The polymer problem: Fomtec challenges industry dependence on unstable polymer systems

by Breaking NewsFire SuppressionIFSJ Exclusives

John Ottesen, Founder and CEO at Dafo Fomtec AB, discusses developing a high performance SFFF without partially hydrated natural polymers

Across many sites the practical work of replacing PFAS-based foams has begun, with attention turning to whether alternatives can deliver recognised fire test performance while fitting into existing proportioning and storage arrangements.

That focus has brought polymer choice to the fore because it strongly influences drainage, heat resistance, viscosity and long-term behaviour in service.

Fluorine based foams such as FP, AFFF, FFFP and their alcohol resistant derivatives are being phased out due to the persistence of PFAS chemicals and the health and environmental impact of certain identified members of the PFAS group.

Attention has shifted toward synthetic fluorine-free foams (SFFF) as we look to replace the PFAS foams with alternatives offering similar firefighting performance.

These foams also promise environmental safety, but as we strive for equivalency in performance many of them introduce a different kind of risk: reliance on polymer chemistry and specifically partially hydrated natural polymers.

Polymers in firefighting foam

The use of natural polymers in firefighting foams is not a new technology, having first emerged in the 1970’s with the early alcohol resistant foams.

Standard hydrocarbon foams such as FP, AFFF and FFFP when applied to a water miscible fuel such as acetone or IPA are not able to retain a foam blanket.

Foam chemists found that the addition of natural polymers into the foam concentrate allowed a polymeric layer to drop out and form a barrier between the foam bubbles and the water miscible fuels.

These polymers had additional benefits to the performance of the firefighting foam as they produced slower draining foams and the stronger bubble structure often led to improved heat resistance.

These performance enhancing features led to Alcohol Resistant foams becoming almost universally adopted as the foam agent of choice for emergency response firefighting on large fires in the high hazard industries on hydrocarbon fuel fires since the 1990’s.

From the early 1970’s into the 2010’s manufacturers experimented with different polymers and quantities in their foam concentrates as they wrestled with fundamental issues:

  • The addition of polymers increased the viscosity of the foam concentrate
  • Maintaining these polymers in solution or suspension through the life of the foam concentrate, also talked about as the stability of the foam

The question of viscosity can be discussed as an engineering issue because if you know the viscosity then the equipment and system can be designed accordingly to handle the foam concentrate, with proportioning and pumping selected to suit the measured rheology.

Of course, the viscosity and the shear rates must be known and remain constant for those assumptions to hold.

Stability on the other hand is something that every foam manufacturer has faced at some point in time, whether due to a batch issue, raw materials out of specification or incorrect quantities in the batch, or due to storage and climatic conditions with their clients, and when stability issues occurred what was typically seen was separation of the foam concentrate with the polymers either sinking or floating separated from the surfactant mixture.

Over 30 plus years of manufacturing these products the manufacturers have been able to determine the best combination of polymers and quantities to achieve the optimal balance of viscosity, fire performance and achieve a safe window of stability for the concentrate.

For Fomtec this involves adding our polymer combination up to around 1% by volume in our top performing 3 x 3 products.

SFFF’s and polymers

With the demise of PFAS containing foams, Fomtec, along with the other foam manufacturers has had to develop new formulations accepting that like the early pure protein foams we are now entirely reliant on the blanket integrity for our extinguishing and burnback security.

Fomtec returned to natural polymers to improve performance by creating slow draining bubbles with good heat resistance.

The formulation approach remains in that increased polymers leads to a more viscous foam concentrate and potential stability issues with the concentrate.

With the transition to fluorine free foams more emphasis on viscosity was inevitable due to capabilities of existing equipment and this desire to have the combination of fire performance and a lower viscosity has seen a number of manufacturers formulating with partially hydrated polymers, or what we at Fomtec like to call hidden gum.

While effective in the lab and the fire test house, this approach introduces vulnerabilities that can compromise firefighting performance in the field.

The partially hydrated polymer challenge

Water sensitivity and storage instability

Polymers are also highly sensitive to moisture during storage.

In humid environments or when water ingress occurs in foam storage tanks, partly hydrated polymers will hydrate if they come into contact with water.

This causes them to swell and increase the viscosity of the concentrate.

This can occur as lumps or more generally an increase in viscosity that can lead to system malfunction.

The risks include:

  • Blocked pumps and nozzles, reducing delivery capacity
  • Unpredictable viscosity, disrupting proportioning accuracy
  • Batch-to-batch performance variability, leading to performance variability

System-level risks in fire protection

In applications such as aviation hangars, petrochemical terminals, offshore installations and chemical processing plants it is difficult to observe polymer behaviour inside fixed systems during transition projects.

Concentrate pipelines can be complex and impossible to inspect, so confirming that all cleaning water is removed before filling new concentrate can be very challenging, and even a small amount of retained moisture can influence the behaviour of a partly hydrated polymer once the system is back in service.

How competitors still depend on polymers

Most foam manufacturers continue to rely on partially hydrated polymers as the foundation of their SFFF performance.

This dependency creates a balancing act between the need for lower stable viscosity and the risk of hydration variability.

It is a matter of creating a finely balanced formulation where the partly hydrated polymers are restricted from developing viscosity, and this finely balanced formulation can be very sensitive to ambient conditions leading to instability.

Adjustments to polymer type and concentration have offered incremental improvements, but none have solved the fundamental hydration problem.

This means that across the industry many partially hydrated polymer-based foams still face the dual risks of instability and viscosity changes in real world use.

Dafo Fomtec AB continues to follow a fully hydrated path

Fomtec has always used formulations based on fully hydrated polymers and thus raising the bar making it more challenging to achieve the highest ratings in some fire performance standards, specifically with burnback performance with saltwater.

Now, through proprietary formulation technology, Fomtec has launched a new generation of Enviro high performance foam agents based on fully hydrated natural polymers.

This is an evolution through 15 years of research and development in the Enviro Program and more than 3500 fire tests.

No loss of performance

The most remarkable aspect of this innovation is that Fomtec’s fully hydrated polymer foams perform at the highest level without compromise.

Internationally certified: independent testing shows that Fomtec’s foams meet or exceed EN 1568, ICAO and UL162 requirements for extinguishment and burn-back resistance.

Stable storage life: with fully hydrated polymers, with no polymers to hydrate or degrade, concentrates remain consistent.

Reliable system delivery: no lumps, gels or clogging means foam systems work as designed in real emergencies.

Water-quality independence: performance is consistent across different types of water supplies.

This combination of established chemistry and proven fire performance sets Fomtec apart from every other foam manufacturer globally.

Regulatory and environmental context

The timing of this breakthrough is significant.

Across Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific, regulations are tightening on both PFAS chemicals and the performance standards for their replacements.

Users are under pressure to:

  • Phase out PFAS based foams
  • Ensure environmental compatibility of alternatives
  • Maintain or improve performance levels required by regulators and insurers

Fomtec’s fully hydrated polymer technology directly addresses these concerns, providing an environmentally sustainable solution with stable performance, which aligns with what regulators, insurers and fire brigades require.

Why it matters

Fire brigades, airports, oil and gas operators and industrial sites need confidence that their foam will perform as specified, proportion within tolerance and store without unwanted change.

By removing the dependency on partially hydrated polymers, Fomtec avoids the hydration-driven variability that can change viscosity and delivery in service, supporting a predictable transition from PFAS based agents to SFFF in existing equipment.

This was originally published in the November 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Learning + training = understanding: How Insight Training LLC builds thermal imaging confidence

by Breaking NewsSearch and RescueThermal ImagingTraining

Andrew Starnes, Founder of Insight Training LLC highlights how fire service thermography can assist firefighters, sharing key advice on how it can be utilised and why it is so beneficial

Insight Training LLC, led by Andrew Starnes, focuses on giving firefighters the skills to interpret what they see, apply it in real conditions and integrate thermal awareness into everyday operations.

In this article, Andy discusses how Insight’s programmes translate complex thermography principles into practical fireground tactics, how they adapt to different departmental needs and what developments may change the way firefighters learn and train in the years ahead.

Could you begin by introducing yourself, your background in the fire service and how Insight Training LLC came to specialise in thermal imaging for firefighters?

My name is Andy Starnes.

I began my journey in the fire service as a junior volunteer firefighter following in 1990 under the guidance of my father Joe Starnes, who served as the volunteer Fire Chief in our community.

I began my career in the fire service with Charlotte Fire Department in 1998 and served for over 25 years before retiring at the rank of Battalion Chief in 2023.

During this journey, I was blessed to be involved in Project Kill the Flashover which was started by my father Joe Starnes and his dear friend Chief Shawn Oke.

I was fortunate to begin studying thermal imaging in 2010 through this project.

In 2015, I was injured while preparing one of our acquired structures for a research burn.

While I was out of work for seven months, I was able to research the field of thermography and formed the company Insight Fire Training (Insight Training LLC).

With special encouragement from my wife, I pursued this path beginning in May of 2015 by enrolling in thermography certification courses.

Through intense study and many wonderful opportunities, I was fortunate to develop a thermography-based curriculum for firefighters.

Since then, Insight Fire Training has grown to a cadre of over 20 thermography certified fire service instructors, traveling and training internationally, and we provided consulting services to many fire service product manufacturers.

We also now offer the world’s first collegiate thermal imaging certification through Western Kentucky University in partnership with Kentucky Thermal Institute.

For those unfamiliar with the concept, how would you describe tactical fire service thermography and its importance for modern fireground operations?

Fire service thermography is the process of interpreting qualitative thermal imaging data for the purposes of enhancing strategies and tactics in emergency situations.

It allows firefighters to quickly locate the source of the fire, the direction of the fire spread and the intensity of the fire.

It allows firefighters to ascertain the layout of the structures to quickly search and locate anyone trapped within the structure.

What key principles of thermal imaging should every firefighter understand to make effective tactical decisions during an incident?

Firefighters should be proficient in ten key areas of thermal imaging usage- we will cover five of them here.

  1. Do not over rely on technology.
  • Carry the device: Over 50% of the fire responses surveyed showed that the TIC was being left on the fire apparatus and not being used immediately.
  • Power the device on early: Fire Service TICs are required to be fully operational after 30 seconds of pressing the power button. Firefighters have realized that powering on the device at the entry point or inside the environment is not effective as they must wait on the device to fully power up and in many cases, they then realize their battery isn’t fully charged.
  • Learn to scan properly: Fire Service TICs have been in use since the 1990’s and a six-sided scanning technique was introduced by a firefighter (Woodsworth) which incorporated all sides of the area that firefighters are entering. The issue with this technique is that it advocates that the scan should start high in the room. Firefighters have fallen victim to “tunnel vision” by scanning high and immediately detecting heat. They then fail to scan low to look for victims, hazards and layout of the structure. Many fire service TICs are dual gain which causes the lower cooler environment to darken down when the firefighter scans high. This has also been reported as a contributing factor for missing victims, fire beneath them, stairs and other critically important information. For this reason and more, we advocate a simple four principle of scanning technique that begins with TIC low in the space.
  • Wipe the lens: Firefighters consistently report that their fire service TIC “whited-out” during a fire. Fire service TICs haven’t produced a white out effect due to heat in over 25 years. The most common reason for this problem is the failure to wipe the lens. As a firefighter makes entry to the fire environment, they experience a temperature change and condensation/smoke builds up on their facepiece. It is a common practice to wipe the facepiece so they can see. However, many have not been instructed to wipe the lens on the front of the TIC. This lens is made of germanium and has a scratch resistant diamond lined coating on it to reduce scratches. As a firefighter wipes the lens, the image dramatically improves for a few moments before the lens is covered again by moisture and smoke. This process shall be repeated each time during the scanning process.

What are the most common challenges or misconceptions firefighters face when first incorporating thermal imaging cameras into their work?

The most common misconception is that these devices measure temperatures accurately.

Fire Service TICs are qualitative in nature meaning that they are designed to detect heat emitted by surfaces in the 7–14-micron LWIR range thereby providing apparent temperature measurements.

These measurements are often grossly inaccurate.

NFPA 1801-2021 edition removed the spot temperature feature from TI Basic as it was listed as a contributing factor in three separate line of duty death incidents.

Firefighters are using this device incorrectly to measure lithium-ion battery incidents, spot temperature measurements during overhaul, and there are fire departments that require firefighters to call out temperatures as they move through the fire environment.

This is dangerous and inaccurate.

When combined with the fact, the fire service TICs do not detect gases and can only provide an estimated value; it is not surprising that we see firefighters consistently having problems with these devices.

This is a global issue and will not be resolved until the fire service improves their overall education and training in this area.

What knowledge, confidence and decision-making skills do firefighters gain from completing Insight’s courses and how can this training influence their performance on the fireground?

Insight Fire Training trains over 20,000 individuals each year across the globe.

Our courses have been reviewed by countless departments and manufacturers.

Our greatest blessing is to receive the emails of firefighter testimonials each week stating how they have applied the concepts they learned in our training to make a difference on the fireground.

How do you help departments integrate thermal imaging into their standard operating guidelines, crew coordination and broader safety culture?

We have helped hundreds of fire departments across the globe integrate basic thermal imaging concepts and assisted them with developing their own thermal imaging training programs.

For example, in our train the trainer program we provide an implementation criteria training session in which we discuss operational guidelines, training recommendations and more.

Poland and Germany have both integrated thermal imaging training into many of their standard training guidelines because of our training programs.

In addition, any student who completes our training receives access to a resource folder that consists of policy examples, procedures, lesson plans and more.

We also provide virtual follow-up consultations to these departments at no charge to assist them with training program development.

What steps do you think the industry should take to build a more consistent and informed approach to thermal imaging training across different fire services?

The current market is moving forward at a rapid pace regarding infrared technologies.

Manufacturers who decide to look beyond traditional methods of producing a “thermal imaging camera” will innovate the future of thermal imaging.

However, the most innovative and advanced technology will not solve the greatest problem in the fire service: a lack of consistent and standardized education and training in thermal imaging.

This is the mission of Insight Fire Training.

We have produced a collegiate program that has been peer reviewed and credentialed by Western Kentucky University.

We also are building more online free educational content for the fire service to use to assist in this area.

Our goal is create a generation of “intelligently aggressive” firefighters who change the world.

This was originally published in the November 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

NFPA launches CEO search as Jim Pauley plans 2026 retirement

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsPeople

Seven NFPA presidents later, what Pauley’s planned retirement means for leadership

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced that President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Pauley intends to retire in the summer of 2026 and that the organisation has appointed Spencer Stuart to manage the search for his successor.

NFPA said Pauley notified the Board of Directors of his plans in the summer of 2024 and that the board has since been developing the approach for the recruitment process.

The organisation confirmed that Spencer Stuart is now accepting interest in the NFPA Chief Executive Officer role, which covers overall leadership, direction and management of the association.

NFPA added that the Chief Executive Officer also chairs the NFPA Fire Protection Research Foundation and NFPA Global Solutions boards and serves as an ex-officio member of the NFPA Board of Directors.

Pauley comments on NFPA history and mission

Jim Pauley, President and Chief Executive Officer at the National Fire Protection Association, said: “In its nearly 130-year history, NFPA has had only seven presidents.

“It has been my honor and privilege to serve as one of those seven.

“I am confident that the next president will find this organization – its people and its mission – as incredible, essential, and impactful as I have.”

The NFPA is a self-funded nonprofit standards development organisation that aims to eliminate death, injury, property damage and economic loss from fire, electrical and related hazards.

The association said it advances safety by delivering expert knowledge through more than 300 codes and standards, training, certifications, research, public education and advocacy activities.

According to NFPA, widely used documents in its portfolio include NFPA 13, the National Electrical Code (NEC) and NFPA 101, along with standards that address animal housing, wildfire mitigation, firefighter health and safety and preparedness, response and recovery strategies for active shooter events.

The organisation noted that it has also launched a campaign to raise awareness of how safety codes and standards help protect people and property at home, at work and in public venues.

NFPA stated that Pauley’s tenure has focused on growth across four pillars described as being more digital, more global, more connected and more diversified.

LinkedIn post outlines timeline and transition plans

Pauley added on LinkedIn: “For all my friends and colleagues, I wanted to share some news with you.

“In the summer of 2024, I informed the NFPA Board of Directors of my desire to retire from NFPA in the summer of 2026.

“Since that time, the board has been actively discussing the process they want to use to find my successor.

“Through that thoughtful process the board has decided to pursue a national search and has now retained Spencer Stuart to assist with the search process.

“I began my journey with NFPA back in the early 1990’s as a member and technical committee member and being selected to lead the organization in 2014 has been an incredible culmination of a career focused on safety.

“We have accomplished much in that time and have much more to accomplish to help save lives and protect property across the world.

“So, this isn’t goodbye just yet.

“We have a very busy 2026 at NFPA both in our mission and in our preparation for a smooth transition to a new leader.”

NFPA said the full position description is available and that application materials or candidate referrals should be sent by email to NFPACEO@SpencerStuart.com.

How the NFPA succession plan relates to practice

Fire and rescue chiefs who work with National Fire Protection Association codes and standards may want to track how the Chief Executive Officer transition is structured and timed.

Standards and certification bodies that reference NFPA 13, the National Electrical Code and NFPA 101 can monitor whether any future revisions are framed within the association’s four strategic pillars of being more digital, more global, more connected and more diversified.

Training officers, electrical contractors, fire engineers and system installers who design, specify or maintain systems to NFPA documents may look for continuity in guidance, education and supporting material while the search progresses.

Facility managers and risk assessors operating in areas covered by NFPA publications, including wildfire mitigation, animal housing, firefighter health and safety and active shooter preparedness, may also consider how the leadership handover is managed when reviewing their own use of these documents.

Closing the gaps in passive fire protection with Quelfire

by Breaking NewsConstructionPassive

Craig Wells, Sales Director at Quelfire, explains how early engagement supports architects and contractors in delivering compliant, Regulation 38-ready designs

Gaps in passive fire protection still show up across projects, from unclear design responsibility to clashes that trigger costly rework.

Architects and contractors tell Quelfire they are unsure where to start, who should be taking design responsibility and identifying suitably tested solutions for incorporation into the design.

Quelfire’s answer is early engagement: design then build, with suppliers and installers involved while the scheme is still lines on a drawing.

The company supports this with practical tools and training, including CPD sessions, installer guidance and the QuelSelector for tested details.

It also promotes structured information sharing through its Information Collection Schedule and Key Considerations when Designing BWIC’s Guidance and keeps the conversation moving with video content, such as Burning Questions.

At London Build, Quelfire will show examples of systems after exposure to fire and host a panel on Gateway 2 submissions.

IFSJ Editor Iain Hoey sat down with Quelfire’s Sales Director Craig Wells to discuss industry pain points, early engagement in practice and what to expect at the show.

What are the most common gaps or questions you hear from professionals when it comes to passive fire protection?

The big theme is competency, especially among architects and design teams.

We often hear: we don’t get involved with fire, we don’t do detailed designs, we don’t have the insurance, we haven’t done this before.

It’s good when people own what they don’t know, but the industry needs people to embrace the challenge, reach out to reliable sources and get educated so they can design for compliance.

A common question is whether it should even be the architect doing it.

If a main contractor tells an architect to produce the detailed design, the next questions are: where do we start, who do we speak to and how do we know we’re on the right track? Some visit the Quelfire website and feel daunted by the number of options, so the task is to distil that into usable information.

Another gap is resource: having the right people with the right competencies, plus time and funding to do detailed designs.

There’s often so much emphasis on starting construction as quickly as possible that detailed design is sometimes left until the project is well underway on site.

How do these gaps usually appear during projects and are they linked to design, installation or trade coordination?

All of the above.

At early design stage, the questions are: Who is doing the detailed design, and do we have the relevant insurance?  On site, the consequences can be severe.

A tier one contractor told me recently 40% of the walls on one project had to be removed and rebuilt after they pushed ahead with a nominal design and later realised it was wrong.

Another contractor building a school installed dampers and walls, then found the dampers weren’t compatible with the wall system and had to rebuild.

You’ve probably seen the Get It Right Initiative’s work on rework.

The Egan report suggested around 30% of construction costs are tied to rework, which aligns with those examples.

Problems can emerge when the fire-stopping contractor arrives and discovers an incompatible wall or service, or at any stage between.

Coordination is a big one.

Getting Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) contractors to understand the significance of their part can be hard.

I was recently with a contractor that has its own in-house M&E division and even they struggle to get detailed information early enough to integrate into design.

Coordination, communication and collaboration are key.

There’s still a gap, though it is getting better.

What does early engagement mean in practice for those working on active projects in the construction sector?

Think “design then build.” Engage suppliers, manufacturers and installers while the building is still lines on a drawing.

Identify available solutions, bring them together into a compliant design and make sure that design can be physically achieved.

Space, access and sequencing matter.

It’s easy to produce a drawing; building it requires the right sequence and collaboration.

Early engagement puts more resource, time and expertise into thinking through practical delivery.

We see strong success stories where that happens.

What tools or training does Quelfire provide to help professionals build confidence and meet compliance requirements?

People need standard detail drawings and detailed designs with clear documentation that’s transparent about the test evidence.

Our QuelSelector is a simple, visual PDF that shows options for specific applications.

You can click through to the relevant standard details and then to the classification reports, so you have full visibility of suitability and evidence.

On training, we offer CPD that gives a high-level look at passive fire protection, why it is required and key considerations.

We also run sessions on early engagement, the technical support available and a suggested design process.

For installers, we provide product installation training.

The heart of what Quelfire provides is knowledge sharing: sitting down to understand what people know, what they need and what the project requires, then sharing best practice and, of course, actual tested solutions.

A key document we released in the past 12 months is our Information Collection Schedule.

It’s a spreadsheet that captures the “what, what, what and how”: what fire rating; what substrates (type and spec for floors and walls); what services (type, spec, diameters); and how the services penetrate the substrates.

It gives all the contractors and design disciplines a single document to work from and supports the golden thread and Regulation 38 handover.

If you specify the requirements and stick to the plan, your as-built should match your design.

We also have our Key Considerations when Designing BWIC’s document, highlighting factors that affect Quelfire requirements and wider requirements: aperture sizes, spacing between apertures, acoustic needs, service supports and so on.

The aim is to encourage collaboration across trades.

Wherever you are on the design-to-build journey, there is something available, from CPD to deeper technical discussions to product training.

How has Quelfire’s ‘Because It’s Your Job to Know’ campaign been received and how are you developing it further?

We’re keeping the message as it is still very much relevant, but we are refreshing the visuals so it stays fresh.

It has been well received by those who want to engage.

When we talk about competency – skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours – right behaviours are crucial to ensure individuals acquire additional knowledge and use it to good effect.

It’s about wanting to take responsibility and change.

The line is deliberately a bit provocative: it makes people ask: What is it my job to know? Why me? We want people to focus on responsibility, reach out early for advice and prioritise education and competency.

The industry is improving, but there’s a long way to go.

We’ll keep banging the drum that fire-stopping is complex, important and best delivered through early engagement.

Your Burning Questions series is returning this October – what is it and what themes will you cover this season?

Burning Questions is a YouTube series for education and knowledge sharing.

Series two starts in October with new guests.

We’re widening the lens because communication, collaboration and coordination are crucial.

Tom Hughes from Safer Sphere will discuss the principal designer role under the Building Safety Regulator’s Gateway 2 requirements.

Joe Hart from Delta Fire Engineering will talk about fire engineering and guidance.

We’ll also have voices from other manufacturers and suppliers.

Chelsea Green from Encon, a long-standing industry professional and distributor of building materials, will speak about competency and training.

Stevan Grkinic from MIDFIX will cover fixings for both fire-stopping installation and the M&E services themselves.

Those are just some of the names we have so far, and there are more guests in the pipeline -t he more e people across the supply chain who champion competency, the better.

What will Quelfire showcase at London Build and why is the event a key industry platform?

London Build is a key event for us because of its location and its broad reach across the construction industry.

At some fire-focused shows, it can feel like we’re preaching to the converted; London Build brings a wider audience – dry liners, plumbers, M&E contractors and designers – which aligns with our campaign.

Our stand will bring the campaign to life with strong visuals.

We’ll display materials, products and systems that have been exposed to fire so people can see, very plainly, what a burnt fire-stop system looks like and what good looks like on the other side of the wall.

It’s a way to show the importance of getting it right through early engagement.

We’re also hosting a panel session on the first day, 20 November, Titled: “Gateway 2: What We Know Now.” The idea is to bring experts together to share experiences of Gateway 2 submissions and, hopefully, successful outcomes.

There’s a lot of interest and concern around Gateway 2 and we want to share best practice and positive experiences.

How do you see education in fire-stopping progressing over the next years and what role will Quelfire take?

Demand for education across the industry is strong and encouraging.

The days of bribing people to attend CPDs with a free lunch feel like they’re fading.

Some architects we work with are booked well into next year, which is great.

People are treating education as an investment, not just a lunchtime tick-box.

Quelfire wants to remain at the forefront as a trusted adviser.

We are passionate about getting it right and sharing best practice.

Of course, we’ll share the solutions Quelfire can offer, but that is almost secondary.

The priority is making sure people are genuinely safe in buildings.

We expect to be a big player in training and knowledge sharing.

This was originally published in the November 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Platforming passive fire protection: Mike Ward talks the future of the ASFP

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsPassive

Mike Ward, Managing Director of the Association for Specialist Fire Protection, reflects on fifty years of the ASFP advancing competence, clarity and collaboration across the built environment

Passive fire protection often slips from view when project decisions are set.

It sits beside alarms, pumps and vehicles, yet its success depends on choices that begin at concept and run through design, installation and inspection.

In this extended conversation, Mike Ward, Managing Director of the Association for Specialist Fire Protection, sets out how the ASFP is centring competence, earlier engagement and usable guidance, and why that now includes a defined platform at Intersec.

Why passive needs its own platform

Ward begins with a clear observation about how passive fire has been presented at large shows and inside multi-topic project teams.

“Last year we took a bit of a fact-finding trip and then met with Messe Frankfurt,” Ward says.

“My point to them was that on the fire side of Intersec everything gets mixed together.

“You can have a small sprinkler stand next to NAFFCO’s big airport fire engines, next to a box that goes ping, next to a tube of something that claims to solve all ills on a construction site.

“Passive fire is different from boxes that go ping or tanks painted red.”

The platform ASFP sought is about timing and responsibility: “It’s about bringing the passive sector into the design and construction conversation far earlier,” Ward explains.

“Using the new golden thread tools linked with BIM brings the sector front and centre in its relationship with the principal designer and principal contractor.”

ASFP has confirmed plans for Intersec in Dubai that reflect this approach.

The association will lead a Passive Fire Protection zone within the UK Pavilion, positioned near the Fire Safety Theatre, with a programme focused on practical design decisions and clear routes to evidence.

The intention is to make passive fire visible as a defined set of responsibilities and to point visitors to content they can apply on live projects.

Competence, the register and the Pass Mark

Professionalisation in practice starts with role clarity and proof of knowledge.

The ASFP pathway maps expectations across manufacturers, installers, testers, certifiers and designers, then sets out how competence is demonstrated and recorded.

“This is about bringing together the competency framework for manufacturers, installers, testers, certifiers and designers so they can evidence competence through a framework and register,” Ward says.

“That links to more robust schemes here and tracks through to the ASFP Pass Mark.

“The Pass Mark is an independent mark run by ASFP that sits above standard membership.”

The structure is designed to support duty holders, clients and contractors.

It simplifies selection, helps designers understand that specifications can be delivered as drawn, and builds a consistent record along the golden thread so approvals and maintenance stand on firm ground.

“The goal is for the passive sector to be seen as professional, to be brought into the design and construction conversation earlier, and to use golden thread tools linked with BIM so the sector is front and centre alongside the principal designer and principal contractor,” Ward says.

“There’s a whole story to tell here.”

Guidance that supports daily decisions

A framework is only useful if teams can reach for documents that work under time pressure.

ASFP has advanced a pipeline of publications that shift attention to early planning and whole-system thinking.

At the centre is the Green Book for fire doors, drawn from TG10 and set out to treat door sets as systems through the life of a building, not as isolated products at handover.

The approach encourages early engagement with users, mapped responsibility across disciplines, and digital records that support inspection and maintenance.

It recognises the range of door types and components now in use and the way poor specification or reactive upkeep can turn essential assets into liabilities.

Closing the gaps at interfaces

Some of the most persistent problems appear where trades meet.

The space behind the façade is a frequent source of uncertainty because duties overlap and change as products are substituted.

ASFP is convening a new technical group to examine this zone alongside façades, windows and fit-out specialists.

The scope includes movement, junctions and the downstream effects when a product is swapped without checking its neighbour.

Guidance will include straightforward details and a focus on recording decisions so inspectors and future maintainers can see what was installed and why.

“We’re entering the external envelope space and creating a new technical group for passive measures behind façades,” Ward says.

“We’ve got the Centre for Window Technology, FIS and several members engaged.

“The first meeting is planned for the end of January.

“It’s a missing piece in passive – the space between inner walls and the outer wall.

“What does that look like from a passive fire point of view?”

Ward’s stance on materials is direct: “We just want to make sure it works.”

People, culture and outreach

Competence also relies on people, wellbeing and entry routes.

The ASFP Academy now spans Awareness, Introduction, Diploma and Foundation levels, with new courses in development to address gaps.

Work is underway with SFJ Awards on an independent assessment service that can provide credible evidence of competence, beginning with design and specification then expanding to other roles.

The association has launched a mental health pack that sets out simple, practical steps employers can take, encourages open conversation and signposts to specialist support.

The Young Leaders Group features in Council activity, reflecting the need to attract new entrants.

ASFP has joined Climate Action for Associations to embed sustainability aims in its operations and in the guidance it promotes.

The communications approach mirrors how people learn and share now.

ASFP TV and short-form clips translate theatre sessions and site lessons into two-minute explainers that can be watched on a phone and used in toolbox talks.

“I’m handing the reins of social media over because I’m old and no one wants to see old people on social,” Ward says.

“If you go to TikTok and search ‘everything PFP’ you’ll see our channel.

“Others are starting to do similar things, which is fine.

“How people consume information is different from ten or twenty years ago.

“It takes three times the effort to stay ahead of the pack, but we’re happy for people to follow.”

Reece Goodman has returned as PR and Membership Engagement Officer to drive this activity, oversee the EverythingPFP channel and develop member-facing content that supports recruitment and outreach alongside the Young Leaders Group.

https://www.tiktok.com/@everythingpfp/video/7569211257950096662

A year of touchpoints, with Intersec in view

The calendar provides a rhythm that runs from regional rooms to international halls.

Through the year ASFP has appeared at national trade shows with theatre activity, paired its AGM with a London technical seminar, and run regional days including Scotland and London.

Webinars and Academy sessions support those who cannot travel, and the ASFP Awards Lunch will round out the year.

On awards, Ward sets out what they represent.

“The ASFP is proud to represent all those in the passive fire community who look to evidence their commitment to improving quality, standards, and competency within the built environment by virtue of their membership of the association,” Ward says.

“The pinnacle of this is those members who put forward their nominations for the ASFP awards, knowing their nomination will come under scrutiny, but having the confidence in themselves to put it forward all the same.

“Whether being shortlisted or winning, the mere confidence and commitment to apply is what makes the ASFP awards such a great event.

“The quiet, meaningful morality of ASFP members is the loudest voice in the industry; this one fact alone is never lost on me, thank you to all those who applied, good luck to all nominees on this, the fiftieth anniversary of the ASFP.

“It’s going to be a very special event indeed.”

Those touchpoints lead into the Intersec plan.

ASFP will lead the Passive Fire Protection zone within the UK Pavilion near the Fire Safety Theatre and run theatre content focused on competence and early design decisions, supported by a show brochure and daily media.

Rather than presenting passive as a catalogue of products, the programme concentrates on decisions that change day-to-day work.

Ward’s team expects short interviews on the stand and in the theatre to run across social channels during the show so the message reaches people who are not on site.

“We’ll run a full ASFP TV social media campaign across the three days,” Ward says.

“Reece is coming to do on-stand interviews with exhibitors, film at the theatre, talk to presenters and panellists, and speak with Emirates Safety Laboratory.”

The pavilion set-up follows the same logic of clarity and access.

ASFP will host a small pavilion of exhibiting members, each with its own branding, promoted by Messe Frankfurt as the ASFP pavilion, with an ASFP stand integrated with or adjacent to the space.

The third day includes a full programme in the Fire Theatre on professionalising passive fire.

Sessions will include the latest work on competency frameworks, the forthcoming ASFP Design Guide, and the Green Book for fire doors.

Panel sessions will include employers from exhibiting members so visitors can hear directly from teams applying these approaches in practice.

A longer horizon sits behind the show plan.

“This is baby steps for the first one,” Ward says.

“We have a five-year plan with Messe Frankfurt to develop passive as a distinct consideration – not siloed, because everything is interdependent, but visible.

“Unless you break it out and shine a light on it, it gets lost in the noise.”

Asked what readers should take from the year ahead, Ward returns to first principles:

  • Early involvement creates clarity.
  • Role-based competence gives confidence.
  • Documents that show tested detail reduce friction from concept to sign-off.

“Bringing the passive sector into the conversation earlier is what changes outcomes,” Ward says.

“The calendar is set up to keep that message in front of designers, contractors and clients throughout the year.”

This was originally published in the November 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Charged for Disaster

by Breaking NewsSafety

As e-mobility devices become more common, lithium-ion battery fires are creating a rapidly evolving global challenge that’s testing the limits of fire prevention and response, writes Duncan J. White

Is the Fire Service losing the battle against e-mobility charging fires? Electric scooters and bikes have revolutionised urban transportation — they are clean, compact, and affordable.

But as their lithium-ion batteries enter homes and high-rises, the global fire sector faces a rising and unpredictable threat: charging-related fires that develop with unprecedented speed and ferocity.

A rapidly escalating threat

Fire services worldwide report a steep rise in incidents linked to e-mobility charging.

When a lithium-ion cell fails, temperatures can exceed 1,000°C in seconds, releasing toxic gases and triggering violent explosions.

In testing, complete flashover has occurred in under a minute, leaving virtually no time for occupants to escape or responders to act.

These fires behave unlike conventional domestic blazes – they are chemical, fast, and extraordinarily difficult to control once started.

Why firefighters are struggling

Four factors explain the mounting challenge:

  • Speed and volatility: Thermal runaway can occur before alarms activate, making early intervention nearly impossible.
  • Hidden ignition: Batteries often smoulder internally without warning until they rupture.
  • Unsafe charging: Many fires involve cheap or incompatible chargers purchased online.
  • Domestic exposure: Charging in bedrooms or hallways places ignition sources directly in escape routes.

A global systemic gap

The e-mobility boom has outpaced regulations.

Building codes and product standards were never designed for high-energy batteries in domestic settings.

Few jurisdictions enforce consistent safety certification for chargers or storage.

In dense urban housing, users often charge indoors overnight – a practice now known to carry catastrophic risk.

Public awareness campaigns have begun, but understanding remains limited, and misinformation about “safe charging” persists online.

What the fire sector must do next

Regaining control will require global collaboration.

Fire agencies, regulators, and manufacturers must align around:

  • Harmonised safety standards for batteries and chargers.
  • Shared data to identify high-risk models early.
  • Public education promoting safe charging habits – certified equipment, daylight charging, and separation from living spaces.
  • Specialised training and suppression research for lithium-ion incidents.

The fire service is not losing the battle – but it is fighting on a new front.

As e-mobility reshapes cities, lithium-ion batteries will remain integral to modern life.

The challenge is not elimination, but adaptation.

Only by uniting standards, science, and public awareness can the fire community prevent today’s convenience from becoming tomorrow’s catastrophe.

Stay safe!

This was originally published in the November 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

The N2 Gen approach: How DSPA supports reliable protection in modern infrastructure

by Breaking NewsIFSJ ExclusivesSafety

John Munno, Director of Energy Risk Engineer, explains how nitrogen generation technology improves safety, efficiency and compliance in modern energy facilities

The energy sector encompasses a range of high-value, mission-critical assets vulnerable to fire risks, including energised electrical equipment (Class C per NFPA 2010), flammable liquids and gases (Class B) and ordinary combustibles (Class A).

Facilities such as power substations, transformer enclosures, battery storage rooms and control cabinets require fire suppression solutions that are non-conductive, residue-free and safe for sensitive electronics.

Inert gas systems, particularly those based on nitrogen (IG-100), extinguish fires by reducing oxygen concentrations to below 15% while maintaining breathable levels above 10%, making them ideal for these applications.

High-pressure cylinder-based systems have dominated this space for decades, storing compressed nitrogen in steel cylinders released via solenoid valves and piping networks.

However, emerging technologies like the N2 Gen by DSPA – a non-pressurised, electrically initiated nitrogen generator – provide innovative alternatives.

By generating nitrogen on-demand through controlled decomposition of a solid compound, N2 Gen eliminates many limitations of cylinder systems.

This paper explores these advantages, drawing on technical specifications and performance data to demonstrate N2 Gen’s suitability for energy-related risks.

How cylinder-based systems operate

High-pressure cylinder-based systems store nitrogen or inert gas mixtures (e.g., IG-100, IG-55, or IG-541) in seamless steel cylinders pressurised to 200-300 bar (2,900-4,350 psi).

Upon fire detection, a control panel signals the release of gas through discharge nozzles via fixed piping, flooding the protected enclosure to achieve design concentrations (typically 40-52% by volume for nitrogen, equivalent to 12-15% oxygen reduction).

Key features include:

  • Rapid Discharge: Full release in 60-120 seconds, depending on system size.
  • Distribution: Requires engineered piping for even agent dispersal.
  • Maintenance: Periodic hydrostatic testing (every 5-10 years), pressure checks and cylinder recertification.
  • Applications: Widely used in data centres, electrical rooms and energy facilities for total flooding protection.

While effective, these systems involve challenges such as high initial costs for cylinders and piping, space-intensive storage and safety risks from high-pressure vessels, which can rupture under impact or corrosion.

How the N2 Gen system works

The N2 Gen by DSPA is a fixed fire suppression generator designed for enclosed environments, producing pure nitrogen (IG-100) through an irreversible chemical reaction.

Housed in a stainless-steel enclosure, it contains a solid propellant that, upon electrical activation from a fire detection panel, an initiator triggers decomposition, generating nitrogen gas that passes through a multi-layer filter/cooler to remove particulates and cool the output.

Technical specifications include:

  • Discharge Time: 5-14 seconds, providing rapid flooding.
  • Agent Output: Scalable based on generator size, achieving oxygen reduction below 13% in enclosures that retain gas for at least 10 minutes.
  • Placement: Can be installed directly inside the protected area (no piping needed) or externally with optional hoses.
  • Outer Casing: Provides thermal clearance (air gap) to limit surface temperatures to 75°C for personnel and 200°C for combustibles, with perforations for even gas distribution.
  • Certifications: Tested for Class A, B and C fires per EN 2 and NFPA 2010 standards; suitable for unoccupied energy assets like industrial units and storages.
  • Limitations: Irreversible activation; not for deep-seated fires or oxidising materials.

N2 Gen’s design ensures clean, transparent, non-conductive discharge with no residue, preserving visibility and equipment integrity – critical for energy applications.

Comparing N2 Gen and cylinder designs

The N2 Gen system’s solid propellant technology offers significant benefits over cylinder-based systems, particularly for energy-related risks where space is constrained, reliability is paramount and rapid response minimises operational disruptions.

Enhanced safety

High-pressure cylinders pose inherent risks, including potential rupture from mechanical damage, corrosion, or over-pressurisation, which could lead to explosive failure in seismic or impact-prone energy sites.

N2 Gen operates at ambient pressure until activation, eliminating these hazards.

Its hermetically sealed stainless-steel housing ensures a 15-year shelf life without leakage concerns and the generated nitrogen exhaust is non-toxic (primarily N2 with trace CO2 and H2O).

In energy facilities, where personnel may enter intermittently, N2 Gen’s thermal safeguards (e.g., air gap limiting exposure to safe temperatures) provide superior protection compared to cylinder systems, which require secure storage to prevent accidental discharge.

Easier installation in compact sites

Cylinder systems demand substantial infrastructure: multiple heavy cylinders (each 50-100 kg), extensive piping networks and dedicated storage rooms, complicating retrofits in compact energy enclosures like switchgear or battery rooms.

N2 Gen’s lightweight, compact design (25-50% the weight of equivalent cylinder agents) allows direct placement within the risk area, eliminating piping needs and reducing installation time and costs by up to 50%.

For external mounting, flexible hoses suffice.

This modularity is ideal for modular energy assets, such as offshore platforms or containerised substations, where space savings translate to more efficient layouts and easier compliance with tight enclosure standards.

Lower maintenance and cost efficiency

Cylinder systems require ongoing maintenance, including annual inspections, hydrostatic testing every 5 years and periodic refills, incurring high operational expenses – especially in remote energy sites.

N2 Gen has minimal maintenance needs: visual checks and electrical testing of the initiator, with no pressure monitoring or recertification.

Long-term costs are further reduced by avoiding cylinder transport and disposal.

Initial capital outlay for N2 Gen is competitive and its scalability (multiple units for larger volumes) avoids over-sizing, providing ROI through reduced downtime in energy operations where fires can cost millions in lost production.

Superior performance in energy applications

Both systems use nitrogen for oxygen reduction, but N2 Gen’s rapid 5-14 second discharge generates inherent momentum for better distribution in cluttered enclosures, outperforming slower cylinder releases (60+ seconds) that may be hindered by piping friction or venting.

In energy risks – e.g., arc flashes in electrical panels or gas leaks in compressor stations – N2 Gen’s quick action prevents escalation, with testing showing effective suppression at 12% oxygen levels even with internal airflow.

Its filter ensures particle-free output, safeguarding sensitive turbines or transformers from contamination, unlike potential impurities in stored gases.

For hazardous areas (per ATEX Directive), N2 Gen’s non-pressurised nature simplifies approvals.

Environmental and reliability benefits

Cylinder systems contribute to emissions via manufacturing and transport of high-pressure vessels, while N2 Gen’s on-site generation minimises logistics footprints, aligning with sustainability goals in the energy transition.

Reliability is enhanced by N2 Gen’s rugged design (-20°C to +75°C operation, 95% humidity tolerance), resisting corrosion in humid or coastal energy environments where cylinders might degrade.

Post-discharge, N2 Gen leaves no residue, enabling immediate equipment restart – vital for grid stability.

Technical comparison of suppression methods

Traditional high-pressure cylinder systems store extinguishing agents at 200–300 bar, while the N2 Gen by DSPA system operates at ambient pressure (0 bar).

This low-pressure design removes the need for heavy storage vessels and reduces overall system weight by up to 75% for an equivalent agent volume.

The systems also differ in performance and installation.

High-pressure cylinders typically discharge over 60–120 seconds, whereas N2 Gen units complete discharge within 5–14 seconds.

Because N2 Gen systems require no fixed pipework, units can be positioned directly in the protected area, streamlining installation and enabling flexible system design.

Maintenance demands are lower for N2 Gen, limited to visual or electrical inspections, compared with the annual servicing and five-year pressure testing needed for high-pressure systems.

The operational lifespan extends to 15 years, whereas conventional cylinders generally require replacement or retesting after 5–10 years.

In terms of space, high-pressure systems occupy a larger footprint due to cylinders and storage requirements, while N2 Gen offers a compact configuration, providing a practical solution where space efficiency and ease of maintenance are priorities.

Applications in the energy sector

N2 Gen excels in protecting energy infrastructure, such as:

  • Substations and Switchgear: Direct installation in enclosures guards against electrical faults without residue.
  • Battery and Transformer Rooms: Rapid response to thermal runaway or oil fires.
  • Gas Storage Modules: Suppresses Class C gas fires in tight, unoccupied spaces.

Field deployments in industrial energy units demonstrate reduced fire damage and faster recovery compared to cylinder systems.

Final observations

For energy-related fire risks, the N2 Gen by DSPA system surpasses high-pressure cylinder-based alternatives by prioritising safety, simplicity and efficiency.

Its non-pressurised, compact design addresses the sector’s unique challenges – limited space, high reliability demands and cost pressures – while delivering proven nitrogen-based suppression.

As energy infrastructure evolves toward modular and sustainable designs, adopting N2 Gen enables proactive protection, ensuring operational continuity and asset preservation.

Stakeholders in power generation, transmission and storage should evaluate N2 Gen for its transformative potential in fire safety.

This was originally published in the November 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

OroraTech and Earth Fire Alliance expand global orbital wildfire intelligence

by Breaking NewsFire DetectionWildland Fire

OroraTech partners with Earth Fire Alliance

OroraTech has announced a new partnership with Earth Fire Alliance (EFA), combining orbital wildfire intelligence capabilities to expand global access to real-time wildfire data for responders worldwide, in an agreement unveiled on Tuesday 18 November 2025 in San Francisco and Munich.

The companies said the partnership brings together space-based thermal detection and monitoring systems operated by both organisations into a shared intelligence framework.

According to OroraTech, the combined capability is designed to provide actionable wildfire intelligence that supports fast detection, monitoring and mitigation decisions.

The announcement stated that the collaboration aligns with both organisations’ missions to make wildfire data more accessible to frontline users.

Initial services under the partnership are planned to launch as soon as possible, focusing first on non-governmental organisation (NGO) led fire management programmes.

OroraTech, which describes itself as a leader in orbital wildfire intelligence, and EFA, described as a global nonprofit committed to delivering data and insights from all wildfires on Earth, framed the agreement as a way to build on existing space-based monitoring investments.

Extending wildfire tools to NGOs and communities

EFA said a core aim of the partnership is to help NGOs and under resourced communities and geographies access wildfire data and tools from both organisations.

The nonprofit will work to connect local fire management teams with data and tools drawn from the combined systems.

According to the organisations, early deployment efforts will centre on NGO led fire management in Kruger National Park in South Africa.

The same deployment phase will extend to conservation areas across the African continent identified by the organisations.

Brian Collins, Executive Director of EFA, said: “This partnership embodies the next evolution in EFA’s mission, as we aim to not only collect world-class wildfire data but to connect local action to global datasets through robust partnerships,”

Combining FireSat and FOREST wildfire networks

The organisations confirmed that they will explore combined wildfire intelligence offerings that integrate the EFA FireSat satellite constellation with the OroraTech orbital FOREST network.

The development work will draw on OroraTech processing and delivery systems alongside EFA data.

The organisations said the goal is to provide real-time wildfire detection, monitoring and mitigation insights for agencies around the world.

They added that the same tools are intended to support prediction capabilities for fire managers planning integrated fire management activities.

Dr Martin Langer, CEO and CTO of OroraTech, said: “That connection gives worldwide wildfire intelligence a new momentum.

“Our partnership empowers decision-makers at every level with timely, actionable insights that change outcomes in extreme wildfires,”

How shared orbital wildfire intelligence could support practice

The partnership between OroraTech and Earth Fire Alliance is aimed at giving agencies real-time wildfire detection, monitoring and mitigation insights supported by space-based thermal data.

Emergency and disaster response managers could use this combined orbital intelligence to identify fire starts earlier and track fire behaviour during fast-moving incidents.

Fire and rescue chiefs and senior officers may be able to coordinate with NGOs and conservation authorities using a common set of wildfire data products.

Government departments responsible for wildfire policy and funding could reference the integrated datasets when assessing where NGO led fire management programmes are most needed.

Risk assessors and fire engineering consultants working with conservation areas and protected landscapes may draw on FireSat and FOREST based insights when advising on integrated fire management practices.

By focusing initial deployments on Kruger National Park and other African conservation areas, the partnership sets out a use case where data access for under resourced communities is a central objective.

Federal fire protection framework reshapes ambulance and civil defence remit in UAE

by Breaking NewsMiddle East - Breaking News

New federal authority for ambulance and civil defence

The UAE President has established the Federal Authority for Ambulance and Civil Defence to oversee national ambulance and civil defence functions, replacing existing arrangements and reporting directly to the Cabinet.

The decision was taken on Sunday 12 October, and the authority will be chaired by Minister of Health and Prevention Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh.

According to Khaleej Times, the new body assumes the role previously held by the National Guard Command and Civil Defence Authority in relation to the National Ambulance Company.

The authority has legal, financial and administrative independence, with full legal capacity to act within its mandate.

Its responsibilities cover policy development, risk assessment, public alerting, specialist consultancy and training related to ambulance and civil defence.

New federal fire protection system remit

Khaleej Times reported that the authority will propose and prepare policies, strategies and legislation for ambulance and civil defence, working with relevant local authorities and national bodies.

It will study potential incidents, risks and disasters in order to design risk prevention programmes and risk management plans in coordination with the National Emergency, Crisis, and Disasters Management Authority.

Within fire protection, the authority is tasked with setting the controls and requirements needed to secure buildings and facilities against fires.

It will develop systems to protect buildings and facilities against fire, defining controls, requirements, scope of application and related provisions for those systems.

These fire protection systems and requirements will then be submitted to the Cabinet for approval.

Public alert, evacuation and shelter planning

The new authority will ensure ambulance services are provided and that emergency cases receive rapid response and transport for injured people.

Khaleej Times stated that it will establish a national public alert system to warn residents about potential hazards, again in coordination with the National Emergency, Crisis, and Disasters Management Authority.

Its remit includes developing evacuation plans for residents and supervising how those plans are carried out during hazards.

The authority will oversee shelter plans, including identifying locations, arranging equipment and managing shelters when hazards occur.

It will coordinate with entities responsible for internal security and safety systems, including oil companies, airports and other vital facilities, to agree joint plans and procedures for providing support when requested.

Consultancy, training and relationship with local authorities

Khaleej Times noted that the authority will provide consultancy services in ambulance and civil defence fields and build a comprehensive database covering information related to its remit.

It will prepare and deliver training and awareness programmes, mock drills and joint exercises for qualified personnel and volunteers.

The authority will monitor radiological, chemical and biological pollution hazards in times of peace and war and take the necessary response measures in cooperation with competent authorities and other relevant entities.

The Decree Law clarifies that these federal tasks do not affect the powers of local authorities responsible for ambulance and civil defence, which may continue to act under their own governing legislation.

Relevance for emergency and civil protection planning

The creation of a single federal authority responsible for ambulance and civil defence policy will be directly relevant for civil defence chiefs and senior officers who must align local procedures with national requirements.

Central control of building fire protection systems, including the development of controls and requirements for securing buildings and facilities, will affect fire safety officers, fire engineering consultants and system installers working on code compliance.

A national public alert system and federal oversight of evacuation and shelter planning will have practical implications for emergency and disaster response managers, particularly those coordinating multi-agency incident responses.

Formal coordination with oil companies, airports and other vital facilities means oil and gas safety officers and airport and mass transit facility managers will need to engage with the authority on joint planning and support mechanisms.

The authority’s role in monitoring radiological, chemical and biological pollution hazards, combined with its consultancy, training and data-gathering functions, will also be relevant for risk assessors and specialist emergency planners involved in CBRN preparedness.

Fire testing collaboration launched to support UK building safety reforms

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsFire EngineeringPassiveResearch

Fire testing rules tighten inside the FPA UL PartB plan

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has announced a collaboration with UL Solutions and PartB to deliver independent fire testing for the UK built environment at a time of strengthened regulation and closer scrutiny of construction products.

The collaboration is outlined in a joint paper titled Testing Times: a solutions-focused collaboration for UK fire testing.

According to the FPA, the aim is to provide impartial and transparent testing services that support compliance in a sector shaped by the Building Safety Act and the findings of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

The organisations highlighted that the Building Safety Regulator’s Gateway programme and extended liability under the Defective Premises Act have increased pressure on dutyholders to evidence the fire performance of products and systems.

They stated that stakeholders now need reliable data to show that every component and assembly used in construction meets defined fire safety standards.

Independent laboratory and response to inquiry findings

The FPA said it will use its independent fire testing laboratory to host testing commissioned by UL Solutions and PartB clients in a secure and confidential environment.

The organisation stated that tests will be carried out at arm’s length from the client to protect impartiality and ensure that intellectual property and proprietary data remain confidential.

The initiative is positioned as a direct response to issues raised in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report around the need for independent testing to rebuild trust in the construction sector.

According to the partners, access to impartial fire performance data is intended to help clients make better-informed choices, reduce remediation costs and show a commitment to recognised good practice.

FPA Chief Executive Dr Gavin Dunn said the collaboration is intended to address gaps in how complex building systems are assessed.

Gavin Dunn, FPA Chief Executive, said: “This new collaboration addresses a critical gap in the construction sector: the need to test and certify the fire performance not just of individual products, but increasingly also the interfaces and combinations of systems that often present the greatest fire safety risks.

“Leveraging the FPA’s independent testing capabilities, UL Solutions’ certification expertise, and PartB’s engineering insight, offers a holistic approach to fire safety validation for the whole UK built environment sector.”

Roles for FPA UL Solutions and PartB

UL Solutions was described as bringing more than 130 years of global experience in testing, inspection and certification to the collaboration.

The firm’s work helps manufacturers meet regulatory requirements and obtain market access through established certification schemes.

Through this collaboration, UL Solutions and the FPA plan to offer testing of building products and systems such as wall assemblies, fire doors and joint systems.

The partners said this work will support both UKCA and CE-marking requirements for applicable products and systems.

PartB was presented as a provider of pragmatic fire safety solutions based on real-world project experience and engineering judgement.

The company’s approach is focused on offering engineered alternatives to conventional remediation, which can avoid invasive and high-cost work while maintaining safety performance.

According to PartB, its experience shows that compliance can in some cases be achieved through engineered solutions that maintain fire safety without defaulting to full-scale replacement.

Jamie Davis, PartB Group Chief Technical Officer, explained that the publication of the white paper marks an important step for the partners.

Jamie Davis, PartB Group Chief Technical Officer, said: “We are proud to announce the publication of this white paper.

“It marks a significant progress in enhancing collaboration to ensure proper testing and compliance measures.

“By sharing these insights, we aim to promote safer building environments and strengthen our commitment to innovation and technical excellence in fire risk mitigation, in a proportionate and responsible manner”

Panel session at London Build and access to the paper

The FPA said representatives from the three organisations will take part in a panel discussion on the Fire Safety Stage at London Build to explain how the collaboration relates to modern methods of construction.

The session, titled Ensuring Fire Safety in MMC: Addressing Industry Concerns, is scheduled for Thursday 20 November at 10:00.

Speakers are due to include Simon Ince, Programme Manager – UK/Europe Codes and Regulatory Services at UL Solutions, George Edwardes, Technical Director at the Fire Protection Association, and Richard Howells, Managing Director (Technical Services) at PartB.

The panel will also feature Jon Cumberlidge, Co-Founder and Director at C3 Design Approvals.

The FPA confirmed that hard copies of the joint paper will be available at the panel session and at the FPA trade stand during London Build.

The organisations added that the full Testing Times paper on the collaboration can also be downloaded online.

They stated that the collaboration is intended to support a safer, greener and higher-quality future for UK buildings by providing reliable, independent fire performance data to project teams.

How independent fire testing data could be used in practice

For architects, fire engineering consultants and building services engineers working on UK projects, this collaboration offers a route to obtain independent fire performance data on products, systems and interfaces that have been tested in an impartial laboratory environment.

For facility managers across industrial, commercial and public sectors, the availability of transparent test evidence may help in assessing existing installations and planning remediation strategies where fire safety concerns have been identified.

For system installers, fire-protection contractors and risk assessors, access to testing that covers complete assemblies such as wall systems, fire doors and joints can support more accurate specification and on-site verification of installed solutions.

For standards and certification bodies and relevant government departments, the partners’ stated focus on impartial testing and traceable data aligns with regulatory frameworks linked to the Building Safety Act, the Building Safety Regulator’s Gateway programme and extended liability under the Defective Premises Act.

For organisations working with modern methods of construction, the London Build panel and the Testing Times paper provide insight into how engineered solutions and system-level testing approaches are being applied to address fire safety concerns in newer forms of construction.