Defining competency and ensuring safety

by Breaking NewsIFSJ Exclusives

Ian Moore, FIA CEO, discusses the Fire Industry Association’s influence and aims

The primary mission of the Fire Industry Association (FIA) is to promote, improve and perfect fire protection methods, devices, services and apparatus. 

We achieve this through the representation of our members, providing technical support, guidance and opportunities for professional advancement through education and appropriate regulation.

By establishing clear competency definitions, we strive to enhance public safety, help companies from violating legislation, and uphold the UK’s strong standing in the fire industry.

As a bridge between government, fire and rescue services, trade and exports, and the UK fire industry, FIA takes pride in representing the strength of the UK fire industry, which is currently stronger than ever.

Our efforts, along with other associations, have kept the UK’s fire market robust and have seen our fire exports surpass security exports by a considerable margin.

While based in the UK, the FIA has an expansive global reach.

Our Export Council, specifically, is committed to helping our exporters break into overseas markets and keeping them informed about upcoming trade shows, especially in vibrant sectors such as the Middle East.

Despite the fire industry often being overlooked or grouped with defence and security in governmental exports, we continue to demonstrate our sector’s strength and potential.

Furthermore, we have Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in place with various associations worldwide, including those in India and Australia.

Most notably, we’ve recently opened an office in Cyprus to support their developing fire industry, marking the start of FIA’s presence in Cyprus and the surrounding region with a fire summit scheduled for October this year.

Growth and development

In recent years, the FIA has also experienced substantial internal growth.

With our structure comprising of departments dedicated to technical support, training, finance, membership, marketing and events, we’ve been able to enhance both the quality and quantity of our services.

One of our significant growth markers is the investment in new facilities, like our northern office in Northwich.

Strategically located and easily accessible, this new office reaffirms our commitment to serving the entire country, not just those around London.

The Northwich office is a state-of-the-art building, designed to facilitate and combine theoretical and practical training.

It also provides multi-functional events and meeting spaces for members to utilise and showcases UK products to visiting dignitaries and government officials, further highlighting the strength of the UK fire safety market.

Our organizational structure, comprising seven councils and many working groups, is one of our greatest strengths.

Each council looks after a specific sector of the industry, with our membership representing every sector.

Our seven current councils focus on fire detection and alarms, extinguishing, services, fire risk assessment, fire engineering, exports and fire & rescue equipment suppliers.

These councils oversee hundreds of working groups that feed into British standards committees, directly influencing legislation.

The FIA also works closely with fire and rescue services to facilitate cohesive thinking.

Our training initiatives for fire detection and alarm engineers directly impact rescue services by reducing unnecessary alarm incidents, saving valuable resources.

These efforts embody FIA’s mission to ensure public safety, enhance industry competency, and drive the fire industry forward, both nationally and internationally.

Our unique approach to training

The FIA has consistently been the leading force in fire safety training within the UK. Our courses set the bar of competency throughout the industry.

We create our courses in partnership with our members, forming committees that collaborate to develop and deliver the training.

These courses are built upon the solid foundation of the British Standards, ensuring relevance and adherence to the highest quality.

Bringing the industry together

The FIA have recently invested in a full-time events manager to facilitate and grow our many events throughout the year.

Our flagship event is the AGM and annual lunch, taking place in November each year. 

A highlight of the annual events calendar, the AGM and annual lunch brings together over 500 industry leaders and gives a comprehensive overview of the current state of affairs across the fire safety sector.

We’ve been proudly running the Fire Industry Manufacturers (FIM) Expo for many years.

Its main objective is to facilitate quality interactions between exhibitors and delegates by ensuring the presence of quality attendees.

The FIM Expo is designed to travel across the country, reaching areas that larger expos often overlook.

Exhibitors are encouraged to maintain simplicity – a tabletop and a pop-up banner is all that’s required.

This approach keeps costs low while maximizing the potential for meaningful and impactful exchanges.

Our target is to run 3 FIM expos each year with current plans in the pipeline to host FIM Expos in Portsmouth and Northwich in 2023/24.

Building a stronger FIA

Even though we have well over 1,000 professional member companies, we continue to look for opportunities to expand and diversify our membership base.

Our ambition isn’t confined to the UK.

We’re looking at opportunities to establish a presence in the Middle East and other regions where British Standards are held in high regard, such as Malaysia, India, and Australia.

Our dynamic and forward-thinking board is excited and ready to pursue these growth opportunities.

The FIA’s initiatives extend beyond member support, legislation influence, training and expos.

We recently made significant contributions to the relief efforts in Ukraine. The whole of the Fire Industry came together to support the UK deployment of aid through Fire Aid, our charity partner.

It has been both an honour and humbling experience to be part of a truly collaborative humanitarian response from the UK.

We are incredibly proud of our sector for their determined and unified effort to help the Fire Fighters of Ukraine.

In response to the Grenfell tragedy, we developed the Building Safety Information Portal, a neutral platform where qualified assessors can upload EWS1 forms.

This platform, accessible by mortgage lenders and the public for free, has greatly helped homeowners affected by the cladding issue, enabling lenders to make more informed decisions.

The FIA is dedicated to elevating industry standards, improving competency levels, and fostering meaningful conversations among our members.

As we look forward to expanding our influence, we’re committed to addressing the current needs of the industry.

With our plans for growth and dedication to serving the industry, the coming years will be truly exciting for the FIA and its members.

NFPA: Prioritising safety in a rapidly evolving digital world

by AmericasBreaking NewsIFSJ Exclusives

Jim Pauley, President & CEO of the National Fire Protection Association, reflects on the NFPA Conference & Expo 2023

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Conference & Expo took place in June, but the energy of the more than 8,000 attendees for those few days in Las Vegas continues to fuel our determination to be more digital, more global, and more connected to our many stakeholders throughout the fire, electrical, and life safety communities.

I had the privilege to deliver my keynote speech before an audience that travelled from more than 60 countries to join us.

My remarks during the general session highlighted a crucial reality: the world is rapidly digitising and electrifying, with technology transforming every aspect of our lives.

In this evolving world, dedication to safety is more critical than ever because of our growing reliance on technologies that bring unprecedented benefits yet new risks.

As the world becomes increasingly digital, we must adapt our approach to safety, learning to navigate the new terrain and mitigate potential threats while keeping sight of the persistent challenges we face in fire, life, and electrical safety.

In recent years, digital transformation has become a buzzword, a nebulous concept ranging from implementing a new software tool to overhauling a company’s business model.

Yet, its core purpose is to create value for the user, improve efficiency, and achieve better outcomes.

There are many examples spanning various sectors – everything from hospitality to healthcare.

Some predict spending on digital transformation technologies will reach $2.3 trillion this year.

Furthermore, 90% of executives believe digital transformation will fundamentally change their industry’s competitive landscape, with 72% considering it a priority.

Such statistics underscore the weight of the digital era and the urgency for businesses and organisations to evolve or risk obsolescence.

This digital revolution, however, is more than just a phenomenon confined to tech-focused sectors.

It has penetrated even traditional industries, including fire, electrical, and life safety, which was plain for anyone visiting the exhibition floor during the Conference & Expo.

Digital transformation is not just about the adoption of new technologies.

It’s a comprehensive overhaul of our operational practices, ways of communication, and delivering value to our communities, which means more lives are saved and more property is protected.

As with any wave of innovation, new and unexpected safety challenges can arise, often driven by the same technological advancements we celebrate.

For instance, lithium-ion batteries power many of our everyday devices, from phones, laptops, toys, power tools, and electric cars.

But this ubiquitous and helpful innovation has also been implicated in numerous fire incidents, accentuating the delicate balance between advancement and safety.

Emerging Risks

At NFPA, we are actively addressing these issues and other emerging risks.

We facilitate the development of new codes and standards, such as NFPA 855, for the installation of stationary energy storage systems.

Our codes and standards are regularly updated to keep pace with technological changes and emergency risks.

We offer new training programs for professionals working with new technologies, responding to their associated challenges, and distributing science-based public education materials.

We’re also conducting research through the Fire Protection Research Foundation, the research affiliate of NFPA, to stay ahead of emerging threats and explore new opportunities in fire, electrical, and life safety.

Yet, as we grapple with these newer risks, we must focus on the ongoing fight against more traditional threats, such as home fires and wildfires.

Here in the US, home fires remain a devastating reality, accounting for 75% of fire deaths.

Although significant progress has been made since the 1980s in reducing fire-related fatalities, a concerning uptick in reported deaths over the last decade necessitates renewed effort and strategic solutions.

Similarly, our Outthink Wildfire initiative strives to counter the growing threat of wildfires, particularly in high-risk regions such as California, Oregon, Washington, and Colorado.

This program offers valuable guidance on implementing and enforcing codes and standards to curb the wildfire problem.

The challenge of wildfire is testing communities worldwide, and these policy approaches can also provide strategies for others.

The world we operate in today vastly differs from a few years ago.

Digital technologies, while creating a more interconnected global community, also present new ways to tackle old problems.

NFPA is embracing digital technology to reach more people in more places with life and property-saving information.

In line with this vision, we developed NFPA LiNK, a digital platform offering instant access to all our codes and standards as well as multimedia explanatory content.

In a rapidly changing world, it supports professionals in different roles by enabling them to work more efficiently and safely, irrespective of geographical location.

It is helping companies, educational institutions, and government agencies achieve their own digital transformation.

We also continue to evolve our training and certification programs, with over 300 online courses covering a variety of fire protection, building life safety, electrical, and industrial hazard topics.

We can reach learners worldwide through computer-based testing and online remote proctoring, ensuring certifications are more accessible than ever before.

A new and revamped nfpa.org is on the horizon, with an integrated translation platform to serve our growing international audience.

This website will offer a more intuitive user experience and enhanced search capabilities to provide a seamless path to information.

NFPA, a pioneer in fire, life, and electrical safety for 127 years, remains uniquely positioned to address both current and emerging challenges.

We carry forward our commitment, knowledge, and passion, aided by the invaluable insights from our volunteer technical committee members, staff, board, and the community of professionals from around the world in solving some of the toughest problems we face in fire, electrical, and life safety.

After numerous meetings at the Conference & Expo, where I had the opportunity to connect with partners from around the world, I came away more hopeful and energised to meet those opportunities and challenges — no matter how daunting they may seem today.

It’s a big world. We can, and we will protect it together.

About the Author

Jim Pauley is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

NFPA is a global, non-profit organisation devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards.

Pauley also serves as Chairman of the Board of the NFPA Research Foundation.

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

Maintaining a supply

by AmericasBreaking NewsIFSJ Exclusives

The built environment is becoming more complex and the need to ensure that life safety remains at the forefront of design, so are we doing enough to attract the next generation of fire engineers? By Duncan J. White

With the number of qualified fire engineers at an all-time low serious thought is needed to explore how we attract young people to consider a career in fire engineering.

Changes in legislation since the Grenfell tragedy has seen an increase demand for their services, both in the public and private sector, with the shortage of skilled fire engineers causing a huge backlog and it doesn’t seem that it is likely to get better any time soon.

I suppose my first thought is how many young people know anything about the role of a fire engineer, where to get the relevant qualifications and who would employ you once qualified?

So, what needs to be done?

Educational outreach

Collaborate with schools, colleges, and universities to promote fire engineering as a career choice.

Offer presentations, workshops, or career fairs to introduce students to the field.

Emphasise the exciting aspects of the profession, such as the opportunity to save lives, to start a career with a broad range of future opportunities, work with advanced technologies, and make a positive impact on communities.

Highlight the importance and impact

Educate young people about the critical role that fire engineers play in ensuring public safety. Showcase real-life examples of fire engineers’ contributions to fire prevention, building design, risk assessment, and emergency response. Help them understand how their work can directly impact the well-being of individuals and communities.

Mentorship programmes

Establish mentorship programs where aspiring fire engineers can connect with experienced professionals in the field.

This provides guidance, support, and an opportunity to learn from those already established in the industry.

Mentorship can help young people navigate educational choices, gain insights into the profession, and receive career advice.

Internship and co-op programmes

Offer internships or co-op programs to provide hands-on experience for students interested in fire engineering.

Partner with educational institutions to create structured programs that allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

This practical exposure can ignite their passion for the field and help them make informed career decisions.

Scholarships and financial support

Provide scholarships or financial assistance specifically for students pursuing fire engineering degrees.

Financial support can alleviate the burden of education costs and attract young people who may be hesitant due to concerns of future financial burdens and constraints.

Collaborate with industry organisations or foundations to create scholarship opportunities.

Engage with professional associations

Collaborate with fire engineering professional associations and organisations to engage young people.

Support initiatives such as student groups, mentorship programs, and networking events aimed at connecting aspiring fire engineers with industry professionals.

Actively participate in career fairs and industry conferences where students can learn about the profession firsthand.

Actively invite prospective students to trade shows and identify role models who are willing to use their experiences to attract others.

Emphasise technological advancements

Highlight the use of advanced technologies and software in the field of fire engineering.

Showcase how fire engineers utilise cutting-edge tools for fire modelling, simulation, risk assessment, and building design.

Young people are often drawn to careers that involve innovation and technology, so emphasising these aspects can make the profession more appealing.

Remember, attracting young people to become fire engineers requires proactive outreach, education, and engagement.

By showcasing the importance and impact of the profession, offering practical experiences, and providing mentorship and financial support, you can inspire the next generation of fire engineers and ensure a steady influx of talent into the field.

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

Exclusive: Embracing Evolution While Upholding Core Values with Pierce Manufacturing

by AmericasBreaking NewsIFSJ ExclusivesVehicles

From championing innovation to fostering customer relationships, Pierce Manufacturing’s President, Bob Schulz, discusses his vision for the company

Congratulations on your recent appointment as President of Pierce Manufacturing. How does it feel to be in this new role, and what excites you most about it?

It’s honouring and humbling to be appointed as the President. Pierce Manufacturing is an incredible company, and we have an amazing purpose – serving the fire services and the work that they do to serve communities, to save property and lives.

What I’m most excited about is the team we have here – the team we get to work with on a daily basis, our dealer network, and our customer base.

To me, the most exciting part is the interactions with all the people.

Can you share a little bit about your journey from joining Pierce to your present role as President?

I met my wife, who was born and raised in Wisconsin, when I was 12 years old. I joke that it’s a good thing that she fell in love with 12-year-old me so 20-something-year-old me had a chance with her.

We started dating in our early 20s and I decided to relocate to Wisconsin. I had a job with a different company, which I was content with, and I travelled quite a bit internationally.

It was enjoyable and I was travelling with someone that didn’t enjoy it. They were on the phone with a recruiter, and they said, ‘I’m not interested in that job, but this guy might be, and he threw me the phone and it was a job for Pierce Manufacturing. I ended up at Pierce out of blind luck.

I’ve been with the company going on nearly 20 years. It’s a fantastic company and I’ve moved a little bit, but it’s all been within the fire service side of the business.

I really cut my teeth in our airport products business – aircraft rescue firefighting vehicles, in which we have a strong international presence.

I had leaders there that provided a lot of opportunities for me and got me involved in a lot of different things – anything from customer service items to new product development, to production, scheduling, and manufacturing, procurement negotiations, all sorts of tasks. I got a wide variety of experience at our airport business.

Four years ago, I was asked to come over to our Pierce business and lead our aerial product line.

I had the opportunity to help with the development and introduction of Pierce’s 100’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower with mid-mount configuration. The opportunities and the experiences of that role helped prepare me for my current role as President.

My background is in finance. I tend to avoid saying that out loud because I think there’s a lot of preconceived notions about individuals in finance, and one of those is that data drives all of our decisions.

I do believe strongly that data is very important; however, it’s not meaningful if you don’t have people’s perspective.

Perspective can either validate or invalidate data or vice versa. If the data and the perspective are aligned, you’re going down the right path of finding the right problem to solve or the right solution.

To get that perspective, though, you need to have strong relationships. The core of that is building trust across team members, and that’s what I try to do.

I’m very forthright and very honest, and I believe that doing the right thing is paramount. I’m going to connect with people on a personal level whenever I can to start understanding those perspectives.

How will you maintain Pierce’s customer commitment and customised solutions culture under your leadership?

This will be a shorter answer: it’s listening. Listening to customers’ problems, the battles they’re fighting, the challenges that they endure, and then trying to find the right solutions that address those challenges.

Pierce was built on this philosophy as a core way in which we do business. We listen to suggestions, but it’s even more important to understand the problems people are facing and then see how we can help contribute through a variety of product offerings, through innovative solutions, and trial and error to a certain degree.

What are some strategies you’ve found effective in maintaining partnerships with dealers and ensuring customer satisfaction?

I have a fundamental belief that for every challenge there’s likely solutions that can be mutually beneficial to all parties involved. That’s customers, that’s our dealer network, and it’s Pierce.

Some of the strategies include proper investment. Proper investment isn’t just buildings, it’s also in training. It’s in education. It’s in parts as well as service – having the right parts inventory on the shelf and having the right systems in place.

It’s all about proper investment in the right areas because we are total lifecycle providers. It’s not just a whole goods business. You have to be a total solution provider and generally, when you are, you’re finding things that will benefit all parties involved.

What are your thoughts on the current state of the firefighting vehicle market?

The North American market has seen tremendous industry growth where orders have significantly outpaced shipments – and that’s in a time of significantly elevated inflation.

I don’t know how many times in the last three years I’ve heard people say ‘I’ve never, ever experienced something like this’. Some of the things we’re doing to address these challenges include making significant investment in facilities including tens of millions of dollars within our Wisconsin facility, as well as various other campuses.

That facilities investment comes along with better operational flow to help increase throughput, as well as training centres to develop our team members. I want to emphasise that throughput does not come at the sacrifice of quality.

It starts with investment in facilities, also an investment in automation. This isn’t about displacing people; this is about supplementing the resources that we have.

When you’re at near full employment, you must look at other ways to improve efficiencies. We’ve invested in robotic painting and automated fabrication equipment, all the while growing and developing those teams.

We’ve also addressed the challenges faced in recent years by remaining focused on people. It’s where we started this conversation.

Our Pierce team can invest in all the facilities and all the equipment we want, but if we’re not investing in our people, it’s for nought. We need to continue these efforts.

These are the types of strategies that will help address that tremendous growth in the North American fire apparatus market and help us improve lead times along the way.

Can you share some of your future plans for the company? What are the main objectives and milestones you want to achieve?

I believe in evolution not revolution. To a certain degree, we emulate our industry, and we need to make sure that we’re evolving at the proper pace, and that’s internal.

We have a lot of positive momentum with our growth and our market share. But we need to remain true to our core, and our core is quality products.

We will continue to maintain that focus, even as we continue to produce more to meet the market demands.

Also at our core is the strong relationships we have with the fire service, our customers, our dealers, and our suppliers.

We’ll continue to maintain these strong relationships, and ultimately, our commitment to total lifecycle support.

How was Pierce’s experience at FDIC 2023?

FDIC was a great event. It was a great event to display our latest technology, talk through customer needs, and build industry partnerships along the way.

We’re always learning new things when we’re at the show that we contemplate, build upon, validate what we’re doing, and continue to go about our business.

What’s next in terms of innovation and craftsmanship at Pierce?

I tend to look at history to understand where we’ve been, and where we’re from. What have we learned from past historical events that have propelled our business and team to where we are today, and how do we apply this to the future?

When you consider our mission to serve dedicated firefighters and first responders, quality must be our top priority to ensure they have the necessary resources to best serve their communities, and in their critical role of protecting lives and property.

We have a robust quality system, but any system or process can fail along the way if you don’t have the right people.

Team member development is an essential focus as we work with each individual, support them, and invest in their understanding of our quality systems and processes within our facilities.

Our dedication to listening, understanding our customers’ needs, and maintaining a genuine passion for helping solve unique problems through relationship development, quality, and lifecycle support is our continued approach as we look toward the future. 

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

Reigniting passion in occupational safety and health

by Breaking NewsHealth and SafetyIFSJ ExclusivesSafety

IFSJ catches up with Andy Shenstone, recently appointed Chief Executive at NEBOSH, to talk social impact in occupational safety and health

Leading the field in occupational safety and health (OSH), NEBOSH is invigorating its commitment to social impact.

At the helm of this transformation is Andy Shenstone, the newly appointed Chief Executive of NEBOSH.

An industry veteran, Shenstone brings is someone with a passion for social good and a wealth of experience in nurturing sustainable organisations in the education and training sector.

The journey leading Shenstone to NEBOSH was one paved with intent and alignment.

Reflecting on his career, Shenstone says: “Personally and professionally, I am motivated by work that can make some positive and sustainable social impact.”

Having devoted the past eight years to the development of sustainable organisations in the realms of education and training, Shenstone now aims to harness his expertise to amplify NEBOSH’s influence and impact in the global OSH arena.

He describes the path that led him to NEBOSH: “Last summer I started seeking a CEO role. And coincidentally, as I made that decision, I was almost at the same time approached by the agency that was supporting the CEO recruitment process at NEBOSH.”

These initial dialogues with the board led to an appointment panel and a series of interactions with the staff at the organisation.

The passionate commitment of the NEBOSH team resonated with Shenstone’s own drive for social impact, leading to his appointment as CEO.

A global force

NEBOSH stands as a leading international organisation, with a vision firmly rooted in enhancing workplace health and safety.

Its mission is to establish itself as the pre-eminent global provider of high-quality qualifications, training, and learner engagement.

The goal? To promote and improve occupational health, safety, wellbeing, and environmental management across workplaces worldwide.

With a broad portfolio of credit and non-credit bearing OSH qualifications that cater to learners in over 120 countries, NEBOSH is undeniably a global force in the OSH domain.

Through its internationally active, UK-registered charity, Advanced HE, NEBOSH is committed to enhancing higher education for students in society worldwide.

Reinventing OSH

Describing his tenure so far, Shenstone gives three words: “Busy, fulfilling, stimulating.”

Since his appointment, he  has immersed himself in understanding the organisation and its mission, focusing on face-to-face meetings with staff across the organisation, where he says he was made to feel warmly welcome.

His recent weeks, he tells, have been marked by engaging with NEBOSH’s key learning partners and external stakeholders in the wider community.

The future promises a challenging balance as he intends to divide his time addressing internal priorities alongside maintaining an active dialogue with external priorities and partners.

A future filled with social impact

Shenstone shared his ambitious vision for NEBOSH’s immediate future, identifying three main priorities: modernisation of core business systems, protecting the credibility of OSH awards, and enhancing NEBOSH’s social impact.

The Chief Executive firmly believes in the power of modernisation as he seeks to bolster NEBOSH’s core business systems to help maintain its unparalleled position as the credible provider of level three and level six OSH qualifications.

NEBOSH, under Shenstone’s leadership, plans to assert itself against any threats that might undermine the credibility of OSH awards.

Looking beyond the immediate future, Shenstone is committed to magnifying the organisation’s social impact. “There is a lot we’re already doing in this area,” he points out, adding that he plans to identify where NEBOSH’s future priorities should lie regarding social impact.

He further emphasises the need to explore more ways to enhance and improve inclusivity in the OSH workforce.

Upholding rigour and excellence

NEBOSH’s qualifications hold a formidable reputation within the industry. Shenstone champions their rigour, stating that they have a proven history of propelling individuals into more senior professional positions.

He also highlights how NEBOSH swiftly navigated recent changes to the IOSH membership structure that affected international learners.

Now, NEBOSH has secured recognition for these learners, underscoring its commitment to quality and adaptability.

Shenstone proudly highlights NEBOSH’s adult diploma scholarship programme.

Named after Michael Adamson, who tragically lost his life in a workplace incident, the programme supports aspiring professionals worldwide in developing the skills they need to ensure workplace safety.

Shenstone explains: “That whole scholarship programme is geared towards helping aspiring professionals develop the skills they need to succeed in the workplace, and help keep people safe from harm.”

He adds: “We receive applications from around the world, and previous recipients including people from as far afield as Qatar, Nigeria, United Arab Emirates, and Ghana.”

Expanding reach and impact

Under Shenstone’s guidance, NEBOSH’s focus for the next 12 months and beyond is centred around social good.

His aim is to explore more ways NEBOSH can give back to the global HSE community and provide further support in the area.

Shenstone shares: “We’ve already got a suite of programmes, for example: scholarships, alumni membership, webinars, and CPD events.

“We want to do more with both what we do and look to see how we can collaborate with our partners in the OSH community to make an even bigger difference.”

Reinforcing this vision, he expressed his intention to invest more in the organisation’s people and systems to support existing learning partners and customers, thereby enhancing their experiences with NEBOSH.

In the grand scheme of things, NEBOSH aims to reignite its passion for social impact and social service.

As Shenstone rightly put it: “We absolutely need to energise that area, and I think lots of organisations in OSH environments that actually do that as well with us in partnership.”

The future, indeed, holds promise for NEBOSH, as it seeks to reinvigorate its commitment to social impact under the passionate leadership of its new Chief Executive.

Market Analysis: Training Equipment

by AmericasBreaking NewsIFSJ ExclusivesTraining

From VR to digitisation, IFSJ looks at the state of the Training Equipment market

The market for tools and equipment used in fire safety and hazard prevention training is an essential sub-section of the overarching security and protection industry.

With a rising consciousness about safety procedures in various sectors and more stringent government regulations, the demand for these crucial training tools has surged in recent years.

The worldwide market presents abundant growth opportunities, spurred by factors such as technological progress and increasing infrastructure projects globally.

Training Equipment Market overview

Significant growth has been observed in the market for fire safety and hazard prevention training tools in recent years. It has achieved a prominent standing within the larger umbrella of the security and protection industry.

The market expansion has been chiefly steered by several interconnected elements, such as the heightened global focus on occupational safety, evolving industry regulations, and the introduction of technologically advanced equipment.

The emergence of sophisticated training tools that combine physical and digital interfaces, often labelled Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), has been a primary factor propelling the market.

This integration of hardware and software has facilitated immersive, realistic, and safer training environments, catering to a broad array of industrial sectors.

The demand for such training tools is not confined to any specific sector. It has seen an upsurge from various sectors, including oil and gas, construction, manufacturing, corporate workplaces, and educational institutions.

For example, the construction industry, fraught with inherent fire and safety risks, increasingly leans on advanced safety training tools to ensure worker safety and regulatory compliance.

The product spectrum is diverse, ranging from basic fire extinguishers, safety helmets, and fire safety vests to technologically sophisticated devices like virtual reality simulators, smoke generators, and digital safety monitors.

This array of product offerings has widened the market reach and is critical in catering to the specific needs of different sectors.

Moreover, the embrace of the novel ‘Training as a Service’ business model has added a fresh dimension to the market.

Firms offer not only the tangible equipment but also software platforms, training sessions, and follow-up services, fostering a recurring revenue model and enduring relationships with clients.

The steady market expansion is underpinned by the recognition that fire safety is a continuous process rather than a one-off event.

The perpetual need to update skills, comply with evolving regulations, and tackle new safety challenges maintains the ongoing demand for fire safety and hazard prevention training tools.

Technological developments

Technology is the linchpin of the market for fire safety and hazard prevention training tools.

Technological leaps have introduced a variety of training tools that are both efficacious and convenient.

For instance, the rise of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) has revolutionised safety training.

These technologies enable trainees to experience realistic safety training in a controlled and safe setting, thereby enhancing the quality of training while reducing the associated risks.

The emergence of IoT technology has also improved real-time monitoring and emergency responses during training.

IoT-enabled devices can monitor and control variables such as temperature and smoke levels during training simulations, ensuring safety while providing a realistic experience.

Training Equipment Market challenges

Despite the promising growth trajectory, the market for fire safety and hazard prevention training tools faces several hurdles.

The foremost is the high investment cost.

Developing and deploying sophisticated, technologically advanced equipment often necessitates significant capital.

This can deter especially small and medium-sized enterprises from investing in advanced training tools, leading them to choose traditional, less expensive equipment instead.

A second challenge stems from the complexity of advanced equipment. High-tech tools like VR simulators or IoT-enabled devices require technical expertise for their operation and maintenance.

The shortage of skilled personnel capable of managing these advanced systems may hinder their adoption, potentially obstructing market growth.

Another significant challenge is the inconsistency in regulatory frameworks and enforcement across different regions.

In certain developing and underdeveloped countries, regulations concerning fire safety and hazard prevention training are not as stringent or strictly enforced as in developed countries.

This lack of enforcement leads to a lower adoption rate of fire safety and hazard prevention training tools in these regions.

The lack of awareness about the importance of safety training also presents a substantial challenge.

Many organisations, especially in developing regions, still undervalue the pivotal role that effective safety training can play in reducing accidents and enhancing overall operational efficiency.

Persuading these organisations to invest in fire safety and hazard prevention training tools remains a hurdle for market participants.

Future Outlook for the Training Equipment Market

The market for fire safety and hazard prevention training tools is expected to witness considerable growth in the future.

The ongoing digital revolution is predicted to further enhance the market with AI and machine learning-driven safety training solutions.

Additionally, the post-pandemic emphasis on the importance of workplace safety is anticipated to spur market growth.

However, market participants will need to overcome existing challenges, particularly the high cost of advanced training equipment and the lack of awareness in certain regions, to fully tap into the market’s potential.

The market has a promising future, given the rising focus on safety across different sectors, advancements in technology, and stricter safety regulations globally.

While challenges exist, they present opportunities for market participants to innovate and expand.

As the world continues to digitise and prioritise safety, the demand for effective and efficient fire safety and hazard prevention training tools is set to rise, driving market growth.

Exclusive: Turning down the heat

by AmericasBreaking NewsFire SuppressionIFSJ Exclusives

Pablo Boj, fire department consultant for STB, gives a brief review on gas cooling and surface cooling

My professional career in the field of firefighting, since I joined the fire department in 2002, has been fundamentally driven by the gas cooling technique and the doctrine of efficient use of water whose fundamental premise was to make the most of the cooling capacity of water.

However, in recent years, this doctrine has started to raise certain doubts for me. Through my investigations of incidents that occurred during firefighting, I have observed problems with the application of the technique.

These problems stem from the lack of sufficient training and the limitations inherent to the training settings.

The training is usually conducted under very specific conditions, without enough variation, which often fails to mimic the diversity of real fire scenarios, both in terms of the fire load and the geometry of enclosures.

Europe vs America

At the end of 2021 I had the opportunity to participate in a meeting between European and American instructors promoted by Elkhart Brass in Pensacola (USA) under the motto “There is nothing foreign in flowing water”, coinciding with the High-Rise Operation Conference organized by County Fire Tactics.

The main idea was to share experiences and knowledge, starting from the different approaches used in firefighting on both sides of the Atlantic.

An equivalent meeting was held on the European side at the end of 2022 coinciding with the High-Rise Operation Tactics in which we also had the opportunity to put into practice the different techniques in live fire scenarios over several days.

Europeans used an approach based on a reading of the conditions, door control and progression through pulsations on the gas layer with flow rates between 230 and 500 Lpm with pressure nozzles with a 6-bar reference.

In this way, the gas layer is controlled, allowing a safe progression until reaching a position that allows us to attack the base of the fire.

On the other side, Americans, once the door was open, progressed by projecting a flow rate between 550 and 800 Lpm, at a pressure of 3.5 bar, with an O pattern of solid and uninterrupted jet (“move and flow” variant) in order to reach the largest possible surface (walls and ceiling) and generating hydraulic ventilation in the lower plane towards the fire accompanying the firefighters and forcing hot gases to exit through the upper plane to the outside towards the available outlets.

Steam generation

The basis of the gas cooling methodology is the application of very short pulses with an open cone, with relatively low flow rates, whose objective is to expose the maximum volume of water to the heat transfer in the gas layer so that the contraction due to cooling compensates steam generation.

In the case of the surface cooling methodology, the idea is to apply large amounts of water to all surfaces, so that hot gases from the base of a fire cool down when they come in contact with the entirely cold surface.

In gas cooling, pulsations are directed to cool the gas layer, and if they reach walls, they vaporise easily without having a very significant impact on the energy accumulated in the total mass of the facing, since the volume of water is reduced, so that the surface can easily recover a high temperature.

However, in the surface cooling technique, through a water application with high flow rates over large areas, there is more mass of water through which transferring the energy from the facing, achieving a greater reduction in the energy level and surface temperature, and consequently, a lower relative steam generation.

Another interesting point is the cooling effect of gases that occurs when a solid jet hits the ceiling and breaks up, causing a movement of fluids.

On the other hand, by leaving the door open and forcing the hydraulic ventilation in the lower plane with the nozzle, excess of steam and hot gases has a guaranteed exit through the upper plane, with a lower risk for the firefighter.

In the live fire exercises, my personal impression is that thermal stress was significantly lower by using this technique.

From my point of view, one of the weak points lies in the open door, since in the case of residential buildings the products of combustion can affect floors and occupants that are above the fire, when these gases do not have another better way out, although being a very aggressive and forceful technique, it quickly reduces the temperature and toxicity of the gases and the extinction time is shortened.

Training

One of the most interesting conclusions I obtained is that the surface cooling technique is simpler, and therefore, safer for the firefighter.

The gas cooling technique requires a relatively high level of training, the firefighter must carry out regular practices in handling of the nozzle, since a bad application can cause water to reach the walls and generate steam excesses and pressure and caudal requirements are more specific.

In addition, range and penetration capacity of the pulsations are limited, as well as its use in large volumes.

Unfortunately, firefighters do not always have the necessary training hours, or they have to distribute them among the wide range of disciplines that we currently require them.

In contrast, the surface cooling technique is less demanding from the point of view of handling the nozzle, the projection of water is as deep as the enclosure, which keeps sources of heat away from the firefighters and it is also relatively easy for water to reach the base of the fire by hitting door frames, even when out of sight in an adjacent room.

My intention with this article is not to suggest whether one technique is better than another, but rather to assume that there are other valid firefighting approaches, and that the mere fact of understanding how they work is already useful in itself and serves as exercise to examine the strengths and weaknesses of the techniques and variants that each one uses in their interventions.

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

Exclusive: Beyond the brightness with Nightstick

by AmericasBreaking NewsFirefighting EquipmentIFSJ ExclusivesLighting

Derek Box, Marketing Manager for Nightstick, pulls back the curtain on the intricacies of safety-rated lighting

When did you last glance at that right-angle light on your turnout coat and pull out your magnifying glass to read the fine print? Most likely never.

For most, life is too busy for the particular details as long as your certified lighting tools are marked ZONE 0 Certified, and your lights are safety lab certified as Intrinsically Safe.

This is the beauty of safety-rated lighting – it is meant to be simple to understand.

When fully understood, those safety-rated symbols and hieroglyphics reveal secret ways you are protected, give context to your role, and can make you a better consumer with additional confidence in your equipment.

Specialised polymers with static dissipative properties

When a product is used in an ATEX Zone 0 environment, the environment alone poses unique challenges. The use of static dissipative additives in ATEX Zone 0 products has emerged as a crucial measure to mitigate the risks associated with ElectroStatic Discharge (ESD).

These additives play a significant role in preventing potentially catastrophic incidents and ensuring the well-being of all those present in such hazardous environments, but how are additives defined?

Static dissipative additives are specialised substances incorporated into materials, such as polymers, coatings, and composites.

Often found in the housing of a safety-certified torch, lantern, or angle light, these chemical additives help to minimise the buildup and discharge of static electricity, which can ignite flammable substances and trigger explosions.

By facilitating the controlled dissipation of electrostatic charges, these additives significantly reduce the likelihood of ESD-related incidents.

Some dangers are known, while others are unknown, so being prepared for both scenarios with the right certified equipment is a secret worth understanding.

One of the primary functions of static dissipative additives is to increase the electrical conductivity of the materials into which they are incorporated within.

This enhanced conductivity allows any accumulated static charges to flow safely to a grounding point, thus preventing the formation of sparks or arcs that could ignite the surrounding flammable atmosphere.

Moreover, these additives offer long-term effectiveness by maintaining their static dissipative properties throughout the lighting product’s lifespan.

The product makeup is purposely designed to resist leaching, migration, or degradation, ensuring a consistent and reliable level of electrostatic protection over time.

This means that the shelf life of the product is extended for constant use or until it is time to replace it physically.

Furthermore, static dissipative additives are typically formulated to be chemically compatible with the base material, ensuring their optimal dispersion and integration.

This compatibility ensures that the mechanical and physical properties of the materials are not compromised while providing the necessary static dissipation characteristics.

By preventing the accumulation and uncontrolled dissipation of static charges, additives significantly reduce the potential for explosions.

As technology advances, further research and development in this field will continue to improve the safety standards of ATEX Zone 0 products, safeguarding workers and minimising the risks associated with explosive atmospheres.

Overpressure valves and gas venting

One potential danger in a hazardous environment is the release of gas from batteries.

Batteries, especially rechargeable ones, can generate tiny amounts of gas during normal operation and significant amounts during a fault or malfunction.

In an intrinsically safe portable lighting product, this gas must be safely vented to prevent the buildup of flammable concentrations.

Nightstick intrinsically safe lighting products employ various mechanisms depending on the specific design to vent battery gas properly and, most importantly, safely. Here are two common methods:

  • Pressure Relief Valve: Some lights have a pressure relief valve built into the battery compartment. This valve allows any excess gas to escape, maintaining a safe pressure level inside the light. The valve typically opens when the pressure reaches four psi and closes once the pressure is normalised.
  • Sealed Enclosures: Intrinsically safe lighting may have sealed enclosures that are constructed to be dustproof and waterproof.

It is important to note that intrinsically safety-certified lighting products undergo rigorous testing and certification processes to ensure their compliance with specific safety standards and regulations.

These standards dictate the maximum allowable energy and temperature levels of the lighting tool and the battery to prevent ignition in hazardous environments.

By incorporating mechanisms for venting battery gas, intrinsically safe lights can effectively mitigate the risk of ignition and ensure safe operation in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Electrolyte leakage prevention

Electrolyte leakage can occur in lighting that uses rechargeable batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, if there is a malfunction or damage to the battery or its casing.

When electrolyte leaks from a battery, it can potentially come into contact with the internal circuitry, causing the light to shut down to prevent a hazardous condition from occurring.

Nightstick’s intrinsically safe portable lighting products employ key design elements to prevent electrolyte leakage.

The torch enclosure, made from impact-resistant polymers, is tough and durable, protecting the battery from damage.

Specialised sealing mechanisms using rubber or epoxy secure housing parts, blocking moisture and contaminants that could corrode the battery.

Safety features like voltage regulators, overcharge protection circuits, and thermal sensors protect the battery further.

Nightstick’s lights also exclude ignition sources, reducing sparking and heat generation.

The lights meet safety standards from organisations such as the IEC and NFPA, ensuring their safe usage in hazardous locations.

Intrinsically safe lighting provides a reliable and secure solution in environments where electrolyte leakage could have severe and, in some cases, fatal consequences.

Encapsulated fuses

Intrinsically safe fuses in portable lighting serve as vital safeguards against electrical faults, helping prevent dangerous conditions such as ignition.

By acting as a check against excessive current, they provide a robust line of defence.

They limit electrical energy by interrupting the circuit if the current goes beyond their specific rating.

These fuses are also instrumental in preventing the formation of sparks and arcs that could ignite flammable substances by promptly interrupting circuits.

Compliant with safety standards set by organisations like the IEC, lights, and their components, including fuses, are suitable for use in hazardous locations.

Redundancy and safety interlocks are another key feature, as lights incorporate additional fuses and resistors to reduce the risk of electrical faults.

Metal content restrictions

Restrictions in IEC 60079 regulations limit the percentage of certain metals allowed in the external housing of Zone 0 rated devices.

Currently, the limit is 10% or less for aluminum, titanium, zirconium, and magnesium. This includes not only the housing, but pocket clips, fasteners, and accessories directly attached to the device.

Metal housings pose practical risks. Conductivity increases chances of circuit completion and sparks from drops.

Chemical reactions with gases in hazardous environments could yield catastrophic results.

Currently, there are no restrictions on engineered polymers in IEC 60079 regulations, making them ideal for Zone 0 rated products.

When combined with static dissipative additives, polymers can now have very low surface resistance that virtually eliminates static charge buildup per standards requirements.

Polymers do not corrode or chemically react with the class IIC gasses found in most hazardous environments. In addition to being lightweight, unlike metal, polymers cannot complete a circuit or create a spark if dropped.

There are many unknown and unseen ways that intrinsically safe lighting protects users from danger.

Another critical factor is the product manufacturers’ experience level with producing intrinsically safe lighting.

A single-source manufacturer ensures consistent quality and safety across an entire product line when purchasing professional lighting products rather than mixing and matching products from several companies.

This is especially important when buying hazardous environment safety lighting.

Nightstick exceeds industry standards in performance, quality, value, and user safety. From penlights to floodlights, above ground or below ground in a confined space, Nightstick has you covered. Find the certification level you need or locate a dealer near you at www.nightstick.com.

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

Exclusive: The persistent progression of firefighting foam

by AmericasBreaking NewsFire SuppressionIFSJ Exclusives

Rick Nickeson, Co-chair of the Foam Exposure Committee, looks at the history and future of firefighting foam

Fire chiefs in the US can choose to protect their communities with firefighting foam. There are no regulations that require a fire department to use foams containing PFAS. Many US fire departments are changing to F3 products.

Fire chiefs realise they should not call airports for assistance because their apparatus still contains PFAS which are persistent, bioaccumulating and biomagnifying. The public has now been well informed due to impressive media attention.

According to the Spring 2021 issue of Groundwater Monitoring & Remediation: “Although Australia and European countries have used F3 alternatives for nearly a decade in certain sectors, adoption in the United States has been slowed by industry’s reliance on NFPA Standard 11 and UL 162, which address AFFF use for Class B fires…”

Two notable incidents in the US emphasise issues with short-chain C6 PFAS foams.

Chemtool Explosion & Fire, June 2021

Lubrizol’s Chemtool plant had an industrial fire involving grease, lubricating oil and fluids in Rockton, Illinois. Rockton Fire Chief Kirk Wilson declined nearby airport assistance right away because he knew the AFFF contained PFAS which would contaminate his community.

A private firefighting crew hired by the company came in and used 3,200 gallons of PFAS-containing foam concentrate. A report in the Chicago Times said: “The problem, according to state and federal environmental officials, is that the private company, Louisiana-based US Fire Pump, sprayed a foam containing perfluorooctanoic acid, part of a class of chemicals known as PFAS. Nationally, there is a push to ban these chemicals for fear that they are harmful to humans, potentially causing organ damage and cancer.”

The Chemtool / Lubrizol contractor US Fire Pump confirmed the foam used was Signature Series 1X3% C6AR-AFFF, according to the Illinois EPA. The foam is a fluorinated surfactant and may contain Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as an unintended by-product, and the foam can break down into Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and potentially others.

EPA reported: “The fire chief had not been previously informed that the foam contained PFAS. He directed that operations be stopped while the company implemented steps recommended by U.S. EPA and IEPA to contain runoff.” The Chicago Sun-Times reported that “US Fire Pump used PFAS-containing foam for about three hours on Tuesday, even though state and federal officials had warned against doing so.”

According to reports, the team switched to another foam without the chemicals on orders of the fire chief. Foam not containing PFAS became available and was then used.

Former National Institute for Environmental Health (NIEHS) director and toxicologist, Dr. Linda Birnbaum, said it was ‘amazing’ that the company would use PFAS-containing foam when alternatives were available.

The Madison, Wisconsin PFAS Transformer Fires

In July 2019, Madison, Wisconsin experienced transformer fires where firefighting foam, potentially containing harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), was used. Amid growing concern, the city affirmed the foam used, FireAde 2000, did contain a lesser-known PFAS compound, PFHxA, contradicting the manufacturer’s claims. This revelation led to testing for 34 PFAS compounds.

The city then undertook the cleanup of the transformer site. Lab tests detected high concentrations of 6:2 Fluorotelomer Sulfonate (6:2 FTS), a “more environmentally friendly” PFAS, despite its unknown long-term impacts. By late September, PFAS was found in Lake Monona, with groundwater under the transformer site having PFAS levels triple the safety limit. The city faced criticism for labeling PFHxA and 6:2 FTS as “environmentally friendly”, considering their demonstrated toxicity and mobility.

A report confirmed PFAS migration from the fire site to Lake Monona, where 6:2 FTS exceeded safety thresholds in most sampled locations. The city’s failure to disclose high PFAS levels led to public outcry. The levels in storm sewer outlets reached up to 92 ppt, inclusive of PFAS compounds beyond proposed regulations. Subsequent critique argued initial PFAS reports were “incomplete and misleading”, given PFAS levels post-fire were substantially higher than first stated.

In December, the Madison Fire Department switched to PFAS-free foam, a significant move towards reducing environmental and health hazards. Despite validation of the new foam’s PFAS-free status, it contained chemicals listed as carcinogenic under California Prop 65, underlining the urgency for safer firefighting alternatives. This saga encapsulated the environmental risks associated with firefighting foams and highlighted the need for heightened vigilance.

The never-ending transition of firefighting foams

In May 2023, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) issued a statement: “Restrictions are designed to control an unacceptable risk from the manufacture, use, or placing of a substance on the market.” Such restrictions on PFAS have been missing worldwide for decades.

On May 12, 2022, ChemSec reported: “But surprise, surprise – the C6 substances have turned out to be just as hazardous as the C8 ones, leading to a plethora of so-called regrettable substitution, which is when you swap one harmful chemical for an equally problematic one. So now, the C6 substances are subject to proposals called the PFHxA and PFHxS restrictions. As in previous PFAS restrictions, chemicals that degrade into C6 substances are included, and an indicative list of substances has been provided.”

Firefighting foams with C6 contain 2 to 3 times more PFAS than the older AFFF products. This fact was confirmed in the Foam Exposure Committee’s testing of active firefighting foam samples taken from fire departments.

The shorter chain PFAS are: more difficult to filter from water, more mobile and fast and just as difficult to clean and remediate as others. If you currently use C6 foam products or if your department chooses a C6 firefighting foam, you can certainly plan on another transition.

Some state-level environmental entities are making the firefighting foam product choice with decisions made solely based upon manufacturers’ direct marketing materials. This has created an issue. A western state is collecting PFAS foams presently in a take-back program while replacing them with another PFAS foam product.

Several New England state level environmental offices list foams on the state firefighting foam contract lists that are fluorine-free but contain carcinogens. There are certainly fire-tested F3 products available that do not contain carcinogens.

It is now being fully acknowledged that F3 foam blankets last longer than AFFF even though this has always been the case. F3 foams do not need to be re-applied as frequently as an AFFF. Slower drain time is considered a good thing. This fact means the foam requires less re-application and less product.

In a recent webinar, Jerry Back of Jensen Hughes, Inc. noted that fluorine-free foams: are “consistent over a range of concentration levels, showed no difference at all from AFFF, and were still adequate across the board.

The fire service should be aware that some manufacturers utilise multiple labels to market the same products. You should not be replacing a fluorinated foam with another fluorinated foam at this point unless your intent is to continue exposing your firefighters and citizens unnecessarily.

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

Exclusive: Water mist system design and review

by AmericasBreaking NewsFire SuppressionIFSJ Exclusives

Luciano Nigro, Jensen Hughes Italy and Member of the IWMA Board evaluates the tools assisting fire engineers and authorities in system selection and approval

Water mist technology can now be considered a mature fire suppression technology as it has entered the third decade of installation both in marine and in land-based applications. Initiated more than 30 years ago to support the Halon replacement on board of ships, the technology grew rapidly achieving almost 100% of the marine fire protection market on board passenger ships, protecting all the hazards from the machinery spaces to the accommodation and public spaces.

By the end of millennium, water mist applications for land-based occupancies were developed, based on several fire test protocols published by international organisations including Factory Mutual Approvals, UL, VdS, LPCB and others. Nevertheless, in the land based market the technology has not yet achieved the diffusion that could reach, for various reasons one of which, it is the opinion of the writer, remains the difficulties that fire engineers, designing and/or reviewing water mist system for acceptance, find in the process of selecting the system appropriate for each application and in verifying the adequacy of the design parameters that have been used per each system.

To support the fire engineers in this commitment, the IWMA (International Water Mist Association) has developed, in recent years, a descriptive document called the “Project Water Mist – an Alternate Solution to Sprinkler Protection in Building Fire Protection” published in 2014 and a working tool called THE MATRIX – both available on the IWMA website.

The document is a complete list of all the fire test protocols available on the market at the date of its publication with the description of the occupancies to which they apply and the indication of the organisations that developed and published them.

The MATRIX was then studied and developed by the IWMA Scientific Council, with advice from association members, to become a real working tool for the fire engineers, having a structure more attuned to the design and review activity a fire engineer undertakes, and being updated on a constant basis to be representative of what is state-of-the-art – this is a key focus when designing and installing an advanced technology fire suppression system.

A partial view of the summary of the MATRIX outcome for the Land Based Applications is summarised by the table here below; The complete MATRIX is published both for Marine and Land Based applications which can be accessed at: https://iwma.net/the-matrix/land-based-applications.  

The MATRIX

The MATRIX for Land Based Applications serves as a guideline for fire engineers to understand the complexity and nuances involved in water mist fire suppression systems across various business segments and contains five columns of information.

The first column refers to the business segment of the case under consideration, divided into Residential, Commercial and Industrial. The second column is the most important for the fire engineer – it is the column dedicated to the Applications and is the key point for the correct interpretation of the MATRIX. The selection of the application that more accurately represents the fire hazard related to the “formal” applications for which a test protocol exists, requires considerable judgment from the fire engineer.

Of course, the real world is not so simple, because the applications listed in the Application column of the MATRIX are not easily related to the actual application under consideration; paragraph 4.1.3.2 of the EN 14972-1 states: “Test protocols: one of the greatest challenges to engineering of water mist fire suppression systems lies in determining whether the conditions of a particular and recognised test protocol are representative of the actual conditions in a given application based on an understanding of the dynamics of the interaction of water mist with fire.”

Upon closer examination, certain applications have clear and well-defined relationships, for example the “car garages/parking garages”, but there are also several applications that are not so well defined as for example “residential occupancies” or “data halls”. In all these cases additional information is needed to relate the applications listed in the MATRIX and the real world.

The third column of the MATRIX is the Test Protocol column; third and fourth columns fully identify the test protocol(s) existing for a given application. The list is updated regularly by the Association therefore it can be considered as the most updated list of water mist fire test protocols presently available worldwide.

As mentioned, there are many applications for which more than one protocol is available; how to select the protocol that best fit the actual application under consideration remains with the responsibility of the fire engineer.

The last column identifies the type approval that can be obtained by ‘positively passing’ each test protocol mentioned in the previous columns. This column differentiates between test protocols that result in a formal approval, indicating the organization granting the approval, and protocols that are not intended for formal approval but are instead provided to the market as reference protocols. These reference protocols are intended for use by authorities having jurisdiction, laboratories, verification agencies, manufacturers, and other relevant entities.

For those that are not so much familiar with the type approval process, it is possible to say that the fire test protocols are the procedures issued by the organisations involved in the water mist fire suppression technology to run each of the mentioned test. They list the materials to be used, the procedure to run the tests, and the pass-fail criteria to determine the outcome of the tests.

Approval and Standardisation

To complete these considerations, it should be noted that the organisations issuing fire test protocols for water mist applications are few and can be divided in two groups: the Approval Bodies and the Standardisation Bodies.

Approval Bodies for water mist applications include FM Approvals1, UL2 and VdS3; the Standardisation Bodies include the CEN4 committee on water mist system and the BSI5. As it is possible to see on the MATRIX table, the Approval Bodies always grant a type-approval for the system passing the test protocol for the specific application; the Standardisation Bodies normally do not, except for the residential applications tested according to BS standard 8458 that are approved by the LPCB6.

The approval issued by an Approval Body is a very useful information document also for the above-mentioned matter concerning the correlation between the test protocol and the actual application under consideration. An example is the chapter 1.2 of the FM standard 55607 where all the 16 applications for which FM Approvals has issued a test protocol are described in detail with all the applicable limitations and/or extensions.

The same does not apply to the test protocols issued by the Standardisation Bodies that also include a paragraph per each protocol describing the scenarios to which the protocol can be applied, but this information is “embedded” in the test protocol text and is not easily available to the fire engineer.

The above is a complete description of the MATRIX content. All the information included in the MATRIX is carefully verified and checked by the IWMA Scientific Council that includes some of the most relevant professionals dealing with water mist technology world widely.

However, there are some comments and recommendations that need to be considered in order to improve the content and make it even more useful for fire engineers.

Considerations for fire engineers

The correlation between the fire test protocol and the actual application under consideration poses challenges for fire engineers. Test protocols issued by Approval Bodies are expected to provide all the necessary information for their correct use and hold liability for their indications. However, achieving a clear correlation is less straightforward when dealing with Standardisation Body protocols.

The second and most important comment is related to the real availability of the system on the market. With the MATRIX it is only possible to say that, for a given application, one or more test protocols exist and whether they lead to a type approval or not, but no information is given about the availability of one or more manufacturers that can provide a water mist system designed and installed in accordance to the test protocol under consideration.

The identification of the manufacturer(s) holding an approval or having carried out a fire test according to one of the test procedures issued by the Standardisation bodies remains a responsibility of the fire engineer in charge for the design of the system.

Future steps

Ensuring the continuous update and maintenance of the MATRIX is of utmost importance for both the tool itself and the IWMA. This commitment aims to provide tangible support to fire engineers engaged in the design, installation, or verification of water mist systems in land-based applications. By keeping the MATRIX up to date, it serves as a valuable resource for professionals in this field.

Two possible enhancements could significantly aid in selecting the correct protocol for a given application. Firstly, adding a new column alongside the existing ones to provide a detailed description of the specific application to which the protocol is applicable would offer valuable assistance. Alternatively, introducing a supplementary page in the summary section where each protocol line is accompanied by a comprehensive description of the applicable scenarios mentioned within the protocol itself would also prove beneficial in facilitating protocol selection.

Finally, the availability of water mist systems on the market: this is an issue going above the scope of the Association.

The MATRIX provides the list of occupancies and protocols, but the demonstration that a company has successfully passed a protocol remains with the fire engineer responsibility to ascertain. As stated in the last sentence of the introduction to EN 14972-1: Water mist is a specific application solution which needs to be proven for each individual application and/or occupancy.

Bibliography

This article was informed by a range of resources, including the SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering, FM Approvals, UL’s water mist system testing, VdS’s fire protection content, and CEN/TC191/WG10’s material on Water Mist Fire Fighting Systems. Also referenced are the EN 14972 series, standards by BS, the LPCB’s Red Book, and the FM Class Number 5560’s January 2021 edition on Water Mist Systems.

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