IWMA elects UK-based Lee Haines to board of directors

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsFire SuppressionPeople

UK representative elected to IWMA board

The International Water Mist Association (IWMA) has confirmed the election of Lee Haines from Fireworks Fire Protection Ltd. to its board of directors.

As reported by the IWMA, the election was held via an online ballot that took place between 11 and 25 March 2025.

Lee Haines was elected to fill a vacant position following the departure of Alex Palle, who stepped down during the 2024 IWMA member meeting after serving a four-year term.

Lee Haines to represent UK-based interests

Unlike other members of the current board, Lee Haines is based in the United Kingdom.

According to the IWMA, Fireworks Fire Protection Ltd. is listed as an installer of water mist systems and supports both high- and low-pressure technologies.

Commenting on his appointment, Haines said: “I am honoured to get the opportunity to contribute further to the IWMA by sitting on the Board of Directors.

“I am committed to serving within the organisation to the best of my abilities and collaborating with corporate and private members supporting both high- and low-pressure water mist systems, over conventional technologies.”

Board composition defined by association rules

The IWMA board is comprised of a minimum of four and a maximum of ten elected members.

This structure is defined in the association’s governing documents and ensures regular rotation and opportunities for new appointments.

Lee Haines submitted his application for the role two weeks prior to the ballot and was the sole candidate for the vacant position.

Election carried out through online voting

The election process was conducted entirely online, with IWMA members invited to vote between 11 and 25 March 2025.

The association has not disclosed the number of votes cast but confirmed that the result was accepted and that Lee Haines would now begin his term as a board member.

IWMA elects UK-based Lee Haines to board of directors: Summary

The International Water Mist Association has announced that Lee Haines from Fireworks Fire Protection Ltd. has been elected to its board of directors.

The ballot was held online from 11 to 25 March 2025.

Lee Haines is based in the United Kingdom and is the only UK-based member of the current board.

He fills the position vacated by Alex Palle, who left the board after completing a four-year term.

According to IWMA’s governance rules, the board consists of between four and ten elected members.

Fireworks Fire Protection Ltd. is listed by IWMA as a water mist system installer.

Lee Haines officially applied for the position two weeks before the election.

The association confirmed that he accepted the result of the vote and will now begin his duties as a director.

NEBOSH announces 2025 recipients of international health and safety bursary for women

by Featured NewsHealth and SafetyPeople

NEBOSH and L’Oréal support international women pursuing safety careers

NEBOSH has announced that ten women from across six countries have been selected as recipients of the 2025 NEBOSH–L’Oréal International Bursary.

The bursary provides funding for study and assessment fees for the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety.

The initiative, now in its third year, is a collaboration between NEBOSH and global cosmetics company L’Oréal.

It attracted over 1000 applications from women aiming to advance their careers in occupational health and safety.

Applicants selected from more than 1000 global submissions

The bursary is designed to increase access to formal qualifications for women interested in workplace safety.

According to NEBOSH, the ten recipients were chosen for their strong motivation to develop their skills and improve safety outcomes in their workplaces.

The winners are based in India, Nigeria, South Africa, Indonesia, Croatia and Zimbabwe.

Winners named for 2025 bursary award

  • The selected recipients of the 2025 bursary are:
    Keerthana Mathuravanan
  • Cynthia Uloma
  • Mathapelo Phetwe
  • Ebah Ezinne Kimberly
  • Zainab Lawal
  • Rosiana Agustin
  • Ina Hranilovic
  • Nombuso Mdledle
  • Joyce Pundo
  • Nonkanyiso Mhlongo

One of the recipients, Ina Hranilovic, said: “Getting the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is something I started thinking about in the middle of the lockdown in 2020.

“But in the end, I decided it wasn’t a good time to start with something like that.

“Today, I couldn’t be more thrilled with how things turned out because not only did I get the chance to learn about something I really care about, but I also got to do it as a part of a project dedicated to women and created for them.

“Thank you so much once again for this great opportunity.”

Bursary continues focus on supporting career development in safety

L’Oréal’s Global Vice President of Health and Safety, Malcolm Staves, said: “It is a real pleasure to continue our partnership with NEBOSH to promote and help women working in health and safety realise their potential within this area.

“By offering them the opportunity to obtain a NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety we are giving them a boost to their career and creating our future leaders #bethehummingbird”

The programme remains open to women worldwide and aims to support individuals who demonstrate commitment to improving workplace safety practices.

NEBOSH announces 2025 recipients of international health and safety bursary for women: Summary

Ten women from India, Nigeria, South Africa, Indonesia, Croatia and Zimbabwe have been awarded the 2025 NEBOSH–L’Oréal International Bursary.

The programme covers study and assessment fees for the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety.

The bursary received more than 1000 applications from women internationally.

The winners were selected based on their motivation to improve safety in their workplaces and communities.

This is the third year of the NEBOSH–L’Oréal partnership.

L’Oréal’s Global Vice President of Health and Safety, Malcolm Staves, said the bursary supports career growth and leadership development for women in the field.

The bursary is available to applicants worldwide and aims to advance opportunities for women in health and safety.

Nigeria’s NEMA reflects on first year under Zubaida Umar

by Featured NewsPeople

Leadership and response to national disasters

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has marked one year since the appointment of Zubaida Umar as Director General on 15 March 2024.

According to the National Emergency Management Agency, Umar’s tenure has seen operational reforms, enhanced disaster response mechanisms, and improved inter-agency collaboration.

One of the most notable events during her first year was the agency’s response to the 2024 nationwide floods, which affected millions across Nigeria.

Under her leadership, NEMA coordinated relief efforts, deployed emergency response teams, and worked with state governments and humanitarian organisations to support affected communities.

The agency also strengthened early warning systems, issuing alerts that helped mitigate loss of life and property.

Strengthening early warning and disaster preparedness

NEMA reported that it has reinforced its early warning systems to improve disaster preparedness.

These measures included issuing advance flood alerts to communities and deploying prepositioned rescue teams to ensure rapid response.

During the 2024 floods, NEMA stated that response teams were deployed within hours of reported incidents, providing temporary shelters, food, and medical aid.

Collaboration with the Nigerian Armed Forces, Red Cross, United Nations agencies, and other humanitarian organisations helped facilitate coordinated relief efforts.

The agency has also launched public awareness initiatives aimed at educating communities on disaster preparedness.

Special focus has been placed on rural populations, equipping them with knowledge to respond effectively in emergencies.

Technology and capacity building in emergency management

According to NEMA, the past year has seen the introduction of technology-driven solutions to improve response efficiency.

A centralized emergency response dashboard was launched to enable real-time monitoring of disaster situations and faster mobilisation of resources.

Additionally, staff and volunteers have undergone training in disaster management, risk reduction, and emergency response coordination.

These capacity-building efforts aim to enhance NEMA’s ability to handle future disasters effectively.

Collaboration with local and international partners

NEMA stated that it has expanded partnerships with both local and international organisations to strengthen its capacity.

The agency has worked with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to secure technical and material support for disaster response.

Through these collaborations, NEMA has gained additional resources for humanitarian aid, training programmes, and strategic disaster management planning.

The agency continues to engage with various stakeholders to improve Nigeria’s emergency preparedness.

Nigeria’s NEMA reflects on first year under Zubaida Umar: Summary

NEMA has marked one year since Zubaida Umar took office as Director General on 15 March 2024.

During this period, the agency reported improvements in disaster response, early warning systems, and inter-agency collaboration.

In 2024, NEMA responded to nationwide floods by deploying emergency teams, distributing relief materials, and coordinating evacuations with state governments and humanitarian organisations.

The agency also launched a centralized emergency response dashboard and implemented public awareness campaigns on disaster preparedness.

Additionally, NEMA stated that it strengthened partnerships with international bodies such as UNOCHA and ECOWAS to enhance its emergency response capacity.

The agency continues to focus on training staff and volunteers to improve disaster management efforts.

FM secures representation on IWMA Scientific Council

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsFire SuppressionPeopleResearch

Dr Xiangyang Zhou joins IWMA Scientific Council

The International Water Mist Association (IWMA) has announced that Dr Xiangyang Zhou has joined its Scientific Council.

His appointment marks the return of FM representation to the council following a two-year absence.

Dr Zhou, a Senior Lead Research Scientist, has extensive experience in fire protection research, specialising in sprinkler and water mist systems.

He applied for a seat on the council in February 2025 and was accepted.

Background on FM’s involvement with IWMA

FM was previously represented on the IWMA Scientific Council by Dr Hong-Zeng Yu.

Following Dr Yu’s retirement two years ago, the organisation had no representative on the council until Dr Zhou’s recent appointment.

Dr Zhou has worked extensively in the field of water mist fire protection and is currently engaged in research aimed at advancing its applications.

His role on the council will involve contributing to the development of fire suppression technology through scientific collaboration.

Dr Zhou’s perspective on the appointment

Dr Zhou expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to join the council: “I am very grateful and happy to be approved as a member of the IWMA Scientific Council.

“I have worked at FM for years on the research of water mist fire protection and am currently working on a project to develop its application.

“I will be very happy to work with the Scientific Council and contribute my knowledge to advance the development of water mist fire protection worldwide.”

The role of the IWMA Scientific Council

The IWMA Scientific Council comprises experts from various sectors who contribute to the study and development of water mist fire protection.

The council collaborates on research projects, evaluates new technologies, and provides insights into regulatory and safety standards.

With Dr Zhou’s appointment, FM re-establishes its presence in the council’s discussions on fire protection advancements.

Richard ‘Dick’ Young, Performance Advantage Companyfounder and fire industry leader, dies at 94

by Breaking NewsPeople

Fire industry leader Richard ‘Dick’ Young passes away

Richard “Dick” Young, founder of Performance Advantage Company (PAC) and former president of Young Fire Equipment Corporation, passed away peacefully on 17 March 2025.

Young was a second-generation firetruck builder, following in the footsteps of his father, Lester Young, who founded Young Fire Equipment Corporation in 1944. He began working at the company before serving in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Upon his return, he rejoined the family business, eventually becoming its president.

During his time at Young Fire Equipment, Young introduced several apparatus design innovations, many of which are still industry standards. After the company closed in 1991, he founded Performance Advantage Company in 1992, focusing on tool mounting brackets for emergency services and other industries.

Contributions to the fire industry

Young served as president of the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA), continuing his contributions to the fire service beyond his work at Young Fire Equipment.

Through PAC, Young expanded his impact, growing the company into an international business supplying products in over 38 countries. His experience in fire apparatus manufacturing informed PAC’s development of equipment mounting solutions used across multiple industries.

Legacy in the firefighting community

Young was actively involved in preserving fire service history and supporting his local community. He donated land for the Greater Lancaster Museum of Fire Fighting and contributed items from his personal collection.

In addition to his industry contributions, Young was a lifelong honorary member of several fire departments in western New York and served on the Lancaster Village Board. He was also a published author and musician.

Memorial services and tributes

Young’s funeral services will be held on 23 March 2025 at Wendel & Loecher Inc. Funeral Home in Lancaster, New York, from 12:00 to 16:00. A celebration of life will follow at Ripa’s Restaurant from 18:00 to 21:00.

The family has requested donations in his memory to the Dick Young Heritage House, a non-profit supporting Lancaster volunteers, in lieu of flowers.

Statement from IFSJ/FSJA

International Fire and Safety Journal (IFSJ) and Fire & Safety Journal Americas (FSJA) acknowledge the passing of industry innovator Richard “Dick” Young, whose contributions to fire apparatus manufacturing and tool mounting solutions have had a lasting impact on the fire service.

Performance Advantage Company (PAC), founded by Young, has grown into a globally recognized provider of equipment solutions for emergency services. His legacy will continue through the innovations and industry advancements he helped shape.

Meiko UK appoints new sales leadership team from April 2025

by Breaking NewsPeople
Image: Phil Walley, Sales Director [left]; Tim Harris, Head of National Accounts [right].

Leadership changes at Meiko UK

Meiko UK has announced several key leadership appointments, effective 1 April 2025.

The changes include a new Sales Director, a Head of National Accounts, and two Senior Regional Managers.

Phil Walley has been appointed Sales Director.

Meiko UK stated that Walley brings extensive industry experience and will focus on developing sales strategies and strengthening client relationships across all sectors.

Tim Harris will take on the role of Head of National Accounts.

According to Meiko UK, Harris’ experience in managing large-scale accounts will be central to expanding national reach and maintaining high service standards.

New regional management appointments

Meiko UK has also named Lee Hackett and Ross Genner as Senior Regional Managers.

The company stated that both Hackett and Genner have a strong understanding of regional market dynamics and will focus on team leadership, business growth, and customer satisfaction.

Meiko UK said these appointments align with its strategy to enhance client service and strengthen its market position.

Retirement of Steve Evans

Steve Evans, current Sales Director of Meiko UK, will retire at the end of March 2025.

The company acknowledged Evans’ contributions, highlighting his leadership and guidance during his tenure.

Meiko UK expressed appreciation for Evans’ role within the senior management team and extended well wishes for his retirement.

Meiko UK appoints new sales leadership team from April 2025: Summary

Meiko UK has announced several leadership appointments effective 1 April 2025.

Phil Walley has been named Sales Director, focusing on sales strategy and client relationships.

Tim Harris has been appointed Head of National Accounts, with a focus on national expansion and service quality.

Lee Hackett and Ross Genner will take on Senior Regional Manager roles, responsible for regional growth and customer engagement.

The company has also confirmed the retirement of Sales Director Steve Evans at the end of March 2025, recognising his leadership and contributions.

Meiko UK stated that these changes are part of its efforts to strengthen its sales team and market presence.

Alex Norris MP outlines priorities as incoming Fire Minister

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsPeopleSafety
Image: Alexander Norris ©House of Commons

Fire policy transition to the Ministry for Housing

According to The Emergency Services Times, Alex Norris MP, who will become Fire Minister as fire policy returns to the Ministry for Housing, addressed fire chiefs at the annual LGA Fire Conference about upcoming changes in the fire sector.

He welcomed the establishment of a new College of Fire and Rescue and the role of the Ministerial Advisory Group in addressing long-term challenges.

He described his appointment as a “profound responsibility” and highlighted his prior experience in fire governance, having served on the Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Authority before becoming an MP in 2017, the same year as the Grenfell Tower fire.

Leadership changes in the fire sector

As reported by The Emergency Services Times, Norris acknowledged shifts in leadership across the fire and rescue sector.

He noted that Mark Hardingham will step down as Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, with Phil Garrigan set to take on the role.

He also pointed to changes within the Fire Services Management Committee, where Greg Brackenridge no longer leads the West Midlands Fire Authority, and recognised the appointment of Steve Wright as the new General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union.

College of Fire and Rescue and Ministerial Advisory Group

The Minister spoke about the government’s initiative to establish a College of Fire and Rescue, describing it as an idea he has discussed with fire chiefs, authority leaders, and unions over the years.

He expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to enhance leadership and professionalism within the sector.

He also addressed the Ministerial Advisory Group, which has already held initial meetings.

He stated: “It will be an important place where all partners, including government, get around the table and look at long-standing issues.

“It is structured in a way that is collaborative. As a new Minister, I find this exceptionally reassuring.”

Grenfell Tower response and construction safety

According to The Emergency Services Times, Norris referenced the government’s response to the final report on the Grenfell Tower fire, which accepted all 58 recommendations made by Sir Martin Moore-Bick.

He also discussed a green paper on reforms to the construction products regime, encouraging stakeholders to participate in the consultation process.

He stated that fire safety and building regulation discussions are ongoing within the Ministry for Housing, which is led by the Deputy Prime Minister.

Alex Norris MP outlines priorities as incoming Fire Minister: Summary

The Emergency Services Times has reported that Alex Norris MP, set to become Fire Minister as fire policy transitions to the Ministry for Housing, addressed fire chiefs at the LGA Fire Conference.

He spoke about sector-wide leadership changes, including new appointments at the National Fire Chiefs Council and the Fire Brigades Union.

Norris welcomed the formation of the College of Fire and Rescue and the Ministerial Advisory Group, highlighting their role in strengthening leadership and collaboration.

He also discussed the government’s response to the Grenfell Tower final report and a green paper on construction product safety.

He stated that the Ministry for Housing, led by the Deputy Prime Minister, holds regular discussions on fire safety and building regulations.

Northumberland fire chiefs suspended following cultural review

by Featured NewsPeople

Council suspends chief and deputy chief fire officers

Northumberland County Council has suspended Chief Fire Officer Graeme Binning and Deputy Chief Fire Officer Jim McNeil following a review into the organisational culture of Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, according to ITV News.

Senior council figures were informed of the decision at a meeting on Tuesday.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service previously reported that an independent review had been commissioned to assess workplace culture after concerns were raised.

ITV News had attempted to contact both officers for comment but had not received a response.

Independent review findings under consideration

Northumberland County Council confirmed in early February that an external company had been appointed to conduct the review, allowing staff to provide feedback.

The findings of the review have now been received by the council.

A Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “A neutral assessment at the Service has been undertaken.

“We are now considering its findings and taking the necessary next steps in this process.”

They added: “The safety of our residents is paramount and our operational command cover and procedures are secure.

“We cannot comment on individual staffing matters.”

Fire Brigades Union raises safety concerns

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) expressed concerns about the leadership suspensions and their potential impact on safety.

FBU Regional Secretary Brian Harris told ITV News: “In terms of anything major happening, any major incidents, they do form part of Gold Command, so anything major would be a real safety concern in terms of us, our members and the public.”

He added: “We’re really concerned about the command structure.

They are operational, they form part of the command structure all the way from the top down to a firefighter, and we have concerns about that level of command and control.”

Interim leadership appointed

Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service has announced the appointment of an interim leadership team.

Lynsey McVay, currently Assistant Chief Fire Officer at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, has been named Interim Chief Fire Officer.

Stephen Kennedy, the current Assistant Chief Fire Officer for Northumberland Fire and Rescue, has been appointed Interim Deputy Chief Fire Officer.

A service spokesperson said: “Interim appointments have been put in place whilst we continue to work through the appropriate next steps following the neutral assessment findings.”

They added: “They will further support our operational command cover and procedures and we reassure residents that public safety remains our top priority.”

Northumberland fire chiefs suspended following cultural review: Summary

Northumberland County Council has suspended Chief Fire Officer Graeme Binning and Deputy Chief Fire Officer Jim McNeil following an independent review into the culture of Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service.

The review was commissioned in response to staff concerns and has now been received by the council.

The Fire Brigades Union has warned that the suspensions could impact the service’s ability to respond to major incidents.

Interim leadership appointments have been made, with Lynsey McVay stepping in as Interim Chief Fire Officer and Stephen Kennedy as Interim Deputy Chief Fire Officer.

The fire service has stated that public safety remains its top priority while the council considers the next steps.

Leadership change at MSA Safety: CFO transition announced

by Featured NewsPeople

MSA Safety CFO resignation and interim appointment confirmed

MSA Safety has announced that its Chief Financial Officer, Lee B. McChesney, will step down from his role on 21 March 2025.

McChesney, who has served as CFO since October 2022, is leaving to take up a similar position at another publicly traded company.

MSA Safety President and CEO Steve Blanco confirmed that the company has begun a search for a new CFO.

In the interim, Elyse L. Brody, MSA’s Executive Director of Financial Planning and Analysis and Strategy, has been appointed as acting CFO.

Company acknowledges outgoing CFO’s contributions

Blanco acknowledged McChesney’s work at MSA Safety, particularly his role in implementing the MSA Business System to improve finance operations.

Blanco said: “We extend our thanks to Lee for the contributions he has made since joining the company.

“Lee was a strong advocate for the MSA Business System, which he utilized in his continuous improvement efforts to strengthen the foundation within our Finance organization in pursuit of functional excellence.”

Interim CFO appointment

Brody, who will serve as interim CFO, has been with MSA Safety in a senior financial role.

The company has not disclosed a timeline for appointing a permanent replacement.

Her interim appointment is effective immediately following McChesney’s departure.

Search for new CFO underway

MSA Safety has launched a recruitment process to identify its next CFO.

No details have been provided regarding potential candidates or an estimated timeline for the appointment.

The company has not stated whether it is considering internal or external candidates.

MSA Safety CFO resignation and interim appointment confirmed: Summary

MSA Safety has announced the resignation of CFO Lee B. McChesney, effective 21 March 2025.

McChesney, who has held the position since October 2022, is leaving to join another publicly traded company.

The company has appointed Elyse L. Brody, Executive Director of Financial Planning and Analysis and Strategy, as interim CFO.

President and CEO Steve Blanco confirmed that MSA Safety has initiated a search for McChesney’s successor.

No further details on the recruitment process have been disclosed.

Firechief celebrate 25 years of carrying the BSI Kitemark certification

by Featured NewsPeople

Firechief Global, the UK based fire safety brand, has announced that they have reached the milestone of having 25 years of continuous BSI Kitemark certification.

For a quarter of a century, Firechief has carried the BSI Kitemark, a symbol of excellence that assures customers of rigorous independent testing and compliance with the highest industry standards.

The BSI Kitemark is one of the most recognised symbols of quality and safety in the UK and beyond.

Awarded only to products that meet stringent testing requirements, it provides end-users, fire safety professionals and businesses with the confidence that they are using equipment built to perform when it matters most.

Importance of the BSI Kitemark cerification

Reaching 25 years of BSI Kitemark certification is an achievement in the fire safety sector. It represents decades of investment in product innovation, compliance, and customer safety.

It also highlights Firechief’s proactive approach to exceeding regulatory requirements and continuously evolving to meet the demands of modern fire risks.

Managing Director, Firechief Global, Laurie Pollard’s statement

Laurie Pollard, Managing Director at Firechief Global, said of the achievement: “25 years of continuous Kitemark certification is something that cannot be understated in its importance.

“This is tangible proof that, for a quarter of a century, we’ve never given up on our commitment to supplying high-performance, approved fire safety products.”

As Firechief Global celebrates this achievement, the company remains focused on the future. With ongoing investment in research and development, Firechief want to reinstate their commitment to pioneering new fire safety technologies that address emerging risks, including lithium-ion battery fires and eco-friendly suppression solutions.

The BSI Kitemark certification has been carried by Firechief for 25 years: Summary

For a quarter of a century, Firechief has carried the BSI Kitemark, an accreditation awarded only to products that meet stringent testing requirements.

Laurie Pollard, Managing Director at Firechief Global said 25 years of continuous Kitemark certification is something that cannot be understated in its importance.