Coopers Fire to showcase curtain range at FIREX 2022

by EventsFeatured News

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rosenbauer adds to forest firefighting vehicle portfolio

by Featured NewsProductsVehicles

Austria-based fire service vehicle manufacturer, the Rosenbauer Group, has added to its product portfolio for fighting forest fires.

The range, which features a line-up of forest firefighting vehicles, water-saving extinguishing systems (high/extreme pressure systems, compressed air foam systems), special technical equipment and lightweight personal protective equipment, has added the Rosenbauer firefighter excavator.

The new vehicle can be operated at high ambient temperatures and is designed to be used in wildland fire fighting, such as for creating firebreaks and access paths, dig trenches, or widen fireproof barriers (such as roads and paths).

The brigade excavator, which is positioned as an ideal clearance and recovery device in the event of floods, mudslides, or avalanches, does not have to be transported to the site of deployment on a truck trailer as it can drive there on its own at speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour.

It features two modules: an all-wheel drive chassis and an excavator attachment with a telescopic boom.

The excavator module is powered by its own 126 hp engine, which provides a maximum digging force of 85 kN. The telescopic arm is extremely robust and has a horizontal reach of up to 14.6 m, giving the excavator a large radius of action and enabling work to be carried out at a safe distance from the seat of a fire, with a lifting capacity of 7 tons when the telescopic arm retracted, and 2.6 tons at maximum extension.

The model has a range of accessories, including shovels, buckets, tongs, grapples and hydraulic tools (hydraulic hammer) which can all be mounted on a rotary head which allows the tools to be rotated 360°, facilitating excavation and demolition work or the demolition of fire remains from all sides.

The excavator was jointly developed with the mechanical engineering company CSM Industry on the basis of their proven UDS multi-functional excavator. Production takes place on the premises of the Slovakian partner while Rosenbauer handles global sales.

Nittan installs fire detection system at Ashburton Triangle development

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProducts

Manufacturer of conventional and addressable fire detection products, Nittan Europe, has installed its Evolution analogue addressable fire detection system installed throughout Ashburton Triangle, the mixed-use development situated on the Emirates Stadium site in North London.

The development, owned and managed by Newlon Housing Trust, is made up of 249 flats over 12 floors, along with the Arsenal Museum, and encloses a landscaped communal garden. 

Nittan’s fire detection system was chosen for the development due to its reliability and protection against unwanted false alarms, as well as it flexible protocol which allows for large levels of information to be transmitted at high speed, supporting the cause and effect programming which also was a key factor in the decision-making process. 

Over 3,500 Nittan devices have been installed throughout Ashburton Triangle, including a large number of Evolution EV-DP smoke detectors, which are designed to reduce false alarms caused by non-combustion products such as steam, dust and aerosols. 

The EV-DP does this by measuring the exact particle size in the chamber via its combined IR and blue LED technology – as steam and dust are much larger particles than smoke, the detector won’t false alarm. 

The Nittan Evolution devices feed back to eight Advanced MxPro 5 panels which together cater for very comprehensive, but simple to use cause and effect capabilities. 

The fire detection system integrates with a wide range of third-party safety systems installed throughout the premises, including a sprinkler system, intelligent escape signage, lifts, door entry and access control systems, and dampers for both individual apartments and rooftops.

The system was supplied and commissioned by Nittan Elite Partner Coomber Fire and Security Systems on on the extensive project. Commenting on this latest project between the two companies, Adam Pitman, Senior Fire Systems Engineer at Coomber Fire and Security Systems, said: “As a Nittan Elite Partner and long standing customer, we have extensive product knowledge of Nittan’s Evolution range and know from first hand experience just how reliable and flexible it is. 

“The requirements for the Ashburton Triangle development were relatively complex, with extensive cause and effect programming and the necessity for staged evacuation.

“The high number of dwellings and potential for unwanted alarms also made false alarm management a key driver in our choice and we know the highly resilient Nittan EV-DP with the Dual Photoelectric sensor is more than capable of meeting these needs.”

Robin Edmunds, Nittan Sales General Manager added: “Nittan are delighted that Coomber continue to see not only the benefits of being a Nittan Elite Partner, but also the strengths of our individual products such as EV-DP. We look forward to working with Coomber and supporting them on many future projects of this nature.”

CertAlarm completes fourth cycle of round-robin tests

by Featured NewsSafety

CertAlarm, an organization offering a pan-European quality mark in the fire protection and security systems industry, today confirmed the completion of its 4th cycle of round-robin test series.

Round-robin tests are comparative tests performed by the participating laboratories at regular intervals and using the same test sample. As such they are an important monitoring tool for CertAlarm’s partners and recognized test laboratories. They enable quality supervisors and management to place the results obtained by the laboratory performing the tests in a wider framework and to identify problems and initiate actions for improvement.

In particular, round-robin tests help to bring to light inconsistencies in the testing systems or methods and can give rise to necessary corrective action, e.g.:

  • interpretation of standards,
  • calibration/maintenance of the testing equipment,
  • training of the laboratory personnel,
  • adjustment of influencing factors relevant to testing (e.g. climate).

“In order to improve our program we specifically select tests which have proven to be difficult to perform or have shown in the market place that inconsistencies exist in approved products. One of the tests selected for this cycle’s series was therefore the measurement of the make and break distances of opening contacts according to EN 50131-2-6 (clause 6.4.2). The criticality of this test lays in the interpretation of the PASS/FAIL criteria in coherence with the manufacturer declaration and the requirements in clause 4.3.1.2 and 4.3.1.3.”, says Benoît Stockbroeckx, Technical Manager of Euralarm and Chair of CertAlarm’s Technical Advisory Group (TAG).

“As a matter of fact, diverging interpretations highlighted unclarity in the wording of the standard. This issue has been brought to the relevant standardisation working group (CLC/TC 79/WG 2) and the discussions paved the way for an improvement of the standard in view of a future revision. Thanks to this exercise we can now be sure that all of CertAlarm’s labs will test and conclude according to this understanding in the future. Moreover, CertAlarm so contributed to the improvement of the standard for the benefit of all European laboratories, certification bodies and manufacturers dealing with opening contacts”, he adds.

“The round-robin procedure helps us understand if we are doing things right and providing our customers the same level of results”, confirms Anja Kinsky, General Manager of CertAlarm.

Sustainable building materials could lead to more fires

by ConstructionFeatured NewsIndustry Sectors

The increase of sustainable building materials during construction has been welcomed by many environmentally concious. However, the use of certain products, while good for the environment, pose a higher risk of catching fire.

Jonathan O’Neill, Managing Director, Fire Protection Association told IFSJ in an exclusive interview: “Building methods have evolved dramatically over the last decade, we are using different materials which are combustible.

“This will not change over the next 20 years because some of it ties into the sustainability agenda. In the years to come, we will continue to build with even more combustible products because they have less impact on the environment. We accept that. At the same time, we need to re-write some of the building rules, which were done keeping old fashioned building materials and techniques.”

In Britain, a newly ratified law, the Building Safety Act, came into effect towards the end of April. The new law has been a work in progress fueled by modern fire disasters in the UK.

O’Neill welcomed the new bill but told IFSJ that we now need a fundamental root and branch review of building regulations in the UK. “It’s been well over a decade since the last review,” he said.

Rhino Doors expands with EV charging point installations

by Featured NewsSafety

UK-based engineered doors manufacturer Rhino Doors is strengthening its commitment to its people and the environment with the installation of electric vehicle charging points at one of its manufacturing facilities.

Rhino Doors, whose main base is in Port Talbot, South Wales, installed the charging points to encourage its team members to adopt the use of electric vehicles (EV), and to support clients visiting the facility via an EV.

By providing its team with the facilities to charge their vehicles at work, Rhino is working to offset its carbon footprint and mitigate negative impacts on the environment.

This new initiative comes after the manufacturer completed Made in Britain’s Green Growth Programme in February of this year, scoring highly for social impact and green credentials.

The Green Growth Programme is designed to support UK manufacturers to advance their progress on sustainability and work towards reaching net zero by 2050 or earlier.

In January of this year, Rhino also published its strategy on Corporate Social Responsibility, outlining the ways in which it is working to prioritise both people and planet.

Spanning the key areas of Environment, Community, Workplace & People, and Marketplace, the company’s CSR strategy details a range of initiatives it has implemented to positively impact on local communities and the wider environment.

Stuart Lawrence, Group Managing Director of Rhino Engineering Group, said: “As a manufacturer of industrial doors, we know that the intensive work we undertake can have an impact on the environment and the people around us.

“We’re very proud to have been recognised by Made in Britain for our continued efforts to minimise our environmental impact and work towards carbon neutral operations.

“This new initiative is just one small way in which we are working to implement sustainable practices and bolster our ethical standing with all our stakeholders.”

Dräger launches compact thermal imaging camera

by Featured NewsProductsThermal Imaging

Dräger, an international leader in the fields of medical and safety technology, has launched the UCF FireVista, a thermal imaging camera (TIC) that can be activated one-handed with just one button, providing split-second access to critical visual support within a firefighting incident.

TICs provide vital insight when visibility is significantly reduced due to fire, smoke or darkness, thereby supporting firefighters whilst attending the most challenging environments. They deliver vital intelligence in locating casualties and helping locate the seat of a fire, so that it can be rapidly extinguished.

With the ability to detect even the smallest change in temperature, and providing a clear contrast between walls, doors and stairs, the UCF FireVista proves especially useful in detecting hotspots when a fire is behind cladding or in a building’s void. It therefore limits invasive physical damage as emergency teams have less need to strip out the fabric of a building to reach the fire.  

The UFC FireVista is compact, robust and features an ergonomic design and almost indestructible outer shell. It can withstand mechanical stresses and its IP67 protection class guarantees that is water and dust resistant. A fast frame rate and ultra-high image picture quality deliver a quick overview of an incident even under the most difficult operating conditions.

Weighing only 870g, the UFC FireVista is one of the lightest thermal imaging cameras currently on the market. This helps increase the mobility and reduce the physical strain placed on the firefighter.

The camera has an operating time of approximately five hours, due to its powerful rechargeable battery, which gives enough leeway for longer deployments. The camera is virtually maintenance-free, and the integrated battery has a lifetime of approx. 4000 charging cycles.

The compact and intuitive camera is easy to use and operate, with just one on/off switch, which means it can deliver vital information in seconds. 

Liz Millward, Marketing Manager Emergency and Rescue Services at Draeger Safety UK, says the UFC FireVista is an excellent addition to the range: “Dräger’s thermal imaging cameras are designed to supply firefighters with vital information during any incident where visibility is impaired, whether as a result of smoke or an underground or collapsed environment. The UFC FireVista is an important tool when speed, straightforward functionality and high-quality imaging are required,” she says. 

“Ultimately, it supports firefighters’ ability to save the lives of others and to protect their own safety.”

SFJ Awards completes 1,000th Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship End-Point Assessment

by Featured NewsPeople

SFJ Awards reached an important milestone this week, completing its 1000th End-Point Assessment in Fire and Rescue.

End-Point Assessment (EPA) is the crucial last stage of an apprentice’s journey, testing the knowledge, skills and behaviours gained during their training.

Quality assured by Ofqual, SFJ Awards has been an approved independent End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) since 2018 and has been delivering End-Point Assessments for the Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship since 2019.

As an independent End-Point Assessment Organisation, SFJ Awards has conducted EPAs for Fire & Rescue services across the country, including London Fire Brigade and County Durham and Darlington Fire & Rescue.

SFJ Awards’ Head of End-Point Assessment Kit Salt comments: “We feel proud that we have been able to play a part in launching the careers of 1,000 firefighters and counting. The Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship Standard is crucial to the ongoing workforce development for Fire and Rescue Services in England.

“Now, more than ever, recruits need hands-on experience to develop the skills, knowledge, and behaviours to perform the role of an Operational Firefighter competently in order to reassure the public that Fire & Rescue services are keeping them safe.”

A Tyne and Wear Fire & Rescue Service (TWFRS) spokesperson comments: “SFJ Awards have played a vital role in shaping and developing the Firefighter Apprenticeship programme at TWFRS. They have made a huge difference in how we operate our development programme and provide support to us at all stages.
They go the extra mile to ensure our Apprentices are as comfortable as can be whilst carrying out their EPA and this starts in the weeks running up to the EPA.

“Overall SFJ Awards have been great, and I feel the highest compliment I feel you can give about a company is to recommend them to another organisation, I have done this on a number of occasions.”

Brazil hospital complex installs connected fire alarm system

by Featured NewsHealthcareIndustry Sectors

Brazil’s bustling general practice hospital in São Paulo, the Centro Médico Campinas installed a connected fire alarm system.

Over the past five decades, the hospital campus has undergone significant expansions to add new buildings and specialized healthcare services.

This resulted in installing eleven different, incompatible fire alarm panels across the sprawling campus that required individual monitoring, cleaning, and maintenance.

For seamless, around-the-clock fire safety of the entire premises, clinic operators wanted a unified and future-proof system. The Hospital Centro Médico Campinas chose a system designed by Bosch and implemented by Brazcamp Tecnologia installers in Campinas, Brazil for a completely integrated fire alarm system to provide optimized safety coverage.

The system secures the entire city hospital campus around the clock. All fire detection devices are connected via the Modular Fire Panel 5000 Series from Bosch for improved response times and better maintenance options –including remote maintenance – to the healthcare facility.

The project also required retrofitting of legacy fire prevention equipment and smart connectivity to accommodate the premises’ unique layout. By installing one single, fully customized solution, the hospital:

• Fixed compatibility challenges. Integration and consolidation of all data from connected devices on the fire panel. Thanks to retrofitting of legacy detectors, devices now communicate seamlessly.

• Decentralized access 24/7. Direct access for personnel via remote keypads connected to three desked areas: Main reception, on-site fire department, and operation and control center.

• Entire campus on a single network. Five loop modules cover all areas of Hospital Centro Médico Campinas with panels and detectors, including sensitive environments such as the ICU, operating theater, patient wards, and the hospital laboratory.

• Increased safety response and situational awareness via full integration with gas detection, sprinklers, and access control. As a result, personnel can pinpoint the location of a fire precisely and unlock doors and gates in case of an event for improved evacuation.

As the hospital continues to grow, the flexibility of the new solution allows for future integrations, such as access control and voice alarms.

London warns against home fires to save on heating

by Featured NewsSafety

Fire chiefs in London have warned the public that should not attempt to reduce their energy bills by improvising open fires at home.

The caution comes after a man in south-west London set fire to his property by burning timber in his living room to keep warm. The man was trying to avoid putting on the central heating in his home, fire investigators said.

Fuel poverty campaigners said the incident – one of at least 100 involving open fires, log burners and heaters in the capital in the last few months – laid bare “the harsh and dangerous reality of the cost-of-living crisis”.

Issuing an urgent safety warning, the London fire brigade (LFB) said the cause of the blaze on 26 April had been determined as “involving an open fire being used instead of gas central heating.”

It is understood to have also been caused by combustible items too close to an open fire. The London ambulance service said it treated three people at the property in New Malden, with one man being taken to hospital as a priority.

The LFB said there had been more than 100 fires involving open fires, log burners and heaters in the past few months.

It fears the rise in energy bills could result in a surge of fires as people resort to alternative means to heat their homes throughout the colder spells of the year.

Charlie Pugsley, assistant commissioner for fire safety, said: “We know this is a difficult time and people are thinking about ways to reduce their energy bills, but we’re really concerned that they may be putting lives at risk by doing so.

“If you do have a log burner or an open fire, follow our advice carefully. Almost 30% of fires involving log burners, heaters and traditional open fires are caused by items being placed too close to a heat source. Always use a fire guard and keep anything that could catch alight well away, such as logs and kindling which could be ignited by radiating heat.”