Australia to overhaul fire danger rating system

by Featured NewsSafety

As of September 1, The Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS) Program is redesigning the forecasting of fire danger in Australia. Going forward, it will have four levels with action-oriented messages, logical colours and simple descriptions to encourage people to take action to protect themselves and others in the face of bushfire risks.

The AFDRS is a project of national significance being developed collaboratively by state, territory and federal governments. It aims to improve public safety and reduce the impacts of bushfires by improving the scientific accuracy behind fire danger predictions, improving the way fire danger is communicated, providing government and industry with better decision-making tools and reducing the costs associated with bushfire impacts.

The new action-oriented signage replaces the various six categories the states and territories currently use. The new signs will be rolled out across the nation ahead of the fire season.

The new system comes after social research confirmed 52 per cent of people mistakenly thought the current rating system predicted how likely a fire is to occur, rather than the potential level of danger should a bushfire start.

Research also found that people were confused about what to do and that while people were generally familiar with the signs, the research found most were not using the six-level warning system and most had never taken action relating to it.

A new Fire Behaviour Index, published by the Bureau of Meteorology, will provide a 100-point scale of potential fire behaviour based on fuel and weather conditions across eight different vegetation fuel types.

The new national system calculates fire danger at a finer geographic scale than before to offer more specific and relevant information. The index will inform key operational decisions such as fire bans and when burning off can be done safely. 

The new system has been developed by the Australia and New Zealand national council for fire and emergency services (AFAC), with prototypes tested over last summer by the NSW Rural Fire Service and the BOM.

RFS commissioner Rob Rodgers called the national project, which is based on new science and does away with the old system which was created in the 1950s, ‘exciting’

He said: “The new Australian Fire Danger Rating System will be more accurate as it assesses not only the landscapes but also eight vegetation types across the nation – a vast difference to the old system which could only assess two vegetation types.

“What this means for the community is simpler, clearer messaging around preparedness, which will result in better-informed communities.

“It’s messaging that will potentially save lives.”

Exclusive: Why digital adoption is helping improve fire safety in construction in the UK

by Breaking NewsSafety
Lee Jones, Head of Manufacturing Solutions at NBS, discusses how digital adoption is helping improve fire safety in construction in the UK

As the details of the Building Safety Bill continue to be debated in Parliament, one area that is consistently improving standards within fire safety is the uptake of digital construction. But what can a digital approach offer and how can it help raise the bar to ensure occupants remain safe?

The construction industry currently finds itself in a state of flux. Following recent events, fire safety is a number one concern, yet the sector continues to see widespread problems in this area. Only recently, we saw reports that one in five studios and B&Bs in London have been deemed to be unsafe with 72% of cases relating to fire safety.

Yet hope is on the horizon, and following Dame Judith Hackitt’s review into building regulations and fire safety back in May 2018, the industry is now on a path to ensure greater fail-safes and a requirement for what Hackitt termed ‘The Golden Thread’ of information. The Golden Thread being ‘both the information that allows you to understand a building and the steps needed to keep both the building and people safe, now and in the future’. Only by having these systems in place can the industry then claw back occupant confidence and deliver full transparency and accountability on building practices.

Yet along with reform, such as the introduction of a building safety regulator and a construction product regulator, other methods are also helping the industry raise its game, one of which is the digitising of the construction industry.

The demand for digital

One of the main benefits to working digitally, is that for specifiers, contractors and residents they have the ability to access extensive datasets on safety critical products. This feature plays a huge role in guaranteeing the safety of buildings and end users by supplying them with the most up-to-date information. If the industry is to iron-out the risk of products being ‘mis-specified’, then architects must be given a vehicle to access this information as easily as possible.

The RIBA Plan of Work, which is regarded by many as the ‘industry blueprint’ for the construction process has also embraced digital. For example, Part three of the overview document covers ‘Changing Processes’ and includes guidance on how digital tools can shift the balance away from 2D information towards 3D and data. It shows the direction the industry is heading – digital site surveys are also becoming the norm, using cloud surveys, photogrammetry, lidar, and the ability to mount cameras on drones, to help with the success of projects.

BIM leads the way

We also know that the digitisation of the sector is being well received within the construction community with positivity. In NBS’ 2021 Digital Construction Report, it found that 80% of respondents think adoption of digital technologies is delivering a better built environment. A further 78% also agreed that the sector needs to be working digitally if its to play its part in realising the golden thread of information.

Feeding into this is also the greater use of BIM (Building Information Modelling). This digital approach can be used to improve the design, construction and operation of buildings, making them safer for end users. Again, it’s a concept that has been around for some time but the recent shift in perception of BIM has allowed this way of working to flourish, with three quarters of specifiers now using BIM compared to just one in ten a decade ago.

Inspections on-site

No matter how well designed, the final piece of the puzzle remains with how the build is produced on site. Is proper due care being given to fire safety inspection and how can site staff be sure that the building is true to its original specification? Digital project management tools are also helping in this area. For site managers, or those in charge of building quality and control, the introduction of tools that digitally log when work has been carried out has been a game changer. Today’s app and tools also feature the ability to send photos and videos, for even greater peace of mind that fire safety has been prioritised. It’s likely we’ll see more requests of this sort occupants as knowledge around fire safety on-site increases.

We’ve heard the Government talk in depth at how it plans to ‘Build Back Better’ and by looking at evidence, we can see that a continued investment in digital construction will be a big part of the answer to make this possible. What’s now needed is urgency – both in parliament and in the wider sector so that we can ensure improvements are made as quickly as possible.

This article was originally published in the June edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Hong Kong launches public consultation into Fire Safety Ordinance

by Featured NewsSafety

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has announced the launch of a 10-week public consultation on the proposal to amend the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance (Cap. 572) to empower the enforcement authorities (EAs) to carry out fire safety improvement works for owners of old composite and domestic buildings which have failed to comply with the requirements of the Ordinance, and to recover the relevant fees from them afterwards.

A Government spokesman said: “Fire safety hazards in old buildings are a matter of great concern to both the Government and the public. It has been the common goal of the Government, the Legislative Council and members of the public to provide residents and the community at large with better protection by enhancing fire safety in buildings, especially the old ones. This also led to the enactment of the Ordinance in the first place.

“The Government has been proactively providing various kinds of support to owners of old buildings with a view to assisting them in carrying out fire safety improvement works. Nevertheless, some owners may still have difficulties in complying with the requirements of the Ordinance due to the lack of co-ordination capability.

“Therefore, the Government agrees to take into account the Buildings Department’s experience in the work of building safety and the similar mechanism under the Buildings Ordinance (Cap. 123), improve the existing legal framework and amend the Ordinance in order to empower the EAs (namely, the Fire Services Department and the Buildings Department) to carry out fire safety improvement works for owners of target buildings who have failed to comply with the requirements of the Ordinance for enhancing fire protection of old buildings, and to recover the relevant fees from such owners upon completion of the default works.”

The spokesman added: “The Government would also like to take this opportunity to put forward other proposed initiatives for incentivising owners to shoulder their responsibilities and comply with the requirements of the Ordinance as soon as possible, with a view to further facilitating the implementation of the Ordinance.”

In Hong Kong it is the responsibility of owners to repair and properly maintain private buildings, including carrying out the required fire safety improvement works. It is the Government’s objective to assist owners to comply with the requirements of the Ordinance through the provision of different measures and support.

The consultation paper has been uploaded to the website of the Security Bureau. Members of the public can submit their views by mail (Security Bureau, 9/F, East Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong), fax (2868 9159) or email (fsbab_consultation@sb.gov.hk) on or before September 13.

Firefighters four times more likely to be diagnosed with cancer

by Breaking NewsSafety

The International Agency for Research on Cancer, a World Health Organisation body, has said that occupational exposure as a firefighter has been classified as carcinogenic.

The decision is a result of research from around the world proving that there are links between firefighting and cancer, including in the UK where research from University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) found that surveyed firefighters were four times more likely to have been diagnosed with cancer than the general population.  

The Agency confirmed that these links arise from issues including toxic fire contaminants. The decision to classify occupational exposure as carcinogenic followed a week-long discussion by 25 leading scientists from eight countries in Lyon, France.

In the UK the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) led on research into the links between cancer and firefighting, and best practice that can help mitigate the potential risks from fire contaminants. This included commissioning and working with UCLan on their independent research, which includes a Firefighters Cancer and Disease Registry, and using that research to produce best practice training for firefighters.

Riccardo la Torre, FBU national officer, said: “Firefighters have known for some time now that their occupational exposure to toxic contaminants has links to cancer and this development is a hugely significant and vital step forward to getting firefighters the recognition and protection that they need to do their jobs safely.

“This classification should be a huge wake-up call for both the government and fire and rescue services. Government now need to urgently acknowledge that cancer is an occupational hazard within firefighting. They also need to be pushing ahead with urgent improvements to protect firefighters from fire contaminants by utilising the union’s ground-breaking training. We also recognise that this news will be worrying for firefighters and want to reassure all of our members that the union will fight to protect your safety at work.”

He added: “No one should get ill from going to work, and firefighters deserve to go home at the end of their shift as safely and healthily as they begun it. The FBU will continue its work in this area to protect firefighters, but we have already consistently been warning the National Fire Chiefs Council, Fire Service Employers and Ministers of this risk and so far have seen very little action from most of them. It’s now time to sit up, listen and act to protect firefighters from this life threatening occupational hazard.

The IARC Monographs, which the classification takes place in, identify environmental factors that are carcinogenic hazards to humans and is an internationally renowned list. National health agencies can use this information as scientific support for their actions to prevent exposure to potential carcinogens.

In the monographs firefighting had previously been held to be “possibly carcinogenic”, in 2007. It has now been upgraded to “carcinogenic to humans”, the highest level of certainty. The cancers identified in relation to this reclassification include mesothelioma and bladder cancer.

New York City considers e-bike ban for public housing amid fire safety concerns

by Featured NewsSafety

The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) is considering a new rule that would ban e-bikes and e-scooters from all its properties amid concerns over fire safety.

According to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), battery-powered electric bicycles and scooters have caused more than 75 fires in New York City so far this year, putting the city on estimate for nearly 190 e-bike or e-scooter fires in 2022. Last year, the department reported 104 fires, killing four people. 

“The numbers increase weekly. That’s how active this issue is,” said Joe Jardin, chief of fire prevention at FDNY. “It’s scary, frankly, how fast the environment in the fire area diminishes, how severe the fire becomes in a matter of a second or two.”

In an email to NFPA Journal, a NYCHA spokesperson wrote: “NYCHA is considering the adoption of a new rule that would prohibit e-bikes and related devices from its properties, including residents’ apartments and public and private spaces throughout all developments. This proposed new rule is open for public comment until July 10, 2022, at which time NYCHA will review stakeholder feedback and amend the rule accordingly.”

 In April, the city’s Fire Code was amended to include language on e-bikes and e-scooters. The code now requires e-bike and e-scooter charging equipment to comply with standards published by Underwriters Laboratories as well as enhanced fire protection measures for rooms where six or more e-bikes or e-scooters are being charged or stored. These measures include fire sprinklers, spacing between devices, dedicated electrical receptacles, and fire-rated walls and doors.

The new NYCHA proposal would take things even further with a total ban of e-bikes and e-scooters in the city’s public housing properties.

Material identification lab launched by the Fire Protection Association

by Featured NewsSafety

In a bid to improve the quality of the built environment, the Fire Protection Association (FPA) has launched a new versatile and comprehensive fire testing and research facilities in the UK.

The FPA recently expanded its testing capabilities at its laboratory in Gloucestershire by investing in a new material identification testing service to help identify the type of insulation material used on a building.

The Testing Process

A total of three tests are conducted to identify whether the sample is PUR, PIR, phenolic foam, or wool. In order to carry out the insulation identification, a minimum sample size of 100mm by 100mm is required which is run through three machines:

The microcalorimeter determines the temperature at which the material combusts and the amount of heat released. The elemental analyser shows the chemical composition of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulphur in the material. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) measures the absorbance of infrared light which is analysed to determine the material’s molecular composition. 

Following the identification process, a comprehensive report outlining the test methodology and analysis is provided within 4-6 weeks of receipt of the samples.

FPA Managing Director, Jonathan O’Neill OBE said: “Not only does our new material identification testing service allow for the insulation material used on a building to be identified, it adds another significant benefit around verification.

“By fingerprinting the insulation samples, we can protect against material substitution, meaning we can assess whether a product installed on a building is the same as was submitted for fire testing. This also ensures the integrity of our UKAS accredited BS 8414 cladding tests.”

As a not-for-profit organisation, the FPA has priced its services competitively. The new material identification service includes three tests on each of our three machines, and costs £1,500 plus VAT.

Find out more about the new material identification service.

NFPA issues warning over electric shock drowning hazards

by Featured NewsSafety

In response to the number of news headlines about deaths related to electric shock drowning (ESD), the National Fire Protection Association NFPA has issued some guidance on how to stay safe when swimming this summer.

The warning, which comes ahead of the July 4th holiday weekend, a time when more people travel to the water’s edge, head out on their boats and spend time at the pool, reminds people about potential electrical hazards that exist in swimming pools, hot tubs and spas, onboard boats and in waters surrounding boats, marinas, and launch ramps.

Electric shock drowning can occur when faulty wiring sends electric current into the water that can pass through the body and cause paralysis. When this happens, a person can no longer swim and ultimately drowns. 

The NFPA said swimmers, pool and boat owners should familiarise themselves with the following information and share it with people they know before embarking on any water activities:

Tips for swimmers

  • Never swim near a marina, dock, or boatyard, or near a boat while it is running.
  • While in a pool, hot tub or spa, look out for underwater lights that are not working properly, flicker, or work intermittently.
  • If you feel a tingling sensation while in a pool, immediately stop swimming in your current direction. Try and swim in a direction where you had not felt the tingling. Exit the water as quickly as possible; avoid using metal ladders or rails. Touching metal may increase the risk of shock.

 Tips for pool owners

  • If you are putting in a new pool, hot tub, or spa, be sure the wiring is performed by an electrician experienced in the special safety requirements for these types of installations.
  • Have a qualified electrician periodically inspect and — where necessary — replace or upgrade the electrical devices or equipment that keep your pool, spa, or hot tub electrically safe. Have the electrician show you how to turn off all power in case of an emergency.
  • Make sure any overhead lines maintain the proper distance over a pool and other structures, such as a diving board. If you have any doubts, contact a qualified electrician or your local utility company to make sure power lines are a safe distance away.

Tips for boat owners

  • Avoid entering the water when launching or loading a boat. Docks or boats can leak electricity into the water causing water electrification.
  • Each year, and after a major storm that may affect the boat, have the boat’s electrical system inspected by a qualified marine electrician to be sure it meets the required codes of your area, including the American Boat & Yacht Council. Make the necessary repairs if recommended. Check with the marina owner who can also tell you if the marina’s electrical system has recently been inspected to meet the required codes of your area, including the .
  • Have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) installed on the boat; use only portable GFCIs or shore power cords (including “Y” adapters) that are Marine Listed when using electricity near water. Test GFCIs monthly.

For more information about electric shock drowning, visit nfpa.org/watersafety.

Fire testing market to reach $13 billion by 2032

by Breaking NewsSafety

The global fire testing market has been projected to reach an estimated value of US$13 billion by 2032, almost doubling from US$ 7.1 billion in 2022, rising steadily at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 5.9% during the forecast period.

As the number of deaths and property losses has increased, public awareness of fire safety measures has moved the fire testing market share forward, with the adoption of fire safety systems is becoming more common in countries with limited infrastructure development resources. 

Manufacturers and end-users of valves have seemingly grown more interested in fire-safe testing which in turn has encouraged the adoption of fire testing systems. This is mostly due to an increasing focus on safety and environmental concerns, but also as a consequence of increasingly stringent safety and environmental standards.

The Covid-19 pandemic saw a negative impact on the fire testing market size in the first quarters of 2020, with new fire testing equipment is being installed in fewer industrial and commercial applications. However, as spending on new construction activities rises, this alongside the replacement of old fire alarms, sprinklers, and detectors are likely to fuel the overall demand for fire testing systems in the coming years.

High installation and maintenance costs are expected to limit the growth of the fire testing market share, however.

Key takeaways

With a CAGR of 5.7% and a market value of US$4.5 billion in 2021, the United States dominated the market, largely due to the rapid growth of commercial and industrial building in the United States and Canada.

In the global fire testing industry, Asia Pacific has the highest growth potential, with a CAGR of 6.2%. The growth of the fire testing market is being driven by rapid industrialization and urbanization in developing nations such as China and India.

Countries including Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom are expected to have considerable potential need for fire testing in the next years. The fire testing market in China is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 5.3 percent due to rising investments and spending on surveillance infrastructure. Meanwhile, Japan’s fire testing market is expected to increase at a CAGR of 4.3 percent.

The fire testing market is fragmented due to the presence of electrical product manufacturers, and the intensity of competition in the market is moderate and expanding. In order to gain a competitive market share, companies in the industry engage in active innovation by providing sophisticated fire testing methods. The fire testing market is dominated by companies such as Intertek, TUV SUD, SGS Group, Bureau Veritas SA, UL LLC, and others.

Protective coating market to reach $16.7bn by 2030

by Featured NewsSafety

The global protective coatings market size, which was valued at USD $12.2 billion in 2021, is expected to reach USD $16.7 billion by 2030, recording an estimated CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 3.40% over the forecast period (2022–2030), according to Straits Research.

The protective coating is widely used in construction, oil & gas, aerospace, industrial, marine, automotive, power generation, mining, and protects a range of surfaces from the elements, which could jeopardise an item’s operation or integrity. The building industry’s global expansion has boosted demand for protective coatings dramatically.

A growing demand for green coatings has driven the market. Green coatings are formulations that have been designed to have the least amount of environmental impact possible throughout their supply chain. These coatings are eco-friendly throughout their entire life cycle and in addition to raw materials and emissions, green coatings have reduced fire risk during handling and storage.

Asia-Pacific now has the dominant position in the global protective coatings market and is expected to witness the highest CAGR during the 2022-2030 forecast period. It is predicted to reach a value of USD $8,825 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 4.3%.

China is a key hub for chemical processing in the Asia-Pacific and accounts for a significant proportion of the chemicals produced globally. With the increasing need for various chemicals worldwide, the demand for protective coating from this sector is expected to rise during the forecast period.

North America holds the second-largest share in the regional market and is estimated to reach a predicted value of USD $3,475 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 2.9%. Protective coatings have a significant demand from the United States construction sector compared to the other countries in North America due to their larger market size and active investments in the development of the construction sector.

Europe takes third place in the market with estimated value to reach of USD $2,750 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 2.7%. The chemical industry in Germany is the largest in Europe. Germany is the primary chemical manufacturer, accounting for more than 70% of all chemical exports from Europe.

In the future years, the industry is predicted to expand, which will increase demand for the market under consideration. The market analysed is expected to grow over the projection period, thanks to increased demand from major end-user industries.

Global Village strengthens five-star health and safety credentials

by Featured NewsMiddle East - Featured News ArchivesSafety

Global Village, the UAE and wider region’s leading multicultural family destination for culture, shopping, and entertainment, has retained its best practice Five Star Occupational Health and Safety Audit conducted by the British Safety Council for the fourth consecutive year.

The park achieved an overall score of 97.72% compared to 96.62% last year – retaining its position in the highly respected five-star “Excellent” category and setting benchmarks for the industry across the region.

Global Village is the only entertainment destination in the world to have been awarded the British Safety Council’s Sword of Honour – celebrating organisations that have reached the pinnacle of health, safety and environmental management.

Sutharson Sathaiah, Senior Manager of HSE and Risk at Global Village said: “Global Village is an immense outdoor destination with the complexity of thousands of partners and millions of guests each season. Retaining this coveted award is a great achievement and illustrates our determination to lead the way in terms of Health and Safety for our industry.

“The score we have achieved is testament to the commitment from top management, which flows through the entire organization. We take our Health and safety record and practices very seriously and we are honoured that this has been recognised by this prestigious organization.”

Global Village underwent a comprehensive, quantified and robust evaluation of its occupational health and safety policies, processes and practices. The audit measured performance against key health and safety management best practice indicators and a detailed review of multiple elements – including risk assessments to fire routes, first aid provisions to emergency planning within eight core areas from safety organisation to continuous improvement and crosschecks systems in place – evaluating their effectiveness and providing feedback.

Mike Robinson, CEO of British Safety Council, said: “The award of a five star grading following our occupational best practice Health and Safety Audit is an outstanding achievement and is reflective of a proactive organisation which is committed to continual improvement in its health and safety arrangements and managing risks to workers’ health, safety and wellbeing. Global Village should be very proud of this achievement.”

The audit process included documentation review, interviews with senior management, employees and other key stakeholders, together with sampling of operational activities. The high scores celebrate the excellence of Global Village and its employees in managing health, safety and environmental risks, deploying best practice techniques as well as maintaining consistently high standards of guest satisfaction.