CPD course launched by Bull Products

by Featured NewsPeople

Bull Products, a provider of temporary fire, safety and access control solutions for the construction industry and other applications, has announced the launch of its new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training entitled ‘Construction Site Fire Safety’.

The presentation is designed to support professionals in the construction industry as they navigate the demands of a rapidly changing fire detection and alarm market.

Head of Sales at Bull Products, Carl Leeson’s statement

Carl Leeson, Head of Sales at Bull Products, commented on the launch of the new course, saying it: “Reflects our commitment to fostering lifelong learning. In today’s evolving fire detection and alarm industry, continuous education is essential to remain competitive.

“The CPD course offers participants enhanced knowledge on the latest regulations as well as product solutions, helping them grow within their roles and fulfil crucial professional obligations.”

Features of the course

With an emphasis on practical skills, innovation, and real-world applications, the CPD course is designed to provide attendees with valuable opportunities to stay ahead of emerging trends and best practices.

The course covers the types of wireless fire alarm systems available, wireless system differences, correct location and designs on site, Fire Risk Assessments, the importance of third-party approval and testing frequencies.

Those attending the course will learn how construction site safety, equipment and knowledge can be improved. This will be done by learning about the different systems that are available, where they can be used and the pros and cons of each type of system.

The course will also take a deeper look at the design of a fire detection and alarm system and explain why it is important to use approved fire detection and alarm installation companies to secure full coverage and protection.

Bull Products announce the launch of their new CPD course: Summary

Bull Products has announced the launch of their new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training entitled ‘Construction Site Fire Safety’. This course has been designed to give attendees a greater understanding of the changing fire detection and alarm market.

BRE releases study on the effectiveness of visual alarm devices

by Associations and OrganisationsFire Detection

BRE study examines factors affecting visual alarm devices

The Building Research Establishment (BRE) has released a briefing paper detailing the outcomes of a three-phase research project on Visual Alarm Devices (VADs).

As reported by the Fire Industry Association (FIA), the project was funded by the FIA with a contribution of £35,000 and further supported by FIA members through sponsorship, advice, VAD products, and expertise.

The research aims to enhance understanding of the factors that influence VAD performance.

This is expected to inform updates to the 2012 Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) Code of Practice CoP 0001, a reference in BS 5839-1 for fire alarm systems.

Key factors in VAD effectiveness

The research identified five factors affecting VAD performance: wall surfaces, direct or indirect presentation to people, VAD colours (red and white), background light levels, and pulse durations.

According to the briefing paper, “white and light surfaces yielded the most effective response for both red and white VADs,” while darker and textured surfaces were less effective.

The study also found that direct viewing of VADs is more effective than indirect viewing.

Additionally, red VADs were about 20% more effective than white ones, although red VADs showed greater variability in effectiveness.

Implications for future fire safety standards

The findings from this research will support revisions to the LPCB CoP 0001 and possibly influence EN 54-23 standards.

BRE’s study provides evidence that could lead to more effective fire alarm systems by optimizing the use of VADs in various environments.

Call for property owners to ensure smoke alarms are working in New South Wales homes

by Featured NewsPassive

New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke has called on residents, landlords and tenants across the state of New South Wales to ensure they have working smoke alarms in their home as the death toll from house fires this winter is now more than double last year.

Cooke said that the risk of death in a house fire is significantly reduced if working smoke alarms are installed. “Since the start of June we’ve lost nine people in house fires across the State, which is more than double the entire 2021 winter death toll of four,” she said.

“Fire can engulf a home in a matter of minutes and while smoke won’t wake you up, a smoke alarm will, which could be the difference between life and death.”

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Acting Deputy Commissioner Trent Curtin said it is the responsibility of landlords to ensure there are working smoke alarms in rental properties: “It’s the law for all properties to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of the home.

“Landlords are responsible for the installation of smoke alarms in rented premises. After the tenancy begins, the tenant is responsible for replacing the battery, if needed, in battery-operated smoke alarms. Landlords must replace the batteries in a hard-wired smoke alarm.

“And if you live in a rental property, I urge you to test your smoke alarm and make sure it’s in good working order. If there’s no smoke alarm or it’s faulty, contact your landlord immediately. It may just save your life and that of your loved ones.”

Since 1 June, FRNSW has attended 373 house fires across NSW. Of these, 44 per cent did not have working smoke alarms, while a further 20 per cent did not a have smoke alarm installed.