NVFC calls for fire service award nominations

by EventsFeatured News

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has announced that it is now accepting nominations for its annual fire service achievement awards. The awards recognise the contributions of a lifetime volunteer firefighter, a leader in health and wellness, an outstanding junior firefighter, or a successful junior firefighter program.

Nominations are due by 5pm EST on January 20.

The Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Lincoln Financial Group, recognises a volunteer firefighter who has served at least 20 years and has made a major contribution or achieved significant accomplishments in the volunteer fire service at the local, state, and/or national level. The recipient will receive a trip for themselves and a guest to the NVFC awards celebration on May 21, 2023, in Arlington, VA.

The Chief James P. Seavey Sr. Health and Wellness Leadership Award, co-sponsored by VFIS and Ward Diesel Filter Systems, honours an active volunteer firefighter, EMS provider, or rescue worker who has served as a leader in creating or promoting emergency responder health and wellness programs or initiatives. The recipient will receive a trip for themselves and a guest to the NVFC awards celebration on May 21, 2023, in Arlington, VA.

The Junior Firefighter of the Year Award, sponsored by California Casualty, honours a junior firefighter, cadet, or Explorer who has shown extraordinary dedication, commitment, and achievements as a youth member of the fire service. The recipient will receive a trip for themselves and up to two parents/guardians to the NVFC awards celebration on May 21, 2023, in Arlington, VA.

And the Junior Firefighter Program of the Year Award, sponsored by California Casualty, recognises a department that has an outstanding junior firefighter program. The department will be presented with their award at the local level to enable all their junior firefighters to participate.

Learn more, view full criteria, and submit your nominations at www.nvfc.org/awards.

Emergency Services Show reports record turnout

by EventsFeatured News

The Emergency Services Show has announced that a record number of visitors attended the award-winning event at the NEC on 21 and 22 September.

The UK’s largest event for the emergency services attracted over 10,100 visitors and buyers for the first time in its history, with strong representation from across all the emergency services including police, fire and rescue, ambulance, and search and rescue.

The show’s visitors attended a programme of over 80 CPD-accredited seminars running in six theatres covering Lessons Learnt, Emerging Technologies, Health & Wellbeing, Future Policing, the College of Paramedics and, new this year, First Responder which focused on improving collaboration between the emergency services and security industries.

The indoor and outdoor exhibition featured over 450 exhibitors where visitors could source new technology and products from the leading names in public safety, medical & fire-fighting equipment, vehicles, drones, command & control, satellite & blended communications, search & rescue, extrication, water rescue, CBRNE, first response, protective clothing & uniforms, training, community safety, and station facilities.

In an exclusive interview with IFSJ, David Brown, Emergency Services Show Director, commented: “When you’re so involved in organising the event, you take everything for granted and when you take a step back like now and are asked what’s there – it’s the best and biggest show we’ve ever put on since we launched in 2006 and I believe the show now truly reflects what a fantastic sector the fire and rescue services is and the brilliant work that they do along with the other emergency services. It is truly collaboration at its best.”

IAFF leaders address Summit on Fire Prevention and Control

by EventsFeatured News

International Association of Fire Fighters General President Edward Kelly, Chief of Field Services Pat Morrison and former Director of Health and Safety Operational Services Rick Swan were subject matter experts for the US Fire Administrator’s (USFA) Summit on Fire Prevention and Control at the National Emergency Training Centre in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

The USFA hosted the event – the first of its kind in 75 years – called attention to the most critical issues facing fire and emergency medical services professionals.

Kelly had been part of a discussion earlier in the day on developing a national strategy to address cancer. He said: “Early detection is key, so it is critical that we, as a nation, invest in research, promote health screenings for fire fighters and retirees, and implement protocols to eliminate our exposure to carcinogens like PFAS chemicals.”

Morrison, the IAFF chief of field services, spoke on another critical fire fighter issue: behavioural health. He said the IAFF has found peer support counselling to be very effective for processing repeated on-the-job exposure to trauma and preventing suicide.

“Sometimes peer support is not enough, and our members need assistance from clinicians, but finding clinicians who truly understand what we do is not easy,” said Morrison.

“The IAFF has worked to develop training for them so they can have that understanding. If our members feel understood, especially in the first treatment session, they are more likely to keep coming back for treatment.”

He also identified other areas that need more attention, including how to better encourage fire fighters who are aware of behavioural health issues to then make positive changes and get treatment, if needed.

Swan, the retired IAFF director of health and safety operational services, explained that only about 25,000 of the nation’s fire fighters focus solely on wildland fires, and that’s not enough to address this growing problem. Swan worked to develop the IAFF’s Wildland Urban Interface class, which is now available to IAFF members.

“Our trainers go on site to municipal fire departments and use their apparatus and equipment to teach proven strategies to combat wildland fires,” said Swan. “All fire fighters need this training because now the question is not if they will need to fight these fires, but when.”

Fire chiefs endorse position papers at NFPA Urban Fire Forum

by Breaking NewsEvents

Fire chiefs from Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States recently took part in the National Fire Protection Association Urban Fire Forum (UFF) at NFPA headquarters in Quincy, Mass.

NFPA President and CEO Jim Pauley welcomed the chiefs and provided an overview of the association’s mission, reinforcing the critical role that urban fire service leaders play in reaching the association’s goals and initiatives.

Special guests included Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, administrator of the United States Fire Administration (USFA); Peter Holland, chief inspector, Crown Premises Fire Safety CFO, United Kingdom; Chief Rob Brown, CEO and Executive Director, International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC); and Chief Stephan Wevers, president of the Netherlands Fire Service and Federation of the European Fire Officer Associations.

The group endorsed five important documents as official UFF-Metro Chiefs position papers: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Fire & Rescue Service: A Roadmap for Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (DEI FIRE); Technological Advancements Push the Boundaries of All Hazards and the Fire Service Emergency Response System; Ambulance Patient Offload Time (APOT); Support for the Firefighter Cancer Cohort Study; and Support for the National Firefighter Registry.

Otto Drozd III, executive secretary of the NFPA Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs), and coordinator of the event, said: “In today’s increasingly complex fire and emergency services environment, fire service leaders are confronted with a host of issues that go well beyond traditional emergency response.

“They must be adept at building cultures that attract willing public servants, instill trust, create systemic equity, and foster a sense of belonging. These organizational strengths are paramount to confronting the rapidly changing response landscape brought on by emerging energy technologies and our changing climates.

“These changes have far-reaching global impacts manifested by increased frequency and intensity of wildfires, heat waves, flooding, hurricanes, and ice storms, not to mention the continued increase in domestic terrorism (active shooter) and beyond.” 

To be successful, Drozd said that fire service leaders must have the latest research and intelligence to make decisions that result in safe and effective outcomes for both their firefighters and the public they serve.

To adequately manage these situations, he said NFPA and the Metro Chiefs must work with both their government and non-government partners. The position papers endorsed by the Urban Fire Forum Chiefs provide the information and resources needed to effectively address the dynamic challenges facing today’s fire service.

About the Urban Fire Forum

Work being done by the Urban Fire Forum chiefs, speakers, and research partners address current and emerging issues such as diversity, equity, and inclusion; fire fighter health and safety; emerging energy technologies; the impact of changing climates of global fire operations, and emergency health care. The latest research is made possible through the work of the Fire Protection Research Foundation, FM Global, and UL Fire Safety Research Institute.

The Urban Fire Forum brings together fire chiefs responsible for protecting some of the largest urban centers in the world, providing an important opportunity to learn from peers and expert speakers. It also allows NFPA to stay abreast of current trends and needs in the fire service. As part of the overall mission, chief officers share UFF deliverables and related information with fire officers from around the world.

The Urban Fire Forum documents and presentations can be found here.

Euralarm to host webinar on integrated fire protection solutions for lithium-ion batteries

by EventsFeatured News

The Guidance Document on Integrated fire protection solutions for lithium-ion batteries is set to be the topic of a webinar organised by Euralarm and taking place on Thursday 20 October at 15:00 CET.

The Euralarm guideline on Integrated fire protection solutions for lithium-ion batteries was published earlier this year and provides information on the issues related to the use of lithium-ion batteries, how fires start in batteries and on how they may be detected, controlled, suppressed and extinguished. The guide also provides advice on post fire management. Excluded from the scope are explosion and ventilation issues. 

This event requires pre-registration, which must be done by Wednesday, 19 October 2022, COB. Register here.

The Guidance Document can be downloaded here.

Quelfire’s QuelStop named Fire Safety Solution of the Year at London Construction Awards

by ConstructionEventsFeatured NewsIndustry Sectors

Quelfire has won the Supplier of the Year and Fire Safety Solution of the Year at the London Construction Awards 2022.

Over 350 guests from all sectors in the industry came together on Friday 23 September, including suppliers, contractors, architects, civil engineers, developers, housebuilders, local authorities and more.

Winners from twenty categories were announced by award-winning comedian Simon Brodkin and it was said that “the range of companies that entered were incredibly diverse and reflected the strength of the London construction industry.”

This Supplier of the Year award category was aimed at any supplier in the built environment that has demonstrated success, innovation, or notable achievement in the past 12 months.

Commenting on Quelfire, the judges said: “We were impressed with this submission as they weren’t just shouting about good customer service (surely every supplier should be doing this?). They also spoke about putting profit back into research and development, the tech support they offer and how they educate the industry. The latter is significantly needed.

“Quelfire is operating successfully in one of the most contentious ends of the industry. Where many have shied away from fire-related matters and insurers exclude many companies from operating in this sphere, Quelfire is providing a solution with not only their products but also with training, thereby raising the competency of the industry.”

The Fire Safety Solution of the Year award category recognises excellence and innovation in solutions for fire safety. The judges notes for this category read: “Quelfire provided a great submission for their QuelStop Firestopping system. Their submission talked about their solution, what it does and what makes them different from their competitors. This is really important when submitting something like this as there were lots that didn’t stand out from the crowd.

“The QuelStop System is different as it offers a wide range of tested details; it has value-added services; and an early engagement approach to help clients design and install the system in a compliant way.”

Commenting on their win, Quelfire said: “We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all the judges, who recognised how passionate we are about contributing to a positive cultural change and safer buildings by providing primary test data for real life scenarios; providing support for compliant design and installation of our firestopping solutions; educating the industry and, as we are known to say, ‘doing it right, the first time around!’

“And, a huge well done to all other winners and deserving nominees.

“The whole team at Quelfire, from management to production, are equally passionate about what we do, which is Protecting People and Property. We could not be any prouder of this fantastic team and achievement.”

The Emergency Service Show returns to Birmingham

by Breaking NewsEvents
Take a look at what’s on the agenda at the Emergency Services Show which returns to the NEC Birmingham today.

Fire and safety professionals and industrial brigades from around the world are invited to the award-winning The Emergency Services Show, taking place at the NEC, Birmingham from 21-22 September. The event offers the perfect opportunity to meet and collaborate with the entire UK emergency services community, as well as to discover innovative technologies, handle the latest kit, share experiences, and exchange best practice.

Showcasing how technology and innovation are transforming emergency response for all first responders and blue light services, The Emergency Services Show features more than 450 exhibitors. Extensive learning opportunities are on offer with over 90 free CPD accredited seminar sessions, while visitors can also see skill in action as fire and rescue teams from across the UK compete in the Extrication and Trauma Challenges.

The free-to-attend Emergency Services Show will be the biggest yet, with 20% more floor space than ever before. Visitors can source new technology and products from the leading names in the industry. Well-known brands on the exhibition floor include Angloco, Draeger, Emergency One, Excelerate, Firenet Systems, Flamepro, Ford Motor Company, Hunter Apparel Solutions, Interspiro, MAN Truck & Bus, MSA Safety, PBI Performance Products, PGI Safety, Rosenbauer, Venari, Vimpex, Wolf Safety and more.

Fire safety exhibitors include MSA Safety, displaying its range of firefighter safety equipment, while leading PPE suppliers showcasing their latest product ranges include Agentis Workwear, Delta Fire, Draeger, FlamePro, Godiva, Interspiro, and Goliath Footwear.

Emergency One, Rosenbauer, Terberg, and Volvo Trucks are among manufacturers bringing their latest fire appliances to the show. Angloco will demonstrate its aerial ladder platform and other fire fighting vehicles in the Outside Area. Emergency One will be showing its new fully electric fire vehicle, the E1 EV0 fire appliance, built for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. The zero-emission electric vehicle has the same capability and equipment as a diesel model and is the first to feature an innovative all-electric rear drive axle installation. It has a range of approximately 220 miles with an 80% charge, while the optional onboard smart charger provides resilience at protracted incidents.

Leading designer and manufacturer of vehicle propulsion solutions for commercial and emergency service vehicles Allison Transmission will showcase its heavy duty fully automatic transmissions, and its latest electrified propulsion systems.

Other leading vehicle suppliers at the show include Ford Motor Company, Venari, Mercedes Benz Trucks, Volvo Trucks and Yamaha Motor Europe as well as a wide range of chassis manufacturers and specialist vehicle converters including Cartwright Vehicle Conversions and Wilker UK Ltd. Isuzu will be displaying its new pick-up, the All-New Isuzu D-Max.

The show also features providers of all types of in and on-vehicle ancillary equipment and systems including lightbars; vehicle livery; battery management and driver training. Standby RSG will display its lighting, hazard warning systems products and solutions and VUE will be showcasing its fleet risk management solutions – CCTV and telematics hardware and easy-to-use software systems.

Emergency and rescue vehicles of virtually every other type, including search and rescue appliances, fleet cars, motorbikes, boats and UAVs or drones will all be on display. Survitec will be unveiling their new 420 GP/GPM Fast Rescue Boat. Featuring a one-of-a-kind rapid single-point inflation via one 9L Cylinder used in self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), it is designed to meet unique operational demands and is the only 4.2M boat that can inflate this way.

New technology on display will include connected and smart vehicles, satellite communications, GIS and mapping technologies, UAVs/drones, ruggedised mobile computers, tablets and phones, data management and security, wearable tech, connectivity solutions, body-worn cameras, and other video capture systems, as well as the latest hybrid and electric vehicles. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the technology and experience how these solutions can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operational response.

Further innovations on show will include the latest protective fabrics, medical equipment, firefighting equipment, and rescue tools. Delta Fire will be launching its new Delta DF-7X Variable Foam Branchpipe along with new additions to their Pro-Series branch range. Point South will be showcasing the Airstar Sirocco lighting balloons – scene lighting for emergency teams. Keela will be displaying its new maternity panel that can be zipped into PPE for wear during pregnancy.

The Extrication and Trauma Challenges return as an interactive experience for participants and visitors. Hosted by West Midlands Fire Service, they showcase the latest rescue technology and trauma response equipment in action.

In the Trauma Challenge, teams of two will experience visual and audio inputs from a trauma scenario that has been set up and filmed especially, in an ‘immersive’ tent. In the Extrication Challenge competing teams from across the country will perform extrications from a series of realistic RTC scenarios featuring heavy and complex damage. Action will be captured from a variety of camera angles and broadcast live to a large display screen at the show. Both challenges will be judged on best safe working practices, command and control, safety and scene assessment, extrication, professional pre-hospital care and expert use of rescue equipment.

The Emerging Technologies Theatre will showcase how fire and rescue services can manage and leverage data and technology more efficiently and effectively. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service will run immersive VR training exercises. Paul Christensen, Senior Advisor to the National Fire Chiefs Council, and Professor at Newcastle University will examine the risks of RTC EVs to first responders. How the IoT is improving domestic fire safety is the subject of a session presented by Aico UK.

In the Lessons Learnt Theatre experiences of, and responses to, real-life UK and International incidents and emergencies will be shared, ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic to the Grenfell Tower fire and the Manchester Arena bombing. In addition, representatives from FIRE AID, The National Fire Chiefs Council and the FIA will discuss their collaboration to support fire and emergency services in Ukraine. Further sessions will examine the impact of the record-breaking summer temperatures.

New for 2022, the First Responder Theatre aims to improve the collaboration between the emergency services and security industries and is themed around the actions necessary to optimise emergency services response. With topics including the Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act 2018 and Martyn’s Law, leading security associations will be presenting key findings and strategies meant to strengthen the relationship between the two sectors.

The popular Health & Wellbeing Theatre will address physical and mental health for firefighters. A panel of first responders and experts will share their expertise of mental wellness, health and nutrition, workforce diversity, equality and inclusion, and the latest digital support platforms, whilst providing key practical takeaways. Wellness and Behaviour Change Coach at The Fire Fighters Charity, AJ Whitaker, will explore ageing and associated life transitions such as menopause and retirement in a session entitled ‘Maturing Healthily’. She will share ways in which fire and rescue workers can plan and manage their personal health choices as well as finances.

In the networking hub of the show, The Collaboration Zone, over 80 emergency services, voluntary groups, charities, and NGOs will be sharing details of the support they offer. Organisations involved include The Fire Fighters Charity, British Cave Rescue Council, Institution of Fire Engineers, British Fire Services Association, British Firefighter Challenge, UK Firefighter Sailing Challenge, the Fire Industry Association, MTB Search & Rescue, and Fire Aid. Visitors to The Fire Fighters Charity stand can experience five minutes of relaxation in its wellbeing area.

Entry to The Emergency Services Show and parking at the NEC are both free. Registration for the event is at www.emergencyuk.com

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

MSA Safety to showcase cutting edge PPE at the Emergency Services Show

by Breaking NewsEvents

MSA Safety Incorporated, a global leader in firefighter safety equipment and technology, will be demonstrating its full suite of cutting-edge, compatible personal protective equipment (PPE) for the first responder market at the upcoming Emergency Services Show (ESS) in Birmingham this week on 21-22 September. 

The MSA team will demonstrate how its fire protective clothing, helmets, breathing apparatus, advanced communications, and gas detection systems work seamlessly together in range of different applications.

Show attendees will be invited to experience MSA’s Connected Firefighter Platform, a new suite of advanced safety technologies that work in concert to significantly improve firefighter monitoring, accountability and communication.  Two key components of the Platform are the LUNAR Connected Device and MSA’s FireGrid software services.

A multifunctional handheld device, LUNAR provides personal thermal imaging and several other innovative features that are designed to enhance firefighter safety and accountability.  The innovations include MSA’s proprietary Firefighting Assisting Search Technology (F.A.S.T.) network, which alerts and guides teammates to downed team members. 

LUNAR also features cloud connectivity providing incident command with an overview of on-scene operations by aggregating data from other MSA devices, such as the M1 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which was recently selected by the London Fire Brigade as its new respiratory protection system of choice. 

In use, LUNAR can transmit vital SCBA data such as cylinder air pressure, battery status and various alarm indicators. The FireGrid component enables incident commanders to evaluate and manage multiple situations, in real time, and from any location.

Also on show from MSA Safety at the Emergency Services Show

At this year’s ESS, MSA will be introducing several enhancements to these leading-edge technologies, and other innovative products, including:

  • M1 Control Module – LUNAR Compatibility: which leverages the integrated Bluetooth capabilities of the M1 Control Module, cylinder air pressure and other alarm indicators can be aggregated by LUNAR and transmitted to FireGrid to provide incident commanders with real time fireground information.  Additionally, incoming alerts from incident command (such as evacuation requests) can be relayed through LUNAR to the M1 Control Module to alert firefighters to immediately exit the structure.  The M1 Control Module and LUNAR® devices are designed to work together as one system – when paired, LUNAR’s motion alarm capabilities will default to the M1 Control Module to not distract firefighters with have to managing two motion sensing devices.
  • Map View: Leveraging the GPS capability in devices such as LUNAR, incident commanders will now be able to monitor their crew’s location in the FireGrid application.
  • Fotokite Partnership: Tethered drone technology from Fotokite will be on display, featuring its aerial video capabilities that will be integrated into MSA’s Connected Firefighter Platform through future development projects to help increase situational awareness.
  • MSA Bristol’s lines of protective clothing: EOS, the structural firefighting kit designed for ultimate particulate protection, and the brand-new Bristol X4, developed to meet the requirements of firefighters in continental Europe, will be on display.  Both lines have been manufactured with the latest high quality fabric combinations from leading fiber and fabric manufacturers such as WL Gore, PBI Performance Products and Hainsworth. Designed to meet the requirements of CEN standard EN469 Level 2, they feature ergonomic shaping and a streamlined fit, reducing bulk and weight, all while maintaining full range of motion.
  • Fire helmets: MSA will be exhibiting a selection of helmets for firefighters, such as the iconic Gallet F1XF, as well as recently developed helmet solutions for a wider range of emergency personnel, including the police and ambulance services.  The Gallet F2XR is a modular and versatile design, with a variety of accessories, that can be adapted for use in a wide range of first responder applications including wildland firefighting, technical rescue, police operations and medical emergencies.

According to Jason Traynor, General Manager of MSA’s Global Fire Service Products, MSA Safety’s presence at ESS will be the biggest and boldest to date.  Traynor said: “It’s exciting to be back at the Emergency Services Show with so much to share and demonstrate to attendees.

“This includes the latest protective clothing designs, a new range of versatile helmets and SCBA tailored specifically to the UK market, and our extensive line of advanced connected solutions – all of which work in concert to enhance firefighter safety.”

He added: “Emergency services personnel face challenges and highly dangerous situations every single day and must be able to put their trust in their protective clothing and equipment.

“At MSA we take our responsibility as a leader and innovator in this field very seriously.  We listen carefully to our customers’ needs and develop solutions that give them confidence to face these challenges, always keeping safety at the heart of what we do.”

During the conference, MSA Safety experts will participate in a panel discussion on Technology Innovation and Fire Ground Use.  The event is scheduled for 10.30am on Wednesday 21st September, and will include an interactive LUNAR experience session at 11:00 am on Thursday 22nd September. 

To stay up to date with the latest news from MSA at the Emergency Services Show, visit the MSA Stand D40, visit www.msasafety.com or follow MSA Fire’s Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages. 

Intersec Saudi Arabia: Day One highlights

by EventsFeatured NewsMiddle East - Breaking NewsMiddle East - EventsMiddle East - Featured News Archives

The fourth edition of Intersec Saudi Arabia, the exhibition which is a nexus of the Kingdom’s fire and emergency services, security, and safety industry, returns live and in-person to Riyadh today. The show and associated conference, which have attracted an extensive local, regional, and international exhibitor and speaker profile, will run at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center (RICEC) until Thursday, September 15.

His Excellency Mohammad Abdullah ALMarshed, Vice Chairman of Board of Directors, Chairman, Real Estate Committee of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Intersec Saudi Arabia’s patron, inaugurated today’s exhibition.

He commented: “It is reassuring to welcome Intersec Saudi Arabia and all its local, regional, and international participants back to the capital for what promises to be an intense three days of partnership building, business deals and informative insights into the Kingdom’s comprehensive security market, its future needs and the new technology and systems which can serve it.”

More than 150 exhibitors from 20 countries are participating in the exhibition looking for market breakthroughs or expansion in the Kingdom – the largest and fastest growing market for security, safety, and fire protection in the Middle East, which is estimated, by analysts 6WResearch, to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.3% to reach US$1.2 billion in 2026.

Alex Nicholl, Intersec Saudi Arabia’s Show Director, said: “The potential of the Kingdom’s security market, which now covers cyber security which is being prioritised by the Kingdom’s national infrastructure security leaders, has drawn an expansive international exhibitor profile which covers the entire industry eco-system and includes manufacturers, service providers, distributors and wholesalers who are presenting a wide range of innovations from the key security and fire and safety product groups.”

The show covers five product groups across commercial & perimeter security, cybersecurity, homeland security and policing, fire and rescue as well as safety and health.

The fourth edition of Intersec Saudi Arabia also comes as the Kingdom looks to improve nationwide fire safety and industrial security regulations with 6WResearch forecasting the nation’s fire safety systems and equipment market – the largest in the GCC – will register 5.5 per cent compound annual growth until 2025 reaching a cumulative value of $402m. Growth is being driven in part by government regulation of compulsory installation of fire safety, detection, and alarm systems in buildings and the recent strengthening of the remit of Saudi Arabia’s High Commission for Industrial Security (HCIS).

Meanwhile, government leaders, agencies, organisational heads, world-class speakers, government stakeholders, policymakers, law enforcement, civil defence and private sector players are also gathering in Riyadh for Intersec Saudi Arabia 2022’s Conference. Over three days, the influential gathering will debate and define the future of the Kingdom’s security industry and its role in fulfilling its Vision 2030 goals.

The conference will feature a National Security Leaders’ Panel where industry leaders will examine ways of securing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 through a multi-domain approach to addressing challenges from land, maritime, air, and space.

“Delegates will hear of the latest initiatives for national security, and the existing collaborations between the Government and the private sector to gain a deeper understanding of the implications of Vision 2030 in national security,” added Nicholl.

The conference will also examine strategic opportunities to solve the human resource gap within the Kingdom’s security Industry and the means to attract, retain, and grow local talent, while creating strong and successful succession planning programs, and reaching optimal Saudization levels in the sector.

Intersec Saudi Arabia is organised by Saudi-based Al-Harithy Company for Exhibitions (ACE) Group under licence from UAE-headquartered Messe Frankfurt Middle East, which organises Intersec, the world’s leading exhibition for security, safety, and fire protection.

Intersec Saudi Arabia is held in participation with Saudi Civil Defense, together with the industry at large.

More information on Intersec Saudi Arabia is available at www.intersec-ksa.com

Intersec Saudi Arabia returns

by Breaking NewsEventsMiddle East - Breaking NewsMiddle East - Events

After a three year gap, Intersec Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom’s largest trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection prepares for its long-awaited return in Riyadh this month. Taking place from 13-15 September 2022 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Intersec Saudi Arabia’s 4th edition will feature more 150 exhibitors from 20 countries, covering the four key pillars of Fire and Safety, Commercial Security, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity.

The momentum of what has been a highlight on the annual events calendar for security and safety professionals across the Kingdom has been building since the trade show last took place in 2019 and now the annual three-day trade fair is set to be back in full force, with organisers turning away prospective exhibitor enquiries, having put up the ‘sold out’ sign on available exhibition space several months ago.

There is a clear pent-up demand to tap into the Middle East’s largest market, with Saudi’s Vision 2030, and the corresponding opportunities in securing infrastructure, people and assets a central talking point.

Intersec Saudi Arabia is organised by Saudi-based Al-Harithy Company for Exhibitions (ACE) Group under licence from UAE-headquartered Messe Frankfurt Middle East, which organises Intersec, the world’s leading exhibition for security, safety, and fire protection.

Safety in focus

Alex Nicholl, Intersec’s Director said that safety and security are high on the agenda of Saudi’s Vision 2030 and that there is a perennial requirement for safety and security products, fire protection and the accompanying innovations, all of which will be on display this year at Intersec Saudi Arabia 2022.

“Exhibitors are fully aware of the likes of NEOM, Amaala, Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya, and the immense opportunities these provide,” said Nicholls. “They’re accordingly tailoring their stand designs and solutions to target these ‘giga’ projects specifically and this will only ramp up in intensity every year as each project phase nears completion.”

Headline international exhibitors returning to the spotlight include Axis Communications, Hikvision, Genetec, Toshiba, and Milestone Systems, Nedap, Draeger, and Gatekeeper, while SAFE (National Security Services Company), Al-Alameya Group, Al Rajhi Telecom Company, Saudi Sicli Company, Abana Enterprises Group, and Al Aswad Fire Fighting System are flying the Saudi flag proudly.

NFSSP (National Factory for Safety and Security Products) is among those launching new products in Saudi Arabia, with the UAE company set to unveil its Hoods brand of tactical and safety footwear.

The UAE-made range of footwear, of which there are 41 models, are made of innovative materials including leather-tech air flow systems, fibre glass and Kevlar, offering lightweight, breathable, and durable footwear ideally suited to harsh Middle East climates. 

“Our company has been manufacturing in the UAE for more than 12 years, producing high quality tactical and safety shoes for many categories including military, police, security, oil & gas, construction and general factories,” said Jaime Ramirez, EMEA Sales and Marketing Manager at NFFSP.

“Saudi Arabia is a hugely important market for us and is continuously growing.  We see massive opportunity in particular in the construction and oil & gas sectors. We estimate we can contribute around 200,000 pairs of shoes to the market in 2023, growing 10 percent over the next five years.”

Elsewhere, SB Group International will showcase its Netix and Teknoware brands of IoT and cloud-enabled building automation and life safety solutions at Intersec Saudi Arabia 2022. SB Group’s Chairman Sanjeev Bhatia said the company is eager to connect digitalization and optimization savvy clients with its wide range of smart solutions, including control panels, luminaires, IoT controllers, and its AI-powered Netix Konnect platform.

“Saudi Arabia is a prime focus of our emerging business markets growth plan,” said Bhatia.  “Teknoware, being a global leader in the manufacturing of emergency lighting solutions, and Netix, driving Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), is fully aligned with and compliments the growth and technology implementations of Vision 2030.

Security and fire protection

Intersec Saudi Arabia 2022 takes place amid rising national demand for security and fire protection.  Saudi has announced multiple infrastructure projects backed by the government sector, highlighting strong potential growth for the security industry.

According to consultancy 6Wresearch, Saudi’s spend on commercial security (CCTV, access control, and intrusion detection), safety, fire systems and equipment will reach nearly US$1 billion in 2022, and increasing to US$1.16 billion annually by 2025. 

“Growth is driven in part by government regulation of compulsory installation of fire safety, detection, and alarm systems in buildings and the opportunities emerging from new measures aimed at ensuring the security and safety for both citizens and visitors to the Kingdom,” explained Nicholl. 

“Intersec Saudi Arabia’s strategic location of Riyadh also means that exhibitors will have easier access to key decision makers and government and ministerial delegates based in the Saudi Arabia capital, which will enhance the sustainability of the event.”

Prevention and mitigation

In addition to a packed exhibition floor, a three-day Intersec Saudi Arabia Forum 2022 will gather security, safety and fire protection professionals with equipment manufacturers, integrators, consultants, and government authorities to navigate the future of the Kingdom’s integrated vision for safety, security, prevention and mitigation.

Saudi’s Vision 2030 will form the central theme for day one, revolving around core topics such as the implications of aligning security and safety strategies with some of the boldest ‘giga projects’ the world has ever seen. 

Speakers and panellists will address the challenges from land, maritime, air, and space in a multi-domain approach that is essential in securing the multitude of related vision 2030 projects that are expected to attract hundreds of billions of dollars of investment in the coming years.  

Day two of the conference will shine the spotlight on cybersecurity, including an opening keynote on Saudi’s National Cybersecurity Strategy, while safeguarding critical infrastructure, oil and gas, and energy assets from costly digital attacks will also be under scrutiny. 

The conference will wrap up on day three with key government partner sessions and regulatory framework updates from the Saudi Civil Defence and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), along with an afternoon session of fire protection. 

“While serving as a vital knowledge-sharing platform, the forum will bring together key government leaders, agencies and organisational heads with outstanding world-class speakers, innovative products, technology and solutions across all key sectors,” said Nicholl.

“The program will present a veritable ‘Think Tank’ for regional leaders in the security industry, bringing together stakeholders from policy makers, law enforcement, civil defence and private organisations to define the future of security.  Our advisory board of seasoned industry experts have crafted an engaging conference program.”

Saudi Arabia has also seen a boom in the cybersecurity sector, prioritising AI and digitisation as key pillars of its economic development in-line with its Vision 2030 initiative.  Nicholl said cybersecurity is likewise a key focus area for Intersec Saudi Arabia, with the objective to present those providers of cyber solutions for IP-based systems and networks at enterprise level across all sectors. 

“As technology advances and evolves, so too do risks associated with harmful breaches and costly downtimes of integrated networks,” he said.  “It’s important therefore that IT professionals and system integrators are aware and armed with the latest solutions that leading industry names are bringing to Intersec Saudi Arabia 2022.”

Back to business

Upon speaking to key exhibitors and government partners, Nicholl said the anticipation is building fast ahead the final countdown of what will be a welcome return to business for Intersec Saudi Arabia. 

“It’s been three years since the last Intersec Saudi Arabia, and we know our exhibitors are immensely excited to showcase their latest innovations and developments in Saudi’s security, safety, and fire protection market, that will reach nearly US$1 billion in revenues this year,” he concluded. 

“Aside from the conference, plenty of new product launches will be displayed in the Kingdom for the first time, targeting key sectors such as energy, healthcare, education, transportation and infrastructure.

“Safety and security is all around us, in everything we do, but in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 and its 24 key projects supporting the vision, we’re keen to drive the agenda of urban environments, tourism, residential, arts and culture.”

Intersec Saudi Arabia is supported by key government entities including the Saudi Ministry of Interior, and the Saudi Civil Defense.  More information for Intersec Saudi Arabia is available at www.intersec-ksa.com.

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