Australia firefighting infrastructure targeted in Airservices plan

by Associations and OrganisationsAviationFeatured NewsIndustry Comment

This is not firefighting reform, UFUAV says

A proposal by Airservices Australia would transfer aviation rescue fire stations, specialised firefighting vehicles, training facilities and protective equipment to a third-party commercial entity under a long-term leaseback arrangement.

The United Firefighters Union of Australia – Aviation Branch (UFUAV) said the proposal would amount to the privatisation of the nation’s Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service and the transfer of critical emergency service infrastructure to a sovereign wealth fund.

The arrangement would see Airservices lease the assets back after the transfer.

UFUAV said the proposal would also move specialised emergency vehicle technicians and maintenance capability to the private asset owner.

The union said this would separate maintenance capability from operational firefighting functions within a system it described as an integrated emergency response capability.

UFUAV says proposal could affect readiness

UFUAV Branch Secretary Wes Garrett said the proposal would commercialise a frontline emergency service that exists to maintain public safety and save the lives of air travellers when disaster strikes.

Garrett said: “Aviation firefighting is not a money-making enterprise.

“It is a lifesaving emergency service.

“The moment you introduce a profit motive, safety stops being the first priority.

“Australians expect world-class aviation rescue firefighters to come to their aid when something goes wrong, not an emergency service run according to a lowest bidder mentality designed to maximise returns for an investment fund.

“Under the proposal, ownership and management of critical aviation safety assets would be transferred to a commercial operator whose primary obligation would be delivering a financial return to investors, not protecting the safety of air travellers or firefighters.”

He added: “We have seen this exercise attempted in other jurisdictions before.

“When profit becomes a central driver of decision-making, there is always inevitable pressure to cut costs.

“That will mean delaying maintenance on our specialised firefighting vehicles, reducing investment in equipment and facilities or underinvesting in operational readiness.”

Garrett said those risks carry catastrophic consequences in aviation firefighting.

He said: “In an aircraft fire, passengers typically have only minutes to survive.

“International aviation standards require firefighters to reach an incident within three minutes because every second counts.

“If operational preparedness is compromised by cost-cutting or delayed maintenance, the consequences could be fatal for passengers and devastating for firefighters who are sent into those situations.”

The union said long-term lease arrangements would lock the Commonwealth into escalating costs designed to deliver profits to investors and said it would oppose any attempt to privatise aviation rescue firefighting services.

Garrett said: “If aviation firefighting can be privatised, what emergency service is next?

“The travelling public deserves a world-class aviation rescue firefighting service that puts safety first every single time.

“They do not deserve a system where critical emergency infrastructure is run to maximise financial returns.”

He said: “Firefighters will never accept a future where lifesaving services are hollowed out to satisfy financial models.

“When safety fails, it is the travelling public and our firefighters who pay the price.

“We call on Airservices Australia to put the lives of Australia’s air travellers first by abandoning the proposal to privatise the aviation firefighting services they rely upon to keep them safe.”

Consultation opens on mandatory certification for fire risk assessors in UK

by Featured NewsIndustry Comment

Fire risk assessors certification consultation opens

The UK government has launched a consultation on mandatory certification for fire risk assessors, with proposals linked to its response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy and scheduled to run for 12 weeks.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and Samantha Dixon MBE MP announced the consultation in material published on 26 March 2026.

The consultation is described as part of the government’s commitment to introduce mandatory certification for fire risk assessors.

It is also framed as a step toward delivering Recommendation 26 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s Phase 2 report.

The material states that Responsible Persons, usually the owner or landlord, can currently carry out their own fire risk assessments or appoint a fire risk assessor to assist them.

It adds that the consultation is looking at stronger standards and at making sure those carrying out assessments have the competencies and capabilities required.

What the consultation covers

The consultation seeks views on defining the role of fire risk assessors and their protected assistance duties, the Responsible Person’s ability to conduct their own assessments, competency frameworks and standards, career pathways, and regulatory powers for implementation.

Samantha Dixon MBE MP, Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Democracy, said: “Fire risk assessors play a vital role keeping our communities safe from fires.

“I would strongly encourage you to respond to this consultation, to help us introduce the right measures to make sure we have consistent competency across the profession.”

The proposals also include apprenticeships and a proficient workers scheme.

The consultation launched on 26 March and will close on 18 June.

Responses can be submitted until 18 June.

BESA says construction retention ban marks long-sought reform

by ConstructionFeatured NewsIndustry Comment

Construction retentions move into reform phase

The government has moved forward with plans to ban retentions in construction contracts, with implementation expected to take up to two years following further consultation and legislation when parliamentary time allows.

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) welcomed the decision and said the proposal followed the government’s Late Payments Consultation, which set out a wider package of payment reforms.

The consultation proposed prohibiting the withholding of retentions and also set out a maximum 60-day payment term, mandatory interest on late payments and stronger powers for the Small Business Commissioner to investigate and penalise poor payment behaviour.

More than 850 formal responses were submitted to the consultation, with a large proportion coming from the construction and engineering services sector.

BESA said it had been lobbying for reform on retentions and late payment practices for many years and took part in shaping the consultation.

Representatives from the Department for Business and Trade attended BESA’s Council meeting in September to hear from members about the effect of retentions and poor payment culture across the industry.

The association also submitted a detailed response to the consultation at the end of last year.

BESA sets out its response to construction reforms

David Frise, Chief Executive of BESA, said: “This is a landmark moment for our industry and a hugely significant step forward for BESA members and the wider engineering services sector.

“We have been campaigning for many years to end the unfair and outdated practice of retentions, which has placed an unacceptable financial burden on specialist contractors.”

“The government has listened to the concerns of our members and the wider industry.

“This decision has the potential to transform cashflow, improve business resilience, and create a fairer, more sustainable supply chain.”

“It is particularly encouraging that policymakers engaged directly with our members during the consultation process.

“That real-world insight has clearly helped shape a more robust and meaningful response.”

BESA said retentions have remained a long-running issue for SMEs in construction, with businesses facing withheld payments, delayed release of funds and, in some cases, the loss of retention money through upstream insolvencies.

Debbie Petford, Legal and Commercial Director at BESA, added: “We have been waiting a long time for meaningful reform backed by legislation, and the proposed ban on retentions is a critical part of that.

“Too many businesses have struggled or failed because they have been denied the lifeblood of healthy cashflow.”

“This consultation was a once in a generation opportunity to address poor payment practices, and it is extremely positive to see the government taking decisive action.

“The collapse of major firms in recent years has only reinforced how vulnerable smaller contractors are within the supply chain.”

“While there is still work to do on implementation, this is a major step towards creating a business environment where firms can thrive, not just survive.”

Construction consultation will continue on implementation

The government has indicated that further consultation will cover transition periods and a clear definition of retentions to stop their return in other forms.

BESA is encouraging members and the wider industry to continue engaging with the process as the final framework is developed.

Why Multitone Electronics is focusing on role-based messaging

by CommunicationsFeatured NewsIndustry Comment

Multitone Electronics commentary on Nucleus and compliance

Multitone Electronics has published commentary from Product Manager Colin Azevedo on his first six months in the role, setting out how the Nucleus platform is being developed around role-based messaging, NHS compliance and future AI use.

In an interview published by the company, Azevedo said he joined the business in July 2025 and identified NHS DCB – 0129 compliance as one of his early milestones, alongside work on the Nucleus roadmap and meetings with NHS teams using the platform.

He said Nucleus is designed to address fragmented communication in hospitals and other organisations where multiple systems do not connect, adding that the platform brings messaging into one place and supports both paging and newer app-based workflows.

Azevedo said one of the main operational benefits for NHS staff is role-based messaging, which allows alerts to follow a role rather than an individual when frontline staff change wards, duties or responsibilities during a shift.

Multitone Electronics sets out platform direction

Azevedo said the main design challenge is maintaining an always-on system across different customer environments, including legacy pagers, cloud systems, local IT policies and varied workflows.

He said AI is expected to support a shift towards predictive and intelligent workflows, with Nucleus being developed to identify patterns, anticipate needs and provide decision support linked to escalation paths, risk visibility and routine communications.

On future compliance requirements, Azevedo said organisations are likely to require evidence that systems have delivered messages, recorded acknowledgements and prompted action within defined timeframes.

He added that systems will also be expected to remain secure, auditable and traceable as cyber risks increase, with tighter standards around interoperability and resilience.

Company comments and BAPCO appearance

Multitone also included comments from Peter Lomax, Multitone’s Sales and Marketing Director, on Azevedo’s appointment and the company’s direction ahead of the BAPCO Show at the Coventry Building Society Arena on 25 – 26 March 2026.

Lomax said: “Technology is only as effective as both the strategy – and the people – behind it.

“Colin Azevedo is an excellent addition to the Multitone team, bringing product insight, proven experience and a passion for innovative solutions.

“We are delighted to have Colin on board.”

The interview also states that Multitone is exhibiting at the annual BAPCO Show on stand F25.Why Multitone Electronics is focusing on role-based messaging

Are civilian fire officers putting communities at risk?

by Breaking NewsIndustry Comment

Questions are emerging about whether technical expertise alone can match the enforcement judgement shaped by frontline operational experience, write Duncan J. White

Across global fire services, a recurring question is gaining traction: Does the increasing use of civilian fire service enforcement officers compromise fire and life safety?

From London to Sydney and Toronto, services are expanding civilian enforcement teams in response to tightening budgets, rising call volumes, and regulatory complexity.

Fire safety legislation has evolved into a technical, risk-based discipline.

Building systems now incorporate advanced suppression, smoke management, and performance-based design solutions that demand specialised knowledge.

Critics argue that removing uniformed firefighters from frontline enforcement risks weakening the system.

Operational experience brings insight into fire dynamics, tactical realities, and the consequences of building failures under incident conditions.

Firefighters who have advanced hose lines through smoke-filled corridors understand why compartmentation, detection and access matter.

That experience can carry weight when challenging non-compliant building owners.

But this debate risks framing the issue too narrowly.

Modern enforcement requires operational credibility and a deep understanding of codes, engineering principles, human behaviour in fire and legal processes.

Many civilian enforcement officers come from backgrounds in building control, fire engineering or regulatory compliance.

In complex, high-risk occupancies, that technical depth can exceed traditional career pathways.

The greater risk to fire and life safety is fragmentation.

When enforcement teams, civilian or uniformed, operate in isolation from response crews, silos emerge.

Inspection findings may not inform pre-incident planning.

Operational lessons from real fires may not shape enforcement priorities.

Conversely, services that integrate enforcement and operations often strengthen overall resilience.

Joint training, shared risk data and structured communication channels ensure that technical expertise and frontline experience reinforce one another.

Dedicated civilian officers can focus consistently on high-risk premises, complex investigations and sustained compliance strategies.

There is also a workforce reality.

In many jurisdictions, emergency medical and all-hazard responses dominate call volume.

Expecting suppression personnel to absorb expanding regulatory responsibilities risks overextension and fatigue.

Civilian enforcement officers can provide continuity in prevention functions, protecting operational readiness and regulatory effectiveness.

The central question is not who delivers enforcement, but how competence, governance and integration are assured.

Fire and life safety outcomes depend on standards, accountability and collaboration, not uniform colour.

Properly structured civilian enforcement models do not inherently compromise safety.

Poor integration does.

Fire services must focus on capability.

The future of fire and life safety will be defined by how well prevention and protection align with evolving hazards.

Stay Safe

This was originally published in the March 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Barking project prompts sprinkler warning from Business Sprinkler Alliance

by Featured NewsIncidentsIndustry Comment

Sprinkler strategy and building use

A multi-storey industrial building in Barking has been cited by the Business Sprinkler Alliance (BSA) as an example of how a compliant fire strategy can still restrict building use.

Tom Roche, Secretary of the Business Sprinkler Alliance, said the development was designed as a multi-storey industrial and warehousing scheme and described as a pioneer project, yet most of it remained empty two years after completion.

The building was presented as flexible workspace with tall ceilings, roller shutters and vehicle access to upper levels.

Only a small fraction of the available space has been let. The issue was linked to the fire strategy.

The sprinkler system was designed for industrial use rather than storage use.

Flammable materials can therefore only be stored to a height of around 1.2 metres.

In units capable of accommodating storage at much greater height, that restriction limited the range of occupiers the space could support.

Barking and Dagenham Council described the sprinkler system as having been “value engineered” to “balance cost, compliance and anticipated use”.

The system complied with fire safety regulations, went beyond the guidance in fitting the sprinklers and passed the required checks before sign-off.

Business Sprinkler Alliance sets out wider concern

Roche said the case showed how fire engineering strategies can shape what can be stored, how space is used and whether a building remains commercially viable.

He wrote that fire engineering strategies are often agreed early and then rarely revisited.

He also said further value engineering can alter the long-term use of a building even when a strategy is later updated.

In this case, the property is reported to need an additional £2.2 million to allow it to be used in the way intended.

Roche also referred to other examples including schools with atria that cannot hold events and large warehouses with clear heights that cannot be protected with ceiling-only automatic sprinklers.

He said: “A building that cannot be let because its fire strategy restricts its use is not a success.

“A development that requires millions of pounds of remedial work shortly after completion is not a success.

“A scheme that looks right, feels right, but functions incorrectly has failed at a fundamental level.”

He added: “If a building looks like a warehouse, is marketed as a warehouse and is priced as a warehouse, then it should be able to operate as one.”

The Business Sprinkler Alliance said it would continue to argue for fire safety approaches that place protection, resilience and continuity alongside life safety.

UK Vaping Industry Association urges retail safety checks following Glasgow fire

by Featured NewsIndustry Comment

Glasgow incident prompts letters to fire services

The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has written to fire authorities across the UK following the recent fire in Glasgow to support safety checks in vape retail premises.

UKVIA said the fire has been confirmed as starting in a retail outlet selling vapes among other products, with the investigation still ongoing.

The letter, issued on 11 March 2026, was sent to the National Fire Chiefs Council, Fire Standards Board and several fire and rescue services.

It said the association wants to work with fire services and authorities to help prevent a similar incident.

Some retail members have already sent updates to stores to reinforce fire and battery safety measures.

Glasgow response includes licensing proposal

UKVIA said it is working with the British government on a mandatory retail licensing scheme proposed in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

It said the scheme could support compliance with fire safety requirements in vape retail stores across the UK.

John Dunne, Director General UK Vaping Industry Association, said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the fire in Glasgow and we commend the emergency services for their response.

“This is an isolated incident and, while the exact cause of the fire has not yet been established, even one case like this is one too many.

“While we await the findings of the full investigation, we will be proactively engaging with the fire service and relevant authorities to understand what lessons can be learned to help ensure the highest possible safety standards across vape retailers.

“We are also advising all our members to check their fire risk assessments and to get in touch with their local fire authorities to seek any further guidance.”

Glasgow site handed to council as response ends

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has handed control of the Union Street site to Glasgow City Council, marking the end of firefighting operations and the start of recovery work.

Public safety remains the priority, with work beginning to assess the structure and establish a safe zone, while SFRS maintains a presence to support partner agencies.

The fire was first reported at 3.46pm on Sunday 8 March and at its height involved 18 appliances and specialist resources.

Close to 300 firefighters were involved over four days.

Assistant Chief Officer Jon Henderson, SFRS Director of Prevention, said: “This was an incredibly challenging and complex incident which called upon resources and expertise from across the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

“We are extremely proud of our staff and incredibly thankful to our partners for helping to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.

“Despite the scale and intensity of this fire, no firefighters or members of the public were hurt, and some of Glasgow’s most iconic buildings were saved from further damage.

“The impact of this incident on the Glasgow community is enormous, and we are extremely grateful for the patience and generosity shown to our partners and us at the scene throughout.”

A multi-agency investigation will take place once the site is secured and safe.

UK Construction Products Reform White Paper proposes licensing for testing bodies

by ConstructionFeatured NewsIndustry Comment

Construction Products Reform White Paper is product-focused, Harmony Fire says

A UK government white paper has set out proposed reforms to the construction products regulatory regime, including changes to product coverage, testing and enforcement.

The proposals are described in the Construction Products Reform White Paper and are framed as part of the response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy and subsequent reviews.

Construction products reform white paper coverage and testing proposals

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government’s Construction Products Reform White Paper proposes bringing all construction products into regulatory requirements through designated standards or a general safety requirement (GSR).

The document sets out a licensing regime in which UK Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) would be licensed by the national regulator for construction products.

The white paper also links these proposals to oversight of the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) by the national regulator.

Construction products reform white paper enforcement and regulator plans

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government states that breaches of the construction products regime would be punishable by an unlimited fine or imprisonment.

The white paper also describes consultation on civil monetary penalties as an alternative to prosecution.

It says additional sanctions following prosecution could include director disqualification and recovering proceeds of crime.

It also sets out an intention to create a single construction regulator, with the proposal that it would take on the national regulator for construction products role and the responsibilities of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).

Harmony Fire commentary on deliverability and supply chain impacts

Graham Oliphant, Managing Director of Harmony Fire’s consultancy business, wrote: “The Construction Products Reform white paper will be closely analysed in the coming days and weeks, but here are some initial observations on its direction and deliverability.

“One of the most significant reforms concerns Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs), which will now be licensed by the national regulator to bring greater consistency and rigour to testing and certification.

“Failures in testing and commercial conflicts of interest were explicitly referenced in the Grenfell Inquiry.”

Oliphant wrote: “The single construction regulator will be central to implementation, and alignment with EU-CPR 2024 on sustainability should reduce trade friction and regulatory duplication while supporting international supply chains.

“There is no detail on increased enforcement capacity, investment in testing laboratories or long-term funding.

“With around 28,000 manufacturers and the vast majority of these in the SME category, resourcing remains a critical question.”

Oliphant added: “The term ‘system’ appears 142 times in the White Paper and there is acknowledgment of the cladding system level risk that created the perfect storm at Grenfell Tower.

“Yet the reforms remain product-focused, this is significant missed opportunity or worse.

“There is no certification for assembled systems, no integrated liability across designers, specifiers and installers, and no dynamic risk assessment for substitution during construction.

“The fragmentation highlighted in the Inquiry remains largely unaddressed.”

Oliphant wrote: “Finally, the administrative and cost burden will fall heavily on small and micro businesses, which make up around 94% of the manufacturing base.

“GSR assessments, digitisation and expanded liability will increase costs, risk market consolidation and reduce choice and innovation, potentially increasing reliance on imports if the domestic base contracts.”

Public consultation launched on fire safety standards in construction

by ConstructionFeatured NewsIndustry Comment

Construction consultation and key dates

Draft fire safety guidance for construction sites has been released for public consultation, with responses due by Wednesday 18 March.

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) said the consultation is intended for manufacturers, suppliers and system specifiers, and may also support installers and construction site managers responsible for fire safety.

A Special Interest Group meeting will take place on Monday 16 March to gather feedback and help develop the FIA’s position.

Comments must be submitted by close of business on Wednesday 11 March, after which registered contributors will receive draft copies, a comments template sheet and meeting distribution details.

What the fire safety guidance covers

The draft code of practice sets out guidance for managing fire safety on construction sites, including projects lasting more than 30 working days with over 20 workers on site at any one time or exceeding 500 person-working days.

Recommendations include the development of fire safety management systems designed to address both organisational and site-specific risks during construction works.

A separate draft specification defines requirements and performance criteria for fire detection and fire alarm systems intended for temporary use during construction.

The specification is primarily intended for manufacturers, suppliers and system specifiers, and is also relevant to installers and site managers with fire safety responsibilities.

Temporary installations fall within its scope, with permanent systems and project-specific suitability remaining outside its remit.

The document also references fire safety responsibilities set out in the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.

Draft versions of both documents are available through the BSI Standards Development pages here and here.

Fire Aware calls for duty of care-led cultural change in fire safety

by Featured NewsIndustry CommentSafety

Fire Aware and duty of care

Fire Aware has called for cultural change in fire safety through a duty of care across multiple sectors.

In the recent commentary piece, Fire Aware says everyone involved in the design, construction, maintenance and letting of the built environment should understand an obligation to fire safety, including businesses outside fire specialisms.

It also references Dame Judith Hackitt, who led the Grenfell Inquiry, and her calls for cultural change through moral and ethical behaviours.

The commentary adds that the new independent Building Safety Regulator has been created to “promote competence and higher standards.”

Fire Aware CEO Gavin Skelly said: “We have many members who are not directly connected to fire safety but still accept they have a duty of care for public safety.

“People can get hurt through a fire incident even if it is by the actions of people way outside of the fire specialisms.

“Committing to the moral and ethical values of being fire safe is more than a job.

“It’s a way of life and a vocation.

“Our members are all of the same mind and we are moving towards raising the bar of standards, competence and commitment to fire safety of the public.

“Ultimately, we are talking about protecting people.”

Sectors highlighted and the proposed approach

The commentary highlights hospitality and healthcare as sectors it describes as particularly vulnerable to fire risk.

It links hospitality risk to the number of bars, restaurants and hotels trusted to protect customers.

It links healthcare risk to protecting vulnerable and elderly people, including those who cannot look after themselves in the event of a real fire.

Fire Aware says it is focusing on the moral responsibility of those working in the fire safety supply chain, including designers, developers, asset owners, managers and other stakeholders.

It says it aims to influence member company behaviour through a moral code of conduct delivered via a series of charters.

Fire Aware describes itself as a recognised membership body serving the built environment and related sectors, with a shared aim to work and trade responsibly to best practice standards in the interests of general public safety.