Aberdeen safety hub opens as Arco expands training and offshore kit drops

Safety services and site capabilities

Arco has opened a specialist centre in Aberdeen to support oil, gas and renewables sector companies working across onshore and offshore operations.

The£500,000 site is intended to help companies minimise risk and maximise productivity across demanding working environments.

The 13,700 sq ft centre is based near Aberdeen airport.

It offers safety training, face fit testing, respiratory servicing and product decoration services.

The centre also provides offshore kit drops, with orders placed before 3pm delivered the same day.

Each week, up to 100 kit bags are dispatched from the Aberdeen centre to the North Sea and beyond.

Energy and export focus

The launch follows Arco’s November announcement of a 37 per cent rise in pre-exception EBITDA to £11.4 million over the past year.

Alex Richards, Arco’s Energy and Export Director, said: “We’ve been keeping customers in Aberdeen safe for nearly 40 years, and this new centre signifies more than just a move to a new site.

“Our £500,000 centre enables access to Arco’s more than 140 years’ safety experience through best-in-class training, respiratory servicing, face fit testing, and same-day offshore kit drops.

“We supply highly certified PPE selected specifically to combat hazards faced offshore, onshore and across complex industrial environments.

“Our people are energy sector specialists, with deep understanding of industry regulations, working conditions and operational challenges.

“That knowledge allows us to provide informed guidance, the right solutions first time, and a level of service customers can rely on.

“By keeping people at the centre, and offering products dedicated to the energy industry, we’ve built long-standing partnerships that help protect workers, reduce risk and maximise productivity across Aberdeen’s energy community.”

The company said it is supporting workers across the globe from the Aberdeen centre, including Africa and the Middle East.

JLA Group acquisition targets Benelux growth in fire and commercial equipment

Fire acquisition expands JLA Group footprint in Benelux

JLA Group has acquired LDL Group as it moves to grow its international presence.

JLA Group announced the deal on 13 February 2026.

The company said the acquisition extends its footprint in Europe and is intended to create a platform for further international growth.

JLA Group described itself as a provider of the distribution and servicing of commercial laundry, catering, fire and HVAC equipment.

Deal scope and leadership plans

LDL Group has more than 50 years of heritage and operates across Belgium and the Netherlands.

The business provides laundry, catering, meditech, and heating and boiler services to care, housing, government and leisure facilities.

LDL Group has almost 50,000 assets in use and the company said it has strong customer relationships for its laundry expertise and customer service.

The LDL management team will join JLA Group as shareholders and will stay within the wider group to lead LDL and develop the business further.

Ben Gujral, CEO of JLA Group, said: “LDL is a fantastic business with a long heritage and history of providing exceptional customer service.

“I would like to welcome all LDL colleagues into the JLA Group.

“Their significant expertise and capabilities are a core strength of the business.

“Working together, with a strong management team in place, there is so much more we can achieve through our relationship.

“At JLA, we always aim to be our customers’ trusted partner of choice, and I am delighted that these values mirror those of LDL.

“As part of JLA Group, the team at LDL will be able to further enhance the fantastic service they provide to customers.

“International growth is a core part of our strategy.

“Bringing LDL into the JLA Group expands our international presence and means that we are perfectly placed to meet the commercial equipment needs of laundry customers throughout the Benelux region.”

Johan Stuyven, Managing Director of LDL Group, said: “JLA’s core purpose is to ‘take care of it’, with 22,000 customers trusting them to provide mission critical equipment and end-to-end services that keep their businesses running.

“This aligns perfectly with our ethos at LDL, and joining JLA Group could not come at a better time for our customers.

“In an increasingly demanding business environment, joining a business of JLA’s size, scale, and expertise will unlock new opportunities in the future, and reinforces our commitment to providing the very best care for our loyal customers across the Benelux region.”

Positioning alongside UK operations

JLA Group said the acquisition of LDL Group complements its commitment to the UK and reflects its ambition for future growth.

The company also said adding LDL Group expands its international presence across the Benelux region.

Hanbat National University study details dual-mode ammonia detection on skin

Ammonia sensor combines visual and electronic detection

A skin-worn wearable sensor has been presented that detects ammonia gas through both colour change and an electronic signal.

Hanbat National University (HBNU) researchers described the device in a study made available online on 18 August 2025 and published in Advanced Fiber Materials on 1 December 2025.

The study describes a flexible, stretchable sensor designed to work when attached to human skin and exposed to high humidity.

The platform combines a colourimetric readout with quantitative chemiresistive detection in a polymer nanofiber structure described as highly gas-permeable.

The study reports ppm-level sensitivity and stable performance under humidity and mechanical deformation.

How the dual-mode platform is intended to function

The study describes ammonia as widely used in fertilizers, refrigerants, biomarkers and next-generation fuel.

It states that ammonia is highly toxic and can cause respiratory irritation, chest pain, pulmonary edema and death.

The researchers describe a dual-mode approach that integrates chemiresistive sensing and colourimetric sensing in one device.

Professor Hyun Il Kang said: “Our device provides flexibility and facilitates efficient transport of NH3 between the bromocresol-green-based colorimetric and poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate)-based chemiresistive sensing layers.

“This innovative dual-mode design enables reliable NH3 detection.”

The study states that each individual sensing layer performs on par with the dual-mode platform, with the device intended to remain accurate if one sensing mode fails.

It also describes operation while attached to human skin and in humid conditions.

Applications described in the study

The study lists potential uses including personal safety monitoring for workers in ammonia-handling facilities and industrial refrigeration and cold-chain environments.

It also lists agriculture and livestock operations where ammonia buildup occurs and noninvasive health screening via breath-NH3.

The study also cites vehicle energy systems using NH3 as another potential application.

The researchers describe the work as a basis for further development of the platform across biomedical, environmental monitoring and industrial use cases described in the paper.

Pye-Barker’s DAYTONA 500 tribute for fallen firefighters

Pye-Barker partners on DAYTONA 500 tribute helmet

Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson is set to reveal an all-new “Helmet of Heroes” tribute during the DAYTONA 500 race weekend.

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety announced the initiative alongside the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and Carvana, with Johnson driving the Carvana No. 84.

Johnson said: “Growing up in El Cajon, I saw firsthand how much firefighters mean to their communities.

“I’ve always said that if racing hadn’t worked out, I would have wanted to be a firefighter.

“The courage, selflessness, and commitment it takes to do that job is something I deeply respect.

“The Helmet of Heroes is about honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice and standing with the families who continue to carry their legacy every day.”

Programme links to NFFF mission and Staff Rides

Through the Helmet of Heroes programme, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB is honouring the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), which was created by the U.S. Congress to honour fallen firefighters, support their families and reduce line-of-duty deaths and injuries.

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety’s partnership with the NFFF is linked to its “What Matters” community impact platform, with support directed to the NFFF’s Staff Rides programme.

The Staff Rides programme brings firefighters to the sites of past line-of-duty tragedies to learn lessons intended to help prevent future loss.

Bart Proctor, CEO of Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, said: “Our business was founded on protecting lives, property, and communities, and our team members across the nation take that mission to heart.

“Partnering with organizations like the NFFF and programs like Helmet of Heroes helps us extend our commitment, supporting initiatives that truly save lives and recognize those who make our communities stronger.”

Fire Hero Families hosted and helmet to be auctioned

As part of the DAYTONA 500 initiative, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB will host two NFFF representatives during race weekend, named as Jessica Seaburg and Marisa Harris Boykin.

Seaburg and Boykin lost their fathers, Kevin Seaburg and Clifford Harris, in the line of duty as children and now serve as peer supporters for Fire Hero Families.

They are also co-founders of the Children of the Legends Facebook group, described as a supportive community for children of fallen firefighters.

After the race, Johnson’s DAYTONA 500 Helmet of Heroes will be auctioned by the Foundation, with proceeds set to benefit NFFF programmes and its mission.

Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, said: “To see fallen firefighters honored on a stage as big as the DAYTONA 500 means a great deal to the families we serve.

“This tribute keeps the memories of our nation’s Fire Heroes alive, highlights the ongoing need to support their loved ones, and inspires us to deliver on our mission.

“We’re grateful to Jimmie Johnson, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety and all the partners for coming together to make this happen.”

Multitone quality lead sets out ISO standards strategy for critical communications

Multitone quality assurance expertise in critical communications

Multitone has published an interview with Sarah Cannon, Group Quality Assurance lead at Multitone Electronics, outlining how ISO compliance, governance and risk management are applied across its critical communications operations.

The discussion focuses on oversight of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 22301 and ISO 27001 and how these frameworks are embedded across international teams to support reliability, information security and business continuity.

Cannon linked standards compliance directly to trust in high-risk settings where systems must operate without failure.

Cannon said: “Compliance with ISO standards such as quality management and information security isn’t just about certification – it’s about trust.

“Our customers rely on Multitone for solutions that must work first time, every time, often in high-risk environments.

“By embedding these standards into our daily operations, we reduce risk, improve reliability, and ensure consistency across everything we deliver.

“For customers, this means confidence that their data is protected, their systems are robust, and their supply partner takes governance and accountability seriously.

“That trust is the significant competitive advantage in critical communications that Multitone has always offered and always will.”

The interview frames ISO alignment as an operational discipline integrated into routine decision-making rather than treated solely as an audit requirement.

Multitone approach to consistent quality across international teams

The interview addresses the challenge of maintaining consistent quality assurance practices across the UK, Malaysia and Germany without imposing rigid uniformity.

Cannon described the focus as clear communication, practical guidance and engagement with local teams so processes are understood and used rather than simply recorded.

Cannon said: “It is making sure we’re consistent without being rigid.

“Different locations naturally have different ways of working, so it’s important not to take a one-size-fits-all approach.

“I’ve focused on clear communication, practical guidance, and working closely with local teams so they understand the “why” behind the processes.

“Through regular check-ins, internal audits and open discussions, I ensure teams understand, support, and always use our quality systems, rather than simply documenting them.”

She also outlined how legislative compliance is positioned as a shared responsibility linked to safety, customer satisfaction and protecting the business.

Multitone links compliance discipline with structured decision-making

The interview draws parallels between compliance work and Cannon’s role as a magistrate in the family court, identifying shared skills such as evidence assessment, impartiality and consistent application of standards.

Cannon said: “Surprisingly, yes. There’s a lot of overlap.

“I think compliance and the magistracy share a similar ‘DNA.’

“Both roles draw their strength from fairness and integrity, requiring me to apply rules and frameworks consistently while remaining mindful of context and impact.

“In each case, there is a responsibility to make balanced, well-reasoned decisions that stand up to scrutiny.

“Many of the skills I rely on in compliance translate directly into the magistracy.

“These include strong attention to detail, the ability to assess evidence objectively, and confidence in interpreting and applying standards or legislation.

“Equally important are good judgement, clear communication, and the willingness to ask the right questions to fully understand a situation before reaching a conclusion.

“Perhaps most importantly, both roles require empathy alongside professionalism.

“Whether working in compliance or sitting as a magistrate, you are often dealing with complex situations that affect people in very real ways.

“Being able to remain impartial while understanding the human impact of decisions is a shared and essential skill in both.

“Ultimately, both roles are about responsibility, judgement, and doing the right thing, even when decisions aren’t easy.”

The interview positions Multitone’s compliance strategy within the context of delivering critical communications systems used by fire and rescue services and other emergency response organisations.

Internal emails show forest service knew PFAS were in firefighters’ pants

What ProPublica reported about forest service gear and PFAS

U.S. Forest Service officials knew for years that pants used by wildland firefighters contained per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), according to internal correspondence obtained by ProPublica.

ProPublica reported that the agency was alerted as early as 2021, ahead of public acknowledgement of the issue.

In February 2024, ProPublica said it asked the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior whether federal wildland firefighting gear contained PFAS.

The organisations provided near-identical replies stating they did not have “specific measured concentration data showing that PFAS is contained in protective clothing and gear.”

ProPublica said the emails show the Forest Service chose to wait for the results of a study into whether PFAS can be absorbed through the skin before sharing information more widely.

Emails show internal questions and supplier responses

ProPublica said the emails were released last week in response to a Freedom of Information Act request filed in 2022 by George Broyles, a former Forest Service employee who studied smoke exposure among firefighters.

Broyles said: “They just obfuscate.

“It’s just a continuation of the same thing: ‘We’re going to stick our heads in the sand and hope that nobody notices.’”

In April 2022, ProPublica said a senior Forest Service official named David Haston asked colleagues whether TenCate’s fabric was “still coming with PFAS in the finish?” and whether there was a duty to notify employees.

ProPublica said earlier emails show a Forest Service equipment specialist asked TenCate in April 2021 whether the Shelltite finish on its Advance fabric had any PFAS presence.

A TenCate manager replied with a document confirming one of its finishes contained a form of PFAS applied to repel hydrocarbons and gasoline, and said the company was developing a finish without the compound.

TenCate did not respond to ProPublica’s requests for comment.

ProPublica said emails from TenCate to the Forest Service described the finish as using a form of PFAS with six or fewer fluorinated carbon atoms.

Studies, health concerns and what remains unclear

ProPublica said the Forest Service decided in 2022 to wait for studies from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), including one on whether PFAS can be absorbed through skin, before making decisions.

A Forest Service physiologist wrote that a labour advocacy group should submit an official request for the information.

ProPublica reported that the Forest Service never told rank-and-file wildland firefighters that their pants might contain PFAS.

Bryan Ormond, an associate professor of textile engineering, chemistry and science at North Carolina State University, said: “From the wildland firefighting perspective, I don’t see any reason to have the PFAS treatments in their gear.

“They don’t really need the oil repellency.

“It would be a safer option to not have the PFAS treatment.”

In January 2023, a senior director at TenCate wrote: “To the best of our knowledge wearing ADVANCE with Shelltite or Supershelltite has not caused deleterious health impacts,” and the company also told the agency it was producing a PFAS-free finish for the pant fabric.

ProPublica said it is unclear whether the government began purchasing pants with the new finish or continued to purchase pants with PFAS.

In 2024, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released a study mandated by Congress in 2021, and ProPublica said it found some wildland firefighting gear contained PFAS.

Heather Stapleton, an exposure scientist and professor at Duke University, said the study showed levels in certain samples “similar to what has been reported in structural firefighting gear.”

ProPublica said NIST did not respond to its questions, and the NIOSH study that Forest Service officials were waiting on remains ongoing.

Pierce Manufacturing outlines $150m US facility investment including Florida expansion

Pierce Manufacturing facility upgrades in Bradenton

Pierce Manufacturing has announced a new phase of facility enhancements at its Bradenton, Florida location, including adding a nearby 185,000 sq ft facility.

The company said the Bradenton work builds on recently announced investments at its Appleton, Wisconsin manufacturing campus.

It is investing around $150 million across its facilities, including about $70 million invested to date.

the manufacturer has added 800 new US jobs and is still hiring.

The 185,000 sq ft facility is located near Pierce Manufacturing’s Florida campus.

The company described it as part of a previously announced plan for more than 500,000 sq ft of new space to support increased fire apparatus production.

The new space is intended to support expanded material storage and kitting.

It is also intended to support improved production flow and enhanced training capabilities.

The company said the facility is expected to be operational by mid-2026.

Bradenton paint operations and site infrastructure work

Pierce Manufacturing said it is investing in expanded paint operations at the Bradenton campus.

The company said the project includes new booth space and material-handling enhancements intended to streamline workflows and support higher capacity and improved production consistency.

Marty Bass, President, Pierce Manufacturing, said: “Our growing team in Bradenton plays a critical role in delivering the quality and craftsmanship our customers expect.

“Over the past several years, Pierce has significantly expanded its Florida workforce and production capability.

“These investments reflect our continued focus on building high-quality apparatus, supporting our team members, strengthening our operations and positioning Pierce to meet customer demand well into the future.”

The Bradenton campus is also undergoing site infrastructure improvements, including expanded parking capacity, improved traffic flow and enhanced security features.

The company said these changes are intended to support a safe and efficient environment for team members and visitors.

Harmony Fire appoints Andrew Causton as Technical Director

Harmony fire appoints technical director

Harmony Fire has appointed Andrew Causton as Technical Director within its consultancy business.

The company said Causton has 18 years’ experience, including 10 years in high-hazard industries.

He joins after working in senior operational roles for the emergency services and private contractors, and most recently as an independent fire engineering consultant.

Harmony Fire said his work has included design team roles across healthcare, education, commercial and residential sectors.

Role background and recent company activity

The appointment is positioned as part of a continued build-out of Harmony Fire’s consultancy offer.

The company referenced the June 2025 launch of its technology-led Auro brand.

It also referenced the recent unveiling of ‘Life Guard’, which it described as an open-source framework for housing leaders focused on organisational risk culture and assurance.

Causton said: “Everyone with a passion for fire safety engineering is driven to make the world a safer place, and by closely following Harmony Fire’s journey, I recognise an organisation pushing the boundaries and developing new and innovative approaches to mitigate life safety risk.

“A key attractor in joining the business is the incredible network of expert collaborators that partner with Harmony Fire to help develop new solutions to life critical challenges, it’s inspiring and exciting to now be part of this important mission.”

Oliphant said: “As we see continued blurring of the lines between life safety and smart asset management strategies, organisations are increasingly seeking out expertise to provide a holistic whole-life asset perspective, rather than short term quick fixes.

“The addition of Andrew to our fast-growing team brings a breadth and depth of technical excellence and experience that further elevates our capabilities and the expert support we provide to our customers.

“Attracting the best talent drives our business forward and I’m delighted to be working alongside Andrew as demand scales up across Harmony Fire’s comprehensive consult, build and maintain life safety offer.”

The company described the appointment as a further strengthening of its consultancy business.

PPG launches water-based fire protection coating for interior structural steel

Fire protection coating launch for interior structural steelwork

PPG has announced the launch of PPG Steelguard 652, a water-based intumescent fire protection coating for interior general-purpose structural steelwork.

The company said the product is available in North America and is designed for interior structural steelwork.

PPG Steelguard 652 is described as delivering up to two hours of fire protection for cellulosic passive fire protection applications.

The coating has United Laboratories (UL) 263 certification.

PPG also stated that the formulation is waterborne with low volatile organic compounds (VOC).

Features, application and performance claims

PPG described the coating as offering long-term protection and listed up to 20 years of performance.

It also stated that low VOC emissions support efficient trade stacking at complex construction sites.

The company said the product is intended for on-site application using standard passive fire protection (PFP) airless spray equipment.

Richard Mann, PPG global product development director, fire protection, Protective and Marine Coatings, said: “PPG Steelguard 652 coating expands our range of certified solutions for North American projects and reflects our ongoing commitment to fire protection innovation

“It stands out for its innovative fire performance and physical properties, including low certified thickness, high bond strength and high impact resistance, providing lasting durability for up to 20 years.”

PPG said its Protective and Marine Coatings business provides technical support and additional product options for projects.

Building Information Modelling data is shaping door hardware specification, says Consort

Building information modelling requirements and product data

Consort Architectural Hardware Director Daniel May has published commentary on the growing demand for Building Information Modelling (BIM) and its influence on design, specification and compliance processes.

Digital product data is now expected from early-stage design through to compliance, maintenance and product lifecycle management.

Since 2016, UK central government clients have required collaborative digital information management on centrally procured projects, commonly referred to as BIM Level 2.

These requirements are now set out through the UK BIM Framework and BS EN ISO 19650 standards, which expect construction partners to provide accurate, structured and accessible digital information for their products.

How digital workflows are changing specification

Architectural hardware, historically underrepresented in digital planning, is increasingly supported by 3D models, certification and performance data across expanding product libraries.

Project teams are moving away from paper-based resources such as brochures, PDF catalogues and basic CAD line drawings toward integrated digital workflows using platforms including Revit and NBS.

Forthcoming Digital Product Passports (DPP), expected to be mandated by the EU, are likely to further embed this approach.

BIM product data is now being used to support UK Government mandates for digital construction and the ‘Golden Thread of Information’, fire safety regulations that require verifiable product information and sustainability reporting that relies on accessible Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and lifecycle data.

Products that cannot be represented accurately in a digital model risk being excluded from project specifications.

Fire doorsets, traceable data and access to files

May’s commentary highlights that door hardware, while a small proportion of overall project value, has an outsized role in safety, performance, accessibility and compliance.

For fire doorsets, the effectiveness of the assembly depends on the performance of individual hardware components.

Within BIM, parametric data attached to items such as door closers can be used to validate fire ratings, confirm accessibility and identify coordination issues with ceilings, frames or other adjacent elements.

The commentary links post-Grenfell regulatory and cultural expectations to a stronger demand for traceable, verified product information, and references Martyn’s Law as an example of emerging legislation likely to shape how public spaces are designed and secured.