Mastering emergencies in virtual spaces with LION Protects (EMEA)

by Breaking NewsIFSJ ExclusivesTraining

Martin Joosen, Managing Director of LION Protects (EMEA), explores the rise of VR and digital simulations in fire safety, addressing key challenges and innovative solutions in the industry

Can you start by giving us an overview of LION Protects EMEA?

LION Protects EMEA is a fully independent subsidiary of LION US, meaning we’re part of the larger LION group.

Our headquarters are in the US, and the EMEA headquarters are located in Tilburg, the Netherlands.

At LION Protects EMEA, we’re passionate about making fire safety training not only more effective but also more engaging.

Our focus has always been on ensuring that people—whether they are firefighters, industrial workers, or anyone in need of safety training—are properly prepared to handle real emergencies.

In recent years, we’ve recognised the need for innovation, particularly in training.

That’s why we’ve adopted technologies like virtual reality (VR) and digital simulations.

These advancements have allowed us to rethink how fire safety training is delivered, making it more accessible, adaptable, and immersive.

What challenges in traditional fire safety training led LION to explore immersive technologies like VR and digital simulations?

Traditional fire safety training, while effective, has its limitations.

One of the main challenges is that it often depends on controlled live-fire scenarios or theoretical classroom settings.

While both have their strengths, live-fire training can be expensive, logistically complex, and not always feasible in certain environments.

Classroom-based training, on the other hand, sometimes lacks the practical, hands-on experience that really helps the information stick.

A major challenge in the field is that firefighters around the world primarily train with carbonaceous fire, which closely resembles real-life conditions.

It’s hot, involves real flames, and produces black smoke.

But as we know, that black smoke is highly toxic and therefore dangerous.

This presents two main issues.

First, it’s harmful to the environment due to the release of CO2 and toxic particles.

Second, firefighters are exposed to those same toxic particles during training, which many countries are working to reduce.

This has led to a demand for alternative training methods, such as VR and digital simulations.

Research in Europe showed that 75% of all training needs can be addressed through digital simulations, with only 25% requiring live fire training, which remains a necessary part of their programs.

This balance is at the core of our NFTT (New Fire Training Technology) concept, which promotes a combination of traditional Wood/Gas and Digital training methods.

While hot fire training will not disappear, NFTT offers a way to reduce its frequency by using safer, more flexible alternatives like virtual reality and digital simulations, ultimately making training more efficient without compromising realism.

How do VR and digital simulations differ from traditional fire safety training methods?

They differ because there’s no real fire, no black smoke, and no toxic particles like CO2.

So, it’s safer, cleaner, and thanks to the latest technology, it comes very close to being realistic.

Virtual reality and digital simulations offer a more dynamic and interactive approach to fire safety training.

Unlike traditional methods, where you might watch a video or read about what to do in an emergency, VR places you right in the middle of the action.

It’s like the difference between reading a map and actually navigating through a city.

In VR, trainees can walk through a virtual environment, assess risks, and make decisions in real time.

With digital simulations, we can recreate almost any type of environment or fire scenario, allowing trainees to experience a wide variety of situations that they might not encounter during traditional training.

How does VR create a more engaging and realistic training environment for learners?

It’s all about the training scenarios, which can be done with both virtual reality and digital simulations.

Especially with digital, we can integrate these products into real-life settings, like buildings, ships, or planes—basically anywhere.

By using digital panels and simulated smoke, we build scenarios that are about 95% realistic.

The only things missing are heat and real flames.

In fact, we’ve had situations where even firefighters were confused, thinking they were entering a real fire, only to realise it was a digital simulation.

That’s how realistic it can be.

Trainees aren’t just passive recipients of information—they’re active participants.

When you put on a VR headset, you’re transported into an environment that looks and feels very close to real life.

For example, you might find yourself inside a burning building, needing to assess the situation, locate the fire, and decide on the best course of action, all while under pressure.

This level of realism makes the training much more impactful.

Learners can see how quickly a fire spreads or how visibility decreases in thick smoke.

VR provides real-time feedback—if someone makes a mistake, they can witness the immediate consequences in the simulation, which is a powerful learning experience.

And the fact that they can do all this in a safe, controlled setting without real-world risks makes it an even more effective training tool.

Are there particular scenarios or types of fire safety training where VR and simulations are especially effective?

They are especially effective when training in existing buildings or environments where live fire isn’t possible.

For example, if you want to conduct fire safety training in a hospital, you can’t use real fire.

Everyone understands that.

But with digital and VR technologies, you can simulate training in that environment.

This is where the connection between digital and VR really comes into play.

VR and digital simulations are particularly effective in high-risk, complex, or large-scale fire scenarios that would be too dangerous or difficult to recreate through traditional methods.

Industrial settings—like oil and gas facilities—or large commercial buildings, and even maritime environments, benefit significantly from this technology.

With systems like LION’s BullsEye™ and R.A.C.E.

Station, trainees can experience realistic fire behaviour in familiar environments, such as office spaces, without the risks or cleanup involved with live fire drills.

How does the use of immersive technologies impact the overall retention and preparedness of trainees?

Fire rescue training is extremely important because, in active duty, firefighters aren’t often confronted with real emergency situations—it varies depending on the country and circumstances.

These new training technologies are highly beneficial because they allow for more frequent training sessions with fewer people.

You need fewer instructors due to the enhanced safety of VR training.

But the most important aspect is the health factor, which has become a global concern.

Black smoke contains toxic particles that can cause cancer, and these technologies help minimise firefighters’ exposure to those harmful substances.

When trainees are placed in realistic, high-pressure scenarios, they are more likely to retain critical information.

This hands-on experience allows them to actively make decisions, which is far more effective than passive learning methods like classroom instruction.

In a VR environment, they can practice firefighting techniques repeatedly, learning from their mistakes without the real-world risks.

This repetition, combined with the realism of the scenarios, improves muscle memory and decision-making skills under pressure.

What logistical advantages do VR and digital simulations offer?

VR and digital simulations are fully mobile and can be used in almost any situation.

The key advantage of VR and digital training is that you can use it anywhere, unlike traditional gas and wood-based fire training, which requires special locations.

Traditional fire safety training can be logistically complex, often requiring specialised facilities, equipment, and even travel to specific locations.

VR eliminates many of these obstacles.

Trainees can access high-quality simulations from any location, making this technology ideal for remote or hard-to-reach areas.

With VR, scenarios can be repeated multiple times without additional costs or safety risks, allowing trainees to practice until they master a skill.

Additionally, systems like LION’s BullsEye™ and R.A.C.E.

Station are highly portable, making them scalable for both small and large training groups.

This flexibility is beneficial for organisations of any size.

How does LION ensure that these offering reflects the latest in fire safety protocols and scenarios?

We work very closely with firefighters around the world, in different communities.

We also have our own instructors within the company who are firefighters and fire instructors to ensure our training scenarios are always up to date.

These instructors focus on new challenges that emerge in the field.

Through partnerships with simulation experts, like our collaboration with VSTEP’s Response Simulator, LION can integrate real-world experiences and new fire safety challenges into our training tools.

For instance, LION’s digital and VR-based systems are built on adaptable platforms, allowing us to easily incorporate new fire scenarios, emerging hazards, and updated safety protocols.

We also collaborate closely with first responders and fire departments, gathering insights on evolving threats and operational strategies.

This helps us ensure our systems reflect the most current firefighting methods and protocols.

How do you see VR and digital simulations evolving within the fire safety training industry?

A good example is the growing focus on electric vehicles—how do you train firefighters to handle fires involving electric vehicles? It’s a hot topic right now, and we rely on the knowledge and insights we get from experienced firefighters to guide us.

The future of VR and digital simulations in fire safety training looks very promising, with advancements in realism, AI integration, and scenario customisation.

As the technology evolves, we can expect even more detailed and immersive simulations that incorporate factors like environmental changes, dynamic fire behaviour, and real-time decision-making analytics.

The integration of AI with VR will likely allow for more personalised training experiences, where the system adapts to a trainee’s performance and challenges them with increasingly complex scenarios.

Additionally, as VR technology becomes more affordable and accessible, its use will likely expand beyond professional firefighters into sectors like healthcare, education, and corporate environments.

This will provide essential fire safety training to a broader audience.

This article featured in IFSJ’s Special Report on Training. To read the full report in the FREE October Digital Edition of IFSJ, click here.

This article was originally published in the September 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

The Power of Perseverance: How two trailblazing firefighters are changing the narrative of what it means to be a girl

by Breaking NewsIFSJ Exclusives

Antarctic Fire Angels Georgina Gilbert and Rebecca Openshaw-Rowe are changing the narrative of what it means to be a girl

Georgina Gilbert and Rebecca “Bex” Openshaw-Rowe, two trailblazing female firefighters and athletes, undertook a monumental expedition last year across Antarctica, skiing 1,230 kilometres to the South Pole.

Driven by a passion for inspiring women and girls, they completed their journey unassisted, unpowered, and unsupported, all while challenging gender stereotypes.

Now, they are preparing for their next adventure—the Great World Race, where they will run seven marathons across seven continents in just seven days.

In this interview, IFSJ Editor Iain Hoey found out about their extraordinary mission, the challenges they’ve faced and their ongoing commitment to changing the narrative around what it means to be a girl.

What were some of the standout moments for you during your Antarctic expedition?

ROR: The standout moment has got to be when we first touched down in Antarctica.

We’d spent four years planning and prepping, and many people doubted we’d make it.

But standing at the bottom of the world, realising we were actually going to do it—it was an unbelievable feeling.

GG: There were lows too—the monotony, the Groundhog Day feeling.

Still, we found humour even in the non-humorous moments, which kept us going.

Being able to laugh at ourselves, handle criticism, and still remain friends through it all—that was another big high.

ROR: Some of the views out there were otherworldly, like being on another planet.

On good weather days, we’d have a 360-degree horizon—just snow and sky, nothing else. It was incredible.

I remember one day, something about the weather systems created this surreal environment—ice crystals floating in the air, everything sparkling.

It felt like we were in a different dimension. The whole day was strange but amazing at the same time.

What were the biggest physical and mental challenges you faced?

GG: The whiteouts and flat light. In a whiteout, you can’t see the horizon, and with flat light, you can’t see the ground, making it impossible to spot the sastrugi (snow ridges) that could be two inches to seven feet tall.

You’d be right on top of them without knowing.

We were lucky not to injure ourselves or break equipment, especially hearing from other expeditions dealing with multiple broken ski bindings.

Some days, after battling through these conditions, we’d look at the GPS and be shocked we’d done 20 kilometres—it was surreal.

The whole time, you’re in disbelief at what your body is enduring and how you manage to get up and repeat it day after day.

ROR: For me, the reality hit around the second week. We weren’t doing anywhere near the mileage we had planned.

Mentally, we prepared to cover 25 kilometres a day, but the sleds were heavier than expected—120 kilos instead of the planned 85.

The terrain was also tougher, with unprecedented sastrugi everywhere, slowing us down. Some days, we managed only 13 kilometres in 10 hours.

That second week was tough because we started calculating whether we had enough food.

We had 55 days’ worth, but I remember thinking, “I don’t think we have enough to make it to the pole.”

It was a reality check that despite all the prep, you can’t fully predict the unknown.

Fortunately, after that week, we started moving faster and caught up on time, but it was a low point for both of us.

What lasting lessons or takeaways do you both carry with you from that incredible journey?

ROR: It’s amazing how far your mind can push your body when you’re focused on a goal.

In the last three weeks of our Antarctica journey, George and I had no idea how we were still moving 10-12 hours a day.

We didn’t know what was fuelling us, but our minds were so focused on the finish that we just kept going.

GG: You really learn the importance of open conversations.

At home, we tend to stew on things, but during our training, we realised we had to air everything, no matter how small.

It could be petty things, like who always digs the snow skirt or takes out the tent pegs. We’d snap at each other, but it was better to address it than to let it build up.

If you harbour stuff, it can make things darker, but being able to talk openly every day helped us handle it.

How did the Great World Race come about?

ROR: About three weeks after we came back from Antarctica, Great World Race popped up on my Instagram feed.

I sent it to George, not expecting her to say yes – but she did, and then I thought, “Oh no, what have I done?”

We’d said we’d be normal people after Antarctica, but after a few weeks, the urge to do something big hit again.

So when this came up, I told George we had to do it in fire gear to stay visible as role models.

We didn’t want to be just generic runners; we wanted to continue promoting visibility for women firefighters.

This race is one marathon a day for seven days across seven continents.

How cool would it be to see two female firefighters running in fire gear across the globe? We’ll be struggling, but it’ll be amazing for visibility.

We start the first marathon in Antarctica on November 15th, then spend the week flying overnight to the next continent, running, and repeating.

It’s going to be brutal, and recovery will be key.

What is the training process like for this compared to your last expedition?

GG: We’ve gone from four years of prep to five months.

We got our endurance coach, John, who trained us for the expedition, and he offered to help with this one too we said ‘yes, please!’ It’s good to have a structured program to follow; otherwise, you might skip a run when you’re tired.

Having that structure is great. When we started training, I was still recovering from Antarctica, which takes months mentally and physically.

But having a new program actually helped pull me out of the recovery phase and into the next challenge.

Initially, we were meant to take part next year, but the organiser contacted us and said they were filming a Netflix documentary and asked if we could do it this year.

We said, “Why not? Let’s do it!” That’s kind of what we’re known for—saying yes to things.

Can you talk about the Fire Angel Foundation?

GG: Before we left for Antarctica, we decided to start the Fire Angel Foundation. Right now, we’re working with UK fire cadets, specifically focusing on young women.

The idea is to give them a glimpse of what we’ve had the privilege of experiencing.

The key theme is girls supporting other girls, building self-esteem, and learning to support themselves and their peers.

As a natural outcome, this will hopefully lead to women supporting women.

It’s about nurturing self-confidence because we know girls and women tend to learn differently in all-female groups compared to co-ed settings.

The UK fire cadets have a good gender balance, but we’ve noticed that when the girls reach the age where they could consider joining the fire service, many don’t see it as a viable career.

A big part of that is because they don’t see themselves represented in the ranks—from firefighter to Chief Fire Officer.

Boys often embrace the hero element of the job, but girls tend to struggle with that identification because they don’t see themselves in those roles.

We’re trying to change that by showing them that they can have a career in the fire service.

We’re working with female firefighters and cadet leaders to give these young women insight into the career and help them develop the confidence to pursue it.

The goal is to use the skills they gain as cadets to move into full-time firefighting roles and help improve the gender balance in the fire service.

Women make up more than half of the population, so it only makes sense that they should be more represented in firefighting roles.

But this isn’t happening, and it’s often due to confidence, self-esteem, and the feeling of not belonging.

These issues start at a young age, and it’s our mission to help change that.

ROR: The Fire Angel Foundation is a big focus for us moving forward.

But in terms of challenges, I don’t think we’re finished yet.

We’ve got some plans for something big within the UK in a couple of years. If we can pull it off, it’ll be epic.

But the overarching reason for everything we do is visibility as female firefighters and investing in the future generation.

We want to inspire young women to see this as a career option and to know they can do it.

Your mission revolves around “changing the narrative of what it means to be a girl” – what does being a girl mean to you?

GG: There’s still this stigma –  “throw like a girl,” “cry like a girl,” “run like a girl” – it’s ridiculous.

You see kids pretend to run like a girl, and it’s this exaggerated, silly image. But how many girls actually run like that? It’s ingrained at such a young age.

We’re trying to reframe it. I once saw this image of a woman, an athlete, throwing a T-shirt into a crowd, and someone captioned it “like a girl.” It was perfect.

That’s when it clicked for us—do everything like a girl.

We talked openly about our experiences in Antarctica, how it’s different for women on expeditions, from toileting to hygiene. We wanted to normalise it.

So, yes—run like a girl, ski like a girl, do an expedition like a girl. And when you look at that, it’s powerful. That’s what it means to be a girl.

ROR: Kids pick up stereotypes at such a young age—three or four years old. We want to change that.

Gender shouldn’t determine what you can try or do in life. It shouldn’t even be a question for young girls.

They should never think, “I can’t do that because I’m a girl.” It’s about role models and also educating parents.

We want kids to believe they can do anything, regardless of gender. That’s the world we want them to grow up in.

Join Bex Openshaw-Rowe and Georgina Gilbert at The Emergency Services Show as they recount their extraordinary 53-day trek to the South Pole at the People & Skills Stage today. Discover what these two fearless firefighters learned about resilience, teamwork, and the harsh realities of the elements during this life-changing expedition. Don’t miss this inspiring talk at Hall 5!

This article was originally published in the September 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Fuelling progress through partnership: IFSJ and IFE announce Memorandum of Understanding

by Breaking NewsFire EngineeringIFSJ Exclusives

International Fire and Safety Journal (IFSJ) and the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) are joining forces to help shape the future of fire safety by supporting the next generation of industry professionals

International Fire and Safety Journal (IFSJ) is pleased to announce that we have joined forces with Industry leading professional body, the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) in a partnership to support and drive interest to early career professionals in the fire industry.

The parent company of IFSJ, Centurian Media, is collaborating with the IFE in an effort to give further support to early career professionals in the fire sector and drive interest to industry. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was mutually signed, highlighting several key focal areas for collaboration, including:

  • Dissemination of research
  • Promoting the achievements of young professionals in fire
  • Facilitating mentorship programmes
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Keen to further international collaboration, CEO of the IFE, Steve Hamm, commented: “We’re thrilled to take our collaboration with Centurian Media to new heights. It’s essential that early career professionals within the fire sector have access to sufficient intel and resource, enabling them to grow as professionals.

“By combining the strengths and resources from both organisations, we can create a clear support network for budding talent entering the industry, promoting innovation, excellence, and drive interest to the fire sector.”

IFSJ and FSJA (Fire Safety Journal Americas), together with the IFE’s journal, the International Fire Professional, drive technical content that serve as CPD, enhancing professional growth and impact.

Ian Stokes, CEO of Centurian Media, commented: “We are honoured to formalise this partnership with the Institution of Fire Engineers, an organisation with a longstanding reputation for advancing fire safety and engineering worldwide.

“This alliance highlights our shared goal of supporting fire safety professionals by equipping them with the knowledge, recognition and mentorship needed to excel. Together with the IFE, we are helping to build a community that encourages innovation, inclusion, and continuous professional development, driving the future of fire safety.”

The collaboration between the IFE and IFSJ is set to begin immediately, with a plan to be released imminently.

Dissemination of research

This partnership will see the systematic sharing and promotion of fire safety research across professional and academic platforms. By disseminating research, both the IFE and Centurian Media aim to make recent findings and insights accessible to early career professionals. The goal is to provide young professionals with access to high-quality information that can aid their decision-making and foster innovation in their careers.

Promoting the achievements of young professionals in fire

By celebrating the work of professionals, the collaboration aims to provide role models for others in the field, boost confidence among emerging talents, and encourage continuous engagement and excellence.

Facilitating mentorship programmes

Mentorship programs can provide structured opportunities for learning, where mentees can ask questions, seek career advice, and benefit from the wealth of knowledge that experienced fire safety engineers and leaders have gained throughout their careers. This support is essential for career development and helps young professionals build networks, gain practical insights, and refine their skills.

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

The IFE and Centurian Media recognise that a more diverse workforce brings a range of perspectives and ideas, which is crucial for advancing the field of fire safety, creating a fire sector that embraces people from various backgrounds, including different races, genders, ethnicities, and socioeconomic statuses.

About the IFE

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. With over 100 years of history, the IFE is instrumental in shaping a future world that is safer from fire.

Through its ceaseless betterment and sharing of knowledge, it has led 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. The IFE delivers more than 6,000 exams annually.

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.

Specialist training for heavy vehicle rescue

by Breaking NewsIFSJ ExclusivesTraining

Michael Maybin, Director of Operations, IRRTC Rescue Ltd, explores the importance of specialised training for heavy vehicle rescues and its impact on responder readiness

For emergency services, the ability to respond effectively to incidents involving heavy vehicles is crucial.

I have witnessed first-hand the importance of comprehensive training programs tailored to professional rescue organisations, such as UK Fire Services, and their counterparts globally.

This article will delve into the benefits of offering specialised heavy vehicle rescue training, highlighting the critical aspects of exposure to heavy vehicles, the unique challenges posed by their design and fuel systems, and the indispensable knowledge and skills required to manage such complex scenarios.

The importance of heavy vehicle rescue training

Heavy vehicle rescue operations differ significantly from standard motor vehicle extrications due to the sheer size, weight, and complexity of the vehicles involved.

Training professional rescue organisations in these specialised techniques ensures that responders are well-prepared to handle the unique challenges they might face.

Such training enhances operational efficiency, reduces response times, and ultimately saves lives.

HGV tractor units are often hard to access and cost prohibitive for UK Fire Services to get exposure to.

I was interviewed on the Fire Fighters Podcast Episode #267, in December 2023, about overcoming the challenge of heavy vehicle rescue, and fundamentally this is why IRRTC Rescue offer the course.

Benefits of specialised training for professional rescue organisations

  1. Improved response capability: Specialised training equips rescue teams with the knowledge and skills to handle heavy vehicle incidents efficiently. This includes understanding the structural integrity of heavy vehicles, utilising appropriate tools and techniques, and managing the scene effectively.
  2. Enhanced safety for responders: Our training emphasises the importance of safety protocols when dealing with heavy vehicles. This includes understanding the risks associated with working at height, the increased weight and strength of these vehicles, and the potential hazards posed by modern fuel systems.
  3. Adaptability to technological advancements: As vehicle technology evolves, so too must the training for rescue personnel. With the advent of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hydrogen fuel cells, compressed natural gas (CNG), biomethane, and hydrogen/electric systems, responders must be adept at identifying and managing the unique risks associated with each type of fuel system as the future of these vehicles evolve.
  4. International organisation for standardisation: ISO 17840, can be used world-wide for first and second responders as is a world-wide standard in cooperation with Euro NCAP, SIS and ISO with their ‘Know before you approach!’ ethos.

Exposure to heavy vehicles: a critical learning component

Hands-on exposure to heavy vehicles is a cornerstone of effective rescue training.

This practical experience allows responders to familiarise themselves with the physical and operational characteristics of these vehicles, fostering a deeper understanding that theoretical training alone cannot provide.

IRRTC prides itself on offering this for real world use and benefit.

Real-world training scenarios

Training programs we incorporate include realistic factors that prepare the responders for what they will encounter in the field.

This includes the opportunity to look around new HGVs, LGVs, inside and outside, underneath them and trailers to see the operating systems and how they function.

This is delivered by an HGV recovery expert.

Heavy vehicles, particularly those in the transport and construction industries, often involve working at height.

Our training includes the use of specialised equipment, working platforms, safe systems of work

Heavy vehicles present unique challenges due to their increased weight and structural strength.

The cohort attending must learn how to use heavy-duty cutting and lifting equipment effectively to extricate trapped individuals safely.

Addressing the challenges of modern fuel systems

The shift towards alternative fuel systems in heavy vehicles introduces new risks and complexities for rescue operations.

Understanding these systems is vital for ensuring the safety of both responders and victims.

For HGVs in UK the number already on the road shouldn’t be underestimated.

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

BEVs are becoming increasingly common in the heavy vehicle sector with DAF presently leading the sector.

Yet many manufactures offer an alternative fuelled heavy goods vehicle, as for a fleet operator its biggest cost is fuel (diesel) at over thirty percent.

Alternative fuelled vehicles are the fleet operator’s future.

However, with BEVs, their high-voltage battery systems may pose significant risks during rescue operations.

Our training covers identifying the location of batteries and understanding the potential for thermal runaway developing into thermal cascade.

This could be caused by a type of abuse, i.e.

impact from collision, a fault within the traction battery, or even first or second responder activity.

It also explains how to safely isolate the electrical system with the IAIIM response protocol: Identify > Assess > Immobilise > Isolate > Monitor.

This is done using key information such as make, model and year of vehicle that is specific to that vehicle.

Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Hydrogen fuel cells are another emerging technology in heavy vehicles.

The highly flammable nature of hydrogen requires specialised training to manage potential risks.

This includes understanding how damage to tanks and systems could cause hydrogen leaks, which can lead to explosive situations if not handled correctly falling within remit potentially of the DSEAR (Dangerous Substances & Explosive Atmosphere Regulations) in UK.

 It’s also important to link in with manufacturers and fleet operators to share the most up to date knowledge and infrastructure status.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Biomethane

CNG and biomethane are increasingly used in heavy vehicles for fleet use in UK by many large brands and organisations, due to their lower environmental impact.

However, these fuels present unique challenges:

One is pressurised fuel systems – knowledge of high-pressure fuel systems safely is essential to prevent accidental releases or risks to responders.

Another is firefighting techniques, understanding that there are specific firefighting techniques required for gas fires, which differ from conventional liquid fuel fires.

Hydrogen/Electric

These systems that combine hydrogen and electric power introduce a new layer of complexity. Our training identifies:

  • Dual-system management: Understanding how to manage incidents involving both hydrogen and electric systems, ensuring both are safely isolated and neutralised.
  • Integrated risk assessment: Conducting thorough risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential hazards associated with these systems.
  • Examples of current vehicles: Some of these vehicles are manufactured here in UK, so knowledge of them and Emergency Response Guides are vital.

Conclusion

Specialised heavy vehicle rescue training is an invaluable investment for professional rescue organisations.

By providing responders with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience necessary to handle the unique challenges posed by heavy vehicles, we enhance their capability to save lives while ensuring their own safety.

As vehicle technology continues to evolve, ongoing training and adaptation are essential to stay ahead of emerging risks.

By emphasising the importance of exposure to heavy vehicles and understanding modern fuel systems, we can build a robust foundation for effective and safe heavy vehicle rescue operations.

Offering specialised heavy vehicle rescue training to professional rescue organisations not only enhances their operational efficiency but also ensures the safety of both responders and victims.

The complexities of modern heavy vehicles, from their structural characteristics to their advanced fuel systems, necessitate a thorough and practical approach to training.

By investing in such programs, we equip our rescue teams with the tools and knowledge they need to face the challenges of the future, ultimately contributing to a safer and more resilient emergency response framework.

This article was originally published in the August 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Lighting the Path to Safety with Streamlight

by Breaking NewsFirefighting EquipmentIFSJ ExclusivesLightingPPE

Streamlight‘s Director of Sales, Industrial and Fire Divisions, Aaron Freund, delves into the importance of durable and dependable lighting tools for firefighter safety

Portable lighting is an essential tool in the fire sector, providing critical visibility and safety for firefighters in the most challenging environments.

Streamlight, a leader in the field of portable lighting solutions, has consistently delivered products that meet the rigorous demands of emergency services.

Aaron Freund, the Director of Sales for the Industrial and Fire Divisions, has been instrumental in this effort.

In this interview, IFSJ Editor Iain Hoey sat down with Freund to explore the role of lighting technology in fire safety and emergency response.

What advancements in lighting technology for the fire sector have you observed over the past decade?

When I first started, we were still discussing the need for incandescent bulbs because some end users believed they cut through smoke better than LED bulbs.

The lighting industry has evolved incredibly, as we have long since demonstrated that LEDs perform just as well, if not better, in smoky atmospheres.

Battery technology has also advanced significantly.

Our lights have become more efficient, using less energy while providing brighter and more consistent illumination.

The weight of our products has decreased dramatically by using newer lightweight batteries; example, the weight of our Survivor® X light has dropped considerably by 164 grams.

We recently relaunched our E-Spot® LiteBox® with a lithium-ion battery, reducing its weight by almost 3.6 kg.

This weight reduction is crucial for firefighters, given the amount of gear they must carry.

These advancements have been incremental but substantial over my time with Streamlight.

We’ve made steady improvements.

One such improvement is the addition of battery indicators on top of Survivor® X lights.

This allows users to see a green indicator for a full battery and a red one when it’s time to change or charge batteries.

What are the critical challenges firefighters face in low-visibility environments?

I think the obvious challenge is visibility.

At its simplest, a flashlight makes a dark area brighter, but there’s more to it.

It’s also about having the right type of light and ensuring it’s focused correctly.

For instance, in a low-visibility, smoke-filled room, using a floodlight is like driving through fog with your high beams on – the light will reflect back at you, making it harder to see.

A focused light that cuts through the smoke is crucial.

Another major aspect is visibility for others.

Sometimes, you might only see as far as your arm’s length because of the dense smoke, but someone else across the room can spot your light and locate you, which is incredibly important in fire scenarios.

Marking points of entry and exit with light also helps in navigating and identifying potential hazards.

Having the right light greatly enhances safety by allowing firefighters to see and be seen in hazardous environments.

How has the trend of hands-free operation evolved, and what innovations are emerging?

Whether it’s forcible entry, pulling hose, or handling an extrication call, the need for firefighters to keep their hands available is crucial.

We are seeing a continuous increase in the demand for hands-free lighting solutions.

This includes traditional headlamps and our helmet-mounted firefighting lights.

There has been significant growth in this category, and we are dedicating more time and innovation to developing products that allow for hands-free operation.

For example, our Vantage® 180 X light can be mounted on a helmet but also removed and used as a handheld light in a 90-degree angle.

 As demands grow for hands-free lighting, it continues to be essential for us to create advancements in this area allowing for user versatility.

Why is durability and reliability, supported by standards, important for Streamlight?

Whenever you walk into a firehouse and talk about any tool they use, they often mention whether it’s “firefighter-proof” or not.

Firefighters take pride in being tough on their products and tools.

You cannot introduce a product to the fire service that isn’t durable and made of highly resilient materials.

In the design process, durability is a key focus for Streamlight.

We ensure our products can withstand being dropped or exposed to extreme conditions, such as 500 degrees for five minutes as per the NFPA 1971-8.6 (2018).

Testing to these and other standards is critical.

We drop test our products, test for IP ratings, ensure they don’t interfere with other radio waves, as well as a magnitude of other tests, making them reliable in all situations.

Our products are tested both in-house and by third-party agencies.

This includes various laboratories to ensure we meet standards set by agencies like NFPA, UL, ATEX, and INMETRO.

Our products consistently exceed these standards, which is crucial for those in the fire safety industry.

How should fire departments select lighting tools to best meet their unique needs?

We aim to be as involved as possible in this process by meeting with departments to discuss their needs.

Flashlights are a hands-on product; you need to touch and feel them.

I always joke with our customers that they have to shine the light in their eyes to understand its brightness and have that “aha” moment of realisation about how they’ll use it.

No two fire departments are the same, and each has different applications and responses based on their unique communities.

It’s important to understand this aspect, and I believe it holds true in Europe as well.

Engaging with the department, learning about their specific needs, and then making tailored recommendations is crucial.

Additionally, we have a testing and evaluation programme where we put the product in the hands of the users at a departmental level.

This allows them to touch, feel, and test the product to ensure it meets their needs and applications before making a purchase.

How can advancements in portable scene lighting improve emergency response effectiveness and safety?

The faster you can light up a scene, the quicker you can assess the situation and respond accordingly.

Scene lighting has become vital to our product line.

We now have multiple products, including the Portable Scene Light, Portable Scene Light EXT, and Portable Scene Light II.

These products are quick to deploy, battery-operated, and fully waterproof.

This combination of features is unique to us and allows for rapid illumination of an area.

We are continually advancing in this area, creating more products within the scene lighting category because it is so essential.

On the fire ground, you don’t want cords everywhere creating trip hazards.

There’s also a growing demand from fire departments for sustainable solutions.

What emerging trends and technologies do you think will shape the future of emergency response?

I believe we will continue to see flashlights becoming brighter, running longer, and weighing less while maintaining durability and functionality.

The focus will remain on creating tools that allow firefighters to do their jobs efficiently and safely.

I foresee continued innovation in scene lighting and helmet lighting for the fire service.

We are also developing more versatile lights.

For instance, we recently launched the Survivor Pivot®, which has a head that pivots up and uses the same universal battery platform as our Survivor® X.

 This means multiple lights can run off the same battery platform.

I believe the future will bring more efficient products with diverse applications, allowing users to meet their needs in various ways.

What innovations or developments can we expect from Streamlight

As previously mentioned, our newest innovation is the Survivor Pivot®, with both spot and flood beams in the same pivoting head.

The feedback from the fire service has been tremendous.

The ability to have a light attached to your gear that can rotate and direct light where you need it is incredible.

Additionally, it can be removed from your bunker gear and attached to the side of a vehicle with its powerful magnet, illuminating areas during extrication calls.

Major departments are buying the Survivor® X for all their rigs.

The ability to now add the Survivor Pivot® with its shared battery platform as an additional lighting tool has been very well received.

We are excited about this product and believe it will be very successful.

We’ve also made improvements to our legacy product, the LiteBox®, which has been in our product line for over 40 years.

Enhancing this tried-and-true technology to make it lighter, brighter, and more efficient has been a significant achievement.

The response to these improvements has been very positive.

Streamlight will continue to innovate.

Innovation drives us, and we are constantly listening to feedback from departments around the world.

This feedback is an integral part in understanding the type of products we need to manufacture and develop for various market applications.

This article was originally published in the August 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Engineering excellence: Exclusive interview with IFE International President Hayley Burgess

by Breaking NewsFire EngineeringIFSJ Exclusives

Hayley Burgess, International President of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), shares insights on leadership, global representation and the challenges facing fire safety professionals

In a historic milestone, Hayley Burgess was appointed as the first female International President of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) in its over-100 year history in 2023.

Hayley has had a remarkable career, marked by diverse experiences and a steadfast dedication to the fire engineering sector.

After narrowly missing the grades needed for Veterinary Medicine, she opted for a Science Degree without a clear direction for her future career.

Upon graduating from Queen’s University Belfast, Hayley entered a Graduate Retail Management Programme, where she was first exposed to Health and Safety.

This introduction sparked her interest in fire engineering and safety, a field that perfectly married her passion for science with a dynamic and impactful career path.

Over the years, Hayley has leveraged her expertise to seize numerous opportunities within the fire sector in Northern Ireland, building a distinguished career that ultimately led to her groundbreaking appointment at the IFE.

In this interview, IFSJ Editor Iain Hoey caught up with Hayley to talk about her career, her role and initiatives at the IFE and her views on the fire engineering sector.

As the International President of the IFE, what are your primary responsibilities and goals in this role?

My primary role is to serve as an Ambassador for the institution and promote its work globally.

My responsibilities include:

  • Leadership and governance: Providing strategic leadership and direction, to ensure the IFE’s missions and goals are effectively pursued.
  • Global representation: Engaging with the global membership to advocate for fire safety and industry standards locally and internationally.
  • Membership Engagement: I was keen to foster a sense of community and further involvement from members, encouraging active participation.

The IFE has a long history of promoting fire safety standards. How are you building on this legacy during your tenure?

Building on the IFE’s legacy is woven through all the activities I undertake.

For example, advocating for ‘Best Practice’ through active promotion alongside encouraging the integration of new technologies to enhance fire safety and engineering standards.

I have recently participated in events in Indianapolis, Dubai, Puerto Rico and across the UK, contributing to workshops, seminars etc.

Collaboration is a crucial element in the ongoing improvement of standards and I’m delighted to carry on the work started by my pre-decessor, Dr Peter Wilkinson, by nurturing existing partnerships and establish new ones.

The fire engineering sector is constantly evolving. What do you see as the most significant challenges currently facing the industry, and how is the IFE addressing them?

The sector faces numerous challenges today, mainly driven by advancements in technology, evolving construction methods, taller buildings, climate change and substantial legislative changes.

These developments present significant issues for fire safety professionals to keep abreast of.

Obviously, one of the major challenges stems from the recommendations and legislative arising from the Grenfell Tower inquiry.

The extent of these changes has been extensive, requiring professionals to stay updated and adapt swiftly.

I feel that emerging technologies such as the use of Lithium-Ion batteries present a lot of unknowns and potential risks.

Additionally, climate change is leading to more frequent and intense wildfires, with prolonged dry seasons and higher temperatures making fire behaviour harder to predict.

Limited land is available to build on and this is why we’re seeing more buildings reach further into the sky, and the higher the building the more complex the fire strategy will be and the complications which come with high rise buildings.

The IFE is the industry leader in ensuring Fire Safety Professionals are equipped to successfully overcome these challenges.

Through comprehensive training and education, we keep members updated with the latest knowledge and skills.

The Membership benefits from excellent CPD opportunities through webinars, seminars and branch events.

The institution also has several Special Interest Groups (SIGs) that focus on specific challenges within the fire sector, and as new challenges arise, new SIGs are created to facilitate member collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Addressing the challenges today really does require a multifaceted approach.

Can you talk about on some of the key initiatives or programs that you and the IFE are currently working on to enhance fire safety knowledge and professional competency?

The IFE is renowned and respected for enhancing knowledge and competency within the Fire Industry.

Currently, one of our key initiatives involves raising the standards for Fire Risk Assessor Registration.

Applicants are now required to demonstrate a higher level of competency by registering with the Engineering Council.

This commitment to excellence not only enhances our credibility as fire safety professionals but underlines our dedication to continuous professional development.

The IFE offers a wide range of professional qualifications and certifications that are internationally recognized, ensuring that individuals at all stages of their careers have opportunities to enhance and consolidate their knowledge.

Most recently, the institution became the first Licensee of the Higher-Risk Building Registration under the Fire Engineering Discipline.

This initiative involves registered engineers and technicians who meet the Engineering Council’s new standard – UK-SPEC HRB Fire Engineering Discipline Annex.

We are actively extending our branch network, giving fire professionals further opportunity to learn and fulfil CPD through a range of branch activities; they provide access to high-quality resources that are available on the IFE website.

I recently spearheaded the re-establishment of the Northern Ireland IFE Branch, which had been inactive for more than a decade.

The initial event drew an excellent crowd of over 90 fire safety professionals.

We appreciate the importance of attracting young people into the sector.

That support and encouragement needed foster the next generation is vital.

We recently launched the Early Careers Networking Group and this will support budding talent in the field and offer young professionals and students a comprehensive insight into the wide range of vocations available within fire engineering.

I know that diversity and inclusivity are an important focus for you. What specific strategies or initiatives are you implementing to promote these values within the fire engineering sector?

The importance of ensuring a culture of diversity and inclusivity is at the heart of all our activities and remains a huge industry wide issue.

We have been developing several specific EDI initiatives to foster a more inclusive and representative organisation.

Our initiatives to date include forming a specific Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity Working Group of which I am a member.

As part of the terms of reference of this group, we have drafted a Policy outlining the aims and mission of the Institution in relation to EEDI, we have carried out a Benchmarking exercise to establish our position relevant to other PEIs.

We’re committed to enhancing awareness and understanding of EEDI through tailored training programs offered as part of our CPD provision.

These initiatives are designed not only to educate but also to empower our members to champion diversity and inclusivity within their respective roles.

It also goes without saying the election of the first ever female International President demonstrates the Institution’s commitment to promoting EEDI.

With your extensive experience in fire safety consultancy, how do you plan to support IFE members in navigating new regulations and legislative changes in fire safety?

My Practice is based in Northern Ireland and to date we have not adopted any new legislation that has been enacted in England and Wales, however I feel it is only a matter of time before this changes.

To provide support to IFE Members I require to be knowledgeable in all jurisdictions, therefore I plan to support members through supporting events and offering mentoring.

Having been a Mentor and a Mentee, the benefits of both cannot be underestimated.

I’m always open to meeting up with colleagues in the industry to provide support where I can.

To navigate the extensive changes in legislation, introduction of new Codes of Practice publication of Standards and Guidance etc, I will support event creation, webinars, publications and participating on working groups to assist in disseminating information.

Continuous professional development is crucial in any field. How does the IFE ensure its members stay updated with the latest skills and knowledge required in the fire safety industry?

CPD is not only recommended, but also obligatory for specific membership levels and professional registration maintenance.

The IFE provides a wide range of CPD opportunities both online and offline that are available via the membership portal.

Our quarterly journal features technical articles authored by respected practitioners across the globe, highlighting niche subject areas that contribute to CPD, and our library of Special Interest Groups also drive this.

IFE branches are also a huge factor in providing regional members with local updates a valuable insight.

Reflecting on your career, what have been the most rewarding experiences or achievements in your work within the fire sector?

I think it is fair to say that nothing can exceed the experience of being appointed as the first female International President of the IFE within its history.

This role has provided me with incredible opportunities, including visits to Indianapolis, Dubai, and Puerto Rico, where I met with representatives from Dubai Civil Defence, the Caribbean Association of Fire Chiefs, and Dr.

Lori Moore-Merrell of the American Fire Department.

These interactions have been profoundly rewarding, allowing me to learn from diverse cultures and experiences.

Looking ahead, I am excited to participate in conferences in Australia and New Zealand later this year.

On an academic level, gaining my Engineering Council Registration and inclusion on the IFE’s Fire Risk Assessor Register have been significant milestones.

These achievements have enabled me to demonstrate my competence within the sector, providing reassurance to my clients that their projects will be completed to a high standard.

Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of the fire engineering sector, and how do you see the IFE playing a role in shaping that future?

Our focus will be on providing the highest level of education, developing further contextualised registers, and raising competency standards.

We’ll continue to offer high-quality CPD opportunities and ensure access to accurate, high-quality information and guidance on legislative changes.

Our forums will continue to grow and serve members in facilitating discussions, share knowledge, and exchange best practices on emerging issues.

This has already led to the creation of a Special Interest Group on renewable energies, actively led by our Technical Director, Paul Trew.

As we develop our new Organizational Strategy, member engagement will be at the forefront, ensuring that the IFE remains a leader in shaping the future of the fire engineering sector.

I am also passionate about encouraging women into the sector.

Women bring diverse perspectives and problem-solving approaches that enhance gender diversity, operational effectiveness, and foster a more inclusive and dynamic workforce.

Attracting more women to the fire engineering sector will undoubtedly strengthen the industry.

This article was originally published in the July 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Photovoltaic fire safety: Comprehensive measures to mitigate fire risks

by Breaking NewsIFSJ ExclusivesSafety

FRISSBE outlines comprehensive safety measures to mitigate fire risks in PV systems, emphasising the importance of proper installation and maintenance

Installing a photovoltaic (PV) system on the roof of a building introduces new fire risks to the building.

First, the PV installations have been shown to increase the chances of ignition through the failure of any of the electrical components of the system.

Second, the PV installation can increase the consequences of a PV-related fire.

It has been shown that within the area covered by the PV system, fires can spread faster and to a greater extent.

However, once the fire reaches the edge of the PV-covered area, the spread typically slows down significantly and often stops after a relatively short distance.

Thus, PV systems increase both the probability and the consequences of a roof fire, and, consequently also the fire risk, as it is defined as probability times consequence.

In addition, a PV system on a roof will cause a change in firefighting tactics because it creates a substantial physical hindrance and because precautions must be made when fighting a fire in the proximity of a permanent current-carrying installation.

Effective safety measures

To successfully mitigate the consequences of PV-related fires and reduce the probability of them, effective safety measures need to be put in place.

If the proposed safety measures are to adequately serve their purpose, their effectiveness should be confirmed via reference to sound data from reliable scientific experiments or statistics.

Until there exists sufficient knowledge about the mechanics of fire risks and how to mitigate it, a precautious approach in the design should be applied.

In terms of PV installations on flat roofs, the risk can be mitigated through reduced ignition probability and reduction of consequences.

Good components and products, as well as installation practice and maintenance are all necessary for achieving risk reduction on the side of probability.

The material selection, as well as the quality and layout of the roof construction are cornerstones concerning fire consequence reduction and firefighter safety.

For limiting the consequences of a fire, it has been shown in experiments that the roof membrane type and the type of PV panels play a minor role compared to the type of insulation material.

Thus, for both renovation and newbuilds, the main recommendation is to use non-combustible insulation materials to avoid the insulation material contributing to the fire and prevent spread to the building below.

If other solutions are considered, these solutions should show a similar robustness in experiments where the entire system (roof segment and PV modules) is tested as it will be built, and at a scale that involves several modules.

Ensuring a safe implementation of REPowerEU

As part of the REPowerEU plan, the EU Commission has defined an ambitious strategy for making the installation of rooftop solar energy compulsory for all new buildings over a certain size.

This is now being implemented via the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) requiring solar energy installations on most buildings in the future.

This will result in the unprecedented transformation of the European building stock and a significant uptake in photovoltaic (PV) panel technology on rooftops.

This transformation has the potential to have significant benefits from a climate and energy perspective, but it will also bring new safety challenges that should be anticipated and addressed upfront.

A fault tree analysis by Mohd et al. (2022) of fires on rooftops with photovoltaics estimated that the expected number of fires is 29 fires per installed GW of PV per year.

This indicates that tens of thousands of fires related to PV systems are to be expected per year in the EU alone.

Given that the expected number of fires is so large, this guideline aims to provide guidance on how to avoid the consequences of a PV fire on a roof becoming significant.

Further to that, Clean Energy Associates (CEA) has performed more than 600 safety audits for rooftop PV installations around the globe, and it found that 97 percent of the systems had safety concerns related to ignition hazards.

Based on these investigations, it can be hypothesized that at least one ignition event is inevitable in the lifetime of any PV installation.

These results are in line with findings by FM Global, which has reported that they continue to see ignitions and fires in buildings that follow their recommendations.

The key objective will be to provide the right conditions to ensure a safe large-scale rollout of PV systems.

Recommendations from the insurance industry are generally applied for large industrial and commercial projects such as shopping malls.

Nevertheless, these fire safety measures should also apply to high-rise and high-risk public buildings such as schools, museums, and hospitals.

Note that recommendations from insurance companies have yet to be considered by national regulations and EU legislation.

As numerous aspects govern the fire dynamics of a roof with a PV installation,  assessing the fire risk of a PV installation solely based on the assessment of individual materials and components of the individual products can lead to erroneous conclusions.

Rather, it is essential to treat the PV installation as a system composed of several parts namely the panels, mounting equipment, and the roof buildup to assess the fire risk correctly.

All configurations with panels installed flat or at an inclined angle have proven to increase the extent of fire spread beyond what is expected on a roof without the PV system, and this has been evidenced both in real fires and in experiments.

Considering this, the PV Guideline by the FRISSBE team at the Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute (ZAG) focus on the four aspects: Ignition hazards, fire dynamics, roof construction and firefighting operations.

Recommendations for safe PV installation

In terms of the roof buildup for buildings with PV installations, a major distinction should be made between retrofits and new buildups.

For retrofitted roofs, research has shown that a typical buildup with EPS and membrane on top of the roof base requires a mitigation layer to prevent involvement of the EPS, which is strictly necessary to avoid a very large fire.

Following most insurance standards, this mitigation layer typically consists of a layer of non-combustible insulation with a new roofing membrane on top.

As the system behaviour is key for PV fire safety, it is recommended that the performance of the mitigation layer is confirmed via reference to sound experimental or statistical data.

For a new roof, one should avoid the use of highly combustible insulation on top of the roof base.

It is recommended to use a more fire-safe alternative, such as non-combustible insulation, with a roof membrane on top.

The recommendation for non-combustible insulation is based on publicly available test results, which show that the spread across membranes that the PV modules facilitate is independent of the type of membrane and that the ensuing fires are significant enough to involve combustible insulation materials in the fire.

The fire risk with PV panels on roofs is higher compared to roofs without panels, necessitating systemic-level fire safety assessments.

The fire dynamics in PV-related fires are primarily influenced by parameters such as gap height, panel inclination, roof buildup, and array configuration, rather than the panel type itself.

Close placement of PV panels to the membrane facilitates flame spread, involving all types of membranes.

Consequently, using non-combustible insulation materials and mountings is recommended for significant risk reduction.

Additional links:

Read Fire Safety Guideline for Building Applied Photovoltaic Systems on Flat Roofs by ZAG by clicking here.

Listen: New Guideline for PV Fire Safety with Grunde Jomaas by clicking here.

This article was originally published in the July 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Advancing Fire Safety: Interview with Russ Leavitt, Executive Chairman of Telgian

by Breaking NewsIFSJ ExclusivesPassiveSafetyTraining

Russ Leavitt, Executive Chairman of Telgian, shares pivotal moments from his career and the evolution of Telgian in enhancing fire safety

With over four decades of dedication to advancing fire safety through innovative solutions and comprehensive training, Russ Leavitt, Executive Chairman of Telgian has profoundly influenced the fire protection industry.

This conversation delves into his substantial contributions, the evolution of Telgian under his leadership, and his insights on current challenges and future directions in fire safety management.

What initially drew you into the fire protection industry?

I came into the fire protection industry almost by accident.

I discovered early on that it was rare to have the opportunity to earn a living while doing something that mattered—saving lives and protecting property.

As a result, I quickly took every opportunity given to develop my knowledge and skills.

I became active in the local Society of Fire Protection Engineers chapter, earned my certifications as a fire protection system designer, and volunteered for projects that my fellow designers avoided.

In less than two years I was promoted to lead designer where I supervised a team of individuals who were much older and had more experience than me.

It was simply my nature to say ‘Yes’ to every new challenge offered.

That willingness to do whatever needed to be done led to a series of incredible opportunities.

What pivotal moments have defined your journey to Executive Chairman at Telgian?

I had always wanted to have my own company.

With a partner, and the support of my employer, I founded a design firm that offered fire protection design services to contractors, architects, building owners, and just about anyone else we could find.

My wife and I took all of our savings, retirement funds, and with the use of personal credit cards, financed the start of Fire Design Group.

It was a difficult time, as within a couple of months of founding the business a severe economic recession struck southern California.

We stuck it out.

The biggest moment of my career path took place when I received a call from my current partner, Jim Tomes, seeking design assistance for his father’s small fire and life safety consultancy.

Two weeks later we merged our two companies and, as we say: The rest is history.

Can you talk about the evolution Telgian has undergone since its inception?

One of the first characteristics that we recognised was the diversity in backgrounds and perspectives of the founding members pertaining to fire and life safety.

We were formed with individuals from the public fire service, engineering, contracting, and system design.

It was eye opening when discussing a project or customer issue to witness the different perspectives each of us brought to the table.

We realised that when we gave equal attention to each other’s biases, it allowed us to formulate solutions from a 360-degree view, which our customers recognised as unique compared to their dealings with other firms.

Because of the lack of clear direction in the fire and building codes for these unique properties, we were deeply involved in the development of protection criteria though fire testing, codes and standards development, and risk management.

We intentionally challenged the status-quo regarding traditional fire protection approaches.

We were the leaders in removing the use of smoke curtains in sprinklered warehouses, changing how smoke and heat vents were utilised, and in the development of Control Mode Specific Application sprinkler technology.

A major strategic decision was to answer our customers’ repeated requests to provide fire protection inspection and testing services.

This was outside our core consulting and engineering expertise, but we decided to take on this new service line.

Our model conducted the needed system inspections and tests, but we did not provide repair or corrective services.

This was to eliminate the potential conflict of interest that exists where service providers do inspections and then perform and corrective actions or needed repairs.

It allowed us to objectively provide our recommendations to the customer.

This part of our business quickly became our biggest revenue producer and for a time, we lost some of our identity as an engineering and consulting firm.

This led us to split the company into two separate legal entities under a holding company named Telgian Holdings, Inc.

We were the first, and still one of only a few companies that provide the complete portfolio of services for fire and life safety, from conceptual design to system maintenance.

How has your involvement with NFPA influenced fire safety standards?

I have served on various NFPA Technical Committees for nearly three decades.

For many of the committees I represented owner or user stakeholders.

I have always tried to focus on the term ‘reasonable’ when it comes to code and standard requirements.

Codes and standards cannot guarantee one hundred percent success even if they are implemented in complete compliance.

The cost of a requirement must be evaluated with the protection provided for life safety or property.

Incorporating good risk management must be a part of the development process along with the practicality of a requirement.

When serving as the chair of various committees I always challenged members to consider what problem was being solved by a proposed change to the standard or code.

We sometimes create a solution and then go ‘looking for the problem.’  I believe that I have had a positive impact in ensuring that we apply the ‘reasonableness’ factor on the committees I have served or chaired.

Finally, I have worked to ensure that NFPA codes and standards can be applied internationally.

Over the past 125 years, NFPA committees have been United States-centric.

I have actively recruited international experts to participate in the NFPA standards making process and because of my, and other’s efforts, we are developing a more global view of fire protection and life safety.

If we are to have a significant impact in increasing the level of fire and life safety globally, we must share knowledge and skills.

The NFPA Fire and Life Safety Ecosystem demonstrates that having up-to-date standards and codes without a skilled workforce and knowledgeable enforcers will result in little progress.

What are some of the approaches Telgian is exploring to enhance fire mitigation?

One of our six core values states, ‘Innovation is the key to our future success.’  We are deeply involved in the supply chain vertical.

The evolution of Automatic Storage Retrieval Systems (ASRS) is reshaping the warehousing, storage, and distribution industry.

We have conducted 250 large- and small-scale fire tests over the last three years to develop new ways to protect this fast-evolving landscape.

We are always looking for more efficient methods for our customers to manage their fire risks.

For example, after conducting a rigorous examination for a global customer of the change in fire risk created by the changes in products and their handling, a decision was made to increase the protection provided by their existing fire protection systems.

The project involved over two thousand locations and was budgeted at $1 billion.

We developed a plan to conduct fire tests for the most common protection schemes to determine the most efficient methods to make the conversion.

This customer spent $10 million on the testing, but the information learned allowed the retrofit budget to be halved—a savings of $500 million.

Finally, fire tests have traditionally been used to determine the best protection schemes with specific types of sprinklers installed in specific arrangements.

We initiated a series of full-scale fire tests to examine the ability of existing fire sprinkler systems to protect real world storage scenarios such as blocked flue spaces or irregular storage arrangements.

The tests have created a wealth of information for our insurance partners and customers to use in evaluating the risks presented by these various real-world conditions.

According to our partners at UL Solutions, they have never seen a test program of this scale looking at the risks where protection schemes are not strictly followed.

What legacy do you hope to leave in the fire safety industry?

I, along with the other shareholders and officers of Telgian have always wanted to build an organisation that would live beyond our lifetimes.

I hope to be remembered as someone who was passionate about fire and life safety, while sensitive to the needs along with the restraints of all stakeholders.

I have tried to exercise reasonableness in my approach while not being afraid to question the status quo.

I have also learned to view fire and life safety through a global lens, recognising that there are cultural and societal concerns that cannot be ignored while working towards a fire safe world.

My advice to the next generation is two-fold. First, say ‘Yes!’ when asked to go outside your comfort zone.

Do not let your fear of failure stop you from developing and growing, both as a fire and life safety professional and as a businessperson.

Second: Be ever-learning.

The worst possible answer we can give to a question of ‘why we do something a particular way’ is to say, ‘Well, it is the way we have always done it.’ 

An excellent mantra is to ‘Question and then Innovate.’  I can think of few other professions where someone can contribute to the greater good while providing for their family and loved ones.

This article was originally published in the June 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Fabricating fireproof futures with Bridgehill

by Breaking NewsFire SuppressionIFSJ Exclusives

Frank Brubakken, CEO and Product Designer at Bridgehill, highlights the development of fire blankets capable of withstanding extreme battery fire conditions

The inception of Bridgehill was primarily motivated by a desire to address fire safety in buildings.

 My journey started following a small city fire in Norway, which led me to consider the possibility of creating materials that could prevent fires from spreading from one building to another.

This curiosity was the catalyst for an intensive research period where I dedicated over 2,000 hours, spanning more than a year, to learn about every type of textile available on the market.

However, around the same time, there was a significant amount of media coverage on the challenges associated with electric car fires.

This prompted me to delve into all the scientific research I could find, dating back to the 1970s, on lithium batteries—focusing on why they are particularly difficult to manage in fire situations.

I began to explore whether the solutions we were considering for buildings could also be adapted or improved for use with cars.

In 2015, there was a highly publicised incident involving a Tesla car that caught fire, which garnered attention worldwide.

This event received more media coverage than the combined incidents of nearly 800,000 fossil fuel car fires in the same period.

It highlighted the urgent need for effective fire safety solutions for electric vehicles (EVs).

Motivated by this, Bridgehill  collaborated with SINTEF, a leading research institution in Norway, to test if the same fabric we used for buildings could be effective in containing EV fires.

The tests were successful.

Identifying limitations

The quest to create a superior EV fire blanket began when we recognised the limitations of the materials commonly used by our competitors.

Most of them rely on glass fibre, a material that’s widely available globally but only withstands temperatures up to around 530 degrees Celsius.

This level of heat resistance, we found, was insufficient for the kind of safety we aimed to ensure in EV fires.

We explored various options and even consulted with NASA to understand the materials they use in the extreme conditions of space.

This research led us to a recent SpaceX visit where we discussed potential applications of our technology in aerospace.

We discovered that while some manufacturers use silica-based materials, these tend to be brittle and can easily become compromised.

Each material we examined had its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Through our research and development, we have engineered a fire blanket that significantly outperforms traditional materials.

Our most advanced blanket boasts a heat resistance that is does not only withstand with high temperatures but is also ten times stronger than steel, making it exceptionally durable and reliable in critical situations.

A key breakthrough in our research was the development of textiles made from graphite.

Graphite’s melting point is extraordinarily high, and it becomes especially effective in fire suppression when not exposed to oxygen.

By covering a car with a graphite-based blanket, we rapidly reduce the oxygen level, which is a critical factor in its effectiveness.

Additionally, we’ve incorporated another advanced textile capable of enduring temperatures two to three hundred degrees Celsius higher than traditional glass fibre materials.

At around 800 degrees Celsius, the performance requirements for a fire blanket become critical.

Below this threshold, the reliability of a blanket might not be absolute, but with our blanket we ensure effectiveness even beyond these temperatures.

Quality assurance

Currently, the industry lacks specific certifications for EV fire blankets – but this landscape is rapidly evolving as testing organisations delve deeper into understanding these new technologies.

We anticipate that a diverse range of standards will emerge, reflecting a better grasp of the product’s intricacies.

We are proactive in staying ahead of these developments.

We have established our own laboratory, equipped to test materials at extreme temperatures, up to 1,600 degrees Celsius.

This facility allows us to rigorously test new textiles and coatings, continually refining our products to ensure they meet the highest safety standards.

Our products undergo a variety of tests, tailored to their specific applications and the environments they are designed for.

We focus on both the materials’ ability to withstand high temperatures and their performance under different conditions.

For instance, we have specialised tests for materials exposed to both high heat and pressure, like the conditions experienced during a jet fire.

Designing the fire blanket

Since there are no definitive standards specifically tailored to this type of product, this absence of standards can lead to variability in the quality of products on the market, with some manufacturers opting for off-the-shelf fabrics that might not offer sufficient protection.

We have approached this challenge head-on by conducting extensive testing, far beyond what is typical within the industry.

Since our inception, we have tested our blankets on over 400 actual car fires.

This real-world testing is crucial because fires behave differently outside the controlled environment of a laboratory.

It allows us to observe and measure how our products perform under genuine conditions, which is essential for our development process.

In collaboration with one of Norway’s leading insurance companies, we have been able to test and refine our designs continuously.

This includes creating and assessing up to ten new coatings in response to real fire scenarios, repeatedly subjecting these innovations to the rigours of actual car fires.

Through these rigorous tests, we have learned that the future of fire safety technology may hinge less on the textile fabric itself and more on the development of advanced coatings.

The coatings are often the weak link in fire blankets, failing before the fabric under high temperatures.

We believe that the key to exceeding industry standards lies in innovating coatings that can withstand higher temperatures and provide superior protection.

A unique solution

What truly distinguishes our EV fire blankets is their reusability and the environmentally friendly aspect of their design.

The prevailing trend, particularly in the United States, is for insurance companies to provide fire departments with single-use blankets.

This practice, while effective in the short term, contributes to higher costs and environmental waste.

Our fire blankets are engineered to be ten times stronger than steel, making them capable of multiple uses.

While some may claim their products are reusable, few can match the longevity and resilience of our blankets.

Our testing and real-life applications show that our blankets can be used up to 30 times, if not more.

The future of EVs

With the continuous evolution of the EV market, particularly in terms of battery technology, we anticipate significant changes in fire safety requirements.

A key development is the shift towards solid-state batteries, which promise greater endurance and resilience, even in the event of a crash.

These batteries can last up to two and a half times longer than current lithium-ion batteries, which contain lithium salts.

The next generation of solid-state batteries will utilise lithium metal, which, while offering numerous benefits, also presents unique fire risks due to lithium’s highly reactive nature when it comes into contact with water.

In the event of a fire not originating from the battery itself, the use of water by fire departments could inadvertently ignite the battery.

As a result, the role of Bridgehill’s fire safety solutions, including our fire blankets, is expected to become increasingly critical.

With the upcoming shift in battery technology, traditional firefighting methods like using water may no longer be viable, amplifying the importance of alternative fire suppression techniques.

Our fire blankets, designed to smother fires without the need for water, are poised to play a pivotal role in addressing these emerging challenges.

Looking ahead

At Bridgehill, our vision for the future of fire safety extends beyond temperature resistance.

We’re particularly interested in enhancing the reusability of our fire blankets.

The real advancement, as we see it, lies not in withstanding higher temperatures but in the ability of our products to be effective over multiple fire incidents.

We are dedicating our research and development efforts towards innovating coatings that can sustain multiple exposures to fire without degrading in performance.

A key area of focus for us is the repair and maintenance sector, including garages where EV batteries are often exposed during servicing.

Unlike the enclosed environment of a car, an open battery presents distinct challenges during repair works.

To address this, we’ve developed specialised blankets designed for direct application on open lithium batteries.

We have also developed solutions for wildfires: a blanket that can deflect up to 96% of heat, effectively safeguarding properties.

Warehouses are another significant area of need, especially as more forklifts transition to lithium batteries.

We see the future of fire safety innovation not just in terms of technological advancement but also through the lens of sustainability.

The reusability of our products  stands at the forefront of this vision.

By focusing on durable, multi-use solutions, we aim to contribute to the greener aspect of the automotive industry, reducing waste and enhancing safety in equal measure.

This article was originally published in the May 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

The future is wireless

by Breaking NewsFire DetectionIFSJ Exclusives

Martin Lee, Business Development Manager at Hyfire, discusses the advancements and future direction of fire detection systems

With a career that transitioned from an engineering apprenticeship to spearheading developments in fire detection, Martin Lee, Business Development Manager at Hyfire brings nearly three decades of expertise to Hyfire, a company recognised for its innovative approach in the sector.

Founded in 2007 and later acquired by Halma in 2018, Hyfire has made considerable strides in the market with its advanced wireless and hybrid fire detection systems.

Hyfire’s flagship product, Taurus, is designed for efficient installation in various architectural environments, reducing the need for extensive cabling and thereby facilitating quicker and less intrusive setups.

IFSJ Editor Iain Hoey sat down with Martin to find out about Hyfire’s wireless detection systems, overcoming installation challenges, and the future of fire safety.

What was the inspiration behind the development of the Taurus wireless and hybrid fire system technology?

Taurus, which has been on the market for around four years, is our flagship offering, which most people opt for today, especially when purchasing a new system.

For most end-users, a fire system is a passive element in their building—tested periodically and mostly unnoticed unless a fire occurs.

It quietly performs its critical functions in the background.

It’s the engineers who install, commission, service, and maintain these systems that interact with them the most, so  when we developed Taurus, we thoroughly considered it from an engineer’s perspective.

What are the advantages of using wireless fire detection systems over wired ones?

Typically, a traditional fire system involves installing thousands, sometimes tens of thousands, of metres of fire-rated or fire-retardant cables throughout a building.

Eliminating the need for such extensive cabling reduces material costs and decreases the need for containment and the infrastructure necessary to support these cables within the building.

When retrofitting a wireless fire alarm in an existing building the reduction in builders’ work, redecorating and fire stopping involved offers substantial cost savings.

The speed of installing a wireless system is particularly beneficial in scenarios involving refurbishments, retrofits, or upgrades of existing buildings.

For the end user, replacing a fire system in a fraction of the time means less disruption and a shorter period during which engineers need to be on-site, allowing for a rapid return to normal operations and ensuring business continuity.

Wireless or hybrid systems are an excellent choice, especially in occupied or older buildings such as hotels, student accommodations, care homes, and hospitals.

In these environments, the presence of construction teams and the associated disruption from traditional installation methods can be particularly challenging.

A wireless or hybrid approach minimises these disruptions.

What are some of the key features of the Taurus system?

One of the standout features is its incorporation of the latest technology and components.

This aspect is crucial, given the rapid advancements in technology across all sectors.

Taurus systems utilise cutting-edge technology to achieve a reduction in size, a vast improvement compared to the bulky early models of wireless systems that were used mainly as a last resort.

Early models were large due to their high battery and power demands.

Now, our devices look good and are also comparable in size and appearance to their wired counterparts, ensuring they integrate seamlessly into any building’s aesthetics.

As Taurus is designed with the engineers in mind, each product features a unique QR code, simplifying the installation process.

Engineers can scan the QR code with their webcam or any handheld scanner, and then drag and drop the device within our software.

This eliminates the need for manual programming and the use of additional programming devices, which previous systems required.

The process is as intuitive as using a laptop – it’s a case of ‘click, drag and drop’, a sharp contrast with older systems, where programming could be so complex that it almost required a qualification in software coding.

What are the challenges around maintaining wireless fire detection systems?

One of the primary challenges was battery life.

Since these products are independent and not physically connected to a power source, they rely entirely on their internal batteries.

Historically, frequent battery changes have been off-putting for potential users.

With the development of Taurus, we focused on improving battery life.

Our detection devices now offer up to 10 years of battery life – a substantial increase over the industry standard of up to three years.

How does Hyfire maintain communication integrity and synchronisation across devices?

A common question I often address in business development discussions concerns the reliability and dependability of wireless systems.

With Taurus, we specifically aimed to make the system robust and reliable.

The system utilises transmitters which are strategically placed throughout the building.

These devices handle the send and receive communications for all fire alarm detectors and sounders within the facility.

In the past, early systems relied heavily on amplifiers or large aerials to boost signals across a site or attempted to hop signals from one device to another – all of which often lacked reliability.

Instead, Taurus utilises multiple transmission devices, akin to having several Wi-Fi routers to ensure comprehensive coverage.

This setup ensures a robust, reliable network across the building.

Another key aspect of our system is its ability to synchronise communications effectively.

This synchronisation is essential for the operation of sounders and visual alarms, which must activate simultaneously to avoid disorientation or confusion among the building’s occupants.

This capability is both an engineering achievement and a critical safety feature, enhancing the system’s effectiveness during emergencies.

How do you see the fire and safety industry evolving in the near future?

We believe the industry is moving from wired to wireless systems.

Historically, wireless systems were a niche solution suited for environments like stately homes or museums where wiring is impractical.

However, as these systems have improved in reliability and the costs associated with maintenance, like battery replacements, have decreased, they are becoming a more mainstream choice.

This shift is partly due to the scarcity of skilled engineers.

The falling number of apprenticeships over the years has led to a reduction in skilled labour, making the easy installation and setup of wireless systems particularly appealing to the current generation of engineers.

Over the next decade, I expect we’ll see a shift towards predominantly wireless systems, as the industry and its practitioners increasingly recognise and trust the reliability of wireless technology.

What projects or product innovations is Hyfire currently developing?

Recognising the increasing demand for mobile connectivity, we have developed a new product specifically designed to integrate with the Hyfire Taurus system.

This will enable the fire detection system to connect to the cloud, allowing for enhanced interaction through a mobile app.

Users will be able to receive notifications about fires and faults, as well as access detailed diagnostics and compliance information directly from their mobile devices.

We’re looking at developing apps that could allow for the full commissioning and setup of systems directly from a smartphone.

This is part of our long-term roadmap to integrate more sophisticated digital tools into our offerings, enhancing both functionality and user experience.

How does Hyfire plan to contribute to the future fire safety landscape?

I believe the future of fire safety is moving towards greater use of wireless technology.

Installing a new fire system within this limited timeframe is a considerable challenge, yet with a wireless system, it becomes achievable.

This efficiency is leading many to recognise the benefits of wireless as a preferred solution due to its quick and easy installation, whilst allowing for more projects to be completed with fewer engineers, enhancing productivity.

Hyfire is at the forefront of this movement, and we see enormous potential, particularly in Europe, where many historic buildings could benefit from wireless systems.

The technology is not as widespread in mainland Europe as it is in the UK, presenting an opportunity for expansion.

We have operations in Italy and strategic partnerships in Norway and South Africa and anticipate further expansions across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

The future is also digital.

The trend is moving towards managing fire safety systems via mobile devices rather than traditional methods involving laptops and physical connections.

This will likely lead to systems being monitored, controlled, and configured entirely through mobile phones and tablets.

The fire safety industry, while traditionally slow to adopt new technologies due to stringent regulations, is beginning to embrace these changes.

This article was originally published in the May 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.