Fire service leaders lobby Congress for critical funding approval

by AmericasAmericas - Breaking NewsFeatured News

Prominent figures in the fire service gathered on Capitol Hill to plead for the approval of federal funding crucial to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and key fire grant programs that safeguard communities nationwide.

Organisations, including the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), implored the US House of Representatives to renew funding for the USFA, as well as the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant and Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) programs. The approval of these funding provisions, which are instrumental to fire safety investment, is a required step in Congress’s annual budgeting process.

The funding lifeline for both SAFER and AFG programs will cease by the fiscal year-end without congressional approval. The House Subcommittee on Research and Technology conducted a hearing to discuss future funding prospects for the USFA and its associated grant programs, during which leading fire service officials exhorted lawmakers to fully commit to bolstering public safety nationwide.

Kevin O’Connor, Assistant to the General President For Governmental Affairs and Political Action, voiced the sentiments of his colleagues at the hearing, stating: “Every fire fighter takes an oath to protect their communities to the best of their abilities, and we hold that oath sacred. We ask the U.S. Congress to have our backs and not make our jobs even more dangerous by failing to invest in the staffing, training, and equipment we need. Our safety rests in your hands.”

AFG grants are crucial for providing the necessary funding for essential equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources, thereby ensuring the safety of firefighters and other first responders as they protect the public from fire and related hazards.

SAFER program grants assist local fire departments in recruiting firefighters to adhere to staffing, response, and operational standards outlined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

With the help of supportive elected officials, the International and its affiliates have ensured that these grants keep hundreds of fire departments across the nation safely staffed and properly equipped, even amidst economic downturns.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Senate passed S. 870, the Fire Grants and Safety Act, with an overwhelming vote of 95 to 2. The Senate bill would reauthorise AFG and SAFER programs through 2030 and also authorise an increase of $20 million from current levels, totalling $95 million for the USFA.

The IAFF also advocates for an additional $12.5 million to be allocated to the USFA for the successful completion of their data management and IT upgrades.

Despite disputes over funding levels, Congress has consistently reauthorised the SAFER/AFG program and the USFA, ensuring that these critical fire service programs remain operational.

Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, U.S. Fire Administrator, updated lawmakers on federal initiatives to enhance the USFA and tackle emerging challenges within the fire service, such as recruitment and retention, preparing firefighters to handle the climate-driven increase in fires, establishing a comprehensive firefighter cancer registry, and providing behavioral health assistance and suicide prevention initiatives for firefighters.

Dr. Moore-Merrell also underscored the USFA’s aim to improve its data collection, analysis, and reporting capabilities for emergency calls, which includes modernising the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) into a more advanced, cloud-based data capture system, known as the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS).

Mark Skonieczny takes the helm at REV Group

by AmericasBreaking NewsPeople

REV Group, Inc. (NYSE:REVG), a renowned designer and manufacturer of specialty vehicles, has declared the appointment of Mark Skonieczny as President and Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect. Skonieczny had previously filled the role of Interim CEO and Chief Financial Officer for the company.

Having joined the Board of Directors in January 2023, Skonieczny will continue his directorial duties. In tandem with his promotion, the company has initiated a comprehensive search for a new CFO to fill the void left by Skonieczny’s advancement.

Skonieczny brings to the role extensive financial and managerial experience, having previously served as Vice President and Corporate Controller of Adient PLC. In his 17-year tenure at Johnson Controls, he held an array of financial roles, including Vice President of Corporate Development, Finance Vice President of the Global Aftermarket-Power Solutions division, Finance Vice President of the Middle East, Latin America and NA Systems-Building Efficiency segment, and Assistant Corporate Controller.

REV Group’s Board Chairman, Paul Bamatter, expressed satisfaction at Skonieczny’s continuation in a lead role. “Mark has demonstrated the expertise and urgency towards action needed to profitably grow the business and provide its shareholders with long-term value. We have great confidence in Mark and believe that under his continued leadership, REV Group will accelerate its transformation,” said Bamatter.

Reacting to his appointment, Skonieczny said, “I look forward to serving as President and CEO at this pivotal time for REV Group. Over the past three months as interim CEO, I have been deeply engaged with our local teams to understand and implement action plans designed to quickly unlock value. With an unmatched portfolio of iconic brands, resilient operating model, and strong balance sheet, we have a significant opportunity to take our business forward.”

He added that he anticipates leveraging his deep understanding of the company to expedite strategic priorities, and expressed enthusiasm about the future growth of REV Group under his stewardship.

IAFC calls for reauthorisation of vital firefighter programs

by AmericasFeatured News

International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) President and Board Chair, Chief Donna Black, made a significant appearance before Congress, testifying at the Research & Technology Subcommittee of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on May 11.

Black’s impassioned testimony advocated for the reauthorisation of three critical programs: the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program, and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA).

These programs, Black emphasised, are integral to providing essential resources to fire departments and emergency responders nationwide. She specifically proposed that both the AFG and SAFER programs be reauthorised through Fiscal Year 2030 and that the USFA receive authorisation through FY 2030 with an increased funding of $95 million annually.

During her testimony, Black underscored the success of these programs in offering matching grants to local fire departments, addressing their fundamental requirements. However, she pointed out that numerous departments continue to face challenges in equipping their members with personal protective gear and necessary training.

Black also spotlighted the pivotal role of Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grants in financing research that aims to identify and mitigate the growing incidence of cancer in the fire service.

The IAFC President requested an extension of the sunset date for the AFG and SAFER programs to September 30, 2032. This would provide Congress with sufficient time to review and revise the programs before their potential termination.

“I thank the subcommittee for focusing on reauthorising these programs. They provide important resources, but there still remains work to be done,” Black stated. “On behalf of the IAFC and its members, I look forward to working with the subcommittee to draft and pass legislation to reauthorise these critical programs.”

The IAFC, representing over 11,000 members including fire chiefs, firefighters, and emergency responders nationwide, has underscored the significant role of the AFG and SAFER programs, as well as the USFA, in supporting the country’s emergency response system. Their reauthorisation is seen as critical in ensuring fire departments across the nation are well-equipped to protect their communities.

IFSJ Exclusive: Working together to provide protection

by AmericasBreaking NewsIFSJ ExclusivesPassive

Faheemuddin Mohammed, Specialist of Electrical Certification at Dubai Civil Defense’s Emirates Safety Lab talks passive and active fire protection

What is fire safety, and why is it a critical subject? Fire safety is the set of practices and procedures intended to reduce the life safety risk and property damage or destruction caused by fire.

Active and passive fire protection systems protect buildings and occupants from fire incidents. Both systems symbiotically play various roles in preventing, detecting, containing, limiting, and extinguishing fires.

Passive vs Active Protection Systems

Passive Fire Protection Systems are designed to control the spread of fire and smoke for a predefined period of time within the room (fire origin) in a building and to prevent it from spreading to adjacent areas (other compartments).

Active Fire Protection Systems are designed to detect, control, and extinguish fires which requires special stimulation or a command signal to operate. These systems are activated in the event of a fire, either automatically or manually, to help suppress the fire containing it until firefighting crews arrive at the incident and limit the damage.

Working together

Every building should have fire systems designed and installed. Considering a fire in the building, detectors are regarded by the general public as first defenders. These can be a smoke, heat, or combined detector, which, when activated, transfers the information (detection) of the fire incident location to the control panel. Suppose the fire is in its early stages before automatic detection. Anyone discovering the fire can trigger the system using the fire alarm manual call point/pull station. Immediately after fire detection, the fire alarm control panel (FACP) initiates actions per the facility’s designed “cause and effect matrix”.

During a fire emergency, the immediate activation of various systems and devices is essential to ensure the safety of the occupants and minimise damage to the building. One of the most critical components of a fire safety system is the Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP), which is responsible for coordinating the activation of various systems and devices to facilitate safe and efficient evacuation.

The first system to be activated is the fire sounder and visual alarm devices, which provide an audible and visible warning to alert occupants to the emergency. If a voice evacuation system is installed in the building, the FACP will activate the system to start announcing the automatic evacuation plan, providing occupants with clear instructions on how to evacuate the building safely. If needed, a manual evacuation will be initiated.

The FACP will also initiate the emergency lighting system, illuminating the exit signage to guide occupants towards the direction of egress. Additionally, the smoke management system will be activated to contain or extract smoke from the building, with automatic extract fans being activated to extract the smoke.

In terms of the HVAC system, the FACP will switch from regular operation to emergency operation, including the air handling units (AHUs). If the fire strategy approach includes functionality for pressurisation, smoke management/extraction, etc., the HVAC will be turned off to provide proper ventilation and cut the airflow in designated areas of the building.

The Access Control System (ACS) will also be prompted to open the egress and release electric door locks for occupants’ easy evacuation. If required, fire doors will open or close to provide a suitable egress path or to compartmentalise the fire.

The sprinklers will be activated via self-contained detection (glass bulb or fusible link) for automatic fire extinguishing, while the fire and smoke dampers will be activated to stop the flow of smoke/fire to other areas.

At the same time, a series of fixed physical barriers, passive fire protection systems, are used to compartmentalise a building to withstand fire and smoke, hold fire in its original location, and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the building.

These systems will provide and reinstate the compartmentation and include various applications for fire and smoke barriers. In addition to the main structure of the building and building envelope such as the curtain wall, cladding systems and applied insulation to the outside of the building.

Awareness and quality of products/systems

It is generally understood that active fire systems detect and make sounds for evacuation; hence, it is a familiar system, and people have an idea about these. Building owners should know how vital fire systems and their maintenance are. The authorities and regulatory bodies should ensure these fire systems are mandated and provide guidance and governance for fire systems maintenance and ongoing testing throughout the building’s life cycle following the geographical areas’ requirements.

It is crucial to ensure that active and passive fire protection systems are installed and working together effectively to provide the best protection against fire risk.

All active and passive fire systems installed in a building should be tested by a recognised accredited laboratory and certified by an accredited certification body to ensure the quality of the product/system. Emirates Safety Laboratory (ESL) is accredited to per the ISO 17025 and ISO 17065 standards. It is a recognised laboratory and certification body that provides testing and certification to over 600 methods and standards for many fire products/systems.

This exclusive article was originally published in the May 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Reputation is Everything

by AmericasBreaking NewsIFSJ Exclusives

Why the industry must act to address the long-standing issues of culture and behaviour within the fire and rescue service

The recent reports regarding behaviours in the British fire and rescue service certainly make uncomfortable reading, however I cannot say that it is a surprise to me as this is just the latest in a series of reports which has identified the same things as the preceding ones. The only difference being the report has been commissioned by a new organisation and written by another author. So why will this report be any different?

For some leaders, there will be a feeling of real discomfort as they will have participated in some of the behaviours being described or have allowed them to happen on their watch. Regardless of the position individuals hold today, they cannot change what has happened nor can they hide behind tradition as justification. They must, however, change the fire and rescue service now and for the future to ensure that it is inclusive for all and accurately reflects the professional organisation which the public rightly expect and demand.

There can be no room for rationalising the deviation from what is expected compared to what has been delivered. It is now time to accept that several independent reports have identified that the culture must change, and certain behaviours must stop and those who think it’s not us, it’s the others need to take their heads out of the sand.

For some leaders, there will be a feeling of real discomfort

Managers, at all levels, in the fire and rescue service have a responsibility to ensure that this vital public service moves rapidly to become a genuinely fair and equitable workplace for all.

It is now time for the implementation of a meaningful action plan that is understood by all managers and the workforce which will bring about the change that is required. Leadership needs to come from the top, starting with organisations like, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) as well as representative bodies, including the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), the Fire Officers Association (FOA) and those representing non-uniformed members of the service.

It would appear that HMICFRS is seen to have no teeth with many senior fire officers and Fire and Rescue Authorities paying little or no attention to the reports and recommendations provided following an inspection. With Chief Fire Officers (CFO) being appointed by, and answerable to, elected members and with instructions issued by the NFCC being purely advice and guidance and not mandatory, is it any wonder that we see such disparity across UK fire and rescue services?

It is also interesting to note that the NFCC appears akin to a private members club with entry only being offered to the most senior fire officers. The organisation operates as a registered charity, with a trading company delivering training and other services in return for remuneration as well as direct funding from central government. There is much mistrust shown towards the NFCC with it being seen as an exclusive order where members take on roles to ensure their national exposure for the next promotion and is rarely challenged when failing to deliver.

Is it time that CFOs are made accountable for their performance and the actions of their staff, with an independent national body being responsible for monitoring results and imposing sanctions?

Having spoken to several US Fire Chiefs this problem is not unique to the UK and is just as prevalent on the other side of the Atlantic. I remember back in the 1990’s being part of the UK – US Fire Officers Symposium which was set up by my good friends Bill Peterson and Dennis Davis to work collaboratively to deal with common issues. Perhaps it is time for this to be resurrected – is anyone interested?

Everyone in the fire and rescue service from the newest recruit to the most experienced employees need to engage in rapid change. It is time to accept some behaviours must stop, that we cannot hide behind tradition and out of date values. The Fire Standards Board was created to deliver the conduct and behaviours required but unless they are truly adopted and embedded, they are worthless.

Together we must take forward the very best of the fire and rescue service, regain the reputation earned through public trust and demonstrate to the public that they can be assured of a modern organisation that is able to take responsibility for itself and become a beacon as both employer and service provider.

About the Author

Duncan J. White has been an integral part of the global fire community for over 36 years. He took up the position of Managing Editor with International Fire and Safety Journal in January of this year. His honest approach, diligence and extensive knowledge of the industry means that he is ideally placed to ensure that IFSJ remains at the forefront of fire publishing.

To share your thoughts on this piece or to discuss editorial ideas please contact Duncan. His email address is duncanj.white@intfireandsafetyjournal.com     

Senior professionals attend IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference

by AmericasAmericas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsIFSJ ExclusivesIFSJ Leaders

On 11 May 2023, 308 senior professionals from the Middle East and Africa fire and safety industry gathered for International Fire & Safety Journal’s inaugural IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference for a day filled with high level networking and lively discussion.

Attendees at the event, which was held in association with MSA Safety at the Grosvenor Hotel, Dubai Marina, UAE, praised the conference for its high quality presentations and panel sessions which covered the most pressing issues facing leaders in the fire and safety sector today. Amid the rapid fire sessions, decision makers were able to convene and engage with one another and some key industry brands who supported the show.

Throughout the day there were a number of key themes including the impacts of sustainability on fire safety, crisis management, strategic leadership and mental health and wellbeing. The twelve presentations saw presenters in panellists, including Captain Essa Ahmed Al-Mutawa, Director of the Control and Monitoring Department at Dubai Civil Defense, Engineer Salma Humaid, Head of Engineering Section at Dubai Civil Defense and Peter Stephenson, Director, Fire Safety Division at Hydrock, address and debate these key issues.

After a period of networking during the opening of the event, delegates took their seats in the conference room and were welcomed by Ian Stokes, CEO, Centurian Media Ltd. (event organiser) and Terry Johnson, Technical Service Manager at ENOC and Regional President of The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) GCC Branch.

Dubai Civil Defense

Dubai Civil Defence (DCD), the emergency management organisation in Dubai, United Arab Emirates founded in 1976 and is responsible for protecting lives, properties, and the environment in Dubai, was a strategic partner of the conference and over 50 delegates from the organisation were in attendance.

Following introductions from the Chair, H.E. Lt. General Expert Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi, Director-General of Dubai Civil Defense gave a welcome address, wishing attendees: “A fruitful and amazing time.”

H.E. Excellency Brigadier Expert Ali Hassan Al Mutawa, Assistant Director General of DCD for Fire and Rescue Affairs then gave a keynote address stating: “It is a great pleasure to be among so many stars at the leaders in fire and safety conference.”

Memorandum of Understanding

Following introductions, the conference saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Dubai Civil Defense and the Institution of Fire Engineers, a  truly historic event creating a platform for sharing knowledge, learning and looking at best practices between the two organisations. The MoU was signed by Terry Johnson, IFE GCC Branch Regional President, H.E. Brigadier Expert Ali Hassan Al Mutawa, and Steve Hamm, Chief Executive of the IFE who called the MoU a ‘key milestone’.

The MoU established a branch within Dubai for the IFE that will be a space for CPD opportunities. His excellency said that DCD are an open platform and they the organisation is keen to interact with all parts of the world: “We have one goal: to make human life as safe as we can.”

DCD Readiness Programme

Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the Dubai Civil Defence’s Readiness Programme on the day’s first presentation as Captain Essa Ahmed Al-Mutawa, Director of the Control and Monitoring Department at DCD, presented the world’s first AI-enabled fire readiness programme. The programme is a pre-emptive fire management system that uses artificial intelligence to analyse past incidents and recommend changes to avoid future events.

The presentation showcased the innovative approach taken by the Dubai Civil Defence to improve fire safety standards and highlighted the importance of incorporating AI into fire management systems.

Sustainability

Next up there was a panel discussion on the impact of sustainability on fire and life safety management in buildings and construction. The discussion was chaired by Alexander Castellanos, Head of Fire & Life Safety – Middle East at WSP, and the panellists included Engineer Salma Humaid, Head of Engineering Section at DCD, Peter Stephenson, Director, Fire Safety Division at Hydrock, Steven Reilly, Principal Engineer, Fire & Life Safety Lead MENA at Cundall, and Susan Lamont, Director, Fire Group Leader Middle East at Arup.

The panel looked at how a big part of sustainability will be repurposing and reusing existing building stock and the problem that is going to create for fire safety.

Data driven insights on the fireground

Jason Traynor, the General Manager at MSA Safety, then delivered a Ted-Talk style presentation on “Data driven insights on the fireground”, as part of the Platinum Sponsor Presentation. Traynor looked at the evolution of technology and its increasingly powerful ability to capture valuable data during fire incidents.

Technology and innovation

A panel discussion on “Technology and innovation: Dealing with the pace of change” was held at the conference. Duncan J. White, Managing Editor at International Fire and Safety Journal, chaired the discussion, which featured Captain Essa Ahmed Al-Mutawa, Director of the Control and Monitoring Department at DCD, Jason Traynor, General Manager at MSA, Paul Pope, Group Business Development Director at Global Fire Equipment, and Muzaffer Ahmed Syed, Regional Manager (Firestop) at fischer FZE as panellists.

The discussion focused on how technology and innovation are rapidly transforming every aspect of our lives, including the fire safety industry.

Health and wellbeing

Duncan J. White, IFSJ Managing Editor, led a passionate discussion about it being ‘okay not to be okay’ in the session on “Health and Wellbeing: Dealing with the human issues”. Panellists Sam Malins, Group CEO at Reacton Fire Suppression, Paul Pope, Group Business Development Director at Global Fire Equipment, Sawsan Dahham, Global Head of Fire and Life Safety at Dar, Cristina Perez Domper, Regional Manager at Intertek Building and Construction, and Joanne Taylor, Business Owner at De-Wipe, all shared their experiences of mental and physical health and how it impacts leadership.

“You can’t make good decisions if you’re not in good health,” said White.

Human performance

Sinclair Duffie, Chief Fire Officer at Nawah Energy Company, gave a presentation titled “Human Performance: Consciously competent?” at the conference. The presentation focused on the concept of human performance, which encompasses the effectiveness and efficiency with which individuals perform tasks, activities, or duties. It takes into account various factors, including cognitive, physical, emotional, and social capabilities, as well as external factors like training, motivation, stress, fatigue, and environmental conditions. “We have to understand that people are fallible – even the most competent can make a mistake,” said Duffie.

Lithium-ion in focus

The conference held a panel discussion titled “Lithium-ion Batteries: Challenges, risks, and resolutions,” chaired by Sajid Raza, the CEO of Butler Engineering ME. The panel featured Mark Fenton, Sales Director – EMEA & APAC at Amerex Corporation, Peter Van Gorp, Technical Director Fire, Life Safety and Loss Prevention at HKA, Eiad Shami, Senior Consultant, Fire & Life Safety at WSP, and Mrinaal Sapru, Head of Regional Sales for Dubai Civil Defence’s Emirates Safety Laboratory.

The discussion centred around the challenges, risks, and resolutions involved in the use of lithium-ion batteries, which have many benefits but require careful consideration of safety, environmental, and social factors to ensure responsible and sustainable use.

Forever chemicals in firefighting foam

The first afternoon panel discussion at the conference was titled “PFAS in firefighting foam” and was chaired by Peter Stephenson, Director of the Fire Safety Division at Hydrock. The panellists were Tomasz Kielbasa, Certification Manager at Emirates Safety Laboratory, Even Ottesen, International Sales Manager at DAFO Fomtec AB, Andy Hall, Owner and General Manager of Hall Fire and Safety Consultants, and Terry Johnson.

The discussion focused on Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of manufactured chemicals used in firefighting foam, and the effectiveness of fluorine-free foam, testing standards, picking the best foam and its sustainable implications.

Protecting the transportation infrastructure

This was followed by panel discussion titled “The importance of protecting the transportation infrastructure,” which was chaired by Tom Wood, Regional Director, Middle East at Vortex Fire. The panel included Steve Walker, Director of Fire Safety at Hydrock, James Varley, Associate Director at WS Atkins, Engineer Pramod Challa, Senior Engineer at Dubai Civil Defense, and Terry Johnson.

The panel look at advancements in technology in building design and introducing new lightweight materials, testing, risk management, the risks posed by Lithium-ion and 3D Modelling.

Managing carcinogens

James Clarke, a Fire Officer with Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service, delivered a presentation on “Managing carcinogens” at the conference. The presentation covered the risks associated with carcinogens, which are known to cause or increase the risk of developing cancer by damaging DNA or interfering with cellular processes that control cell growth and division. The cumulative effects of exposure to carcinogens over time can significantly increase the risk of cancer development.

On carcinogens in the fire sector, Clarke said: “The problem is real and is probably the single biggest threat outside of mental health to the fire industry worldwide.”

Crisis management and leadership

The conference held a panel discussion on “Crisis management,” which was chaired by Bob Rea, Director and Lead facilitator at BR Training Solutions Ltd. The panel featured Duncan J. White, Managing Editor at International Fire and Safety Journal, James Grew, Deputy Divisional Director at Hydrock, and Carlo Lovetti, Business Continuity Manager at Emirates Steel.

The discussion focused on the importance of crisis management in an organisation’s risk management strategy and the panel noted that: “If you’re not trained you can’t respond effectively.” Effective crisis management involves identifying potential crises, developing plans to mitigate and respond to them, and implementing those plans when a crisis occurs.

Finally, Howard Leedham MBE, MSc. Managing Director, ESID DMCC gave the day’s closing presentation looking at what leadership is, why it matters and if the style of leadership is important. During his presentation, Leedham asserted: “The one thing that you need to be a leader is consistency.”

A note from the IFSJ team

IFSJ would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all the speakers, exhibitors, and attendees who participated in the inaugural IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference. Your contributions and participation have played a significant role in making this event a resounding success.

The presentations and panel discussions were informative, engaging, and thought-provoking, providing valuable insights into the latest trends, challenges, and solutions in the fire and safety industry. The exhibitors showcased their products and services, which provided attendees with a glimpse of the latest innovations and technologies.

Everyone who attended brought enthusiasm, energy, and a wealth of knowledge, contributing to the lively discussions and creating a vibrant atmosphere. Once again, thank you to everyone who participated and made this conference an event to remember – we’ll be back with more Leaders events soon!

IFSJ Exclusive: Ready for anything with FIREWISE Training and Consulting

by AmericasAmericas - Breaking NewsBreaking News

Michael Cadotte, President at FIREWISE Training & Consulting, talks NFPA fire training

What is your professional background?

I spent 30 years as Senior Fire Officer in an urban area. I spent much of the latter part of my career as Incident Commander. I was also Programme Manager in local fire college for 15 years where I implemented fire training programmes through the NFPA at the local fire college.

What is Firewise?

We are a health and safety company that focuses on more advanced areas of fire training. We also have confined space rescue teams, high angle rescue teams, and emergency response teams that are contracted out to private companies all over the world.

NFPA training has been a focus for Firewise, especially internationally, because there was a gap in training standards. We’ve opened a branch in Abu Dhabi and our focus in that area is oil and gas, all based on NFPA training.

Firewise has expanded into all that sort of training all over the world, but NFPA training has been our focal point. We also have consulting services which can help fire brigades and fire services deal with internal structure. We do risk management consulting based on NFPA standards. There is always a standard that we can fall back on. We’ll do risk management, fire audits, and NFPA audits for companies.

We get to know clients who are happy to pick up the phone and give me a call. Advice is free- it’s easy to answer a question in five minutes that could take you days to find the answer to. That’s part of the package we deliver.

What benefits does training offer?

No two calls are the same. Because of the lack of frequency of emergency calls, without training, the skills are just not there. The requirement for muscle memory, especially in practical settings such as firefighting, is critical. Training is the only way that you’re going to achieve that. It’s not going to be training on the fly.

Training is critical across the board, particularly in a profession as hazardous as firefighting where any wrong move can cause injury or worse. In a firefighting environment where time is of the essence, if you haven’t trained for a situation multiple times you’re going to forget everything in the heat of the moment.

What types of training does Firewise offer?

Our focus is NFPA standards, but that covers basically everything. Every type of training is in there from NFPA 1006 confined space high angle rescue to industrial fire brigade training. My area of expertise is fire command training and instructor training.

Anything that falls under any of those categories, we can fall back on the NFPA standard, deliver certification and thus meet a known standard. That’s the way we deliver it: based on a set curriculum.

Are there any key training programmes you would like to highlight?

NFPA 1072 hazardous materials training – any incident involving fire becomes a hazardous material incident. In the Middle East, general plants are always looking to have rescue teams trained in confined space high angle rescue.

I always go back to basic firefighter training – sometimes we evolve into so many different areas that we forget the basics. Basic training is still critical. Finally, officer training: making sure you have competent people that are leading the group.

What recent developments have impacted the training sector?

The fire service has always been reactive rather than proactive, unfortunately. Since 9/11, the focus on hazardous materials in the NFPA standard added weapons of mass destruction. I know it’s 20 years ago, but even since that time, you see for more incidents that lend themselves to hazardous materials training, and that’s not just in the US – it’s international. Responders need to have that training background, they need to be prepared.

Another is around building construction. Depending on where you are, building construction is changing. If you look at the flammable cladding of the high-rise buildings, there has been so many instances in the US, Great Britain, Dubai. You’ve seen multiple different evolutions in construction methods that has made the fire service evolve. You need to deal with that change. 

Today you’re dealing with more evolved equipment and, hopefully, better trained firefighters. But ultimately, your approach to these fires as an incident commander is critical. The job of commander is to make sure everyone goes home at the end of the day. Understanding the buildings, understanding the types of fires, and understanding what’s going on as a commander has significantly changed in the last 30-40 years.

Why is training critical?

I don’t profess to be an expert in everything and nor should anyone. I have specialists in every field that we deliver training in. I deliver the more advanced ones, but when it comes to some of those practical components such as high angle rescue, I have other experts that will deliver that training.

Even like our confined space clinical rescue teams that we bring to sites – in some industry they think they can handle it all themselves, but ultimately, at the end of the day, no one is an expert in everything.

This exclusive article was originally published in the May 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

FEMA urges inclusive wildfire safety and prevention efforts

by AmericasFeatured NewsWildland Fire

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has urged everyone to participate in wildfire safety and prevention efforts in 2023, as the West experienced excessive growth of flash fuels, such as grasses, weeds, and bushes, due to an incredibly wet winter season.

Human-caused fires accounted for 87% of U.S. wildfires each year, and there was a potentially busier-than-normal fire season that threatened lives, property, watersheds, and ecosystems.

To promote wildfire prevention messaging, FEMA suggested fire and emergency services personnel start by identifying the leading cause of unwanted wildfire ignitions in their community and conduct a first round of outreach highlighting that risk. The US Fire Administration (USFA) provides free resources and tools, including social media cards and pictographs, to help with wildfire prevention outreach efforts.

The Agency said it is essential to make messages relevant and simple to understand, considering the audience’s abilities and needs, including cultural needs, and advised fire departments to use the media to amplify their outreach and hosted an open house to provide an opportunity for residents to ask firefighters questions.

FEMA also encouraged everyone to prevent wildfire arson by creating an arson tip line and developing fire-setting intervention programs for children in collaboration with social services agencies. Fire departments are promoting Arson Awareness Week this week (May 7-13, 2023) to foster understanding of, and prevent, youth fire-setting.

Through these efforts, FEMA aims to create a wildfire safety solution that everyone could contribute to, preventing unwanted wildfire ignitions and protecting communities, wildlife, and the environment from the devastating effects of wildfires.

Blackline Safety appoints new VP of International Sales

by AmericasFeatured NewsPeople

Blackline Safety, a leading global provider of connected safety technology, has appointed Peter Attalla as Vice President, International Sales. Attalla, who has extensive experience in safety and operations excellence across a range of sectors, including energy, telecommunications, and chemicals, will be responsible for overseeing the company’s rapid growth and expansion in its Rest of World geography, which includes regions outside North America and Europe.

Attalla, who has previously worked with Blackline Safety products, spent over 15 years in senior roles at Husky Energy, where he focused on safety, growth, and operational management. Prior to his current appointment, he served as a Safety and Operational Consultant for Dupont Sustainable Solutions.

In his new role, Attalla will work with Blackline Safety’s distributor partnerships, local sales personnel, and global customers to promote the company’s innovative safety wearables, area gas monitors, and cloud-connected solutions. The appointment comes at a time when the company has seen significant growth in its Rest of World geography, driven by increasing customer demand.

“Peter’s leadership and experience will ensure Blackline continues to drive operations excellence as we shape the future of industrial work around the world,” said Sean Stinson, President and Chief Growth Officer. “We see significant growth potential in our Rest of World geography, and Peter’s previous client-side experience with Blackline’s products and services will allow him to seamlessly transition into this role.”

Attalla takes over from Neil Campbell, who is transitioning to the role of Advisor, Global Sales, after serving as Director of International Sales & Marketing for over a decade. During his tenure, Campbell established a strong presence for Blackline Safety through distribution across the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.

“We are incredibly grateful to Neil for his many years of service at Blackline,” said Stinson. “He has been instrumental in bringing Blackline’s revolutionary connected safety solutions to the international market, and we are looking forward to working with him in his new role.”

About Blackline Safety

Blackline Safety is a pioneering technology company that specialises in IoT (Internet of Things) and is committed to driving innovation in the industrial workforce. By utilising connected safety devices and predictive analytics, Blackline empowers companies to work towards zero safety incidents and improve operational performance. The company offers a range of products and services, including wearable devices, personal and area gas monitoring, cloud-connected software, and data analytics, that help organisations address challenging safety issues and enhance productivity. With a presence in over 100 countries, Blackline provides cellular and satellite connectivity that serves as a lifeline to tens of thousands of people. To date, the company has reported over 200 billion data points and initiated more than seven million emergency alerts.

Get early access to 2024 editions of over 20 codes and standards via NFPA LiNK

by AmericasFeatured News

NFPA LiNK is set to unveil 25 additional codes and standards on its digital platform, including the latest edition of the NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. This follows two years of offering interactive digital access to NFPA codes and standards, replacing hardcopy codebooks. The new editions of the codes and standards will be available on May 15, with the 2024 edition of NFPA 70E leading the way.

The NFPA 70E standard offers safe work practices that reduce personnel exposure to major electrical hazards, thus preventing workplace injuries and fatalities from shock, electrocution, arc flash, and arc blast.

Additionally, the standard aids in compliance with OSHA regulations and is an essential tool for professionals worldwide, alongside other codes and standards such as the National Electrical Code® and NFPA 70B, Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance.

Innovation in the field is crucial, especially with staffing shortages and valuable time at an all-time low. Access to the most up-to-date codes and standards is critical for workers in the electrical, fire, and life safety space. The new codes and standards will offer features such as interactive change indicators, navigation tools, and bookmarks, among others.

NFPA LiNK also enables individuals to add personal notes and collaborate with others, share code sections, and work across teams. Additionally, it offers NFPA DiRECT, a situational navigation tool to help professionals identify codes related to their unique projects. The platform aims to promote collaboration, sharing of resources, and planning while designing and building.

To complement the platform, NFPA has launched a supplementary NFPA LiNK YouTube channel, providing users with tutorials and quick-start video guides for optimizing the platform. The channel also includes industry-specific codes, classifications, and requirements for electrical, fire, and life safety.

For more information about NFPA LiNK, interested parties can visit nfpa.org/LiNK and sign up for a free trial.