Green and living walls: Fire and safety risks and management guide published by UK insurers

by Associations and OrganisationsConstructionFeatured NewsSafetySustainability

New guide published to manage risks of green and living walls

A new joint guide has been published by the Fire Protection Association (FPA) to address potential risks associated with green and living walls when used as external cladding.

The document, titled “Green and Living Walls as External Cladding – A Joint Guide to Managing Risk,” examines the implications of living walls on building resilience and continuity of business or services.

The guide focuses on risks related to fire, escape of water (EoW), and weather events.

According to the guide: “Many Living Walls are of a scale and location that presents no additional risk to the scenario that would warrant further consideration, but others, applied at larger scale to a building, might have the potential to exert great influence on the safety and insurability of that building – and others around it – if not properly designed and maintained.”

Collaboration and endorsement

The guide is a collaborative effort between key living wall providers and UK insurers through the FPA’s RISCAuthority research scheme.

It has received endorsements from various organisations, including Vertical Meadow, Viritopia, ABI, Biotecture, Growing Revolution, and Scotscape.

Aimed at building designers, façade engineers, architects, product suppliers, owners, insurers, fire services, and maintenance personnel, the guide is divided into two parts.

The first part is an interactive questionnaire that gathers essential information about the proposed living wall system to determine if it requires special consideration.

The second part offers background information and guidance on risk control, focusing on core principles such as engagement, testing, documentation, materials, design, upkeep, and monitoring.

Addressing potential risks

The guide suggests practical solutions for living wall systems with potential risks, helping to reduce business and property risks and assist with insurance provision.

It also highlights that living walls are just one factor insurers consider when assessing building safety and property resilience.

Challenges addressed in the guide include:

  • Combustibility of planted biomass and its dependency on irrigation and maintenance
  • Extensive use of plastics in some living wall designs
  • Complexity of creating a fire-safe design when used in rainscreen-type cladding systems
  • Lack of guidance on managing penetrations to prevent fire spread
  • Inadequate certification tests for fire challenges
  • Potential for mass fire spread over and within the building
  • Insufficient Building Regulations for property protection
  • Consideration of water and wind damage potential

Professor Jim Glockling commented on the guide: “The new risk management document, produced with exceptional collaboration between all stakeholders, sets out an agreed suite of core control principles, provides a framework for information exchange with the AHJ, and establishes methods of control so that the design may be tailored to meet the needs of all.

With some solution parameters currently unverified, the document is as much a call for further research and testing as it is a guidance document.”

Milan Dubravac re-elected as CTIF president for new term

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsPeople

Milan Dubravac re-elected for four-year term

“CTIF is a magnificent organisation of firefighters from all over the world and I am honoured to lead it.”

Milan Dubravac

Milan Dubravac, from Slovenia, has been re-elected for another four-year term as president of the International Association of Fire and Rescue Services (CTIF).

As reported by CTIF, Dubravac was initially elected in 2020 during the Virtual Delegates Assembly held amid the pandemic.

During his tenure, he has introduced several new members and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to the organisation.

Dubravac said: “I would like to thank all CTIF delegates at today’s assembly for the trust shown and re-election as CTIF president.

“CTIF is a magnificent organisation of firefighters from all over the world and I am honoured to lead it.”

Plans for the next four years

In his upcoming term, Dubravac plans to focus on connecting firefighting organisations globally and continuing the core mission of CTIF, which is the exchange of knowledge.

He stated: “In the next mandate I will continue to connect firefighting organisations and take care of the basic mission of the organisation – the exchange of knowledge!”

CTIF looks forward to four more years under Dubravac’s leadership, with expectations for further growth and collaboration within the international firefighting community.

Achievements during Dubravac’s first term

During his first term, Dubravac has successfully led the CTIF through several initiatives.

His leadership saw the inclusion of new members, which has strengthened the organisation’s international presence.

The Memorandums of Understanding signed during his term have facilitated greater cooperation and knowledge exchange among member organisations.

These efforts have contributed to the enhancement of firefighting techniques and safety measures, benefiting firefighters globally.

CTIF’s role and future direction

CTIF, an organisation representing firefighters worldwide, plays a crucial role in promoting the exchange of knowledge and best practices in firefighting and rescue services.

Under Dubravac’s leadership, the organisation aims to further its mission by fostering international collaboration and improving safety standards.

The continued leadership of Dubravac is expected to bring more opportunities for learning and cooperation among firefighting communities worldwide.

IFSJ comment

Milan Dubravac’s re-election as president of CTIF indicates the trust and confidence the delegates have in his leadership.

His first term saw the inclusion of new members and the signing of several MoUs, which have been instrumental in strengthening CTIF’s international network.

The focus on knowledge exchange and connecting firefighting organisations aligns with CTIF’s core mission, promising continued growth and collaboration.

As the organisation moves forward under Dubravac’s leadership, it is poised to enhance global firefighting standards and safety measures.

This re-election highlights the importance of experienced leadership in navigating the challenges and opportunities within the international firefighting community.

CTIF Executive Committee expands with new appointments

by Associations and OrganisationsPeople

New appointments announced at CTIF Delegates Assembly

The CTIF Executive Committee convened in Oslo on June 20, 2024, to form a new Executive Commission.

During this meeting, a new vice president and a new Treasurer were elected, as reported by CTIF.

The number of Vice Presidents in the Executive Committee has now increased from seven to eight following an official vote at the Delegates Assembly in Vienna in 2023.

The newly elected members of the Executive Commission include Tom Van Esbroeck from Belgium, who will serve as the new Treasurer starting January 2025.

The meeting in Oslo marks the first physical gathering of the Executive Committee since the pandemic, with previous meetings being held online since 2019.

Regular meetings of the CTIF Executive Committee

The CTIF Executive Committee meets physically at least twice a year to oversee ongoing projects, actions, and the work of CTIF commissions.

These meetings also serve to prepare proposals for submission to the Delegates’ Assembly.

In addition to the biannual physical meetings, the committee has been holding monthly video conferences since 2019.

During the pandemic from 2020 to 2021, all committee meetings were conducted virtually.

The shift to frequent online meetings has allowed the committee to maintain regular communication and oversight of ongoing projects despite the restrictions.

Composition of the new Executive Committee

The newly formed Executive Committee features members from various countries, representing a diverse group of fire and safety professionals.

Members include Nedeljko Vukalović from Croatia, Marc Mamer from Luxembourg, Dennis Davis from the UK, Milan Dubravac from Slovenia, Tom Van Esbroeck from Belgium, Zisoula Ntasiou from Greece, Bjorn Ulfsson from Sweden/Canada, Roman Sykora from Austria, Martin Nekula from the Czech Republic, Christophe Marchal from France, Yvonne Näsman from Sweden, Taina Hanhihoski from Finland, Otto Drozd from the USA, and Luc Faes from Belgium.

The CTIF Staff Secretary, Neza Strmole from Slovenia, was not present.

CTIF expands language offerings on website with Spanish, Russian, and Simplified Chinese

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured News

CTIF expands multilingual offerings to better serve members

CTIF (Comité Technique International de prevention et d’extinction de Feu) has announced that its website, CTIF.org, is now available in six languages, adding Spanish, Russian, and Simplified Chinese to its existing language options.

This expansion aims to serve more members who may not be comfortable reading in English.

In May 2022, CTIF began providing translations in French and German to accommodate members speaking one of the three official languages of CTIF.

While English remains the working language, members are encouraged to submit papers and reports in any official language.

Translation services provided by Deepl.com

The new translations are facilitated by Deepl.com, an AI-driven automatic translation service.

Unlike Google Translate, Deepl.com stores translated texts on CTIF’s server, allowing for corrections when machine translations misinterpret content.

This is crucial as firefighting terminology can be specific and complex.

CTIF is currently reviewing important texts to ensure accurate translations.

In the interim, members are encouraged to report any translation issues and provide better human translations if possible.

This process aims to enhance the quality of translated content over time.

Future plans for language expansion

CTIF plans to add more languages over time, aiming to reach first responders who prefer reading in their native languages.

This initiative also aims to attract more potential members by showcasing the benefits of joining CTIF.

The organisation previously offered Google translations in many languages but discontinued this service due to technical issues with using multiple translation services.

CTIF believes that focusing on a smaller number of languages will provide a higher quality service.

Encouragement for community involvement

CTIF encourages members to share articles from CTIF.org in any available language with their networks and on social media.

This initiative aims to broaden the reach and impact of CTIF’s content.

Björn Ulfsson, Communications Manager and Website Editor for CTIF.org, emphasised the importance of community feedback to improve translations: “Please feel free to contact us if you discover any issues with translations and provide better human translations if possible.”

Internal governance and assurance standard launched by Fire Standards Board

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured News

“The Board welcomes the launch of the new Internal Governance and Assurance Fire Standard,” said Suzanne McCarthy

The Fire Standards Board (FSB) has published the seventeenth professional Fire Standard: Internal Governance and Assurance.

As reported by The NFCC, this new standard aims to ensure that fire and rescue services have robust internal governance structures and business planning processes.

These measures enable senior leaders to maintain comprehensive oversight of internal activities, ensuring effective operation.

The Fire Standard also outlines desired outcomes for internal change and improvement projects.

These projects should be managed through robust development, approval, and initiation processes to align with the service’s vision and strategic objectives.

Additionally, delivery and organisational development plans must be clear and understood by all within the service.

Development and leadership

The development of this standard was led by Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Sabrina Cohen-Hatton of West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and Chair of NFCC’s Improvement Committee.

She collaborated with subject matter experts from the network of fire and rescue service audit teams and governance leads, Home Office specialists, and other key stakeholders.

Cohen-Hatton stated: “I’m proud to have led the development of this new Fire Standard which will support all fire and rescue services to follow a consistent and robust process when developing internal governance and assurance procedures.”

She added that achieving this standard will foster internal cultures and positive working environments open to learning, self-evaluation, and feedback, leading to a more productive, motivated, and efficient workforce.

Expected benefits and tools

One of the expected benefits of achieving the Internal Governance and Assurance Fire Standard is the improvement of governance, internal culture, and increased transparency within fire and rescue services.

To support services in implementing the standard, a corresponding Fire Standards Implementation Tool has been provided.

This tool helps services understand how well they meet the standard, embed it into existing and new action plans, and address any gaps.

Suzanne McCarthy, Chair of the Fire Standards Board, expressed her support: “The Board welcomes the launch of the new Internal Governance and Assurance Fire Standard and recognises the contribution it will bring to fire and rescue services and the communities they serve.

“The standard builds on our portfolio of comprehensive and professional Fire Standards which ultimately help support the safety, health and well-being of the public via English fire and rescue services.”

The role of the FSB and future outlook

The Fire Standards Board continues to develop and implement standards aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of fire and rescue services.

This new standard adds to the existing suite, further promoting a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

As fire and rescue services work towards implementing this standard, the focus will be on improving internal processes and fostering a transparent and accountable culture.

The ultimate goal is to ensure that these services can effectively serve and protect their communities.

IFSJ Comment

The introduction of the Internal Governance and Assurance Fire Standard marks a strategic move by the Fire Standards Board to enhance the governance frameworks within fire and rescue services.

This new standard addresses critical aspects of internal operations, ensuring that services are aligned with their strategic objectives and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.

By providing a structured approach to internal governance, the standard aims to improve the overall efficiency of fire and rescue services.

The involvement of subject matter experts and key stakeholders in developing the standard underscores its comprehensive nature and relevance to current operational needs.

The accompanying Implementation Tool is a practical resource that will aid services in evaluating their compliance with the standard and integrating it into their action plans.

ASFP appoints new marketing executive

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsPeople

ASFP expands marketing team with new appointment

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has announced the appointment of Louis Bradley as Marketing Executive.

This new role aims to support the ASFP’s wider marketing team in enhancing its reach and member services, as reported by the ASFP.

Louis Bradley will be responsible for creating various marketing materials, including podcasts, videos, and other member resources.

His role will also involve daily social media communications to keep ASFP members informed.

Louis Bradley’s diverse marketing background

Louis brings a wealth of experience to the ASFP, having worked in both large creative recruitment bodies and smaller agencies.

His background includes developing materials for globally recognised brands, journalism, and commercial copywriting.

The ASFP plans to leverage his skills to create more informative content for its members, keeping them updated on changes within the passive fire protection sector.

ASFP Managing Director Mike Ward expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointment.

He said: “We are delighted to welcome Louis to the ASFP team.

“With his wide-ranging skills and experience, I am sure he will rapidly become a pivotal member of the ASFP Marketing Department.

“As we further expand our services and member support, we will need ever-more marketing material working with our full range of promotional tools.”

Institution of Fire Engineers launches new Early Careers Networking Group

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsTraining

New initiative to support young professionals

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has announced the launch of its Early Careers Networking Group (ECNG).

This new initiative aims to support budding talent in the field of fire engineering by offering young professionals and students insight into the wide range of vocations within the sector.

The group, hosted on LinkedIn, seeks to foster a supportive community where early-career individuals can thrive and explore fire engineering pathways.

The launch follows the publication of The Science Education Tracker 2023 by Engineering UK, highlighting concerns about the future workforce in STEM fields.

Addressing STEM workforce concerns

The Science Education Tracker 2023 survey, conducted by Engineering UK, raised significant concerns about the future STEM workforce.

The survey of over 7,000 young people in England revealed a pronounced gender gap and other challenges.

Only 12% of girls feel that being an engineer fits well with their identity, and just 16% believe an engineering career is suitable for them.

Furthermore, the survey noted the importance of practical science opportunities, particularly for less engaged students, with only 26% of GCSE students participating in practical work at least every fortnight.

Interest in science has declined, with 36% of girls stating that science is not for them. The ECNG aims to address these key factors.

Creating a supportive community for fire engineers

Dean Morris, chair of the ECNG, stated: “I think everyone looks back on their life with hindsight and thought about what they would do if they had their time over again.

“This group will offer a platform to share these experiences and offer advice to anyone that is new to the industry or who is thinking of joining.”

He added: “I really hope that it provides a safe space where people can ask questions but also network and meet like-minded people.

“Everyone is at different levels in their career and experience and had to start from somewhere, so creating a safe space is important for development and ensuring competency in the industry.”

International collaboration and mentorship

Steve Hamm, CEO of the IFE, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome the Early Careers Networking Group to the IFE’s portfolio of groups.

“Its output will address integral issues across the fire sector, ultimately benefitting our membership, further stakeholders, and shaping the future workforce.”

He continued: “Young people from around the globe will now have a space to collaborate and seek advice on an international scale; I believe it will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of fire engineering for budding talent.

“By offering a space to explore career options, we aim to bridge the gender gap and ignite a passion for fire engineering in young people within the UK and overseas.”

The IFE said it is committed to supporting and nurturing the next generation of fire engineers, ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to succeed in their careers.

To join the Early Careers Networking Group, visit ECNG on LinkedIn.

IAFF urges new federal safety standards to protect US fire fighters

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured News

IAFF addresses Congress on new fire fighter safety standards

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) addressed Congress on June 4, calling for new federal safety standards to protect fire fighters.

As reported by the IAFF, the current approach to fire fighter safety has been inadequate for the last 40 years.

IAFF Director of Government Affairs, Evan Davis, testified before the Emergency Management and Technology Subcommittee of the House Committee on Homeland Security, emphasizing the need for significant investment in staffing, training, and resources.

Davis stated: “Our reliance on consensus standards with no teeth and the goodwill of city administrators is literally killing us.

“Unlike nearly every other American industry, we have almost no legally enforceable workplace protections.”

The proposed updates by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) include comprehensive revisions to the Fire Brigades Standard, now to be renamed the Emergency Response Standard.

Proposed updates to fire brigades standard

The proposed standards aim to revamp the Fire Brigades Standard, addressing various aspects of emergency response.

This includes staffing, training, apparatus readiness, and protective equipment.

Employers would also need to provide baseline medical screenings and access to behavioral health resources for emergency responders.

IAFF General President Edward Kelly commented: “Our job will never stop being dangerous, but there are steps we can take to make it safer.

“This update is long overdue, and the Biden Administration agrees.”

The IAFF has been lobbying for these changes, arguing they will save lives and enhance fire fighter safety.

Volunteer fire departments raise concerns

While the proposed standards aim to improve safety, they have raised concerns among volunteer fire departments.

Chief Joseph Maruca, Director of the National Volunteer Fire Council, warned that compliance could be economically infeasible for many volunteer fire departments, particularly in smaller communities.

He noted the recent decline in funding for FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant programs.

Maruca stated: “If adopted as written, this proposal would be economically infeasible for most volunteer fire departments to implement and cause many volunteer fire departments to shut down.”

He highlighted the challenge of implementing the new standards without adequate financial support.

Congressional response and future steps

Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY) acknowledged the concerns of both career and volunteer fire organizations.

He emphasized the need for a balanced approach that enhances fire fighter safety while preventing regulatory burdens that could make communities less safe.

D’Esposito concluded the hearing by thanking the participating organizations, including the IAFF, for their efforts in promoting fire fighter safety.

D’Esposito remarked: “This OSHA standard hasn’t been touched since 1980, and you have been the driving force of making fire fighters lives safer throughout this country.”

The next steps involve further discussions and potential revisions to ensure the standards are practical and beneficial for all fire departments.

Governance issues in Welsh fire services highlighted by Senedd report

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured News

Report findings on Welsh fire services governance

On 6th June, the Senedd’s Equality and Social Justice Committee published a new report on the governance of Welsh fire and rescue services.

The report follows an investigation into the controversial appointment of Stuart Millington as Interim Chief Fire Officer for South Wales.

It finds a lack of clarity and “troubling” responses from respondents in senior positions.

The committee recommends that the Welsh government clarify that fire service staff coming forward with complaints will be adequately supported and treated fairly.

It also urges the government to explore options for “more radical reform” in the long term.

Fire Brigades Union response

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) general secretary Matt Wrack commented on the report: “This report confirms serious failings of leadership at the very top.

“Chief fire officers and senior managers have presided over a situation in which those who speak out against bullying, harassment and discrimination are silenced or victimised.”

Wrack emphasised the need for accountability and support for firefighters: “To build the trust needed to transform the service, firefighters must be given a voice and fire service leaders must be held to account.

“Parachuting in managers with no experience of firefighting will only further entrench a lack of confidence in leadership.”

Call for reforms and negotiations

Wrack also mentioned the necessity for proper negotiations regarding changes to firefighters’ duties: “While the FBU is open to discussing the broadening the role of firefighters, any change to firefighters’ duties and terms of work are a matter for negotiation at the National Joint Council.

“The FBU will continue to engage in ongoing discussions with the Welsh government.”

He highlighted the union’s role in promoting equality and dignity at work: “Any plan to transform the fire service must have the union as the voice of frontline firefighters at its heart and must recognise the necessity of making the service democratically governed and accountable to residents.”

Firefighters’ concerns in Wales

Cerith Griffiths, FBU executive council member for Wales, expressed concerns about the treatment of firefighters: “Firefighters across Wales feel ignored and silenced by those at the top.

“For far too long, concerns have been dismissed or met with hostility.”

Griffiths reiterated the committee’s conclusions on the controversial appointment: “As the Senedd’s Equality and Social Justice Committee concludes, the inappropriate appointment of Stuart Millington has further reinforced a lack of confidence and trust.”

The union’s role in addressing discrimination

Griffiths stressed the union’s ongoing efforts to combat discrimination: “The FBU and its equalities sections have been fighting misogyny, homophobia and racism in the fire service for decades.

“The union must be empowered to play a key role in transforming our service, supporting firefighters to speak out.”

He concluded by underscoring the union’s commitment to accountability: “As the only democratic and representative body for firefighters and control room staff, the Fire Brigades Union will hold the Welsh government to account and fight to transform our service.”

NFPA Global Solutions acquires Dyne Fire Protection Labs to enhance global safety compliance

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured News

NFPA announces first acquisition for NFPA Global Solutions

The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) recently announced the creation of a new company, NFPA Global Solutions™, which aims to provide compliance solutions, digital products, and advisory services through acquisitions and new business development.

NFPA Global Solutions has now made its first acquisition in the shape of Dyne Fire Protection Labs, an independent testing laboratory that supports compliance with essential fire protection codes and standards.

NFPA President and CEO Jim Pauley stated: “The nature and complexity of safety continue to evolve, presenting a need for more advanced solutions to mitigate risk.

“NFPA customers have long asked NFPA for additional products to help them do their jobs.”

He added that the establishment of NFPA Global Solutions and the acquisition of Dyne Fire Protection Labs will expand the scope and reach of NFPA’s offerings, providing industry professionals with valuable tools and resources.

First acquisition under NFPA Global Solutions’ strategic plan

Carlos Correia, the president of NFPA Global Solutions, leads this initiative.

The acquisition of Dyne Fire Protection Labs is part of a broader strategic plan to enhance safety measures worldwide.

Correia commented: “The addition of Dyne Fire Protection Labs to the NFPA Global Solutions family enables us to provide companies with high-quality compliance testing technology in alignment with NFPA codes and standards.”

He also mentioned that as NFPA Global Solutions continues to build its portfolio, it will include other services crucial for advancing safety and benefiting businesses across various industries.

Dyne Fire Protection Labs’ response to the acquisition

Mark Spaniol, CEO of Dyne Fire Protection Labs, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition: “We are excited to join NFPA Global Solutions.

“We have created a very successful model and will now be able to increase our global reach, impacting safety through effective fire suppression compliance.”

Spaniol emphasized that joining NFPA Global Solutions would allow Dyne Fire Protection Labs to enhance its contribution to global safety by leveraging NFPA’s extensive resources and expertise.

Benefits for industry professionals

The acquisition is expected to provide industry professionals with enhanced compliance testing technologies and resources, aiding them in adhering to crucial fire protection standards.

This move aligns with NFPA’s mission to mitigate safety risks through advanced solutions and expanded offerings.

Industry experts anticipate that the integration of Dyne Fire Protection Labs into NFPA Global Solutions will set a precedent for future acquisitions aimed at bolstering global safety standards and compliance.