Euralarm and partners to host a webinar focusing on talent attraction in the fire safety sector

by Featured NewsSafetyTraining

During the initial stages of the European Fire Safety Week, leading organisations including Euralarm, Eurolux, the European Association for Passive Fire Protection (EAPFP), and the Modern Building Alliance have announced a collaborative webinar.

The online event, titled “Attracting talent: a fire safety sector fit for the future”, will be held on November 13, commencing at 13.30 CET.

Significance of fire safety in modern construction

Fire safety stands as a pivotal component in contemporary building design and renovation processes.

With the advent of the new Energy Performance in Buildings Directive, the renovation rate of European structures is predicted to surge.

This directive provides an invaluable opportunity to seamlessly incorporate advanced fire safety solutions, ensuring enhanced protection for the European populace during fire emergencies.

The broad domain of fire safety not only plays a crucial role in residential contexts but also influences our interaction with community infrastructures such as hospitals, shopping complexes, educational institutions, and more.

Technological advancements demand new skills

The rapid progression of technology enables buildings to cater to inhabitants’ requirements more effectively.

This efficiency extends to streamlining building management operations and optimising energy consumption throughout the building’s lifespan.

Nevertheless, such advancements come with the prerequisite of cultivating new skill sets within the construction domain.

Challenges and prospects in the fire safety industry

In recent times, the fire safety sector has confronted hurdles in acquiring adept professionals.

Despite these challenges, with the impending workforce scarcity, prospects within the fire safety realm are anticipated to amplify.

Now, more than ever, the fire safety sector needs to attract talent in order to thrive.

The overarching goals of initiatives such as the Renovation Wave and the Digital Transition in Europe underscore this necessity.

Program overview and registration details

The webinar will commence with an introduction to the European Fire Safety Week 2023, followed by sessions discussing avenues to make the fire safety industry alluring for fresh talents and strategies to recruit proficient technicians.

The program will culminate with discussions focusing on the educational and qualification requisites for the fire safety sector.

For detailed insights into the webinar’s agenda and registration information, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official European Fire Safety Week website or directly access the event’s registration page.

IFSJ Comment

The collaboration between Euralarm, Eurolux, EAPFP, and the Modern Building Alliance underscores the criticality of talent acquisition in the fire safety sector.

With European infrastructure poised to undergo substantial renovations, integrating advanced fire safety solutions becomes paramount.

Furthermore, as technology continues to evolve, the need for cultivating diverse skill sets in the fire safety domain gains prominence.

This webinar serves as a timely initiative, offering insights and strategies to navigate the complexities of the modern fire safety landscape.

Euralarm introduces a new task group on environmental sustainability

by Featured NewsFire DetectionSustainability

The Horizontal Compliance Committee of Euralarm has embarked on a fresh initiative centred on environmental and sustainability concerns.

The inaugural meeting for this group was held on August 23rd.

Euralarm’s proactive approach to sustainability

Earlier in the year, the Horizontal Compliance Committee recognised the growing number of European legislative initiatives concerning the environment and sustainability under the European Green Deal.

The experts on such topics from Euralarm members are typically distinct from those who handle electrotechnical subjects.

Consequently, the Committee saw the need to begin a Task Group specifically for these subjects, contingent on adequate expert interest.

The response was positive, with the August 23rd meeting seeing participation from 17 experts spanning 14 organisations, representing all Euralarm sections.

Christian Schmitz of Honeywell chaired the meeting as the Horizontal Compliance Committee head.

Addressing pivotal environmental legislations

The core aim of this new Task Group is to tackle the legislations related to environmental sustainability where Euralarm can either make a difference or where substantial impact on its members is expected.

The Task Group is set to delve into topics as per the Horizontal Compliance Committee’s suggestions.

Among them are the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, sustainability prerequisites for revising the CPR, and others like the Digital Product Passport, Green Claims Directive, and Right to Repair Directive.

The Task Group also plans to collaborate with the Orgalim Green Transition Working Group to avoid overlaps and optimise outcomes.

The outcomes from the Task Group may range from informative memos encapsulating legislations to Euralarm’s feedbacks, position papers, guidance resources, and webinars.

IFSJ Comment

Euralarm’s establishment of a Task Group dedicated to environmental sustainability mirrors the growing global emphasis on the environment and responsible industry practices.

With a focus on legislative initiatives under the European Green Deal, this move is timely and could potentially shape policies and directives that have a far-reaching impact on the fire safety and security industry.

The collaboration with other organisations further showcases Euralarm’s commitment to a holistic and inclusive approach to sustainability.

To understand more about the initiatives and directives, visit www.euralarm.org.

Euralarm collaborates with US Fire Suppression System Association to boost fire safety

by Featured News

Euralarm and the US Fire Suppression System Association (FSSA) have come together in a significant step towards enhancing fire safety measures, as noted in a recent announcement.

Aiming for improved fire safety through cooperation

A Memorandum of Cooperation has been signed by both parties.

This collaboration will largely revolve around various facets of fire safety, including education, research, service, and related activities.

Focusing on technical expertise in fire suppression

Potential areas of cooperation could encompass technical advice, research and development, thought leadership, and mutual collaboration on fixed firefighting systems.

About FSSA

The Fire Suppression Systems Association (FSSA) is a renowned US not-for-profit trade association.

It acts as an authority and advocate of special hazard fire protection.

The association places a strong emphasis on sustainable fire protection measures for people, property, and the environment.

The FSSA consists of a blend of domestic and international members, with a membership base including installers, manufacturers, consultants, academics, and suppliers.

These members collaborate to exchange ideas and strategies that are beneficial to the fire suppression system industry.

Their focus remains on ensuring the highest level of safety, reliability, and efficacy in the field of special hazards fire suppression.

About Euralarm

Euralarm is an industry representative for the electronic fire safety, extinguishing, and security sector.

It offers industry leadership and expertise to market stakeholders, policy makers, and standards bodies.

The services provided by Euralarm members include fire detection, fire extinguishing, intrusion detection, access control, video monitoring, alarm transmission, and alarm receiving centres.

Founded in 1970, Euralarm represents over 5000 companies in the fire safety and security industry, with a collective value of 67 billion Euros.

Its members are a combination of national associations and individual companies from across Europe.

This significant collaboration between Euralarm and FSSA is a major leap forward for the fire safety industry, signifying a stronger commitment towards education, research, and services that can help reduce fire risks.

It highlights the dedication of both organisations towards enhancing fire safety measures and further advancing the fire suppression system industry.

IFSJ Comment

The partnership between Euralarm and FSSA shows a concerted effort towards achieving higher standards of fire safety.

Through cooperation and mutual efforts, these organisations aim to promote and develop better fire suppression systems.

These initiatives not only aid in protecting people and property, but also contribute significantly towards shaping the future of fire safety.

This news is crucial for all stakeholders in the fire safety sector, as it presents a joint endeavour towards achieving a safer and more secure environment.

Euralarm and Fire Suppression System Association join forces to boost fire safety

by Featured NewsFire DetectionSafety

Key players promote cooperation in fire safety

Euralarm, alongside the US Fire Suppression System Association (FSSA), have formalised a Memorandum of Cooperation.

This agreement, as detailed here, solidifies their mutual commitment to enhancing fire safety through education, research, and service, among other domains.

The intended areas of collaboration between FSSA and Euralarm could encompass technical guidance.

This will mean the exchange of research and development insights.

Both associations hope to display thought leadership and foster cooperative initiatives concerning fixed firefighting systems.

IFSJ Comment

A collaboration between these influential organisations could lead to groundbreaking improvements in fire safety.

We eagerly await the potential advancements in fire safety technology and the greater security this partnership promises.

The commitment to education, research, and service in fire safety displayed by Euralarm and FSSA is commendable.

This agreement serves as an example of how cooperation between key players can lead to greater overall safety in our communities.

The continued innovation in the field of fire safety is vital for our rapidly evolving world.

Euralarm responds to ECHA’s proposal to restrict PFAS

by Featured News

Brief overview of the ECHA proposal

Euralarm has provided a condensed overview of the European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) proposed restrictions on PFAS, with a particular focus on its implications for firefighting gases. The ECHA, a European Union agency representing the EU and EEA countries including Iceland, Lichtenstein, and Norway, published the proposal on 7th February 2023. Submitted by Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, the extensive document stretches to 1,780 pages and covers a wide range of PFAS applications.

Breakdown of PFAS applications

The PFAS proposal encompasses 14 sectors, featuring a diverse range of applications. These sectors include textiles, food packaging, metal products manufacturing, consumer mixtures, cosmetics, ski wax, fluorinated gases, medical devices, transport, electronics and semiconductors, the energy sector, construction products, lubricants, and petroleum and mining. Euralarm’s summary emphasises the implications for the ‘applications of fluorinated gases’ sector, of which firefighting gases are a part.

Euralarm’s stance on the proposal

Drawing conclusions from the factsheet, Euralarm said it anticipates that any ‘entry into force’ (EiF) for legislation will likely not occur before the end of 2025. Therefore, under the proposed restrictions, fluorinated gases like FK-5-1-12 or HB-55, which are currently unrestricted by the F-Gas regulation, should remain available for use at least until mid-2039.

Future monitoring and updates

Euralarm also said it lends its support to ECHA’s position that the current proposal does not intend to mandate the removal of installed systems. As this process unfolds, Euralarm has commited to monitoring developments closely and promises regular updates about changes for all interested parties.

Euralarm publishes guidance for proper refilling of clean agent systems

by Featured NewsSafety

The Extinguishing Section of Euralarm, a leading trade association representing the fire safety and security industry, has released a new guidance document titled ‘Guidance on Approved fill stations’.

The document provides important guidance on how to ensure filling stations can perform as expected by end users, detailing the main subjects for maintaining functionality of clean agent systems.

Clean agent systems are a vital component in early fire detection and suppression, and correct refilling of containers is essential to maintain their functionality.

The new guidance document covers topics such as the different types of fill station operatives, training by a qualified third party or OEM, checking of containers before the refill is conducted, process documentation, personal safety, important additional steps for a correct filling process, and the required equipment. The document also contains a bibliography as reference to other important documents and relevant standards.

In addition, the document refers to the Euralarm Guidance on the Periodic Testing of Transportable Gas Containers used in Fire Extinguishing Systems for retesting of containers prior to refill.

Copies of both the ‘Guidance on Approved fill stations’ and ‘Guidance on the Periodic Testing of Transportable Gas Containers’ can be downloaded from the Euralarm website: https://www.euralarm.org/resource/guidance-document-approved-fill-stations—final-pdf.html

The new guidance document is an important addition to the existing resources available to industry professionals, providing essential guidance on the correct filling of clean agent systems. Euralarm continues to be at the forefront of the fire safety and security industry, providing invaluable support to professionals worldwide.

About Euralarm

Euralarm represents the electronic fire and security industry, providing leadership and expertise for industry, market, policy makers and standards bodies. Our Members make society safer and secure through systems and services for fire detection and extinguishing, intrusion detection, access control, video monitoring, alarm transmission and alarm receiving centres. Founded in 1970, Euralarm represents over 5000 companies within the fire safety and security industry valued at 67 billion Euros. Euralarm Members are national associations and individual companies from across Europe.

Euralarm to Host Webinar on Remote Services

by Featured News

Euralarm, the association representing the European electronic fire safety and security industry, has announced a live-webinar on the recently published guidance document on remote services. The webinar will take place on Thursday 4 May, starting at 16:30 CET.

The guidance document released by Euralarm includes three checklists on remote services. It enables service companies to conduct a self-assessment of their readiness and compliance with the provisions laid down in EN 16763, EN 50710 and CLC/TS 50136-10. These standards provide a framework for remote services, which have become increasingly important during the pandemic.

Remote services are covered by the three standards, and their concepts can be complex. The guidance document and checklists provided by Euralarm serve as a handy tool for service companies when subcontracting the operation and maintenance of the Remote Access Infrastructure (RAI) to a Remote Infrastructure Service Provider (RAISP).

During the webinar, experts from the Service Section will explain the guidance document and checklists and provide an explanation of the main elements of the Remote Access Infrastructure. The webinar will help service companies to make a self-assessment of their readiness and compliance with the provisions laid down in EN 16763, EN 50710 and CLC/TS 50136-10.

Interested parties can register for the webinar via the Euralarm website. The webinar is free of charge and open to everyone interested in remote services and compliance with the relevant standards.

Euralarm publishes new country factsheets

by Featured NewsFire Detection

Euralarm’s Fire Section has published new Country Fact Sheets for Finland, Portugal, Colombia, Switzerland, Sweden and Italy.

The Euralarm Country Fact Sheets give detailed information on requirements on products/systems of the classic fire detection business in a certain country.

The documents contain information on the main requirements for a country, such as fire standards, marking and certification, the legal and regulatory framework, major installation codes and additional notes.

The new factsheets joins Euralarm’s existing collection which includes sheets for: the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, People Republic of China, the USA, Bulgaria, Poland, Australia and Brazil. New are the Country Fact Sheets on Finland, Portugal, Colombia, Switzerland, Sweden and Italy.

These documents are intended solely for guidance of Euralarm members. The documents can be downloaded here.

Euralarm Task Group extends database on residential fire safety

by Featured NewsFire Detection

Euralarm, which represents the electronic fire and security industry, providing leadership and expertise for industry, market, policy makers and standards bodies, has successfully extended its database with relevant information on residential fire safety.

Last year, the Task Group Domestic Life Safety was reactivated and started its work on the important issue of fire safety in the domestic environment. During the European Fire Safety Week, focusing on citizen safety at the heart of the energy transition, Thorsten Teichert, chair of the Task Group, spoke about the progress that had been made.

The Task Group resumed, Euralarm said, due to the fact that in addition to 5,000 deaths per year due to residential fires, more than 2.7 million people end up in emergency rooms where fire is the cause. In recent years homes are increasingly becoming ‘intelligent’ due to the emergence of new technology, but these have become homes in which fires are also spreading ever faster.

Euralarm noted that research has shown that, three decades ago, residents had 17 minutes to escape their homes in the event of a fire. Because today’s homes and the furniture in them burn faster, that escape time is now only a few minutes.

To properly ensure the domestic life safety, be it fire safety or protection against CO poisoning, Thorsten Teichert, chair of the task group, said it is necessary to have a good overview of all related standards: “Over the past year we have fully updated the database with information about standards, legislation, national application guidelines and statistical data about residential buildings. The database now covers all EU member states as well as the EEA states (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and other affiliated or associated states, like Switzerland and the UK.

“The database is not only targeted at smoke alarm but also on CO alarms. That makes it more difficult because quite some countries don’t have data available on this. There are even data available on the causes of domestic fires in the Nordic countries. These data could also become part of the database but that would require an extension of the database. A decision on whether or how intensively we will look at the statistics on fires and fire injuries and fire deaths in 2023 has not yet been made.”

Thorsten added that the major challenge now is the diversity of the available data: “One year ago, we started with gathering data and updating the database. Thanks to the work that everybody has done and the collaboration between all group members, we have succeeded in that. We now have to decide what our next steps will be and if we are able to make that step considering the time that our members have available.”

As part of the active involvement in citizen safety, the Euralarm Task Group decided to support the European Fire Safety Week which took place last week.

“The Task Group Domestic Life Safety is actively involved in the preparation of a part of the program”, Thorsten Teichert added. “Both the European Fire Safety Alliance and the Task Group Domestic Life Safety are involved in raising the awareness on the topic of fire safety and influencing stakeholders to make the right decisions when it comes to legislation.”

Europe CPR proposal: ‘fire safety industry has to re-write all product standards’ says Euralarm

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProducts

Members of the Euralarm Fire Section have expressed concern over the European Commission’s CPR (Construction Products Regulation) proposal which it says ‘fails to address the market needs’ and ‘does not address the main challenge facing standardisation’.

Although Euralarm said it welcomed the publication of the proposal for a new CPR and the recent Q&A session which provided an opportunity to clarify the understanding, members were disappointed that the proposal fails to address the urgent need to resolve the ongoing stagnation of the standardisation process.

Euralarm explained that standards for individual fire safety products such as smoke detectors fall under the CPR and so the performance characteristics of these products are, to a large extent, identical across all of Europe.

A system compatibility standard outlines which products belong to which system, while the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of a fire safety system are achieved through national standards.

These standards focus on the overall function in alignment with national and/or regional regulations. This arrangement has been developed over many years and has met the needs of stakeholders across the continent. The application standards would be meaningless without robust product standards.

Euralarm said in its statement: “The drafted CPR shows that it is not possible to solve the current issues easily as the legal boundaries haven’t changed. Harmonised standards remain legally controlled documents according to the Commission’s interpretation of the European Court of Justice ruling and the new CPR does not provide any means to solve this.

“It would mean that the fire safety industry has to re-write all product standards to align with what the European Commission is requesting. Consequently, the system standard and all the national application standards would have to be re-written.

“We estimate the time span for such an undertaking to be at best 10 years. This would not be an effective use of resources and would certainly be met with significant resistance because of the unnecessary confusion and inconsistencies of such a transition.

“Assertions that the changes proposed amount to a simplification and should reduce costs and timescales for publishing standards are therefore unsubstantiated.  Euralarm members anticipate increased costs, complexity and timescales.”