Ireland’s tallest commercial building installs Nittan fire detection system

by Featured NewsProjects

Nittan Elite Partner, Fire Technology Ireland (FTI), has commissioned and supplied an L1 addressable fire detection system using Nittan Evolution fire detection devices at the tallest commercial building in Ireland, the EXO building in Dublin.

The EXO building contains 16 floors over three basements. More than 1,350 Nittan Evolution Analogue Addressable devices were installed as the primary detection system throughout the building, along with Advanced Electronics MxPro 5 Series fire alarm panels and network – one loop panel per floor for tenant space, two eight loop panels for landlord space and a four loop panel for the basement.

The use of Nittan EV-PYS combined smoke detector sounders reduced the overall visual impact on the floors and common areas. The units have a 360-degree viewing angle Omniview ring to allow for quick location and identification of any problem which may arise.

The use of Nittan Multiple Input Output units reduced installation time and the need to “hide” equipment. To provide a fault tolerant network, Evolution new ZMU2 complete with SCI were used for leak detection system in basements and top floor plant room with its own network.

Where it was necessary to mount wall units for signalling, EV-AV2 combined sounder strobes were used. These units have a profile of 30mm and are white in colour. The high visibility 360-degree strobe is extremely bright and visible from all angles. The 90 decibel sounder provides a clear audible tone which can be changed if required. A white cover neatly conceals the terminations and tone setting dip switches.

Evolution uses ASIC technology in the sensors and detection algorithms, combining extremely reliable fire detection together with a very high degree of protection against unwanted false alarms. Its highly flexible protocol allows for large amounts of information to be transmitted at high speed and is not affected by the number of devices on the loop.

David Browne from FTI commented: “The EXO is the largest commercial high rise building in Ireland, overshadowing the iconic Siptu building and Central Bank of Ireland which also have the same Nittan and Advanced systems installed by FTI. The EXO is installed with a complete open protocol, aesthetically pleasing choice of detection devices using Sine Wave Frequency Shift Keying transmission technology which is recognised as one of the most reliable and powerful Analogue Addressable systems on the market.

“The flexibility of loop sizes on Nittan protocol allows the setting of each floor to be configurable, enabling it to provide custom specifications for individual tenants. The protocol exclusively accepts 254 devices per loop, giving ample room for a sufficient number of additional devices.”

The House of Binns gets Hyfire wireless fire protection

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The House of the Binns, or ‘The Binns’, a historic house in West Lothian, is now protected by cutting edge wireless fire technology supplied by Hyfire.

The 17th century house, which was added to in the 18th and 19th centuries, presented a challenge to fire installers, so a wireless system was chosen when the system required replacement.

Developed in Trieste, Italy, the global centre for wireless fire design, Taurus features Pathfinder Technology, which allows the devices to communicate over 1km, point to point in open air, and further where expansion hops are used.

Antenna technology has been optimised to allow communication across different frequencies and environments, which means that Taurus can do the job with less equipment and less batteries, thus saving on costs.

Stevie Huxley of Safe Simple Secure, the installers on the project, said: “When we were approached by the National Trust for Scotland to specify a new fire system for The Binns, the challenges were immediately apparent, and we rapidly concluded that a wireless solution was the simplest and most effective way forward,.

“The building has significant ornate ceilings and historical interior features, so a wired system would require multiple trades and a principal contractor to manage the installation and ‘make good’ afterwards.

“We have worked with Hyfire for many years, during which time the performance and reliability of wireless fire devices has improved radically, and the new Taurus range is the equal, if not the superior, of its wired competitor in e

Robert Bruce, National Sales Manager – North at Hyfire, commented: “At one time, wireless devices were seen as a niche technology best suited to historic buildings and big box industrial sheds. While this is no longer the case, the advantages that it can bring to an ancient building like The Binns cannot be overstated. Not only were we able to deliver a fully-featured fire system that met all of the key requirements specified by the National Trust for Scotland, the system was also installed in a fraction of the time that a wired system would have taken, with none of the costs associated with installing cable loop.”very aspect. For buildings like this, which require a light touch while still ensuring the protection of the historic fabric, wireless ticks all the boxes.”

Hyfire, Argus and Ramtech create Orama group in the Metaverse

by Breaking NewsProjects

Argus Security and Hyfire have joined a new group called Orama which launched in the Metaverse on 20 October. From the companies Argus, Hyfire and Ramtech, who all provide excellence in wireless solutions for the protection of people and environments, the Orama group was created.

Argus, Hyfire and Ramtech together reach more than 30 countries worldwide and offer a wide range of wireless and digital products and services, suitable for different industries, from construction to commercial and industrial applications. The new brand was presented in the Metaverse, to contextualise the technological vision and the orientation towards the future of the group.

The companies that make up Orama are working closely to take advantage of each other’s expertise, focus on developing new products and solutions, connected, customer-centred and customised, that support and encourage the evolution of the sectors in which they operate.

The common goal of group members is to combine the history and expertise of the three companies Argus, Hyfire and Ramtech to provide innovative services and assistance and ensure customers the maximum protection of sites and people in the most diverse applications, from construction sites and temporary sites to new or existing commercial and industrial buildings and more.

“The strong skills of each company have helped to form a powerful group that faces new and stimulating perspectives in the field of safety,” commented Giorgio Koursaris, Managing Director of the group. “Orama is the fil rouge that combines cutting-edge wireless technologies to the digital world.”

Koursaris continued: “The naming also recalls this new meaning. Orama means projection and vision to the future. The payoff, “the future of protection”, refers to the world of safety and protection to emphasise the solid and secure soul of the brand and the intention to invest in the future, taking advantage of the opportunities offered by wireless and digital technologies to shape a safer world through innovation.”

Orama’s logo is a fingerprint, a symbol of uniqueness, but also an eye that looks to the future. The dermatoglyphs, the lines that make up the fingerprint, refer to the waves of wireless, a characteristic element of the group, and also draw a circle that symbolises the uniformity and continuity between the three companies from which the new brand was born.

Orama’s aim is to go beyond the present, leveraging the technological and digital skills of each company from which it was born to speed up the process of digitising the world of the protection of people and environments, creating value and opportunities for customers and for the company.

Patol’s aspirating smoke detectors chosen for major online retail investment

by Featured NewsProjects

A UK supermarket chain has chosen Patol Ltd and Securiton Aspirating Smoke Detection (ASD) to protect a significant investment in expanding the retailer’s online offering.

With a general upturn in online grocery shopping, the supermarket has embarked on a programme to develop a number of facilities throughout the UK, with dedicated automatic picking areas completely separate to the customer areas introduced in its larger stores where excess space is available.

Alarmtec, a supplier of fire alarm systems for over 40 years, approached Patol, a company that has specialised in the design, manufacture and supply of fire safety products and services for more than 50 years. Alarmtec had employed ASD in a large warehouse project and recognised the potential it offered in meeting the needs of the fulfilment centres.

Alarmtec and Patol worked together, along with the retailer’s own dedicated engineering department, to design and develop a turnkey solution. The first store was in West Bromwich and a template was created for the fire alarm system to protect the centre.

Patol’s ASD was chosen to provide early warning of fire, with the pipework installed throughout the ceiling voids and racking areas. The detectors are located to allow easy access for maintenance which would have proved difficult with conventional point detectors.

The early warning provided by ASD also proved a significant advantage given the increased fire load represented by the electrical motors which drive the automated conveyors at the heart of the picking area. The ASD is supported by Patol’s digital LHDC (Linear Heat Detection Cable) which monitors the chillers and freezers.

The air sampling pipework and detectors provide dedicated protection of the West Bromwich fulfilment centre area, networked to the store’s existing fire control panel and sprinkler system. The success of the West Bromwich facility provided the blueprint to roll-out the solution to other stores.

Jeff Hickling is Head of Installation at Alarmtec and commented: “We recognised that ASD provided the ideal solution to meet the challenges of the project, with its ability to identify a potential fire at the earliest possible point. Patol’s technology provided the performance we were looking for, backed by an excellent level of service.”

The fulfilment centres are designed to allow faster picking and quicker deliveries, adding to an extensive network of distribution facilities and in-store picking. It will expand the company’s online capacity, providing customers with more home delivery slots, as well as reducing congestion on shop floors.

Hochiki Italia selected for winery fire safety upgrade

by Featured NewsProjects

Hochiki Italia products have been chosen for a fire safety update at a prestigious winery in Franciacorta.

Owned by the Rabotti family since 1972, the Winery produces 500,000 bottles per year and with 70 hectares of managed vineyards, Monte Rossa is considered a leader for the quality level of the Franciacorta wines it produces.

Last May, the new Winery by Monte Rossa was opened. It was an ambitious project using the latest in wine making technology that also included an innovative fire detection system designed with the support of the installation company Eurodue srl of Brescia, a leading distributor of fire-fighting equipment and Hochiki dealer.

Monte Rossa is made up of different buildings for processing, storage, and packaging, which are mostly made of reinforced concrete and masonry. In terms of fire, the room that is the most at risk is the storage and packaging areas, since copious quantities of combustible materials are often stored in this room.

In the wine industry, substances (such as nitrogen) contained in pressure vessels (cylinders) are commonly used and so particular care has been taken when using them with produces that ensure the room can be sealed in an emergency to avoid explosions and fires.

The new fire detection system was to cover an area of 20,000-sq m, divided across four levels with indoor and outdoor areas. The automatic and manual fire detection systems were installed in offices, laboratory, vinification areas, the Barrique cellar, the “sur lattes” bottle ageing rooms and the disgorging and bottling areas.

The new Hochiki fire detection system also controls the fire doors of the compartmentalised processing and production areas of the building.

Products chosen to protect the building, contents, staff and visitors include Hochiki’s SCI Sensors which are part of the ESP (Intelligent Range) which are trusted worldwide to reduce false alarms and allow systems to be tailored to achieve optimum performance.

Ezio Danese, Project Manager at Hochiki Italia explained: “The UNI 9795 standard requires the installation of a short-circuit isolator for each zone in a building. SCI detectors with integrated isolator and various installed devices such as call points and I/O modules with double isolator ensure that the system complies with the regulatory requirements, without having to install additional isolators. This is definitely an advantage for the installer.”

Visual Alarm Devices (VADs) were also installed. These were a key component to the install because they provide a visual indication of an alarm condition, essential for areas where the public might be visiting, or in areas where staff might be wearing ear defenders.

Filippo Piubeni, co-owner of Eurodue srl, commented: “It is always a pleasure to be able to complete such an important fire detection system project. We are proud to have made secure a site such as the Monte Rossa Winery, which is not only technologically advanced but equally linked to the winemaking tradition of the Franciacorta region.

“This top-quality system will provide the best possible protection for staff and the facility’s many visitors. The system was installed by the company Bignetti Salvato and carefully programmed by FYS srl di Gregorelli Francesco, Hochiki’s Technical Assistance Centre, which was able to optimise the various operational requirements in accordance with the project and current regulations.

“The Hochiki fire detection system installed at Monte Rossa is a feather in our company’s cap for the foreseeable future.”

TBA Firefly creates half-hour fire barriers in new research building

by Featured NewsProjects

A specialist contractor undertaking the fireproofing within a new medical research building in the South East has made use of two flexible fire barrier products from the TBA’s FIREFLY range, to provide 30 minutes protection within the majority of the ceiling voids throughout the four-storey structure.

Dartford based CLM Fireproofing, is employing TBA Firefly’s Apollo Lite and the Collaroll product in tandem to protect the ceiling voids. The spaces which typically house pipework, power cables and air conditioning units above the suspended ceiling grid, are provided with 30 minutes integrity and insulation through the installation of the flexible Apollo Lite barrier.

The Site Agent for CLM Fireproofing, Virginjus Pasvenkas, commented: “We are carrying out all of the fire-proofing work within this new facility on behalf of the main contractor, ISG, employing a wide variety of fully certified products. 

“In the case of the Apollo Lite, it is one of the systems specified by the fire engineer for the project as part of the fire strategy and FIREFLY™ provided us with detail drawings in order to suit this application – forming a cavity barrier in the void above the ceiling.

“A number of our operatives have also received training in the past from the manufacturer; though the system is quite straightforward to install. 

“We are also using the Collaroll for protection around where pipes, cable trays and trunking penetrate the barriers.  Work is progressing well, and we expect to complete on schedule this December.”  

The Apollo Lite 30/30 has been developed for use in vertical separation or compartmentation situations, offering both 30 minutes integrity and insulation, thereby exceeding the minimum requirements of the Building Regulations. It is widely specified to form fire barriers within roof voids  in many different property types, including healthcare, commercial and social housing

UAE and UK partner to support Redco Project Senegal

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Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), the UAE Federal export credit company, and UK Export Finance (UKEF) have announced joint support for a major project in the Republic of Senegal to strengthen its national emergency response infrastructure.

This national emergency response project, called the Redco Project Senegal, will see the supply and building up of emergency services from fire fighting vehicles, airport firefighting and rescue vehicles, ambulances and medical vehicles, rescue boats, water trailers, cranes with cargo trucks and other safety equipment in Senegal.

The project, which is reported to worth AED540 million, is being funded by Standard Chartered Bank along with partial direct lending by the UKEF. It is backed by the ECI and UKEF under a reinsurance arrangement with the ECI’s participation worth AED334 million.

The emergency services equipment will be provided by NAFFCO, a UAE-based manufacturer and exporter of firefighting products and fire protection engineering.

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Deputy Chairman of ECI’s Board of Directors, commented: “The long-standing bilateral relationship between the UAE and the United Kingdom (UK) is built on the shared vision of both countries to promote sustainable development and economic prosperity across the globe. The UAE has been keen on engaging in such remarkable projects that can transform the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.

This new agreement between our export credit agencies is part of the UAE’s relentless commitment to advance key segments such as emergency services, healthcare, environment, and technology. This collaboration is based on an effective public-private partnership framework that will also bring about substantial investment opportunities for the UAE companies around sustainability, which is becoming the norm for the next generation developmental strategies.”

Mike Freer, UK Minister for Exports, also commented: “The UK can provide a leading role when it comes to exporting fire safety equipment. This deal demonstrates how British ingenuity coupled with the UAE’s proactiveness can better protect communities abroad and shows how joint government initiatives can help businesses export their best-in-class equipment and services.”

Sir Massimo Falcioni, CEO of Etihad Credit Insurance, said: “Our collaboration with the British export credit agency, UKEF, to support the emergency service sector in Senegal signifies the UAE’s strategic vision and leadership mission for sustainable development in the world.

“This kind of partnership opens up numerous opportunities for the UAE, the UK, and Senegal to explore joint projects that will help domestic entrepreneurs and exporters secure access to international markets while safely securing their receivables. It will further solidify UAE companies’ presence in the global arena and reinforce its position as one of the most conducive global hubs for trade and business.”

Louis Taylor, CEO of UK Export Finance, said: “Senegal is a unique market for UK exporters to tap into. I have seen how the UK and Senegal can work together to unlock projects in the country with our financing and open new trade routes for UK companies.

“We are grateful to the UAE federal export credit company for their support for this project that will pave the way for similar collaborations benefitting the exporters of both countries.”

NFCC unveils pioneering Direct Entry Scheme for management positions

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The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is set to launch a Direct Entry Scheme next month which will enable those with proven leadership skills, from a variety of sectors, to apply for Station Manager and Area Manager roles without needing to have fire service experience or without needing to have taken the traditional firefighter promotional route.

A recruitment campaign will begin in September through appointed recruitment experts at Reed Specialist Recruitment Ltd. Those recruited to the roles will be expected to acquire, develop and demonstrate skills and expertise in management and command functions, as set out for their role in the nationally agreed applicable role maps. This development will be enhanced through a nationally designed, co-ordinated, and quality assured process.

The campaign marks the first time here has been a national, robust and quality assured direct entry programme. The main aim of the scheme is to create a different route to entry into the roles of station manager and area manager alongside the more traditional firefighter route, playing a part in diversifying senior management in fire and rescue services.

Ten fire and rescue services from across the UK have signed up to join the pioneering pilot to self-fund a direct entrant. Those services intending to adopt the scheme are Oxfordshire FRS, Staffordshire FRS, Shropshire FRS, East Sussex FRS, Avon FRS, Leicestershire FRS, Greater Manchester FRS, Royal Berkshire FRS, Hertfordshire FRS and North Wales FRS.

Direct Entry Project Executive Rod Hammerton said: “We hope that the scheme will draw new perspectives and experiences from the brightest and best who might not ordinarily have seen a career in the fire and rescue service as being open or attractive to them.

“Being a Fire Officer is a tough job at times, but it is a hugely rewarding one. I am excited to see who puts themselves forward for this fantastic opportunity.

“Direct entry isn’t new to fire and rescue services but launching the scheme in a way that creates a supportive cohort right across the country is. The response from services wishing to be “early adopters” has been overwhelming and I am confident we will be able to offer a compelling proposition to candidates from across the whole of the UK.”

Dawn Whittaker, Direct Entry Project Executive said: “Many of the leadership skills required to run a modern FRS are not dissimilar to those required in other sectors, with people, financial, partnership and commercial skills at the fore.

“By diversifying those in our more senior roles we can invest in the future of our sector, and those already involved in the scheme are doing just that.”

The project was launched to address some of the recommendations made in the HMICFRS State of Fire Report, which stated: “To provide the best possible response to the public, services need to be able to choose from the widest talent pool possible. That pool is currently restricted, with many people feeling excluded.”

The recent Government White Paper endorsed the work of the project, stating: “The NFCC Leadership hub is leading a project on direct entry schemes at Station and Area Manager level, as well as developing a coaching and talent-focused culture. This is a welcome development and should be supported by all services.”

Chubb launches accelerated development programme for Fire and Security industry

by Featured NewsProjectsTraining

Chubb, a UK provider of fire-safety and security solutions, has launched an accelerated development programme designed to attract and train new industry-entrants in partnership with Zitko Talent, a recruitment agency for the Fire and Security industry.

The accelerated development programme will last approximately 18 weeks, starting with alternating blocks of technical training, field experience and manufacturer-led certified product training. Trainees will finish the programe as certified Fire and Security engineers, equipped with the knowledge required to work within Chubb’s installation and maintenance teams.  

The programme will leverages Zitko’s expertise to attract and select candidates. As part of the process, specialist psychometric testing is to identify outstanding technical and learning potential. Chubb will then select and employ trainees from the pool, with manufacturers and educators contributing around 18-weeks of technical education and certified product training; all tailored to Chubb’s needs. 

The Zitko Talent team administers the entire programme on behalf of Chubb, while supporting/mentoring trainees. 

Andrew Collinson, Operations Director for Electronic Security, Chubb UK, said: “We have developed our own entry level engineers in-house before and some of our most successful people began with us this way. 

The accelerated development programme takes this to the next level. I believe it will be a significant source of talent; giving us people who will progress with us long-term. The programme’s been designed as a gateway for those who may or may not have previous engineering experience. 

The key requirements are ‘aptitude and attitude’; qualities which recruitment partner Zitko Talent will assess with their proven selection process.  By focusing on these qualities, Chubb aims to unearth hidden talent, especially among groups who are traditionally underrepresented in the industry”. 

Zitko Group’s Managing Director, George Zitko, commented: “Chubb has an apprentice scheme already, but they’ve recognised the value of the Talent approach. That is, developing people with transferable skills and giving them a pathway into the industry”. 

Emergency Aircraft Act introduced to improve response to wildfires

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsProjects

US Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) have introduced legislation to make states eligible to receive excess planes from the Department of Defense (DoD) to increase their wildfire suppression and emergency response capabilities.

The Emergency Aircraft Act would also remove the current cap on how many excess planes DoD can transfer to other federal agencies for wildfire suppression purposes.

Currently, the DoD has a program to transfer excess aircraft to federal agencies for wildfire suppression, but this is capped at transferring only seven aircraft total to each agency. As wildfire fire activity has increased in recent years, states have stepped up and greatly increased their own wildfire suppression capacity.

States should now be allowed to utilise excess DoD aircraft to increase suppression capabilities, put fires out faster, and increase search and rescue capabilities.

The bipartisan Emergency Aircraft Act of 2022 would:

  • Remove the arbitrary cap (currently 7) on how many excess aircraft DOD can transfer to federal agencies for wildfire suppression efforts;
  • Allow states to receive excess DoD aircraft;
  • Expand the uses for these transferred aircraft from just “wildfire suppression purposes” to include purposes of “wildfire suppression, search and rescue, or emergency operations pertaining to wildfires;” and
  • Mandate an annual report from DoD to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees on aircraft transferred during the previous fiscal year.

Senator Cramer said: “The Emergency Aircraft Act of 2022 removes arbitrary caps on the transfer of excess military aircraft to the Forest Service, states, and those on the frontline fighting fires. This bill is a no-brainer to aid our wildfire fighting capabilities.”

Senator Padilla said: “After years of increasingly catastrophic wildfires in California, it has become clear that the federal government must do more to support suppression efforts to get fires under control quickly, as well as support search and rescue efforts to keep our communities safe.

Padilla added: “This common sense bill will increase the tools at our disposal, including by allowing states – like California – to secure excess military aircraft to augment our aerial firefighting fleet.”