IFSJ Exclusive: The True Value of Integration

by Uncategorized
Mandy Bowden, Comelit-PAC Fire Manager looks at the bigger picture of today’s advances in fire safety and security technology and building management. 

One guaranteed topic of conversation is the best way forward when it comes to the integration of fire and security systems. With new high-profile legislation, it has become a priority to bring a decision management workflow that assigns priorities, determines resources and allows them to quickly assign appropriate actions and resources.

Against a backdrop of today’s challenges, where speed is of the essence, we have to protect vital assets.  This has been of notable high-profile recently, following the tragedy of the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, and subsequent inquiry, leading to the Fire Safety Act 2021 and Building Safety Act 2022.

Both are hugely significant pieces of legislation intended to overhaul the way residential buildings are constructed and maintained in the UK.  As the implications for both become clearer for the industry, there is much to prepare, especially to meet all the expectations for fire safety legislation.

Whilst convenience for the user and reduced cost through the sharing of infrastructure has traditionally been the prime drivers for integration, now there is a sense of urgency to bring these two very different systems together and bring a seamless experience for the user.

Integration of Fire Safety

To achieve this is to create a multi-layered system that provides a more sophisticated level of protection. 

Integration capability now has the benefit of optimum IP technology to enable individual fire and security systems to communicate with one another and be adapted to meet a site’s specific requirements. This must provide for the most fundamental benefit above all else: the ability to protect people, property and premises more effectively.

Full integration between a fire alarm system also comprises of a control panel, detectors, sounders and call points, and security systems that may include a range of products such as motion sensors, access control, or CCTV can present a range of issues both technically and through contrasting requirements.  

In the past these issues have proven challenging. However, with wireless security technology and connectivity advancing so rapidly and becoming more widespread and understood, the time for change is here.

The Differences Between Fire Safety & Security

Even when Comelit-PAC launched into the fire safety market, we were distinctly aware of the opposing requirements for fire safety and security.

Going back to basics, fire detection is primarily about protecting people; ensuring in the event of a fire, the right (compliant) solutions are in place to ensure their safety.  Fire doors for example, should be easy to open and their use not impeded.

Security is arguably about protecting buildings and contents; and as a consequence the people who live or work in the premises.  In this scenario, security requires doors to be shut, locked and impregnable.

When considered in this way, it is clear why two disciplines have to be considered with individual mindsets.  They must be approached right from design and manufacture of products, through specification and installation differently to reach their desired goal.

It would seem at every step that small details between the differences in fire and security are enough to separate them.  However, to keep buildings and their occupants safe, we quickly understood the customer demands and fast-tracked the possibilities of integration for the benefit of compliance and user experience.

The solution for management and maintenance

Integration of fire and security has now been successful at management station level. Building Management Systems (BMS) typically provides PC based graphics packages and integration software to bring fire and security functions together while maintaining the different systems core independence. These allow one user interface for security personnel to monitor fire and security systems with one software package. 

Interactions can be set up between the systems. For example, a fire within an area could activate a CCTV camera in the same location. An operator could then quickly confirm the possible cause of the alarm. Such systems give a realistic view of the possibilities of full integration at field device level.

Integration also raises the prospect of maintenance cost savings with both systems being serviced in a combined visit from one service engineer who can be trained on a single combined system programmed via a common programming tool. 

Integration is Key

By integrating fire and security, we can take a much more holistic approach to command and control, and also reduce false alarms and human error.

If there was a fire or security incident unfolding, it enables operators to work with a system to make more effective and informed decisions based on a single source of real-time information. That enables quicker response times which can be critical in an emergency situation.

In a post-pandemic world, where many of us are staying at home more and experimenting with hybrid models of working, increased monitoring for both fire and security is needed to ensure awareness of access across a building.  This is essential to managing complex processes such as an evacuation, safety testing or even just the usual flow of people.

Just these two examples show the several extended benefits of integration with systems being more straightforward to maintain are complemented and flexible to update.  The additional capability of remote app monitoring, via smart phone or tablet technology opens up integrated systems to be reviewed by more teams as required.

It’s something Comelit-PAC understands and has worked on, to ensure that it has the right tools to enable its IP based solutions to integrate into many systems.  This includes within the Comelit-PAC range, such as video surveillance, intruder alarms and LogiFire fire safety solutions, together with its range of accessories to suit the integration programme.

In many cases, these systems can be installed on a single network to provide ultimate safety and efficient services.  Comelit-PAC will work with an organisation right from initial design to establish the integration capabilities of fire safety and security systems.  It is here, that we can simply work in behind the scene operations.

The Integrated Future

As technology continues to develop we are seeing all aspects of our lives get smarter and connected technology become more commonplace. It is therefore unsurprising that out-dated approaches to the day to-day business security interactions are no longer acceptable. 

Whilst in the past, organisations may have fared well managing disparate systems with different platforms and interfaces, changing legislation induced a need for speed and swept away many perceived obstacles. What was once an interesting but risky concept was – all of a sudden – the only way.

We now see their capability as seamless operations, easily integrated into a smart building, with the use of wireless, cloud-based and app-based systems, such as Comelit-PAC provide.

Syncing up fire and security systems to share data can also make both systems more accurate, and enable teams to respond more quickly to real incidents. Retrofitting plants and buildings with the internet of things (IoT) also means building managers can embrace technology for an integrated fire and security system.

In summary, integration opens a whole host of efficiency improvements for buildings new and old. When it comes to life safety, it is vital that building managers take full advantage of new technology to maximise their response.  And today’s fire safety and security challenges require a robust, integrated program backed by a holistic strategy. 

Arguably, every product, must be developed to integrate systems from other manufacturers, or to be integrated itself in other systems.  Here lies the potential for a fresher seamless industry working experience, working in full compliance with stringent legislation, with the necessary ability to achieve the requirements of today’s increasingly discerning end-users.

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

DuPont discusses the Durability and Longevity of Firefighting Gear

by Breaking NewsPPEProductsUncategorized
DuPont’s Alfons Held and Jian Xiang explore what firefighters should look for to help ensure they are investing in durable gear that will last

As a developer and manufacturer of fire-retardant fibres and fabrics, DuPont sits at an early stage in the value chain of firefighter gear. It is the manufacturer of two main brands of inherent flame retardant materials used in firefighting garments: fabrics made with Kevlar and Nomex aramid fibres. IFSJ spoke to Alfons Held, Global Marketing Manager for Emergency Response, and Jian Xiang, Global Technology Leader in Emergency Response at DuPont to learn about the latest developments in firefighting fabrics from DuPont.

Whilst not a garment manufacturer itself, DuPont works with weavers and garment manufacturers along the value chain to help ensure that the fabrics are meeting customer specifications. “We have technical development centres in each and every region where we can test features and benefits of the fabrics,” tells Held.

One of DuPont’s key testing protocols involves DuPont Thermo-man: a mannequin which is dressed in whatever gear is to be tested and blasted with fire to determine how much protection it offers, playing out the worst-case scenario to understand how well the firefighter would be protected.

With regards to durability and longevity, firefighters want to make sure that when they are investing and buying gear that will not only perform but last. Typically, turnout gear could face occupational wear and tear which could affect performance, whether its heat and fire exposure or rubbing up against sharp materials.

In recent years there has also been an increasing awareness towards gear contamination. The International Agency for Research on Cancer recently confirmed that occupational exposure to smoke as a firefighter has been classified as carcinogenic.

Driven by the concern about contaminated gear and the toxicity of smoke particles, Held says the rising concern surrounding decontaminating gear is completely new to some fire departments: “Decontamination puts a lot of stress on the garments to the extent that the firefighters are afraid of cleaning their gear. That’s exactly where we can step in and help support these departments by looking at materials and how they behave under frequent cleaning.”

The standards for cleaning gear have changed dramatically in recent times. “The frequency of washing gear has definitely increased dramatically,” says Xiang. “We’ve seen one fire department looking to wash gear 50 times per year. From our perspective, this really elevates the requirement for gear to be durable to wash and wear after every single thermal exposure. That really adds a lot of stress to specific fabrics.”

She says that DuPont is looking into every fibre that goes into a fabric and wants to ensure that it uses excellent fibres that are thermally strong, mechanically durable, UV sustainable and repeated wash resistant.

DuPont Nomex Xtreme Performance

Nomex has been in the market for more than 50 years and was one of the first fibres used in textile firefighter gear. In a bid to innovate, DuPont has recently launched Nomex Xtreme Performance, a new premier protection and performance solutions category for emergency responders. Nomex Xtreme Performance provides thermal protection and moisture management, along with protection from heat and flame, chemicals, cuts, and particulates for a comprehensive and game-changing solution for the next generation of firefighting PPE.

“We have a long-standing commitment to firefighter safety, and we continue to innovate to meet the evolving protection needs of the emergency response community. The Nomex Xtreme Performance category offers a superior choice for firefighter PPE, providing a wide range of benefits from comfort to durability to advanced thermal protection,” says Held.

Products made of Nomex and Kevlar fibre have been the backbone of the emergency response industry for the past 50 years. The Nomex Xtreme Performance category combines the benefits of Nomex, Kevlar and high-performance materials like PBO, Nomex Nano or Nomex Nano Flex. Nomex provides essential heat and flame resistance with the practical benefits of wash durability and abrasion resistance, softness and comfort, as well as aesthetic benefits that include multicolour design options. Along with providing trusted and foundational strength, Kevlar helps to make garments more lightweight and brings new levels of performance with improved heat and flame protection.

PBO offers heat-blocking properties and strength, which are characteristics that are essential in protective gear. After thermal protective performance (TPP) exposure, smart blend fabrics made of Nomex, Kevlar and high-performance materials like PBO show significantly higher strength retention and integrity, with proven performance as a garment component in firefighting applications.

Best performance at every level

Quality control exists at every stage of DuPont’s process. Xiang says: “When we’re looking into the fibre level, we make sure it’s the best of the best. We work to help weavers develop fabrics that meet or exceed their requirements. We test at every single step of the process to ensure we are delivering the thermal and mechanical performance their gear needs.”

Then, she says, they test it in a way that relates to firefighters: “What does the fabric look like and how does it behave before, during and after the fire? When we go through the whole cycle, the data tells us if we have created the best all round performance material. Because of the resilience of our fibres, we can work with fire departments to help reduce the weight of the outer shell and make the whole ensemble lighter and more mobile so firefighters are not restricted in their movement during firefighting.”

Most fire departments use their gear for an average of five to eight years. She adds that there is an increased concern that frequent washings could potentially reduce the lifetime of the garment. These concerns make the durability of the fabric even more important during development.

Contamination awareness

At INTERSCHUTZ, Xiang shares that one thing they learned from speaking to firefighters is that people are not as focused on extra thermal protection anymore. “For the past decade, people focused solely on what the TPP is,” she tells. “They make a big deal if the TPP is a 38 vs a 40. What has been happening recently is that their concerns are shifting towards sustainability and washing durability when cleaning their gear.”

Held adds that they have also notices changes in the procedures at fire departments where they are handling contaminated gear differently than in the past: “Firefighters will not go back in the truck with their contaminated gear. They will now put it in a plastic bag so that if it is heavily contaminated they will not contaminate their trucks. This has created many procedural changes in the fire station and the way they handle their gear.”

On their commitment to delivering the best fabric, Xiang adds: “As science leaders in the industry, we really work to understand the firefighters’ needs. We are intimately engaged with our firefighters on a daily basis, communicating and engaging in conversations not only to understand their unmet needs but also communicating what we know and the information we gather because it is such a complicated industry to know what to look for in terms of personal protective equipment.”

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

Institution of Fire Engineers launches Caribbean and South America branch

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The Institution of Fire Engineers has announced the launch of a new Caribbean and South America (CASA) branch.

The branch officially launched this week with its inaugural AGM and conference taking place in Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago. The two-day event focused on ‘A regional approach to capacity and capability building’ bringing together stakeholders including fire engineering leaders, first responders and government officials from across the region to establish a unified approach to fire prevention, risk, disaster management and emergency response.

Steve Hamm, IFE Chief Executive, said: “We are thrilled to launch the CASA branch. This development builds on the existing presence that the IFE has had for many years in Trinidad and Tobago and the hard work and dedication of our members in that area.

“There has been a real concerted effort with the IFE headquarters team working with key personnel from the Government of the Virgin Islands and the University of West Indies to get this branch established and I thank everyone involved in this project.

“We are committed to supporting professionalism and competency in fire engineering across the world. CASA will give fire engineers in the region access to greater education and qualifications, as well as the knowledge sharing and networking opportunities that are among the many benefits of being an IFE member.”

“CASA will give fire engineers in the region access to greater education and qualifications, as well as the knowledge sharing and networking opportunities that are among the many benefits of being an IFE member.”

CASA branch president, Professor Clyde Phillip from the University of West Indies, added: “We are looking forward to promoting IFE CASA and encouraging fire and emergency response professionals in the region to learn more about our work and how the Institution can benefit them in their everyday lives.

“Our branch ethos is all about providing the knowledge and expertise required to strengthen the skills and instincts of fire professionals enabling them to identify, develop and sustain the targeted capabilities necessary for continuous improvement and reducing the occurrence of fire and other incidents.

“We will also build on the integration with risk and disaster management personnel in strengthening capability and resilience through standardisation, collaboration and certification within CASA. Our branch will be a supportive network for the region, offering membership, qualifications and events.”

221 firefighter positions cut since Grenfell

by Featured NewsUncategorized

The Fire Brigades Union has revealed that 221 firefighter positions have been cut since Grenfell, as the fifth anniversary of the fire takes place on 14 June. 

At the headcount performed closest to Grenfell itself – on 31 March 2017 – there was a total of 48,338 fulltime, on-call and fire control staff. On that same date four years later (2021), the most recent update, that total had dipped to 48,117.

These figures are taken from Home Office and respective home nation sources, and relate to headcounts on 31 March of each year. Firefighters are defined to include fire control staff.

Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said: “Despite the worst UK domestic fire in living memory the government is still failing to change direction, and take fire safety and the fire service seriously. It is an insult to the people who lost their lives and it is an insult to the Grenfell community. 

“Unfortunately none of this is a surprise. Central government let Grenfell be turned into a fire trap and has done nothing to fix the building safety crisis that has come to light since. But nonetheless, we should not take our eye off just how heartless you have to be to see an incident like Grenfell and then continue on a path like this. They are gambling with lives.”

Marion Fire Department wants upgrades to ailing fire station

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsUncategorized

An antiquated building and aging equipment are just two of the reasons the City of Marion Fire Department is asking City Council to consider placing a levy on November general election ballot.

Chief Chuck Deem presented the levy proposal to council’s finance committee on May 2 and the committee voted 3-0 to forward the measure to the full council for consideration at the meeting on Monday, May 9. If approved by city council, the 2.75 mill continuing levy will be placed on the ballot for the Nov. 8 election.

“This property tax levy is for taking care of capital needs of the fire department,” Deem told members of the Finance Committee. “The intent with this money is to replace Station 1 (186 S. Prospect St.), which celebrates its 110th anniversary this year. Also, this will allow us to put our rolling stock (fire trucks, EMS vehicles, etc.) on a regular replacement schedule, which means fire apparatus would be replaced every 15 years, which meets the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) Standard 1901. We replace medics (EMS vehicles) every nine years and there’s money in there for staff vehicles.

“There’s also money in there for updating and improving Stations 2 (1069 Bellefontaine Ave.) and 3 (599 Jefferson St.). During the timeframe in the paperwork that I’ve given you, both of those stations will reach their 50-year anniversaries.”

Deem said according to information provided by the Marion County Auditor’s Office, the levy will generate $1,076,982.97 annually. For the owner of a home valued at $100,000, the levy would cost them $96.25 per year.

It’s estimated that the proposed 20,000 square foot, single-level fire station will cost approximately $9 million to build, Deem said. The proposed new site for the station is land that the city owns adjacent to OhioHealth Marion General Hospital, where soccer fields are currently located. 

Former Boston fire chief Joseph Finn joins EvaClean as safety advisor

by Featured NewsPeopleUncategorized

With the goal of creating healthier firehouse environments, EvaClean Infection Prevention Solutions aligns with Boston’s top firefighter Joseph Finn as First Responder Safety Advisor.

First responders are a close-knit community, and most everyone knows the name, Joseph E. Finn. During a life-long career with the Boston Fire Department spanning close to four decades, Finn worked his way through the ranks to Fire Commissioner / Chief of Department, earning the moniker of Boston’s top firefighter.

He is credited with making numerous enhancements to the fire safety and EMS fields, and has received many prestigious honors, including Fire Chief of the Year. But, Finn is most known for introducing wellness programs to reduce epidemic level cancer rates among firefighters.

Although recently retired from his position as Boston Fire Commissioner, Finn continues to advocate for ways to minimize carcinogen exposure for fire service personnel. Along similar lines, Finn also spearheaded a movement toward creating healthier firehouse environments. Driven by a passion to protect fellow firefighters and EMTs from viral pathogens, Finn has now assumed the role of First Responder Safety Advisor to EvaClean Infection Prevention Solutions.

Finn said, “The more I learned about EvaClean, the more benefits I could see from using the best technologies and safer disinfectants to mitigate pathogens in firehouse settings. The biggest benefit is protecting firefighters and EMTs from illness and disease, as well as reducing the loss of critical man-hours when emergency personnel get sick.”

Most firefighters spend 48 hours a week living and working in firehouses, treating them much like second homes. In such close quarters, any illness has the potential to impact everyone in the station, as well as EMTs in the field. Inevitably, when Covid-19 arrived on the scene, it impacted firehouses all across the country.

“The advent of Covid magnified how important cleaning and disinfection is,” said Finn. “We need to ensure our firefighters are protected against viruses and bacteria before firehouses become incubators for contagious diseases.”

In an advisory capacity, Finn will help guide EvaClean’s first responder safety initiatives. He will also facilitate relationships with firefighter and EMS organizations, consult on outreach programs, support conference exhibitions, and liaison with public safety leadership.

Dan Clifford, EvaClean CMO said, “Our solution was designed specifically to address the kind of harmful pathogens found in most firehouse environments. Under Joe’s stewardship, our efforts to protect the health and safety of first responders will be infinitely more successful.”

Nittan celebrates 50th anniversary in the UK at Firex 2022

by EventsFeatured NewsUncategorized

Nittan Europe, a manufacturer of conventional and addressable fire detection products – will be celebrating its 50th anniversary at this year’s FIREX International which is being held at London’s ExCeL 17-19th May. Nittan will be exhibiting its foremost products from the Evolution range, along with previewing several new additions.

The Evolution range combines reliable fire detection with a high degree of protection against unwanted false alarms. Evolution’s extremely flexible protocol is resistant to interference and allows for substantial amounts of information to be transmitted at high speed.

Evolution products on display at FIREX will include Analogue Addressable and Conventional detectors (including patented, award winning Dual Optical technology), plus Audio Visual Devices, Bases, Manual Call Points, Isolators and Modules. The latest addition to the Evolution range, making its debut at FIREX, is the EV-PYSVAD Visual Alarm Base for use with Nittan’s EV-PYS Photoelectric smoke detector. The new EV-PYSVAD is a Type A Indoor Beacon Base VAD with enhanced performance. It features 12 high power white LEDs which provide the required light output to meet the EN 54-23 Category C (Ceiling) certification requirements with a rating of C 3.0 x 5.0.

Also on display will be Nittan’s interactive touch screen evolution1 single loop fire alarm panel with intuitive menu structure, and the evo+ multi-loop EN54 Fire Alarm panel for larger systems. Both panel ranges have been designed to be flexible and powerful by incorporating the latest dual flash-based microprocessor technology. With a host of features for maximum flexibility and ease of installation and system set up, both the evolution 1 and evo+ ranges are compatible with the full range of Nittan Evolution analogue addressable fire detection devices.

The Nittan Group has supplied the international fire protection industry since 1954 and was formally established in the UK in 1972. A series of events are being held this year to mark Nittan UK’s 50th birthday, Nittan will be present at FI2330 at FIREX.

Wildfire Prevention Summit to be held virtually in May

by Americas - EventsEventsFeatured NewsUncategorized

Following the success of the first event, the Second Annual Wildfire Prevention Summit hosted by the Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA) will expand and take place over two days, May 3-4, 2022.

This year’s summit will include presentations from federal and state government agency officials, as well as fire safety experts from the private sector, including representatives from the utility, transportation, and insurance industries.

The virtual event remains complimentary to attend courtesy of Perimeter Solutions, the Platinum Sponsor of the Wildfire Prevention Summit, and it will be available to stream at the event website, https://www.wildfirepreventionsummit.com. 

“We were tremendously impressed with the results from last year’s Wildfire Prevention Summit. The event was highly attended, and it led to year-round dialogue about how to address the challenges presented by longer, more intense wildfire seasons,” says Chief Bob Roper, Policy Advisor for the WFCA. “We want to build on that success, and this year we have gathered a distinguished group of speakers to provide their perspective on how we can improve current wildfire safety efforts and explain the critical need for us to collectively place more emphasis on preventing wildfires.”

The 2022 Wildfire Prevention Summit is separated into six different units, which will be presented in two 3-hour segments from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Pacific Time on May 3 and 4. WFCA President Scott Miller and Perimeter Solutions CEO Edward Goldberg will kick-off the event with a quick introduction on wildfire safety. Some of the featured presentations over the two days include:

•    Addressing the Growing Challenge of Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation, presented by U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ)

•    National Perspective on the Current Wildfire Situation, presented by Chief Randy Moore, USDA Forest Service Chief

•    Innovation in Washington Wildfire Prevention, presented by Hillary Franz, Washington Commissioner of Public Lands

•    Climate Change and Resiliency, presented by Kate Dargan Marquis, Former Assistant Director for Preparedness and Response in the White House Office of Science and Technology

•    OCFA – Quick Reaction Force and MRB Night Retardant, presented by Chief Brian Fennessy, Orange County Fire Authority

•    The Marshall Fire – Challenges and Recovery, presented by Dan Dallas, Forest Supervisor for the Rio Grande National Forest

“May is Wildfire Awareness Month, and the timing of this year’s Summit couldn’t be more appropriate. With the Western United States currently experiencing historic drought conditions, the 2022 wildfire season is expected to be highly active. There is a critical need to uncover innovative strategies that help improve our wildfire prevention efforts, and the insight that our speakers will provide is invaluable to everyone involved in wildland fire safety,” says Wes Bolsen, Business Director, Wildfire Prevention and Protection and Perimeter Solutions.

To register to attend the Wildfire Prevention Summit and for updated information on our full list of speakers and presentations, visit the event website at https://www.wildfirepreventionsummit.com. 

Everything you need to know about The Fire Safety Event 2022

by Breaking NewsEventsUncategorized

Dedicated to supporting industry practitioners, professionals, and organisations in achieving and maintaining the very highest standards of fire safety management, it will the first time this year for a major UK exhibition to gather the whole industry all under one roof. 

UK’s largest showcase of exhibitors and supporters 

With over 100 exhibitors participating at the show, some of the industry’s leading brands including Aico, C-TEC, Apollo, Global Fire Equipment, Safety Technology International, SELO, Siemens, Fire Angel, Checkmate, Rockwool, FSI, EMS Limited, Tyco, Hytera, SimPRO, Firemate, Profab and many more, will be showcasing their latest research and development, product and solution launches and live demonstrations. 

A number of key association and industry bodies will be supporting the Fire Safety Event and will be on hand to offer guidance and expert advice to visitors. These include the Association for Specialist Fire Protection, National Association of Healthcare Fire Officers, Fire Protection Association, Smoke Control Association, Institute of Fire Safety Managers, Institution of Fire Engineers, BAFE, NSI and ECA/FSA and more. 

NEW! Passive Fire Arena 

In partnership with the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), this brand-new area will feature a collection of ASFP members and specialist suppliers. In the wake of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, passive fire protection has never been more prevalent.  

Helping visitors navigate around the show to source passive fire protection products and services, and provide key guidance on current regulatory changes, this arena will be complimented with a Passive Fire Conference. Each day will be themed with day one on the Golden Thread – looking into the essential requirements for the collation of information and management systems so individuals and organisations can access reliable, accurate and up to date information. Joined by Dan Rossiter, Sector Lead (Built Environment Digital Transformation) from BSI, who will talk about supporting the Golden Thread through product traceability and Russ Timpson, Founder and organiser of the Tall Building Fire Safety Network (TBFSN), Tall Building Fire Safety Network on what you need to know to manage Fire Safety in HRB’s. 

Day two will delve into Passive Fire Protection (PFP), how to protect the structure of a building to safeguard peoples’ lives and limit the financial impact of damage to buildings and contents. David Keeble, Head of Sales from Coopers Fire will present on why specialist fire resistant glass is needed and Global HSE Group’s Managing Director, Andrew Cooper will look at the challenges of firestopping when facing new challenges and circumstances,  

Finally, day three will end on competency – identifying the knowledge, skills, abilities, and mindset, evaluated through demonstrated behaviours, which directly and positively contribute to the success of installing, manufacturing, distributing and designing. 

Unmissable content, thought-provoking discussions and live industry debates 

Education is at the heart of The Fire Safety Event. Boasting three industry-led theatres and offering 45+ hours of free-to-attend CPD content this is the perfect opportunity for visitors to gain direct insight into improving, maintaining, and championing fire safety for all businesses. 

The Fire Safety Theatre (Sponsored by Xtralis) will cover the challenging and critical topics surrounding fire safety management. Discussion and debate driven, these insightful sessions include the fire safety bill update and the formation of the National Construction Products Regulator, protecting large premises from large fire, the diversity of ASD functionality and applications and the hugely popular mock trial recreating a real life trial under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and much more. 

The Fire and Security Installer Theatre sponsored by Resideo and in partnership with NSI, will return with content tailored specifically to fire and security installers and integrators. Covering the standards, regulations and industry best practice, these sessions will provide all the essential advice and guidance to ensure businesses and professionals are fully complaint. Key sessions not to miss are: 

CROSS – Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures 

Neil Gibbins, CROSS lead for fire safety 

BS 8418:2021 for Detector-Activated Surveillance Systems – The Game Changer For Police Response 

Matthew Holliday, Director of Approval Schemes – National Security Inspectorate (NSI) 

Fire Detection and Alarm Competence 

Mike Smith, Technical Director – Electrical Contractors’ Association 

Fire system installation quality, takeovers, and verification 

Peter Baxter, Technical Advisor – ECA/FSA 

Face to face meetings and networking opportunities  

To meet the business needs of fire safety professionals, The Fire Safety Event will be introducing a new and specialised matchmaking service CONNECT+ Live. CONNECT+ Live is a free-of-charge personalised matchmaking service that match qualified buyers with hand-picked solution providers. Visitors will be able to save time and money, and be able to make new invaluable contacts to benchmark and gain invaluable insight. 

To facilitate more networking and build new contacts, there will also be two networking receptions (sponsored by Firemate) taking place on day one and two from 16:00. Visitors, exhibitor and partners are invited to unwind and recoup from their day in an informal seeting. 

Part of the largest UK tradeshow dedicated to the protection of people, places and assets. 

The Fire Safety Event is uniquely co-located with The Security Event, The Health & Safety Event, and the newly relaunched The Workplace Event which together form The Safety and Security Series. With only one registration delegates have access to all four events spanning over 30,000 square metres – making these events the biggest of their kind in the UK and providing easy access to four major events, over 600 exhibitors, and one unmissable opportunity. 

In another first, the events will now offer free parking on site at the NEC. This will further enforce that the NEC is the most accessible venue for any event in the fire and security sector with a train station and airport on side and the venue adjacent to the M42 motorway.  

  

For more information or to register for your FREE pass visit www.firesafetyevent.com  

Climate change to impact extreme wildfires by up to 50%

by Featured NewsFire DetectionIndustry SectorsPeopleProductsSafetyUncategorized

The UN has warned that forest wildfires can increase by almost double by 2100 due to global warming and impacts of climate change.

A report by the UN pointed out that regions that were previously not affected by fires, such as the Artic, are at an elevated risk due to climate change.

UN Environment Programme (UNEP) scientists have evidence that certain fires that burn for weeks are already becoming hotter and burning longer where wildfires are a regular occurrence. However, they are now beginning to flare up in remote northern areas, in drying peatlands and on thawing permafrost.

This study has also revealed that extreme fires could jump up to 14% by 2030, compared to the number recorded in 2010-2020. The increase could reach 30% by 2050 and 50% by the end of the century.

Dr Andrew Sullivan from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Canberra, Australia said: “The analysis was based on the definition of a catastrophic fire being one that would occur once every 100 years, so it’s a very low frequency fire event. The result was that the potential for that sort of fire would increase by a factor of 1.3 to 1.5 times, based on global analysis of fire frequency.”

The study calls for a radical reallocation of financial resources from fighting fires to prevention.

Even though these figures are projections on extreme events, scientists believe that lesser incidents of wildfire will increase as land use changes and populations increases across the world. This could have significant implications for climate change as the extra burning will increase the amount of carbon emitted into the atmosphere.

The authors are calling on governments to change their model of spending on large fires. It is estimated that planning and prevention receives less than 1% of funding while firefighting takes over half of the available budget.