IFSJ Exclusive: Managing the Performance of Individuals

by AmericasBreaking NewsIFSJ ExclusivesTraining

By Phil Martin – former ACFO at Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and fire consultant

The move to a supervisory position brings new opportunities and responsibilities. Of the new responsibilities, managing the performance of individuals and teams is perhaps one of the most daunting and challenging but in equal measure it is one of the most important and potentially most rewarding elements of leadership and management.

The following model offers a simple approach to managing an individual’s performance. It offers a means for identifying and dealing with poor performance and equally as importantly, to highlight good performance.

Individuals who are supported, clear about what is expected of them and effectively led are generally well motivated. Where an individual’s performance is effectively monitored, action to understand and manage below standard behaviours and actions will enable a manager to support and resolve issues swiftly.

A failure to address poor performance is unfair on both those who under perform and may not be aware of it and on those who work hard to achieve required standards.

Above standard performance can be easily overlooked by a manager but shouldn’t be. Identifying, understanding and acknowledging above standard performance can raise morale and help to develop both the individual and the team.

An important aspect of managing performance that must be understood is that for some individuals below standard performance may be a way of operating that has gone unchallenged for some time. As a new manager inheriting longer-term below standard performance may seem difficult and formidable but the investment in time and effort is likely to bring significant rewards for the individual, the manager, the team and the organisation.

As an illustration, this model consists of three areas which represent baseline performance, above standard performance and below standard performance.

Above Standard Performance – The area above the baseline will represent performance that is exceeding a minimum acceptable standard. The area illustrated as above standard performance will reflect a range of performance.

Baseline Performance – Baseline performance is the minimum acceptable standard expected of an individual. This may be determined by organisational, contractual, legal or vocational standards. The rationale and purpose of baseline standards must be clear, realistic and achievable. They should be easy for the manager to explain and for staff to understand.

Below Standard Performance – The area below the baseline will represent performance that is not meeting a minimum acceptable standard. This area will again reflect a range of below standard performance.

Using the Model

In an ideal world everyone would operate to a standard that is at least at or above baseline performance, as organisations this will be a requirement of the individual and there will those who are content to operate at this level at all times.

In addition to this there will be individuals who through their own efforts or experience consistently perform at a level above the baseline. It is all too easy to accept this without recognition which can cause leaders to inadvertently undervalue the efforts of individuals.

In managing performance the critical area that needs constant monitoring and urgent action is in the area of below standard performance, this will have a negative impact on the individual, the team and organisation. Individuals who performance falls below the standard required will cause a disproportionate drain on a manager’s time.

Identifying Below Standard Performance

Where we identify someone whose performance falls below the baseline we need to ask why?

There could be a number of reasons for underperformance including a misunderstanding of expectations, not being appropriately equipped or trained, a physical or medical barrier, a personal lack of effort or a blatant disregard of the need to meet the required standard of performance.

Underperformance needs to be addressed urgently and honestly. For some it may feel uncomfortable but it is a critical responsibility of any manager or leader.

Managing Below Standard Performance

When below standard performance is identified it is essential that a manager takes swift and appropriate action with discretion.

The key steps in addressing below standard performance will be:

  • Clearly state the shortfall in performance
  • Ask and discuss the shortfall, ask ‘why?’
  • Be clear about the expected standard of performance and discuss how this can be achieved.
  • Set goals using baseline performance standards; discuss any support that may be needed and state review periods
  • Record discussions, expectations and measures
  • Monitor and review

Where an individual has prolonged below standard performance which is not isolated and crosses a number of areas the key steps will remain the same, but manager will need to break down the areas of underperformance and to identify each occasion or activity and develop an improvement plan accordingly.

Identifying Above Standard Performance

Recognising above standard performance and providing feedback to individuals is an opportunity too easily missed by managers. Failing to acknowledge positive performance can demotivate individuals and teams and devalue baseline standards.

Acknowledging good performance provides managers with positive opportunities to exercise the potential of individuals and to develop both them and the teams they work in by capturing and reinforcing good practice.

In my senior years and roles, the challenges and complexities of managing performance evolved and I have been fortunate to have completed a wide range of leadership and development courses and qualifications. In this article I distilled my training and experience gained over 40 years of managing and being managed into a simple model which has both served me well and has been well received by those I have shared it with.

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

IFSJ Exclusive: The essential role of fire doors

by Breaking NewsFire DoorsIFSJ Exclusives

Richard Bingley, Manager, Yeoman Shield Fire Door Services talks Responsible Persons and fire door inspection and maintenance

Fire doors save lives, so it is vital that they are correctly installed and maintained. They have the important job of providing resistance against the spread of smoke and flame in a building in the event of a fire, protecting all-important escape routes allowing more time for occupants to safely evacuate a building.  

Even the best quality, manufactured doorsets can be affected and lose fire integrity because of poor installation, or due to wear and tear overtime. The slightest defect can cause issues which is why legislation has been put in place stating that fire protection systems, including fire doors, undergo a regular maintenance and inspection regime.    

Taking responsible note of legislation

If you are the Responsible Person for a building (this can be a building owner, manager, leaseholder, or employer) it’s imperative you make yourself aware of the legislation that applies to fire door maintenance and inspection.

Article 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) makes it a legal requirement to adequately maintain fire-resisting doors, so they are fit for purpose.

The importance of inspection and maintenance is highlighted in BS8214:2016 which states that inspection, maintenance and repair of any damage is to be undertaken on a regular basis if the required fire resistance is to be maintained. The onus is also on the Responsible Person to have a documented fire door maintenance regime.

Article 18 of the RRO comments that it is also required that the Responsible Person seeks a Competent Person to undertake the necessary inspection, repair, and maintenance. A Competent Person is someone who has sufficient training, experience and knowledge to assist the Responsible Person in undertaking the preventive and protective measures.

How to source accredited third-party assistance

When looking for a Competent Person to undertake fire door inspections and maintenance, it is recommended that a person or company with relevant accreditation received from a third-party certification scheme be appointed.

The FDIS, FIRAS and BM TRADA are well-known examples of schemes which hold databases of accredited companies or individuals to make it easier to search for suppliers in the required locality. Other schemes are also available.

How often should inspections be done?

The frequency of a fire door inspection is dependent on the situation of the door and the type of building they are installed in.

From 23 January 2023 the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 made it a legal requirement for the Responsible Person for all multi-residential buildings in England over 11 metres high to carry out quarterly checks of doors in communal areas and annual checks – on a best endeavour basis – of all flat entrance doors leading onto communal areas.

The BWF Fire Door Alliance recommends that in other buildings fire doors are inspected at least every six months although newly occupied building may need more frequent checks in the first year. Also, doors in high-traffic areas that may be susceptible to more wear and tear and damage may be required to be checked more frequently than the recommended 6 months.

Identify problem areas

Though it is paramount to use a Competent Person to inspect, maintain and install fire doors it is good practice for the Responsible Person to be versed in identifying problems that could affect the door’s integrity and function. This enables the instruction of remedial works to be carried out before the damage becomes beyond repair, becoming a more economical way of fire door maintenance.

A simple checklist of items that can easily be seen would include checking for any damage to door leaves and door frames. If the core of the door is damaged, then the fire integrity is lost. Also check if the door frames securely fixed to the partition.

Checking the gaps between the door and frame, and meeting stiles of double doors for excessive gaps ensures that the intumescent seals used to seal a door in the event of a fire will work correctly. The industry standard for these gaps is 3mm +/- 1mm. Using a fire door gap checker wedge can assist with this simple test.

Look out for defective or missing seals around door edges and frames. Check vision panels for damaged or missing glazing seals or glazing beads. Locks, latches and closers must be working properly to ensure correct closing and latching into the door frame.

To emphasise, if any faults are identified, steps should be taken to remediate these as soon as possible by a Competent Person. Using a third-party qualified company or individual will ensure the work is to compliant fire door standards.

Where issues are identified early and dealt with in a timely manner this will not only safeguard property and life but also save on additional expense later.

Not all damaged fire doors need replacing 

Depending on the extent of damage to a fire door and where appropriate, acceptable repair techniques can be utilised to bring it back to conformity, negating the need and the expense of replacing fire rated doorsets. These acceptable repair techniques should be carried out by a Competent Person suitably qualified to carry out the work.

Protect for the future

A fire door is made up of many components that all need to be working to their optimum to preserve the integrity of a fire door.

Adding reputable fire-rated door protection products can protect some of these essential elements of the door, helping to maintain the condition whilst also reducing the time and money required to repair and replace.

For example, a fire-rated door edge protector can be installed to either or both the leading and hinged edges to shield these vulnerable parts from impact damage detrimental to the performance of the door.

Door edge protectors can also be used to bring excessive gaps at long edges back to conformity.

A damaged glazing bead unit can be replaced with a fire rated PVCu clad hardwood unit. The plastic covering will preserve both the timber and will not affect the integrity of the fire door.

The main body of the door – or leaf – is subjected to continual wear and tear simply by people using it. If a door leaf is continually hit at the same point, it will in time present with damage which, if not dealt with, will render a fire door non-compliant to fire regulations. A simple solution would be the installation of a 2mm thick PVCu fire-rated door protection panel.

Door frames and architraves can also receive protection from a frame, architrave and stop lath protection system.

Documentation

On completion of the work documents such as fire door inspection reports, fire certificates, fire assessment reports, manufacturers fixing instructions, product data sheets and maintenance instructions should be provided to the Responsible Person to be stored in the Operating & Maintenance manuals for easy access and future reference.

Where work is carried out under a third-party certification scheme such as FIRAS or BM TRADA then certification for this will be provided.

The financial sense of fire door inspections and maintenance

Fire door inspections and any subsequent remedial work does have a cost implication. However, a proactive inspection and maintenance regime can be cost-effective in the long-term by minimising fire door repairs and fire door replacement.

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

IFSJ Exclusive: Working together to provide protection

by AmericasBreaking NewsIFSJ ExclusivesPassive

Faheemuddin Mohammed, Specialist of Electrical Certification at Dubai Civil Defense’s Emirates Safety Lab talks passive and active fire protection

What is fire safety, and why is it a critical subject? Fire safety is the set of practices and procedures intended to reduce the life safety risk and property damage or destruction caused by fire.

Active and passive fire protection systems protect buildings and occupants from fire incidents. Both systems symbiotically play various roles in preventing, detecting, containing, limiting, and extinguishing fires.

Passive vs Active Protection Systems

Passive Fire Protection Systems are designed to control the spread of fire and smoke for a predefined period of time within the room (fire origin) in a building and to prevent it from spreading to adjacent areas (other compartments).

Active Fire Protection Systems are designed to detect, control, and extinguish fires which requires special stimulation or a command signal to operate. These systems are activated in the event of a fire, either automatically or manually, to help suppress the fire containing it until firefighting crews arrive at the incident and limit the damage.

Working together

Every building should have fire systems designed and installed. Considering a fire in the building, detectors are regarded by the general public as first defenders. These can be a smoke, heat, or combined detector, which, when activated, transfers the information (detection) of the fire incident location to the control panel. Suppose the fire is in its early stages before automatic detection. Anyone discovering the fire can trigger the system using the fire alarm manual call point/pull station. Immediately after fire detection, the fire alarm control panel (FACP) initiates actions per the facility’s designed “cause and effect matrix”.

During a fire emergency, the immediate activation of various systems and devices is essential to ensure the safety of the occupants and minimise damage to the building. One of the most critical components of a fire safety system is the Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP), which is responsible for coordinating the activation of various systems and devices to facilitate safe and efficient evacuation.

The first system to be activated is the fire sounder and visual alarm devices, which provide an audible and visible warning to alert occupants to the emergency. If a voice evacuation system is installed in the building, the FACP will activate the system to start announcing the automatic evacuation plan, providing occupants with clear instructions on how to evacuate the building safely. If needed, a manual evacuation will be initiated.

The FACP will also initiate the emergency lighting system, illuminating the exit signage to guide occupants towards the direction of egress. Additionally, the smoke management system will be activated to contain or extract smoke from the building, with automatic extract fans being activated to extract the smoke.

In terms of the HVAC system, the FACP will switch from regular operation to emergency operation, including the air handling units (AHUs). If the fire strategy approach includes functionality for pressurisation, smoke management/extraction, etc., the HVAC will be turned off to provide proper ventilation and cut the airflow in designated areas of the building.

The Access Control System (ACS) will also be prompted to open the egress and release electric door locks for occupants’ easy evacuation. If required, fire doors will open or close to provide a suitable egress path or to compartmentalise the fire.

The sprinklers will be activated via self-contained detection (glass bulb or fusible link) for automatic fire extinguishing, while the fire and smoke dampers will be activated to stop the flow of smoke/fire to other areas.

At the same time, a series of fixed physical barriers, passive fire protection systems, are used to compartmentalise a building to withstand fire and smoke, hold fire in its original location, and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the building.

These systems will provide and reinstate the compartmentation and include various applications for fire and smoke barriers. In addition to the main structure of the building and building envelope such as the curtain wall, cladding systems and applied insulation to the outside of the building.

Awareness and quality of products/systems

It is generally understood that active fire systems detect and make sounds for evacuation; hence, it is a familiar system, and people have an idea about these. Building owners should know how vital fire systems and their maintenance are. The authorities and regulatory bodies should ensure these fire systems are mandated and provide guidance and governance for fire systems maintenance and ongoing testing throughout the building’s life cycle following the geographical areas’ requirements.

It is crucial to ensure that active and passive fire protection systems are installed and working together effectively to provide the best protection against fire risk.

All active and passive fire systems installed in a building should be tested by a recognised accredited laboratory and certified by an accredited certification body to ensure the quality of the product/system. Emirates Safety Laboratory (ESL) is accredited to per the ISO 17025 and ISO 17065 standards. It is a recognised laboratory and certification body that provides testing and certification to over 600 methods and standards for many fire products/systems.

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

Reputation is Everything

by AmericasBreaking NewsIFSJ Exclusives

Why the industry must act to address the long-standing issues of culture and behaviour within the fire and rescue service

The recent reports regarding behaviours in the British fire and rescue service certainly make uncomfortable reading, however I cannot say that it is a surprise to me as this is just the latest in a series of reports which has identified the same things as the preceding ones. The only difference being the report has been commissioned by a new organisation and written by another author. So why will this report be any different?

For some leaders, there will be a feeling of real discomfort as they will have participated in some of the behaviours being described or have allowed them to happen on their watch. Regardless of the position individuals hold today, they cannot change what has happened nor can they hide behind tradition as justification. They must, however, change the fire and rescue service now and for the future to ensure that it is inclusive for all and accurately reflects the professional organisation which the public rightly expect and demand.

There can be no room for rationalising the deviation from what is expected compared to what has been delivered. It is now time to accept that several independent reports have identified that the culture must change, and certain behaviours must stop and those who think it’s not us, it’s the others need to take their heads out of the sand.

For some leaders, there will be a feeling of real discomfort

Managers, at all levels, in the fire and rescue service have a responsibility to ensure that this vital public service moves rapidly to become a genuinely fair and equitable workplace for all.

It is now time for the implementation of a meaningful action plan that is understood by all managers and the workforce which will bring about the change that is required. Leadership needs to come from the top, starting with organisations like, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) as well as representative bodies, including the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), the Fire Officers Association (FOA) and those representing non-uniformed members of the service.

It would appear that HMICFRS is seen to have no teeth with many senior fire officers and Fire and Rescue Authorities paying little or no attention to the reports and recommendations provided following an inspection. With Chief Fire Officers (CFO) being appointed by, and answerable to, elected members and with instructions issued by the NFCC being purely advice and guidance and not mandatory, is it any wonder that we see such disparity across UK fire and rescue services?

It is also interesting to note that the NFCC appears akin to a private members club with entry only being offered to the most senior fire officers. The organisation operates as a registered charity, with a trading company delivering training and other services in return for remuneration as well as direct funding from central government. There is much mistrust shown towards the NFCC with it being seen as an exclusive order where members take on roles to ensure their national exposure for the next promotion and is rarely challenged when failing to deliver.

Is it time that CFOs are made accountable for their performance and the actions of their staff, with an independent national body being responsible for monitoring results and imposing sanctions?

Having spoken to several US Fire Chiefs this problem is not unique to the UK and is just as prevalent on the other side of the Atlantic. I remember back in the 1990’s being part of the UK – US Fire Officers Symposium which was set up by my good friends Bill Peterson and Dennis Davis to work collaboratively to deal with common issues. Perhaps it is time for this to be resurrected – is anyone interested?

Everyone in the fire and rescue service from the newest recruit to the most experienced employees need to engage in rapid change. It is time to accept some behaviours must stop, that we cannot hide behind tradition and out of date values. The Fire Standards Board was created to deliver the conduct and behaviours required but unless they are truly adopted and embedded, they are worthless.

Together we must take forward the very best of the fire and rescue service, regain the reputation earned through public trust and demonstrate to the public that they can be assured of a modern organisation that is able to take responsibility for itself and become a beacon as both employer and service provider.

About the Author

Duncan J. White has been an integral part of the global fire community for over 36 years. He took up the position of Managing Editor with International Fire and Safety Journal in January of this year. His honest approach, diligence and extensive knowledge of the industry means that he is ideally placed to ensure that IFSJ remains at the forefront of fire publishing.

To share your thoughts on this piece or to discuss editorial ideas please contact Duncan. His email address is duncanj.white@intfireandsafetyjournal.com     

Senior professionals attend IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference

by AmericasAmericas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsIFSJ ExclusivesIFSJ Leaders

On 11 May 2023, 308 senior professionals from the Middle East and Africa fire and safety industry gathered for International Fire & Safety Journal’s inaugural IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference for a day filled with high level networking and lively discussion.

Attendees at the event, which was held in association with MSA Safety at the Grosvenor Hotel, Dubai Marina, UAE, praised the conference for its high quality presentations and panel sessions which covered the most pressing issues facing leaders in the fire and safety sector today. Amid the rapid fire sessions, decision makers were able to convene and engage with one another and some key industry brands who supported the show.

Throughout the day there were a number of key themes including the impacts of sustainability on fire safety, crisis management, strategic leadership and mental health and wellbeing. The twelve presentations saw presenters in panellists, including Captain Essa Ahmed Al-Mutawa, Director of the Control and Monitoring Department at Dubai Civil Defense, Engineer Salma Humaid, Head of Engineering Section at Dubai Civil Defense and Peter Stephenson, Director, Fire Safety Division at Hydrock, address and debate these key issues.

After a period of networking during the opening of the event, delegates took their seats in the conference room and were welcomed by Ian Stokes, CEO, Centurian Media Ltd. (event organiser) and Terry Johnson, Technical Service Manager at ENOC and Regional President of The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) GCC Branch.

Dubai Civil Defense

Dubai Civil Defence (DCD), the emergency management organisation in Dubai, United Arab Emirates founded in 1976 and is responsible for protecting lives, properties, and the environment in Dubai, was a strategic partner of the conference and over 50 delegates from the organisation were in attendance.

Following introductions from the Chair, H.E. Lt. General Expert Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi, Director-General of Dubai Civil Defense gave a welcome address, wishing attendees: “A fruitful and amazing time.”

H.E. Excellency Brigadier Expert Ali Hassan Al Mutawa, Assistant Director General of DCD for Fire and Rescue Affairs then gave a keynote address stating: “It is a great pleasure to be among so many stars at the leaders in fire and safety conference.”

Memorandum of Understanding

Following introductions, the conference saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Dubai Civil Defense and the Institution of Fire Engineers, a  truly historic event creating a platform for sharing knowledge, learning and looking at best practices between the two organisations. The MoU was signed by Terry Johnson, IFE GCC Branch Regional President, H.E. Brigadier Expert Ali Hassan Al Mutawa, and Steve Hamm, Chief Executive of the IFE who called the MoU a ‘key milestone’.

The MoU established a branch within Dubai for the IFE that will be a space for CPD opportunities. His excellency said that DCD are an open platform and they the organisation is keen to interact with all parts of the world: “We have one goal: to make human life as safe as we can.”

DCD Readiness Programme

Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the Dubai Civil Defence’s Readiness Programme on the day’s first presentation as Captain Essa Ahmed Al-Mutawa, Director of the Control and Monitoring Department at DCD, presented the world’s first AI-enabled fire readiness programme. The programme is a pre-emptive fire management system that uses artificial intelligence to analyse past incidents and recommend changes to avoid future events.

The presentation showcased the innovative approach taken by the Dubai Civil Defence to improve fire safety standards and highlighted the importance of incorporating AI into fire management systems.

Sustainability

Next up there was a panel discussion on the impact of sustainability on fire and life safety management in buildings and construction. The discussion was chaired by Alexander Castellanos, Head of Fire & Life Safety – Middle East at WSP, and the panellists included Engineer Salma Humaid, Head of Engineering Section at DCD, Peter Stephenson, Director, Fire Safety Division at Hydrock, Steven Reilly, Principal Engineer, Fire & Life Safety Lead MENA at Cundall, and Susan Lamont, Director, Fire Group Leader Middle East at Arup.

The panel looked at how a big part of sustainability will be repurposing and reusing existing building stock and the problem that is going to create for fire safety.

Data driven insights on the fireground

Jason Traynor, the General Manager at MSA Safety, then delivered a Ted-Talk style presentation on “Data driven insights on the fireground”, as part of the Platinum Sponsor Presentation. Traynor looked at the evolution of technology and its increasingly powerful ability to capture valuable data during fire incidents.

Technology and innovation

A panel discussion on “Technology and innovation: Dealing with the pace of change” was held at the conference. Duncan J. White, Managing Editor at International Fire and Safety Journal, chaired the discussion, which featured Captain Essa Ahmed Al-Mutawa, Director of the Control and Monitoring Department at DCD, Jason Traynor, General Manager at MSA, Paul Pope, Group Business Development Director at Global Fire Equipment, and Muzaffer Ahmed Syed, Regional Manager (Firestop) at fischer FZE as panellists.

The discussion focused on how technology and innovation are rapidly transforming every aspect of our lives, including the fire safety industry.

Health and wellbeing

Duncan J. White, IFSJ Managing Editor, led a passionate discussion about it being ‘okay not to be okay’ in the session on “Health and Wellbeing: Dealing with the human issues”. Panellists Sam Malins, Group CEO at Reacton Fire Suppression, Paul Pope, Group Business Development Director at Global Fire Equipment, Sawsan Dahham, Global Head of Fire and Life Safety at Dar, Cristina Perez Domper, Regional Manager at Intertek Building and Construction, and Joanne Taylor, Business Owner at De-Wipe, all shared their experiences of mental and physical health and how it impacts leadership.

“You can’t make good decisions if you’re not in good health,” said White.

Human performance

Sinclair Duffie, Chief Fire Officer at Nawah Energy Company, gave a presentation titled “Human Performance: Consciously competent?” at the conference. The presentation focused on the concept of human performance, which encompasses the effectiveness and efficiency with which individuals perform tasks, activities, or duties. It takes into account various factors, including cognitive, physical, emotional, and social capabilities, as well as external factors like training, motivation, stress, fatigue, and environmental conditions. “We have to understand that people are fallible – even the most competent can make a mistake,” said Duffie.

Lithium-ion in focus

The conference held a panel discussion titled “Lithium-ion Batteries: Challenges, risks, and resolutions,” chaired by Sajid Raza, the CEO of Butler Engineering ME. The panel featured Mark Fenton, Sales Director – EMEA & APAC at Amerex Corporation, Peter Van Gorp, Technical Director Fire, Life Safety and Loss Prevention at HKA, Eiad Shami, Senior Consultant, Fire & Life Safety at WSP, and Mrinaal Sapru, Head of Regional Sales for Dubai Civil Defence’s Emirates Safety Laboratory.

The discussion centred around the challenges, risks, and resolutions involved in the use of lithium-ion batteries, which have many benefits but require careful consideration of safety, environmental, and social factors to ensure responsible and sustainable use.

Forever chemicals in firefighting foam

The first afternoon panel discussion at the conference was titled “PFAS in firefighting foam” and was chaired by Peter Stephenson, Director of the Fire Safety Division at Hydrock. The panellists were Tomasz Kielbasa, Certification Manager at Emirates Safety Laboratory, Even Ottesen, International Sales Manager at DAFO Fomtec AB, Andy Hall, Owner and General Manager of Hall Fire and Safety Consultants, and Terry Johnson.

The discussion focused on Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of manufactured chemicals used in firefighting foam, and the effectiveness of fluorine-free foam, testing standards, picking the best foam and its sustainable implications.

Protecting the transportation infrastructure

This was followed by panel discussion titled “The importance of protecting the transportation infrastructure,” which was chaired by Tom Wood, Regional Director, Middle East at Vortex Fire. The panel included Steve Walker, Director of Fire Safety at Hydrock, James Varley, Associate Director at WS Atkins, Engineer Pramod Challa, Senior Engineer at Dubai Civil Defense, and Terry Johnson.

The panel look at advancements in technology in building design and introducing new lightweight materials, testing, risk management, the risks posed by Lithium-ion and 3D Modelling.

Managing carcinogens

James Clarke, a Fire Officer with Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service, delivered a presentation on “Managing carcinogens” at the conference. The presentation covered the risks associated with carcinogens, which are known to cause or increase the risk of developing cancer by damaging DNA or interfering with cellular processes that control cell growth and division. The cumulative effects of exposure to carcinogens over time can significantly increase the risk of cancer development.

On carcinogens in the fire sector, Clarke said: “The problem is real and is probably the single biggest threat outside of mental health to the fire industry worldwide.”

Crisis management and leadership

The conference held a panel discussion on “Crisis management,” which was chaired by Bob Rea, Director and Lead facilitator at BR Training Solutions Ltd. The panel featured Duncan J. White, Managing Editor at International Fire and Safety Journal, James Grew, Deputy Divisional Director at Hydrock, and Carlo Lovetti, Business Continuity Manager at Emirates Steel.

The discussion focused on the importance of crisis management in an organisation’s risk management strategy and the panel noted that: “If you’re not trained you can’t respond effectively.” Effective crisis management involves identifying potential crises, developing plans to mitigate and respond to them, and implementing those plans when a crisis occurs.

Finally, Howard Leedham MBE, MSc. Managing Director, ESID DMCC gave the day’s closing presentation looking at what leadership is, why it matters and if the style of leadership is important. During his presentation, Leedham asserted: “The one thing that you need to be a leader is consistency.”

A note from the IFSJ team

IFSJ would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all the speakers, exhibitors, and attendees who participated in the inaugural IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference. Your contributions and participation have played a significant role in making this event a resounding success.

The presentations and panel discussions were informative, engaging, and thought-provoking, providing valuable insights into the latest trends, challenges, and solutions in the fire and safety industry. The exhibitors showcased their products and services, which provided attendees with a glimpse of the latest innovations and technologies.

Everyone who attended brought enthusiasm, energy, and a wealth of knowledge, contributing to the lively discussions and creating a vibrant atmosphere. Once again, thank you to everyone who participated and made this conference an event to remember – we’ll be back with more Leaders events soon!

The ultimate meeting place for senior fire and safety professionals

by Breaking NewsIFSJ ExclusivesIFSJ Leaders

Welcome to International Fire and Safety Journal’s official preview of the IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference, held in association with MSA Safety.

On 11 May 2023, the IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety conference will bring together over 120 of the most influential figures in the Middle East and Africa fire and safety industry to deliver a high class business forum focusing on business strategy, the latest trends, regulations and innovations from the region.

Held in collaboration with prominent associations, regional authorities, top manufacturers, and innovative solution providers, this highly anticipated conference will take place at The Grosvenor Hotel, Dubai Marina and will offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity for the most outstanding fire and safety companies and personnel in the region to connect and gain knowledge from influential speakers in attendance.

By utilising interactive panel discussions and face-to-face networking opportunities at this invite only event, delegates will be able to engage in high-level conversations which will explore key areas for business growth in the region. The conference will explore key topics influencing the region from a fire and safety perspective whilst putting the biggest challenges facing organisations in the region under the microscope.

Duncan J. White, IFSJ Managing Editor, who will also serve as a panel moderator, says the event will bring together regional fire and safety leadership professionals from all facets of the industry, who all have a single goal, namely: “To promote and enhance professional fire and safety practices and develop understanding of an ever-evolving industry.”

“The ISFJ Leaders in Fire and Safety Conference is pivotal in promoting higher standards of fire and safety in the region,” says White. “The UAE is a rapidly evolving region, with fascinating new approaches and advancements in fire and safety. This event will offer an insight into a few of these, by leading regional fire and safety subject matter experts.”

The Leaders Conference

Attendees to the IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference will hear insights from a wealth of industry experts working in and around the Middle East and Africa region.

After an introduction from Terry Johnson, Conference Chair, delegates will have the pleasure of being greeted by H.E. Brigadier Expert Ali Hassan Al Mutawa, Assistant Director-General of Dubai Civil Defense for Fire and Rescue Affairs, who will be presenting the Keynote Address and laying out the roadmap for fire and safety in Dubai throughout the rest of 2023 and beyond.

Panellists will be focussing their discussions on topics such as:  the impact of sustainability on fire safety in construction, artificial intelligence in fire-readiness, technology and innovation, health and wellbeing, the fire safety issues arising from lithium-ion batteries, PFAS in firefighting, carcinogen exposure, crisis management and strategic leadership in the fire sector.

As well as its proud partnership with Dubai Civil Defense, the IFSJ Leaders in Fire and Safety Conference is also delighted to be working alongside The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE).

From a technology perspective, the conference is being supported by an elite range of solutions providers and manufacturers including MSA Safety, Global Fire Equipment, Dafo Fomtec, Reacton, Performance Advantage Company, Nightstick, PBI Performance Products and De-Wipe.

In late 2022, International Fire and Safety Journal announced MSA as the event’s Platinum Partner. Jason Traynor, General Manager, Global Fire Service for MSA Safety, said: “At MSA Safety, we’re proud of the strong relationships we have built in the Middle East since we opened our first office in Dubai in the early 1980s.  We’re proud to partner with IFSJ for Leaders in Fire to continue to advance the strong relationships we have built in the Middle East since we opened our first office in Dubai in the early 1980s. Bringing together leaders in the industry in a platform like this will help ensure the very best protective equipment is available to firefighters on the front line, wherever they are in the world.”

A word from our Conference Chair…

The Conference is to be chaired by Terry Johnson Manager Crisis Preparedness & Emergency Response – Group HSE Department, ENOC, and recently appointed Regional President of the Institution of Fire Engineer’s GCC UAE branch.

“I am extremely proud to be Chairing the inaugural IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Event,” says Johnson. “This will be an excellent opportunity to bring together the most influential leaders from across the region, and further afield, to discuss current high-level issues and to explore opportunities for greater collaboration in the future.”

Dubai Civil Defense

Dubai Civil Defense (DCD) was founded in 1976 and is responsible for protecting the lives, properties, and environment of Dubai. DCD has a wide range of responsibilities, including: firefighting and rescue, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, public education and awareness, disaster preparedness and response, urban search and rescue, marine rescue, aviation rescue, environmental protection, occupational safety and health, and security and law enforcement. DCD is also a leader in the field of emergency management and has a strong track record of success in responding to a wide range of emergencies. DCD is a valuable asset to Dubai and plays a vital role in keeping the city safe.

The Institution of Fire Engineers

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) is a global professional membership body for those in the fire sector that seek to increase their knowledge, professional recognition and understanding of fire through a global discourse. It is leading the way in enabling fire professions to become rigorously assessed through a well-established and dynamic system of internationally recognised membership grades and fire-related qualifications. Managed for fire professionals by fire professionals, the IFE aims to promote, encourage and improve the science, practice and professionalism of fire engineering, acting as a beacon of established expertise and guiding the way to a fire safe future.

Why Dubai?

Dubai has established itself as a leader in the fire and safety industry, thanks to a range of factors that have contributed to the city’s strong safety culture.

The government of Dubai has played a critical role in promoting fire safety, with rigorous regulations in place to ensure buildings are constructed and maintained to the highest safety standards. This has helped to create a culture of safety where residents and businesses prioritise fire safety.

The Emirate has also invested heavily in technology and innovation to improve fire safety, with advanced fire detection systems, firefighting drones, and smart firefighting equipment. These technologies have helped to improve the speed and effectiveness of emergency response, making Dubai a safer place to live and work.

The Dubai Civil Defense Academy provides high-quality training and education for firefighters and other fire safety professionals, covering fire prevention, emergency response, and risk management, ensuring that Dubai’s firefighters are well-prepared and well-trained to handle any fire-related emergency.

Dubai has developed strong partnerships with other countries and organisations in the fire safety industry, allowing the city to stay up to date with the latest technologies and best practices in the field. Its commitment to fire safety has not only helped to protect its residents and visitors, but has also set an example for other countries and cities around the world.

IFSJ Exclusive: Stay Safe, Stay Agile with Hyfire

by Breaking NewsFire DetectionIFSJ Exclusives

Ollie Murray Hyfire’s Head of Sales for the UK, sat down with IFSJ Editor Iain Hoey to tell all about Taurus, TauREX and FIREX 2023

In recent years, wireless fire detection solutions have emerged as a game-changer in the fire safety industry. It offers several advantages over traditional wired systems, including easy installation, scalability, and flexibility. Hyfire, a leading provider of wireless fire detection solutions in the UK, has established itself as leading innovator and supplier of wireless fire alarm systems.

Having served as Hyfire’s Regional Sales Manager for the Southeast since 2021 and playing an integral play in the roll out of the company’s wireless detection flagship solutions Taurus and TauREX, Ollie Murray was promoted to Head of Sales for the UK. I sat down with Ollie to find out more about the Taurus and TauREX solutions, learn about what Hyfire has been up in recent years and what it’s got in store for FIREX 2023.

Who is Hyfire and what is its place in the fire market?

Hyfire was founded in 2007,  supplying wireless fire alarm and detection systems into the UK market. We have seen dramatic changes in the market demands, what is required of the company, and the systems that we have supplied over that time. In 2017 we were acquired by Halma as a move to spearhead their development within the fire industry.

Hyfire launched the Taurus product range in 2021 and it has been an overwhelming success, far more than we had imagined. A large contribution to that success has been down to the team at Hyfire – having such a focused, dedicated team that want to add value at every level has allowed us to continue pushing our boundaries. Our place in the market is now at the forefront as a wireless specialist, both in what we do and how we do it. We are recognised not just for our products, but our people and how we deliver the solution to the market.

Can you tell me more about the Taurus product line?

Taurus is a culmination of everything Hyfire has learned since 2007. It is offering market leading performance, it is highly adaptable and completely flexible, and it is used widely by the Hyfire partner network – it has become the core of the Hyfire business.

When we launched it into the market in 2021, did we perceive it would be where it was where it is now viewed? Probably not. It was designed to be an agile system from day one. It was designed, purely, as a wireless fire detection and alarm system, but very quickly, it has become a solution to system integrators. People are able to use our Taurus system in different ways, offering many answers to questions posed ways from what is a very focused product range.

In the last two years, we have been relied upon to provide fire detection alarm coverage to some of the most prestigious sites in the country. Taurus has become something very different to what we expected it to be, and that learning curve is continuing. We have learned so much in the last two years with this more focused product.

Can you tell me about the TauREX software?

Taurus is the product line, TauREX is the software. They are two very different things, but TauREX complements Taurus. We understood that a having product is good, but a providing a complete solution is what we needed it to be.

TauREX is the digital side of the configuration software. It is the software powering Taurus that the engineer uses. The software was designed by engineers for use by engineers. The configuration tool was a huge innovation for Hyfire – we learned over that last decade what works, what does not, what people have come to expect, and what people would like to have.

TauREX is a complete step into what is now possible with wireless fire detection. We offer the engineers the ability to upload site drawings, plans, and maps or designs into the software. They can digitally map their own fire detection system over the top of their own real-world plans. This gives them huge visibility of what the system is doing on a real footprint of a building. For engineers that are attending site for the first time or are new to the site, It means they’re not just looking at names, letters and numbers: they’re looking at a real image of the building where the devices are with accurate information on exactly how they’re behaving.

TauREX also offers you the ability to run a PDF report of the system. It data captures everything that the engineers put into it from site name, site address, key contacts, date of creation, all the way down to manufactured date of product, any notes assigned by the engineer, firmware versions, and most importantly, signal levels – it is a wireless system, we have to record the signal levels.

Putting all of the information into one place for the engineer at one click of a button is a huge leap forward into what we are able to offer our partners. They are no longer having to manually write everything down. It also offers huge transparency from the manufacturer to the integrator to the end user. We can show who installed it, when it was installed, the date it was manufactured, and the signal levels at the time of recording it, all in one purpose-built report that shows you all the information in a clear-cut document. There’s no hiding from it, there is no falsifying it: it is a transparent document that allows everyone to be on the same page.

It works in many different ways for different people, but it has become really effective, and we find the more people use it, the more benefits they find in TauREX. It is an agile tool.

Are there any new additions or updates to the software?

TauREX has been out for two years now. When we launched it, based on first impressions and working with some key partners in launching it, we knew we were onto something good. Two years have gone very quickly, and we have learned that there is a lot more to be developed. There is always room for improvement. Working closely with the partners shows us that our work isn’t done: there is more that we can do to keep driving change and growth. We know that in the future there are additional improvements that we are going to have to make which will further improve the solution.

One new development is our QR code gun which enables users to scan devices into TauREX much quicker. Engineers will be able to use a wireless QR code scanner to scan in devices at speed, even faster than they currently are. We already offer our partners an edge when it comes to speed of programming, and now we are improving that again: it is going to be going to be even quicker. That development came from listening to feedback from our partners.

The other new development is that our users are going to be able to map and link devices quicker. Wireless is often referred to as a rapid solution and tests engineering capabilities. The slight improvements that we can make through listening to feedback are going to have the greater effect down the line to our partners.

What should people look out for from Hyfire at FIREX?

We have a couple of exciting things coming in months ahead – but people will have to come to FIREX to find out a little bit more about those, so come and see us and we will be able reveal a little bit more there. There is definitely more coming and we are not sitting still. We have got a demonstration of BS 8629 for people to come and see.

To people that have seen Taurus before, to our partners: come see the improvements that we have made to our products. To people that have not seen what Hyfire can do: you don’t know what you have been missing for two years, and we have even more to show than ever before, so make sure you stop by.

Finally, how will Hyfire remain agile in the years ahead?

One thing that I don’t think has changed, and dare I say we have probably gotten better at, is the delivery of the product and the service and the value that we add. Even though the business has upscaled, and the business has changed in a positive way, we have become more refined in what we are doing, and how we are doing it.

For us, to continue adding that value to the partners, learning how to adapt both with them and for them is really where I have really enjoyed the last couple of years of being at Hyfire. This new role for me is about how we shape the upcoming years continue to add that value and that next stage of what Hyfire can and will offer, learning from the success that we have had in the last two years.

The emphasis from Hyfire is that our wireless detection solutions are at the forefront of the industry. The reasons for that are the products, the partners, and the people. The products are market leading; the partners that we work with trust us to develop a product and around them and their needs, which has been crucial; and having the right people at Hyfire has allowed us to gain the trust of those partners.

We listen to the feedback as and when it is required, and this has allowed us to bring about changes to the market that are not only going to meet people’s expectations, but that are going to allow us to take that next step. For me, Hyfire’s greatest strength is the people and the partners: we could not have done any of it without them.

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

IFSJ Exclusive: The Last Word with TBA Firefly

by Breaking NewsIFSJ Exclusives

Dr Karthick Govarthanam, General Manager at Firefly – TBA Protective Technologies Ltd, talks fire testing, transparency and the Fire Safety Event

What is your role at TBA Firefly? 

I am General Manager of the business, having previously lead technical and product development functions in other parts of our group, also specialising in thermal resistant technical textiles. Product development, testing, compliance and certifications is absolutely central to the FIREFLY proposition and I remain very focused on this area of the business, being the technical lead as well as the General Manager. 

Does TBA Firefly have any new products of note?

A key recent product and one we continue to develop, is fire-rated access panels. It is a good example of closing the circle to provide customer-lead solutions. While we can have the best barriers, full testing and certification and trained installers, our FR120 Access Panels have delivered that final link – almost the element that is the interface between a passive fire barrier installation and the realities of people and trades continuing to work in this environment.

What is TBA Firefly working on at the moment?

We’ve been working with damper suppliers to provide tested solutions and in particular we have been doing a huge amount of work with the NHS, working collaboratively to provide specific solutions for clients to do large fire protection upgrades with minimal disruption – which would clearly cause a problems in many healthcare settings – as well as developing some really innovative new applications for our flexible barriers in quite specific uses within the NHS estate.

These things do require a lot of development work and then of course all the fire testing – but solving ongoing challenges for very  large customers also brings its own reward. It is good to see our expertise in development, manufacture and on-site restrictions all being put to good use.

What is TBA Firefly showcasing at the Fire Safety Event? 

We always look to show both new product and new solutions at the show and this year we will be very pleased to be offering something brand new and not readily available on the market – a Fire Door system that has been tested as a system alongside our flexible fire barriers to maintain the level of protection while also offering full scale access. This is something we are confident is going to be embraced for use in large commercial roof voids with a multitude of services and repeated access required.

Do you have any words of wisdom to share with IFSJ readers?

All clients and specifiers should be relentless in demanding clarity and transparency in all areas – testing, certification, detail drawings and technical advice on site. Reputable manufacturers have a wealth of expertise to lean on, so please make use of it. Installation remains a critical piece of the jigsaw and we have trained over 1,000 installers in fitting our barriers, but the same rules apply – check they are trained in the particular product, check they are 3rd party certified and maybe which trade bodies they belong to. So for fire protection generally, be demanding, check credentials, expect evidence and don’t be hesitant to ask for it if required.

This article was originally published in the April edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

IFSJ Exclusive: The good practice guide to fire safety

by Breaking NewsIFSJ ExclusivesSafety

IFSJ takes a look at the IWFM’s Fire Safety Management good practice guide produced in partnership with PlanRadar

On Monday 23 January, the first of several pieces of fire and building safety legislation arriving in 2023 came into force in the UK. In order to help facilities managers stay up to date with the latest statutory guidance and industry best practice, the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) published a newly updated ‘Fire safety management’ good practice guide (GPG), developed in partnership with B2B software company and fire consultancy specialists PlanRadar.

The guide sets out the key requirements for managing fire safety in England where the Regulatory (Reform) Fire Safety Order 2005 applies and provides core good practice and signposting for facilities management professionals, those with Responsible Persons duties, and those acting on behalf of Responsible Persons (RPs).

The GPG has been updated to include requirements from the Fire Safety Act 2021, the Building Act 2022, and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, and outlines the relevant legislation for Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Responsible Persons

The Fire Safety Order requires an RP to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks relevant persons are exposed to in order to identify the fire precautions they need to take to be able to comply with the requirements and exclusions required of them by the Fire Safety Order.

The aim of new regulation is to improve the communication of fire risk information between RPs and residents, such as providing up-to-date electronic building floor plans to local fire services and including a hard copy of floor plans on-site in a secure information box. RPs are also required to monitor lifts and firefighting equipment operation on a monthly basis and carry out repairs as needed. Facilities managers are responsible for understanding all the fire risk elements of an asset and keeping track of all installation, maintenance, and replacement data.

A facilities manager can be an RP, and so the definitions for a Responsible Person is wide-ranging. Where a facilities manager is not the RP, the scope of the risk assessment must be clearly defined in writing. It will therefore be essential for facilities managers to have a clear and accurate definition of the exact role they, or any other property manager, have agreed to undertake on behalf of the Responsible Person.

“The risk of potential prosecution and heavy fines will provide motivation to improving the lax approach to safety checks.”

Part of the idea is that by placing increased emphasis on the RP, the risk of potential prosecution and heavy fines will provide motivation and should go some way to improving the lax approach to safety checks – particularly around fire doors. A full, tamperproof audit trail of all completed work will be instrumental in meeting these new legal requirements.

What does the guide cover?

The guide provides UK-focussed guidance and signposting for facilities management professionals, those with RPs duties, and those acting on behalf of RPs, so they can meet the latest fire safety legislation requirements.

It was updated following the tragic loss of life from 2017’s Grenfell Tower fire, policy changes resulted in several pieces of legislation being introduced or updated. The guide supports IWFM members and the workplace and facilities management sector in learning and complying with those wide-ranging changes to fire safety.

“Workplace and facilities managers play a critical role in driving fire safety within workplaces and residential buildings,” says IWFM. “As a professional body, it’s IWFM’s duty to support our members when keeping people safe. Upskilling people and driving competence was a core pillar of Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety; providing guidance is one such route towards continuous learning and becoming more competent.

“IWFM helped to shape both Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review, and the various pieces of legislation that resulted from it, including the Building Safety Act 2022.”

On how IWFM it ended up working with PlanRadar, it adds: “IWFM engages in strategic partnerships with leading innovative brands to help us enhance our research and insight offering, provide greater value to our members, and strengthen our voice for the workplace and facilities management profession.”

A new era of compliance

PlanRadar says that 2023 heralds a new era in fire safety and compliance and so Facilities Managers (FMs) need to be on top of the new legislative detail to maintain and future-proof their buildings and assets: “The focus is on increased accountability to create a safer, smarter, and more responsible industry, with tough repercussions for those who fall short.

“Fire safety standards and knowledge vary wildly between businesses and these new regulations represent a step towards safer construction. By partnering with the IWFM, PlanRadar can help provide some clarity and guidance around the new key requirements for managing fire safety in the United Kingdom.”

Incorporating a digital-first approach will also help to fill the skills gap left by a lack of fire engineers.

Businesses now need to be solutions-driven, with a requirement for digital systems which can capture and record to be in place from 23rd January 2023 to ensure ongoing compliance with the Fire Safety Regulations. PlanRadar says that incorporating a digital-first approach will also help to fill the skills gap left by a lack of fire engineers and eliminate human error throughout fire safety assessments.

The consultancy adds: “The combination of our digital platform and the IWFM´s new guidance ensures that FMs have the best knowledge and best practice at their fingertips. At PlanRadar we try to make working together easier and equipping our clients with both the relevant legislative guidance and a sophisticated, flexible platform ensures they can simply and quickly create the relevant tamperproof audit trail they need to create a golden thread of information throughout the build-lifecycle.”

This article was originally published in the April edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference: Bringing decision makers together

by Breaking NewsEventsIFSJ ExclusivesIFSJ Leaders

With less than a month until to go until the IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference, here’s everything you need to know

On 11 May 2023, International Fire & Safety Journal will bring together the most influential figures from the Middle East and Africa fire and safety industry at the ISFJ Leaders in Fire and Safety conference, held in association with MSA Safety. The one-day event will deliver a high-class business forum that focuses on business strategy, latest trends, regulations and innovations from the region.

Why you should attend

Taking place at The Grosvenor Hotel, Dubai Marina, the much-anticipated conference will provide a unique platform for the very best fire and safety companies and personnel in the region to network with one another and learn from the host of influential speakers in attendance.

By utilising interactive panel discussions and face-to-face networking opportunities at this invite only event, delegates can anticipate high-level conversations which will explore key areas for business growth in the region. The conference will explore key topics influencing the region from a fire and safety perspective whilst putting the biggest challenges facing organisations in the region under the microscope.

Keynote address

The IFSJ Leaders in Fire and Safety Conference is proud to partner with Dubai Civil Defense. H.E. Brigadier Expert Ali Hassan Al Mutawa, Assistant Director-General of Dubai Civil Defense for Fire and Rescue Affairs, will be presenting the Keynote Address and laying out the roadmap for fire and safety in Dubai throughout the rest of 2023 and beyond.

Event partners

IFSJ is delighted to be working alongside The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE). The Conference is to be chaired by Terry Johnson Manager Crisis Preparedness & Emergency Response – Group HSE Department, ENOC, and recently appointed Regional President of the Institution of Fire Engineer’s GCC UAE branch.

“I am extremely proud to be Chairing the inaugural IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Event,” says Johnson. “This will be an excellent opportunity to bring together the most influential leaders from across the region, and further afield, to discuss current high-level issues and to explore opportunities for greater collaboration in the future.”

In addition to Platinum sponsor MSA Safety, the conference has also attracted a significant amount of interest from solutions providers and manufacturers and is being supported by Global Fire Equipment, Dafo Fomtec, Reacton, Performance Advantage Company, Nightstick, PBI Performance Products and De-Wipe.

Learn and engage

Jason Traynor, General Manager at MSA Safety, the conference’s Platinum sponsor, says the conference will provide an opportunity to learn and engage with global manufacturers who wake up every day thinking about firefighters and firefighting safety.

“It is a unique opportunity for people in region in the industry to have something at home rather than being asked to fly to a massive trade show where you have a less controlled, more arbitrary experience,” says Traynor. “Leaders in Fire has a very clear agenda and opportunity to learn and engage and do it in a way that is specifically tailored towards the fire rescue service in the Middle East.”

Promoting higher standards

Duncan J. White, IFSJ Managing Editor, who will also serve as a panel moderator, says the event will bring together regional fire and safety leadership professionals from all facets of the industry, who all have a single goal, namely: “To promote and enhance professional fire and safety practices and develop understanding of an ever-evolving industry.

“The ISFJ Leaders in Fire and Safety Conference is pivotal in promoting higher standards of fire and safety in the region,” says White. “The UAE is a rapidly evolving region, with fascinating new approaches and advancements in fire and safety. This event will offer an insight into a few of these, by leading regional fire and safety subject matter experts.”

Advisory panel

IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety is pleased to announce the addition of Salma Al Ali, Head of Engineering Section at Dubai Civil Defense to our esteemed advisory panel.

She joins: Terry Johnson, Regional President of the Institution of Fire Engineer’s GCC UAE branch; David Campbell, General Manager, Dubai Civil Defense’s Emirates Safety Laboratory; Mark Buckingham – Head of Emergency Preparedness at Abu Dhabi Airport; Robert Davies BSc (Hons) MSc CEng MIFireE CFPS, Operations Director at WSP in the Middle East; Sinclair Duffie – Chief Fire Officer, Nawah Energy Company; and John Cowling – Security & Safety Specialist, Industry Influencer.

Register now

IFSJ Leader in Fire & Safety is an invite-only event. For those interested in attending, please register your interest at https://ifsjleadersinfireandsafety.com/register/ or contact iain.hoey@intfireandsafetyjournal.com.