Matt Head – Page 7 – International Fire & Safety Journal

GFE appoints new Regional Director for India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka

Global Fire Equipment (GFE) appoints Vikrant Patil as Regional Director for India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, to help drive further growth in this key market.

The fire detection equipment manufacturer has set its sights on further growth in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka with the appointment of Vikrant Patil as Regional Director to help deliver the company’s ambitious growth plans for this key market.

In this newly created role, Vikrant will be responsible for strengthening GFE’s brand awareness. Operating out of Mumbai, Vikrant will travel the length and breadth of the region to establish new long-term commercial partnerships and sales opportunities with installers, distributors and end users.

Vikrant brings more than 25 years’ experience of both process automation and fire detection solutions to the role, having worked for some of the world’s leading pioneers in automation – including Emerson (USA), Mettler Toledo (Switzerland) and Krohne Marshall – and in fire detection, having spent the past seven years as Regional Sales Manager for India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives for a leading manufacture in fire safety.

Vikrant’s previous experience includes product management, customer support, OEM sales, project sales, business development and channel development. With extensive experience of channel and distribution management, Vikrant is ideally placed to strengthen GFE’s presence in India and across the region to drive sustainable growth for the brand.

Paul Pope, Global Fire Equipment’s Business Development Director Worldwide, comments: “India is a key target market in GFE’s growth strategy. We anticipate considerable interest in our products and solutions, which are ideal for this market.”Joao Paulo Ajami, Managing

Director of Global Fire says: “We’re delighted to have Vikrant on board to help capitalise on the growth opportunities this dynamic region presents. Vikrant’s in-depth understanding of the local fire detection industry, coupled with his vast automation and fire detection technical expertise, make him an ideal addition to GFE’s global sales team. Having Vikrant present on the ground in India is bound to have a positive impact on developing new customers and providing ongoing support.”

Commenting on his role, Vikrant adds: “I’m delighted to join the GFE team at this exciting time. I believe the company has the best-in-class products, solutions and customer support to ensure its ambitious growth plans can be achieved.”

With a manufacturing base in Europe, GFE is part of the GSS Group which also includes the emergency lighting company Createch. In his new role Vikrant will also be responsible for sales of Createch’s emergency lighting equipment, which is also manufactured in Europe.

www.globalfireequipment.co.uk/

LGA calls for tougher sentences after huge rise in attacks on firefighters

The Local Government Association (LGA) has called for harsher sentences after a “sickening” rise in attacks on Fire & Rescue crews. Latest government figures show that attacks on firefighters in England have surged by an astonishing 66 per cent in four years.

It comes at a time when attacks aimed at members of the emergency services have increased in general over the last 18-months. In the period 2014/15 there were 578 attacks on Fire & Rescue Service crews alone, but this shot up to 961 in the period covering 2018/19.

The number of firefighters injured after being attacked whilst on duty during the 2018/19 period jumped by 175% from 24 to 66. In one incident, a large tree trunk was thrown through the windscreen of a fire engine, and bricks were thrown at fire crews from Cleveland Fire Brigade as they tackled a large garden blaze that threatened to spread to other properties.

In another shocking incident, a firefighter for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service needed hospital treatment after being hit in the head by a stone thrown at him as he dealt with an emergency call.

Pebbles and planks of wood were also hurled at crews as they tackled a tree fire in Eastbourne. A firefighter from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service was badly injured after fireworks were aimed at him and a colleague by a group of around 15 youths as they tackled a bonfire in Crumpsall Park.

A firework became lodged under the back of his helmet, burning his hair and right ear, meaning that he had to be rushed to A&E to be treated for his injuries.

The outrageous attacks, which have increased during the lockdown in some areas, put firefighters at risk of serious injury, can stop them attending an emergency call where lives may be at risk, and can cause an emergency vehicle to be withdrawn from service.

Attacks on emergency workers became a specific crime in 2018. Yet only 17% of the 9,000 offenders who have since been sentenced for this offence have received an immediate jail term, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council.

The LGA, which represents councils and fire and rescue authorities in England, is calling for harsher sentences for anyone who is convicted of assaulting a firefighter.

It says the current maximum sentence of a year’s imprisonment should be increased to reflect the seriousness of the offence.

Attacks on firefighters include harassment, verbal and physical abuse, and objects – such as bricks, stones and fireworks – thrown at firefighters and fire engines. Eight firefighters required hospital treatment following assaults in 2018/19.

Typical incidents include drunk people assaulting firefighters on Friday and Saturday nights, and ambushes being set up on housing estates, leading to fire crews having missiles thrown at them upon arrival.

More serious incidents involve firefighters being attacked with weapons.

Cllr Ian Stephens, Chair of the LGA’s Fire Services Management Committee, said:

“It’s completely unacceptable for emergency service workers to be subject to attacks, aggression or acts of vandalism while protecting the public. The rising trend in violence towards firefighters is sickening.

“Our firefighters, like all emergency service workers, do a fantastic job in protecting our local communities and saving lives and should deserve our completely respect.

“The senseless violent actions of a minority of people puts firefighters at risk of injury or even worse and can also stop them from attending an emergency where lives may be at risk.

“Firefighters deserve complete protection. Increasing the maximum sentence for assaults on firefighters will show that these attacks will not be tolerated.”

Fire & Rescue Service bosses have called for the introduction of body cameras which can be worn by firefighters.

Bodycams are already used by the police and by some Ambulance Trust’s owing to the sheer number of assaults which are inflicted upon emergency workers.

Holmatro launches revolutionary Pentheon Series

Holmatro has launched a series of high-tech cordless rescue tools, designed to outperform all other equipment on the market, battery-powered and hose tools alike. Unparalleled speed, ultimate control and easy battery management are the most important benefits of the new Pentheon Series.

Unparalleled Speed

Holmatro Pentheon tools are equipped with Stepless Speed Maximization. A patented mechatronic system inside the tools continuously optimizes the motor and pump settings to deliver a maximized oil flow over the full pressure range. Where all other rescue tools show a substantial drop in speed when they switch to a second or third stage, to deal with higher loads, Pentheon tools stick to the ideal stepless speed curve.

Ultimate Control

All Pentheon tools have a two-mode control handle for ultimate tool control. At any time during the rescue operation, you can choose between the tools’ high speed and low-speed modes. Like with all other Holmatro rescue equipment, the speed is still proportional to how far you turn the control handle to its left or right.

Battery Management Made Easy

Holmatro Pentheon tools offer you the option of on-tool charging. Leave the battery on the tool, plug the tool into the charger and the whole charging process will regulate itself. The battery on the tool always has priority over the one on the charger. You can connect up to 3 chargers and 3 tools, to be powered from one outlet. This way you can charge a total of 6 batteries without any human interference, of which 3 batteries simultaneously.

https://www.holmatro.com/en

Winds fuel wildfires in California as blazes rage across US West

San Francisco has been left under an eerie orange glow as a result of the smoke from the fires blazing across the western United States.

Wildfires raged unchecked across large parts of the western United States on Wednesday in blazes unprecedented in their scale and ferocity, as Oregon warned of many deaths after blazes destroyed at least five small towns.

Winds gusting as high as 80km/h (50mph) fanned dozens of catastrophic fires across a large swathe of Oregon and neighbouring Washington state – places that rarely experience such intense fire activity because of the Pacific Northwest’s cool and wet climate.

Flames ravaged the towns of Detroit, Blue River, Vida, Phoenix and Talent, Oregon Governor Kate Brown said Wednesday.

The blazes, which also forced the evacuation of much of Medford in southern Oregon, could bring “the greatest loss in human lives and property due to wildfire in our state’s history”, Brown said at a news briefing.

In Washington state, a one year old boy was killed and his parents badly burned as tried to flee a fire, police said.

Nearly 100 fires are raging across the west of the US, with 28 in California, where nearly 930,800 hectares (2.3 million acres) have been burned and three people were on Wednesday confirmed dead. A massive cloud of smoke has enveloped much of the state leaving San Francisco beneath an eerie orange glow.

A 12-year-old boy and his grandmother died in a wildfire about 50 miles south of Portland, KOIN News reported. In Washington state a 1-year-old boy was killed and his parents severely burned as they tried to flee a fire in Okanogan County, police said.

Firefighters retreated from uncontrollable blazes in Oregon as officials gave residents “go now” orders to evacuate, meaning they had only minutes to leave their homes.

“It was like driving through hell,” Jody Evans told local television station NewsChannel21 after a midnight evacuation from Detroit, southwest of Portland.

Officials in the Pacific Northwest said they did not recall ever having to deal with so many destructive fires at once in the areas where they were burning.

In suburban Clackamas County, home to about 420,000 people who mostly work in nearby Oregon, four major fires were burning, with sheriff’s deputies travelling with chainsaws in patrol cars to remove fallen trees blocking roads.

“These winds are so incredible and are spreading so fast, we don’t have a lot of time,” said Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts.

Flames bear down on vehicles on Highway 162 in Oroville, north of Sacramento in California on September 9.

Fires were burning in seven Oregon counties, and rural and suburban homes miles away from Portland, Oregon’s largest city, were under preliminary orders to prepare for possible evacuations. Three prisons were evacuated late on Tuesday.

Brown saw no respite to the hot, windy weather and requested a federal emergency declaration for the state.

“Absolutely no area in the state is free from fire,” said Doug Graf, chief of fire protection for the Oregon Department of Forestry.

The Pacific Northwest is no stranger to wildfires, but most of the biggest ones until now have been in the eastern or southern parts of the region – where the weather is considerably hotter and drier and the vegetation more fire-prone than it is on the western side of the region.

SE Controls adds safety measures to Manchester residential development

An integrated smoke control and environmental ventilation solution from SE Controls is helping keep residents safe and comfortable at a prestigious 11-storey residential development in Manchester, which also incorporates the company’s intelligent temperature monitoring and control system, SE Evello.

Designed by SimpsonHaugh architects, Burlington House comprises 91 luxury private rental apartments with one; two or three bedrooms and is located in the historic Piccadilly Basin area adjacent to the Rochdale Canal and a number of heritage buildings including the Grade II listed Jacksons warehouse.

The building’s three-layered design combines the use of brickwork on its six lower levels with aluminium cladding and a glazed facade system on the upper two geometric structures to reflect the historic surroundings while creating a modern residential space.

As regulations dictate that residential buildings higher than three storeys require a smoke control system to be installed, SE Controls was approached to design an effective solution that ensured escape routes are kept clear of smoke if a fire should occur.

Also, as the building’s energy efficient design and use of large glazed areas has the potential for temperatures in corridors and circulation spaces to become elevated during summer months, SE Controls engineered the system to provide integral environmental ventilation and ensure temperatures are maintained at comfortable levels for residents.

To achieve this, the SE Controls solution utilises the system’s smoke shafts and two dedicated environmental fans to provide day-to-day corridor and stairwell ventilation, which alleviates any issues with building overheating while preventing the build up of stale air.

The SE Evello system not only monitors the temperature, but also controls devices such as the ventilation fans and smoke shaft vents with a self-adapting control algorithm, which targets ventilation to the warmest corridors or areas of the building, where the heat increase is greatest, while also reducing ventilation to more temperate zones.

Developed using a combination of extensive building studies, CFD modelling and data derived from live test sites, SE Evello’s algorithms constantly monitor temperature levels and provides predictive control over the opening of corridor ventilation louvres and the extract fan speed to ensure temperatures never reach excessive levels. The other main benefit is that stale air and odours that can build up in static air spaces are removed and replaced with fresh air.

While the environmental system improves comfort, it is the smoke control system that makes it possible. Burlington House uses two mechanical smoke extraction shafts and one air inlet shaft for make-up air for the lower six floors, while a single smoke shaft is used in the upper five levels with the addition of pressure sensors to prevent over-pressure on the escape door.

Two roof mounted duty and standby SHEVTEC fan sets serve the smoke shafts, which are actuated as soon as smoke is detected within the building. The smoke control system operates on a floor-by-floor basis to provide protection for corridors and lobbies adjacent to the escape stairs and ensure smoke is removed from the ‘fire-floor’.

Once smoke or fire is detected, the environmental ventilation system is over-ridden automatically and smoke is extracted from the activated floor with all other automatic opening vents (AOV) locked out to maintain compartmentalisation. Additional smoke vents at the head of the stairwell and roof remain open until they have been reset by fire-service personnel using the relevant tamperproof manual control point (MCP), which are located on every floor.

In addition to the wide range of specialised equipment installed on the project, including smoke control dampers, SHEVTEC grilles, MCPs and temperature sensors, the system is controlled by three OS2 SHEVTEC controllers with battery back up.

The system also uses SECloudlink™ to provide round-the-clock smoke control system status information and reporting to enable monitoring and system adjustments to be made remotely, as well as enabling preventive and corrective maintenance to be performed by maintenance teams.

www.secontrols.com/en-gb/

CLM Fireproofing highlights the main causes of fire in the hospitality industry

Fire poses a significant risk to the hospitality sector – apart from causing costly damage and bringing operations to a halt, CLM Fireproofing claims it can seriously undermine an organisation’s brand. The evidence suggests fire is fairly commonplace in the industry; according to the government’s latest figures, hotels are one of the most vulnerable types of buildings, with 263 out of every 1,000 experiencing a fire in the period September 2012 – September 2019. Pubs, restaurants, and takeaways fared slightly better, with 89 fires per 1,000 buildings during the same period – yet the figure remains unacceptably high.

So, what are fire risks behind these statistics? In this article, CLM Fireproofing highlight the main causes of fire in the hospitality industry, and how effective passive fireproofing can help to prevent them.

Cooking Equipment

One of the most common places for fires to start is in the kitchen. Risks arise from the use of combustible materials (frying medium), faulty or unsupervised equipment, and human error. According to the London Fire Brigade, 44% of all restaurant fires in the capital during 2015-2017 started from cooking. Kitchen fires are also more likely to develop into serious blazes which cause significant damage. Worldwide insurer, AIG, estimates the average loss per significant

Cigarettes

Despite a decrease in the total number of smokers in the UK cigarettes and other smoking materials still pose a significant fire risk both to the hospitality industry and elsewhere. The latest data (from 2018/19) shows that they accounted for 8% of all accidental dwelling fires. More significant, however, is that fires caused by cigarettes, cigars, or pipe tobacco are more fatal; 34% of fires ignited by smoking materials in 2018/19 resulted in at least one fatality.

Electrical appliances

Hotels, restaurants, and bars are full of electrical appliances. From lamps and kettles, to hairdryers and irons, there are many appliances that pose a potential fire risk. Whilst not relating specifically to their use in the hospitality sector, the number of electrical appliance fires has increased dramatically in the past decade; in 2019/20 there were 21% more instances than in 2010/11, probably as a result of the increased number of electrical appliances in circulation.

How to mitigate fire risk in the hospitality industry

The effective management of fire risk for hotels, bars, and restaurants requires thorough fire risk assessments, regular and properly-documented checks, and the stringent implementation of policies in line with current fire safety regulations. Just as important (if not more so) is passive fireproofing; whether through compartmentation or intumescent painting, passive fireproofing helps to stop the spread of fire, limiting the damage it causes and giving occupants more time to escape safely. With limited fire damage and minimal risk to occupants, your business can return to operations sooner and negate any reputational harm.

https://clmfireproofing.com/

Public encouraged to honour emergency service workers on ‘999 Day’

Emergency Services Day, also referred to as 999 Day, begins with a two minutes’ silence at 9am on September 9, to represent the ninth hour of the ninth day of the ninth month.

The public are being encouraged to fly the flag of 999 Day and to share and promote an emergency services charity on social media.

Organisers said the event is an opportunity to pay tribute to the two million people who work and volunteer across the NHS and emergency services, including more than 250,000 first responders.

It also aims to educate the public on using the services responsibly, as well as raising money for charities and to highlight the different career and volunteer roles in the emergency services.

Now in its third year, Emergency Services Day is backed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the First Ministers of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales – and has been promoted by members of the royal family.

Mr Johnson said: “It takes a very special kind of person to put your life on the line for a complete stranger, yet that is what we see day in, day out from the remarkable men and women of our emergency services.

“You protect us from harm, deliver us from danger, and tend to us in our hours of need. And you do so without hesitation or complaint – if we dial 999, we know you will be there for us.

“I know the dedicated men and women of the emergency services did not get into this line of work for the accolades or applause.

“You are heroes of British life, doing what you do not for the plaudits but out of a sheer sense of duty and a determination to serve the public.

“All of us in this country owe each of you a debt of gratitude.

“So, it is only right that, on Emergency Services Day, we celebrate your work and, as a nation, say a huge thank you for doing so much for so many.”

Organisers said a main national “open day” style event is held on the nearest Sunday, but this year’s event, which was scheduled in Belfast, was cancelled due to coronavirus.

Last year, the Duke of Cambridge visited the Fire Fighters Charity’s centre at Harcombe House in Chudleigh, South Devon, to mark the event.

Tom Scholes-Fogg, founder and chief executive of Emergency Services Day, said: “As we saw earlier this year with people clapping at their doors, the UK is united in its support for those who put others before themselves.

“I encourage everybody to support our emergency services personnel all year round, not just on 999 Day.”

C-TEC launch EVAC-ALERT BS 8629 evacuation alert system

The new BS 8629:2019 gives guidance on Evacuation Alert Systems installed in blocks of flats to assist the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) in evacuating part or all of a building in an emergency. C-TEC’s new EVAC-ALERT system can be customised to create a simple-to-use and cost-effective BS 8629-compliant solution in any high-rise residential building.

Housed in a robust vandal-resistant locked cabinet accessible only by the FRS in an emergency, the control panel features an intuitive interface, bright LED indicators and easy-to-operate toggle switches for each evacuation zone. Each panel can connect to an array of evacuation alert devices including sounders, visual alert devices and even vibrating devices and pagers to alert the deaf, hard of hearing or mobility impaired.

Highly flexible, EVAC-ALERT is comprised of EN54-2/4 third-party certified components and can be used to create building-specific wired, wireless or hybrid evacuation alert systems in consultation with the relevant FRS.

Said Andy Scott, Project Director at C-TEC: “As a leading manufacturer of world-class life-safety systems, C-TEC has an enviable reputation for delivering high-quality standard-compliant solutions at a competitive price. We’ve utilised our time-tested technology and expertise to create EVAC-ALERT, a system specifically designed to meet the exact requirements of BS 8629 and one which is certain to be of interest to landlords, property managers and local authorities keen to ensure their buildings fully comply with this new standard.”

www.c-tec.com

Dorset businesses urged to prioritise fire safety in Covid world

Businesses across Dorset which have had to make changes due to Covid-19 are being urged to make sure fire safety remains a top priority.

The call comes from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) as many have had to implement new ways of working due to the current pandemic. The NFCC is reminding businesses about the everyday fire risks in the workplace – and there is both a legal and moral responsibility to ensure premises are safe from fire.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) group manager Tim Gray, said: “The last few months have undoubtedly been difficult and challenging for many people and businesses.

“As such, we want to make sure that whilst businesses address the changes needed in response to Covid-19, they remain fire safe in doing so.

“Fire can have a devastating impact on businesses, with many never recovering after an incident.”

The fire service says many businesses had to respond quickly to the pandemic once they were allowed to reopen and while revisiting risk assessments, fire safety may not have been at the forefront of planning.

As part of NFCC’s Business Safety Week, running September 7-13, DWFRS is encouraging business owners and to ensure they review fire risk assessments.

They should also seek guidance and advice to help them keep their premises and occupants safe from fire.

DWFRS says businesses must consider the potential risks that the Covid secure measures, which are required to open some premises, may in some cases, compromise fire safety measures:

New screens must not obstruct smoke detection or sprinkler heads
Business must have enough trained staff to support evacuation procedures
Ensure measures to support social distancing do not impact evacuation procedures, exit doors or the ability of emergency service to help you
Protect your business from arson
Help your fire service by reducing false alarms – which currently accounts for about 40 per cent of all emergency calls

Mr Gray said: “We are encouraging businesses to firstly review their fire risk assessments, and to contact us for advice should they need any support. Our goal is to keep all businesses working safely.”

www.dwfire.org.uk/business-fire-safety

FIA and BSIA collaborate on letter to UK government

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) and the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) have recently collaborated on a letter to the UK Government, regarding the proposed product regulation changes and the new UKCA mark, set to be implemented on 1 January 2021.

CEO at the FIA, Ian Moore and CEO at the BSIA, Mike Reddington wrote the letter jointly, stating that they both had serious concerns about the proposed implementation of the mark and the major impact it will have on both of their industry organisations, fire and security.

The letter continued to state the following:

“The current implementation of the UKCA is estimated to cost our industry sectors in the region of £20 million for product re-certification plus an estimated timeline of over 36 months to realistically carry out the process.

These headline figures do not include the costs associated for companies that have already transferred their certification to an EU Notified Body (at considerable cost), that will need to re-apply for a UKCA mark, in addition to the ongoing maintenance costs associated with duplication of certification in terms of audits, internal projects, product modifications and file maintenance.

The combined fire and security markets account for around £3 billion per annum and play a vital part in the safety and security of UK citizens from residential, commercial, industrial and critical infrastructure and Government institutions.

The products manufactured, installed and maintained across these sectors are subject to insurance requirements and conformance to the Construction Products Regulations (CPR) and other current European Union (EU) legislation requiring certification through Notified Bodies recognised by the EU.

The financial cost and resource time associated with re-certification can only be estimated as it is unclear what level of acceptance from both EU and UK Notified Bodies will be required (i.e. it is widely anticipated the paperwork alone will not be sufficient to register a new mark and that the certification process will indeed require a level of product re-testing in part or in full). Additionally, companies will have to re-label products and product literature resulting in a significant increase in cost.

Dual product certification will cause major disruption to companies that make/sell products across the UK, EU and global markets which, subject to any unknown divergence, will add significant costs to the process. This process does not add any value or quality to the product. It’s just a means of national compliance.

The outbreak of COVID-19 from March this year has had a huge impact on our industry sectors over the last six months and this is likely to remain the case for many months to come. Many staff are still on furlough and companies are either making staff redundant or considering redundancies to allow them to continue to trade through these uncertain times. Again, the UKCA mark requirement adds no value/quality to companies desperately trying to keep their companies in business.

Given the lack of clarity on Government detail behind the UKCA and noting the recent release of updated guidance on the GOV.UK web site as of 1 September, the new timelines do not provide sufficient time or detail on the implementation of the UKCA mark.”

The FIA and BSIA trade associations have ultimately requested the following from the Minister of State for Security:

A reciprocal agreement to accept the EU CPR certification alongside the UKCA mark. Should a reciprocal agreement not be acceptable, both trade associations have insisted that the specified 12 months’ timeline be extended to a minimum of 36 months to allow sufficient time for manufacturers to prepare and apply the UKCA mark
Agreement that the UKCA Notified Bodies will accept the product test reports from other EU Notified Bodies without the need to re-test or certify
Consider that the requirement for the UKCA mark is not relevant for existing fire and security systems and components needed to extend, maintain and service them. Consequently, manufacturers who decide that the UKCA mark is not a viable business decision could leave sites such as hospitals and schools etc with fire and security systems unsupported and unserviceable.

The letter concluded by stating to the Minister: “We would urge you to reconsider the detail and timelines to implement the UKCA mark in order to limit further damage on UK businesses and we would welcome the opportunity to arrange a roundtable meeting between yourself, your officials, the FIA and the BSIA to discuss the matter in further detail and agree a pragmatic solution to this critical issue.”