Harmony Fire begins fire door safety upgrades at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

by Featured NewsFire DoorsProjects

Harmony Fire secures Gloucestershire Royal Hospital contract

Harmony Fire has been appointed to deliver a fire door replacement programme at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital as part of an investment in modernising life safety systems across the Great Western Road campus.

The project involves the replacement of over 150 specialist fire doors across three hospital buildings.

Works are scheduled to occur at the Gallery Wing, the Women’s Centre and the campus diagnostic Imaging Department.

The Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust commissioned the project to upgrade infrastructure while maintaining continuous 24/7 operations at the facility.

The scope of work includes the installation of new ward doors, riser doors and office doors alongside new access control systems.

Harmony Fire developed a twin phased programme in collaboration with the Trust’s Capital and Estates team, Ward Managers and the campus Fire Safety team.

All installations must meet the requirements of the NHS fire code Health Technical Memorandum 05 (HTM 05).

Compliance and operational continuity in healthcare

Christopher White, Senior Fire Safety Project Manager at Gloucestershire Managed Services, explained that the company was selected for its commitment to life safety and regulatory compliance.

“We are delighted to be working alongside Harmony Fire on a major fire door replacement programme within Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

“Harmony Fire’s core values, particularly its commitment to life safety, professionalism, and regulatory compliance, were central to our decision to appoint them.

“Demonstrating expertise in delivering compliant fire door installations within busy, live hospital environments provided the assurance required for works within an acute healthcare setting, where patient safety and operational continuity are paramount.

“The company’s disciplined approach to golden thread compliance and information management has been especially valued, supporting assurance, traceability, and ongoing fire safety governance.”

Protecting NHS infrastructure and patient safety

The project focuses on areas specialising in the care of elderly patients and maternity services.

Connor Mitchell, Managing Director at Harmony Fire, noted that the works ensure buildings remain protected for staff and visitors.

“The NHS is 1.5 million dedicated, professional and caring individuals in our communities across the UK, backed by the buildings and physical infrastructure that makes its mission possible.

“Many of these technically complex and busy workspaces operate continuously 24/7 and we make sure these buildings remain safe and protected for staff, patients and visitors.

“Our work at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital provides assurance that a key front line life safety defence will protect patients, staff and visitors in the event an emergency incident and prevent the rapid spread of fires that can devastate our vital NHS infrastructure and severely impact community healthcare provision.”

The phased delivery model allows the hospital to maintain patient care services during the installation period.

Siderise attains ISO 50001 for UK manufacturing sites

by Featured NewsPassiveSustainability

Siderise secures ISO 50001 energy management certification

Siderise has achieved ISO 50001:2018 Energy Management System certification across its manufacturing operations in the UK.

The company announced that the standard covers both Siderise Insulation Limited (SIL) and Siderise Special Products Limited (SSPL).

This marks the first time these two entities have jointly attained an ISO certification through a unified approach.

NQA performed the certification to confirm the business has implemented a framework aligned with international best practice.

Teams in Hadleigh and Maesteg collaborated to establish the single integrated system for energy management.

The system allows the organisation to identify and manage Significant Energy Users (SEUs) while monitoring consumption trends.

Auditors noted strong leadership engagement and a high level of energy awareness during the assessment process.

Operational benefits of the Siderise energy framework

The certification supports customers in meeting procurement requirements across the built environment, industrial and transport sectors.

Improving the efficiency of manufacturing processes contributes to reducing the embodied carbon of products.

Siderise stated that the framework provides third-party verified evidence of energy performance for tenders and frameworks.

The system complements existing product-level certifications such as Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and BES 6001.

Simon Mullett, Energy Management Lead at Siderise Group, said: “Achieving ISO 50001 certification is a step forward for Siderise and a milestone I am extremely proud of.

“This is the first time SSPL and SIL have achieved a certification jointly, demonstrating a truly integrated, Group-wide approach to energy management.

“ISO 50001 provides us with the structure, discipline and data we need to continually improve our energy performance, reduce our carbon footprint, and ensure that sustainability is embedded into the way we operate.

“It is a key enabler of our ESG strategy and supports the long-term resilience of our business.”

Support for greenhouse gas emission targets

The framework helps reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating waste in energy-intensive processes.

Enhanced monitoring of production equipment and utilities provides data to guide maintenance and capital investment decisions.

The certification reinforces compliance with existing schemes including the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) and Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR).

The Group intends to use this foundation to drive further reductions in energy intensity across its manufacturing sites.

Future efforts involve expanding data capabilities to embed energy performance into design and procurement decisions.

Scottish fire service and Neighbourhood Watch refresh safety partnership

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Scottish fire service expands partnership with Neighbourhood Watch

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is formalising a national prevention strategy through a renewed collaboration with Neighbourhood Watch Scotland (NWS).

This refreshed approach builds on existing local activity and reflects a renewed focus on collaboration at a national level.

A key early step in the partnership is the co-location of NWS staff within the SFRS East Asset Resource Centre at Newbridge.

Working side by side supports closer day-to-day collaboration and joint planning.

The partnership brings together the fire safety expertise of the service with established community-led networks.

Both organisations aim to make safety advice clearer and easier for people to act on.

National expansion of the alert system

The SFRS is now adopting a fully national approach to using the Neighbourhood Watch Scotland Alert system to share fire safety messages directly with residents.

The SFRS Prevention Directorate leads this platform which allows messages to be targeted by location, age and housing type.

Cathy Barlow, Deputy Head of Prevention for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “This refreshed partnership allows us to build on what has worked well locally and take a more consistent national approach to prevention.

“Co-locating with Neighbourhood Watch Scotland and expanding the use of the Alert system helps us reach communities more effectively with practical fire safety advice.”

Strengthening community connections

Richard Whetton, Head of Governance, Strategy and Performance at SFRS, supports the partnership as a trustee on the Neighbourhood Watch Scotland Board.

Lesley Clark, Director for Neighbourhood Watch Scotland said: “We’ve worked alongside the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for many years, and this renewed focus strengthens that relationship.

“By working more closely and supporting a national approach, we can help communities across Scotland feel informed, supported, and better connected on safety issues which aligns with our vision of Safer Neighbourhoods Stronger communities.”

Both organisations will continue to build on this partnership to improve outcomes for communities across Scotland.

Peers approve funding for Grenfell Tower archive and preservation works

by Featured NewsSafety

Legislation authorises funding for Grenfell memorial

The House of Lords has passed the Grenfell Tower Memorial (Expenditure) Bill to provide statutory authority for the construction and long-term management of a permanent memorial at the tower site.

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Baroness Taylor of Stevenage introduced the legislation to ensure expenditure aligns with public spending rules.

The Bill authorises government funding for a permanent memorial together with a physical and digital archive and a site to lay tower elements to rest.

It also covers costs for land acquisition and preservation works required at the location.

Baroness Taylor explained: “The legislation has a focused purpose and exists to provide the statutory authority needed to support the construction and long-term care of a Grenfell Tower memorial and related activities.”

“The Bill is intended to support the memorial process, not replace or override the role of bereaved families, survivors and the community in shaping it.”

Construction of the memorial is expected to begin in mid-2027 following the work of the independent Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission.

Community engagement and site preservation

Design work for the project is currently under way following a selection process involving bereaved families and members of the local community.

The Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission published the Remembering Grenfell report in November 2023 to outline a shared vision for the site.

Opening the debate, Baroness Taylor described the fire as an avoidable tragedy that claimed 72 lives.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook, speaking for the Opposition, stated the legislation represents an essential step for those affected by the fire.

Work to carefully take down the tower is progressing and is scheduled for completion in 2027.

Certain elements of the structure will be preserved in a specific area following requests from the community.

Accountability and future safety recommendations

The legislation is limited to funding and does not settle questions regarding planning decisions or ownership arrangements.

Baroness Taylor noted that families and survivors have waited too long for justice.

She stated the Government remains committed to implementing the recommendations of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

The Metropolitan Police investigation into the fire continues as one of the largest operations undertaken by the force.

Baroness Warwick of Undercliffe noted the memorial should serve as a reminder of actions that must not be repeated.

Rosenbauer delivers 100th tank fire vehicle with modular MT body

by Featured NewsVehicles

Modular Rosenbauer MT technology reaches delivery milestone

Rosenbauer has delivered its 100th tank firefighting vehicle featuring the Modular Technology (MT) body concept to the plant fire department of Covestro Deutschland at the Brunsbüttel plant.

Matthias Reisinger, Global Product Manager for Industrial and Specialized Firefighting Vehicles at Rosenbauer International AG, explained that the MT system allows customers to configure custom vehicles using a modular system.

The anniversary model is a Universal Firefighting Vehicle (ULF) built on a Scania P500 6×2*4 NB chassis for service in the 420-hectare industrial park.

Reisinger noted: “The MT is available in four different configurations.

“As the MT Forest for fighting wildfires, the MT Airport for airport fire departments, the MT Municipal for large-capacity tanker trucks used by municipal fire departments, and the MT Industrial for operations by plant fire departments in industrial facilities.”

Approximately 30 percent of all orders for the MT series originate from the industrial sector.

The company manufactures all modules in-house with tanks supplied from Radgona and final assembly occurring on a dedicated production line in Leonding.

Reisinger said: “The MT’s most distinctive feature is its modular design.

“There are equipment compartment modules, tank modules with various types of fire extinguishing agent tanks, the pump compartment module with the centrifugal fire pump and, if required, a foam proportioning system, crew compartment modules, and even a module for the STINGER fire-fighting boom, complete with a support system.”

The crew compartment module is integrated as the first module in the superstructure rather than being welded to the cab.

Technical specifications for the Covestro universal firefighting vehicle

The new ULF at the Brunsbüttel Industrial Park carries 3,000 litres of foam concentrate and 1,900 litres of water for initial attack operations.

Leif Strufe, project manager at Covestro, stated that the 14-month lead time for the vehicle was a decisive factor in the selection process.

Two competitors offered delivery times of 27 and 29 months for the same project.

The vehicle features an N65 single-stage normal-pressure pump with a nominal capacity of 6,500 litres per minute at 10 bar.

Foam proportioning is managed by a HYDROMATIC 800 system capable of delivering 800 litres per minute at 17 bar.

Technical operations manager Broder Brandt noted the inclusion of an RM 80C roof monitor and an RM 15C front monitor to create water curtains during gas leaks.

Brandt said: “It’s our first fire truck with a front monitor.

“With the vehicle’s two monitors combined, we can create an effective water curtain in the event of a gas leak.”

Safety features on the Scania chassis include a crash-tested crew cab, airbags in every seat, and a Bird’s-Eye View camera system.

A permanently mounted thermal imaging camera on the cab roof allows the crew to detect hydrogen fires which burn almost invisibly.

Another 50 customers have already placed orders for vehicles using the modular system.

ASFP to launch new technical documents at Fire Safety Event

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsPassive

New ASFP technical guidance for fire safety professionals

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) will launch several new and updated technical documents at the Fire Safety Event at the NEC from 28th to 30th April 2026.

These free documents will be available in hard copy format at Stand G120 with representatives on site to answer questions regarding the content of each Colour Book.

Distribution is limited to 100 copies per publication on a first come first serve basis with a limit of one copy per person.

The Green Book – Fire Door Systems: Guidance on specification, application and management – Volume 1 is a new publication scheduled for launch on 28th April at 11.00am.

This document brings together guidance on the specification and management of fire door systems for residential and mixed-use commercial buildings.

Technical author Hannah Mansell (ASFP Consultant / ADOORABILITY) and technical group chair Damian Ward (Checkmate Fire Solutions) will be the primary representatives on site for queries.

The ASFP Clear Book: Fire-Resistant Glazing covers the design and maintenance of glazed fire resisting systems including internal partitions and external curtain walling.

Inspecting passive fire protection and partition standards

The 2nd Edition of the Guide to Inspecting Passive Fire Protection (PFP) for Fire Risk Assessors contains updated text to assist with inspections under fire safety legislation.

Niall Rowan (ASFP) will launch this edition on 29th April at 11.00am to help assessors verify that PFP supporting means of escape is adequate.

The Purple Book – Fire Resisting Partitions: A guide to internally framed non-load-bearing partitions has been updated to its 3rd Edition.

This version includes references to the removal of BS 476 as a means for satisfying Approved Document B and other statutory guidance documents.

It provides guidance on partitions fitted with services that impose loads such as fire dampers and penetrating services.

Rowan will also lead the launch of this document on 29th April at 1.30pm.

Updated Grey Book volumes for fire and smoke dampers

The ASFP Grey Book Volume 1 focuses on fire dampers in accordance with BS EN 15650 and provides practical advice for manufacturers and installers.

This 3rd Edition is intended to ensure dampers function as intended by current regulations and will launch on 30th April at 12.00pm.

The Grey Book Volume 2 is a new publication covering smoke control dampers in accordance with BS EN 12101-8.

It serves as a guide for designers and inspectors to ensure the use of dampers that have been fire tested for specific applications.

Technical group chair Darren Webster (Fire Safe Duct Work) and technical group convenor Andrew Taylor (ASFP) will be available for technical queries regarding both Grey Book volumes.

The launch events take place next to the Passive Fire Conference stage during the three day exhibition.

Valtteri Tervala elected as new chairman of the CTIF youth commission

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsPeople

Meet the new leader taking over the CTIF youth commission

Valtteri Tervala from Finland has been elected as the new chairman of the CTIF International Youth Leader Commission following a meeting held in Bern, Switzerland.

The organisation confirmed the appointment took place during the third weekend of April 2026.

Seventeen countries and 30 delegates participated in the meeting.

Seventeen of the attendees held voting rights during the proceedings.

Tervala will officially start his position as Chair of the International Youth Leader Commission (CTIF) on 1 September 2026.

Experience and leadership in youth inclusion

Tervala described his professional background as a digitally oriented community developer with a focus on service design.

The new chairman previously served as a member of the commission for eight years between 2010 and 2018.

He noted 15 years of experience working in the field of inclusion with children, young people and adults across various organisations.

Tervala said: “I am a digitally oriented community developer with a passion for dialogue and service design.

“I believe in young people and experimental culture.

“My strengths include dialogue, communication, and interpersonal skills, as well as exceptional organizational and training abilities.

“I believe that with the combination my skills and experience, I am able to lead the commission in firm and determined way.

“I have extensive experience and expertise in leadership and management in producing and developing various services.

“In addition to that, I have diverse experience in project management, leadership in general, participation, and service design.

“I have been working in the field of inclusion with children, young people, and adults in various organizations for over 15 years.

“I have been a member of the CTIF Youth Leader Commission for over 8 years from 2010 to 2018 and I believe that in co-operation with all the commission members we can create a wide variety of opportunities for young people to grow as an active and safety aware members of society.”

A more thorough report from the meeting in Switzerland is expected to be released on the official website soon.

Wtech acquisition strengthens European fire protection reach for APi Group

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Expansion of fire suppression scale through Wtech purchase

APi Group Corporation has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Wtech Fire Group to expand fire sprinkler and suppression capabilities across several European markets.

The Minnesota-based APi Group Corporation (APG) announced the transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026.

This acquisition targets Wtech Fire Group (Wtech) which operates as a provider of fire protection, suppression and detection solutions.

The deal remains subject to customary closing conditions and required regulatory approvals.

Integration of Wtech into international business

Headquartered in Ireland, Wtech serves markets including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, Germany and the Nordic region.

Wtech is expected to contribute approximately $175 million in annual revenue.

The margin profile of the Irish firm is consistent with the existing international business of APG.

Fire sprinkler and suppression services are identified as a key growth area for the company’s international operations.

Russ Becker, APi’s President and Chief Executive Officer, stated: “We are excited to welcome the Wtech team to the APi family.

“Our international business has built real strength in fire alarm and detection, and electronic security, fire sprinkler and suppression is an area where we need greater scale to truly serve our customers end-to-end.

“Wtech fills that gap nicely, and their expertise in this space makes them a natural fit.

“We are pleased to have Ted Wright continue to lead the Wtech business after closing and are confident that, under APi’s ownership, there is a significant runway for Wtech to grow both organically and through strategic acquisitions.”

Strategic alignment and leadership

Ted Wright will continue to lead the business following the completion of the transaction. The acquisition provides a global platform and resources to deliver fire and life safety solutions on a greater scale.

Ted Wright, Wtech Fire Group’s Chief Executive Officer, added: “Joining APi Group marks a transformational moment for Wtech and is a reflection of everything our team has worked so hard to build.

“From day one, it was clear that APi’s values, a commitment to safety, entrepreneurial leadership, and long-term investment in their people, align closely with our own values and culture at Wtech.

“Our customers trust us to deliver high-quality fire and life safety solutions, and being part of APi’s global platform gives us the resources and reach to do that on an even greater scale.

“I’m incredibly proud of what the Wtech team has achieved, and I’m excited about what we will accomplish together as part of the APi family.”

The transaction positions the company to offer end-to-end fire and life safety solutions across Europe.

Next generation MSA Safety protective equipment appearing at FDIC

by EventsFeatured NewsPPESafety

MSA Safety presents G1 XR platform and FireGrid API at FDIC

MSA Safety is showcasing the G1 XR Edition Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and the new FireGrid Incident Command Application Programming Interface (API) at FDIC International this week.

The manufacturer is demonstrating how the G1 XR Edition SCBA addresses fireground realities by reducing weight and improving fit for the user.

This next-generation SCBA platform features adjustable lumbar pad options and updated soft goods to allow departments to customise the equipment.

The G1 XR Edition SCBA meets the requirements of the 2025 edition of the NFPA 1970 standard.

Specific design updates include simplified cleaning processes and pull straps alongside technology to support clearer radio communication.

Integration of FireGrid API for incident command

The company is expanding its connected safety offerings through the introduction of the FireGrid Incident Command API.

This technology enables the integration of G1 SCBA data directly into MSA-approved incident command systems preferred by individual departments.

Commanders gain increased insight into air pressure and movement as well as alarms and individual firefighter information.

The API facilitates the sharing of alarms via a secure cloud connection with selected software partners used for managing apparatus or hydrant locations.

Stephanie Sciullo, President, MSA Americas, said: “We know fire scenes are complex environments, and managing information overload can be a challenge.”

“As the G1 platform evolves, we are focused on delivering not only protection, but also the information that helps keep firefighters safe, accounted for, and better equipped to operate when every second matters.”

Head-to-toe firefighter protection and turnout gear

MSA Safety is also presenting its wider range of protective equipment at FDIC including Globe Manufacturing Company turnout gear and Cairns helmets.

Attendees can now order the Globe G-XTREME PRO Jacket which features a three-panel design to reduce bulk and increase mobility.

The jacket includes a mic pass-through option for wearing a radio beneath the garment and offers a broader range of fit options.

Further enhancements for the G-XTREME PRO Jacket are currently being previewed including new moisture barrier offerings and collar closure options.

These developments are part of the head-to-toe firefighter protection system being showcased at booth 2523 during the event in Indianapolis.

Desu Systems to showcase industrial safety portfolio at INTERSCHUTZ 2026

by EventsFeatured NewsIndustrial

Desu Systems confirms attendance at INTERSCHUTZ 2026

Desu Systems will attend the INTERSCHUTZ 2026 exhibition in Hannover from 1 to 6 June to present its broad portfolio of safety technologies.

The company announced it will be located at Hall 12, Stand D07, with a full team presence representing its various technical divisions.

Exhibits will focus on methane emission monitoring, flame and gas detection, and kitchen fire protection.

This presence at the exhibition reflects a growing demand for performance-led safety systems that respond to tighter regulatory expectations and operational risks.

Operators in petrochemical processing, hydrogen production, wind energy and waste handling face increasing pressure to improve safety performance.

Desu Systems also identifies aircraft hangars, tank storage, offshore infrastructure and commercial kitchens as sectors requiring updated technical and compliance solutions.

Emile Hippe, Managing Director of Desu Systems said: “Across industry, the conversation around safety is becoming more urgent and more practical at the same time.

“Companies are under pressure to improve detection performance, strengthen resilience, and respond to changing regulatory demands.

“Our role is to help them find technologies that are not only advanced, but also relevant to the realities they face in the field.”

Technical solutions for hazardous and industrial environments

Featured technologies at the stand will include optical gas imaging systems used for methane leak detection, quantification and monitoring.

The company will showcase the Spectrex 20/20Q flame detector alongside detection technologies based on QuadSense innovation.

These systems are designed to support faster response and reliability in demanding industrial conditions.

The exhibitor listing also includes the Sensia thermal imaging camera and the Buckeye Kitchen Mister suppression system.

Ronald Verkroost, Founder and CEO of Desu Systems said: “Industrial safety decisions carry greater consequences than ever when systems fall short.

“That is why detection and suppression technologies need to be chosen with a clear view of the risk, the environment, and the operational reality.

“At INTERSCHUTZ, we want to show solutions that answer those demands in a serious and practical way.”

Verkroost and Hippe will be available for press interviews throughout the duration of the event.