NAFECO appoints Brandon Oaks as CEO for fire and public safety markets

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NAFECO appoints new chief executive

NAFECO has appointed Brandon Oaks as Chief Executive Officer and President, effective immediately, in Decatur, Alabama.

The company said Oaks moved into the role from Chief Operating Officer after the recent death of founder and longtime CEO Jerrell Oaks.

NAFECO serves first responders and public safety organisations across the Southeastern United States.

His appointment continues the Oaks family’s leadership of the business and follows a succession process Jerrell Oaks had worked to build during his career.

NAFECO details continuity plans

As Chief Operating Officer, Oaks oversaw daily business operations and key vendor and customer relationships.

He also worked on supply chain strategy and long-term planning across the company’s core markets.

Brian Oaks, Vice President of Administration, said: “Brandon has been instrumental in the operational strength of this company for years.

“His passion for NAFECO, his deep respect for our father’s vision, and his commitment to every member of this team make him the right leader to carry this company into its next chapter.

“We are proud to move forward together.”

The company said Oaks will lead the business with a focus on continuity and on the customer-first values it associates with the company.

VELOX Sounder/Flasher Range – World’s lowest current consumption at only 3mA

by Products

The new VELOX range of 403xx Sounders and Sounder/Flasher reportedly deploy break-through technology superior to anything seem in this sector of the industry before.

The patented VERS (VELOX Energy Recovery System) technology allows the re-direct the kinetic energy of the sounder back to a super-capacitor which allows to save upto 80% of the wasted energy, the result is 3mA power consumption only to power up this device up to 106dBA of sound, and and a flasher that covers 9m x 9m room like no other device in the market.

The lower power consumption allows 133 sounder/flashers to be installed on 4000 range of panels and up to 100 sounder/flashers on 5000 and 6000 range of panels. All powered and connected on the same loop.

http://velox.ae/

BAFE opens new Emergency Evacuation Scheme with four-week consultation period

by Projects

BAFE has announced its new Emergency Evacuation Scheme, which is available to view and comment on for a four-week consultation period by industry.

BAFE SP207 covers the design installation, commissioning and maintenance of evacuation alert systems. These systems are used by fire and rescue services in buildings containing flats (including single-storey flats and maisonettes) across the UK. The Scheme has been developed with the support and cooperation of the National Security Inspectorate (NSI), Gerda and other industry parties.

The new BAFE Scheme observes best practice and the recent standard developed by BSI, BS 8629 (Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of evacuation alert systems for use by fire and rescue services in buildings containing flats), published in November 2019.

BAFE has made the BAFE SP207 Evacuation Alert Systems Scheme Document available to view and has launched a four-week consultation period requesting comment from the fire safety industry, Fire and Rescue Services and the wider safety industry for comment.

BSI has commented the BS 8629 Standard “exists to help ensure that systems are fit for purpose and to encourage uniformity. If systems look and function the same way in every building, firefighters won’t waste any time understanding how they work.”

In May 2020 the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government published a document: Government Response: Sprinklers and Other Fire Safety Measures in New High-Rise Blocks of Flats. In this it revealed that 92% of respondents believe that Approved Document B “should include a requirement for an emergency evacuation [alert] system, which could support fire and rescue services operational response by alerting residents if they need to escape.”

Government responded that “there was also strong support in the consultation responses for the inclusion of guidance on an evacuation alert system for high-rise blocks of flats, although many respondents also raised concerns about the use of this new technology.”

BAFE highlights that it was always planning to develop a Scheme to support the industry with a robust method of providing evidence of competency to work with these systems. The organisation strongly believes these systems in more buildings, when implemented correctly, will aid Fire and Rescue Services across the UK in saving lives.

The BAFE SP207 Evacuation Alert Systems Scheme consultation runs from 03/08/2020 to 31/08/2020 (closing at 11:45pm). Upon official publication, Third Party Certification for this Scheme will be available via NSI.

www.bafe.org.uk/

Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection: bringing differentiation to a competitive market

by Products

Following Teledyne Technologies, Inc´s acquisition of 3M´s gas and flame detection business, a new company, Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection, has been established under the Teledyne banner. The business has a long and successful track record spanning more than 100 years, supporting a wide range of industries and customers with their gas and flame detection needs.

So, will Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection bring differentiation to this competitive marketplace? With the formation of Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection, the market can indeed expect a major USP that sets it apart from existing players: the company has become the specialised brand in gas and flame detection, offering wide product knowledge and expertise in this niche area.

A proven and extensive range of measurement, detection and wireless technologies, set alongside the unrivalled skills and innovation of employees who have been with the business for many years, can meet the needs of customers in all market segments. Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection is adopting a dedicated, one-stop supplier strategy that delivers the optimum solution for the application, every time.

Teledyne is not unfamiliar with this blueprint, as the Gas and Flame Detection business utilises similar technology, which compliments its portfolio of environmental instrumentation products and services supplied to related markets and have proven to be highly successful for many years.

The products of Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection comprise both fixed and portable instruments designed for demanding applications in sectors such as oil and gas, food and beverage, marine and public utilities. These rugged yet reliable and precise gas and flame detection solutions offer fast response times, durability and intrinsically safe instrumentation, while satisfying multiple international certification standards.

The company has pledged to bring stability to the established brands of Oldham Simtronics, Gas Measurement Instruments (GMI), Detcon and the former Scott Safety gas detection range, which together have amassed over 100 years of experience across a wide range of standard and customised products, solutions and services.

Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection unifies these four industry leaders, creating a strategic insight that provides smart, first-in-class solutions with a future focus. Teledyne Detcon, for example, is a leader in fixed gas detection and innovative wireless solutions for use in harsh environments, while the Teledyne Oldham Simtronics brand specialises in high-end gas and flame detection solutions using advanced technologies and multi-market, cost-effective fixed gas detection solutions.

The former Scott Safety gas and flame portfolio, now under the Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection brand, is rooted in the safety of people and plants in an industrial setting, and completing the picture Teledyne GMI is an expert in portable gas detection and a market leader in the gas distribution/utilities sector.

Every second of every day, the dependable Gas and Flame Detection systems and portable gas monitors manufactured under these brand names are making workplaces safer around the world. For this reason, Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection has introduced a new global tagline that captures the capabilities of the business: ´Always sensing safety, everywhere you look´.

Despite the company´s comprehensive and proprietary portfolio of innovative solutions, one size does not always fit all. If a standard solution cannot be identified, the Application Engineering group within Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection can provide a bespoke offering based on complete end-to-end consulting that embraces design, equipment specification, installation, maintenance and service. The in-house team, which comprises a global network of professionals with more than 50 years´ combined experience in fixed gas detection and integration consulting, has the capability to assess hazardous environments anywhere in the world.

Working alongside client teams in a consultative approach, the expert perspective offered by the Application Engineering group ensures that custom solutions are according to specific requirements such as advanced technology within nuclear research and space exploration. As part of this customer-first strategy, projects are kept on track using proactive analysis that harnesses the benefits of advanced technologies such as 3D simulations, custom wireless solutions and gas-plume modelling.

Importantly, Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection can leverage its global network of distributors offering sales and service expertise – alongside its manufacturing excellence and custom engineering – to provide turnkey gas and flame detection solutions for a vast range of hazards. With an industry-leading, comprehensive portfolio of products and services, its commitment to cross-platform integration is purpose-designed to provide protection for today and confidence for tomorrow.

Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection is a leading solutions provider for gas and flame detection products due to many unique qualities that include product expertise, game-changing adaptability in challenging environments, wide reaching international distribution and service, and its Application Engineering group.

Product reliability in critical situations, whether it refers to detectors, controllers, monitoring systems or wireless technologies, is a further business attribute. By using a reputable detection expert such as Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection, customers can avoid compromising the health and safety of their teams. The company knows the history of the market, the current landscape, and has a strong handle on innovation and vision for the years ahead.

Ultimately a new – yet established – global leader in safety-focused gas and flame detection solutions is now active in the market; one with detection in its DNA. Based on a relationship-driven business model, the company’s priority is simple: protecting assets, operations, the environment and, most importantly, lives. Every day, hundreds of Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection employees are mobilised to offer effective solutions for their customers’ assets, supporting and protecting workforces around the world.

For more information, visit www.teledynegasandflamedetection.com/en

UK fire industry workers demand PPE

by Breaking News

According to a survey by Populus Data Solution, the vast majority of workers across industries believe that it is their employer’s responsibility to ensure they have the right protective equipment in the workplace, with a significant number stating they would refuse to go to work without the right PPE.

The survey, carried out for industrial workwear and protective clothing specialists Ballyclare, also found that a large proportion of workers are still seeking clarity on PPE from their employers and the Government. The results come as Ballyclare publishes a new factsheet, clearly spelling out to employers and employees exactly which PPE should be worn across various workplace settings and how it can be worn most safely.

As the economy slowly reopens, worker safety is a key focus for both employers and employees. When asked who should be responsible for ensuring workers have the right equipment to work safely, 87% of respondents said it is the employer’s role, while 40% also said the Government should shoulder the responsibility. Those working in the retail and consumer, manufacturing, transport, and logistics sectors all pointed to their employers as responsible for making sure they had the right protective gear (89%), while hospitality and leisure followed close by (84%).

In a stark illustration of the issues facing businesses coming out of lockdown, the survey found that if an employer did not provide the employee with personal protective equipment, almost twice as many people would refuse to go into work than would not. 40% said they would be either likely or very likely to refuse to go into work, whilst 23% said they would still attend.

The survey results showed that a significant majority of workers are crying out for clarity on what protective equipment they should wear. 74% said they would feel far safer in returning to work if their employers provide the right PPE – with 81% saying they wanted clear advice from their employer. At the same time, 73% of people said they also wanted clear advice from the Government.

As lockdown measures are relaxing and people consider their back-to-work options, the analysis shows that if people were able to go into work tomorrow, a slightly higher number of people would not feel comfortable doing so than would feel comfortable. 36% said they would not feel comfortable compared with 30% who said they would. The data also shows that 8% of people are already back at work and do not feel comfortable at the moment.

Silke Hendricks, Managing Director of Ballyclare, says: “If people continue to feel insecure about returning to work, we could see a huge impact on the UK’s efforts to reopen the economy. The more employers can do to communicate the steps they are taking to make the workplace safe, the better. We have created a factsheet, based on our years of experience of working with PPE, to provide some practical advice as companies look to do everything they can to reopen their workplace in as safe a manner as possible.”