Yeoman Shield helps maintain fire door safety at West Lothian schools

by Fire DoorsProductsProjects

West Lothian Council schools, Deans Community High School and Armadale Academy, are maintained by Bellrock Group under a contractual PPP3 project agreement. Taking on this maintenance management for the two school buildings places the Bellrock management team as the Responsible Person when it comes to compliance to fire safety maintenance which incorporates fire rated doors.

With this in mind, Martin Igoe, Senior FM for Bellrock, engaged with Yeoman Shield Fire Door Services when it came to assessing and protecting the condition of the schools’ fire doors with an impact protection system.

As a brand name of Harrison Thompson & Co. Ltd. who are a registered FIRAS Warringtonfire (a UKAS accredited scheme for fire door and passive fire resisting products installation) company, Yeoman Shield Fire Door Team were able to undertake a conformity survey of the doors in both schools.

This consisted of an assessment of the condition of the fire doors, noting remedial work required to improve the doors functionality, replacement of doors where required as well as noting advisory door protection products that could improve the look, condition and extend the life cycle of the doors by solving impact damage problems.

After an itemised quotation for the work had been raised and accepted, Yeoman Shield directly employed fixing operatives carried out the work simultaneously at both school sites simultaneously in accordance to Bellrock’ s programme.

Remedial work to both frame and fire doors, replacement doors as well as Yeoman Shield Fire Rated Protection products which were Door Protection Panels, Door Edge Protectors and PVCu clad Glazing Beads were fitted by the accredited teams following best practice guidance.

Martin Igoe commented “Having previously used Yeoman Shield on school projects in Aberdeenshire I was more than happy to again collaborate with Yeoman Shield for the Deans Community High School and Armadale Academy.

“Their door protection products are great; not only have Yeoman shield re-certified the old fire doors for conformity, they have also extended the life of the doors by fitting a hard-wearing cladding to each. This makes them more durable for the rigours of school life, they look amazing and are so easy to clean.

Further phases of the fire door work have been scheduled for later in the year.

For more information on Yeoman Shield’s Fire Door Services and Fire Door Protection products go to www.yeomanhield.com or call 0113 279 5854.  

Avon Protection thermal imaging cameras included in national framework agreement

by ProductsProjectsThermal Imaging

Avon Protection has announced that its argus range of thermal imaging cameras has been included in the National Framework Agreement for the Supply and Delivery of Emergency Response Equipment, managed by the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority. This allows Fire and Rescue services across the UK to purchase the argus range of thermal imaging cameras through the Framework by following the call off procedures stipulated by the lead authority. The full range of argus thermal imagers listed in the agreement include the Mi-TIC E, Mi-TIC E L, Mi-TIC 320 and Mi-TIC S models, the largest, most diverse and lightweight range of NFPA 1801:2021 complaint thermal imaging cameras.  

The argus engineers developed the first ever handheld thermal imager for firefighting over 40 years ago. Having been developed for firefighting in the UK, the camera was adopted by UK Naval firefighting personnel. Its purpose was to allow users to navigate through smoke-filled compartments on naval vessels. The argus range of thermal imaging cameras maintains its strong connection to the UK Fire and Rescue teams, with design and manufacture continuing to take place in the UK to this day.  

Commenting on the announcement, Mark Ridsdale, European Sales Director, said, “We are very excited to continue building on to our 40-year legacy of manufacturing and supplying cutting edge thermal imaging cameras to the UK Fire and Rescue Services that allow firefighters to operate safely in the most demanding and dangerous of environments.” 

The combination of NFPA certification along with the IGNIS Engine maintains Avon Protection’s position as a world leading supplier of NFPA 1801 certified thermal imagers.

Streamlight launches Vantage 180 X USB

by LightingProducts

Streamlight, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting for firefighting uses, has launched the Vantage 180 X USB rechargeable system. The light, which can be mounted to full-brim fire helmets, and also used as a handheld or right-angle light, comes with a Streamlight SL-B26 USB rechargeable lithium ion battery with an integrated micro USB port and a charge cord. A Vantage® 180 X model with two CR123A batteries is also available.

The multi-function light securely attaches to helmets by means of an integrated stainless steel clip, designed for a variety of attachment methods and mounting positions. The “quick release” helmet bracket allows for easy detachment of the light from helmets, so that it can be used as a handheld or pocket light, or hooked to turnout gear. Featuring a main beam that delivers up to 250 lumens, the light’s 180-degree rotating head automatically changes an ultra-bright blue safety taillight to a white safety flood down light when the head is set at a 90-degree angle.

“The Vantage 180 X USB gives firefighters and other first responders a truly compact and versatile tool for operating in smoke-filled or extremely low light conditions, with flexible battery options for every situation,” said Streamlight Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Michael F. Dineen. “Users can charge the light’s SL-B26 lithium ion battery from any USB source, transforming it into a rechargeable system. Or they can use disposable cell batteries when a power source is not immediately available.”

Using either battery source, the Vantage 180 X USB provides 250 lumens, 7,200 candela peak beam intensity, and a 170-meter beam distance on the high setting. Run times range from 4-15 hours, depending on battery source and light mode. The light features a custom optic to provide a narrow beam with optimum peripheral illumination to aid in navigation. It is operated by using a body-mounted, push-button switch that allows for one-handed constant “on” operation.

Measuring 5.2 ounces high, the Vantage 180 X USB weighs 5.5 ounces using CR123A batteries and 5.9 ounces with a Streamlight SL-B26 USB rechargeable battery. It features a body constructed of high-impact, super-tough nylon, chemically resistant engineered polymer for exceptional durability and a sure grip. Featuring an IPX7 rated design for waterproof operation to one meter for 30 minutes, the light is also one-meter impact resistance-tested.

Product Features:

Lumens:High: 250 lumens; Low: 100 Lumens
Battery:Uses one Streamlight SL-B26™ protected Li-Ion rechargeable USB battery pack; also accepts two CR123A lithium batteries  
Size:5.20” (13.20cm)
Weight:5.5oz. (156g)
Colour:Orange or Black

The Vantage 180 X USB and the Vantage 180 X are available in safety orange with black tail cap and trim or all black. They have MSRPs of £108.48 and £93.89, respectively. Both come with Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Thermal cameras help firefighters see through Caldor Fire smoke

by Products

Two thermal cameras are in place for the Caldor Fire to help firefighters see active flames through the dense smoke that hampers efforts to knock down the blaze. ALERTWildfire crews from the Nevada Seismological Laboratory and DigitalPath, a wireless Internet service provider based in Chico, California, installed the second camera Friday, Aug. 27 at Angel’s Roost at the top of the Heavenly Mountain Resort overlooking the Lake Tahoe Basin and the Sierra Nevada to the west.

The technicians installed the forward-looking infrared (FLIR) Teledyne camera at Angel’s Roost yesterday with the immediate goal of providing high resolution imagery of active flames and spotting through thick smoke if the Caldor Fire spills into Lake Tahoe Basin. Firefighters are attacking the fire to prevent it from damaging homes and structures south of Lake Tahoe and from entering the Lake Tahoe Basin.

With unprecedented fire conditions and smoke creating extremely low visibility and hazard to health, the 143,000 acre Caldor Fire is 12% contained and has caused more than 40,000 people to be evacuated with evacuation warnings just entering the Tahoe Basin.

The thermal camera data are on the ALERTWildfire camera page and are available to firefighters and the public to observe fire behavior. Nevada Seismo Lab technical staff in the University’s College of Science are integrating the Teledyne camera data into the ALERTWildfire real-time website and streaming at DigitalPath’s weathernode.net site. The other thermal camera in place for the Caldor Fire is located on the Mt. Danaher ALERTWildfire site between Placerville, California and Pollock Pines, California near Highway 50. Both cameras are on loan from Teledyne for wildfire response. DigitalPath also installed two Teledyne cameras earlier this month to track the Dixie Fire, providing intel during the burn-over of Greenville, California.

The thermal cameras augment the dozens of ALERTWildfire cameras that view the Tahoe area and the western slope of the Sierra foothills that U.S. Forest Service, CalFire, PG&E and other agencies are using during the Caldor Fire. They operate 24/7 with near infrared capabilities at night.

“With only zero to quarter-mile visibility from the thick smoke, firefighters can’t get close to the fire with aircraft and can’t follow the progress of the fire to mount an attack,” Graham Kent, director of the Nevada Seismological Lab and University of Nevada, Reno lead of the ALERTWildfire program said. “These two cameras should give a good view through the smoke for fire managers. It’s important to identify early any spot fires that jump ahead of the main fire or the fire front as it changes direction.”

ALERTWildfire is a network of over 900 specialised camera installations in California, Nevada, Idaho and Oregon used by first responders and volunteers to detect and monitor wildfires. Many of the cameras operate Nevada Seismological Lab’s private digital microwave communication network. The cameras also support critical evacuation and firefighting efforts by relaying real-time information when it’s needed most.

 ALERTWildfire is a collaboration between three major universities: University of Nevada, Reno; University of Oregon; and University of California, San Diego. First responders and federal, state and local agencies use the strategically placed cameras 24/7 to protect people, homes and the environment. Tahoe Prosperity Center has been instrumental in finding funding for the cameras in and around the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Businesses given more time to apply new product safety marking

by Products

Businesses will have an additional year to apply new product safety markings for most products placed on the market in England, Scotland and Wales, it has been announced.

The UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking allows the UK to have control over its goods regulations, maintaining the high product safety standards expected in the UK.

Recognising the impact of the pandemic on businesses, the government will extend this deadline to 1 January 2023 to apply UKCA marks for certain products to demonstrate compliance with product safety regulations, rather than 1 January 2022.

The UKCA marking replaces the product safety labelling the UK previously used while a member of the EU, such as the CE mark.

Today’s announcement follows the government’s extensive and ongoing engagement with business groups and reflects the issues businesses have raised, particularly given the impact of the pandemic.   

Businesses must take action to ensure they are ready to apply UKCA marking by 1 January 2023, the final deadline.

The government will continue to engage with manufacturers to ensure they understand what they need to do to get ready, including through a new series of webinars. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has already run several webinars in the last few months and engaged extensively through trade associations.  

Bosch Remote Fire Safety app now available on iOS and Android

by Fire DetectionProducts

Businesses and building owners can now check on the fire safety status of their properties remotely with the Bosch Remote Fire Safety app, running on the new ‘Remote Interact’ feature of the Bosch Remote Services portfolio for Bosch fire alarm systems. The application provides peace of mind to end users and system integrators alike who can easily monitor the condition of their fire alarm systems from a distance. The app also sends push notifications in the case of emergency events – all available from any iOS or Android personal device.

The application is the latest addition to the Bosch Remote Services portfolio making it even more powerful. Bosch Remote Services simplifies service and trouble-shooting tasks for system integrators. The solution can reduce the physical on-site time for maintenance and service jobs improving efficiency and profitability.

Additionally, even if the user is not on-site Remote Services provides better safety management for both systems integrators and their customers; alerting them immediately of potential issues as they occur and allowing system integrators for remote configuration and troubleshooting. Given that usually two out of three service calls can be resolved remotely, Remote Services supports system integrators in providing faster and more transparent service anywhere and at any time.

New service ‘Remote Interact’ included

‘Remote Interact’ with its app Remote Fire Safety complements the other three existing services of the Bosch Remote Services portfolio: ‘Remote Connect’, which allows a remote connection to Bosch fire systems in the first instance; ‘Remote Maintenance’, which provides live fire systems data; and ‘Remote Alert’, which helps customers stay informed about events as they happen by email or SMS. Together, the products help to improve services, simplify troubleshooting, and make overall maintenance for Bosch fire alarm systems more efficient.

Available on iOS and Android, the new Remote Fire Safety app displays clear information about the status of a property’s fire alarm system at the touch of a button, and provides easy access to users who can log in quickly via the application rather than signing into the wider Remote Services portal. Having a direct access to the fire alarm system via the app also improves the dialogue between system integrators and their end-customers, helping to build trust.

The application is offered free of charge to existing Remote Services license holders and is available on the Apple App Store or on Google Play. 

Dahua Eureka Series: An Entry-level Early Detection Solution for Waste Fire

by Fire DetectionProducts

Recycling and waste sites are places prone to huge fire hazards due to some potentially flammable materials, inherent risks during disposal process as well as other environmental factors. In particular, battery-related waste fires have become a growing challenge facing the global recycling and waste management sector today. A new report jointly produced by Eunomia and the Environmental Services Association (ESA) estimates that of all the average 300 waste fires in UK each year, approximately 48% are believed to have been caused by Lithium-ion batteries, with a total annual cost of about £158 million.

Considering the destructive consequences of waste fires on both the environment and society, an early detection solution is crucial for fire prevention and early fire control. However, traditional detection technologies and devices such as smoke detectors (video, laser, etc.) often detect the fire source only after it has already developed, making it difficult to control and extinguish the fire in time. Therefore, a new technology is needed to realize early detection of fire source.

As a world-leading video-centric smart IoT solution and service provider, Dahua Technology adopts the latest thermal technology to empower its economical Eureka Series – Thermal Mini Hybrid Camera with early fire source detection function. Together with on-site alarm linkage, overheating detection, smoking behavior detection, equipment condition monitoring and other intelligent features, this series provides a proactive entry-level fire prevention solution for waste operators and plant owners.

Early Heat Source Detection

Equipped with a “thermal eye”, the Dahua Eureka Series can find what traditional surveillance cameras can’t see: heat source. Based on temperature measurement, this high-performance thermal camera can detect a potential fire hazard, such as sudden temperature rise or abnormal temperature exceeding a given threshold (e.g. 80°C). By giving early warning signals, it can help prevent occurrence of fire and allow timely response before a fire develops and spreads.

Real-time Fire Signature Alert

The Dahua Eureka series activates the alarm as soon as an abnormal temperature is detected. It is significantly earlier and faster than a regular smoke detector alarm, especially in a relatively large space where the smoke takes a long time to reach the top. Combined with the built-in active deterrence system of the camera, the on-site personnel will also be notified in time through white light and audible alarm.

Visual Fire Source Location

By utilizing the powerful penetration ability of thermal technology, the Dahua Eureka series can accurately spot the location of the fire source even when surrounded by smoke. It can clearly capture images showing the temperature distribution and hot spots in the monitored scene. These thermal images guide on-site personnel in efficiently extinguishing the fire source before it spreads out of control.

Smoking Behavior Detection

For smoking behavior inside waste transfer stations, traditional cameras and detectors are unlikely to detect cigarette smoking and warn the smoker in time because the smoke is too small. The Dahua Eureka Series thermal camera adopts deep-learning algorithm that can identify suspicious smoking behavior by analyzing human postures and cigarette temperature. In addition, the camera uses white light and audible alarms as active deterrents to directly warn the detected smoker.

Machinery Overheating Detection

The Dahua Eureka series is also suitable for continuously tracking and monitoring the heat and temperature of conveyor, bearing, motor as well as other equipment to ensure the safe operation of waste stations and factories. When machinery overheating is detected, an alarm will be activated and sent to relevant personnel to inform them of any possible malfunction and fire risk.

All-weather 24/7 Monitoring

Featuring perimeter protection, the Dahua Eureka series can automatically detect and locate intrusion and other possible threats in a variety of harsh environments in real time, and can capture clear images even in total darkness. It provides 24/7 uninterrupted monitoring for waste facilities and factories generally located in remote areas with poor surrounding light condition, which fully improves the overall security level in the area.

As an entry-level product of the Dahua thermal family, the Eureka Series serves as a cost-effective early detection system for fire risks. Its long-distance detection capability enables it to measure temperatures ranging from 1-15 meters, which is ideal for large and spacious indoor facilities such as waste transfer stations, warehouses and plants. In addition to fire prevention, it can also be used to detect vessels and people in bodies of water, cell phone usage at gas stations as well as a wide range of small and medium-sized business applications.

Cutting-Edge Firefighter Safety Innovations from MSA: LUNAR and the GALLET F2XR

by Products

MSA Safety has always been a pioneer in modern safety equipment and technology. This year, the company launched two new products; LUNAR a breakthrough technology for firefighter safety, and GALLET F2XR multi-applications helmets for first responders. Yohan Morel, Customer Marketing Director for MSA’s International business segment reviews these novelties for the enhanced safety of fire and rescue services these days involved in increasingly complex and unpredictable fire and rescue operations.

LUNAR is a small and wireless multi-purpose search and rescue device created to provide additional levels of protection for firefighters. Versatile in design, LUNAR uses Cloud technology to deliver breakthrough fire-scene management capabilities for incident commanders and can be used as a stand-alone device or as part of an MSA SCBA system.  Key features include:

  • Exclusive Firefighting Assisting Search Technology (F.A.S.T.), which combines distance and direction data enabling firefighters to locate separated teammates faster;
  • Personal thermal imaging enhanced with edge detection for improved situational awareness;
  • Direct cellular cloud connectivity to send real-time stats, including estimated air pressure, time remaining, and battery life, to Incident Command and remote monitoring personnel for a complete safety point-of-view; and
  • A unique LUNAR-to-LUNAR network that automatically keeps each device connected to all others on-scene.

LUNAR is designed for every firefighter on-scene, both those on air and off, and represents the latest addition to a suite – or ecosystem – of MSA products the company has branded as “Connected Firefighter.”  When used together, MSA’s suite of Connected Firefighter products create greater visibility, increase efficiency, promote situational awareness, and enable accountability, all while creating an enhanced network of safety.

Setting the new standard for head protection across multiple applications, the GALLET F2XR is designed to meet the demanding requirements of the fire and rescue services across the globe who are tackling the challenges of climate change. Modular and lightweight, it’s the first helmet of its kind and is suitable for a diverse range of operations, including wildland firefighting, technical rescue, road traffic collisions, rescue at height, and water rescue operations.

The GALLET F2XR is equipped with several innovative features, including integrated LED lamps – both a dual-beam headlamp providing spot lighting and a tail light to help quickly identify teams on an incident scene; an ocular visor with adjustable face-fit; a variety of textile options to protect the neck; and hearing protection. To ensure optimal airflow and keep wearers cool in hot weather, the helmet also incorporates dual ventilation on the side and at the top of the helmet. The high-quality soft goods can be easily removed from the GALLET F2XR helmet for easy and proper cleaning.

Interchangeable components allow for individual integration to use all the necessary accessories required in the most demanding operations. The adjustability of the accessory range is offered for both right and left-handed wearers, even with gloves on. Besides, the GALLET F2XR offers a well-fitted goggle attachment and adjustment to the face as well as an accessory attachment with a click-in face shield and modular waterproof ear protection covers making the GALLET F2XR helmet perfect for any technical rescue operation which also includes water rescue on small and fast crafts. 

MSA will showcase these and other cutting-edge safety products during the Emergency Services Show in Birmingham. You will also discover the M1 Breathing Apparatus solutions and the MSA Bristol Fire Protective Clothing offering driven by the brand new EOS range. To learn more visit www.gb.msasafety.com.

C-TEC releases revamped NC951 accessible toilet alarm kit

by Fire DetectionProducts

C-TEC has released an updated version of its market-leading NC951 accessible toilet alarm kit.

Stylish, compact and very cost-effective, the new-look kit contains everything you need to create a BS8300 clause compliant single zone emergency assistance system for any building. In addition to allowing distressed people to raise an alarm in the event of an emergency, it also includes a ‘Call Accept’ function to allow staff to send an intermittent call acknowledgment signal inside the WC compartment to confirm help is on the way.

Encased in smaller, environmentally friendly packaging, the kit now features an updated NC807C pull cord unit that can be mounted on a ceiling or wall dependent on the application.

C-TEC’s Sales Manager, Brian Foster, said: “The re-packaging and added versatility of our market-leading NC951 is testament to our commitment to continuously refining and improving existing products. We believe this new version will prove very popular especially as we have kept the cost of the product the same.”

Currently celebrating its 40th Anniversary, C-TEC is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of world-class life-safety systems. The company’s latest innovations include CAST, its new own-protocol fire detection and alarm system, Hush, a revolutionary new BS 5839-6 Grade C domestic fire alarm system and EVAC-ALERT, a new evacuation alert system designed to meet the exact requirements of the new BS 8629:2019.

For more information, visit www.c-tec.com.

Streamlight launches Enduro Pro HAZ-LO ATEX headlamp

by LightingProducts

Streamlight Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting devices, have launched a new intrinsically safe version of its Enduro Pro HAZ-LO headlamp, the Enduro Pro HAZ-LO ATEX. The new safety-rated model of the high-performance headlamp is ATEX and IECEx-certified for use in Zone 0 locations faced by many first responders.

“The Enduro Pro HAZ-LO ATEX is ideal in dangerous environments with potentially hazardous conditions that require flexible lighting options,” said Streamlight Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Michael F. Dineen. “For example, the flood LED is strategically placed high on the light to ensure shadow-free lighting when mounted on a hard hat. And the light’s 45° tilting head makes the headlamp easy to use in a variety of settings.”

Powered by easily sourced AAA batteries, the Enduro Pro HAZ-LO ATEX features two power LEDs and three output modes: spot, flood and a spot/flood combination for maximum brightness. On high, the headlamp’s spot beam delivers 160 lumens, 1,320 candela and a 73-metre beam distance; the flood beam offers 160 lumens and 100 candela over a 20-metre beam distance. The combined spot/flood setting provides 235 lumens. On spot or flood, the run time is 5 hours; in the combination mode, the run time is 4.75 hours.

The Enduro Pro HAZ-LO ATEX uses three AAA alkaline batteries, easily replaceable without tools by opening the light’s rear cover. The light features a case constructed from tough thermoplastic material with elastomer over mould and unbreakable polycarbonate lenses. The light includes an adjustable elastic head strap, and also comes with two additional options: a rubber strap and 3M Dual Lock re-closable fasteners for mounting on hard hats. The light is IPX7 rated and is waterproof to 1 metre for 30 minutes. It is impact-resistance tested to 2 metres.

Product Features:

Lumens:High: 235 lumens (spot/flood combo)
Battery:AAA Alkaline x 3
Size:2.19” (5.56 cm) x 2” (5.08 cm) x 1.5” (3.81 cm)
Weight:3.5oz. (99.22g)
Colour:Orange

Available in in international safety orange, the Enduro Pro HAZ-LO ATEX headlamp has a MSRP of £44 and includes the Streamlight Limited Lifetime Warranty.