European Parliament forms civil protection and resilience intergroup

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsSafety

Creation of the civil protection intergroup

The European Parliament has announced the establishment of the “Resilience, Disaster Management and Civil Protection” intergroup.

This initiative, introduced by Members of the European Parliament Grégory Allione (Renew Europe, France), Pascal Arimont (EPP, Belgium), Christophe Clergeau (S&D, France), and Matej Tonin (EPP, Slovenia), focuses on civil protection and resilience across the European Union.

The intergroup aims to enhance European coordination on civil protection, improve disaster management policies, and increase support for firefighters, volunteers, and other civil protection professionals.

According to Grégory Allione: “This platform is a key step to bring visibility to the challenges of civil protection and resilience at the European level.”

Strengthening crisis preparedness

The intergroup intends to address a wide range of crises, including natural disasters and technological emergencies.

It aims to bridge gaps between policymakers, experts, and frontline responders.

Grégory Allione explained: “With this intergroup, we aim to support those who dedicate themselves daily to saving lives and protecting our territories.”

This collaborative approach is designed to strengthen Europe’s preparedness and resilience by fostering cross-sector dialogue and improved policy frameworks.

A step towards inclusive European policies

This development aligns with the European Union’s broader goals of inclusive and effective crisis management.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has highlighted the importance of resilience by assigning a crisis preparedness portfolio to Commissioner Hadja Lahbib.

The intergroup builds on this momentum, advocating for a holistic approach to civil protection that addresses the needs of volunteers and professionals while prioritising cross-border cooperation.

Recognition for civil protection actors

The creation of the intergroup also seeks to improve the recognition and protection of civil protection workers.

These individuals often operate in high-risk environments, and the intergroup intends to ensure better safeguards and support for their roles.

“This initiative represents a commitment to building a stronger, safer, and more resilient Europe,” Allione concluded, emphasising the importance of collaboration at every level to achieve these goals.

European Parliament forms civil protection and resilience intergroup: Summary

The European Parliament has introduced the “Resilience, Disaster Management and Civil Protection” intergroup, led by Grégory Allione and other MEPs.

This group will prioritise disaster management, enhance EU-wide civil protection, and advocate for improved recognition and safety measures for firefighters and volunteers.

The initiative strengthens European coordination on crisis preparedness and aligns with the EU’s broader goals of inclusive civil protection policies.

This effort reflects growing awareness within the EU and aims to build bridges between policymakers and field actors to create a safer and more resilient Europe.

“We can’t achieve our goals in isolation,”: FEU President Stephan Wevers outlines global collaboration strategies to address future fire service challenges

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsIFSJ Influencers

By Stephan Wevers, President of the Federation of European Fire Officers (FEU)

Looking toward the future of fire safety, it’s clear that we must actively shape the path ahead.

Sitting back isn’t an option; we have the opportunity to make meaningful changes that will benefit our communities and the professionals who serve them.

Thinking several years ahead, we need to identify the challenges that await us and determine how we can address them as a federation.

We’ve outlined three key areas of focus: leadership development, knowledge exchange, and serving as the professional voice in our field.

These are actionable programs designed to equip us for what’s coming. Collaboration is essential here.

We can’t achieve our goals in isolation, so we’re seeking partnerships on a global scale.

By working together, we can tackle significant shared challenges more effectively.

International cooperation and knowledge sharing have never been more important.

Working alone limits our potential, whereas joint efforts lead to better understanding and improved results for everyone involved.

For too long, fire services have operated in silos, missing out on the benefits of shared experiences.

While we have many similarities across borders, small adjustments learned from others can lead to significant improvements in efficiency.

By openly sharing both our successes and our mistakes, we help each other avoid repeating errors and advance more rapidly.

Innovation is another area where collaboration is making a difference.

We’ve been encouraging the industry to develop tools that meet our future needs, rather than just offering what’s already available.

Some companies are now asking what firefighters genuinely require, leading to equipment that’s truly fit for purpose.

It’s crucial that all our personnel have gear that suits them, not just standard items in different sizes.

Health and safety remain top priorities. We must find ways to keep firefighters healthy throughout their careers, considering the risks of diseases, cancers, and toxic exposures.

This means focusing on better protective gear and safer practices, especially when dealing with new technologies like lithium-ion batteries.

Protecting our teams from inhaling harmful substances is key to their longevity in the profession.

The World Fire Congress has been a significant step toward global collaboration in research.

By uniting fire services, universities, and research bodies, we’re establishing a unified agenda that prevents redundant efforts and fosters a cohesive approach to critical challenges.

Only a few countries lead in fire service research, so working together is essential.

We’re setting the topics for the next decade, from addressing climate change impacts to exploring digital advancements, ensuring that our research aligns with the actual needs of fire services.

By embracing these initiatives, we can make lasting improvements for the fire service.

Our collective efforts today will shape a safer and more effective future for everyone involved.

About the IFSJ Influencer

Stephan Wevers is the President of the Federation of European Fire Officers (FEU), reappointed for a second three-year term in November 2023.

Leading FEU through global challenges such as COVID-19, the Ukraine conflict, and rising wildfires, Wevers has expanded the organisation’s focus on knowledge exchange, leadership development, and advocacy.

IFSJ Influencers Edition 2024

The 2024 Influencers Special Edition of International Fire and Safety Journal is a collection of some of the most influential voices across the fire and safety industry, representing a collective following of 4.2 million.

Together, they provide a comprehensive overview of the latest developments, challenges, and forward-looking insights shaping the global fire and safety sector.

Read all 30 influencer articles in the digital magazine now.

This article was originally published in the December 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

 

NFCC calls for expanded statutory duties and national road safety strategy

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsSafety

National Fire Chiefs Council urges government action on road safety

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has called for clearer strategies and expanded statutory duties to address road deaths and injuries across the UK.

As reported by the National Fire Chiefs Council, fire and rescue services (FRSs) responded to over 31,000 road traffic collisions (RTCs) in 2023, representing a 10% increase from the 27,930 incidents recorded in 2012/13.

Despite this, FRSs’ statutory responsibilities are currently limited to preparing for and responding to RTCs.

NFCC is urging the UK Government to consult on expanding these legal duties to reflect the prevention work already being undertaken by FRSs.

These activities include educational campaigns and initiatives aimed at fostering safer road use behaviours.

Calls for a national road safety strategy

NFCC is advocating for a new national road safety strategy for England, following Scotland’s lead, to include evidence-based targets for reducing road deaths and serious injuries.

It also urged the Welsh Government to expedite its ongoing road safety strategy development.

NFCC emphasises that Road Safety Partnerships, which involve collaboration between FRSs, local authorities, emergency services, and other stakeholders, require consistent standards.

The Council is calling for consultations to establish such standards, promoting best practices across the UK.

NFCC Road Safety and Road Rescue Lead Dan Quin said: “Road safety is a public health priority that requires bold action and coordinated efforts.

“Fire and rescue services already play a crucial role in keeping people safe on the roads, but we need the Government to consider whether our statutory duties should more accurately reflect the full breadth of the work we do and look to support this with adequate funding.”

Graduated driver licensing and young road users

NFCC is also calling for the introduction of graduated driver licensing (GDL) for drivers aged 17 to 24, who are overrepresented in road fatalities.

Data from 2022 shows that a fifth of fatal or serious injury RTCs involved a car driven by a young driver.

International evidence from countries such as Australia and Canada demonstrates that GDL systems are effective in reducing crashes and fatalities among young drivers.

NFCC is pressing for similar measures to be adopted in the UK to safeguard this high-risk group.

Embedding road safety into education

NFCC has recommended that road safety themes be integrated into school curriculums across the UK and Wales.

This measure aims to instil safe driving behaviours from an early age, equipping future generations with knowledge to prevent accidents.

Dan Quin added: “As our roads become busier and with technologies such as e-scooters and e-bikes changing the way we travel, fire and rescue services are also facing a changing risk landscape.

“The rise in lithium-ion battery fires poses new challenges for prevention and response, which means that the right training and equipment needs to be in place.”

NFCC calls for expanded statutory duties and national road safety strategy: Summary

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has called for the UK Government to expand statutory duties for fire and rescue services to encompass their prevention activities.

NFCC is also advocating for a national road safety strategy in England with evidence-based targets, similar to Scotland’s approach.

Additional recommendations include the introduction of graduated driver licensing for drivers aged 17 to 24, embedding road safety into school curriculums, and establishing consistent standards for Road Safety Partnerships.

NFCC highlighted the growing challenges posed by evolving travel technologies such as e-scooters and lithium-ion battery fires, urging adequate training and resources for fire and rescue services.

ASFP strengthens team with new training officer

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsPeople

Michelle Letts joins ASFP team

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has announced the appointment of Michelle Letts as an additional Training Officer.

Michelle brings 16 years of experience across construction and manufacturing sectors.

She most recently worked at ASFP member FSI, where she served as an Area Account Manager since April 2022.

Her responsibilities at FSI included delivering product awareness and basic installation training, interpreting specifications, and liaising with clients.

Before this, Michelle held several roles, including five years at acoustic wall and partition manufacturer Accordial, where she worked as a Service and Repair Account Manager and Area Sales Manager for London and the Southeast.

She also spent six years at Style Midlands, specialising in moveable partitions, where she developed a service and maintenance department and built relationships with architects, contractors, and end-user clients.

New opportunities for collaboration

Commenting on her new role, Michelle Letts said:

“I am excited to be joining the ASFP team and look forward to developing strong relationships with members as well as reaching out to the wider construction industry.

I hope to use my communication and problem-solving skills to provide an outstanding service while helping with the delivery of the Association’s training offering.

I find the fire industry fascinating and extremely welcoming and hope I can play a role in encouraging other women to join.”

Expanding ASFP’s training function

ASFP Managing Director Mike Ward shared his thoughts on the appointment: “We are delighted to welcome Michelle to the ASFP team.

“I have no doubt that she will play an active role in the further development of our growing training function.

“Michelle brings wide-ranging skills which will ensure all of our training delegates continue to receive the highest levels of service.”

About the ASFP

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection is committed to supporting the fire safety industry by providing training and promoting best practices.

Its training programmes are designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to implement effective fire protection measures.

For more information about the ASFP and its activities, visit their website at www.asfp.org.uk.

ASFP appoints Michelle Letts as training officer: Summary

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has appointed Michelle Letts as a new Training Officer.

Michelle joins the organisation with 16 years of experience in construction and manufacturing, including roles at FSI, Accordial, and Style Midlands.

At FSI, she was responsible for product awareness training and client liaison.

ASFP Managing Director Mike Ward welcomed Michelle, highlighting her role in expanding the Association’s training functions.

Michelle expressed her enthusiasm for fostering industry relationships and promoting women in the fire protection sector.

Partners in progress: Shane Ray, President of the NFSA, discusses the critical role of fire sprinklers in reducing loss

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsFire SuppressionIFSJ Influencers

By Shane Ray, President of the National Fire Sprinkler Association

It is an honour to serve such a great industry that saves lives, protects property, ensures business continuity, and minimizes negative impacts to the environment.

It’s an honour to be the President of the National Fire Sprinkler Association.

It is a lot of responsibility to preserve and enhance a 119-year-old institution, but I love every day of the challenge.

The fire sprinkler industry has experienced 5 record years and while it looks like it may be flattening, we still see it remaining steady.

Since 1980, NFSA has tracked fire sprinkler shipments in the United States by our member manufacturers, which are Viking, Victaulic, Reliable, and Johnson Controls Inc.

With our partner organisation the International Fire Suppression Alliance, founded by NFSA in 1999, we also track all the fire sprinkler shipments around the world by our members.

We have seen a 300% increase in fire sprinklers shipped in the US since 1980.

This is because there has been a 70% increase in building occupancies required to be protected with automatic fire sprinklers in the same time period.

Thanks to our efforts in trying to protect the single-family dwelling and townhouse, in 2019 the total numbers of fire sprinklers shipped reached 25% being residential fire sprinklers.

The modern fire environment has changed so much in the past 30+ years that fire departments struggle to keep up and our codes and standards too often lag in responsiveness to the environment they are supposed to protect.

Improvements in the buildings fire protection systems have struggled to keep pace with the size, contents, and configuration of modern buildings.

The volume of unregulated material in our homes coupled with energy storage systems (ESS) and electric vehicles (EV) is making the fire problem in America worse.

From homes to high-rises, mega-warehouses and ever-increasing big box stores that support our lifestyles, the unintended consequence is a modern fire environment that is overwhelming some of the best staffed, equipped, and trained fire departments in America.

The extremely large loss fires are not new, but they are certainly becoming more frequent, but with the same cause for the past 150 years, which 2024 is the 150-year anniversary of the patent of the automatic fire sprinkler by Henry Parmalee.

The primary cause is closed valves or prematurely shutting the water supply off.

The modern fire environment requires fire sprinklers and firefighters to be partners in progress to save lives and protect property.

The modern fire environment requires firefighters and fire officers to understand fire protection features of the building, especially active fire protection systems.

Fire sprinklers and Firefighters equal an unbeatable team.

It is an honour to be on a quest to bring the fire protection industry and the American fire service together before, during, and after the fire.

NFSA’s team across the country works hard every day to promote, defend, and enhance the fire sprinkler industry.

Our mission is pure and it is exactly what I’ve dedicated my entire professional career to, even before working here.

That mission is to save lives and protect property from fire through the widespread acceptance of the fire sprinkler concept.

About the IFSJ Influencer

Shane Ray serves as President of the National Fire Sprinkler Association, an association established in 1905 to be the voice of the fire sprinkler industry.

Shane has 35+ years in the fire service.

He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Congressional Fire Services Institute and the Eastern Kentucky University Fire Protection Program Advisory Board.

IFSJ Influencers Edition 2024

The 2024 Influencers Special Edition of International Fire and Safety Journal is a collection of some of the most influential voices across the fire and safety industry, representing a collective following of 4.2 million.

Together, they provide a comprehensive overview of the latest developments, challenges, and forward-looking insights shaping the global fire and safety sector.

Read all 30 influencer articles in the digital magazine now.

This article was originally published in the December 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Fire Brigades Union begins pay rise negotiations for UK firefighters

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured News

Fire Brigades Union initiates pay discussions with employers

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has formally approached fire service employers to begin negotiations for a pay increase for firefighters and fire control staff in the UK.

As reported by the Fire Brigades Union, more than a decade of real-term pay reductions has been attributed to funding cuts under previous Conservative governments.

With Labour now in government, the union is pushing for funding to support an above-inflation pay increase.

In recent years, collective bargaining efforts have led to pay settlements, including a 4% increase in 2023 alongside other improvements such as enhanced maternity leave and boosted on-call firefighter retainers.

Earlier actions in 2022 and 2023, under the threat of strikes, secured pay rises of 7% and 5% respectively.

Negotiation process and sector-specific challenges

Unlike many public sector roles, firefighter pay negotiations are conducted through collective bargaining, allowing direct discussions between the union and employers.

Negotiations typically cover pay agreements from July to July.

The FBU sees this process as essential for securing fair compensation and aligning firefighter salaries with inflation and economic challenges.

Firefighters in the UK contend with a diverse range of risks, from fires and floods to extreme weather events.

Addressing these evolving demands, the FBU emphasises the importance of pay restoration as part of rebuilding the service after years of budget cuts.

Fire Brigades Union demands Labour government action

The FBU has called on the Labour government to prioritise funding for the fire service, including investment in national standards, training, and equipment.

General Secretary Matt Wrack commented on the current state of the service: “Firefighters put themselves at risk around the clock to keep people safe.

“They protect communities from fires, floods, storms and extreme weather events. Under the Tories, the fire service was subjected to massive cuts.

“One in five firefighter jobs was lost, and real terms pay fell. We now look to Labour to rebuild our fire service.

“Restoring pay is a vital part of this, alongside national standards and investment in training and equipment.

“The new government must make the money available for a substantial above-inflation pay increase to begin the work of making up for lost ground.”

Restoring firefighter pay remains a priority

The union argues that rebuilding the fire service requires a comprehensive approach that includes addressing past pay disparities and ensuring adequate funding for service improvements.

Firefighters and fire control staff have experienced over a decade of pay stagnation despite increased demands on the service, highlighting the importance of current negotiations.

The FBU’s commitment to collective bargaining remains central to securing a fair pay deal while navigating the complexities of public sector funding.

Fire Brigades Union begins pay rise negotiations for UK firefighters: Summary

The Fire Brigades Union has started pay negotiations with UK fire service employers, seeking an above-inflation rise for firefighters and fire control staff.

Years of real-term pay reductions, attributed to funding cuts under Conservative governments, have left the service underfunded.

The union has called on the Labour government to prioritise funding for the fire service, with General Secretary Matt Wrack urging investment in pay restoration, national standards, and equipment.

Recent collective bargaining efforts have secured notable pay increases, but the FBU asserts that further improvements are needed to address past disparities and rebuild the service.

Bryn Wilde announced as Association for Project Safety President from 2027

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsPeople

APS announces new president to lead from 2027

The Association for Project Safety (APS), a UK-wide professional body with 4,500 members, has announced Dr Bryn Wilde as its President from 2027.

Dr Wilde will succeed current President Mark Snelling upon the completion of his term in February 2027.

A Chartered Civil Engineer and Fellow member of APS, Dr Wilde has been an active contributor to the organisation for over two decades.

He has held roles on the Regional Committee, Council, and Board of Directors.

Dr Bryn Wilde’s contributions to APS

Dr Wilde has played a significant role in APS governance, serving on committees such as Membership and Standards, Education and Training, and Finance.

He also represents APS on key panels, including the Construction Industry Council Health & Safety Panel and the Health and Safety Wales Consultation Panel.

Commenting on his election, Dr Wilde highlighted APS’s commitment to engaging with governments across the UK and addressing emerging legislative changes:

“APS is at a key point in its history with the introduction of the new Building Safety Act and accompanying regulations, the various responses to the post-Grenfell recommendations in the devolved nations, and the new requirements being placed around competence and organisational capability,” he said.

Collaboration with key stakeholders

APS aims to remain a prominent stakeholder in the construction sector by influencing health and safety policies and improving professional standards.

Dr Wilde said he is committed to ensuring APS continues to represent its members’ concerns and maintain its influence in legislative consultations.

He added: “I will work tirelessly to help APS maintain its place as the premier health and safety risk management and regulatory compliance body working closely with partners across the whole construction field.”

Mark Snelling, the current President, expressed his confidence in Dr Wilde’s leadership, saying: “Bryn has been a great support to me in my first year as President. We are aligned in our vision for the APS.”

APS’s role in the construction industry

APS supports its members, including architects and technologists, by providing training, education, and networking opportunities.

It aims to improve health and safety through effective design and risk management practices across the lifecycle of construction projects.

The organisation collaborates with bodies across the UK to promote better standards in the built environment, ensuring the health and safety of all involved.

Dr Bryn Wilde announced as APS President from 2027: Summary

The Association for Project Safety (APS) has elected Dr Bryn Wilde as its President for 2027.

Dr Wilde, a Chartered Civil Engineer and long-standing member of APS, will succeed Mark Snelling when his term ends in February 2027.

He has held numerous leadership roles within APS and represents the organisation on various industry panels.

Dr Wilde emphasised APS’s commitment to engaging with legislative developments, particularly in response to the Building Safety Act and post-Grenfell recommendations.

APS aims to enhance health and safety in construction through training, education, and collaboration with key stakeholders across the UK.

Chris Jelenewicz, CEO of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, talks increasing the competency of the fire safety engineering workforce

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsFire EngineeringIFSJ Exclusives

By Chris Jelenewicz, P.E., FSFPE, Chief Executive Office of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE)

Advancing performance-based fire safety and fire risk assessment design methodologies continues to play an essential role in the fire safety engineering profession.

As such, SFPE remains the leader in providing the technical tools that assist the fire safety engineer in delivering the best engineering solutions for all stakeholders for a given design project.

For example, in early 2025, SFPE will publish the 6th Edition of the SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering, which is considered the body of knowledge in our profession.

The increased use of performance-based design, fire risk assessment methods, computer models, and the increasing complexity of fire protection systems have increased the engineering rigor required to practice in our profession.

Also, as our profession becomes more complex, the public’s understanding of how fire safety engineering is practiced decreases.

Unfortunately, the qualifications for those practicing in our profession are inconsistent globally.

Some countries have elaborate licensure/certification systems that establish competence as an engineer.

At the same time, many countries do not have a means of establishing the competence of their fire protection engineering workforce.

Without an effective way of measuring competence, protecting the public’s health, safety, and welfare is difficult.

For example, an important recommendation from the Report of the Public Inquiry into the Fire at Grenfell Tower on 14 June 2017, Phase 2, released in September 2024, focused on the increasing need for competency in the fire safety engineering profession.

Part of this recommendation stated, “Designing buildings that are safe in the event of a fire requires particular skill.

It is a skill that can be acquired only by specialized education and experience worthy of formal recognition…..

The circumstances surrounding the Grenfell Tower fire show that an effective contribution from a fire engineer could have prevented the disaster by alerting the client and the principal contractor to the dangers of using aluminum composite panels with unmodified polyethylene cores and combustible insulation in the external wall of the building.”

SFPE is working on increasing the competency of the fire safety engineering workforce in various ways.

For example, SFPE has published the Recommended Minimum Technical Core Competencies for the Practice of Fire Protection Engineering.

This document establishes a framework for understanding the technical basis for this specialized engineering discipline that can be used throughout the globe.

In addition, in the United States of America, SFPE works with NCEES to develop the PE Exam in Fire Protection.

This exam is essential to the licensure of engineers in the United States.

Moving forward, SFPE will continue its work to ensure a competent workforce exists that will work tirelessly to reduce the risk of fire in our communities.

About the IFSJ Influencer

Chris Jelenewicz, CEO of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE), has 35 years of experience as a licensed fire protection engineer.

He is a graduate of the University of Maryland Department of Fire Protection Engineering and is an SFPE Fellow.

He also is a retired volunteer fire chief.

IFSJ Influencers Edition 2024

The 2024 Influencers Special Edition of International Fire and Safety Journal is a collection of some of the most influential voices across the fire and safety industry, representing a collective following of 4.2 million.

Together, they provide a comprehensive overview of the latest developments, challenges, and forward-looking insights shaping the global fire and safety sector.

Read all 30 influencer articles in the digital magazine now.

This article was originally published in the December 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal.

To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Paul Pope re-elected to FIA Board for fourth consecutive term

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsPeople

Paul Pope’s continued leadership in the fire safety sector

According to Ajax Systems, Paul Pope, Global Head of Fire & Life Safety Business, has been re-elected to the Fire Industry Association (FIA) Board for a fourth consecutive term.

In addition to his board role, Paul also holds key positions within the FIA, including Vice Chair of the Fire Detection and Alarm Council, Vice Chair of the Service Council, and membership in the Export Council.

A decade of contributions to the FIA

Paul Pope has served as an FIA Director for six years and contributed to the Fire Detection and Alarm Council and Service Council for over 14 years.

These roles have allowed him to represent manufacturers and suppliers of fire detection and alarm equipment, advocate for industry interests in discussions with government bodies, and promote UK fire safety products and standards in global markets.

Paul Pope’s focus on advancing standards

Paul stated: “I am deeply committed to advancing standards and training in the fire and life safety sector.

“Being re-elected to the FIA’s Main Board, as well as the Fire Detection and Alarm Council and Export Council, is an honour.

“It’s a privilege to continue supporting the FIA’s vital work in driving progress and excellence across our industry.”

His re-election underscores his dedication to driving progress in the fire safety industry.

Paul Pope’s impact at Ajax Systems

Under Paul’s guidance, Ajax Systems has developed fire detection solutions that prioritise connectivity, simplicity, accuracy, and durability.

These products are crafted to meet the highest industry standards, reflecting Paul’s commitment to innovation and excellence in fire safety.

Paul Pope continues leadership with FIA Board re-election: Summary

Paul Pope, Global Head of Fire & Life Safety Business at Ajax Systems, has been re-elected to the Fire Industry Association (FIA) Board for a fourth consecutive term.

In addition to his board role, he serves as Vice Chair of the Fire Detection and Alarm Council, Vice Chair of the Service Council, and a member of the Export Council.

With over 14 years of contributions to the FIA, Paul remains dedicated to advancing standards and training in fire and life safety, while guiding Ajax Systems to meet industry-leading standards in fire detection solutions.

Building safety revisions welcomed but leave gaps in fire protection

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsFire SuppressionSafety

Updates to fire safety regulations for care homes announced in England and Northern Ireland

The Business Sprinkler Alliance (BSA) has welcomed updates to fire safety regulations in England and Northern Ireland regarding sprinkler systems in new care homes.

However, the organisation warns that these changes fall short of fully protecting vulnerable individuals in other types of accommodation, including existing care homes and assisted living facilities.

The revisions to England’s Building Regulations Approved Document B and Northern Ireland’s Technical Booklet E mandate sprinkler systems in new care homes.

Former Building Safety Minister Rushanara Ali MP stated: “A compassionate society protects its most vulnerable.”

The BSA agrees with this sentiment but highlights that vulnerable individuals living in existing care homes or specialised housing remain unprotected under these changes.

Calls to address gaps in fire safety for vulnerable individuals

The BSA points to incidents such as the 2019 fire at Beechmere Retirement Village in Crewe, which destroyed a timber-framed, unsprinklered building housing elderly residents.

Secretary of the BSA Tom Roche said: “Beechmere was an extra care living accommodation, not technically a care home, yet it housed elderly individuals, many of whom required assistance.

“The unsprinklered, timber-framed building was completely destroyed by fire, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive fire safety measures in all types of accommodation for vulnerable people.”

The BSA advocates expanding regulations to include all housing types for vulnerable individuals.

The organisation argues that current inconsistencies leave people with similar risk characteristics to those in care homes with unequal fire safety measures.

Retrofitting measures versus proactive implementation

The BSA has observed a trend of retrofitting sprinkler systems after serious incidents such as the Beechmere fire.

Tom Roche stated: “We’ve observed that following serious incidents like the Beechmere fire, operators often take retroactive measures, such as retrofitting sprinklers in similar extra care facilities.

“However, we believe it’s crucial to implement these life-saving systems proactively, rather than reactively.”

Proactive sprinkler installation is seen as critical for providing additional evacuation time for individuals with mobility issues and offering peace of mind to residents, staff, and families.

Expanding sprinkler use across the built environment

The BSA emphasises the broader benefits of sprinkler systems, which not only control fires but also reduce damage and fire spread.

It continues to advocate for sprinkler systems to be considered in a wide range of buildings, including hospitals, schools, retail centres, and industrial facilities.

The organisation urges policymakers to address regulatory gaps to ensure consistent fire safety measures for all vulnerable individuals, regardless of the type of accommodation they reside in.

Updates to fire safety regulations for care homes announced in England and Northern Ireland: Summary

The Business Sprinkler Alliance (BSA) has welcomed updates to fire safety regulations mandating sprinkler systems in new care homes in England and Northern Ireland.

While these changes improve fire safety, the BSA highlights gaps in protection for individuals in existing care homes and specialised housing, such as assisted living facilities and retirement villages.

Citing incidents like the 2019 Beechmere Retirement Village fire, the BSA calls for proactive implementation of sprinklers across all housing for vulnerable people.

The organisation advocates expanding regulations to ensure consistent fire safety standards and greater use of sprinklers in various types of buildings.