RECOM Fire Solutions has opened a new distribution hub at Trafford Park in Greater Manchester
RECOM Fire Solutions has opened a new north west distribution hub in Greater Manchester as part of a six-figure investment to strengthen the operational capacity of its specialist passive fire protection division.
The new 2,500 sq m (27,000 sq ft) warehouse and office facility at Trafford Park will support the company’s continued growth by increasing storage capacity, improving logistics and enhancing stock management. The investment also includes an expanded vehicle fleet.
The division delivers passive fire protection works in live environments for clients across the education, healthcare, residential, defence and facilities management sectors.
According to the company, several smaller facilities in the north west have been consolidated into the single Trafford Park site, creating a centralised operation designed to improve efficiency and streamline deliveries.
The hub, located on the Westbrook Estate, is also expected to reduce the number of journeys required to support projects, contributing to the company’s efforts to lower its carbon footprint.
The investment follows the opening earlier this year of a new RECOM Fire Solutions base at Fort Dunlop in Birmingham, which supports projects across the Midlands, the M6 corridor and into the south west.
Sarah Leadbetter, head of RECOM Fire Solutions, said: “The opening of our new north west distribution hub is a major milestone for RECOM Fire Solutions. It creates greater efficiency through a centralised location, increases storage capacity and improves stock management.
“Trafford Park is an ideal location, as it’s highly accessible and close to our group headquarters in Salford Quays. It provides us with a strong base for our next phase of expansion and will contribute to reducing our carbon footprint as a business.”
The Trafford Park building is owned and managed by Indurent, which refurbished the site before RECOM Fire Solutions took occupation. Nexus Storage Solutions installed the warehouse racking as part of the fit-out.
The expansion comes as demand for compliant passive fire protection measures continues to grow alongside increased regulatory scrutiny across the built environment.
In recent months, RECOM Fire Solutions has also strengthened its management team with several new appointments and now employs around 60 operatives working on projects across the UK.
The company’s services include compartmentation and fire door condition surveys, installation and remediation of fire stopping and fire doors, intumescent paint application, overboarding and fire curtain installations.
RECOM Fire Solutions forms part of the RECOM Solutions group, which also provides project management consultancy and main contracting services. The group was founded in 2015 by Jason McKnight and Joseph Dillon, who met while studying construction management at the University of Salford before later working together at Bovis Lend Lease.
According to the company, the shares address widespread misunderstanding in the specification of passive fire protection systems across the built environment.
Together, the company highlighted that the documents provide clear, practical guidance in areas where poor terminology, legacy standards and inconsistent interpretation continue to undermine compliance.
Knowledge Shares
PFKG highlighted that Knowledge Shares 10, 11 and 12 include:
Knowledge Share 10
Knowledge Share 10 addresses frequent confusion between smoke-leakage-classified active fire curtains and simple smoke curtains.
Simple smoke curtains are intended solely to control and direct smoke towards smoke control systems and provide no fire resistance (integrity) performance.
This is in contrast to smoke-leakage-classified active fire curtains, which are tested to fire resistance standards.
The document cautions against the use of the term “smoke and fire curtains” in specifications, as it is misleading and can result in the selection of incorrect products.
Knowledge Share 11
Knowledge Share 11 highlights the frequent misapplication of insulation (I) performance where radiation (W) classification is more appropriate for active fire curtains.
Insulation fire resistance (I) refers to the time taken for the temperature on the non-fire side of a curtain to rise more than 180°C above ambient under test conditions, a performance that most active fire curtains do not achieve for any significant duration.
By contrast, the radiation criterion (W) measures the time taken for heat radiation at 1 m from the non-fire side to exceed 15 kW/m².
This typically provides a more realistic and meaningful measure of performance for active fire curtains, particularly when combined with integrity (E) to form an EW classification.
Knowledge Share 12
Knowledge Share 12 addresses another long-standing area of confusion: the distinction between fire barriers and cavity barriers.
The document explains the different regulatory roles these systems perform, along with the differing fire resistance requirements that apply to each.
It also highlights how misunderstanding can lead to non-compliance, particularly where products are installed within cavities, above ceilings or beneath raised access floors without appropriate supporting evidence.
Across all three publications, PFKG emphasises the importance of early engagement between fire engineers, designers, contractors and manufacturers to ensure specifications are clear, achievable and supported by suitable test evidence.
“Avoidable compliance risk”
Will Pitt, Chair of PFKG commented: “These Knowledge Shares are about removing ambiguity from some of the most frequently misunderstood aspects of passive fire protection.
“Incorrect assumptions around standards or performance don’t just create technical issues – they introduce avoidable compliance risk into fire strategies and ultimately undermine safety.
“Clear terminology and evidence-led specification are fundamental,” Pitt concluded.
Downloads
All three Knowledge Shares are available now as free downloads from www.pfkg.org, supporting PFKG’s ongoing commitment to improving competence and consistency across the fire safety community
Isoler has announced that it has expanded into London following sustained growth and rising demand for fire safety and compliance services.
Isoler
Isoler, a Durham based firm has opened a new Central London office, extending its reach at a time of heightened focus on building safety across the UK.
Founded in 1992, the company specialises in building integrity, fire safety, compliance and complex remediation works.
The company provides services including fire stopping and compartmentation, fire doors, compliance surveys, fire dampers, structural fire protection, principal contractor services and wall remediation.
Expansion
According to the company, the expansion follows continued year-on-year growth, backed by long-standing client relationships, successful project delivery and reinvestment in staff, systems and service capability.
Isoler highlighted that the new London office will help build closer relationships with clients in the South, while retaining the company’s North East-led approach.
“A natural step in our journey”
Managing director Josh Watson said: “This move is a natural step in our journey, built on the strength of our North East operations, the commitment of our team, and the trust developed with our clients.
“This expansion allows Isoler to support a growing number of projects in the South while continuing to deliver the same standards of quality and integrity the business is known for in the North East.”
Embossed Braille signage represents a critical element in creating barrier-free environments across the European Union, the Broadband Technology Association stated.
Legal basis and scope of application
The international standard ISO 17049:2013 defines the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities requires public buildings to provide “signage in Braille and in easy-to-read and understand forms.”
According to the company, the key legislation included:
European Accessibility Act (EAA) 2019/882 takes effect from 28 June 2025
Web Accessibility Directive 2016/2102 requires public sector accessibility
The harmonised European norm EN 301 549 v3.2.1 (2021-03) provides uniform accessibility criteria across all EU member states.
Technical requirements standards
ISO 17049:2013 defines core requirements for braille signage, while EN 17210:2021 outlines accessibility criteria for built environments.
Technical parameters
Dot dimensional accuracy – ISO 17049:2013 specifies the dot base diameter of 1.5-1.6 mm with center-to-center spacing tolerances
Durability requirements – Materials must maintain tactile integrity under normal use conditions with a domed or rounded dot shape for extended service life
Material contrast requirements – Minimum 70% visual contrast for low vision users, while tactile distinction relies on raised dot height (minimum 0.8mm above background) and proper dome shape
Placement rules
General principles
EN 17210:2021 requires positioning signage at 1.2-1.6 meter elevation, with 1.4 meters recommended.
Sequence of placement of elements:
Information sign – 20 cm from the door frame;
Pictograms – 10 cm from the sign;
Call buttons – within reach.
Mandatory requirements
EU requirements apply uniformly across all public buildings regardless of sector:
Retail outlets – Room identification, restroom signs and accessible features
Types of tactile signage
A modern navigation system for people with visual impairments includes several types of tactile signs:
Signs at the entrance with the name of the organisation and opening hours
Signs on offices indicating the purpose of the premises
Tactile diagrams with floor plans and evacuation routes
Warning pictograms with a minimum 6-inch height field, accompanied by descriptive text
Directional signs to important facilities
All signage types must adhere to EN 301 549 specifications.
Practical recommendations for implementation
To ensure compliance with legal requirements, it is recommended to:
Conduct an audit of the existing navigation and identify missing elements of the information system
Create a comprehensive layout plan that takes into account the institution’s specific requirements and visitor traffic patterns
Select a certified supplier that guarantees compliance with EN 301 549 and ISO 17049:2013
Specialised companies, such as Bsign Store, offer professional custom braille signs with high-quality tactile fonts that can be adapted for various accessibility requirements.
Train staff to work with visitors with visual impairments.
Ranger Fire and Security has acquired three businesses as it continues to strengthen its footprint in Scotland, Ireland and the North-West of England.
iFire Fire and Security
Edinburgh-based iFire Fire and Security is one of the leading installers of fire alarms, intruder alarms, CCTV and access control systems in Scotland, delivering expert fire and security solutions tailored to commercial and retail environments.
The company said that iFire has built a reputation for its customer-centric approach and expertise, combining extensive industry experience with affordable solutions.
Their customer base ranges from offices to industrial sites, helping businesses stay safe, compliant and protected.
Henderson Fire and Safety
Henderson Fire and Safety is a Galway-based fire protection specialist, offering services spanning fire suppression systems, fire extinguisher hoses, evacuation chairs, hose reels and building protection products.
Ranger reported that Henderson also offers a range of training courses, including fire warden training, fire safety awareness, manual handling and first aid.
FireCheck
Warrington-based FireCheckis also joining the Group, specialising in fire extinguishers and fire risk assessments, as well as offering fire marshal or warden training, PAT-testing, fire alarm servicing and evacuation chairs.
Ranger highlighted that FireCheck’s customer base spans the North-West of England which will help enhance its existing presence in the region.
The acquisitions
According to Ranger, the additions of iFire, Henderson and FireCheck brings it’s acquisition total to 21 since its formation in early 2024.
The acquisitions form part of Ranger’s ongoing strategy to bring together high-quality “local hero” businesses to create a platform that is truly national in scope and capable of delivering best-in-class fire and security services across the UK and Ireland.
“Solving the fragmented nature of the fire and security sector”
Mark Bridges, CEO of Ranger Fire and Security said: “With our latest acquisitions we have brought together 21 companies under the Ranger umbrella since launch.
“With companies spanning the breadth and width of the UK and Ireland, we are solving the fragmented nature of the fire and security sector, which has limited many businesses from scaling.
“iFire, Henderson and FireCheck will be valuable additions to the team and bring their own specialisms to the Group’s offering, having built excellent reputations in their respective areas for high-quality, expert services.
“With our growing footprint across the UK and Ireland, businesses in the Ranger Group are increasingly able to create cross-selling opportunities for each other, offering customers a range of services from trusted providers,” he concluded.
“Trustworthy and expert service that they can rely on”
David Boyle, Managing Director of iFire Fire and Security commented: “Our mission has always been to provide customers with a trustworthy and expert service that they can rely on.
“As part of the Ranger Group, we will continue to deliver this standard of work to our clients, now with the added support of Ranger’s senior leadership team.
“As a new member of the Ranger team, we are looking forward to working with other businesses in the Group both in Scotland and beyond to extend our customer base,” Boyle added.
CMS Danskin Acoustics’ Plant Room Lining Panels have had their Limited Combustibility A2-s1,d0 Reaction to Fire classification reconfirmed.
This confirmation follows developments in slab composition and adhesive.
Plant Room Lining Panels
Designed primarily as a means of controlling noise, the panels underwent fresh fire tests to reassess their combustibility.
With fire safety crucial and every building product under scrutiny, this provides vital reassurance for specifiers, says the acoustics specialist.
The panels are used to counter sound in plant rooms; from generators, large servers, fans, engine enclosures, test cells; and in other industrial applications, such as workshops.
For use on both walls and ceilings, the company highlighted that they are effective in controlling reverberation and reflected sound.
CMS Danskin Acoustics’ 50mm, 75mm and 100mm panels are assessed as noise Absorption Class A as tested to BS EN ISO 354:2003.
However, CMS Danskin Acoustics’ Plant Room Lining Panels also have A2-s1,d0 (BS EN 13501-1:2018) Reaction to Fire classification when used with specified fixings.
“Verified limited combustibility”
Dave Bowen, CMS Danskin Acoustics commented: “With the spotlight rightly on fire safety, the fact that our plant room acoustic panels are Limited Combustibility, along with Class A absorption, is good for building designers and contractors as they look to specify products with verified limited combustibility.”
Materials and manufacturing
Manufactured by CMS Danskin Acoustics in Warrington, the Plant Room Lining Panels consist of non-combustible core material wrapped in a white cloth face.
According to the company, the panels provide good thermal insulation, are water resistant and the mineral fibre BRE Green Guide rating is A.
The company added that they are easy to handle, install and clean.
CMS Danskin Acoustics, part of The Performance Technology Group, manufactures and sources acoustic insulation products advising on acoustic and vibration control materials and noise reduction strategies, including floors, ceilings and walls, to combat airborne, impact and reverberation noise.
HAFEX CEO Ufuk Can Günaydın discusses how advanced fire protection systems are evolving to support battery energy storage, offshore wind, marine operations and critical infrastructure in increasingly complex risk environments
As industries accelerate investment in renewable energy, electrification, critical infrastructure and offshore operations, fire protection requirements are becoming increasingly complex.
From Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and offshore wind turbines to marine vessels, high-risk environments require suppression systems designed specifically for operational demands that conventional solutions may not fully address.
In this context, HAFEX, a fire protection engineering company specialising in suppression technologies for technically demanding sectors, develops and manufactures fire protection systems with a focus on reliability, certification and performance in mission-critical environments.
Led by Fire Engineer and CEO Ufuk Can Günaydın, the company has expanded internationally by developing sector[1]specific solutions tailored to challenging operating conditions, including offshore environments, battery storage installations, telecommunications infrastructure and military assets.
“The key factor has been our ability to combine engineering expertise with sector-specific fire protection solutions,” Günaydın tells IFSJ. “These industries require more than standard fire suppression; they demand reliability, certification, adaptability and a deep understanding of operational risks.”
Fire protection strategies for battery energy storage systems
As renewable energy deployment accelerates globally, HAFEX has identified BESS as a major strategic growth area.
“BESS applications are one of the most important focus areas for us,” says Günaydın. “Lithium-ion battery fires behave very differently from conventional fires, especially because of thermal runaway and the risk of re-ignition.”
To address these challenges, HAFEX has developed aerosol and clean-agent suppression technologies designed for rapid activation, early-stage suppression and protection within enclosed battery environments.
The company also places emphasis on system integration, detection and risk-based design, aiming to reduce fire spread and support safer long-term operation of infrastructure.
Fire protection challenges across offshore wind and marine infrastructure
Marine and offshore environments represent another major focus area for HAFEX, particularly as offshore wind development continues to expand globally.
“Offshore and marine environments are challenging because fire protection systems must operate under harsh conditions such as vibration, humidity, saltwater exposure, limited access and extreme weather,” Günaydın explains.
For its part, HAFEX has developed systems incorporating real-time fire detection, continuous temperature monitoring and daily reporting of environmental changes to support early risk identification.
The company protects wind turbine risk zones separately, including nacelles, transformers and electrical cabinets, allowing more targeted suppression and risk management.
This approach has already been tested in operational environments. According to HAFEX, seven discharge cases have been recorded within installations for Enel Green Power Mexico across more than 300 Siemens Gamesa wind turbines, with three confirmed fire incidents successfully extinguished.
Following these deployments, the company has expanded further into the Asia-Pacific region, where it has reported protecting more than 400 offshore wind turbines across multiple global turbine brands.
Fire suppression solutions for critical electronic infrastructure
Meanwhile, in environments containing sensitive electronic infrastructure, fire suppression requirements differ significantly from conventional industrial settings. The priority is not only extinguishing fire quickly but doing so without damaging critical assets or disrupting operations.
“For sensitive electronics, the goal is not only to extinguish the fire but also to protect the equipment and avoid damaging the electronics,” says Günaydın.
Accordingly, HAFEX manufactures a certified strontium-based aerosol suppression system designed to avoid the conductivity issues that potassium-based extinguishing agents faces, particularly strontium-based aerosols has no hydrophilic characteristics.
The company proves that it’s clean and electrically non-conductive suppression technologies are suitable for data centres, server rooms, electrical cabinets and telecommunication systems.
HAFEX also reports protecting more than 4,000 4G and 5G base stations globally. “Our approach focuses on fast detection, targeted suppression and minimal residue—nearly none—which allows critical systems to remain protected without causing secondary damage,” Günaydın explains.
Fire protection requirements for defence and military applications
HAFEX also supplies fire suppression systems for naval and air force applications, where reliability and compliance requirements are significantly more demanding than in many commercial projects.
“Defence applications require a much higher level of reliability, durability and technical compliance,” says Günaydın. “Systems must perform under vibration, shock, restricted space, temperature variation and demanding operational conditions.”
Because defence platforms often involve mission-critical assets, fire protection systems must be engineered to function consistently under extreme operational stress.
In that respect, its defence-focused aerosol generators incorporate three detection and activation mechanisms within a single unit, alongside self-activation capability at 300°C.
Preparing for future fire risks
Looking ahead, HAFEX sees one of the biggest challenges as managing fire risks associated with rapidly evolving technologies. “The biggest challenge will be protecting new technologies before risks become widespread,” Günaydın explains.
Electrification, automation, renewable energy infrastructure, data centres and high-density battery systems are all creating new fire scenarios that legacy suppression technologies may not fully address.
At the same time, they are creating new opportunities for manufacturers capable of delivering specialised and application-specific solutions. “We believe the future will require smarter, more compact, environmentally responsible and application-specific suppression systems,” says Günaydın.
Leading life-safety systems manufacturer, C-TEC, has launched a new series of CAST XFP technical help videos.
Created to give engineers clear, visual, on-demand guidance on the installation and operation of its powerful and super-intuitive CAST XFP fire detection and alarm systems, the videos include practical advice on updating firmware, auto addressing, adding new devices and taking downloads from the panel using a PC.
Terry Gordon, C-TEC’s Engineering/Technical Support Manager, said: “Our new help videos are designed to assist anyone installing CAST XFP. As a soft-addressing system, it’s very flexible and can programmed with our handheld programmer or by using the panel’s auto address function for fast sequential programming of all devices. Our videos highlight all these options and also share guidance on identifying loop integrity faults, updating firmware and much more.”
Other initiatives introduced recently to boost the company’s technical support services include the creation of a new CAST technical support team, a new dedicated tech support telephone number and a Cloud-based AI-enabled call logging software system.
C-TEC is a leading UK manufacturer of world-class open-protocol fire detection and alarm system solutions for commercial and residential buildings. In addition to fire systems, lockdown systems and evacuation alert systems, the company also manufactures some of the UK’s most-respected call systems, disabled refuge systems and hearing loop systems.
The ECCOTARP Self-supporting containment tanks have been designed for a wide range of applications. They can serve as emergency water reservoirs, transfer tanks, collection tanks for hazardous substances, or quarantine tanks for cooling down and extinguishing ignited EV batteries.
Their smart foldable design saves space during transport and storage, while assembly takes only a few minutes.
Integrated welded polypropylene plates ensure a firm and stable tank shape even when the tank is empty.
The company is inviting you to learn more about these multifunctional tanks used by emergency response units as well as across various industrial sectors at INTERSCHUTZ next week.
As energy storage system (ESS) deployments expand globally, Jim Dickinson of Fireaway explains how NFPA 855, early warning systems and layered ESS fire protection strategies are helping operators identify thermal runaway risks
What fire risks do energy storage systems present that fire service professionals need to be aware of?
One of the challenges is that there are many misconceptions around energy storage systems (ESS) and where those fires start. Everyone talks about lithium battery fires and the role they play, but around 90% of fires do not actually start in the battery itself. They start in the electrical areas of the ESS.
The batteries are getting a lot safer. The newer generation of batteries is improving, but if a battery goes into thermal runaway, you get a mixture of gases coming off it, and they are very difficult to deal with.
Once it gets into a deep-seated lithium fire, there is not really any product on the market that can simply put that out. At that stage, you are struggling to contain it. For us, the focus is twofold.
The first part is providing a layered fire protection approach across ESS. The first stage is prevention. We do that using UltraSense. We have an all-gas flammable sensor that provides early warning. It is UL-listed, and it gives warning before an event develops.
We can link that to the battery management system in the ESS. We do that with a number of partners globally, and that is the first key part of the approach.
The next part is detection. We use standard detection, and we work with partners to provide those detection systems Suppression is provided using Stat-X aerosol. That is designed with our engineering team to protect the areas at risk.
We are trying to get to the earliest possible stage of fire protection. The aim is to get an early indication and connect that with the battery management system, so people can get to site before the situation develops.
How do fire protection strategies vary between utility-scale ESS sites and smaller in-building installations?
Large-scale ESS sites have a lot more management around them. They are more detailed, with more energy management and more fire detection and suppression planning.
They also need more planning at local level. If you go somewhere like California, you have local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) making decisions around what can go in and how it can be deployed.
In Europe, it is very different. Europe does not have its own standard for this, so everybody follows National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 855. That is the global industry standard.
It would be good if other standards were being presented, but NFPA 855 is the main one that is out there. It is the one we follow, and it is the one the ESS manufacturers use.
I was in China last week, and that is the standard everybody is following there as well. Some companies say that, if they are in Europe, they need to use a European Norm (EN) version. The issue is that there is no EN approval for an ESS system.
There is no European or UK standard for that. The biggest point is making sure the risk is assessed at the early planning stage. Firefighters and fire professionals should be engaged early, as they are in the United States (US), where the local AHJ will be involved. Europe is a little different.
Australia is slightly different as well, with its own regional variations. It is a tough area, because practices vary by region. Batteries are also changing. We used to have large 40-foot containers with plenty of space to install systems.
Batteries have now become more condensed. They have improved efficiency, and systems have become smaller, more compact and lower risk.
That was one of the reasons we got into UltraSense. It allows us to offer something compact that can go into those areas and detect early. That was important for us. In the US, fire marshals are heavily involved in decisions.
In Europe and the UK, that level of involvement is generally not there in the same way. With smaller-scale systems, we see this in charging facilities and in buildings. There is a risk, but those systems are often not assessed in the same way.
We have seen buildings where people have not carried outa full risk assessment and have not properly assessed the hazard itself. That is where the issue sits.
Could you explain how condensed aerosol systems are applied within ESSenvironments and what they are designed to achieve?
The suppression part of the approach is Stat-X aerosol. It is designed to protect the areas at risk within the ESS. It forms part of a wider layered approach. UltraSense gives the early warning, standard detection can sit alongside that, and Stat-X provides suppression for the protected areas.
The key point is that this is designed around the risk. Our engineering team works on that design to make sure the system is protecting the right areas.
What role does early detection play in identifying thermal runaway and supporting effective incident response?
Early detection is the key to this. UltraSense can be linked to the battery management system. That allows the system to identify the cell that is starting to go off and allows everything to be shut down.
You then have standard detection alongside that, followed by suppression. That is the approach we take. The aim is to get a warning as early as possible, before the situation develops into something more difficult to manage.
How are standards influencing how ESS fire protection systems are designed and deployed?
NFPA 855 is the main standard being followed globally. Even in China, that is the standard everybody is following. ESS manufacturers are using it, and it is the one we follow.
There is no EN approval for an ESS system at the moment, so if somebody is looking for a European or UK standard, there is not one in place in that form. That means NFPA 855 has become the main reference point across the industry.
When operators or fire services assess ESS protection solutions, what factors guide decisions?
The main factor is whether the risk has been assessed properly. That needs to happen at the early stage, during planning. Firefighters and fire professionals should be involved from the start.
In the US, the local AHJ is involved in those decisions. In other regions, that involvement can be different, so the process needs to reflect local requirements. The other factor is whether the system provides a layered approach. For us, early warning should be supported by detection, with suppression designed around the areas at risk.
What lessons from recent ESS incidents should fire service professionals consider when planning for future risks?
The main lesson is that the hazard needs to be assessed properly. People often focus only on the battery, but most ESS fires start in the electrical areas. That needs to be understood when systems are planned and protected.
The other lesson is that early warning matters. If you can identify a problem early, link that information to the battery management system and shut things down, you have a better chance of managing the risk before it develops.
That applies across utility-scale systems, charging facilities and smaller systems in buildings. The scale changes, but the need for proper assessment and early engagement remains the same.
