G3 Systems confirms Interschutz 2022 presence

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G3 Systems Limited has confirmed its participation at Interschutz 2022, the world’s foremost fire, rescue, civil protection, and safety/security trade show, from June 20-25, 2022, at the Deutsche Messe Hannover, Germany.   

Interschutz was last held in 2015, and the pandemic caused the show to be postponed in both 2020 and 2021.

Joining around 1,000 other companies from 50 countries, G3 Systems will be presenting its outsourced fire and rescue service capability to industrial, aviation and critical infrastructure customers from around the world.

With around 160,000 visitors expected to visit the show over 6 days, G3 Systems will demonstrate how its 24/7 fire and rescue services can minimise risk and improve on-site safety; protecting staff, visitors and facilities while enabling operations to continue in full compliance with national and international fire and safety standards and regulations.

Based in Portland UK, and currently celebrating 20 years in business, G3 Systems Fire & Rescue Services include structural and aviation rescue and fire-fighting services, emergency dispatch and response, incident command, fire safety, fire inspection and investigation, equipment and vehicle maintenance, testing and compliance, firefighter training and Medical Crash Crew / Ambulance Services.

In addition, G3 Systems provide waking watch services and client training in emergency response procedures, as well as through-life logistics support via mobile Field Service Engineers and forward deployed support staff.  Over 80% of its personnel work at its client’s facilities around the world.

G3 Systems will be present at Stand A51: Hall 17.

Has the pandemic overhauled the security landscape?

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Insightful contributions on a range of key, topical issues facing the security systems and security services sectors were shared at last month’s Thought Leadership Summit, held at the Royal Lancaster London after a two-year break following the pandemic. Organised by the Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) in association with NSI, the annual event attracted a wide range of senior leaders from across the industry.

The 2022 conference programme reflected a variety of current themes affecting buyers of security and industry providers alike, including upcoming legislation covering protection of most public spaces – the Protect Duty proposals. These implications and opportunities were debated by three speakers: Andrew Donaldson, head of security at Real Estate Management UK Ltd; John Frost, Group head of business continuity at Marks & Spencer and chairperson of the Retail Business Continuity Association; and Stuart Toal, head of non-motor commercial insurance, Allianz UK.

The speakers’ contributions on the Protect Duty consultation reflected a wider, common thread: the value of collaborative working, regardless of commercial considerations. As one delegate put it, in a contribution ‘from the floor’: we have to work collaboratively to make the most of this once in a moment opportunity and explain to all parties how improved protection of public spaces will impact them in the future.

Those attending the Thought Leadership Summit also gained an insight into the current thinking guiding licensing body the Security Industry Authority, from CEO Michelle Russell. Michelle outlined a plan of actions including improvements to the SIA’s core licensing systems and processes, alongside a more proactive approach to compliance, inspection and enforcement.

The impact of the pandemic on the security sector was discussed by two speakers in a session addressing the topic ‘Who are the winners and losers amongst security suppliers? What the bosses say.’ Paul Evans, CEO of Carlisle Support Services and Christian Watts, MD, Fire and Security Systems at Mitie agreed that key worker status has raised the public perception and status of officers with a welcome increase in pay across the sector.

In contrast, there have been increases in violence, including serious assaults, along with a significant rise in abuse towards guards, and Paul argued for a “meaningful employee value proposition” to attract candidates and counter labour shortages.

Christian added that other “headwinds and challenges” include rising crime statistics, increases in the cost of living, supply chain disruption, tightening compliance, changing workplaces and technology evolution.

Richard Jenkins, NSI’s chief executive, provided Thought Leadership Summit delegates with an overview of the positive ways in which third party certification raises standards, reduces risks and independently demonstrates key competencies across the sector. He said: “Following NSI’s inaugural involvement with this prestigious event in 2020, the environment in which companies operate has changed and the 2022 Thought Leadership Summit provided challenging first-hand perspectives from practitioners on the key issues driving the direction of travel in both security systems and security guarding services deployment and operations.”

Professor Martin Gill, founder and director, Thought Leadership Summit commented: “Thought Leadership Summits are designed to inspire new thinking, provide a critique of what is happening and generate insights on where security should be heading, it once again achieved that. The presentations and debates remind us of the passion for those who work in security to want to improve it.”

FIREX International 2022 agenda announced

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Some of the leading personalities in fire safety law and standards, fire risk assessments and building safety will provide a mix of informative individual presentations and expert panel discussions at FIREX International in May.

Gill Kernick has partnered organisations in high hazard industries to develop the leadership and culture needed to prevent major accidents. A former resident of Grenfell Tower herself until 2014, she is author of the book Catastrophe and Systemic Change: Learning from the Grenfell Tower Fire and Other Disasters. She will be kicking off the programme by sharing her thoughts on systemic change and the role of trust and disruption in the fire industry on 17 May.

Discussing more about the wide-ranging implications of the Building Safety Bill, the Deputy Director of the Building Safety Regulator – Tim Galloway – will be on hand on Tuesday 17 May to discuss the HSE’s new role in the building safety regime and its approach to compliance and enforcement.

View the full Expertise & Guidance Theatre agenda here

The golden thread of building safety information has been a feature of much work since Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent review of building regulations and fire safety in 2018. On 17 May, an expert panel on the role of digitised building information will discuss the ways ahead, including the provisions of the standard BS 8644 Digital management of fire safety information.

So much good practice in fire safety is underpinned by independent third-party certification of products and services. Also on Tuesday, a panel of senior representatives from third party certification organisations – such as BRE Global, BAFE and UL – will come together to discuss the steps specifiers should make to ensure they are procuring independently certificated products and services – from passive and active fire safety products and their installation, to service providers such as fire risk assessors.

The headline act for Wednesday 18 May will include a presentation from BSI on the increasingly prominent role IoT is playing in fire safety, followed by a panel discussion with key members of the Fire Industry Association’s IoT Forum debating the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Since the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the spotlight on the role of ‘stay put’ in purpose-built blocks of flats has come under scrutiny. Andy Scott, Chair of BSI’s FSH/12/5 committee on fire alarm devices, voice alarm evacuation sub-systems and emergency voice communications, examines BS 8629, the code of practice for evacuation alert systems to be used by fire and rescue services when ‘stay put’ is no longer tenable.

The specific challenges of improving fire safety in the social housing sector will be examined by Andy Frankum, Chair of the National Social Housing Fire Strategy Group, while a new standard for fire alarms for those with sensory sensitivities will be exclusively launched at FIREX by Sonny White and James Jones.

And, on Thursday 19 May, Erin Shoesmith, the Health and Safety Partner at solicitors Addleshaw Goddard, will be outlining how the legal landscape is changing under the Building Safety Bill – and not just for high-rise residential buildings.

Access 360 to showcase fire safety solutions at The Fire Safety Event 2022

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Bilco UK, Profab Access and Howe Green, which together form Access 360, will be exhibiting a complete range of certified access solutions for roofs, ceilings, walls, and floors at this year’s Fire Safety Event.

From 5th – 7th April, industry professionals can meet with Access 360’s technical experts at Birmingham’s NEC on stand 3a/E25 to learn more about its comprehensive range of fire integrity and fire safety access products.

This includes Bilco UK’s unique SKY Flatglass Smoke Vent, Profab Access’ revolutionary patented PRECISION Adjustable Frame and Howe Green’s extensive offering of fire rated floor access covers.

On Thursday 7th April, Marcus Parnham, Access 360’s commercial director, will be delivering an exclusive seminar in the Fire Safety Theatre at 11am, discussing the importance of comprehensive fire testing and certification to ensure the highest standards of safety, efficiency and compliance.

Across the three days, visitors can receive live demonstrations of Profab Access’ ground breaking PRECISION Adjustable Frame, which makes the installation of riser doors up to 30% quicker.

The only product of its kind currently available, the PRECISION Adjustable Frame has been expertly engineered to be fully adjusted to meet the specific dimensions of each structural opening, when installed into a flexible or solid wall construction.

Featuring a continual adjustable steel packer system and built in factory applied intumescent fire rated mastic strips to the outer frame that provides fire stopping between the wall and the frame, it ensures the installation is fit for purpose, by providing the highest standards in accuracy.

Profab Access’ comprehensive portfolio of third party tested solutions, including the INTEGRA 4000 Series and VEGA 1500 Series Riser Doors, in addition to the PRIMA 1000 Fire Rated Series and SPIRA 6000 Series Access Panels, will also be on display.

Attendees can also receive a demonstration of Bilco UK’s innovative SKY Flatglass, which offers professionals a diverse ‘three in one’ solution, as it can be utilised as a smoke vent, roof access hatch and rooflight.

Howe Green’s 7500 Series Floor Access Covers will also be on display, which are independently CERTIFIRE fire rated to BS 776 Part 22 for two hours on integrity, and up to two hours on insulation.

Visitors can also receive demonstrations Howe Green’s unique CoverSkate lifting device, which enables the safe lifting and movement of heavy floor access covers, whilst also viewing Howe Green’s Visedge Series Flexible Floor Access Covers.

The Access 360 team will be available throughout the event to discuss professionals’ upcoming projects and provide information regarding how their extensive offering of fire integrity access solutions can be specified to ensure the highest standards of performance and compliance.

Parnham said: “The Fire Safety Event is the perfect opportunity for us to present our most popular fire rated access products to visitors and share expert advice to assist them in achieving adherence with all relevant regulations by achieving the most effective and efficient specifications.”

Magirus will not participate in Interschutz 2022

by EventsFeatured NewsIndustry SectorsProductsPublic EventsVehicles

In a major development, German truck manufacturer Magirus has announced it will not participate in this year’s Intershutz.

The firm said it made careful considerations, not to take part at the Interschutz 2022 exhibition and “allocate part of the planned investment to charitable initiatives in support of firefighters in the Ukrainian conflict”.

After two long years marked by the global pandemic, which has deeply depressed the business environment, the brand was already focusing its resources on the development of its “Next Generation Firefighting” portfolio.

A statement from Magirus added: “Now, the unexpected war in Ukraine is further impacting the whole automotive and firefighting industry. Issues ranging from chassis supply to logistics challenges and very significant cost increase acceleration require Magirus to take an even more decisive step in focusing on core activities: developing the best firefighting products and services to ‘serve heroes‘.”

The brand will continue its marketing efforts for the entire product portfolio through plans to conduct an roadshow, to participate at the September IAA Transportation event in Hannover, and to host an in-house Magirus fair in the latter part of the year on its home turf in Ulm, Germany.

Additionally, in light of the ongoing crisis, Magirus has donated two turntable ladders to firefighters in Ukraine and has decided to use part of the planned Interschutz investment where it can make an immediate positive impact, contributing to the German Fire Services Association’s charitable initiative in support of Ukraine. “Magirus remains more committed than ever to its clients, dealers, suppliers, and all its stakeholders and will start planning right away to find new direct and effective ways to engage with them on an ongoing basis,” the firm added.

Registrations for FireX 2022 open

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After a near-three-year hiatus FireX will to return to Britain’s capital in May 2022. Set to be hosted at London’s Excel the three day event will commence from May 17 in the heart of the city.

Registrations for the event have officially opened, with the ‘free to attend’ event offering buyer and sellers several opportunities to interact and make key decisions.

Key industry associations are set to attend the event which include the Fire Industry Association (FIA), Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), Fire Protection Association (FPA), among many more. FireX will offer networking opportunities to reconnect with the industry, ranging from breakfasts and drink receptions to closed-door roundtable discussions.

Meanwhile, the Expertise and Guidance Theatre and the FPA’s InfoZone seminars will offer several avenues for learning and discussions around latest government legislation, industry standards and best practice guidance.

For 2022, FireX has taken the decision to fully commit to supporting and promoting third-party approvals, independent accreditation and competency for construction products and services. This will mean all exhibiting companies with relevant fire protection or prevention systems and materials will need to hold – or be in the process of acquiring – recognised third-party approval on their products.

Digital two-way radio launched by Motorola Solutions

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Motorola Solutions has announced the launch of the MOTOTRBO R7, a digital two-way radio with advanced audio features and a slim, rugged design to connect teams in loud, rough and dynamic environments. 

The MOTOTRBO R7 voice communications work on the digital mobile radio (DMR) standard and deliver sharp, clear speech for better intelligibility, with industrial-level noise cancellation, automatic feedback suppression and automatic volume adjustment based on background noise. Critical and detailed information is displayed on the home screen, alleviating the need for workers to scroll through multiple screens to access alerts or text messages. The device can be programmed and updated over the air via WiFi to reduce downtime and is powered by a battery that lasts up to 28 hours.
 
“Clarity and coverage of radio communications is a top concern and priority in our manufacturing facility because it directly affects safety and operational efficiency,” said Richard Dhondt, Maintenance Supervisor, NTN Driveshaft. “Employees working with heavy machinery can hear the MOTOTRBO R7 voice communications loud and clear without leaving their stations or stopping the production line. The rugged design of the radio is ideal for use on the manufacturing floor, because it stands up to dust, spills, drops and the wear-and-tear of everyday use.”
 
The MOTOTRBO R7 is easily connected to a variety of sensors over DMR and Bluetooth and can be integrated with video security and access control systems. This allows security personnel to receive notifications on the device when there are unauthorized attempts to access secure areas or doors are propped open. Plant operators and field workers are able to receive critical alerts when high levels of hazardous gas are detected and rapidly react to help keep everyone safe.  
 
“The MOTOTRBO R7 is built to support communication and collaboration in any work environment, enabling security staff to share safety updates over the roar of a stadium, teachers to coordinate arrivals and departures across crowded hallways and nurses to triage patients in congested emergency rooms,” said Katja Millard, vice president, Enterprise Products, Motorola Solutions. “Its integration with other safety systems and technologies allows teams to detect and respond more quickly to all manner of day-to-day events, as well as during emergencies.” 

Leading location navigation systems provider Syntony GNSS joins TCCA

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TCCA, the global representative body for the critical communications ecosystem, is pleased to announce that Syntony GNSS has become a member. With offices in France, USA and Canada, Syntony designs and manufactures GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) products, including GNSS receivers and simulators dedicated to mission critical applications, transportation and aerospace and defence.

According to an industry report[1], the global GNSS simulators market size is set to grow from USD 106 million in 2020 to USD 165 million by 2025, at a CAGR of 9.3% during the forecast period. Various factors such as rapid penetration of consumer IoT, the contribution of 5G in enabling ubiquitous connectivity, and increasing use of wearable devices utilising location information are expected to drive the adoption of the GNSS simulators hardware, software, and services.

Syntony GNSS manufactures SubWAVE™, a solution that enables GPS (Global Positioning Systems) to work underground. This allows emergency call location in underground tunnels and stations from any smartphone and provides the location of any first responder stakeholder using a compatible P25 or TETRA receiver, providing critical safety services.

SubWAVE is typically deployed in underground subway networks (stations and tunnels) – SubWAVE covers 100% of the underground stations of the Stockholm subway for example – underground road and rail tunnels, underground parking, and in the mining industry.

“We invented SubWAVE to save lives: to be able to precisely locate a firefighter inside a tunnel for example is critical to his or her safety, and this is what our system does. Also, being able to pinpoint the location of emergency calls made from road or rail tunnels will enhance first responders’ ability to provide assistance and rescue. We are very proud to become a member of TCCA, whose DNA is focused on life saving through critical communications,” said Joel Korsakissok, Syntony’s President and founder.

“Reliable GPS/GNSS coverage in underground and denied locations like subways, rail and road tunnels and mining is now an essential requirement for emergency services and asset operator personnel navigation and response as well as citizen safety,” said Kevin Graham, TCCA CEO. “General citizens and many businesses now rely on GPS/GNSS signals for their navigation and tracking use cases. We welcome the expertise of Syntony GNSS to enhance knowledge within TCCA of this critical area and look forward to working with Joel and his team.”

Leading sector analyst house joins The Critical Communications Association

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The Critical Communications Association (TCCA), the global representative for the critical communications ecosystem, is pleased to announce that respected industry research firm CritComm Insights (CCI) has become a member of the association.

Led by Ken Rehbehn, a well-known and highly respected expert in the telecommunications world, CCI is focused on the intersection of mobile broadband and critical communications technology. Supplying industry analysis for critical communications technology, CCI addresses markets that include public safety broadband networking (PSBN), TETRA, and Project 25.

The company’s research extends to broadband-enabled technologies for location tracking as well as emerging command and control applications. In addition to supplying insights on industry trends, CCI provides education and advocacy focused on end-user deployments and risk analysis. CCI is based in the United States near Washington, D.C.

“TCCA leads global efforts to enhance and expand mission-critical communications capabilities serving industry and society,” said Ken Rehbehn, Principal Analyst. “Joining TCCA as a member is an important step for CCI, one that bolsters our industry analysis offerings and opens opportunities to contribute to end-user education and advocacy.”
“Ken has long been a supporter of TCCA and our work in enhancing critical communications and advocating the benefits of open global standards,” said Tony Gray, TCCA Chief Executive. “He makes significant contributions throughout the sector and is also one of our valued independent judges for the annual International Critical Communications Awards.

“CCI becoming a member of TCCA will enable us to further benefit from CCI’s analysis and market knowledge and will enable their analysts

MSA advocates for health and well-being of firefighters and communities

by Industry SectorsPublic EventsSafety

At MSA, it is our mission to help protect the first responders and ensure that they, their families, and communities live in health and safety. While on duty, fire and rescue services face high variability of working environment conditions. The safety and wellbeing of first responders are crucial. Over a period of time, their job has become even more challenging. Firefighters can find themselves working in harmful and rapidly changing conditions under various risk factors. When they are well-trained, physically fit, and safely equipped it can make all the difference.

As a safety equipment manufacturer, we support a variety of both communities and organizations and continuously engage in initiatives where the impact on the importance and awareness of health, safety, and well-being is critical.

We were proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the 2021 British Firefighter Challenge that marks a symbol of health, well-being of firefighters, and the communities while raising funds for the Fire Fighters Charity. During the two-day challenge competitors from U.K. and other European countries, including Germany, Portugal, France, and the Czech Republic, undertook various tasks at speed in full fire protection equipment and while wearing MSA’s M1 SCBA. In a fair-play atmosphere, they showed the audience how much physical fitness is required from the emergency services on a daily basis, thus encouraging support for the Fire Fighters Charity which helps firefighters in financial, physical, and mental crises.

John Gregory, Director at the British Firefighter Challenge and Crew Manager at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said: “The British Firefighter Challenge is all about social responsibility. Fundraising for operational and retired colleagues requiring physical and mental health rehabilitation, we inspire health and fitness in the British Fire and Rescue Service plus equality and diversity, as this is a unique fire service sporting event that boasts ages 18 to 60+ entering, with over 10% female entries. In addition, we open a social platform that brings firefighters and their families together and we engage with the younger generation providing activities for the whole family, including community safety and fitness challenges.”

Apart from the M1 SCBA, MSA’s Bristol EOS fire kit, GALLET F1XF, and GALLET F2XR were used by some firefighters during the whole race. Of particular interest was the pink GALLET F1XF helmet, which was part of a special race to increase visibility for Breast Cancer Awareness.

Speaking about the latter, in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) estimations, 12 percent of women worldwide are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. MSA actively supports European Pink Firefighter Brigade formed voluntarily by firefighters from many European countries under the lead of Vendelin Clicques, a French professional firefighter and CEO of an International Emergency Drone Association (IEDO). With open hearts, dressed in pink, and donning the pink GALLET F1XF fire helmet, the Pink Firefighters take part in many European firefighter challenges competing with each other. But this competition has a purpose: carry a supportive message, educate and raise awareness on breast cancer prevention.

John Gregory added: “We are happy to create space for charitable causes and any firefighter, volunteer, or spectator who is fundraising at our events, a very selfless thing to do. Like this year, when two of our colleagues Vendelin and Pete – the Pink Firefighters as they are better known, raced for Breast Cancer awareness and helped raise much-needed funds after a particularly challenging year.”

Every year, in October, the Cancer Leage (Ligue Contre le Cancer) organizes an awareness campaign against breast cancer across France. This year, MSA joined forces with the League’s Chatillon, and MSA’s pink fire and rescue helmets, as well as pink hard hats, were installed in public places across the city to raise awareness of breast cancer prevention throughout October.

These efforts show just a little of what MSA has been doing. To stay up to date on MSA socially responsible initiatives follow us on Linkedin.