries a high fire risk, which, if not managed properly, can impact on the safety of people, machinery and other resources. The safe storage of any flammable materials also requires careful planning and consideration.”

Accordingly, Field Shield Systems surveyed the relevant fire risks at the process and storage areas of the two sites and designed two “bespoke, automatic systems” approved by Tarmac and Hamilton Waste’s insurers and the Environment Agency.

At Hamilton Waste’s production site, Fire Shield Systems installed a fire cannon and organic class A wetting agency, operated by a multi-zonal, flame-detection system to target suppression, offer fast protection and minimal clean up.

A standalone fire suppression Dafo system was also installed to protect the machinery-drive enclosure, which Mountain said “offers robust and reliable, linear, heat detection, using mains power and a stored-nitrogen cartridge to operate the foam hybrid wetting agent to provide maximum protection.”

At Tarmac’s plant, Field Shield Systems designed a type-tested, water spray system, designed for its efficiency in water usage and reduction in contaminated run offs. The water spray system operates with fast-acting, IR3 flame detection which means, in the event of activation, any operations downtime is minimised.

Commenting on the results of Fire Shield’s fire protection system, David Hamilton, Director of Hamilton Waste, said:  “We’ve used other systems in the past, but this situation required a more specialised and technical solution. Fire Shield’s experience in installing similar systems gave us confidence in the team’s expertise.

“From start to finish, Fire Shield has been very professional. We couldn’t fault the service.  They’ve delivered the best-in-class and most cost-effective solution to a very high standard. We would absolutely recommend Fire Shield Systems to other businesses looking to improve the fire safety of their operations. We couldn’t be happier with the results.”

New app set to calculate fire extinguisher fill levels

Field service technicians can benefit from a new app that calculates the liquid level in fire extinguishers. Using knowledge of the fill weight, the app indicates the fill level of liquid CO2 in the cylinder so that technicians can easily locate the exact liquid/gas boundary using a level checking device.

The level checking device could be a temperature sensing strip for example or an ultrasonic liquid level indicator like the Link Instruments’ ULLC2001.

Developed in-house by Link Instruments, the app is completely free of charge to download and can also be used in reverse to calculate the fill weight if the liquid level is known. Running on laptops, tablets and smartphones, both iPhone and Android, it can be used in the field even when offline.

“The convenience of this app will make servicing easier for field fire safety technicians, including in the marine sector,” said Link Instruments’ Dominique Christie. “We believe the app is the only one of its type.”

It uses the SG factors given in the Link Instruments’ ULLC200 instruction manual, which are based on the company’s extensive experience of testing for calibration checks on a CO2 cylinder of known weight as well as tests using strip sensors and other thermal devices.

Experience indicates the appropriate calculation factor is 1.0 for a cylinder temperature of 15°C, 0.9 for 20°C and 0.8 for 25°C, which is normally the temperature limit for testing CO2. Normally the liquid level is found to be within 5% to 10% of calculations made using these factors.

CO2 cylinders are normally two-thirds full, with adjustments required for temperature and the operating instructions for the level checking instrument. However, using the above factors an approximate level can be produced, which is particularly useful if a 35kg cylinder has been filled with 45kg for example or where a larger cylinder has a lower volume tropical fill.

The app will also be able to work with extinguishers that use other liquid fire suppressing agents such as FM-200 and NOVEC 1230.

Streamlight launches PolyTac® 90X USB

Streamlight Inc. have launched the PolyTac® 90X USB, a multi-fuel, right-angle personal light that delivers 500 lumens and uses a Streamlight SL B-26™ protected USB rechargeable Li-Ion battery pack. A PolyTac® 90X with two CR123A batteries is also available.

The PolyTac® 90X USB is a complete rechargeable system that includes a Streamlight SL-B26™ rechargeable battery with integrated micro-USB port. The light can also accept two 3-Volt CR123A disposable lithium batteries. This multi-fuel capability enables users to charge the light on the go or insert cell batteries when a charging source is unavailable.

“The PolyTac® family of lights is among our most popular with fire and rescue personnel because of their extreme brightness, compact size and exceptional durability,” said Streamlight Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Michael F. Dineen. “This newest addition features a 90° head, multiple attachment methods and multi-fuel battery technology, giving users the ability to power and recharge the light through convenient USB recharging or via disposable batteries. Whether conducting rescue operations, investigating fire scenes or signalling others during emergencies, it’s ideal for first responders.”

The new light includes an integrated carabiner style D-ring clip for a variety of attachment methods and a multi-position, reversible pocket clip that attaches to MOLLE, turnout gear, harnesses and a variety of mounting positions. It is also available with a Gear Keeper® retractor for attachment to gear, clothing or equipment. The Gear Keeper® system features a high-strength nylon tether with a 36” extension and 6 oz. of retraction force.

The PolyTac® 90X USB features the latest in power LED technology for extreme brightness. When using the SL-B26™ USB Li-Ion battery pack, it delivers 500 lumens and runs for 3 hours and 45 minutes on high. It also provides 500 lumens and a run time of two hours and 30 minutes on the high setting when using CR123A batteries. A battery indicator built into the on/off button flashes red when battery recharging or replacement is needed.

Featuring a multi-function, head-mounted push button switch that is reportedly easy to operate with gloved hands, the light is made from high-impact, super-tough nylon polymer with textured grip. The light features an IPX7-rated design that makes it waterproof to one metre for 30 minutes and it is impact-resistant tested to two metres.

Apollo Fire Detectors deployed in Ulster Bank

Apollo Fire Detectors’ SOTERIA ® range of detectors has been chosen to protect Ulster Bank’s headquarters in Belfast. Owned by RBS, Ulster Bank Group moved its headquarters to a development in Donegall Square East in Belfast in 2000. The building required a life cycle replacement of its existing fire alarm system, which had been in service for 18 years, along with additional detection as necessary to validate L1 coverage.

The development was created around the façade of an old Methodist church designed by Dublin architect, Isaac Farrell, and consists of a reinforced concrete frame with flat slab floor construction including a double storey basement.

In order to cause the least amount of disruption to staff, the work was all carried out after-hours and at weekends over a 12-week period, while also making sure the system was fully functional and all work areas clean and tidy for staff coming in the next day.

Integrated services supplier Aramark Ireland was selected by Ulster Bank to perform the role of main contractor for the works. Following a tender process, fire alarm specialist Ashdale Engineering Ltd was appointed to replace the existing closed protocol fire alarm system and PAVA system.

Aramark project manager Michael Hyland said: “We were pleased to be able to appoint Ashdale for the key role of fire alarm replacement. Having delivered a similar project with them in 2015 for the same client we had total confidence in their ability. Ashdale performed flawlessly and the project was delivered on time and within budget.”

In the role as principal contractor Aramark were also responsible for all the health and safety management relating to the project. Some of the work involved detection replacement in the 25-metre-high atrium, working at height over areas of plant, lift shafts and HV switch rooms.

Health and Safety Consultant for Aramark, Gary Henderson said: “The project certainly had its challenges but with planning, consultation and coordination with Ashdale and other contractors we were able to deliver the project safely and without incident.”

Apollo’s SOTERIA® range of devices were chosen for this project, which included the optical smoke detector, heat detectors, multisensors, manual call points and interfaces. Covering a range of areas from open plan offices, carpark, plant rooms, kitchens and canteen, SOTERIA® reportedly met the customers’ expectations of enhanced detection to minimise the risk of false alarms and provide a future proof system using next generation technology.

A total of 645 optical detectors, 89 heat detectors, 24 multisensors, 83 manual call points and 78 interfaces combine to provide the ideal solution for Ulster Bank. All controlled by a fire panel from Advanced.

David Moore, Team Leader at Ashdale, said: “The decision to select the Apollo SOTERIA® range of device for this project was an easy one. Having used SOTERIA® on a number of other projects recently we knew the devices were easy to install and commission. They also provide a modern aesthetically pleasing look in a modern office environment.”

Cottenham firefighter rallies community to donate face masks

A Cottenham based firefighter has rallied his local community to donate face masks to a hospice charity. Crew Commander Roger Pake raised more than £2,000 to cover the cost of 700 N95 masks for staff at Arthur Rank Hospice in Cambridge.

Roger said: “I saw the plea from the charity on Facebook and felt I could help. I know people that have family members looked after by the hospice, plus my wife works there so I am fully aware of the great work they do. This is why I was very keen to do something to help.”

Roger divides his time between running his own business as an electrician and being available to respond to emergencies as an on-call firefighter from Cottenham Fire Station.

He added: “I knew I could use contacts from my business to source masks for the staff at the hospice, so decided to see if my Facebook friends wanted to get involved and donate some money to fund them. I have been truly overwhelmed by the response and the generosity of people. I had no idea that I’d receive this much support.”

Hospice Matron Carly Love added: “We are so grateful to Roger and all those who contributed to the collection and the purchase of 700 masks. This is vital equipment that the hospice currently needs to enable the excellent care that they deliver in the community to continue and ensure that the patients that still need the help of the hospice continue to receive this vital service. We were truly touched by this generous donation; it really will make a difference.”

UK fire industry workers demand PPE

According to a survey by Populus Data Solution, the vast majority of workers across industries believe that it is their employer’s responsibility to ensure they have the right protective equipment in the workplace, with a significant number stating they would refuse to go to work without the right PPE.

The survey, carried out for industrial workwear and protective clothing specialists Ballyclare, also found that a large proportion of workers are still seeking clarity on PPE from their employers and the Government. The results come as Ballyclare publishes a new factsheet, clearly spelling out to employers and employees exactly which PPE should be worn across various workplace settings and how it can be worn most safely.

As the economy slowly reopens, worker safety is a key focus for both employers and employees. When asked who should be responsible for ensuring workers have the right equipment to work safely, 87% of respondents said it is the employer’s role, while 40% also said the Government should shoulder the responsibility. Those working in the retail and consumer, manufacturing, transport, and logistics sectors all pointed to their employers as responsible for making sure they had the right protective gear (89%), while hospitality and leisure followed close by (84%).

In a stark illustration of the issues facing businesses coming out of lockdown, the survey found that if an employer did not provide the employee with personal protective equipment, almost twice as many people would refuse to go into work than would not. 40% said they would be either likely or very likely to refuse to go into work, whilst 23% said they would still attend.

The survey results showed that a significant majority of workers are crying out for clarity on what protective equipment they should wear. 74% said they would feel far safer in returning to work if their employers provide the right PPE – with 81% saying they wanted clear advice from their employer. At the same time, 73% of people said they also wanted clear advice from the Government.

As lockdown measures are relaxing and people consider their back-to-work options, the analysis shows that if people were able to go into work tomorrow, a slightly higher number of people would not feel comfortable doing so than would feel comfortable. 36% said they would not feel comfortable compared with 30% who said they would. The data also shows that 8% of people are already back at work and do not feel comfortable at the moment.

Silke Hendricks, Managing Director of Ballyclare, says: “If people continue to feel insecure about returning to work, we could see a huge impact on the UK’s efforts to reopen the economy. The more employers can do to communicate the steps they are taking to make the workplace safe, the better. We have created a factsheet, based on our years of experience of working with PPE, to provide some practical advice as companies look to do everything they can to reopen their workplace in as safe a manner as possible.”

ASFP to partner with British Coatings Federation

After spending the last 40 years running its administrative operations via the offices of Association Group Management (AGM) Ltd in Bordon, the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) is to appoint the British Coatings Federation (BCF) as its new secretariat service provider.

The move is due to the ASFP’s significant growth in recent years and its need for full-time administrative support for its ever-broadening training and member support programmes. The decision will involve transferring the ASFP’s entire secretariat and administration function to the BCF’s headquarters in Coventry with the aim of completing this process in the next few months.

The organisations have agreed to part by mutual consent to enable each to further develop their own services and operations. The move offers the ASFP opportunity for continued growth in all aspects of its operations and will enable the organisation to continue to provide appropriate support for its expanding membership.

Other considerations such as location, meeting facilities and business management were also major factors in the ASFP’s choice of new service provider. The new arrangement offers the benefit of access to in-house meeting facilities along with further efficiencies in accounting, administrative and customer relationship management systems, as well as enhancements to the website and media interfaces.

The new partnership also offers the opportunity to develop greater synergy between the two organisations, allowing both to pool their shared expertise in matters relating to fire safety.

Although the Coronavirus outbreak may impact on short-term growth, the ASFP believes the change remains essential in protecting the Association’s current position, while also future proofing for the anticipated growth in membership and services in the coming years.

Commenting on the move, ASFP CEO Niall Rowan told Fire Safety Matters: “The ASFP’s strong growth in recent years, coupled with our significant expansion into training, means that the Association’s interests can be better served by an organisation that’s situated in a more central location, much nearer to our membership base and closer to ASFP officers. The BCF offers outstanding facilities and the opportunity to develop a more synergistic relationship going forward. We’re sure members will notice that the services we offer will develop significantly with the excellent support available from the BCF.”

Rowan added: “I would like to thank Association Group Management Ltd for their long and dedicated service and their continued loyalty and support, which has enabled the ASFP to develop into the thriving organisation it is today. We wish them every success in the future.”

Nightingale Hospital Bristol installs Nittan fire detectors

Built in less than three weeks at the University of West of England Frenchay Campus, Nittan Europe is proud to have its Evolution analogue addressable fire detectors installed into the recently opened NHS Nightingale Hospital Bristol.

Having the capacity to provide up to 300 intensive care beds for coronavirus patients, if local services need them, the new facility is one of seven Nightingale hospitals to be set up around the country as part of a massive NHS effort to respond to the COVID-19 health emergency.

The Nittan fire detectors have been incorporated into Ramtech Electronics’WES wireless firm alarm system, which is designed to provide a simple, fast and secure method of communicating fire and medical emergencies in the complex environmental conditions of construction sites.

Whilst WES has been designed to provide temporary protection on construction sites, its ease of use, reliability and quality made it ideal for use in the temporary Nightingale Hospital.

Wireless fire alarm systems are ideal for temporary sites as they don’t require specialist trades to set up, and any number of call points can be deployed in minutes and linked wirelessly to cover large or small sites. The signal passes through all commonly found materials including steel, concrete and stone.

Nittan Evolution EVC-DP dual optical detectors are incorporated into the WES system.  These award-winning detectors feature dual optical technology to reduce false alarms caused by non-combustion products such as steam, dust and aerosols.

According to the manufacturer, the EVC-DP effectively measures the actual particle size in the chamber via its combined IR and blue LED technology. As steam and dust are much larger particles than smoke, the detector won’t false alarm. This makes the EVC-DP detector ideally suited to use in hospitals, hotels and other areas of multiple occupancy which are prone to steam and dust.

The WES wireless fire alarm system, featuring the Nittan detectors, has also been installed into the communal and welfare areas of NHS Nightingale Hospital Bristol.

Oxfordshire firefighters launch new lightweight uniform

Thanks to a new lightweight, fire resistant uniforms, Oxfordshire firefighters will be better equipped to keep residents safe.

The new highly visible ‘rescue jackets’ with updated safety tunics offer enhanced fire protection and are available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate both male and female firefighters. They are reportedly lighter to wear; essential as crews often attend incidents for lengthy periods of time.

Rob MacDougall, Chief Fire Officer, Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Our crews need first-class uniforms to protect them when fighting fires, freeing people trapped in cars, during water rescues, and entering collapsed structures.

“It is essential they are wearing kit that’s designed with the latest safety features. A uniform that gives them complete confidence.”

The gold-coloured kit clearly shows signs of dirt, such as soot or other contamination, meaning it can be spotted quickly and removed; a simple but innovative feature.

Firefighters begin wearing the new kit, designed and supplied by Bristol Uniforms, this month. The uniforms will be standard across the region, following a national collaborative procurement process.

3M Scott releases new ‘face of firefighting’

3M Scott Fire & Safety has announced the “new face of firefighting” with the 3M Scott Vision C5 Facepiece with E-Z Flo C5 Regulator. Designed using a platform approach, the new facepiece incorporates the latest technology to enhance situational intelligence, while providing a customisable solution to meet the changing needs of today’s firefighter.

“Firefighters go into situations that many people cannot imagine. We want to give them every advantage we can, so we work directly with firefighters to understand the challenges they face,” said Andrew P. Johnson, global product marketer for NFPA SCBA.

“Together, we were able to translate those challenges into product requirements, resulting in the improved comfort, wider field of vision and enhanced breathability you now get with the Vision C5 facepiece and E-Z Flo C5 regulator.”

The Vision C5 facepiece operates with compatible 3M™ Scott™ Air-Pak™ SCBA, including the latest Air-Pak X3 Pro, compliant to the NFPA 1981, 2018 Edition standard. A wider field of view helps to improve situational intelligence and a single reflex face seal provides a more comfortable fit and greater ease when donning the facepiece.

Expanding on the cleanability benefits of the Air-Pak X3 Pro, the Vision C5 offers a re-designed head harness enabling easy removal, without the use of tools, and simplifying the process of machine laundering to assist firefighters with exposure reduction efforts.

Complementary to the new facepiece, the E-Z Flo C5 regulator builds upon the proven design of the E-Z Flo+ with enhancements to key performance areas. Enhanced breathability helps reduce user burden and improve operational efficiencies, while a reduced frequency Vibralert End-of-ServiceTime Indicator (EOSTI) improves two-way radio communications.

The heads-up display (HUD) has been recessed into the regulator, with additional icons to provide visual alerts when paired with the Air-Pak X3 Pro SCBA configured with the SEMS II Pro Wireless SCBA Telemetry System. A simple, yet noticeable change is the incorporation of an auto air-saver switch to simplify operation and help prevent inadvertent air loss when the regulator is removed.