IFSJ Exclusives – Page 10 – International Fire & Safety Journal

IFSJ Influencer Insight: Sawsan Dahham, SIENA CEO

14 December 2023

by Iain Hoey Featured News IFSJ Exclusives IFSJ Influencers

“FLS experts fulfil a crucial role in advancing building safety and ensuring long-term resilience against fire risks.”

Over the past decade, the Fire and Life Safety (FLS) industry has experienced continuous and steady growth, closely linked to the construction industry’s expansion in various countries and a rising global consciousness about safety. Governments worldwide are emphasising the critical need for proper fire and life safety measures in all buildings, both new and existing. They are actively partnering with established safety organisations to craft and refine fire and life safety standards, aiming to eradicate deaths, injuries, and financial losses caused by fire and related perils.

Amidst this progress, a technological revolution is transforming all sectors, with building designs, uses, and material specifications evolving to yield more innovative and high-tech structures. The duty of FLS professionals is to constantly update their knowledge on emerging technologies, tackle the potential challenges they present, and design risk mitigation solutions to ensure safety.

A key element that is often neglected in FLS strategy is the importance of incorporating risk mitigation at the early design stages. The advent of new technologies and materials for construction—sought after for their sustainability, cost-effectiveness, or durability—has made it imperative to focus on setting early, efficient risk mitigation strategies. Effective risk mitigation leads to a coherent FLS strategy, minimising the likelihood and impact of fire incidents.

Mitigating risks effectively requires recognising potential hazards from the inception of a building’s design, ensuring compliance with safety regulations throughout its development. Building a robust foundation for risk identification with codes and standards, enriched by industry experience and historical insights, is essential.

Acknowledging risks is the subsequent step, enabling professionals to foresee the outcomes of risks and plan for their avoidance. This may include altering design plans, selecting alternative materials, or eliminating certain hazards altogether to reduce risks to safe levels.

When avoidance is impractical, attention shifts to developing alternative engineering methods that may not eliminate, but can significantly reduce risks, facilitating safe evacuation and protecting property from severe damage. Additionally, ‘buffering’ serves as a mitigation method where FLS designers implement physical barriers, like fire-rated walls, or enhance active fire protection systems to provide an added layer of safety.

The use of compartmentation is also prevalent, serving as a cost-effective strategy that does not compromise the project’s adaptability. This strategy of segmentation aids in containing potential fires to limited areas, thereby offering a controlled response to emergencies.

Risk mitigation is an integral part of an effective FLS design strategy. It starts with a thorough risk assessment and culminates in the implementation of a safety plan that significantly elevates the building’s safety profile by improving protections for people and property. Proactive involvement of highly qualified personnel to devise a comprehensive FLS strategy at the design stage can dramatically affect the project’s success, from inception through execution to its functional lifespan. By adopting thorough prevention measures, FLS experts fulfil a crucial role in advancing building safety and ensuring long-term resilience against fire risks.

About the Influencer

Sawsan Dahham, SIENA CEO and fire safety authority, boasts 17 years in FLS strategy and business management. An NFPA instructor and renowned speaker, she leverages vast experience from past leadership at Dar Al Handasah, impacting significant projects globally.

This article was originally published in the December2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Fluorine Free Foams – Are we there yet?

2 November 2023

by Iain Hoey Breaking News Fire Suppression IFSJ Exclusives

10 years into their Enviro Programme, Fomtec Owner and CEO John Ottesen reflects on how far Fomtec’s range of Enviro Fluorine Free Foams have progressed towards the target of being able to achieve similar performance to the last generation of PFAS containing C6 fluorinated foams manufactured by Fomtec.

2024 will see Fomtec entering the 11^th year of what we call the Enviro Programme, which is our internal name for the project (and cost) centre for the research and development of fluorine free foams.

We were looking at Class B fluorine free foams earlier than 2014 and in fact in 2012 commercialised the Enviro PLUS range which were our gen’ 1 Class B fluorine free foams, which are still available today.

In 2014 as we were finishing up the transition from C8 to C6 chemistry the Enviro Programme kicked into a higher gear and the development of fluorine free foams now receives more than 80% of our R & D budget.

Development is a PROCESS and not necessarily an EVENT

When I look back at the transition from C8 to C6 chemistry the industry in hindsight played down the challenges in reformulating our fluorinated foams, and certainly in marketing terms the C6 foams were marketed as “drop-in replacements”.

In most cases although we were dealing with similar chemicals it really wasn’t a case of removing X% of the C8 fluorosurfactant and replacing it with X% of the C6 fluorosurfactant.

Achieving the same performance as the C8 versions of AFFF’s and AR-AFFF’s, particularly the higher performance products such as Mil Spec, AR-AFFF 1 X 3’s for the emergency response market sector, or AFFF & AR-AFFF for use with standard sprinklers all involved more reformulation work and more full-scale fire testing than I thought would be necessary.

It is true to say that the transition from C8 to C6 chemistry still involved working with similar chemicals and finding the correct blend of fluorochemicals and the right percentage of each to get a successful product.

My foam chemist he won’t argue with the fact that removing the fluorosurfactants, and fluoropolymers, from the mix meant almost starting with a blank piece of paper.

We, like most manufacturers, had some Class A and Medium/High Expansion Synthetic foams so the paper wasn’t completely blank, but as we have mentioned in many articles development (to date) has involved more than 2000 full-scale fire tests and the well proven development process of “trial and error”.

The development of high performance fluorine free foams is still in it’s infancy but even in the last 3 to 5 years we have seen some impressive advancements in performance.

The Clients’ WISH LIST v current status of Fomtecs’ ENVIRO Foams?

I don’t think it is an exaggeration to say that all clients would like a drop-in replacement i.e. has the same physio-chemical characteristics and can be deployed through the same equipment at exactly the same proportion rate, and flow rate and has the same firefighting performance (at least) as the foam it will replace. Ideally it should not cost more than their existing foam!

I was involved in the industry when halon was phased out and we had to use different agents to protect spaces that had previously been protected by Halon 1301.

None of the proposed clean agents available then or now was or is a drop-in replacement and all transitions involved removing old equipment and replacing the complete system – storage tanks, discharge controls, discharge piping and the discharge nozzles.

Relatively the transition of gas systems is straightforward compared to foam systems as at the very least the number of different applications makes comparison impossible.

Add in variables such as different fuels, fresh or salt water, different discharge devices and respectfully achieving a drop-in replacement was always a WISH rather than an achievable goal.

So where do we start with the development of a fluorine free foam ? Firstly, we need to remember that it is the finished foam that comes out of the nozzle / discharge device that puts out the fire and NOT the foam concentrate.

I fully accept that the chemical composition of the foam concentrate is critical for the performance of the finished foam but it is NOT the only factor.

The function of foam is to suppress and extinguish the fire so firefighting performance must be the primary goal of the development project. As foam is used through a variety of discharge devices the secondary goal is to develop products that are suitable for use with these different discharge devices.

Operational compatibility extends to storage and proportioning devices as if we can’t generate the correct mix of water and foam concentrate then it is unlikely that the finished foam will have the necessary foam qualities to achieve suppression or extinguishment.

There are other considerations such as the physio-chemical characteristics, the ecotoxicological profile of the foam concentrate and not forgetting the cost!

Characteristics such as viscosity or freeze point can determine if the product can be used with existing equipment, or in the final deployment location, whereas in developing a product based on a new chemistry must not knowingly use chemical compounds that may themselves be restricted or have a greater negative impact on the environment than the PFAS foams they are to replace.

Verifying foam performance

It should also be remembered that a variety of test standards exist and whether these are geographic based such as EN 1568 or UL 162, application specific such as ICAO or IMO, industry preferred protocols such as LASTFIRE, Gesip or a purchasing specification such as MIL SPEC, foams need to be formulated and approved to meet the appropriate test standard.

Much like the fluorinated foams before them we have found that it is very difficult to formulate one foam that can achieve the best PASS in all of the different fire tests.

Here at Fomtec our Enviro Programme has produced a foam concentrate suitable for use on hydrocarbon fuel fires, with freshwater that does achieve good results on most of the tests and in some tests has even out performed some of our last generation of C6 AFFF’s.

If you have read any of our articles over the past 18 months you will seen that we always talk about the importance of DATA. In the following tables I will share some data for our Enviro USP that comes from the many tests performed with USP and compare with our C6 AFFF products.

EN 1568-3:2008

	Rating	Extinguishing Time
AFFF 3% (EN)	I B	1’ 36” to 1’ 43”
Enviro USP	I A	1’ 25” to 1’ 45”

Notes:

Testing carried out to 2008 standard as both products were approved before the 2018 standard was introduced.
Enviro USP tested at 2% concentration

UL 162

	Test Application Density	Extinguishing Time
AFFF 3% S	0.04 gpm/ft² (1.64 lpm/m²)	1’ 25” to 1’ 45”
Enviro USP	0.06 gpm/ft² (2.46 lpm/m²)	1’ 25” to 1’ 45”
Enviro USP	0.04 gpm/ft² (1.64 lpm/m²)	2’ 00” to 2’ 20”

Notes:

As per the 8^th edition of UL 162 the test protocol for fluorine free foams is the same as for other “non film forming AFFF’s or AR-AFFF’s”
Test fuel as per UL is n-heptane
Tests on Enviro USP according to the test protocol for an AFFF are not accepted by UL and are only for internal performance data comparison (i.e. this is Fomtec data only)

ICAO Level B

	99% control @ 60 seconds	Extinguishing Time
AFFF 3% (EN)	PASS	1’ 19”
Enviro USP	PASS	1’ 30”

Notes:

Data taken from test reports generated by MPA Dresden and RISE Sweden
Test fuel is Jet A-1
Enviro USP tested at 2% concentration.
Fomtec has AFFF formulations specifically formulated for the ARFF market which are approved to ICAO Level C, and has already developed a low viscosity SFFF, called Enviro AIR which is approved to ICAO Level B with extinguishing time of 1’ 15” (faster than the AFFF 3% (EN))

FM 5130 Sprinkler:

FM APPROVALS: HYDROCARBONS
Foam Concentrate	Nominal K-factor		Sprinkler Identification Number (SIN)		Height				Listed²Foam Design Density		Water Discharge Density		Extinguishing Time
	Nominal K-factor		Sprinkler Identification Number (SIN)		Minimum		Maximum		Listed²Foam Design Density		Water Discharge Density		Extinguishing Time
	U.S.	Metric	Upright	Pendent	Ft.	m	Ft.	m	gpm/ft²	Lpm/m²	gpm/ft²	Lpm/m²	Min . Secs
			VK100
			VK108
	5.6	80.6	VK145 VK300	—	5	1.5	20	6.1	0.2	8.1	0.3	12.2	1’10” – 1’30”
			VK301
			VK345
				VK102
	5.6	80.6	—	VK110 VK302	5	1.5	20	6.1	0.3	12.2	0.3	12.2	1’30” – 2′ 40″
				VK303
AFFF 3%S C6	8.0	115.2	VK200 VK204 VK350	—	5	1.5	30	9.1	0.3	12.2	0.3	12.2	1′ 05″ – 1′ 30″
			VK351
				VK202
	8.0	115.2	—	VK206 VK352	8	1.8	30	9.1	0.3	12.2	0.3	12.2	1′ 25″ – 1′ 58″
				VK353
	11.2	161.3	VK530	—	6	2.4	33	10.1	0.3	12.2	0.3	12.2	1′ 15″ -2′ 07″
	11.2	161.3	VK531	—	6	2.4	33	10.1	0.3	12.2	0.3	12.2
	11.2	161.3	—	VK377	8	1.8	33	10.1	0.3	12.2	0.3	12.2	1’22” – 1’57”
	11.2	161.3	—	VK536	8	1.8	33	10.1	0.3	12.2	0.3	12.2
	16.8	241.9	VK580	—	8	2.4	33	10.1	0.5	20.4	0.5	20.4	1’53” -2’00”
FM APPROVALS: HEPTANE
Foam Concentrate	Nominal K-factor		Sprinkler Identification Number (SIN)		Height				Listed²Foam Design Density		Water Discharge Density		Extinguishing Time
	Nominal K-factor		Sprinkler Identification Number (SIN)		Minimum		Maximum		Listed²Foam Design Density		Water Discharge Density		Extinguishing Time
	U.S.	Metric⁴	Upright	Pendent	Ft.	m	Ft.	m	gpm/ft²	Lpm/m²	gpm/ft²	Lpm/m²	Min . Secs
USP 3%	5.6	80.6	VK1001 VK3001	—	6	1.8	24.8	7.6	0.2	8.1	0.3	12.2	1’40” – 2′ 0″
	5.6	80.6	—	VK1021 VK3021	6	1.8	44	13.4	0.2	8.1	0.3	12.2	1′ 0″ – 1′ 30″
	8.0	115.2	VK200 VK204 VK350 VK351	—	9	2.7	45	13.7	0.3	12.2	0.3	12.2	0′ 30″ – 1′ 20″
	8.0	115.2	—	VK2021 VK2022 VK3521 VK3522	8	2.4	44	13.4	0.3	12.2	0.3	12.2	0′ 40″ – 1′ 15″
	11.2	161.3	—	VK377 VK536	6	1.8	25.2	8	0.3	12.2	0.3	12.2	1′ 40″ – 2′ 05″
FM APPROVALS: JET A1
Foam Concentrate	Nominal K-factor		Sprinkler Identification Number (SIN)		Height				Listed²Foam Design Density		Water Discharge Density		Extinguishing Time
	Nominal K-factor		Sprinkler Identification Number (SIN)		Minimum		Maximum		Listed²Foam Design Density		Water Discharge Density		Extinguishing Time
	U.S.	Metric	Upright	Pendent	Ft.	m	Ft.	m	gpm/ft²	Lpm/m²	gpm/ft²	Lpm/m²	Min . Secs
USP 3%	5.6	80.6	—	VK1021, VK3021	8.5	2.6	44	13.4	0.2	8.1	0.3	12.2	1′ 20″ – 1′ 40″

Enviro USP has also been extensively tested and proven to meet industry standards such as the LASTFIRE batch quality assurance test protocol (with Good, Good, Good levels on Heptance with freshwater), the GESIP approval and is also suitable for shipboard fire fighting according to IMO 1312 / MED (as a 6% with saltwater).

In a recent large scale test programme in Texas USP was used at the minimum recommended NFPA 11 application rate through a non-aspirating monitor and extinguished the 130 m² fire in less than 60 seconds using approximately 23 litres of foam concentrate.

Alternatives to AR-AFFF

The gen’ 1 Enviro PLUS products were alcohol resistant foam concentrates and since these were commercialised we have developed a number of new “ARC” type SFFF’s all backed by extensive full-scale testing and approvals to justify deployment in the field.

In 2021 we launched the first FM approved alcohol resistant SFFF for use with standard sprinklers on polar solvents and below are some of the data for Enviro ARK compared to the ARC 3 X 3 S product that we set out to match.

FM APPROVALS: ALCOHOL – IPA
Foam Concentrate	Nominal K-factor		Sprinkler Identification Number (SIN)		Height				Listed²Foam Design Density		Extinguishing Time
	Nominal K-factor		Sprinkler Identification Number (SIN)		Minimum		Maximum		Listed²Foam Design Density		Extinguishing Time
	U.S.	Metric⁴	Upright	Pendent	Ft.	m	Ft.	m	gpm/ft²	Lpm/m²	Mins: Secs
	5.6	80.6	VK145 VK345	—	5	1.5	20	6.1	0.3	12.2	1′ 17″ – 1′ 35″
	5.6	80.6	—	VK102 VK110 VK302 VK303	5	1.5	20	6.1	0.3	12.2	4’15” – 4’30”
	8.0	115.2	VK200 VK204 VK350 VK351	—	5	1.5	30	9.1	0.3	12.2	1’37” – 2’18”
	8.0	115.2	—	VK202 VK206 VK352 VK353	6	1.8	30	9.1	0.3	12.2	2’10” – 4′ 32″
	11.2	161.3	VK530 VK531	—	8	2.4	33	10.1	0.3	12.2	3′ 25″ – 3′ 55″
	11.2	161.3	—	VK377 VK536	6	1.8	33	10.1	0.3	12.2	3′ 16 – 4′ 02″
ARK 3%	5.6	80.6	VK1001 VK3001	—	6	1.8	24.8	7.6	0.3	12.2	2′ 03″ – 2′ 55″
	5.6	80.6	—	VK1021 VK3021	6	1.8	24	7.3	0.3	12.2	2′ 40″ – 3′ 40″
	8.0	115.2	VK200 VK204 VK350 VK351	—	6.5	2	45	13.7	0.4	16.3	2′ 10″ – 2′ 40″
	8.0	115.2	—	VK2021	6	1.8	44	13.4	0.3	12.2	2′ 30″ – 4′ 00″
	11.2	161.3	—	VK377 VK536	6	1.8	44	13.4	0.4	16.3	1′ 50″ – 2′ 40″
	11.2	161.3	VK530 VK531	—	6	1.8	45	13.7	0.4	16.3	3′ 20″ – 3′ 30″
FM APPROVALS: KETONE – ACETONE
Foam Concentrate	Nominal K-factor		Sprinkler Identification Number (SIN)		Height				Listed²Foam Design Density		Extinguishing Time
	Nominal K-factor		Sprinkler Identification Number (SIN)		Minimum		Maximum		Listed²Foam Design Density		Extinguishing Time
	U.S.	Metric⁴	Upright	Pendent	Ft.	m	Ft.	m	gpm/ft²	Lpm/m²	Mins: Secs
ARC 3X3S C6	5.6	80.6	VK100 VK108 VK145 VK300 VK301 VK345	—	5	1.5	20	6.1	0.3	12.2	1′ 16″ – 2′ 18″
ARC 3X3S C6	5.6	80.6	—	VK102 VK110 VK302 VK303	6	1.8	20	6.1	0.3	12.2	1’50” – 3′ 05″
ARK 3%	5.6	80.6	VK1001 VK3001	—	6	1.8	24.8	7.6	0.3	12.2	1′ 15″ – 3′ 00″
	5.6	80.6	—	VK1021 VK3021	6	1.8	24	7.3	0.3	12.2	2′ 00″ – 3′ 00″
	8.0	115.2	VK200 VK204 VK350 VK351	—	6.5	2	45	13.7	0.3	12.2	1’20” – 3′ 40″
	8.0	115.2	—	VK2021 VK2022 VK3521 VK3522	6	1.8	44	13.4	0.3	12.2	1′ 50″ – 3′ 00″
	11.2	161.3	VK530 VK531	—	6	1.8	45	13.7	0.3	12.2	3′ 45″
	11.2	161.3	—	VK377 VK536	6	1.8	25.2	8	0.3	12.2	2’56 -3′”
FM APPROVALS: ETHANOL
Foam Concentrate	Nominal K-factor		Sprinkler Identification Number (SIN)		Height				Listed²Foam Design Density		Extinguishing Time
	Nominal K-factor		Sprinkler Identification Number (SIN)		Minimum		Maximum		Listed²Foam Design Density		Extinguishing Time
	U.S.	Metric⁴	Upright	Pendent	Ft.	m	Ft.	m	gpm/ft²	Lpm/m²	Mins: Secs
ARK 3%	8.0	115.2	VK200 VK204 VK350 VK351	—	6.5	2	45	13,7	0.3	12.2	1′ 00″ – 3′ 00″
	8.0	115.2	—	VK2021 VK3521 VK2022 VK3522	6.0	1.8	44.8	13.7	0.30	12.2	1′ 30″ – 2′ 55″
	11.2	161.3	VK530 VK531	—	7.7	2.3	20.6	6.3	0.30	12.2	1′ 00″ – 3′ 30″
	11.2	161.3	—	VK377 VK536		1.8	44.8	13.7	0.30	12.2	3′ 49″ – 3′ 52″

Fluorine Free Foams: Are we there yet?

Accepting that some of the testing and approvals are different between a film forming foam and the SFFF’s and focusing on the first goal of fire performance, and more importantly whether the SFFF’s can be deployed in the field then my answer is we are a lot closer than we were in 2014!

On the journey so far we have learnt many lessons and reaffirmed some things we always knew about using firefighting foam. Key things when deploying SFFF are no different to AFFF, namely:

Choosing the product that is the right product for the application and ensuring that the product is tested and approved as being suitable for that application.
Remembering that it is the finished foam that puts out the fire and this means using the foam concentrate with appropriate hardware that is tested and proven to work with the foam concentrate to generate and disperse the finished foam with the correct foam qualities.
Using the foam in accordance with proven design standards or operational procedures

And lastly, follow the DATA!

Class is in session: Inside Fomtec’s International Foam School

27 October 2023

by Iain Hoey Breaking News Fire Suppression IFSJ Exclusives

As the fire suppression sector undergoes rapid changes, Fomtec sets a new benchmark with its International Foam School

In the ever-evolving landscape of fire safety, leading foam solutions provider Fomtec is pioneering change not just in products, but in knowledge sharing and education.

Established in 2001, the company has made its mark with a customer-centric approach, a relentless pursuit of innovation, and a strong commitment to sustainable alternatives to traditional fire suppression systems.

Now, they are taking a bold leap forward, launching their inaugural International Foam School programme in Helsingborg, Sweden.

This initiative represents a significant step towards collective advancement in the industry, underscoring Fomtec’s commitment to equipping professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to face the future of fire safety.

In this exclusive interview with John Ottesen, Owner of Fomtec, IFSJ delves into the genesis of the programme, its curriculum, participant experiences, and the learnings gleaned from its inaugural run, and how the International Foam School is set to shape Fomtec’s future growth and the fire safety industry at large.

What inspired Fomtec to create the International Foam School programme?

The inspiration for creating the International Foam School programme stemmed from my personal experience.

Early in my career, I attended a foam school that deeply influenced me.

This experience not only shaped my professional journey but also played a crucial role in founding Fomtec.

Much of what we teach in our programme has been influenced by what I learned in that school.

We integrated many elements from the materials provided there into our own manual, refining and expanding upon them.

The significance of foam schools in my personal growth inspired me to establish something similar, but uniquely tailored by Fomtec.

The knowledge and tools I acquired from that school stayed with me for decades.

The manual I received during that training remained on my desk for 30 years until we crafted our own.

Now, our comprehensive manual has taken its place, embodying our extensive research and expertise.

At Fomtec, we firmly believe in a fact-based approach when it comes to firefighting and designing fire suppression systems.

Without an in-depth understanding of the foams, the guiding standards for system design, and the diverse applications of foam systems, it is challenging to effectively utilise data.

Our Foam School aims to provide that solid foundation for professionals in this field.

What is on the curriculum at Fomtec’s International Foam School?

Foam School allowed me to realise an ambition I’ve held for many years: creating a comprehensive Foam Manual.

We’ve produced a 500-page manual which delves deep into topics ranging from foam concentrates, hardware, and design standards to pertinent applications, inclusive of calculation examples and design data.

Our Foam School curriculum is structured around this manual, which we’ve aptly named “The Foam Manual.”

The manual I had from earlier served as an inspiration or a template for what I aimed to create.

While the fundamental issues in the world and the applications remain unchanged, the ways we address these issues and the products we use have evolved, especially on the chemistry side.

On the hardware end, much of the old equipment persists, but there’s new technology now as well.

There’s been an evolution in both equipment and foam over the years.

The applications we aim to safeguard remain consistent.

My approach in crafting this manual was to focus on these applications.

We constructed the manual systematically, chapter by chapter, discussing protection strategies for each specific application.

I drew a lot from the older manual’s essence, updating it to be relevant to 2023, including aspects like fluorine-free foam.

The manual is a substantial binder.

Inside, there are chapters dedicated to foam concentrate and hardware.

It delves into specific applications, offering readers clear guidance.

For instance, if a student wishes to design a sprinkler system, they’ll find a step-by-step guide on the process and references to the relevant standards to make their design appropriate and effective.

Our main goal with Foam School is comprehensive education.

We’re aware there’s a vast amount of information to grasp.

While we don’t expect students to remember everything immediately, we aim to equip them with the tools to facilitate continuous learning.

Through our program, they learn to execute relevant calculations and are pointed towards pivotal resources like NFPA standards to navigate further.

What are your aspirations for foam school attendees?

Foam School aims to provide comprehensive training in a relatively short period – three days, to be precise.

While this is undoubtedly a brief duration, our role is to guide students in the right direction.

We conduct in-depth presentations, working alongside students through each application, engaging in hands-on calculations to ensure they grasp the core concepts.

The methodology we employ is similar to that which I experienced in my training 30 years ago.

Although one doesn’t master everything immediately, it’s the consistent revisitation of materials, particularly the manual and industry standards, that fosters deepened understanding.

This repetitive process, which I found invaluable in my own learning, is something we hope our students will adopt.

Foam School is not simply about experimenting with foam in a simulated environment.

It’s centred on imparting knowledge on designing real-world foam systems, both portable and fixed, strictly based on established design standards.

Our curriculum offers a holistic exploration of firefighting with foam.

It begins with an introduction to foam concentrates, covering their varied properties, delving into environmental considerations, discussing PFAS transition topics, and explaining system design standards.

The course goes into detailed examinations of all primary applications, incorporating design exercises, and culminating in an examination.

Our aspiration is for students to leave Foam School proficient in using The Foam Manual and industry standards to execute impeccable system designs.

Can you share some key insights or takeaways from the first iteration of the programme?

One of the primary realisations was the sheer volume of content to be addressed within the span of 3 days.

Despite this, the overwhelming feedback was that students left with an enriched understanding, irrespective of their initial expertise.

It’s noteworthy that the Foam School immerses students into the latest data, with SFFF being the principal product demonstrated across our calculation examples.

We extensively leverage the findings from the Fomtec Enviro Programme, encompassing over 2000 fire tests and the subsequent approvals we’ve garnered.

While the learning trajectory proved steep for some participants, we confidently met our core objective: guiding students towards a data-driven comprehension of foam and its associated systems.

How have participants responded to the International Foam School programme?

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive from every student.

While it might be premature to make extensive assessments, my strong perception is that Foam School has reshaped many students’ perspectives on the subject and will influence their future professional approaches.

As a supplementary initiative, Fomtec plans to host follow-up webinars targeting specific areas of interest for the cohort.

Was Fomtec’s “data not opinion” mindset influential in developing the programme?

At the heart of Foam School’s curriculum lie the NFPA standards and FM Data pages, serving as the foundational pillars for our foam systems design approach.

What’s advantageous about this framework is the alignment in thinking between NFPA, FM, and us at Fomtec – the shared belief in a fact-driven, holistically approved methodology.

We then apply our products to practical examples spanning all pertinent applications, ensuring their utilisation remains within documented and approved limits.

For many participants, it’s a revelation to see how intricately everything interlinks and how even minor data omissions can compromise an entire design.

Does the school tackle to the industry transition away from PFAS-containing foam?

Foam School plays a pivotal role in this transitional phase.

While there’s a widespread desire for direct drop-in replacements, the reality is such replacements aren’t feasible.

With our new SFFF products not having the same leniency as traditional PFAS-based foams, the necessity for comprehensive knowledge becomes paramount to ensure a safe shift away from PFAS-laden solutions.

Relying on data and practices that are several decades old is untenable.

This is where Foam School becomes invaluable in the PFAS transition journey.

Ignoring this reality poses a grave risk, with potential consequences for both life and property.

How does the International Foam School fit into the future of Fomtec?

The Foam School is set to be a cornerstone in our future endeavors, with plans to introduce new classes approximately every six months.

As we progress and engage with diverse batches of students, we intend to tailor the curriculum to cater to specific audiences, such as Distributors, Contractors, End Users, Consultants, and Insurers, among others.

Our overarching goal is to unify everyone under a common vernacular concerning foam, emphasising a discourse rooted in data, not opinion.

In many ways, this is a language school, and we want as many people in the industry as possible to speak Fomtec.

This article was originally published in the October 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Emergency lighting: The future is compliance

25 October 2023

by Iain Hoey Breaking News IFSJ Exclusives Lighting

Matthew Jones, UK & Ireland Head of Sales at Advanced discusses current and future trends in emergency lighting

The fire safety landscape has transformed since the Grenfell tragedy as the Government rolls out a raft of changes to make buildings safer.

These measures range from the updated Part B of the Building Regulations to the introduction of the Building Safety Regulator, with yet further policy changes on the horizon.

As a result, the fire and life safety sectors are being affected across the board, including emergency lighting where current and future trends are focusing on both compliance and connectivity.

With these new challenges ahead building owners, specifiers and facilities managers (FMs) need to stay up-to-date to ensure compliance.

Fortunately, manufacturers, like Advanced, with a pedigree in both the fire and the life safety sectors, are experts in the field and can explain exactly how to comply with new regulations and guidance.

Dynamic safety signage

One emergency lighting area which looks set for compliance changes soon is dynamic safety signage (DSS).

In the next 12 months we are set to see the publication of the amended EN 1838 Emergency Lighting which the industry hopes will include a technical specification on adaptive emergency lighting systems.

This should consolidate the importance of dynamic safety signage in fire evacuations, improving safety for building occupants.

In emergencies, dynamic safety signage is vital since the lack of information and confusion means people often make poor decisions.

Occupants unaware of standard escape signage tend to leave via their known, proven route – often the main entrance – which causes slower evacuation times and potentially dangerous bottlenecking; this is especially dangerous if the main entrance is blocked in an incident.

Advanced’s range of dynamic safety signage has been developed following research into human behaviour during fire incidents.

By directing building occupants to the closest, safest exits in emergencies, DSS measurably reduces evacuation time, congestion, and threat to life.

DSS is a vital life safety system helping enable safe evacuations when a fire takes place and therefore is an essential addition to Advanced’s fire protection range.

Ideal for settings where large numbers of people may be unfamiliar with emergency escape routes, e.g.

university campuses, hospitals, stadiums and transport hubs, Advanced’s DSS range provides different tiers of functionality making it very versatile in meeting requirements across a wide range of sites and scenarios.

DSS gives clarity on the best exit routes, proven to make building evacuations faster and safer.

In many fatal fires, the most familiar exit is also the most dangerous – DSS enables better decision-making and quicker escape.

It complies with visibility standards, is self-testing and fully monitored for peace of mind.

Cause and effect can be programmed, allowing DSS to be used adaptively, ensuring as evacuation situations evolve only the safest escape routes are highlighted while unviable exits are clearly marked as no-go areas.

Symbols instead of words ensure clarity for all nationalities, especially useful in airports.

While DSS is compatible with multiple fire systems, we recommend using it with the likes of Advanced’s MxPro 5 addressable fire system to make use of our world class cause and effect programming.

To guarantee compliance with the BS 5266 Code of Practice for the Emergency Lighting of Premises, DSS can also be used alongside our LuxIntelligent system, which actively tests and monitors the signage.

Remote connectivity

To be compliant with BS 5266, it is vital to consistently test that emergency lighting is functioning correctly.

A common pitfall is not testing emergency lighting frequently enough.

With emergency lighting a short function test should be completed each month.

Then once a year a full duration test is required which normally takes 180 minutes.

Test results must be recorded, and any remedial work performed within an appropriate timeframe.

However, conducting tests across multiple sites or large systems presents logistical challenges.

Although manual system testing is still common, as budgets shrink the cost of engineers spending significant amounts of time on manual testing is increasingly hard to justify.

To address this challenge, at Advanced we developed LuxIntelligent, an addressable, cloud-ready, automatic emergency lighting test system.

The system automatically, routinely tests a building’s emergency lighting to check for faults, test failures or advisories to prove the system is compliant and functioning.

Testing can be completed without human intervention and the system can be set at the beginning of the year and then will trigger testing throughout the year automatically, delivering prompt and accurate reporting of test results, as well as providing definitive work instructions for any necessary maintenance, representing significant long-term time and cost reductions for FMs.

The LuxIntelligent emergency light testing system makes compliance with emergency lighting guidelines easy and cost effective.

It is quick to install and simple for technical engineers and security staff to operate, providing a robust solution that will take care of your emergency light testing for the next 15 years or more.

LuxIntelligent offers a standalone portal that engineers can log into to view all the testing and compliance data allowing them to produce reports and replace a manual logbook as required in BS 5266.

Cloud-storage functionality eliminates the task of having to record test results by hand and the hassle associated with filing such records – a particularly useful feature when managing a large portfolio of buildings and sites that require secure storage of test and maintenance reports.

The control panel has a dynamic event log of 1000 events as well as a separate log for recording test results.

Records of all automatic (and manual) tests are generated and data can be accessed from the panel, a connected laptop or remote PC.

Plus, LuxIntelligent makes maintenance simple, since it will automatically tell an engineer exactly which device has an issue, what the issue is and where in the building it is.

LuxIntelligent provides Cloud monitoring and system management via mobile and web apps.

This makes routine tasks now possible to do remotely.

With data stored securely in the Cloud, those responsible for the emergency lighting system can access live details on status, test and maintenance reports from a smartphone, tablet or via a web browser.

Integrating emergency lighting control panel data with portable technology in this way, enables users to monitor all their sites, anywhere in the world.

LuxIntelligent is not only suitable for new installations.

Whether an engineer is working on an existing site or a new one it is possible to monitor the emergency lighting system from anywhere across the installation from anywhere in the world, using its local area network via an ethernet port or WiFi connection; via the 4G connectivity option.

A 4G router is available in a wall-mounted panel and can be particularly useful for external fire safety engineers to gain direct access to Luxintelligent to monitor testing and maintenance needs.

LED

Finally, if a building has not already moved from fluorescent lighting to LED, now is the time to do so with a ban on the sale of mercury containing lamps, like fluorescent lamps, set to come in.

This change forms part of the restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS) Directive.

As a result, many common fluorescent light fittings will become obsolete on 1st February 2024.

Concerns around disruption, inconvenience and cost are often cited as reasons to delay swapping old for new technology.

However, LuxIntelligent LED luminaires are quick and easy to install and deliver demonstrable long-term cost-saving benefits.

At Advanced we pride ourselves in providing support and advice to our clients through the whole lifecycle of our products from the first enquiry, to training, offering installation guidance, ensuring customers use the correct software tools, and finally helping with commissioning to ensure a system operates as designed.

As building safety compliance becomes ever more stringent as Government tightens regulations, at Advanced we are here to offer advice and support on how to comply to ensure peace of mind.

To find out more please contact us for further information or guidance on emergency lighting or fire safety systems.

We also run CPDs including Your Best Route to Compliance for Emergency Lighting: https://www.advancedco.com/product/luxintelligent-emergency-lighting-system/the-best-route-to-compliance-for-your-emergency-lighting/

This article was originally published in the October 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Approval vs Compliance with Comelit-PAC

23 October 2023

by Iain Hoey Breaking News Fire Detection IFSJ Exclusives

Mandy Bowden, Comelit-PAC Fire Manager delves into the difference between approval and compliance when it comes to life safety

When choosing a life safety system, every detail matters.

It is the responsibility of today’s life safety manufacturers to ensure users receive all the relevant information about products, from component approval to compliance with the latest legislation.

2023 has been a year of action when it comes to fire safety.

There’s been so much change in expectations for fire safety professionals to be understood quickly, and adopted in line with daily operations.

This not only refers to the latest legislation with ambitions to make fire safety procedures accountable and clearly communicated but also increased scrutiny of products in line with approved standards.

Whilst the differences between the two are often misconstrued, there is a need to understand the importance and expectations of both to ensure complete fire safety protection.

The stamp of validation

Approval, in the context of fire safety, refers to the process of obtaining official recognition for a specific fire safety product, system, or design to identify the constancy of performance.

This typically comes from regulatory authorities, certification bodies, or fire safety organisations.

When a product or system receives approval, it signifies it meets the required standards, codes, and specifications set forth by these authorities.

In essence, approval serves as a stamp of validation, assuring that the product or system is fit for its intended purpose.

Key elements of approval

To attain approval, fire safety products and systems must undergo rigorous independent testing and evaluation by accredited laboratories or certification agencies.

These tests, based on strict criteria assess various aspects such as durability, effectiveness, and compliance with relevant standards.

Approval is closely tied to adherence to specific regulations and standards established by local, national, or international authorities.

These standards are designed to ensure that every element of fire safety products and systems meet minimum safety requirements.

The approval process often requires manufacturers or designers to provide comprehensive documentation detailing the product’s specifications, test results, and installation instructions.

This documentation helps authorities assess the product’s suitability for use.

Approved products and systems are subject to periodic reviews and retesting to ensure they continue to meet the required standards.

This ongoing scrutiny helps maintain the integrity of fire safety approvals.

Adhering to regulations

Compliance focuses on ensuring buildings, facilities, and fire safety systems adhere to the established Government fire safety regulations, codes, and standards.

These include the influx of legislation following the devastating Grenfell tragedy and the ongoing inquiry that is unlikely to be concluded until 2024.

The introduction of the Fire Safety Act 2021 (phase one) and The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 (phase 2) was followed in October 2023, with Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) as phase 3.

These will ensure all responsible persons must make a record of a fire risk assessment.

It’s a collective example of how compliance is a broader concept that encompasses not only the approval of individual products but also the overall adherence to fire safety requirements within a given environment.

Compliance is about implementing, maintaining, and monitoring fire safety measures by the law, with severe penalties, often financial, for non-compliance.

The need for compliance

Compliance begins with an understanding of local building codes, regulations, and national fire safety standards.

These codes are legally binding and outline the minimum requirements for fire safety in structures

Regular inspections and maintenance of fire safety systems, including alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers, and emergency exits, are essential to ensure that they are functional and ready to respond in the event of a fire.

Ensuring that building occupants and staff are well-trained in fire safety procedures, evacuation plans, and the proper use of fire safety equipment is a fundamental aspect of compliance.

Compliance often requires meticulous record-keeping of fire safety-related activities, such as inspections, maintenance, and training.

Approval and compliance

Approval and compliance are interrelated in the broader context of fire safety.

Approval refers to individual components and systems used for fire safety that meet the required standards and are safe for use.

Compliance ensures that approved components are correctly integrated into the built environment and are used by the law.

Consider a scenario where a fire safety system, consisting of approved fire alarms, sprinklers, and extinguishers, is installed in a commercial building.

The approval process guarantees each component is effective and reliable.

Compliance ensures these components are installed correctly, inspected regularly, and used as intended, creating a safe environment for occupants.

Responsible manufacturers

Fire safety standards and regulations are subject to change and updates.

Staying current with these changes and ensuring ongoing compliance can be demanding for building owners and operators.

Comelit-PAC understands its responsibility is not only to the project user of the fire safety systems but also to its products such as LogiFire that are approved to the latest European and British standards, including EN54-2, EN54 – 3, EN54- 4, EN54-13 and EN54 – 17.

The installation of products is governed by careful technical training that ensures it can accommodate the requirements of the site in which it will be installed.

This continues with installation and fault-finding courses provided by our experts to ensure systems are maintained in compliance with the latest standards.

The evolution of the Comelit-PAC fire safety range to enable monitoring and management via cloud technology and operate with the app, allows users to log, manage and administrate the commissioning, servicing, maintenance, testing, performance and day-to-day use of the connected fire alarm systems.

Again this ensures future-proof compliance to legislation.

LogiFire is just one example of how Comelit-PAC is constantly looking to develop its product portfolio to ensure our customers can manage systems faster and more efficiently.

Conclusion

In the realm of fire safety, approval and compliance are two distinct but interconnected aspects that play vital roles in safeguarding lives and property.

Approval ensures individual fire safety products and systems meet established standards, while compliance ensures these approved components are correctly implemented and maintained within the built environment.

Building owners, facility managers, and individuals responsible for fire safety must recognise the importance of both.

It is Comelit-PAC’s duty of care to offer support, guidance, and a general understanding together with the necessary installation training to ensure the right balance between these two elements.

A comprehensive fire safety strategy can be established together using the latest cloud technology, minimising the risk of fire-related incidents and their potentially devastating consequences.

It is the synergy between approval and compliance that fosters a safer environment.

This article was originally published in the October 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Safety at sea with Hochiki

20 October 2023

by Iain Hoey Breaking News Fire Detection IFSJ Exclusives Ports & Maritime

Exploring the unique challenges of fire safety at sea and how Hochiki is rising to meet these demands

Marine vessels and offshore structures like ships, submarines, and oil rigs have distinct fire safety challenges.

With enclosed, hard-to-access areas and distances far from shore, fires become particularly hazardous.

It is essential for their onboard fire detection systems to uphold top-tier standards, given the absence of immediate external help.

These systems must promptly detect fire indicators even in tough conditions like extreme temperatures, vibrations, salt spray, and high humidity to ensure timely responses and continued performance.

In pursuit of enhancing marine safety, the Hochiki ESP Marine Approved Range emerges as a beacon of innovation and reliability.

This article delves into the strict requirements and the capabilities of this product range, and the significant role it plays in safeguarding lives and assets on the high seas.

What are the safety standards required for marine fire detection devices?

Any fire detection devices on board sea bound vessels, must be marine approved.

The M.E.D. 96/98/EC Directive is an initiative of the European Commission (EC) in the European Union (EU) set up with the intention to reduce costs for the end user by having a simplified classification model for marine approvals.

All approved and authorised products are stored in the MarED database, which to date contains more than 35,000 datasets about products approved under the EU Marine Equipment Directive.

Products are strictly tested by a third-party, such as Germanischer Lloyd or LPCB, for use in the marine environment before being granted an approval certificate.

For this very reason, it is also important to work with installers and engineers who are experienced in marine life safety.

Hochiki’s Marine Approved Intelligent and Conventional products have been designed around the existing world-proven ESP and CDX ranges and have been approved for marine use by both Germanischer Lloyd and LPCB, to the MED approval scheme.

Ideal for use on ships, oil and gas platforms, wind farms and other similar applications the Hochiki Marine Approved Range incorporates the same reliability and quality as its core product range.

Innovation and adaptions

Hochiki’s range boasts advanced sensor technology with state-of-the-art smoke, heat, and multi-sensor detectors offering unmatched precision.

These detectors quickly identify minute smoke traces or temperature shifts, ensuring early hazard detection.

Notably, the multi-sensor detectors merge various technologies, discerning genuine threats from benign changes, thus minimising false alarms—a vital feature in marine settings.

Addressing the severe marine conditions, the ESP Marine Approved Range prioritises durability and appropriate material choice.

Through intensive testing, these detectors secured marine certification, affirming their reliability amidst marine challenges.

Highlighting their resilience, Hochiki devices are employed in the Margate offshore wind farm.

Despite harsh conditions characterised by fluctuating weather and sea-salt spray, these devices consistently deliver, ensuring both the safety of personnel and efficient operations, as vouched for by Dan Smith of KM Security Solutions: “The constant change in weather combined with sea-salt spray makes offshore wind farms an incredibly hostile environment to work in, not only for people but also for the systems, cabling and devices that help to run it and keep it safe.

“Therefore, it’s imperative we install life safety devices that won’t let the teams and premises down in an emergency.

Hochiki’s ESP Marine Approved range offers unparalleled scalability, catering to the varying sizes and complexities of maritime installations, from modest fishing vessels to grand offshore structures.

This adaptability guarantees that every marine entity, regardless of its magnitude, can avail the superior safety protocols that Hochiki delivers.

One noteworthy application is its integration into a renovated hotel barge by Perenco in Gabon, intended to accommodate their offshore rig staff.

During the barge’s refurbishment, Perenco aimed to upgrade the outdated life safety systems, ensuring adherence to Gabonese regulations and aptness for marine challenges.

Tasked with this responsibility, Autochim, with Jean-Marie Rabier at the helm, endorsed Hochiki Europe’s solutions.

The barge, with its diverse sections from kitchens to engine rooms, demanded distinct safety solutions.

Hochiki’s specialised marine equipment met these unique requirements, promising optimal protection for its inhabitants.

Intelligent alerting

Hochiki’s ESP Marine Approved Range emphasises swift and precise communication during maritime emergencies, integrating advanced notification mechanisms like audible and visual alarms to promptly alert crews.

Leveraging the Enhanced Systems Protocol with interrupt processing, the system ensures a response time of less than 1.5 seconds from alert to fire indication.

Additionally, its intelligent alert system provides detailed emergency insights, allowing for efficient response and safeguarding data integrity to maintain unwavering reliability.

Comprehensive detection

A comprehensive fire detection system on board a marine vessel is crucial for the safety of passengers, crew, and the vessel itself.

Hochiki’s ESP Marine Approved Range, designed specifically for marine applications, exemplifies the brand’s dedication to creating solutions that meet the unique challenges posed by maritime environments.

Here are the key components and features that a fire detection system onboard a marine vessel should include:

Multi-sensors, Smoke, and Heat Detectors

These devices are placed strategically throughout the vessel, especially in areas where fire risks are higher, such as engine rooms, galleys, electrical rooms, and cabins.

Smoke detectors sense the presence of smoke particles, while heat detectors monitor rapid increases in temperature.

Both types of detectors provide early indications of a fire.

Multi-sensors incorporate more than one sensing element within a single device (heat, smoke, and sometimes carbon dioxide).

These sensors can operate two or more sensing elements in combination to determine a fire condition.

Manual Call Points

Easily accessible manual call points (sometimes known as manual pull stations) allow crew members or passengers to initiate the fire alarm manually when they spot a fire or smoke.

These stations should be located along escape routes and in key gathering areas.

Flame Detectors

Flame detectors can identify the presence of flames by detecting specific wavelengths of light emitted by fires.

These detectors are particularly useful for areas with potential fuel leaks or where a fast-acting fire could occur.

Gas Detectors

Gas detectors can identify the presence of potentially hazardous gases, such as combustible gases or toxic fumes.

In marine environments, gas leaks can contribute to fire hazards, so detecting them early is crucial.

Fire Alarm Control Panel

This panel serves as the central hub of the fire detection system, receiving signals from various detectors and initiating alarms.

It provides visual and audible alerts, indicates the location of the fire, and allows for manual control of alarms.

The fire detection system should integrate with other onboard systems, such as the vessel’s automation and control system, to facilitate coordinated responses to emergencies.

The control panel will provide this integration.

Alarm Notification Devices

Strobe lights, sirens, and sounder beacons should be strategically placed throughout the vessel to ensure that all occupants are alerted to the presence of a fire, especially in noisy or visually impaired environments.

Remote Monitoring and Alerts

Many modern fire detection systems and emergency lighting systems allow for remote monitoring, enabling the crew to receive alerts and updates even when they’re not in the immediate vicinity of the alarm panel.

Emergency Communication System

An integrated communication system ensures that critical information is relayed to passengers and crew members in case of a fire, guiding them on evacuation procedures and safe areas.

Redundancy and Reliability

The system should have built-in redundancy to minimise the risk of system failures.

This could involve duplicate detectors or backup power sources.

In addition to this list, regular maintenance and testing should be carried out by experts.

Proper maintenance and regular testing are essential to ensure that all components of the fire detection system are functioning correctly when needed.

Regular training of crew members and passengers on how to respond to fire alarms and emergencies is also crucial for a successful evacuation and mitigation process.

The maritime industry inherently involves risks, but with the Hochiki ESP Marine Approved Range, these risks can be mitigated significantly.

By harnessing advanced sensor technology, adaptability to harsh marine conditions, and intelligent alerting systems, the ESP Marine Approved range exemplifies a new era of marine safety systems.

Its ability to detect and respond to emergencies swiftly and effectively can make the critical difference between life and death at sea.

Hochiki’s dedication to innovation and unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and assets have positioned the ESP Marine Approved Range as an industry leader, setting new benchmarks for marine safety.

As vessels continue to navigate the vast oceans, this product range serves as a reliable guardian, ensuring that maritime journeys are not only efficient and productive but also secure for everyone on board.

To find out more visit: www.hochikieurope.com/marine

This article was originally published in the October 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Redefining remote monitoring with BAUER

12 October 2023

by Iain Hoey Breathing Apparatus IFSJ Exclusives

Delve in to BAUER’s 75-year journey of creating intuitive and dependable breathing air products

As technology continues to advance, opportunities to improve convenience, efficiency, and safety have cropped up in every field.

One company has continually set and lifted the bar among many of these technologies by continuously using ongoing feedback from real firefighters to develop new solutions: BAUER.

While some new technologies bring more complications than solutions, the focus and energy of firefighting and rescue personnel should always be on keeping themselves safe while they perform their duties.

Rather than advancing for the sake of exhibition, BAUER has consistently sought to create solutions that streamline operations and minimise risk for those who protect their communities.

With over seven decades of experience manufacturing breathing air compressors, BAUER is no stranger to the world of innovation.

From its roots in Munich, Germany, to the creation of BAUER COMPRESSORS Inc.in 1976, establishing its presence in the US market, the company has been family owned for three generations.

Not only is BAUER the largest manufacturer of high-pressure breathing air equipment, but they also lead the industry in innovation with their state-of-the-art solutions.

An ISO 9001 company, BAUER uses a vertically integrated manufacturing process to ensure quality products from concept to fabrication to lifecycle support, such as OEM parts and factory training provided at its Norfolk, Virginia campus.

75 years of innovation

Firefighters know BAUER COMPRESSORS for its decades of experience creating high-standard breathing air products.

Over the years, it has developed a comprehensive breathing air equipment portfolio for the end user’s applications, including small portable systems, larger stationary systems, and even trailer-mounted compressors.

Now, the company continues to evolve to respond to new challenges, fueled by our desire to create the most intuitive and dependable products in the industry.

Wherever reliable, ultra-pure breathing air is required, professionals can look to BAUER for its enduring commitment to quality and longevity.

“I’ve [been in the breathing air industry for over 40 years], so I’m used to lots of old technology,” Bill Dickson, the Vice President of Breathing Air Sales for BAUER COMPRESSORS.

“Well, times have changed, methods have changed, and at the end of the day, what we’re trying to do is create products for the person at the end of the nozzle…to reduce their risk, if you will.”

What sets BAUER apart is not only its leadership in producing new technology but also its historic knowledge and investment in creating only what is useful.

The company is very connected with the user base of its products; they develop and maintain relationships with firefighting groups and actively seeks out feedback, which allows them to respond and adapt to the desires and feedback of real firefighters.

“We build to the customer’s requirements…because everybody’s requirements are different,” says Dickson.

Needs, budgets, and department size can vary across countries, cities, and even between two stations in the same county.

BAUER has responded to this diversity with a series of solutions adapted to various levels of technological advancement and size.

The design team is very familiar with working together with customers to design bespoke solutions.

It is rare to find a company that maintains its position as the leader in the industry after so many decades; it is rarer still to find a company that regularly transforms the industry to such a degree.

But BAUER continues to evolve to respond to new challenges, fueled by a desire to create the most dependable products in the industry.

“We’re going after the next generation of firefighter, the firefighter who’s more interested in – and able to – work with a handheld device than gauges, valves, things of that nature,” says Dickson

BAUER CRC™

“We have a new product called Charge Rate Control,” Dickson tells.

“We recognise that a lot of people in the industry don’t know how to handle the breathing air.

Charge Rate Control does that automatically to take out the guesswork.” The BAUER CRC™ is designed to automatically fill SCBA and SCUBA cylinders to their maximum allowable pressure while avoiding hot fills and maximising the stored air in the cylinders.

The BAUER CRC™ allows for three different charge rate settings to be easily changed with the push of a button.

Installation is simple, The BAUER CRC™ can be wall-mounted, and only requires two high pressure hose connections and power.

It is compatible with cascade storage and containment fill stations, and can be retrofit to existing BAUER compressor systems.

In response to firefighters’ safety concerns with the compressors of the past, Dickson notes that the BAUER CRC™ containment system is built for security.

“We [designed the] SCBA containment fill stations to totally contain the fragments of a ruptured 5500 PSIG SCBA, all in accordance with current NFPA standards, while at the same time managing their SCBA fill rate,” he noted.

UNICUS® 4S & 4i

For the BAUER UNICUS®, we combined our state-of-the-art compressors with one of our high-pressure breathing air purification systems with an integrated fill station that Dickson describes as being tested to “totally contain the fragments of a ruptured 5500 PSIG SCBA.” The UNICUS® can fill SCBA and SCUBA cylinders either directly from the compressor or from the optional air storage system.

BAUER offers several system options; a variety of compatible compressor blocks can be built into the UNICUS®, allowing users to customise the system to meet their department’s requirements.

There is even an available Fire Edition of our UNICUS® 4, with a customisable design to fit right at home in any fire station, down to the ability to print a station’s logo on the device.

BAUER offers two modes of pneumatic operations, either with manual controls incorporated within the UNICUS® 4S or fully automated controls on the UNICUS® 4i.

The UNICUS® 4S is an analog version of the all-in-one system that is available in either 345 bar (5000 PSIG) or up to 482 bar (7000 PSIG), with discharge capacities ranging from a 368 l/min (13 SCFM) to 714 l/min (26 SCFM) charge rate.

For maintenance, all access doors have snap pin technology that allows the user to lift and remove the door with no hand tools.

The operations panel tilts forward for access.

All requisite panels are equipped with sound-attenuated material to reduce noise during operation.

UNICUS® comes standard with an integrated rack that accommodates four piped-in storage cylinders.

Additionally, two ASME-coded air storage cylinders are included as a part of the standard scope of supply.

The UNICUS® 4i upgrades the features of the 4S with a control system centered around an intuitive 15-inch password-protected touchscreen control panel.

The touchpad provides the operator with keystroke control of the entire system as well as system monitoring.

Attributes include SCBA data logging in accordance with NFPA and OSHA standards, fill pressure and fill speed adjustment, and automatic cascade controls, to name a few.

Additionally, BAUER can equip any system with a whole list of optional GAS TEK gas monitoring systems.

Equip the unit with our patent pending BAUER CONNECT®️, and it provides remote monitoring and control of the system remotely.

In the event of a total power failure, or according to the preference of firefighters who prefer an analog option over a digital one, the UNICUS® comes with a manual bypass system.

The system ensures that the fire department is still in service and able to utilise the stored air during electric outages.

Quality should never be optional when it comes to breathing air, which is why the UNICUS® comes equipped with the SECURUS purification system.

These feature an anodised aluminum filter housing and long-lasting filter cartridges packed with a catalyst that converts carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide, activated carbon that absorbs oil vapors, a molecular sieve that absorbs oil and water, and the sensor components.

The SECURUS electronically monitors filter cartridge life and warns the user to prepare to change the cartridge when the filter is nearly saturated.

Once the cartridge has reached total saturation, the monitor will issue an alarm to shut the unit down and change the filter cartridge.

BAUER CONNECT®️ 2.0 AND RFIDPro™

“We have system upgrades that will electronically monitor the compressors remotely, so if we have e.g. volunteer departments and their stations are unmanned, it gives the fire chief the ability to monitor a compressor remotely,” said Dickson.

The BAUER CONNECT IoT Solution is an app and internet-based service that allows BAUER customers to remotely monitor and control their entire BAUER system through any wireless mobile device or computer.

Factory-trained personnel who are authorised by administrators may control the system with the same functionality as if they were physically standing in front of the unit.

BAUER CONNECT®️ was recently updated to version 2.1, which retained all previous functionality while adding new features and improving ease of use.

When fire stations opt into connecting BAUER CONNECT®️ to their compressor, the system allows them to access their information remotely and even control it – ideal for checking their compressor while they’re away from the station.

The Mobile Dashboard feature provides a graphical SCADA display of the entire system, including compressor system status, error logs, critical pressures and temperatures, the volume of gas dispensed in storage information, and more.

The BAUER Reports feature generates standard or customised reports tailored to the specific needs of the customer, and the service can provide historical data for all reports.

BAUER Predictive Analytics provides a new proactive dimension to perpetually maintaining customers’ compressor systems at peak conditions with minimum downtime.

Its algorithm uses artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse collected system information on the BAUER Cloud to predict upcoming maintenance requirements and preventative actions to avoid unplanned shutdowns.

The BAUER CONNECT®️ mobile app will send push notifications if certain parameters of the system fall outside of the normal operating range or if triggered by a system alert, ensuring essential personnel are notified immediately to allow for proactive intervention in a situation that could potentially be detrimental to the BAUER system as well as the user’s operations.

Users with administrative privileges may set custom alerts for the performance parameters of their choice.

BAUER RFIDPro® is another internet service designed specifically to help fire departments save time while remaining in compliance with NFPA 1989 and OSHA regulations.

A user-friendly handheld device puts intuitive control of the BAUER system at your fingertips.

The device is compatible with any SCBA manufacturer’s RFID tags, or it can scan cylinder bar codes.

RFIDPro® generates records to track fill data, including date, operator, and fill pressure, replacing the need for time-consuming, hand-written logs.

The RFIDPro® notifies the operator and department personnel when a scanned cylinder has reached its end-of-life expiration date, is past due on hydro testing, or is inactive due to failed inspection.

The device guides the operator through the entire cylinder fill process, ensuring that each step is completed safely and sequentially.

All SCBA history and information is stored in the cloud and accessible at any time through the user interface portal on the BAUER RFIDPro® secure website, where it can be downloaded.

The reader can be operated offline when a Wi-Fi connection is not available, and it is also available with LTE cellular option.

Important documentation can be uploaded into the cloud to keep all records in one place.

Continuing forward

As BAUER approaches eight decades in the industry, quality continues to be the company tagline.

In addition to constant dialogue with fire departments, the company employs individuals on the NFPA review board to ensure they are constantly up to date with industry standards.

The two main goals of the company are to continue to innovate reliable solutions built with the end user in mind, while finding new ways to develop technology that helps the planet.

This article was originally published in the October 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Charting a new course in rescue shoring

3 October 2023

by Iain Hoey Breaking News Firefighting Equipment IFSJ Exclusives

Mattijn de Graaf, R&D Director at Holmatro, talks the future of shoring with Holmatro’s OmniShore

In the intricate dance of rescue operations, every second counts. Every move is magnified, with lives hanging in the balance.

The tools and methods employed in these operations can be the difference between a life saved and a tragedy remembered.

In this high-stakes arena, the name Holmatro stands out, synonymous with innovation, reliability, and cutting-edge technology.

Their latest offering, OmniShore, encapsulates these values, promising to redefine the way first responders approach rescue shoring.

Shoring, for the uninitiated, is a temporary solution to stabilise structures, vehicles, or trenches to prevent collapse or further movement.

It is the safety net that rescue operations rely on before embarking on the actual rescue.

Ensuring the site’s stability can mean the difference between a safe rescue operation and a perilous one.

Holmatro’s rich legacy of prioritising safety and efficiency for rescue personnel is palpable in their Pentheon Series of rescue tools.

And now, with the OmniShore, they have reimagined shoring from the ground up.

Designed in line with the highest standards of quality, the system is a testament to Holmatro’s commitment to supporting rescue professionals in their life-saving endeavors.

IFSJ caught up with Mattijn de Graaf, R&D Director of the Holmatro Group, provides a closer look into the development, features, and the future of shoring.

Can you briefly explain what shoring is and its importance in rescue operations?

The broad definition of shoring is the temporary support of elements, to prevent them from further movement or collapse.

These elements can be structures such as buildings, but they can also be vehicles or trenches, to name a few.

Aside from that, there’s technical rope rescue, which involves the transport of people or the moving of elements.

Shoring is instrumental for rescue operations, because a rescue operation can only be done when the situation is stable and safe.

It’s one of the first steps, and of the utmost importance for the rest of the operation.

What inspired the creation of the OmniShore, and how does it differ from other shoring systems available?

Our aim is to help rescuers getting their jobs done faster, safer and easier. So this has been our top focus while developing OmniShore.

The way this system differentiates itself is that you can do structural shoring, vehicle shoring, vehicle lifting, trench shoring and build high directionals with one single system, that consists of only six different struts.

On top of that, there are some patented elements that set OmniShore apart: the Trident Coupler ensures that each connection that you can make is safe, and the OmniLock system helps rescuers take control of a rescue shoring operation with less manpower, while keeping them out of the danger zone.

With OmniShore’s broad capabilities from vehicle shoring to trench shoring, can you explain its versatility for first responders?

The versatility of the system comes from the versatility of its parts. For instance, every strut can also be used as an extension pipe.

And a pneumatic strut plus the patented Pull Restrictor functions as a brace, so no separate braces are needed.

And the battery for the OmniLock system is the same as the one used for our Pentheon Tools.

All of this makes first responders able to do more with less, while arriving at the rescue scene completely armed.

How does the system’s compactness benefit rescue teams, especially in terms of transport and storage?

Rescuers can’t predict what scenarios they will face, and both truck space and storage space are limited.

So having a system that can do more with less parts saves them weight and space in both truck and storage, while maximising the functionality.

The OmniShore struts have an impressive range. Why is this important in rescue scenarios?

This was important, because a certain length is needed to build applications like large rakers and flying rakers.

On the one hand, being able to reach this length is important, on the other hand, I’d like to highlight that we also have the smallest mechanical strut on the market.

This strut can be positioned easily in confined spaces, which is just as important as being able to offer these lengthy extensions.

OmniLock allows for remote operation, ensuring safety. Can you explain the rationale behind this feature?

During certain rescue operations, such as lifting a truck with the basket method, you need back-up struts to follow the load you are lifting.

Without a system such as OmniLock, you’d need people to manually operate those back-up struts.

Our vision, however, is that no one should be near a moving load at any time.

Every OmniLock strut automatically follows a load in upward and downward motion, while remaining mechanically locked at all times.

This means when the load suddenly shifts, OmniLock will hold its position, so that the strut doesn’t collapse.

At the same time, OmniLock minimises the time for rescuers in the so-called danger zone.

How does the Wireless Controller enhance the OmniLock system’s functionality?

With the Wireless Controller, you can operate and monitor multiple OmniLock struts at the same time, from a safe distance.

This way you can wirelessly retract and extend struts, and see their inclination. So this means you will need less people to operate these struts, and you can do it in a safer way.

Where do you envision the future of shoring, and how will Holmatro continue to innovate?

This system was designed to make Rescue Shoring faster, safer and easier.

These are things that will remain vital in the future, so our innovations will surely be focused on those principles.

And of course, we will see how people react when OmniShore is being used in the field, and respond to that.

IFSJ view

Holmatro’s OmniShore epitomises the zenith of this evolution.

By devising a tool that streamlines, simplifies, and secures, de Graaf and his dedicated team have crafted a solution that addresses the pressing demands of contemporary rescue scenarios.

The old paradigm of juggling multiple components for diverse shoring needs has been rendered obsolete with OmniShore’s ingenious architecture.

By encapsulating an array of shoring functionalities within a set of merely six struts, it provides rescuers with enhanced flexibility.

OmniShore’s compact structure solves the perennial issue of limited space, catering to both transport and on-site storage needs.

Blending mechanics with advanced technology, OmniShore champions safety through innovation.

The OmniLock system, a standout feature, transforms traditional operational methods by allowing struts to be controlled remotely.

This is no just technological showmanship; it’s a transformative approach to safety.

In essence, OmniShore transcends the boundary of being just another tool—it embodies Holmatro’s unwavering commitment to the safety and efficacy of first responders.

It’s a testament to the spirit of innovation, with every component, every feature reflecting a deep understanding of the challenges faced in the field.

This article was originally published in the October 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

The future of fire engineering

29 September 2023

by Iain Hoey Breaking News Fire Engineering IFSJ Exclusives

Ahmed Allam, Managing Director of CHPK Fire Engineering Limited, highlights the need for a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to fire engineering

What is one of the biggest challenges currently faced by the fire engineering industry?

One major challenge is the scarcity of fire engineers, stemming from the limited availability of university degrees in fire engineering – a problem not just in the UK but worldwide.

Additionally, the required level of competency to enter this profession is high.

Fire engineering is unique in that it interacts with many other engineering disciplines throughout the design process.

Whether it’s determining the resistivity a structure needs, or adapting to changes made by structural engineers, fire engineers play a vital role.

Moreover, this field often requires innovative solutions that don’t adhere to traditional standards or guidance, especially as architectural designs become more creative and unconventional.

Why is it critical for people to understand the big picture when it comes to fire engineering?

When developing a fire engineering solution, it’s not enough to simply adhere to current codes and standards, though they are vital.

These standards generally cover the vast majority of buildings, but when a building has unique characteristics, additional considerations must be taken into account.

The “big picture” involves not only the fire engineering itself but also how it interfaces with different engineering disciplines, and at the core of all of this is building safety.

Previously, before the Building Safety Act, fire engineers might have come into a project later, inheriting design solutions with restrictions that hindered the implementation of proper fire engineering standards.

Understanding the big picture is an essential, and sometimes neglected, aspect of the project.

If a fire engineer, client, and design team can appreciate the broader context, they can build more integrated solutions.

The big picture is about focusing on the total journey of an asset, recognising how decisions made early in the design phase can impact not only construction but also operation and maintenance costs.

It’s about minimising inherited risks in the design, considering potential higher risks that could affect constructability, and understanding the long-term implications for those who live in or use the asset.

The real importance lies in recognising the holistic impact that fire engineers, and engineers in general, have on the entire lifecycle of a structure, ensuring that considerations are made beyond just complying with standards.

It’s a perspective that demands attention to how all elements interrelate, capturing as many details as possible to create safer and more effective designs.

How does the changing role of the fire engineer impact the design of the building?

The role of fire engineering, especially in light of the Building Safety Acts following Grenfell, has become a central force in maintaining an asset throughout its lifecycle.

Imagine a scenario where the necessary groundwork isn’t done during design and construction, and the asset is handed over to the Responsible Person to operate.

Any deficiencies in the design could become evident during operation, leading to undesirable outcomes and potentially massive costs.

A flawed design that persists into the operational phase can be detrimental, leading to significant expenses over the building’s life.

The importance of competent fire engineering in creating sustainable solutions is paramount.

It’s not just about compliance with codes and regulations but also about building designs that support adaptability and efficiency throughout the structure’s lifecycle.

This changing role of fire engineers emphasises the need for an integrated approach to design that takes into account the entire journey of a building, from initial design to daily operation.

It’s about looking beyond immediate needs and planning for the future, recognising that the design decisions made today have long-term consequences.

Where do you see the discipline of fire engineering heading?

The future of fire engineering must be shaped by deep reflection and a collective sense of responsibility.

As I progress in my career, I find myself more conscious of the need for my solutions to be carefully checked and discussed.

The tragedy of Grenfell is a haunting reminder of how industry practices can lead to catastrophe, and we are all responsible in some way.

I believe that what we need to see is a more inclusive approach to leadership in the industry.

It’s not just about big firms pursuing their objectives through corporate social responsibility; we must engage small firms as well.

The focus must be broadened to serve the entire field, avoiding the narrow spectrum that may have contributed to issues like Grenfell.

The challenge lies in inclusivity.

We need to create mechanisms that allow all competent individuals to contribute, regardless of where they work or their organisational size.

This will make the roundtable bigger, ensuring that no important voices are missed, even if they are not part of a larger institution or firm.

The future of fire engineering must be a collective endeavour, embracing all parts of the industry, and recognising that everyone has something valuable to contribute.

It’s about fostering a culture where all insights are welcomed, not just those from the most prominent players.

This inclusive approach will not only make the industry stronger but also create a safer and more responsive environment for all.

This article was originally published in the September 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here

Ensuring fire pump efficiency

28 September 2023

by Iain Hoey Breaking News Fire Engineering IFSJ Exclusives

Amirtharaj Arun, Senior Testing Engineer at DCD’s Emirates Safety Laboratory, offers a comprehensive overview of the protocols and standards for fire pump testing

Fire pumps play a crucial role in firefighting systems, ensuring the safety of lives and preventing property damage.

It is essential to evaluate fire pump performance according to the manufacturer’s design specifications to ensure their effectiveness.

Various standards provide guidelines for testing and validating fire pumps, ensuring compliance with performance requirements.

The NFPA 20 standard guides fire pumps’ installation, commissioning, and acceptance, ensuring they meet the necessary life safety and building protection criteria.

These standards are essential references for meeting the demands and requirements of fire pump systems.

NFPA 20 Standard for the installation of pumps for fire protection

The fire pump consists of three key components: the pump itself, the drive system, and the controller, along with additional accessories.

The driver/driving system options include electric motors and diesel or internal combustion engines.

To ensure the proper installation of fire pumps in buildings and industries, NFPA 20 standards serve as a guiding framework.

Hydrostatic tests and flushing procedures are vital for maintaining the pump’s longevity and minimising the need for unscheduled maintenance.

During the field acceptance phase, it is essential to have system manufacturers or their representatives present to conduct the necessary tests and ensure the proper functioning of the fire pump system.

Flushing test

Before conducting fire pump tests and operation activities, it is crucial to complete flushing and hydrostatic testing.

The flushing test should be performed before the hydrostatic test, specifically focusing on the suction pipe.

As per the NFPA 20 standard, the flushing process must achieve a flow rate that is at least equal to or greater than the required value.

This required flow rate should equal or exceed 150% of the rated flow of the field pump.

In cases where the pump cannot provide a flow rate of 150% of its rated flow, the flushing flow rate should be set at a minimum of 100% of the pump’s rated flow.

These steps are essential for ensuring the proper functioning of the fire pump system.

Hydrostatic test

Hydrostatic testing plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the fire pump system by removing any foreign particles that may have entered the suction inlet.

This process is essential to prevent damage to the impeller and ensure optimal pump performance.

The hydrostatic test guarantees the system’s pipes and fittings’ durability, quality, and safety.

This test minimises the risk of underground and aboveground pipeline system leakage, aligning with the guidelines specified in the NFPA 25 standard.

The field suction and discharge piping system should undergo a pressure test of not less than 200 psi or 50 psi above the maximum pressure to be maintained in the system.

The responsible installation contractor is responsible for providing a hydrostatic report before the fire pump acceptance test.

Furthermore, the pump manufacturer must perform a hydrostatic test on each pump before dispatch, adhering to the product’s standard requirements.

Electrical wiring of the pump system

Before the initial startup and acceptance test, a comprehensive inspection and verification of the wiring in all pump systems, including the jockey pump motor, electric motor, electrical drive pump, and diesel engine drive pump controller, were conducted.

This thorough process ensured that all system wiring, configurations, and connections were checked and verified.

It ensures that all connection terminals are correctly and securely tightened.

These measures were taken to mitigate electrical risks, such as shocks or arc flashing.

Electric fire pump controllers must also undergo an arc flash assessment following the NFPA 70E Standard for electrical safety in the workplace or the corresponding local approved standards.

Digital readout screens were utilised to measure current, voltage, and RPM to minimise the risk of electric shock or arc flash, eliminating the need to open the door for such measurements.

Flow test

During the flow test, the fire pump’s performance is measured and verified to ensure it meets the minimum requirements for rated head, flow, and peak power, as specified by the pump manufacturer’s certified plot and datasheet.

During this test, the critical consideration is ensuring that the system’s flow operates within the guidelines outlined in NFPA 20.

Suppose the water supply does not allow the pump to be operated at 150% of the rated flow: in that case, the pump must be operated at a minimum of its rated flow or at the highest demand of all the systems it serves, whichever is greater.

If the pump fails to achieve the desired performance during the initial acceptance test of a new installation, it could indicate that it is oversized relative to the available water supply.

The certified fire pump performance curve serves as the “birth certificate” of the fire pump, providing crucial information on how the pump will function in the field based on the manufacturer’s certified test curve.

This curve is a reference point to compare the pump’s performance in the field and ensure no damage occurred during transportation and setup.

The ultimate goal is to ensure the fire pump meets the required fire protection demand.

The pump manufacturer representative will set the start and stop pressures for the jockey and fire pump.

The stop pressure of the jockey pump is typically set close to the shut-off pressure setting range, although specific requirements are not defined.

Those overseeing the fire pump installation collaborate with the manufacturer’s representative to determine the appropriate start and stop pressures.

Field acceptance test

When conducting performance tests, it is essential to use measuring instruments calibrated per ISO 17025.

The fire pump should undergo testing at minimum, rated, and peak power loads, ensuring that the system components do not experience objectionable overheating.

Additionally, the vibration of the pump assembly should not reach a level that could potentially cause damage to any component of the fire pump system.

Determining the fire pump’s minimum, rated, and peak power loads involves controlling water discharge through calibrated test devices.

The flow rate of water discharged from the fire pump assembly will be precisely regulated and stabilised.

Furthermore, the fire pump’s suction is connected to a break tank, and the refill rates of the tank will be tested and documented.

These measures contribute to a comprehensive evaluation of the fire pump’s performance.

Additional testing

Following the flow test performance, several additional checks must be conducted to ensure the proper functioning of the fire pump system.

For diesel drivers, parameters such as engine speed, engine back pressure, oil pressure, cooling loop water pressure, and engine temperature must be monitored.

In the case of electric-driven motors, parameters such as motor speed, voltage, and amperes should be observed.

The representatives from the pump and driver manufacturers are responsible for verifying that these measurements align with the factory specifications.

All recorded data should be documented in the contractor’s material test certificate, providing a comprehensive record of the fire pump system’s performance and adherence to the required specifications.

Controller test

The controller test is a crucial step in the testing process, involving the repeated starting of the fire pump driver.

A total of six manual starts and six automatic starts are required during this test.

To initiate the pump, the control valve on the sensing line is automatically opened, causing the system pressure to decrease to the fire pump’s start point.

This simulation replicates the scenario where a sprinkler or other orifice device was open within the system.

By conducting this test, the functionality and response of the controller can be evaluated effectively.

Alternative power

When the fire pump is connected to an alternate power source, it is necessary to conduct a test that simulates a loss of the primary or regular power source.

This test is performed while the pump is operating at peak load.

The objective is to demonstrate that both the driver and pump can continue to function seamlessly using the alternative power source.

Furthermore, half of the automatic and manual starts should be carried out during the testing process while the pump is connected to the alternate power source.

This comprehensive evaluation ensures the reliability and effectiveness of the fire pump system under different power supply scenarios.

Evaluating test results

Evaluating the test results is paramount to ensuring the fire pump system meets the required qualifications.

The fire pump acceptance test involves comparing the test results against the certified pump curve, including documenting the project name, installation location within the project site and the pump’s serial number in the acceptance test report.

During this evaluation, various parameters need to be reviewed, such as suction and discharge flow, pressure, rated speed capacity, total head for vertical and horizontal pumps, electrical input, and any RPM correction to the rated speed.

Once the flow test is completed, the results are plotted on a graph to compare them with the manufacturer’s certified pump curve visually.

The graphical representation assesses how the recorded test results align with the expected performance.

This evaluation ensures the fire pump system meets the requirements and operates within the desired parameters.

Document completion

As part of the final acceptance process, NFPA 20 mandates the submission of specific documentation for the fire pump system.

This includes one set of record drawings of the fire pump system, one copy of the completed acceptance test report, and a critical equipment electrical drawing.

One set of detailed instruction manuals for all major fire pump system components must also be provided.

For more efficient scrutiny, testing, and upkeep, it is suggested to have a copy of NFPA 25.

These documents are essential for the building owner to have a comprehensive understanding of the fire pump system and to ensure proper ongoing operation, maintenance, and compliance with applicable standards.