NFU Mutual urges commercial property owners and tenants to maintain fire safety

by Projects

Property insurance specialist NFU Mutual is urging commercial property owners and their tenants not to neglect Fire Risk Assessments during the pandemic.

The warning comes as NFU Mutual claims statistics reveal a 46% spike in the number of commercial property fires during lockdown. *

Trevor Palmer, Property Insurance Specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “The ongoing global crisis has put pressure on commercial property owners and their tenants as they adopt new measures to ensure working environments are COVID-secure, often involving changes to the premises.

“Having seen a spike in our commercial fire claims statistics, we’re concerned that the added focus on Coronavirus may be causing some premises to put other safety matters to one side.

“While following Coronavirus guidance is imperative, it should not be at the expense of other health and safety activity. Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs) are a legal requirement for all non-domestic premises, allowing identification of specific areas of fire risk and providing recommended corrective actions to safeguard occupants.

“FRAs should also be reviewed if your building undergoes significant change. Where changes impact on any common areas within a property, the owner should consider the implications on fire safety and whether the current assessment will need to be re-visited.

“Owners should also encourage tenants to assess if any changes they are making, such as introducing partitioning, changing desk layouts and exit pathways or altering fire meeting points, will have an effect on fire safety and require updates to the FRA.”

“As Coronavirus poses new challenges, it is important to give pre-existing dangers equal consideration. The risk of fire remains, and property owners should maintain efforts to protect occupants, properties and themselves from fire incidents.

“Robust owner to tenant communications are essential, and while the current focus is likely related to lease agreements, rent and service charge payments, every effort should be made to keep fire safety at the forefront of all communications.  All parties should be fully aware of where the responsibility lies for updating the FRA and making necessary changes at the property.”

NFU Mutual top tips on fire safety vigilance

  • Communication is key – keep all stakeholders up to date with Fire Risk Assessment progress and changes
  • Ensure all records of contact details are kept up to date in case they are needed in an emergency
  • Regularly review the Fire Risk Assessment, particularly if there have been any changes on the premises
  • Stay up to date with all relevant fire safety legislation
  • Consider consulting fire safety and risk management professionals for technical information on fire safety
  • While it is not a requirement for Fire Risk Assessments to be documented if there are fewer than five occupants, keeping a written record is still advisable
  • While your insurer may not ask for your Fire Risk Assessment, providing it upfront can aid clarity during any subsequent claims

For further information on Fire Risk Assessments, you can download NFU Mutual’s guidance document here: https://www.nfumutual.co.uk/news-and-stories/maintaining-fire-safety-during-lockdown

DuPont provides nearly five million coveralls to COVID-19 frontline workers

by Projects

DuPont has signed a contract with the European Commission and EU countries, opening the door for countries to place orders for the delivery of millions of Tyvek® hooded coveralls to COVID-19 frontline workers across Europe. The contract allows for over 4.9 million coveralls over the next 12 months to be delivered to key workers.

One of the products offered is Tyvek® 500 Xpert, category III, Type 5-B and 6-B coverall, which is designed to protect wearers against biohazards as well as liquid and particulate threats. Featuring stitched external seams, elasticated wrists, ankles, and face, it is ideally suited to protect workers in healthcare and other frontline occupations from contamination by droplets, while also providing optimal ease of movement and comfortable wear.

Alternatively, if the delivery of the products is time-critical, instead of Tyvek® 500 Xpert, member states can also opt to receive another type of DuPont™ Tyvek® garment that offers similar performance and may be more readily available.

In total, the contract entitles the participating countries to order more than 8 million garments over a period of 12 months from DuPont, if demand persists and production processes allow. Since being signed in early May, the contract currently allows procurement from Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Latvia, Malta, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, and Slovakia.

Since March, DuPont has increased its production volume and shortened its supply chain to optimize the manufacturing capacity in response to the global crisis. It has also donated 50,000 Tyvek® coveralls to help protect healthcare workers in some of the worst affected countries in Europe. The company has many years of experience in supplying protective garments during viral outbreaks, and some of its Tyvek® and Tychem® hooded coveralls have been successfully used by frontline workers during past epidemics, including Ebola and Bird Flu.

“It is vital that healthcare workers have access to PPE that they can rely on so that they can turn their full attention to the task in hand,” said Albrecht Gerland, Product Manager for DuPont Personal Protection in Europe.

”We are proud to play a part in the ongoing battle against COVID-19. As we manufacture both the fabric as well as the actual coveralls, we are well-placed to quickly respond to the current demand without disrupting the supply to our existing customers.

“This contract will bring our proven DuPont™ Tyvek® technology to those most in need, and we will continue to work tirelessly to meet the European Commission’s requirements in this evolving situation.”

For more information on DuPont, visit dpp.dupont.com.

Pandemic support for ambulance service ends after completion of almost 1500 hours of work

by Projects

Firefighters in Northamptonshire will this week bring their programme of ambulance service support efforts to a close, having completed almost 1500 hours of work during the pandemic.

Since the end of April, on-call firefighters from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) have completed 146 shifts to support East Midlands Ambulance Service, amounting to just under 1500 hours of work.

Early in the pandemic, NFRS became one of the fire and rescue services asked to take part in work which included performing tasks such as driving Urgent Care vehicles and the safe moving and handling of patients.

Other services in the region asked to participate included Humberside, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.

In total, 12 firefighters from NFRS took part in supporting the work of EMAS during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NFRS Group Manager Stefan Douglas said: “All the firefighters who have supported this work for EMAS have volunteered to take this on and it has been a huge learning experience for them, and a rewarding one.

“Although this was borne out of managing an extremely challenging situation, there have been positives in the work the organisations have done together. The individuals who took part in the scheme have been able to take back additional skills to their on-call stations and EMAS has learned more about our way of working too.”

In order to carry out the work alongside Urgent Care colleagues in EMAS, firefighters undertook specialist training to gain the skills needed to perform their new roles.

Michael Jones, General Manager for Northamptonshire at East Midlands Ambulance Service said:

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of our colleagues from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service during these unprecedented times, helping to support our staff and patients who need us the most.

“We already work very closely with NFRS through our Emergency Services Volunteers and so this extra support has built on the great relationship we have with the fire service.

“A big thank you to all who have stepped forward to help.”

NFRS Firefighters remain ready to resume their role supporting EMAS should the need arise.

www.northantsfire.gov.uk/

Geofire: How can holding open doors prevent the spread of COVID-19?

by Passive

Reducing the spread of germs and bacteria has never been more essential in the current climate. Holding open internal doors provides an easy and effective method of infection control within your building, but it is important that this does not impact your fire safety.

Reducing door handle contact

A study by the New England Medical Journal, which researched the survival of coronavirus on a number of surfaces, identified that the virus was still detectable on hard surfaces such as plastic and stainless steel 72 hours later. While regular cleaning can help combat transmission, the inevitable use of door handles means that they can quickly become a hotspot for the spread of germs.

Improving visibility and aiding social distancing

While lock down restrictions remain uncertain, social distancing measures are expected to stay for some time. Holding open internal doors facilitates social distancing by allowing improved vision when entering or leaving a room, or when travelling through a corridor. Not to mention the post-COVID etiquette of whether or not you should hold the door open for the person behind you!

Increasing ventilation

Workplace guidance published on 11th May 2020 identified ways employers and employees can work safely during the pandemic. One of the recommendations included the requirement for increased ventilation which can be achieved by opening windows and doors. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), said: “Good ventilation can help to minimise the risk of spreading coronavirus, so focus on improving general ventilation. Where possible, consider ways to increase the supply of fresh air, for example, by opening windows and doors”

The solution

Geofire’s Agrippa door holder allows a door to be hygienically held open in a fixed position, preventing the need to touch the door handle. The Agrippa door closer’s free-swing feature allows a door to be held open at any angle. Using ‘listen and learn’ technology, the Agrippa suite of products will automatically release the door on the sound of the building’s fire alarm. Wedges or homemade devices should never be used to hold open a fire door and is illegal should a fire occur. Building operators have a legal responsibility to ensure fire doors are not illegally wedged open to ensure that they can prevent the spread of smoke and flames. The Agrippa wire-free fire door holder and closer are fully compliant to the requirements of BS 7273-4 for standard actuation of fire doors, and third party tested and approved to EN1154 and EN1155.

Andy Collinson, CEO at Geofire said: “Wedging open a fire door removes its ability to stop the spread of fire, putting lives at risk. There are legally compliant solutions readily available if ease of movement around a building or increased ventilation is required. “From new builds to listed buildings, we have products to suit every installation; conventional hard wired, radio wire free and the Agrippa fire door holder and closer allow ‘dual mode’ installation, meaning you can install straight from the box and programme our innovative ‘listen and learn’ patent technology at a more convenient time”.

To learn more about Agrippa and how it can help infection control within your building, visit http://www.geofire.co.uk/agrippa-covid19-solution/.

ADIPEC 2020 to be held virtually from 9-12 November due to COVID-19 restrictions

by EventsMiddle East - Featured News Archives

dmg events, organiser of the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC), and with the support of its strategic partner and host, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), has announced that the ADIPEC Strategic and Technical Conference will take place virtually between November 9 and 12, 2020.

This follows a directive from Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism that events should not take place in light of Covid-19 restrictions. The next full in-person annual exhibition and conferences will take place from November 8 to 11, 2021.

The decision to hold an online event ensures the ADIPEC Strategic and Technical Conferences will continue to provide the thought leadership that will frame the future oil and gas landscape and connect global organisations to shape the industry’s future.

Omar Suwaina Al Suwaidi, Chairman of ADIPEC said: “Despite the global challenge of COVID-19, we are delighted the ADIPEC strategic and technical conferences will take place virtually this year, enabling leaders from across the oil and gas industry to come together to share ideas and connect on a range of key industry trends, challenges, and opportunities.

“The health and welfare of all ADIPEC participants is our highest priority and we look forward to welcoming all visitors to the full in-person exhibition and conference at ADIPEC 2021. As we look to the future, collaboration, technology and innovation will be essential levers as we continue to identify new smart growth opportunities across the global energy landscape.”

ADIPEC is an annual global industry event that attracts world energy leaders to discuss and debate the future of global energy markets, geopolitics, and technology. Held for over thirty-five years, ADIPEC underpins Abu Dhabi as a global energy hub in bringing together the best of minds at a government and industry leadership level including senior academics, technology innovators and financial leaders.

dmg events Global Energy President, Christopher Hudson said: “We are committed to ensuring ADIPEC remains at the heart of the global oil and gas landscape, driving forward the conversations, collaborations, and connections that address key challenges and fuel innovative ideas and strategies that shape the industry.

“By staging a concentrated and abridged virtual conference program this year, ADIPEC will utilise cutting edge technology that has evolved exponentially over the last 4-5 months, to ensure the industry and its community has a voice to discuss and share the learnings of this year and into the future.”

Khalifa Yahweel Al Qubaisi, Chief Commercial Officer at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), stated: “The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company always co-ordinates closely with its partners to find optimal solutions that ensure the competitiveness of events which it hosts on both the local and international level. In order to ensure the health and safety of exhibitors and visitors, which is our company’s foremost priority across our operations, it was agreed with the organisers of ADIPEC to postpone the activities of this year’s exhibition to 2021.”

He added: “We look forward to welcoming the upcoming ADIPEC 2021 exhibition at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Our teams are currently developing a wide range of programmes that will improve exhibitor’s and visitor’s experience at this important event, ensuring to exceed their expectations and provide leading sector-based standards.”

Marking its 10th anniversary milestone this year, ADIPEC Awards 2020 will be presented in an immersive and interactive virtual awards experience in November 2020.

Fatema Al Nuaimi, Chief Executive Officer of ADNOC LNG and ADIPEC Awards Chairperson commented: “I am pleased we will be virtually staging this year’s awards and I am confident the progress and enhancements made to the ADIPEC Awards will magnify the value, prestige, and visibility of the ADIPEC Awards for years to come”.

As the organisers and ADNOC look to the 2021 edition, the event will retain its position as the premium event partner of choice and market leader within the global energy event industry, with ADIPEC 2021 promising a powerful platform for industry stakeholders and its value chain to display their innovation, launch new products, strike partnerships and conduct business that will fast track their recovery and highlight pathways to a successful future.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE ADIPEC 2021 will take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). ADIPEC is hosted by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and supported by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the Abu Dhabi Chamber, and the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority.

www.adipec.com/

Securex West Africa 2020 deferred and will now take place from 16-17 March 2021

by Events

Securex West Africa 2020, and it’s co-located events (Firexpo West Africa & WACSS) are now cancelled and will take place again from 16 – 17 March 2021.

The organisers had hoped that moving the event from March to the end of June 2020 it would have allowed enough time for the global health and scientific communities to get ahead of the pandemic, but since the decision, in March the developments have been all-encompassing and widespread.

While Nigeria is easing lockdown in light of heavy economic burdens, social distancing to 2m, flight restrictions and an indefinite ban on all large scale events remain in place in Lagos and there is currently no information on when this will be lifted.

Securex West event organisers stated: “It is for reasons of our community’s health, ability to plan and high expectations of their returns from Securex West Africa we have made the decision to cancel the exhibition this year.

“Obviously, this has not been an easy decision as we had hoped to postpone from the original dates would allow us to run the exhibition in 2020, but we don’t feel given the uncertainty and circumstances surrounding the ongoing pandemic we can run the event and provide you with the return you would like.”

Participants, exhibitors or partners with any questions, are encouraged to get in touch with the respective team member. For any pre-registered visitors, the organisers will keep you updated with show news ahead of next year’s edition.

www.securexwestafrica.com/

AWG, Godiva develop disinfectant system for public spaces

by Products

With the ongoing battle against COVID-19, fire departments are challenged with preventing the spread of the virus by cleaning and disinfecting public spaces. To aid fire departments, IDEX Fire & Safety businesses this month released a new multitool sprayer and cleaning agent induction system.

The internationally diverse IDEX team from AWG in Germany and GODIVA in England joined forces using Microsoft Teams to design and test a reliable, low-cost system that connects to existing fire engines. With creativity and expertise from across the organisation, team members quickly innovated and developed the product in just two months

Godiva provided expertise on the pump, while AWG provided expertise on the eductor pump and the nozzle. The team also asked a biochemist at ThinXXS in Germany to help understand the chemical requirements for the common cleaning agents.

This combination of IDEX expertise led to the rapid development of a system optimised for this solution.

In contrast to the FS100 Portable Disinfectant Spraying System, which was launched last month, the SANISTREET FLEX system mounts on to a fire pump through the attachment of a delivery valve, and enables fire fighters and first responders to disinfect larger outdoor areas.

SANISTREET FLEX system features: 

  • Efficient cleaning with 60 l/min at 7.5 bar
  • Throw distance approx. 8-10 m and spray angle of 25°
  • Suitable for use with water and liquid cleaning agents
  • Retrofit system
  • Compact solution for an easy storage
  • Storz, BI & NH hard anodized couplings
  • Protects your fire pump from risk of corrosions

www.idexcorp.com/

INTERSCHUTZ USA 2020 moving forward with scheduled October dates

by Americas - Events

INTERSCHUTZ, in Hannover Germany, has clarified any questions the industry had declaring it is moving forward with its launch of INTERSCHUTZ USA, Oct. 14-17 2020, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the Pennsylvania Convention Centre. It is doing so with the full support of the Philadelphia Fire Department, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) and the Pennsylvania Convention Centre Authority (PCCA). INTERSCHUTZ USA, in its inaugural year, will be the first major trade show held at the Pennsylvania Convention Centre in 2020.

“We are committed to the safety of all participants involved,” said Rachel Lesczynski, INTERSCHUTZ USA Show Manager. “Our audience is a community of firefighters, paramedics, EMTs and first responders. This community thrives on sharing insights gained from global events. We are prepared and willing to implement all safety precautions required to safely conduct INTERSCHUTZ USA in October.”

INTERSCHUTZ USA is a new type of event, bringing the world’s fire service together. Addressing current international travel challenges, the show team is developing plans to allow international speakers and participants to participate in this unique event virtually.

“It certainly has been an eventful week,” said Ed Nichols, Vice President with Hannover Fairs USA. “The Mayor’s announcement related to canceling public events through February caused some confusion. This does not apply to private events like INTERSCHUTZ USA. We also had an announcement from the Governor limiting the number of people that can gather indoors at this time (July). That has not been extended to October, so we want everyone to know that we’re moving forward with this event and are working with state and local officials to develop plans to bring our audience together safely. No decisions have been made regarding October suggesting we cannot.”

“We are excited to host INTERSCHUTZ USA in Philadelphia,” said Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel, Deputy Managing Director and OEM Director, City of Philadelphia. “One of the greatest attributes of the City of Philadelphia is its resiliency, and we are excited to demonstrate that in welcoming INTERSCHUTZ USA in October. The fire-rescue and EMS communities need training and collaboration like this more than ever before, as training opportunities have been limited, but the expectations of our public justifiably have not changed. We are proud to be able to provide this opportunity to these global communities.”

INTERSCHUTZ USA will take place Oct. 14-17, 2020 in Philadelphia. Classroom-style workshops and live training for firefighters will be held throughout the area on Oct. 14. The Pennsylvania Convention Centre will hold all exhibit and classroom events Oct. 15-17.

For more information visit www.interschutzusa.com

Fireco: reducing the transfer of COVID-19 from door handles

by Fire DoorsProducts

Fireco, a technology company based in Brighton, England, has been working for over twenty years to help with the issue of fire doors being wedged open. Fire doors should be kept shut to control the spread of smoke and fire in buildings, and a common, serious problem is people wedging these doors open to allow for fresh air and easy access.

Fireco’s door retainers and door closers hold fire doors open compliantly. When the fire alarm sounds, the products will release the door to close through either acoustic or radio activation. They are wire-free and can be easily installed.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Fireco’s customer base reached out and expressed how the company are helping to resolve more issues than just illegally wedged open doors.

Fireco products are fitted to doors across multiple industries including NHS premises, COVID-19 test labs, critical infrastructure, schools, commercial offices and factories.

These buildings’ occupants are so pleased, because people are able to walk freely around them without having to touch door handles, which has helped reduce the spread of germs, providing protection to all occupants, many of whom are key workers on the front line in the fight against COVID-19.

fireco.uk/

Kentec remains operational throughout Covid-19

by Active

Kentec Electronics Ltd is continuing to deliver its life-critical control systems throughout the current crisis, supporting other essential businesses to ensure its panels are readily available, technical support is in place, and the safety of the public is not compromised.

Kentec has in fact seen an increase in sales for its Sigma XT extinguishant panels during this crisis as it is widely used within critical infrastructure, in sectors such as telecommunication, data centres and healthcare.

With all manufacturing taking place in Kentec’s Kent-based factory and with considerable raw materials in stock, it has adapted its manufacturing processes to align with government guidelines so that its customers have not experienced any supply issues with any of its life safety systems or parts.

Kevin Swann, Managing Director of Kentec, says this crisis has shown the value in its UK manufacturing and R&D facility: “Not only has it meant that we have not experienced any supply issues, but also that we have been able to continue the R&D of products on our roadmap. There will of course be delays as capital expenditure has been curtailed for the time being, but we are proud to have been able to support our industry’s progression.”

Kevin adds that operating through the crisis and supporting installations that are going ahead has been achieved through detailed planning, communication and collaboration: “For example, we’re supporting our distributors by shipping directly to their customers, when it not safe or feasible to open their warehouses. And with respect to supporting our installers, we have adapted our Kentec Installation Partner (KIP) scheme to be fully remote to ensure training and support is there when it is needed.”

Kentec has implemented new shifts schedules to ensure there are never too many people on site at one time and amended working patterns and amenities to mitigate potential risks involved. Work benches have been moved to ensure safe distances, and where workflows make two-metre distancing impossible it installed six- and eight-foot screens. Face masks have been provided to all staff and it is also trialling face shields for further comfort and protection. Office staff have worked from home.

“I’m extremely thankful for the positivity, proactivity and support that employees have shown through this process,” says Kevin.

“It remains to be seen how the rest of 2020 will pan out, but where projects have been necessarily put on hold, because of the essential nature of our industry we are confident that installers will be able to quickly and easily return to these projects when it is safe and feasible to do so. Communication, collaboration and support will continue to be essential in mitigating the challenges in our future ‘new normal.'”

kentec.co.uk/