FIA to host FIM Expo in Cardiff

by EventsFeatured News

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) is set to host the FIM Expo in Cardiff, in September 2022. The Fire Industry Manufacturers’ (FIM) Expo will feature many of the UK’s leading fire detection and alarm manufacturers and showcase the latest products and developments.

The FIM Expo’s informal format is one of its features along with a strong regional focus, and ability to see the latest from all the major fire detection manufacturers in one place. It also includes complimentary seminars covering a key topic affecting the FD&A world.

FIM Expo Cardiff already has 16 of the fire industry’s leading manufacturers in the FD&A Sector Signed up to exhibit. This list includes:

Advanced Electronics Ltd
Aico Ltd
Apollo Fire Detectors Ltd
C-TEC (Computionics) Ltd
Eurotech Fire Systems Limited
Everlux
FireMate Ltd
FirePro UK Ltd
Global Fire Equipment
Hochiki Europe (UK) Limited
Honeywell Fire
Hyfire Wireless Fire Solutions Ltd
Nittan Europe Ltd
Kentec Electronics
Tio Fire Safety
Wagner UK

For Delegates:

Delegates will have the opportunity to meet and network with around 25 manufacturers in the industry. Providing an opportunity to build business relationships for both 2022 and this new decade by connecting with both potential and existing clients.

In addition, the FIM Expo Cardiff will offer free CPD accredited seminars from both the FIA and other industry manufacturers (details to be confirmed).

Everything you need to know about The Fire Safety Event 2022

by Breaking NewsEventsUncategorized

Dedicated to supporting industry practitioners, professionals, and organisations in achieving and maintaining the very highest standards of fire safety management, it will the first time this year for a major UK exhibition to gather the whole industry all under one roof. 

UK’s largest showcase of exhibitors and supporters 

With over 100 exhibitors participating at the show, some of the industry’s leading brands including Aico, C-TEC, Apollo, Global Fire Equipment, Safety Technology International, SELO, Siemens, Fire Angel, Checkmate, Rockwool, FSI, EMS Limited, Tyco, Hytera, SimPRO, Firemate, Profab and many more, will be showcasing their latest research and development, product and solution launches and live demonstrations. 

A number of key association and industry bodies will be supporting the Fire Safety Event and will be on hand to offer guidance and expert advice to visitors. These include the Association for Specialist Fire Protection, National Association of Healthcare Fire Officers, Fire Protection Association, Smoke Control Association, Institute of Fire Safety Managers, Institution of Fire Engineers, BAFE, NSI and ECA/FSA and more. 

NEW! Passive Fire Arena 

In partnership with the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), this brand-new area will feature a collection of ASFP members and specialist suppliers. In the wake of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, passive fire protection has never been more prevalent.  

Helping visitors navigate around the show to source passive fire protection products and services, and provide key guidance on current regulatory changes, this arena will be complimented with a Passive Fire Conference. Each day will be themed with day one on the Golden Thread – looking into the essential requirements for the collation of information and management systems so individuals and organisations can access reliable, accurate and up to date information. Joined by Dan Rossiter, Sector Lead (Built Environment Digital Transformation) from BSI, who will talk about supporting the Golden Thread through product traceability and Russ Timpson, Founder and organiser of the Tall Building Fire Safety Network (TBFSN), Tall Building Fire Safety Network on what you need to know to manage Fire Safety in HRB’s. 

Day two will delve into Passive Fire Protection (PFP), how to protect the structure of a building to safeguard peoples’ lives and limit the financial impact of damage to buildings and contents. David Keeble, Head of Sales from Coopers Fire will present on why specialist fire resistant glass is needed and Global HSE Group’s Managing Director, Andrew Cooper will look at the challenges of firestopping when facing new challenges and circumstances,  

Finally, day three will end on competency – identifying the knowledge, skills, abilities, and mindset, evaluated through demonstrated behaviours, which directly and positively contribute to the success of installing, manufacturing, distributing and designing. 

Unmissable content, thought-provoking discussions and live industry debates 

Education is at the heart of The Fire Safety Event. Boasting three industry-led theatres and offering 45+ hours of free-to-attend CPD content this is the perfect opportunity for visitors to gain direct insight into improving, maintaining, and championing fire safety for all businesses. 

The Fire Safety Theatre (Sponsored by Xtralis) will cover the challenging and critical topics surrounding fire safety management. Discussion and debate driven, these insightful sessions include the fire safety bill update and the formation of the National Construction Products Regulator, protecting large premises from large fire, the diversity of ASD functionality and applications and the hugely popular mock trial recreating a real life trial under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and much more. 

The Fire and Security Installer Theatre sponsored by Resideo and in partnership with NSI, will return with content tailored specifically to fire and security installers and integrators. Covering the standards, regulations and industry best practice, these sessions will provide all the essential advice and guidance to ensure businesses and professionals are fully complaint. Key sessions not to miss are: 

CROSS – Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures 

Neil Gibbins, CROSS lead for fire safety 

BS 8418:2021 for Detector-Activated Surveillance Systems – The Game Changer For Police Response 

Matthew Holliday, Director of Approval Schemes – National Security Inspectorate (NSI) 

Fire Detection and Alarm Competence 

Mike Smith, Technical Director – Electrical Contractors’ Association 

Fire system installation quality, takeovers, and verification 

Peter Baxter, Technical Advisor – ECA/FSA 

Face to face meetings and networking opportunities  

To meet the business needs of fire safety professionals, The Fire Safety Event will be introducing a new and specialised matchmaking service CONNECT+ Live. CONNECT+ Live is a free-of-charge personalised matchmaking service that match qualified buyers with hand-picked solution providers. Visitors will be able to save time and money, and be able to make new invaluable contacts to benchmark and gain invaluable insight. 

To facilitate more networking and build new contacts, there will also be two networking receptions (sponsored by Firemate) taking place on day one and two from 16:00. Visitors, exhibitor and partners are invited to unwind and recoup from their day in an informal seeting. 

Part of the largest UK tradeshow dedicated to the protection of people, places and assets. 

The Fire Safety Event is uniquely co-located with The Security Event, The Health & Safety Event, and the newly relaunched The Workplace Event which together form The Safety and Security Series. With only one registration delegates have access to all four events spanning over 30,000 square metres – making these events the biggest of their kind in the UK and providing easy access to four major events, over 600 exhibitors, and one unmissable opportunity. 

In another first, the events will now offer free parking on site at the NEC. This will further enforce that the NEC is the most accessible venue for any event in the fire and security sector with a train station and airport on side and the venue adjacent to the M42 motorway.  

  

For more information or to register for your FREE pass visit www.firesafetyevent.com  

The rapid growth of the Fire Safety Event

by EventsFeatured News

Launched in 2016, The Fire Safety Event is one of the UK’s important industry events which has been on the radar of several professionals and manufacturers over the last six years. During its time, it has become the UK’s largest fire and safety show, with more than 100 leading manufacturers and service providers showcasing the most cutting-edge fire safety products and solutions in active and passive fire protection. 

The Fire Safety Event – hosted at the NEC Birmingham from April 5 to April 7, 202 – is ideally located to create a truly national event for professional fire safety installers, maintainers, consultants, specifiers, and end users of both active and passive fire protection solutions from all corners of the UK. 

The Fire Safety Event is run alongside The Security Event, The Workplace Event, and The Health & Safety Event. Collectively known as ‘The Safety & Security Series’ that is set to welcome more than 700 exhibiting businesses and visitor numbers surpassing 28,000 attendees. 

The Fire Safety Events also enjoys the support of key industry associations that include Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), National Association of Healthcare Fire Officers, Fire Protection Association, Smoke Control Association, Institute of Fire Safety Managers, Institution of Fire Engineers, BAFE, NSI and ECA/FSA among others. These bodies will be on hand offering expert advice and guidance to visitors. 

The show’s partnership with the ASFP will see a newly created area featuring a collection of ASFP members and specialist suppliers. In the wake of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, passive fire protection has never been more prevalent.  

In terms of knowledge sharing and learning, The Fire Safety Event is set to offer a plethora of industry-relevant content that is a must attend. There are three industry-led theatres offering more than 45 hours of free-to-attend CPD content. Meanwhile, the dedicated The Fire Safety Theatre will cover the challenging and critical topics surrounding fire safety management. These sessions are expected to discuss updates from the fire safety bill and the formation of the National Construction Products Regulator, protecting large premises from large fire, the diversity of ASD functionality and applications and the hugely popular mock trial recreating a real-life trial under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and much more. 

FPA’s Jonathan O’Neill to address The Fire Safety Event 2022

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Fire Protection Association’s managing director Jonathan O’Neill OBE will be addressing the audience in the Fire Safety Theatre with the Fire Protection Association’s concerns about the forthcoming Building Safety Bill. O’Neill will address audiences on Wednesday, April 6, from 10:15 to 11:00am

On Thursday 7 April, 14:00 – 15:00, the FPA’s Senior Fire Safety Trainer Alan Emms will be co-presenting a CPD session in the Training and Competency workshop taking place in the Fire Safety Theatre which will provide practical guidance and an insight into all aspects of fire safety training whilst focusing on the role of the Responsible Person.

Launched in 2016, The Fire Safety Event is one of the UK’s important industry events which has been on the radar of several professionals and manufacturers over the last six years. During its time, it has become the UK’s largest fire and safety show, with more than 100 leading manufacturers and service providers showcasing the most cutting-edge fire safety products and solutions in active and passive fire protection.

The Fire Safety Event is run alongside The Security Event, The Workplace Event, and The Health & Safety Event. Collectively known as ‘The Safety & Security Series’ that is set to welcome more than 700 exhibiting businesses and visitor numbers surpassing 28,000 attendees.  

O’Neill began his career in the insurance industry and was appointed Managing Director of the FPA in 1999. During his time as MD, he has overseen two relocations and has managed the organisation to financial independence from insurers. 

O’Neill has served on numerous government, ministerial, and sector advisory bodies and was part of the strategic advisory group on the Fire Futures Review. He represents UK insurers on the Prevention Forum of Insurance Europe, is the UK’s representative at the General Assemblies of CFPA Europe and CFPA International, and sits on the Executive of the Fire Sector Federation. 

In 2017, he was awarded in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to fire safety and received his OBE from Prince William, Duke of Cambridge on Tuesday 31 October at Buckingham Palace. 

Magirus will not participate in Interschutz 2022

by EventsFeatured NewsIndustry SectorsProductsPublic EventsVehicles

In a major development, German truck manufacturer Magirus has announced it will not participate in this year’s Intershutz.

The firm said it made careful considerations, not to take part at the Interschutz 2022 exhibition and “allocate part of the planned investment to charitable initiatives in support of firefighters in the Ukrainian conflict”.

After two long years marked by the global pandemic, which has deeply depressed the business environment, the brand was already focusing its resources on the development of its “Next Generation Firefighting” portfolio.

A statement from Magirus added: “Now, the unexpected war in Ukraine is further impacting the whole automotive and firefighting industry. Issues ranging from chassis supply to logistics challenges and very significant cost increase acceleration require Magirus to take an even more decisive step in focusing on core activities: developing the best firefighting products and services to ‘serve heroes‘.”

The brand will continue its marketing efforts for the entire product portfolio through plans to conduct an roadshow, to participate at the September IAA Transportation event in Hannover, and to host an in-house Magirus fair in the latter part of the year on its home turf in Ulm, Germany.

Additionally, in light of the ongoing crisis, Magirus has donated two turntable ladders to firefighters in Ukraine and has decided to use part of the planned Interschutz investment where it can make an immediate positive impact, contributing to the German Fire Services Association’s charitable initiative in support of Ukraine. “Magirus remains more committed than ever to its clients, dealers, suppliers, and all its stakeholders and will start planning right away to find new direct and effective ways to engage with them on an ongoing basis,” the firm added.

Registrations for FireX 2022 open

by EventsFeatured NewsIndustry SectorsPublic Events

After a near-three-year hiatus FireX will to return to Britain’s capital in May 2022. Set to be hosted at London’s Excel the three day event will commence from May 17 in the heart of the city.

Registrations for the event have officially opened, with the ‘free to attend’ event offering buyer and sellers several opportunities to interact and make key decisions.

Key industry associations are set to attend the event which include the Fire Industry Association (FIA), Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), Fire Protection Association (FPA), among many more. FireX will offer networking opportunities to reconnect with the industry, ranging from breakfasts and drink receptions to closed-door roundtable discussions.

Meanwhile, the Expertise and Guidance Theatre and the FPA’s InfoZone seminars will offer several avenues for learning and discussions around latest government legislation, industry standards and best practice guidance.

For 2022, FireX has taken the decision to fully commit to supporting and promoting third-party approvals, independent accreditation and competency for construction products and services. This will mean all exhibiting companies with relevant fire protection or prevention systems and materials will need to hold – or be in the process of acquiring – recognised third-party approval on their products.

Performance-based structural fire design webinar scheduled for May 2022

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The Society of Fire Protection Engineers, the Charles Pankow Foundation, and the International Code Council are set to host a webinar on expanding the implementation and adoption of performance-based structural fire design. The webinar is scheduled for Tuesday, May 10, 2022, and is free to all individuals who pre-register. 

Performance-Based Structural Fire Design (PBSFD) is one of the most promising tools for designing, analysing, and evaluating thermal effects on structural systems. Introduced in Appendix E of ASCE 7-16, PBSFD is an approach that permits the explicit evaluation of a structure’s ability to meet specific performance objectives under a variety of realistic design fire scenarios, unlike current prescriptive methods where satisfactory performance is implicit. This webinar will provide an overview for individuals who are involved with the design, construction, or regulatory approvals of buildings.

Robert A. Chmielowski, PE, SE, senior principal at Magnusson Klemencic Associates, and industry champion of the Charles Pankow Foundation PBSFD education initiative said: “Performance-Based Structural Fire Design is quickly gaining momentum in the engineering community as a viable approach to delivering safe, reliable, and efficient building designs in a way that has many advantages over traditional prescriptive methodologies. We are excited to sponsor an education program geared towards building officials and fire marshals which will help promote the adoption of PBSFD nationwide.”

The webinar will cover the differences between standard fire design and PBSFD, learn the state of practice of PBSFD in the US, understand the approval process through Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), and identify new and emerging resources. 

Beth Tubbs, PE, FSFPE, senior staff engineer at the International Code Council, and president at the Society of Fire Protection Engineers said: “Performance-Based Structural Fire Design is a promising tool that demonstrates the performance of structures based upon specific performance objectives and realistic fire design scenarios. In addition to this webinar, we hope that resources from the International Code Council, Society of Fire Protection Engineers, and others, will aid in the successful implementation of this important design tool.”

Fire Sprinkler International 2022 to be held in London

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In partnership with the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA), the European Fire Sprinkler Network (EFSN) will host Fire Sprinkler International 2022 – a two-day conference at the Park Plaza London Riverbank on 31st May and 1st June 2022 providing an unmatched forum for knowledge and understanding of the sprinkler industry.

After two years of travel restrictions, commercial restraints and limited opportunities to network and interact personally the international sprinkler industry will descend on London and celebrate new horizons post COVID crises, forging new professional relationships, renewing old contacts and creating new business opportunities to increase growth and future resilience.

An intense and informative programme will be delivered by more than 50 speakers with plenary and parallel break-out sessions in the hi-tech and spacious surroundings of the Plaza suite. The outstanding two-day conference programme addresses the latest developments in regulatory requirements, standards and technology for water-based fire suppression systems as well as specific applications including heritage, warehousing and logistics, residential applications, alternative power, high-rise buildings and transport.

Programme – Fire Sprinkler International

FSI 2022 will be held in one of London’s best situated hotels…. Located just west of the Houses of Parliament and Lambeth Palace, the venue is the perfect backdrop for this international gathering of sprinkler experts and fire safety professionals.

Alongside the dynamic conference programme will be an unrivalled exhibition of products and services from sprinkler companies across the world giving delegates and participants the opportunity to discuss specific topics; review innovation and network with the industry throughout the day and at the evening reception.

Two day inclusive delegate passes are on special offer until the end of April –

£700 for EFSN/BAFSA Members

£800 for non-members

FSI2022 Registration – Fire Sprinkler International

NFPA conference to cover global challenges and solutions for keeping people and property safe

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The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) will present a FREE “Global Solutions for Global Challenges” online educational program on February 16, 2022, covering a number of safety topics, as the organization’s year-long 125th Anniversary Conference Series begins to wind down.

The innovative, on-demand virtual conference series will begin at 7:00 a.m. (ET) and feature five Latin America (LatAm) sessions in Spanish with English subtitles and five Middle East North Africa (MENA) sessions in English with Spanish subtitles. Although the day’s agenda has been broken into topics of note in the NFPA priority LatAm and MENA regions – the issues and resources being discussed will resonate with safety-focused workers in jurisdictions around the world.

The NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem will serve as a framework for the day with session leaders sharing global case studies, safety benchmarks, and career insights. Code enforcement officials, emergency responders, fire protection engineers, industrial hazards personnel, and those who work in the built environment will find tremendous value in learning more about infrastructure challenges, regulations, NFPA codes and standards, safety gaps, policy roadblocks, healthcare considerations, and public education messaging. Full session descriptions can be found on the conference site and a snapshot of the day is listed below:

Track 1

  • LatAm: Compartmentalization as a Fundamental Basis of Fire Protection, A Latin American Approach – Eduardo del Muro Cuéllar, UL de México S.A. de C.V.
  • LatAm: Regulatory Framework and Compliance: Lessons Learned from the LPG Incident at Villa El Salvador, Lima Peru – Alfonso Panizo, ESSAC
  • LatAm: Risk Analysis of Dust Explosives in the Food Industry Based on NFPA 652, Standard on the Fundamentals of Combustible Dust – Sofia Poehls, Leza, Escrina y Asocuadis S. A.
  • LatAm: Analysis and Perspective of Fire Protection in Latin America – Domenico Braca, Invertec
  • Lat Am: Importance of Standardizing Criteria for Fire Protection in Hospitals in Latin America – Mauricio Bozzano, SHYMA Fire Engineering Consulting

Track 2

  • MENA: A Spotlight on the Ecosystem in Health Care Facilities – Dana Kamal, Cleveland Clinic, UAE
  • MENA: Civil Defence Leads a Decade of Progress of Fire and Life Safety in MENA – Sawsan Dahham, Dar Al Handasah (Shaar and Partners)
  • MENA: Role of Fire Codes and Standards in Hazard Management for Fire, Explosion, and Reactivity Hazards Practices – Guy Colonna, former head of NFPA Engineering Technical Services, current Safety Consultant
  • MENA: Reliability Versus Availability – Tom Denooij, Riskonet BV
  • MENA: Hot Works in Industrial Facilities – Laura Moreno, NFPA Standard Lead and Kevin Carr, NFPA Senior Fire Protection Specialist

“As a global authority on fire, electrical, building, and life safety, NFPA has witnessed a lot in its 125 years. And we know that different nations experience similar threats and challenges but that they come at different moments in time, based on where countries are in their development. For example, safety in the United States has evolved over centuries whereas Latin American and MENA have experienced explosive growth in recent years, so their challenges have been compressed and compounded,”

Olga Caledonia, NFPA director of international development explains. “Regardless of a nation’s growth, capacity, and access to resources, it is critical for authorities, the workforce, and the public to keep pace with progress. We all play a role in safety and should be held accountable for taking proactive and prescriptive steps to reduce risks in our communities – no matter where we are in the world. This conference will emphasize that safety is a system and help to influence positive, professional changes on an international scale.”

SFPE Foundation announces awards research grant funding

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The SFPE Foundation, a charitable organisation focused on enhancing the scientific understanding of fire and its interaction with the natural and built environment, is pleased to announce the funding of a research award to study the environmental and health impacts of fire and fire-suppression activities during large-scale fire events. The research will be led by Principal Investigator Jamie L. McAllister, Ph.D., P.E., and Co-Investigator Brendan McCarrick, P.E., both with FireTox, LLC.

The primary objective of the research is to characterise the environmental and health impacts following large-scale wildland and structural fire events. The primary research will include a literature review, identification of current systems for monitoring large-scale fire incidents, identification of current tools and resources used to quantify the impact of large-scale fire events, and a gap analysis to inform future research.  Findings of the study are expected to be published and presented at the SFPE Annual Conference and Expo in Detroit, MI, USA, October 12-14, 2022. 

“On behalf of the SFPE Foundation’s Board of Governors, we are so pleased to provide funding to the team at FireTox, LLC, to increase our understanding of the far-reaching effects of large-scale fire events,” stated Leslie Marshall, Ph.D., Director, SFPE Foundation.  “In line with the SFPE Foundation’s Research Roadmap priorities, this needed research will help expand our collective understanding in the areas of resilience, sustainability, wildland fires, the wildland-urban interface, and innovative technology and materials.”

Financing for SFPE Foundation-funded research is provided through the generous support of donors, including SFPE, SFPE chapters, SFPE members, governmental agencies, leading companies and organisations, and others.  Demand for SFPE Foundation research funding support far exceeds available funds.  The SFPE Foundation periodically invites research proposals through both open calls and specific requests for proposals. 

Additional information about the SFPE Foundation, its programs, and this research project is available at sfpe.org/foundation.