Paul Pope discusses the alignment of Ajax Systems’ values with the FIA’s mission and their collective efforts in improving fire safety standards
Recently appointed as Global Head of Fire and Life Safety Business at Ajax Systems, Paul Pope is no stranger to the technological advancements and industry standards within the fire safety sector.
With a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence, Paul has navigated the complexities of fire safety, from product development to market strategies.
His dual role as a board member of the Fire Industry Association (FIA) adds another layer of influence, helping to shape policies and standards that impact the industry globally.
In this exclusive interview, IFSJ Editor Iain Hoey sat down with Paul to discuss his roles, responsibilities and the future of fire safety.
What is your role at Ajax Systems and your responsibilities as a board member at the FIA?
My role involves collaborating with the industry, including Ajax and other countries, to manage everything related to fire safety.
This includes standards, product development, markets, and sales channels.
Essentially, I act as an advisor to ensure that we are focusing on the right areas.
My knowledge of international sales standards and markets benefits the entire business.
While Ajax is an integrated systems company, the fire safety sector is quite specialised.
My aim is to work with the teams to accelerate the development of this speciality within the group.
As a board member of the Fire Industry Association (FIA), my focus is on liaison.
I work with various councils within the FIA on key issues, which can range from government-related matters to industry standards.
My role involves coordinating with other bodies on initiatives for the FIA, alongside the CEO.
Additionally, this also involves general board responsibilities, including meetings, strategies, and addressing any issues the FIA faces.
The FIA’s work is broad and touches almost every aspect of fire safety in the UK, and now internationally, with collaborations in Cyprus, India, the Middle East, and Dublin, Ireland.
What prompted Ajax Systems to join the FIA?
Ajax Systems is very serious about fire safety.
We’ve developed an excellent international product range, specifically designed for the residential market, which includes not only fire safety but also life safety products , including carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide detectors.
The FIA is the leading organisation in Europe for fire safety, and Ajax wants to be part of that.
Given that we design and manufacture life safety products, it’s crucial for us to achieve professional status with the FIA, and to be involved in the sector as a leader.
Joining the FIA allows its members to help shape the future of fire safety and collaborate with other professional organisations within the association.
The great advantage of the FIA is that it brings together a wide range of companies in the sector, allowing us to work collaboratively for the betterment of the industry.
The primary objective within the FIA is to represent our industry at the highest levels and aiming for excellence within the sector, we enable everyone to be successful, ultimately creating a safer world.
Working within the FIA means working for the greater good—improving standards, competency, training, knowledge, and the overall sector.
Life safety is important, and we can’t afford to get it wrong.
Therefore, we must learn from the FIA’s experience, just as the FIA can learn from us through a collaborative approach.
How do Ajax Systems’ values and strategic goals align with the mission and activities of the FIA?
Education and competency are crucial for us, and we strongly emphasise it.
The FIA has been pioneering in improving competency and training, elevating the skills of engineering consultants, risk assessors, on-ground engineers, and end-users.
This aligns perfectly with Ajax’s values.
We have a fantastic product range, and we want engineers to be well-trained and professional in using our products.
Working alongside the FIA to promote their training and competency initiatives is why we are involved.
For us, ensuring the complete lifecycle of our fire safety products is managed professionally is vital.
The FIA’s focus on training is something we highly value.
For instance, they offer a comprehensive training courses on non-commercial (residential) design, installation and commissioning standards, BS 5839-6, which we believe should be promoted in the market.
By doing so, we can raise the bar for professional standards in the residential fire and life safety market.
How do you evaluate the current state of fire safety standards in the UK?
Recent events have made it clear that fire safety is now being taken much more seriously in the UK.
People understand the need for competency, and training is essential for ensuring both individuals and companies meet required standards.
Technology is advancing rapidly, often outpacing current standards.
The FIA holds a valuable position in providing interim knowledge and guidance as these changes occur.
By monitoring and addressing new developments, the FIA can pass on crucial information to its members and the wider audience.
Connectivity and the rapid growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) and now the emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) are particularly relevant.
The FIA is involved in this evolution, and so is Ajax, given our focus on high technology.
Our goal is to make advancements that maintain and improve fire precaution measures, ensuring that new developments make things safer, not less secure.
What initiatives does Ajax Systems plan to undertake as part of its partnership with the FIA?
At the moment, our main objective is to work with the FIA to promote life safety within the residential sector.
This is an important area for us, as well as for the FIA, which has a great course on residential fire safety.
One crucial aspect of this partnership involves liaising with the government on housing issues, to continue to lower the incidence of fire-related injuries and deaths.
By collaborating more closely with the industry in this area, we can make a significant impact.
Since joining Ajax, I have become more focused on advocating for residential standards, and I believe there is much more we can achieve together to improve social, residential life and fire safety.
What role do you believe innovation plays in advancing fire safety standards?
Innovation plays a crucial role in advancing fire safety standards, particularly with emerging technologies.
At Ajax Systems, we bring our extensive experience with cutting-edge technology to the table.
We will work collaboratively with other FIA members to produce articles and shape future standards.
The FIA works in association with organisations like Euralarm, which is a strong advocate for connected technology.
There is substantial documentation on how to use and apply these technologies safely.
It’s essential to provide regulation, and guidance on the safe use of technology, and the FIA is actively involved in this area.
As technology evolves, standards will need updating, and we will be involved at the ground level along with other FIA members, to ensure they are as effective as possible.
Our aim is to enhance fire safety for the future.
Reflecting on the journey since the release of FireProtect, how has Ajax Systems’ approach to product development evolved?
Ajax’s product development is outstanding, and it’s one of the reasons I joined the company.
Watching the FireProtect range of products evolve from outside the company was impressive, but now, being inside Ajax, I can see even more of what has gone into developing this product line.
It’s a privilege to work with such a dedicated team.
Our approach to product development has evolved significantly, particularly in terms of integration.
Ajax products integrate seamlessly across various platforms, which will offer new dimensions in the future.
The technology and research invested in FireProtect 2 make it a crucial product line for life safety, addressing many industry issues, such as steam rejection, which has been a significant problem.
Ajax has effectively tackled these issues, enhancing asset management and detection status through remote monitoring.
This capability ensures that potential failures are detected before they happen, allowing for pre-emptive action.
The ability to communicate with and monitor products globally is why I believe this will shape the future of the industry.
Looking forward, what are the main challenges and opportunities you foresee in the fire safety industry?
The fire safety landscape is changing rapidly, and we must adapt to these changes.
For example, the rise of lithium-ion batteries in the car industry has introduced new fire risks, such as those related to charging batteries in buildings.
This is evident from incidents like the car park fire in Luton.
As we integrate more battery-powered vehicles into buildings, we need to address these new risks.
One significant challenge is ensuring that government regulations keep pace with technological advancements.
For instance, the grey market of second-hand batteries could pose unknown risks if their status and safety aren’t properly monitored.
Automation and the reduced need for human intervention will also impact the industry, necessitating updated risk strategies.
The Grenfell Tower disaster marked a significant change within the fire sector.
As technology and the use of buildings evolve, we must remain vigilant and adaptable.
Ajax Systems, in partnership with the FIA, and its members, aims to influence these changes positively by promoting innovation and ensuring that our practices and regulations keep up with new developments.
While we don’t have all the answers yet, we are committed to improving fire safety standards and addressing emerging challenges.
Are there any other issues or initiatives that are particularly important to you within the fire safety industry?
Something I’m extremely passionate about on a personal level is firefighter protection.
This includes their well-being, managing contamination levels in buildings, and decontamination processes.
This is also very important to the FIA, which is dedicated to looking after the welfare of our front line professionals.
Ensuring that buildings and their contents are safe for firefighters is crucial so they can do their jobs without unnecessary risks.
This is a personal passion of mine.
It’s important to raise awareness about the real dangers firefighters face and to promote measures that protect them.
We must prioritise the safety and well-being of those on the front line.
This article was originally published in the July 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.