Building Safety Regulator hosts inaugural conference

by EventsFeatured News

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) held its first national annual conference to support industry and dutyholders in preparing for new building safety regulations in England.

The event, held on 22 March at the Methodist Central Hall in Westminster, brought together over than 900 practitioners including architects, landlords and building control professionals looking to raise their awareness and understanding of what the BSR expects from them over the next 18 months. It marks the largest event by the regulator since it was established

Hackitt headlines

Conference goers saw a topical programme of information, learning and interactive Q&A sessions with senior BSR policy leads, and key industry representatives offering delegates valuable insights into the robust regulatory regime and guidance on the legal duties and requirements under the Building Safety Act 2022.

One of the key sessions was headlined by Dame Judith Hackitt on the Industry Safety Steering Group’s third report in which she discussed culture change in the built environment industry.

Milestone moment

The conference comes at a ‘milestone moment’ for building safety as the registration process for high-rise residential buildings (HRBs) is set to begin in April. Owners and managers of approximately 12,500 HRBs in England have until the 1 October 2023 to register with the Building Safety Regulator or face investigation and prosecution.

Key information around this crucial registration stage was covered in detail throughout the event to help dutyholders better understand how to comply. Other sessions that proved popular with delegates included presentations on the HRB planning, design and construction gateways and the drive to increase competency across the industry.

Engage with the new regimine

In his keynote speech, Minister for Building Safety, Lee Rowley MP set out the importance of collaboration to delivering better standards: “We need to ensure that those working in the building industry have the knowledge and confidence to properly engage with this new regime and make it a success.”

HSE Chief Executive Sarah Albon said: “Over the past 18 months, we have been talking directly to residents and to resident groups – listening to their concerns, trying to understand what would give them the reassurance they need, and to make sure we take the steps needed to get this right. People must be safe in their own homes – and they must feel safe too.  

“You all have a really important part to play in ensuring that we can set up this new regime successfully and that HSE can continue, through the BSR, to protect people and places.”

Chief Inspector of Buildings Peter Baker added: “The regulatory reforms that will start from April will ensure that you all lead the behaviour change that is needed and do what is required to protect residents. They also introduce a new regulator ‘with teeth’ to hold to account those who chose not to learn the lessons and improve.”

FDIC International: Looking ahead at North America’s leading firefighter conference

by Breaking NewsEventsIFSJ Exclusives

IFSJ takes a look at some of the key sessions, speakers and opportunities in store at FDIC International

FDIC International is North America’s Leading Firefighter Conference, bringing together thousands of Fire & Rescue professionals from around the world, world-class instructors, classrooms, workshops, training, and the innovative products and services on display from 800+ exhibiting companies. Being held in Indianapolis form 24-29 of April, FDIC is a show that focuses on learning and sharing with your peers formally and informally through hallway conversations, developing life-long friendships, and recharging your passion for the industry.

More than 35,000 industry professionals from around the world will be in Indianapolis for FDIC International 2023, giving you the opportunity to develop stronger industry relationships, learning from other departments on the issues they are facing and bringing back these insights to our department.

The week-long event begins with FDIC’s interactive hands-on training evolutions where firefighters and fire and rescue professionals can advance their skills by participating in live training courses, pre-conference workshops and over 200 conference sessions taught by renowned instructors presenting new areas of interest within the fire service along with updated content on important topics. 

Hands on Training

Hands-on Training (H.O.T.) Evolutions at FDIC International are training sessions on the latest technology and techniques in the fire service, instructed by key players within the industry. They are designed so that firefighters that attend will become better firefighters and take back information to their hometown departments that will have an impact on the safety of their community

Among the training sessions on offer is one from Leigh Hollins, Battalion Chief (Ret.), Cedar Hammock (FL) Fire Department, who will host a session on ‘Advanced Vehicle Extrication’, presenting challenging, difficult extrication scenarios requiring advanced skills to stabilise the vehicles, gain entry, and remove patients entrapped and entangled in the wreckage.

With electric and hybrid vehicles on the rise, Jason Defosse, Firefighter, Quinte West Fire Department. will lead a training course on ‘Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Response’. Students will have the opportunity to receive hands-on training on the latest vehicles on the market today. The class will focus on electric hybrid vehicle response as well as new emerging technologies and attendees will be given a unique perspective on proper shutdown procedures, extrication tactics, the removal of patients entrapped and entangled in the wreckage, and firefighting considerations while applying real hands-on training with brand new and late model hybrid and electric vehicles.

Pre-conference workshops

Pre-conference workshops are offered on Monday, April 24 and Tuesday, April 25 ahead of the conference program. These 4-hour sessions provide an in-depth look at specific topics covering new areas of interest within the fire service as well as traditional training topics. Attendees can choose from a variety of topics and should be prepared to walk away with new insights, ideas and approaches.

Among the workshops is ‘25 to Survive: The Commercial Building Fire’, with Doug Mitchell, Captain, Fire Department of New York. This interactive program will address 25 critical firefighting concerns common to the commercial building fire and tactically sound tips, techniques, and drills that firefighters can implement into their firehouse.

Justin Bailey, Chief, Oliver Springs (TN) Fire Department, will host a session on ‘Prioritising Your Department’s Training Program’. This course will help determine the need for training for firefighters and their department and how to make it the leading priority. Topics include organisational training needs and expectations, the selection of a training officer, training program delivery, and personal responsibility in maintaining a healthy training environment.

In the classroom

FDIC International offers more ways than ever to learn the latest tactics, techniques, and technologies designed to take your knowledge to the next level with world-renowned instructors.

‘Cancer: Prevent It, Detect It Early, and Survive It’ will see an interactive presentation and discussions, where students will learn about the scope of the problem of cancer in the fire service, hosted by Russell Osgood, Chief, Ogunquit (ME) Fire Department; Firefighter Cancer Support Network.

 ‘Fight the Fire, Not the Building’, hosted by Ron Kanterman, Executive Inspector, Fire Department of New York Bureau of Fire Protection, will review the built-in active and passive fire protection systems that make up the building’s fire and life safety system and the basic working of these systems.

Women in Fire

Women in Fire Conference returns to FDIC International. This conference will begin with an opening ceremony, followed by a line-up of educational classes that provide training, support, and advocacy for women in the fire service.

Its keynote address on Monday 24 April at 8am comes from Mira Leinonen, a senior officer for a state administrative state agency in Southern Finland and chairperson for the international association CTIF’s Women in Fire and Rescue Services commission.

A seminar called ‘Health and Wellness for Women in the Fire Service’ will present attendees with information and resources regarding the impacts of culture, harassment and bullying, mental health, and suicide among women in the fire service. Included are resources for pregnant firefighters along with information about risks, impacts, and best practices. The session will be hosted by Amy Hanifan, President; Operations Chief, Women in Fire; McMinnville (OR) Fire Department.

‘Your Guide to Responding to Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation in Emergency’, with Candice McDonald, Deputy CEO; Firefighter/EMT, NVFC; Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association, will educate on protected groups; define and identify types of unlawful discrimination; examine the behaviours of unlawful harassment; educate on what liability has in addressing harassment and discrimination, and more.

Networking

FDIC International brings together members of the fire service from around the world to exchange information, network, reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. Attendees can maximise their experience by attending a variety of special events planned throughout the week.

Returning this year to facilitate networking is the MATCH! Program. It is designed help participant get business done in the most efficient and convenient way possible and is available to officers (or committee members) who are decision-makers and actively sourcing products or services for their department. Meetings are pre-scheduled and mutually agreed upon, which allows both parties to come prepared for a productive business conversation while saving precious time at the event.

IGNITE

Finally, not to be missed at FDIC International is IGNITE: an exhibiting destination for start-up businesses owned by emergency service entrepreneurs looking to make their debut at the show. Companies will feature alongside other start-up and small businesses, creating a dedicated community within the Lucas Oil Stadium exhibit hall. Participating exhibitors will be looking to build relationships, connect and network with industry professionals including fire chiefs, officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, distributors, and other manufacturers large and small.

This article was originally published in the March edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Fire Rescue Station of the Future on show at FDIC

by EventsFeatured News

FDIC International 2023 has revealed it will feature the “Fire Rescue Station of the Future” – an interactive showcase of cutting-edge design and products.

Designed by H2M architects + engineers (H2M) and featuring more than 30 additional sponsors, this walk-through exhibit of a futuristic station will look at essential programmatic changes to the current fire station model.

The futuristic station is designed to look at how current fire/rescue station designs evolve to accommodate new needs such as the growing number of electric apparatus and support vehicles and managing the electric service of a building while dealing with local codes and ordinances for proper fire separation and fire suppression systems.

It will seek to answer: how fire stations can accommodate battery storage technology; if drones and robots become common; if biometrics will become the new standard for measuring the health and well-being of responders; how we canretrofit existing stations with these ideas and equipment so that all battalions are prepared for the future; and above all what a ‘futuristic’ station look like.

Located in the Lucas Oil Stadium, H2M’s Architects and Station Designers will be offering tours of the Station for all attendees seeking firsthand answers to these questions.

Attendees will be able to navigate through the exhibit, exploring exciting new building and room designs with new equipment/products in each. Explorable spaces will include: bays with brand new electric apparatus, robots, drones, and the state-of-the-art apparatus support; decontamination and transition zones and laundering facilities that will bring visitors from the traditionally “dirty/red” side of the building to the “clean/green” side; cutting-edge training rooms where presentations will be offered throughout the conference; a top of the line command and dispatch center; modern living quarters and exercise room; and an outdoor/well-being area.

NSI to make Fire Safety Event debut

by EventsFeatured News

The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) will be making its exhibitor debut at this year’s Fire Safety Event, which takes place next month on 25-27 April at the NEC in Birmingham.

The Inspectorate will this year have a dedicated hub within the Fire Safety Event where visitors are invited to meet face to face with NSI’s team to learn how third party certification can enhance their business by improving performance and increasing customer satisfaction.

NSI is licensed by BAFE to conduct fire safety assessments on their behalf, awarding third party certification to compliant providers on a range of competency schemes namely:

  • Fire Risk Assessment (BAFE SP205)
  • Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems (BAFE SP203-1)
  • Fire Extinguisher Maintenance/Servicing (BAFE SP101)
  • Emergency Lighting Systems (BAFE SP203-4)
  • Fixed Gaseous Fire Extinguishing Systems (BAFE SP203-3)
  • Kitchen Fire Protection Systems (BAFE SP206)
  • Evacuation Alert Systems (BAFE SP207)

Organisations selecting NSI as their Certification Body for one or more of the BAFE competency schemes will, once granted certification, in addition to BAFE registration be awarded usage of the coveted NSI Gold or Silver certification logos.

NSI Seminars

Visitors to the Fire Safety Event will also have the opportunity to attend a specially curated programme of educational seminars in which NSI’s Senior Operations Manager (Systems), Chris Hayes, will be participating. Hayes, who leads NSI’s team of Systems auditors, will be speaking on 25 April at 2.30pm in the Innovation and Regulation Theatre explaining ‘Fire Risk Assessment & Evacuation Alert Systems – A Certification Body’s Perspective on Demonstrating Competence’. Those attending the session will find out how becoming third party certificated helps providers demonstrate due diligence and evidence competency to their clients, which is increasingly recommended by the Government.

NSI CEO Richard Fogelman commented: “Having seen significant growth in fire-related certification enquiries we are proud to be bringing our experts to the Fire Safety Event for the first time to meet with companies interested in obtaining third-party certification. BAFE registration together with NSI’s hallmark of excellence, provides clear evidence of organisational competency and represents the best level of quality fire safety service providers can achieve.

“The event also provides a valuable opportunity to meet face to face with buyers of fire safety services for whom third-party certification is an important consideration.

“As the Fire Safety Event is co-located with The Security Event where, as an official Event Partner, we will also have a significant presence, visitors will have two touchpoints at the NEC where they will be able to connect with us.”

Civil Defense Day Fire Fighting Challenge supported by Intersec

by Breaking NewsEvents

The Fire Fighting Challenge takes place today (28 February) until 2 March as part of the Civil Defense Day celebrations in Dubai and is being supported by Intersec to bring the event to the United Arab Emirates.

As Diamond sponsors, Intersec is supporting the challenge as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations ahead of its Silver Jubilee edition in January 2024.

The Fire Fighting Challenge has been developed by organisers 911 Challenge Events Management to draw attention to the requirements of firefighting, both physical and mental. Competitors will showcase their real-life actions through a series of challenges, allowing visitors to see equipment in action, as well as witness the extraordinary levels of fitness required of firefighters.

Raising the profile of unsung heroes

Alex Nicholl, Portfolio Director at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, organisers of Intersec, said, “The Fire Fighting Challenge is a fantastic opportunity to build appreciation for the incredible people who undertake the role by establishing the challenges involved, something that can only be fully achieved in a live event situation. It also raises the profile of these unsung heroes and puts them in the spotlight.”

He added, “Intersec is proud to show our support for those at the frontline of fire safety in the UAE by standing together with our firefighters and the Civil Defence in keeping our communities safe.”

As the Middle East’s premier exhibition for the safety, security and fire protection industries, Intersec works closely with Civil Defence to drive the industry forwards in the region and beyond.

Celebrating its Silver Jubilee 25th edition in January 2024, Intersec will continue to provide the premier platform for international interaction and thought leadership, bringing global leaders together in Dubai.

Construction, sustainability and crisis management in focus at Tall Buildings Fire Safety Conference

by EventsFeatured News

The Tall Building Fire Safety Network, organiser of the popular Tall Buildings Fire Safety Conference, will be running dedicated conference sessions on 16, 17 and 18 May alongside FIREX at London’s ExCeL in May. Each day of this year’s Tall Buildings Fire Safety Conference will feature a topical debate linked to a pressing subject related to fire and building safety professionals.

Tuesday will see sessions on High Rise Construction Safety, Wednesday will cover Green Fire Safety Issues and Thursday will look at Crisis Management in High Rise & Complex Buildings.

High Rise Construction Fire Safety Conference

Sessions held on 16 May will cover all issues connected with the management of fire risk during all stages of construction fire safety in high rise buildings, considering the latest guidance from the UK and internationally, including insurance requirements, while case studies of recent high construction fires will be examined.

Key topics confirmed so far include:

  • Mark Cooper, Regional Safety Lead, Wates Construction London HSG 168, FPOCS V 10 –‘What’s Changed?
  • US Experience and NFPA 241-Ray O’Brocki, Construction Fire Safety Coalition
  • Tom Gilbert (Head of Fire Lendlease) – Managing fire safety during ‘load out’ phase of high-rise construction

Green Fire Safety Issues

On 17 May, experts will discuss the changes that are taking place in order to make buildings ‘greener’, and the potential impact this has on the fire safety risk. Discussions will look at green walls and roofs, electric cars and stored energy, photovoltaic panels and devices, alongside new systems for cooling and shading buildings.

Key topics confirmed so far include:

  • Keynote: Overview of the Fire Safety Challenges in Green Buildings and Sustainability, Prof. Guillermo Rein Imperial College London, UK
  • Green Walls and Fire Safety –Prof. Ed Galea, University of Greenwich
  • Green Walls in High Rise Structures: ‘A Sustainability Advantage or Safety Risk’ Simon Bate, Buro Happold

Crisis Management in High Rise & Complex Buildings

The 18 May sessions will centre around the need to have a robust response process when crisis events occur. The conference will draw upon the latest best practice examples of crisis management, while also exploring the proposed Martyn’s Law (Protect Duty) that will make it a requirement to have a competent response process for publicly accessible buildings.

Key topics confirmed so far include:

  • Keynote presentation: Nick Aldworth – Martyn’s Law
  • Chris Phillips –Response & solutions to Martyn’s Law
  • CPNI – Current threats and solutions

All conferences will take place in the gallery suites at London’s ExCeL, with FIREX running simultaneously on the show floor for delegates to visit, connect with industry peers and check out the latest innovations in fire safety from leading vendors.

Patol to showcase Linear Heat Detection Cable at the Fire Safety Event

by EventsFeatured News

Exhibiting at a UK trade show for the first time as part of the Sdiptech Group of companies, industrial fire detection specialist Patol will be focusing on its Firesense Linear Heat Detection Cable (LHDC) technology at the Fire Safety Event at the NEC, Birmingham from 25-27 April, 2023.

Available in digital and analogue options, Firesense is designed to provide early detection of fire and overheating where other forms of detection would not be viable. The Digital (Non-Resettable) cable, along with its associated functional units and junction boxes, is approved to EN54-28, ensuring a system is available with complete EN approval.

Completing the LHDC offering will be Patol’s Fibresense fibre optic option (available as Thermoplastic Tube or Armoured Tube) which is particularly suited to protecting critical infrastructure and hazardous environments, whether in a remote location or an inner city.

Also on show will be examples from the ASD (Aspirating Smoke Detection) range, designed to provide immediate alerts of a fire at the earliest incipient stage.

Patol will be on stand 3a/J58 at the show.

FEU to host European Diversity Conference for Fire and Rescue Services

by EventsFeatured News

The Federation of EUropean Fire Officers is set to host the European Diversity Conference for the Strategic Leadership of the European Fire and Rescue Services in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 25-25 April 2023.

The two-day conference will provide attendees with time to reflect, connect and gain knowledge on how to sustain and develop healthy organisations within the European Fire and Rescue Services – with diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values.

Through an interactive approach, the conference aims to: provide the strategic leadership from the Fire and Rescue Services around Europe with strategic tools and insights into WHY and HOW to work with diversity, equity, and inclusion in their own organizations.

It also aims to share international insights, research, and specific methods from around the world on how to implement diversity strategies – from thought to action, and promote and strengthen the efforts toward diversity and inclusion in the European Fire and Rescue Services, by establishing a network in which to establish connections and share diversity-enhancing practices across countries – also after the conference ends.

Registration is now open here.

Intersec 2023 sets new record for attendance

by EventsFeatured News

Intersec, the trade fair for safety, security, and fire protection, recorded its biggest visitor turnout in history when it wrapped up a three-day run at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) earlier last month.

Organisers reported that 43,305 industry professionals from 131 countries attended the event’s 24th edition, the largest in the series’ history with over 800 exhibitors from 55 countries spread across nine DWTC halls and the Trade Centre Arena.

The visitor turnout saw a significant uptick in international visitors, with attendees from the GCC, Europe, Asia, and the Americas accounting for 49 per cent of the total headcount.

Alex Nicholl, Show Director, Intersec, added: “This year’s heightened visitor numbers underline the industry shift to this new era of cognitive security and surveillance likely to dominate the sector going forward. It demands a heightened focus on customised technology and partnership requirements, both of which Intersec deliver.”

Intersec organisers Messe Frankfurt Middle East are now planning for the event’s silver jubilee edition to run at DWTC from 16 – 18 January, 2024.

Fire Industry Association announces date for AGM

by EventsFeatured News

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has announced that its 2023 Annual General Meeting and FIA Lunch will be held on Thursday 9th November, at The Brewery in London.

The event will bring together over 500 leading industry professionals for a three-course meal plus entertainment.

The association gave its thanks to everyone who completed the feedback survey for the 2023 AGM and Annual Lunch: “This feedback is incredibly helpful to us as we strive to improve the AGM and Annual Lunch each year.

As a result of the feedback, the FIA has said it intends to make the following improvements to the 2023 event:

  • Remain at the Brewery for a post lunch drinks reception
  • A more engaging AGM with more involvement from those in the audience.
  • More non-alcoholic drink options
  • Improved structure to the drink’s reception – an opportunity for members to chat with Board members

Further details of our AGM and Annual Lunch will be released in due course.  The bookings will open on the FIA website in May.