Vintage fire engine parade to close INTERSHUTZ

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On the final day of INTERSCHUTZ 2022, around vintage 50 fire engines will drive through Hanover in a long procession, closing out the week-long conference. Together, the vehicles have around 2,000 years or more under their belt.

This convoy will make its way from INTERSCHUTZ to downtown Hannover in the morning and, after a stop in front of the New Town Hall, back to the exhibition ground, tying into the 29th German Firefighters’ Day.

But not only vehicles from yesterday and the day before yesterday are on the road: The oldies meet together with the motorcycle-riding fire brigade fans “Red Knights” (International Firefighters Motorcycle Club): Tradition meets modernity.

Both at INTERSCHUTZ and during the planned two-hour stop in front of the town hall, there will be an opportunity to have “petrol talks” with the drivers of the fire engines and motorcycles – as experts like to call their shop talk about the various high-horsepower models.

“Right at the opening of the last INTERSCHUTZ day, the participating vehicles will be available for visitors to visit on the INTERSCHUTZ site,” commented Thomas Ruß from the Lower Saxony State Fire Brigade Association, who is organizing the event as project manager for the German Fire Brigade Association (DFV). “In the late morning, the start towards the city center is planned.”

Rosenbauer to present Fireboat for Wildland Firefighting at INTERSCHUTZ

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Firefighting vehicle manufacturer Rosenbauer is set to show off its jet-powered rescue and fireboat, developed in collaboration with PALFINGER MARINE, at INTERSCHUTZ in Hannover, Germany later this month.

The boat is designed for fire departments to fight forest fires near the coast or shore from the water, providing an advantage wherever the scene of the fire is difficult to access over land or access with forest fire vehicles is not possible.

It can also serve as a rescue vehicle of choice when people have to be rescued from beaches because a burning forest edge has reached the coast or shore and is blocking the escape route over land.

The fireboat is equipped with the Rosenbauer N55 high-performance pump, which has a capacity of up to 5,500 l/min at 10 bar, and is also suitable for use with seawater due to the robust, corrosion-resistant design.

In addition, the boat can be connected to the Rosenbauer operations management system RDS Connected Command allowing integration into the central mission command and making it visible to all responders, also enabling the boat crew to be provided with mission-relevant information in the same way as their colleagues in the vehicles on land.

The new fireboat from Rosenbauer and PALFINGER  is made of seawater-resistant aluminum (marine grade aluminum), is 8.50 m long and 3.10 m wide and has a jet drive (water jet propulsion) with which it can reach a speed of up to 38 knots (approx. 70 km/h). The jet drive is powered by two 6-cylinder diesel engines, each with an output of 215 kW (292 hp). Three crew members are usually on the boat, up to 12 additional people can be transported.

The vehicle will be presented for the first time at INTERSCHUTZ 2022 from June 20-25 June in Hanover (Hall 27/Booth B58) as part of the Rosenbauer forest fire exhibition alongside various forest fire vehicles and personal protective equipment.

Fire safety startups to present at INTERSCHUTZ

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At INTERSCHUTZ 2022 in Hannover, Germany, startups will be presenting their new, interesting services and products in the area of emergency response at a large joint booth (hall 16/F48) from 20-25 June.

Among the 20 companies presenting is Brand Punkt, a startup founded by Hermann Zengeler, which offers a professional e-learning program to prepare them for emotionally stressful missions.

Zengeler, among other things, was the chief of a fire department for 25 years before giving up his job in the civil service. Together with his partner Carina Ott, he founded Brand Eins to prepare people mentally-emotionally for emergency service. 

Brand Punkt will present Fireproof360°, an e-learning program designed to prepare firefighters for stressful situations, stabilize their motivation and make them strong for mentally demanding service. 

Firedrill is also represented at the joint stand, hoping to bring the topic of fire prevention into the digital age. Jens Thiemann, one of the two managing directors. launched the startup two years ago and so far numerous companies have already used his app, which enables employees to independently complete the safety exercise regularly prescribed in companies on their smartphones.

“At the same time, this enables them to develop a routine and be better prepared for emergencies – without having to rely on random participation in the group exercises that rarely take place,” explained Thiemann.

Exercises are conducted exclusively in the real environment at the workplace using augmented reality. The exercise shows the main escape route from the starting room to the assembly point and must be completed in full. The application also displays helpful additional information along the route, such as the location of fire extinguishers and fire alarms.

“Firedrill is the new and flexible solution for hands-on evacuation drills in a changing workplace – even or especially because of the Corona pandemic,” Thiemann added. “Thanks to mixed reality technology, the exercise is not simply consumed like a video, but actively experienced on site.”

On the agenda for day one at FIREX

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FIREX International returns to the London’s ExCeL for the first time in three years this week. Here’s a few things on the agenda today for fire safety professionals to check in on.

The main event kicks off at 10AM. Gill Kernick opens up the conference at 10:45 presenting on safety as a driver for change, while Tim Galloway, Deputy Director Building Safety Programme at the HSE, follows at 11:45 with a presentation on the impact the newly formed Building Safety Regulator is set to have on the fire industry.

A panel debate begins at 12:45 as experts including Fiona Perrin, Andrea White, Aman Sharma and Neil Yeomans discuss the pros and cons of digitising building information, exploring digital logbooks and their role in enabling the golden thread of information. Shortly after, Peter Barker from Warringtonfire will provide an exclusive session on the importance of passive fire protection measures, showcasing the dangers of poorly designed firestopping, fire doors and fire resistant glazing.

The Fire Protection Association’s InfoZone theatre will kick presentations off at 10:30 with a presentation by Jonathan O’Neill OBE and Chris Miles entitled: Bringing the Global World of Fire Testing to the UK. Sessions continue throughout the day, with highlights including a debate on sprinklers in schools, and a case study on the catastrophic Notre Dame fire.

The ASFP’s passive fire protection expertise will be on hand, as the team debates topics such as fire resisting ductwork (13:00) and whether we should be treating walls as a system (14:00). Meanwhile, the National Social Housing Fire Safety Group will be working with Aico to put on exclusive sessions in the gallery suites.

Greener and smarter: Hochiki to hone in on the future of fire detection at FIREX

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Hochiki Europe will be exhibiting at FIREX International next week which will take place from the 17-19 May. The team are excited to be back at live events, meeting customers and readers of IFSJ face to face.  

On the Hochiki stand, FI 1640, there will be live demonstrations of a range of Hochiki’s life safety products, as well as discussions on what the future holds for the fire industry, greener product design and customer insight.

Hochiki’s Sales Director, Nathan Hudson said, “I am looking forward to hearing what visitors think of the life safety technology we are bringing to the show, especially our FIREscape+, L@titude and Ekho ranges. I think this year’s event, for many reasons, really will be the best yet.”

Sophisticated design combined with powerful customer insight

The Hochiki Europe team of experts will be on hand to demo the new and improved L@titude system. With huge investments made in the research and development of this product, led by customer insight, this latest model combines the very latest in hardware and software and is the company’s control and indication system.

It is set up to operate anywhere in the world, in multiple languages, across all manner of applications – from schools, hospitals and city skyscrapers to commercial spaces, travel ports, and logistics hubs. The system has been designed to be simple to configure and easy to use, utilising touchscreen technology with a graphical user interface to help display vital information. It is EN approved and recently DBI certified for the Danish market following its EN54 Part 13 BRE approval.

Greener life safety products

For visitors looking to improve their energy consumption, the Hochiki team will be providing live demonstrations of the power saving and environmentally friendly FIREscape+ combined emergency lighting and fire detection system.

The system features LED downlighters consuming only 0.1W once fully charged, the lower energy consumption directly correlates with lower CO2e emissions; providing building owners with a greener and more cost-effective solution.

Visitors to the Hochiki stand, FI 1640, can also learn how Hochiki are helping to protect and keep operational one of the UK’s largest offshore windfarms at Margate, critical as thoughts turn to how the UK can produce cleaner energy and increase its energy independence.

A new generation of Hybrid Wireless Fire Detection

Hochiki’s next generation of hybrid wireless fire detection products, Ekho is also available for demonstration.  At the core of the system is the wireless Translator module, hard-wired to the fire alarm control panel loop and communicates continuously with the wireless devices. Wireless Expander modules are then used to extend the self-healing radio mesh network, increasing the reach and capacity of the overall system.

To find out more visit Hochiki at FIREX – head to stand FI 1640 and speak to Hochiki’s team of experts. Or for more information visit hochikieurope.com/events

Coopers Fire to showcase curtain range at FIREX 2022

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Fire curtain and smoke curtain specialist Coopers Fire is returning to FIREX International 2022 from Tuesday 17 May to Thursday 19 May.

Coopers Fire is inviting visitors to the show to stand FI420 to find out more about its BS 8524 fully compliant products, book a CPD seminar with them and learn more about fire and smoke curtains.

The company is offering a range of free Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seminars. Approved by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the seminars aim to educate the fire protection industry and wider building industry about the application of fire and smoke curtains in buildings.

Coopers Fire is also exhibiting as part of the ASFP Zone on the subject of “Fire Curtain Operation and Applications”.

A spokesperson from Coopers Fire said: “At Coopers Fire, we are dedicated to advancing fire curtain and smoke curtain technology and improving ways to safeguard life and property. This commitment to developing products, testing and certification has meant that Coopers Fire is the benchmark used by Architects, Engineers and Regulators worldwide.”

FIREX International returns next week, and is set to welcome thousands of fire safety professionals to explore the latest products and solutions and meet face-to-face with the entire fire safety community – all under one roof, over three days.

NSI Announces Extensive Programme for IFSEC and FIREX International 2022

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With less than two weeks to go until the long awaited IFSEC and FIREX International return to ExCeL London, the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) has announced an extensive programme of activity to ensure installers/integrators and those interested in gaining Third Party Certification have plenty of reasons to attend and visit the NSI stand at IFSEC (IF4050).

As the UK’s premier UKAS accredited certification body for the security and fire safety sectors, NSI will once again have a significant presence at IFSEC, the UK’s longest running industry event (this year being its 49th edition) and is encouraging those attending to take full advantage of the expertise on offer to visitors both on and off its stand.

On the first two days of IFSEC (17th and 18th May) at 14:00, NSI will host an informal 30 minute session on-stand for security system and/or fire detection and alarm installers interested in becoming NSI Approved, and finding out about the application process.  Max Linnemann, NSI’s Director of Certification Services will give insight into:

  • Key things you need to know when you apply
  • The due diligence process and eligibility criteria
  • How to ensure your application progresses as quickly as possible (avoid the common mistakes!)

Installers are warmly invited to come along to these sessions. No pre-booking is required.

For companies already holding approval with the Inspectorate, NSI is joining forces with IFSEC to host ‘Boardroom Talks’, an hour long session on Tuesday 17th May at 11:30, behind the show floor, in South Gallery S13, followed by refreshments and lunch for attendees. With an agenda curated specifically for senior leaders the session will cover two specific topical business issues:

Changes in Procurement Rules, Outsourcing Services and Social Value

Jo Kenny, Commercial Lead at the Crown Commercial Service.

Meet the Sustainability Challenge: How to Embed Social Value and Net Zero

Sunil Shah, Founder of Acclaro Advisory

NSI approved companies wishing to attend the ‘Boardroom Talks’ are requested to register in advance via marketing@nsi.org.uk  and places will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visitors attending FIREX on 18th May are invited to join John Davidson, NSI’s Approval Schemes Manager (Systems) who will present “Fire Safety in Your Building: The most common and serious issues fire risk assessors are coming across right now” at 11:15 in the FPA InfoZone Theatre.

The highly-respected Engineers of Tomorrow Competition for security and fire installer apprentices will once again be a key feature at this year’s event. Now part of WorldSkills (the final will be taking place in November this year), apprentices will compete to demonstrate their technical abilities and understanding in front of their peers and industry colleagues to secure a place in the final. NSI auditors will again be part of the adjudicating team, providing independent appraisal of those competing. NSI encourages all visitors to support the industry’s future engineers and watch them in action.

A much anticipated and key attraction on the NSI stand will be ‘Cash’, NSI’s well-loved Turkmenian Eagle Owl who will be at IFSEC on Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 18th May. NSI is encouraging visitors to ‘Swoop in for a Snap’ with Cash – those who share their photos on social media and tag NSI on Twitter or LinkedIn will receive a free gift on the day.

Richard Jenkins, NSI Chief Executive “As the longest running industry event going back nearly 50 years, IFSEC’s presence in the industry calendar is always greatly anticipated.  Despite the pandemic forcing a break since its last in-person event in 2019 we are delighted to see IFSEC return with such a compelling programme to bring the industry together.

 We look forward to welcoming industry colleagues old and new to our stand and to partnering with IFSEC in the ‘Boardroom Talks’ which we are jointly hosting for NSI approved companies.”

Visitors attending IFSEC International are invited to a Reunion Drinks Party taking place at Indigo, The 02, at 18:30 on 17th May 2022, where they can enjoy two complimentary drinks on entry. Access is via the Emirates Air Line cable car.

Fire Protection Association to participate at FIREX International

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The Fire Protection Association is set to make its presence felt at this year’s FIREX International with key personnel from the FPA involved in delivering conferences and keynotes.

FIREX International welcomes thousands of fire safety professionals to explore the latest innovative products and solutions and meet face-to-face with the fire safety community – all under one roof, over three days.

“We’re delighted to be returning to FIREX International this year and we relish the opportunity it presents to connect with our members, customers, and the wider fire safety sector. FIREX will see the launch of several new and exciting FPA services including our Material Identification Laboratory, for identifying building insulation material; two fire resistance test furnaces, in collaboration with global safety science leader UL; and our newly developed fire compartmentation and door survey technology. “We are also pleased to be hosting the General Assembly of the Confederation of Fire Protection Associations (CFPA) Europe during the same week and our European partners are very much looking forward to the show.”Jonathan O’Neill OBE, Managing Director of the Fire Protection Association

Hear from industry experts in the FPA InfoZone theatre, featuring talks on the latest legislation, technology, and building safety. Highlights include:

Day 1: Bringing the global world of fire testing to the UK
Jonathan O’Neill OBE, FPA and Chris Miles, UL

Day 2: NFCC updates
Gavin Tomlinson, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service & NFCC Protection Committee Chair

Day 3: Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures UK (CROSS-UK)
Steve Hamm, IFE and Neil Gibbins, CROSS UK

Security & Fire Excellence Awards returns in November 2022

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The Security & Fire Excellence Awards is set to return on 23 November 2022 in London’s Hilton on Park Lane.

Now in its twenty-third year, Security & Fire Excellence Awards has consistently highlighted the best people, projects and processes that the security and fire sectors have to offer. For 2022, the organisers have reviewed the categories and made a number of changes to enhance the offering and to make the event even more relevant.

New categories for 2022 include: Security or Fire Diversity & Inclusion Champion of the Year, Security or Fire Start-Up Company of the Year, Security or Fire Sustainability Champion of the Year and Security or Fire ESG (Environment, Social & Governance) Initiative of the Year

The full 2022 category list, along with all other details, can be found here.

MSA ‘excited’ for FDIC International 2022 return

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MSA Safety rounded off 2021 in style posting record quarterly revenues at $410m, increasing 6% from a year ago. Core product revenue increased 9% from a year ago. The positivity was attributed to acquisitions and strong growth in industrial PPE. Looking ahead, and with a major presence at FDIC International in Indiana, Jason Traynor, General Manager, Global Fire Service and Integration Leader for MSA Bristol gives IFSJ a sneak-peek on what to expect this year. 

Ahead of FDIC International 2022, what are MSA’s expectations from the show? 

We’re excited to be back in Indianapolis with FDIC returning to a full-scale event, and we’re looking forward to being together with our customers and sharing the latest in connected firefighting technology. We expect an incredibly engaged crowd that is looking forward to seeing how personal protective equipment is the driving force behind enhancing safety on the job. You’ll see that in how MSA’s G1 SCBA is the focal point of our LUNAR Connected Firefighter Platform, which includes using FireGrid’s insights to enhance crew monitoring and incident management. As always, we’re working to find new ways to keep firefighters safe and will feature Fotokite remote ariel monitoring capabilities that help heighten situational awareness at a fire scene.  

Give us an assessment of the American fire market’s performance over the last 12 months.  

As a leader in the safety industry, MSA continued to manufacture products for our customers who must work in times of global crisis, like the Covid-19 pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, the need for emergency responders never went away, so their needs of products and services that support them in their role continued. Across the company, we saw solid demand for our products, but three of our largest drivers were personal protective equipment, SCBA and turnout gear. Despite supply chain disruptions and labor constraints impacting our ability to ship some product, we did set a record in 2021 for the number of G1 SCBA units shipped. 

On the back of MSA’s strongest quarter (Q4 2021), what can we expect from the firm for 2022.  

Our focus will continue to be on developing and deploying products and technology that will help keep firefighters safe while on duty, and specifically through the MSA Connected Firefighter Platform. This will include new ways to monitor and track equipment and to get updates and upgrades for those items through subscription services. Through our MSA+ subscription program, we can reduce capital spending, enhance operational efficiencies for our customers, simplify upgrades to new technology and services, and ensure products are always under warranty. There will be more fire products included in the MSA+ service, and we look forward to seeing this grow through the year and beyond.  

Tell us about your recent contract wins, and pipeline for the H1 2022. 

This includes working with our new customers, like the Israeli Fire Service, who will be outfitted in MSA Bristol turnout gear. The ISF has signed on for 5,000 sets of gear across multiple contracts. To help better manage their equipment and help keep firefighters safe, we also expect more fire departments to see the value in connected technology and the usefulness of having gear, equipment, and technology together from one manufacturer. The Easton Fire Department in Easton, Pennsylvania, is one of those departments. They will be outfitting all their firefighters with our LUNAR Connected Firefighter devices.  

Any more acquisitions or mergers on the cards? 

MSA has a proven track record of successful acquisitions in the fire service, including Cairns, Gallet, Globe, Bristol and most recently with our investment in Perspective Robotics AG in the development of Fotokite. While we can’t comment on anything specific, as the world leader in head-to-toe firefighting safety products and technology, we are always interested in pursuing opportunities to grow and expand our business, particularly when it aligns with our mission of keeping men and women around the world safe on the job. 

Tell us about inward investments within the business, and anything new we can look forward? 

We will continue to invest in our business to support the growth we expect in key markets. Here in the United States, we’re investing in our talent pipeline and developed a new college tuition reimbursement program at MSA Globe. We want to attract and retain the next generation of employees who will develop and create the products needed to help keep firefighters and workers everywhere safe. In Europe, we’re investing in our European Shared Services center in Warsaw, Poland, to better serve our customers, and in the United Kingdom we’re renovating space at our Bristol facilities. We’re undertaking these types of projects and initiatives to support our mission of helping to keep people safe.