ASFP expands administrative team with new appointment

by Featured NewsPeople

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has further expanded its team with the appointment of Lauren Smith as Operations Administrator.

Lauren will provide clerical and administrative support to the ASFP’s training, membership and technical departments, taking responsibility for a range of projects. She will play a key role in managing and maintaining data in the ASFP’s new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, website and on-line store and will ensure office procedures are followed at all times.

Lauren joins the ASFP team having previously provided maternity cover for the British Coatings Federation. Prior to this, she worked for five years in automotive purchasing and buying, including at Jaguar Land Rover. In a previous buyer position, she bought parts for James Bond’s Aston Martin from the film, No Time to Die.

Welcoming Lauren to the team, ASFP CEO Steve Davies stated: “The ASFP is growing rapidly and we are expanding the range of services and support we offer to members. Lauren will play a key role in maintaining close contact with our members to ensure we provide tailored services and support. We are delighted to welcome Lauren to the ASFP team and look forward to encouraging her in the development of this important new role.”

IOSH reveals its gender pay gap in new report

by Breaking NewsPeople

IOSH has ‘voluntarily’ published its gender pay gap to demonstrate its commitment to driving positive change. Companies in the UK with more than 250 employees are legally required to release their data, and IOSH has chosen to do so as part of its dedication to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

Figures for 2021-22 show the institution’s mean gender pay gap – the difference in average hourly earnings of men and women – is 16.6 per cent, which is slightly lower than the UK average of 18.0 per cent. This means that women earn 83p for every £1 earnt by men.

Although there is work to do, this sets a baseline from which to measure progress.

Vanessa Harwood-Whitcher, Chief Executive, IOSH said: “Putting people first is one of the key messages of our Catch the Wave social sustainability campaign. And prioritising people means holding ourselves accountable and recognising that we have more work to do.

“IOSH is committed to inclusion as an employer, membership organisation and professional body. We know we’re not perfect, but we are prepared to take bold steps to make everyday inclusion a reality, as demonstrated by our increased investment in EDI.”

A programme of work, which started with the appointment of EDI Lead Fayola Francis, is already under way. Fayola has already conducted in-depth research into IOSH’s current policies, processes, workforce profile and more. The result is a series of evidence-based recommendations and an action plan, in line with the Global Diversity and Inclusion Benchmarks.

IOSH will also look to publish its ethnicity pay gap – the percentage difference between the average pay of staff from different minority ethnic groups – as part of this work.

Check out IOSH’s pay gap data on the gender pay gap service website.

James Tomes named to the Board of Directors of the Fireboat Firefighter Museum

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsPeople

James Tomes, President and CEO of Telgian Holdings, Inc., has been appointed to the Board of Directors of The Fireboat Fire Fighter Museum. The Fire Fighter Museum has protected the US for over seven decades during some of the most harrowing incidents in American history including 9/11 and the ‘Miracle Landing on the Hudson.’

Known as ‘America’s Fireboat’, the Fire Fighter Museum provided courageous service during World War II and is a national historic landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“It is an honor and a privilege to serve on the Fire Fighter Board of Directors,” says Tomes. “The Fire Fighter is the most award-decorated fireboat in the world and a true embodiment of the commitment and sacrifice of firefighters and fire protection professionals across the nation.”

Designed by renowned naval architect William Francis Gibbs in 1938, the floating museum was considered a modern engineering marvel, capable of pumping 20,000 gallons of water per minute to nine topside fire monitors and powered by one of the first diesel-electric powerplants ever fitted to a vessel of her size. The design advanced and with impressive performance, throughout its entire 72-year active career, The Fire Fighter remained in an essentially unchanged operational condition, outlasting all of contemporaries and even the majority of the FDNY fireboats half its age.

Decommissioned in 2010, today The Fireboat Fire Fighter Museum is a 501c3 non-profit organisation dedicated to preserving the fireboat as a fully operational vessel, memorial, and teaching museum. As a longtime leader in the fire and life safety industry, Tomes is committed to the preservation of this heroic vessel which is a maritime icon within the fire service industry.

“I look forward to the opportunity to offer my experience and insight to contribute to the Fire Fighter by growing visibility for the historic ship and raising awareness of the need for the preservation of this truly unique piece of American maritime history,” says Tomes.

Tomes’s fire protection roots run deep. As President and CEO of Telgian Holdings, Inc., he has been responsible for the fire protection industry-leading company’s success since 1999.
Tomes has also served on multiple National Fire Protection Association global code development committees. In addition to the Fire Fighter Board of Directors, Tomes is active in an advisory capacity for numerous organizations including the Arizona Sustainability Alliance Board of Directors, Greater Phoenix Chamber Board of Directors, Arizona Bank & Trust Advisory Board, the San Diego Military Advisory Council, the San Diego Naval Medical Center Surf Clinic, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Advisory Board, among others.

“We are pleased to offer a warm welcome to James Tomes, as the newest member of the Board of Directors,” says Charles Ritchie, President and Founder of the Fireboat Fire Fighter Museum. “Our Board consists of an incredible group of talented individuals who are truly dedicated to the Fire Fighter mission. Jim’s enthusiasm and energy, coupled with considerable knowledge and expertise in the field of fire protection, will be instrumental as we continue our work together to preserve the Fire Fighter as a memorial and teaching museum.”

NFCC supports campaign to recognise emergency service workers posthumously

by Featured NewsPeople

The National Fire Chiefs Council supports the campaign calling for emergency service workers to be recognised posthumously. 

The campaign has been launched by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), the Police Superintendents’ Association and the Prison Officers’ Association.  

NFCC Chair Mark Hardingham spoke to BBC Breakfast about the campaign: ““Any emergency services worker who loses their life in the line of duty is a stark reminder of how they put their lives at risk each and every day.  

“The National Fire Chiefs Council is fully supportive of emergency services staff being formally recognised for their ultimate sacrifice. To have such devastating losses commemorated might offer some comfort to their family and friends.

“The reality is every day when an emergency service worker leaves for a shift, they do so knowing they may well have to put themselves in significant danger to protect the lives of others. 

The campaign is calling for unique recognition for emergency service workers who make the ultimate sacrifice and is asking the government to create a new posthumously awarded ‘medal’. 

This would mean people would be awarded a medal similar in status to the Elizabeth Cross. This is awarded to the bereaved relatives of members of the British Armed Forces, who were killed in military action. 

The National Firefighter Memorial in London recognises the thousand firefighters who died in the second world war (1,000 names), while there is a lasting memorial at the National Arboretum to the contribution made by all these firefighters. 

Where a member of the fire and rescue service is killed or seriously injured then every fire service has a wide range of support in place for their families and fire service colleagues. This is vital to provide support and help people come to terms with such tragedies. This is also provided by the Fire Fighters Charity along with unions and the wider fire sector. 

The Firefighters Memorial Trust awards their Firefighters Memorial Medal to the next of kin of members of the fire and rescue service who died as a result of their duties. The engraved medal is mounted within a framed certificate and presented on a suitable occasion, agreed by the family. 

Fire Protection Research Foundation announces John Denhardt as new trustee

by Featured NewsPeople

John August Denhardt, vice president of engineering and technical services for the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA), has been announced as the newest trustee of the Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF or Foundation), the research affiliate of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Denhardt’s three-year term will run through 2024.

Denhardt is a Professional Engineer (P.E.) registered in the District of Columbia as well as the states of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. In his current role at AFSA, he is responsible for strengthening engineering and technical approaches for the benefit of members, the industry, and operational priorities.

Denhardt is a NICET Level III in Water-Based Systems Layout and in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems; an NFPA Certified Water-Based Systems Professional (CWBSP); and a member of the NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems Sprinkler Discharge Committee. He is also a fellow in the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE); sits on the University of Maryland Department of Fire Protection Engineering Board of Visitors; and is a member of the SFPE Board of Directors. A native of Maryland, Denhardt holds a Bachelor of Science degree in fire protection engineering from the University of Maryland in College Park.

The FPRF is a separate, independent, nongovernmental organization with its own officers and nine trustees. The Foundation’s team of five effectively plans and manages more than four dozen projects at any given time and communicates findings in support of the NFPA mission. Over the last 40 years, FPRF research reports have been downloaded by safety-focused practitioners in more than 160 countries. Projects cover everything from fire suppression systems, emergency response, public policy, public education, detection and signaling, industrial hazards, wildfire, electrical, and building safety.

UK assistance on course to aid Ukranian firefighters

by Breaking NewsPeople

The biggest UK fire service convoy – made up of 22 vehicles and more than 5,000 items of kit and equipment donated by UK fire and rescue services – has been deployed to support firefighters in Ukraine.

The convoy, which left for Poland last weekend, also comprised of more than 60 volunteers from FIRE AID and fire and rescue services. The aid is providing vitally needed equipment to support firefighters, emergency services and volunteers, battling together on the frontline.

Vehicles underwent final checks and the convoy departed Kent on March 19. The estimated journey time to Poland was three days, after which the equipment was transferred to Ukraine. The equipment is expected to support emergency services which are dealing daily with fires and other emergencies to protect lives, people, and property.

Coordinated by UK charity, FIRE AID and International Development (FIRE AID), the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), and the fire industry through the Fire Industry Association, the 22-strong vehicle convoy includes 15 fire engines, an incident response unit, a hydraulic rescue platform, mechanical support for the journey, and two lorries containing equipment such as thermal imaging cameras, generators, lighting, hoses, and thousands of sets of PPE. 

The deployment of these donations is being supported by funding from the UK Home Office, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and the FIA Foundation, as well as through a public appeal via JustGiving.

The wider fire sector – including the MSA Safety, Fire Sector Federation (FSF), the Fire and Rescue Suppliers [FIRESA] Council and the Fire Industry Association (FIA) – are also key partners in supporting and making the deployment.

Claire Hoyland, Project Manager, FIRE AID said: “We’re calling this a mega convoy as it is not only mega in size, but it has been truly a monumental effort from all involved. Within two weeks we have put together the biggest ever donation of aid from UK Fire and Rescue services. I am so proud of everyone involved and so grateful for the support of our project partners, including EASST, NFCC, and the Home Office, along with many others who have contributed time, money, and assistance.

“FIRE AID members have been working in Ukraine for more than a decade. We have a number of friends and colleagues within the Ukrainian fire service battling fires and responding to emergencies on the front line. We know that this donation is much needed and we are proud to be able to help in whatever way we can.”

Mark Hardingham, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, said: “To see the convoy of fire vehicles – packed with thousands of pieces of firefighting equipment, start its journey was incredibly humbling; every firefighter and volunteer involved should be immensely proud of how their amazing work is making this a reality. This firefighting kit will soon be with Ukrainian emergency services, helping our firefighter colleagues to save lives and protect their local communities – often whilst under devastating attacks.”

Luminite appoints Laura Grainge as new director

by Featured NewsPeople

Luminite has appointed Laura Grainger as Director of Sales and Marketing. Laura has earned a promotion from within the company after she joined nine years ago and has played a key role in building relationships with distributors and end users, contributing to the wider growth of the business.

Graham Creek MD said “Laura is a vital member of the team and has proven to be a strategic Sales and Marketing Manager. Our future plans for growth with the addition and development of our wireless security range will entail a larger team which Laura will head and oversee.”

Commenting on the new appointment, Laura said “This opportunity comes at an exciting time for Luminite. Our increasingly diverse product range is opening up new and challenging avenues for the Company and I look forward to driving our sales and marketing plans forward.

Luminite manufactures PIR detection, wireless switching, IP connectivity and wireless alert systems. The North London based company has been around for more than 37 years operating in both the security and home automation markets.

SFPE announces review course for 2022 PE Fire Protection Exam

by Featured NewsPeople

The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE), a global professional society for fire protection and fire safety engineering, announces the opening of registration for its 2022 Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Fire Protection Exam Review Course.  A study guide with separate answer manual complements the course and is also available. 

Taught by 12 expert instructors with backgrounds across all areas of fire protection engineering, the SFPE PE Exam Review Course leverages the deep knowledge from SFPE’s member community to prepare candidates for the PE Fire Protection Exam. 

All courses are live, online, and offered twice weekly beginning May 31 and running through the week of October 10, 2022, with recorded sessions also available on-demand afterward.  Additional review sessions, online discussion, practice problems, and office hours with the instructors are included – providing the comprehensive preparation needed to head into the exam with confidence.

Each year, engineers who enroll in the 20-week SFPE PE Exam Review Course are more prepared for the PE exam than those who don’t – SFPE course attendees have a 15% higher pass rate on the exam, too. 

“The SFPE PE Exam Review Course focuses on the fundamentals of each topic area of fire protection engineering while preparing attendees to think critically, adapt to the exam, and be successful Professional Engineers,” stated Stephen Dale, Chair, SFPE PE Exam Review Subcommittee. 

In addition, SFPE has prepared a 507-page study guide that features sample exercises, problems, and concepts that are equivalent in length and difficulty to what may be encountered on the actual Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Fire Protection Exam.  The study guide includes technical content, references, and corresponding answers – and is an invaluable complement to the SFPE PE Exam Review Course. The course and study guide can be used independently but are most successful when used together.

IFSEC and FIREX to conduct live installer training courses

by Featured NewsIndustry SectorsPeoplePublic Events

IFSEC and FIREX International are set to host, for the first time, in-person training sessions for installers, integrators, and engineers.

These focused training sessions will ensure professionals remain on top of the latest best practices in security and fire, and secure CPD points to keep up with the growing push for competency requirements.

The ‘skills gap’ is one of the most pressing challenges in the UK’s fire and security technical installation sector at present. While not a new issue, it is one that has continued over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic – in a survey undertaken by IFSEC in 2021, 93% of installers answered CPD or professional qualifications would aid them in their work.    

Furthermore, following Dame Judith Hackitt’s report into the failings at Grenfell Tower in 2017, installer competency in fire, emergency and security systems has been put under the spotlight, with a renewed push from government and the wider industry to ensure appropriate standards of quality are met. The ECS (Electrotechnical Certification Scheme) requirements for cards in the fire and security sector in England are changing as a result, with updated requirements to achieve both the Systems Technician (also known as the Gold Card) Level 3 cards and the Level 2 Operative Card, where work can be carried out and signed off unsupervised.

In line with the push for improved competency standards and updated CPD requirements that come with the ECS changes, and to support those looking to develop their expertise, IFSEC and FIREX International will be hosting a programme of CPD-accredited in-person training sessions dedicated to the installer and integrator fire and security community.

Book your place on the available courses here

Gerry Dunphy, event director of IFSEC and FIREX International, said: “Skills and competency are now at the forefront of the security and fire safety professions, so we’re delighted to be able to introduce focused and relevant training sessions into the shows. IFSEC & FIREX Training is an important addition as visiting customers can not only view and experience the latest technology and speak to market leading vendors, they can now partake in high calibre CPD training sessions to ensure they’re keeping up with current trends, standards and innovations. It means the shows truly become fully rounded experiences for installers and engineers”.

Trevor Jenks, training manager at the SSAIB, is working with IFSEC and FIREX to ensure the training sessions are relevant and provide genuine value to attendees. Trevor adds: “I’m thrilled to be working with the IFSEC and FIREX team on this initiative. The skillset required in the industry is constantly evolving, and attending high quality training from knowledgeable trainers is more important than ever.”

What will IFSEC & FIREX Training offer?

The prospectus of available courses on offer at the event will cover a variety of key topics that were selected by installers as areas of interest in a survey undertaken by IFSEC & FIREX in 2021.

Courses will be delivered in two distinct manners, both of which were highlighted as important methods of training for fire and security installers in the same survey:

  1. Courses delivered by independent security and fire training organisations
  2. Courses delivered by manufacturers – these will be vetted by an independent consultant to ensure the quality of training is of a high standard and isn’t a ‘sales pitch’. The sessions will also look at technological innovations which meet new industry codes and standards that installers should be aware of.

Topics being covered include:

  • ECS Systems Operative – Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) by Skills for Security
  • Introduction to Fire Detection & Alarms by Fire Industry Association (FIA)
  • Cyber Security by Hikvision
  • Digital Service Masterclass by Texecom
  • Optical Fibre Overview and Fusion Splicing Workshop by Tavcom Training
  • Introduction to fire doors and fire protection in buildings by Warringtonfire


View the full agenda with further details on each session, here.

A small fee will be charged per session to encourage attendance, though heavily subsidised from the original costs as part of IFSEC and FIREX’s ongoing support in helping to address the skills gap. To ensure sessions remain focused, there are a limited number of spaces available on each. Welcome refreshments, as well as lunch vouchers for all delegates will also be included in the price.

Each course will start in the morning or around midday and last anywhere between 4-6 hours, to ensure delegates receive an appropriate level of training, while also allowing for plenty of time to speak to suppliers and catch up with likeminded professionals on the show floor. Courses will be hosted away from the show floor in the gallery suites at London’s ExCeL on the same days as IFSEC and FIREX, taking place between 17-19 May.

Crucially, all delegates will receive proof of attendance for CPD (Continuing Professional Development) records – a key requirement of the updated ECS cards renewal scheme.  

The initiative has received wide-ranging backing from across the sector, with support coming from the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), Fire Industry Association (FIA), Security Systems Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB), National Security Inspectorate (NSI), Skills for Security and the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP).