Posts in category: Events

FEMA has authorised the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Marshall Fire burning in Boulder County.

FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Tammy Littrell approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) after receiving the request and determining that the fire threatened such destruction that it would constitute a major disaster.

At the time of the request, the Marshall Fire had destroyed more than 100 homes and was threatening more than 5,000 homes, which were under an evacuation order.

The authorisation makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. While the FMAG does not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and does not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire, additional federal assistance may be available upon request after damage assessments.   

Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilisation and demobilisation activities; and tools, materials and supplies.

With the FMAG authorisation, additional funding is made available through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of wildfire and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction.

For more information on FMAGs, visit  https://www.fema.gov/fire-management-assistance-grants-program-details. For HMGP Post Fire, visit https://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program-post-fire.

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has published its latest findings following an inspection of Avon Fire & Rescue Service completed in the summer.

This new report follows on from the Service’s first HMICFRS inspection report published in December 2018 and the subsequent thematic review of its response to the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic published in January.

The latest findings show encouraging progress has been made since Avon Fire & Rescue’s last full inspection with the previous causes for concern and ‘inadequate’ ratings being resolved thanks to the hard work, determination and commitment of the whole workforce.  In citing numerous areas of improvement, HMI Wendy Williams said she was “very pleased with the progress Avon Fire & Rescue Service has made” and specifically highlighted increased staffing in the Business Fire Safety department, better targeting of its fire prevention work on those most at risk, its continuing support to the ambulance service and NHS mass vaccination programme, and sound financial planning processes.

Following Avon Fire Authority’s declaration of climate and ecological emergencies towards the start of the year, Avon Fire & Rescue Service’s successful grant application totalling nearly £1 million from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme was highlighted for particular praise and noted as a coveted example of ‘innovative practice’.  A dramatic reduction in the number of automatic fire alarms attended by the Service also drew positive acknowledgement from the inspectors, with firefighters now able to better use that time for uninterrupted risk critical training and community safety activities.

The report also included several areas for improvement which are already being addressed. The Service’s upgrade of its IT infrastructure is already well underway thanks to a £1.5 million investment agreed by the Fire Authority in October 2020, and its plan to improve the way in which risk information is gathered, stored and made available to firefighters was approved in September and is now being implemented.

Commenting on the Inspectorate’s findings, Chief Fire Officer Mick Crennell said: “While the absence of any further causes of concern or inadequate grades is not the bar against which we judge ourselves, we’re obviously pleased that the fantastic efforts made since our last inspection are resulting in significant improvements in so many areas. Our communities rightly deserve a fire and rescue service which is independently judged as ‘good’ across the board and our Service Plan is clear that we continue to strive for those grades – and this new report is an important stepping stone on our improvement journey.”

The Inspectorate grades the service as ‘good’ in four areas and ‘requires improvement’ in seven, but reflects significant improvement in the people pillar with HMICFRS’ assessment of promoting the right values and culture leaping two grades from ‘inadequate’ to ‘good’.  The report notes that “It is encouraging to see the extensive progress which the service has made in communicating its values and behaviours throughout the wider workforce” and praises the significant progress made in looking after the mental health and wellbeing of its staff.

Paying tribute to the hard work of staff, CFO Mick Crennell added: “Three years ago HMICFRS said that they did not underestimate how much improvement was needed and set us a huge challenge to make rapid and sustained progress to improve our service.  They recognised that it takes time for new approaches to bed in – and longer still to change an organisation’s culture – but I’m immensely proud that we’ve risen to that challenge with this latest report showing just how far we’ve come.”

Councillor Brenda Massey’s election to Chair of Avon Fire Authority in June was followed in September by CFO Crennell’s announcement of his intention to retire at the end of March next year. Paying tribute to Mick’s contribution since joining Avon in August 2017, Cllr. Massey said: “The solid progress reflected in this latest report is testament to Mick’s strategic vision and leadership which have been instrumental in driving the service forward.  While we have further work to do to get us to ‘good’ across the board, I’m certain that Mick’s legacy will provide a solid base on which our new Chief Fire Officer can build and take us onto greater things in the future.”

Many of the improvements implemented over the last two years have led to Avon Fire & Rescue Service being recognised as a finalist in the “Emergency Service of the Year” category at the seventh annual Fire and Emergency Awards which were held in London on 3 December 2021.

You can read the full report here: Avon – HMICFRS (justiceinspectorates.gov.uk)

In 2022, the International Water Mist Association (IWMA) will honour the author of the best master thesis on water mist fire protection. The deadline to hand in submissions is 29^th April 2022. The IWMA scientific council will evaluate all entries and will announce the winner on 30^th June. IWMA have published the rules for taking part on their webpage.

The prize includes an invitation to the 21^st International Water Mist Conference, which in 2022 will take place in Madrid, Spain, on 9^th and 10^th November.

The winner will have the opportunity to present her or his master thesis before an expert audience in Madrid. IWMA will cover travel and accommodation expenses. The winner will receive a prize money of 1,000 € and a one-year free IWMA membership.

IWMA first offered this award in 2016. Previous winners were Daniel A. Martin in 2016 for his master thesis, James P. White in 2017 for his Ph.D. thesis and Topi Sikanen in 2019 for his Ph.D. thesis.

Work-related stress and poor mental health risk becoming a health and safety crisis for Great Britain’s workplaces, the regulator has warned.

While the full impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is yet to be fully understood, mental health issues are the number one reason given for sick days in the UK. Last year more than 17 million working days were lost as a result of stress, anxiety, or depression. A recent survey by the charity Mind suggests that two in five employees’ mental health had worsened during the pandemic.

In response the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is today, Tuesday 16 November, launching its new campaign, ‘Working Minds’, at its Health and Work Conference, which examines issues relating to health at work. The campaign aims to help businesses recognise the signs of work-related stress and make tackling issues routine.

While ‘Working Minds’ is specifically targeting six million workers in small businesses, HSE is calling for a culture change across Britain’s workplaces, to ensure psychological risks are treated the same as physical ones in health and safety risk management.

HSE’s chief executive Sarah Albon said: “Work-related stress and poor mental health should be treated with the same significance as risks of poor physical health and injury. In terms of the affect it has on workers, significant and long-term stress can limit performance and impact personal lives.

“No worker should suffer in silence and if we don’t act now to improve workers’ mental health, this could evolve into a health and safety crisis.

“The pandemic has highlighted the need to protect the health of employees who have faced unprecedented challenges; the Government is committed to building back better and we want to make sure good mental health is central to this.”

HSE is reminding business that no matter where people work, employers have a legal duty to assess the risks in the workplace, not just in terms of potential hazards and physical safety. They should also promote good working practices. It says this promotes an open environment where employees can share their concerns and discuss options to ease pressures.

Sarah Albon added: “Our campaign is focused on giving employers a clear reminder of their duties while championing reducing work-related stress and promoting good mental health at work.”

The regulator has partnered with a number of organisations to highlight the triggers of stress, the legal duty of employers and how to manage the risks. The network of Working Minds champions includes the charity Mind, which supports and empowers anyone experiencing a mental health problem in England.

Working Minds is aimed specifically at supporting small businesses by providing employers and workers with easy to implement advice, including simple steps in its ‘5 R’s’ to Reach out, Recognise, Respond, Reflect, and make it Routine.

Employers and workers wanting to know more about the Working Minds campaign, including the legal obligations, advice, and tools available, should visit: workright.campaign.gov.uk/campaigns/workingminds.

Comments in support of Working Minds

Dane Krambergar, Head of Workplace Wellbeing Services at Mind, said: “We’re really pleased to be supporting HSE’s Working Minds campaign which aims to support businesses to promote good mental health among their staff. Mind has long been working with employers of different sizes and sectors to help them create mentally healthy workplaces, but this has never been more important. This campaign couldn’t have come at a better time, given the impact the pandemic has taken on employers and staff.

“We recently surveyed over 40,000 staff working across 114 organisations. Two in five (41 per cent) employees told us their mental health had worsened during the pandemic.”

Prof Neil Greenberg, Chair of the Occupational Psychiatry Special Interest Group at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: “Good mental health is just as important as good physical health, so it’s vital that employers do all that they can to promote good mental health in the workplace. Employees should be given appropriate support to help minimise the likelihood of experiencing work-related mental health problems and be supported in their treatment and recovery if they do develop or live with a mental illness.

“HSE’s campaign will give organisations and employers the necessary tools to spot potential signs of mental ill-health, and to develop or improve their practices to protect the psychological health of their staff.”

Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work Chloe Smith said: “Making sure businesses have the right tools to recognise and support their employees with their mental health is key to creating healthy workforces across the country.

“Campaigns like this are so important and alongside our other measures to help reduce ill-health related job loss and initiatives such as Access to Work we can ensure even more people can stay in their job and thrive.”

European manufacturer of complete fire safety systems, Global Fire Equipment (GFE), will showcase the latest additions to its product portfolio at INTERSEC 2022 at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 16 – 18^th January.

GFE’s specialists will be on Stand F-09 in Hall 3 to highlight its range of fire control panels, detectors, sounders, VADs and fire alarm monitoring, control and communications software. Visitors to the stand will also be able talk to the GFE team about the importance of understanding the EN54 certification and approval processes when specifying fire safety systems, as well as the benefits of working with a full system provider.

In 2021, an international third-party Notified Body laboratory awarded GFE the prestigious EN 54-13:2017+A1:2019 approval for its digital addressable fire alarm systems. This standard differs from other because it is a system performance standard, rather than a product standard, thereby confirming the compatibility and connectivity of all the individual components of GFE addressable fire safety systems.

GFE will highlight the end-user benefits of its next generation addressable fire alarm control panels, including the G-ONE (single loop), GEKKO and the OCTO+, which are versatile, compact and expandable from 1 to 4 loops. Fully Construction Products Regulation (CPR) certified to EN 54-2 and EN 54-4, the control panels are suitable for a wide range of applications, from small to large buildings including those on complex sites, all with remote communications for management and maintenance of the system.

GFE will also take the opportunity to introduce its brand-new OWL Software. OWL is a graphical display, alarm management and monitoring software which allows customers to import their cause-and-effect configuration file from the panel to the monitoring software at the click of a button. With OWL, customers can not only monitor the status of their panels, but they can also receive real-time information with complete visibility of their entire fire detection and alarm system. 

João Paulo Ajami, Managing Director of GFE, comments: “INTERSEC is a key event in the fire industry’s calendar, and we are delighted to be getting back in front of customers to highlight our latest products.

“The Middle East is a strategically important market for GFE, and this year’s show will see us have an even greater presence than in previous years, reflecting our continued commitment to this thriving region. We have invested heavily in developing products and solutions that are designed specifically for the Middle East and INTERSEC is the ideal platform for us to introduce them to the market.”

For further information on Global Fire Equipment, please visit www.globalfire-equipment.com.   

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) will once again be the exclusive show partner to FIREX International 2022, the UK’s leading fire safety event, as the sector looks to reconnect in London on 17-19 May. The long-standing relationship helps to play a vital role in promoting expertise, collaboration and competence in fire safety. 

The FIA (and previously the BFPSA), have been long-standing partners of FIREX International since 1996 – when FIREX first became an independent event – providing the UK fire industry a chance to flourish with a dedicated platform.

The strategically significant relationship supports the FIA, the leading trade organisation for the fire safety industry, in playing a vital role in promoting the expertise and values of the sector. FIREX, as its exclusive tradeshow partner, provides a unique platform for all stakeholders to come together in one setting to collaborate, engage and set the agenda.

The international nature of the FIREX audience also provides an important export platform for UK business, with the event working directly with the FIA Export Council on initiatives and representation at the show.

FIA members make up 25-30% of the FIREX exhibitors, enjoying discounted rates and exclusive recognition as FIA members on all FIREX marketing and promotion. They also have access to the FIA bar which is constructed on the show floor as a headline feature area.

Gerry Dunphy, Event Director of FIREX, adds: “The FIA has been and continues to be a guidance to the overall FIREX proposition, particularly in areas such as education and learning, not only through the seminars on the exhibition floor but through its many contributions via our webinars and features on IFSECGlobal.com. In turn the unique availability of IFSEC Global has provided the FIA with an online platform to continually broadcast its messages to hundreds of thousands of global fire safety sector professionals.”

“We’re excited to be back in 2022, with the show also now fully committing to supporting third-party approvals on all related fire safety products and construction materials. Such processes are crucial to improving standards in the built environment.”

Ian Moore, CEO of the FIA, states: “The FIA highly values its relationship with FIREX. The long-standing contractual agreement between both parties has allowed FIREX to reinvest in the FIA each year. This allows the FIA to continue funding its research into all aspects of fire safety and helps to continually raise the standards in fire protection measures and approaches.

“With the relationship continuing into 2022, FIREX will continue its investment back into the fire sector via the FIA, which over the years now totals in the region of £750,000.

“Ultimately, we both have common goals, we both have the success of the UK fire industry at our cores, and we look forward to maintaining this relationship for many years to come.”

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection has announced the shortlist for its 2021 Passive Fire Protection Awards, with the winners due to be announced on 26 November at the Association’s Awards Lunch at the Edwardian Hotel in Manchester. The awards will be presented by broadcaster, naturalist and marine biologist Monty Hall.

The 2021 event will see awards presented in six categories, each recognising excellence within the passive fire protection industry, at company and individual level.

Three companies have been shortlisted for the ASFP Installation of the Year award:

• CLM Fireproofing – C-19 Mega Lab: Having provided compliant, high-quality fire protection throughout this Covid-19 Laboratory in Leamington Spa, CLM has ensured the important work being conducted in the Mega Lab is safeguarded and can continue uninterrupted.
• Coopers Fire – Monash Chancellery University: The installation of this large, bespoke engineered fire curtain illustrates the close working partnership and capabilities of both Coopers Fire and Greene Fire in providing a passive fire safety solution in this unique and complex building.
• Optimum Drywall Systems – SCCC – Grange University Hospital: As one of the largest passive fire protection projects in the South-west and Wales, this project presented many design challenges that were resolved with innovative solutions. It demonstrated that a positive collaboration of design, client, supplier and installation professionals can be achieved.

The Passive Fire Protection Innovation of the Year.award shortlist consists of:

• Siderise Insulation – Masonry Envelope PFP Solutions: This new suite of passive fire protection products for masonry facades has been engineered to meet the specific construction challenges of brickwork facades. The range includes the External Wall (EW) and enhanced External Wall Intumescent (EWI) systems and the Siderise BB Balcony Bracket.
• Global HSE Solutions – Independent Scrutineer Service: Global’s Fire Scrutineer service monitors fire safety at the three gateways of construction: design, construction and pre-occupation. At each, Global provides desk top analysis and site visits to ensure that all design and actual build details are compliant and installed correctly. Evidential, auditable records are provided for the O&M manuals.
• Interact Structural Fire Protection – Easy-Over System: The Easy-Over system is a seamless extruded, cast epoxy intumescent for the fire protection of small diameter bars. It delivers integrity by specific fire testing, reliability and a high-quality decorative finish. The Easy-Over is largely a one thickness fits all system, which provides up to two hours of fire protection.

The ASFP Training and Development of the Year award, is a new accolade that recognises an individual or organisation which has demonstrated training and development activities which have broadened knowledge and understanding within the sector. The award shortlist includes: Alec Purdie of Quelfire; Neville White of Encon Insulation; and the team at Neo Property Solutions.

The remaining Awards recognise individual accomplishments and include: the Individual Rising Star of the Year, a new award which will recognise the achievements of a new entrant to the industry who has shown exceptional potential and strives to achieve success; the Lifetime Contribution Award for an individual who has demonstrated exceptional practice and contributed to the industry over a significant period of time; and the Advocate of the Year, a non-member who has worked to raise awareness, educate and promote quality passive fire protection.

ASFP CEO Steve Davies offered his congratulations to all the shortlisted individuals and companies:

“The ASFP Passive Fire Protection Awards aim to highlight excellence in passive fire protection and reward those who contribute to the advancement of the sector. I would like to congratulate all those who have been shortlisted in 2021. Every entry was of a very high standard and the variety of entries served to demonstrate the excellent work, expertise, professionalism and commitment of our members.

“After the challenges we have faced throughout the pandemic, we are delighted to finally be able to invite our members and guests to gather together to celebrate our achievements. We look forward to welcoming you to Manchester.”

For further information on the ASFP and for passive fire protection advice, visit www.asfp.org.uk

The members of the International Water Mist Association (IWMA) have discussed and decided: The 21^st International Water Mist Conference will once again – after 2003 – take place in Madrid, Spain. The conference dates will be 9^th and 10^th November 2022. The conference venue will be the Elba Madrid Alcalá Hotel.

The call for papers will be published on 17^th January 2022. Sponsors can start booking their table tops for the exhibition – which will run alongside the conference – from that day onwards. IWMA general manager Bettina McDowell explains: “There will be three different packages available. Further details will be available from the IWMA headquarter in Hamburg.”

Another important date will be 16^th May which is the final date to submit abstracts and thus apply for a speaker slot. Furthermore, the conference webpage will be activated on this day.

On 1^st July, IWMA will publish the conference programme and 15^th August marks the end of the early bird period.

Deadline for submissions to apply for the IWMA Young Talent Award is 29^th April. In 2022, this award will go to the author of the best master thesis dealing with water mist.

Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection will shine the spotlight on its world-leading gas detection systems at ADIPEC 2021 (15-18 November, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates). From Booth 9413 in Hall 9, the company will showcase highly capable solutions such as its GD1 open-path laser gas detector and its GD10P infrared gas detector, which features upgraded software. Visitors to the booth will also discover how Teledyne will meet the gas detection demands of the giant Hail and Ghasha sour gas project that is currently in development off the UAE coastline.

The Teledyne GD1 open-path laser gas detector features a unique, customisable laser diode that, rather than emitting a conventional straight beam of light, travels as a cone from one point to another. In other words, the beam expands after transmission and is almost a metre in diameter when it reaches the receiver. As a result, the beam can penetrate harsh environments that competitor solutions may find difficult. The GD1 also performs real-time auto-calibration and auto-proof testing, and provides a very high sampling or detection rate i.e. 8000 times/sec.

The Teledyne GD1 open-path laser gas detector features a unique, customisable laser diode that, rather than emitting a conventional straight beam of light, travels as a cone from one point to another.

In other words, the beam expands after transmission and is almost a metre in diameter when it reaches the receiver. As a result, the beam can penetrate harsh environments that competitor solutions may find difficult. The GD1 also performs real-time auto-calibration and auto-proof testing, and provides a very high sampling or detection rate i.e. 8000 times/sec.

Another product taking pride of place at the company’s booth will be the Teledyne GD10P infrared gas detector. Thanks to a new software revision and upgrade, the GD10P is the only device on the market that provides IR detection to first-class SIL 2 high demand mode and SIL 3-capable IEC 61508 ed. 2 with a proof test interval of 8760 hours.

A further notable feature of the GD10P is its solid-state infrared source, which is sufficiently robust and stable to merit a 15-year warranty. Teledyne’s product portfolio houses a variety of detection technologies, including fixed, portable and wireless, as well as area monitors. Sometimes a mix of solutions can improve reliability and availability, as evidenced in the company’s proposal for the enormous Hail and Ghasha sour gas development, which is set to go live in 2024.

The main contractor tasked Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection to ensure reliable wireless gas detection with 24-7 availability. As a result, the company proposed fixed gas detectors connected via a wireless mesh as a primary means of detecting LEL explosive gases and hydrogen sulphide gases.

The solution also includes a second line of defence, utilising a mesh network of Teledyne’s field-proven BM25 wireless area monitors. Implementation commenced in June 2021, with the wireless mesh network featuring independent supervision from field-mounted controllers and remote displays. The BM25 will be on display at the booth, alongside other Teledyne industrial gas and flame detectors – both fixed and portable, including the wireless CXT.

Personal gas monitors on view will include the PS200, PS500 and Protégé ZM, while an ‘Innovation Wall’ will showcase upcoming new products, such as the DG MOS detector with Telecapteur asset management software. Whatever the requirement, ADIPEC visitors are welcome to discuss their specific applications and challenges with Teledyne, which will have an experienced and knowledgeable team at the exhibition.

C-TEC have confirmed that they will be exhibiting at London Build, the UK’s biggest construction show.

Taking place at Olympia on 17-18 November, London Build is the place to be if you’re a contractor, specifier, architect, fire safety specialist, property developer or housing professional.

C-TEC will be exhibiting a host of innovative fire system solutions designed to enhance fire safety in high-rise residential buildings including EVAC-ALERT, a new BS 8629 evacuation alert system, Hush, a revolutionary new BS 5839-6 Grade C domestic fire system, CAST, C-TEC’s powerful own-protocol fire system, and our new Cloud-based fire alarm remote access, service and site management software package.

Andy Scott, C-TEC’s Project Director, will also be heading up a live 50-minute panel debate on the Fire Safety Stage. “The Evolution of Fire Protection in High Rise Residential Buildings” willtake placeon 17 November at 12 noon. Featuring live questions from the audience, the session is set to be super-interactive and certain to be of interest to anyone involved in managing fire risk in residential buildings.

Andy said: “London Build Expo is an exciting place to connect with new people, catch up with customers and create new partnerships. We are thrilled to be hosting a live panel debate as it’s a unique opportunity to explore how integrated commercial and residential fire alarm technology can better protect people and property in the post-Grenfell era.”

Register free at https://www.londonbuildexpo.com/