How the Fire Fighters Charity is helping UK’s service people

by Breaking NewsPeople

Ever since coming into existence, the Fire Fighters Charity has been assisting and aiding firefighters. Along with the frontmen, the charity’s services are also aimed towards employees of the Ministry of Defence Fire and Rescue Service, chaplains or faith leaders, and volunteers. 

Many of you will be eligible for the Fire Fighters Charity’s support – and it’s helping thousands of people just like you every year. The Fire Fighters Charity supports all UK fire and rescue service personnel, working and retired – as well as their spouses, partners, and dependants – with their health and wellbeing needs now and throughout their lives. 

With that in mind, we are now working with the Charity to share a few people’s stories of how they’ve been helped with their physical health, mental health and social wellbeing. Watch this space as IFSJ will focus on more real-life stories of firefighters that have benefitted from charity’s efforts. 

In this feature, we take a look at the life and career of Guy Pedliham, a station officer with London Fire Brigade, who was helped by The Fire Fighters Charity with both his physical and mental health on a number of occasions. 

Guy first visited Jubilee House in Cumbria, one of the Charity’s three residential centres, in 1997. “It was following an accident at work in 1996,” says Guy. “I fractured my vertebrae and had a large disc bulge after falling out of an appliance whilst dismounting it.” 

After speaking to the Fire Fighters Charity, Guy was offered a place at Jubilee House to help him regain some strength and movement in his back. 

“Before going there, in the two weeks building up to it, I actually felt quite anxious, partly because I didn’t know what to expect, partly because I tend to get anxious when I go away from home for any length of time anyway,” says Guy. 

“But when I got there, that was very quickly dispelled. The staff are fantastic, there’s just such a great atmosphere, they’re so friendly and approachable, always smiling – and that’s the whole of the staff, the therapy staff through to the housekeeping staff and the kitchen staff. 

“Then once you get into your groups and meet others, I very quickly adjusted to being there – to the point you don’t want to come home again! You’re mixing with people that are either firefighters, families or other personnel, so you all instantly have that bond. The banter is the same everywhere.” 

Guy remained in touch with the Fire Fighters Charity following his initial stay, receiving support in the years that followed, including a return to Jubilee House. 

“These visits make a huge difference,” says Guy. “I’m in my 60s now and I’ve been in the fire service for 33 years… without the help that I’ve had from The Fire Fighters Charity, I’m certain that wouldn’t be the case – I wouldn’t be an operational firefighter still now. 

“There’s not many people riding in the front of appliances in their 60s.” 

It wasn’t until 2014, however, that Guy realised the Fire Fighters Charity may be able to help him with his mental health too. He had been struggling following an incident at work for several years but had largely tried to move on without taking the time to come to terms with how he was feeling. 

“I spoke to our occupational health team in 2014, as I realised I’d begun really struggling with my mental health following a bombing incident in London several years before,” says Guy. 

“They suggested I get in touch with the Charity, and I was offered a place at Jubilee House again, as I felt so comfortable after my previous visits. There were talks and workshops as a group which were helpful. 

“The key thing for me is, I asked for help as soon as I felt I was getting to a point where I was at risk of not coping. 

“I think there’s a general tendency in the fire service not to do that, for people keep going until it does reach crisis, in a mistaken belief that it’s weak to say you have any sort of mental health issue, which is something I absolutely disagree with… 

“I think it’s a strength to realise you need help and to ask for help. I’d really recommend people at least pick up the phone and talk to someone in the first instance or speak to someone who’s received the Charity’s support.” 

Guy was later supported by the Charity in the years that followed that visit, as he continued to come to terms with struggles with his mental health – some of which went back years. 

He has continued to support the Charity through regular monthly donations since, having seen how much support it can offer, and he more recently received support both online and face-to-face following a neck injury at work. 

The Fire Fighters Charity recently launched My Fire Fighters Charity (MyFFC), a health, wellbeing and social space for the UK’s fire family, helping all its members to live healthier and happier through great content, easy access to support and a thriving online community. 

Available as an app or through your desktop computer, MyFFC features a huge and growing library of health and wellbeing information, as well as information on fundraising, a wealth of groups for members to join and a means to connect with friends and colleagues across the UK. 

“I’ve also downloaded MyFFC, The Fire Fighters Charity’s social space for the UK’s fire services community and tried some of the videos on there which have been great,” he adds. 

Guy now has an important message, following his own experiences, that he wants to pass on to anyone else who may feel they’re struggling with their mental health. 

He says: “I think primarily the key message is to reach out and talk, even before you reach out to the Fire Fighters Charity, talk to your workmates, family or friends… Don’t hesitate. The Charity is there, it’s helped me and, as I said earlier, I wouldn’t be doing the job I’m still doing without it.” 

If something is affecting your physical health, mental health or social wellbeing, let The Fire Fighters Charity help. Call its Support Line on 0800 389 8820 or make an enquiry online at www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/support  

Experts ask for ‘accountability’ in Building Safety Bill amendment

by Breaking NewsSafety

An amendment to the Building Safety Bill, which removes the requirement for landlords to appoint Building Safety Managers in leasehold buildings seven storeys and over, is being challenged by a leading tall buildings fire safety expert.

Russ Timpson – a former firefighter and Managing Director of the Tall Buildings Fire Safety Network -is urging the government to reconsider its decision to scrap the recommendation first proposed by Dame Judith Hackitt in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire.

“This latest iteration of the all-important Building Safety Bill states that responsibility for fire safety will now fall squarely on the squarely on the shoulders of an ‘Accountable Person’, such as the freeholder or head lessee or a management company.

“Whilst the exact details regarding how this might be implemented are scant at this point, a dramatic rolling back of the proposals would be out of step with the Hackitt report and is something which must be avoided.

“It is abundantly clear, in my view, that when it comes to health and safety an ‘Accountable Person’ must, above all, be a qualified person. In other words, someone with the knowledge, skills and competencies to proactively tackle and reduce fire safety risk amidst an increasingly complex threat environment.

“The Grenfell disaster, and other high-risk building fires, have highlighted the need for more expertise in this area, not less, to help tackle incidents and improve fire safety. My hope is that government acts swiftly to ensure that anyone who assumes responsibility for fire safety in tall buildings will be suitably qualified once the Bill eventually passes into law.”

Candace Miller, Executive Director of SFJ Awards, the awarding organisation which certificates a wide range of fire safety qualifications in the UK, including those of the Tall Buildings Fire Safety Network, said:

“It is fundamentally important that anyone who is put in charge of tall building fire safety has undergone specialist training, which is backed up by a recognised qualification.

“A change in legislation is an opportunity to professionalise and raise standards. The tailored training provided by the Tall Buildings Fire Safety Network has undergone a rigorous accreditation process and is a key steppingstone toward achieving that.”

As the leading Fire and Rescue End-Point Assessment Organisation in England, SFJ Awards will be attending FIREX – Europe’s most important fire safety event and will be positioned at stand FI1234.

Jeff Schaid promoted to vice president at Telgian Fire Safety

by Featured NewsPeople

Telgian Fire Safety recently announced the promotion of Jeff Schaid to Vice President, Field Operations. In his new role, Schaid will be responsible for the overall leadership, direction, and development of Field Operations.

This includes the creation and implementation of strategic and operational initiatives for both internal and external inspections, as well as data analysis and headcount evaluation.  He will also provide indirect oversight of Field Support consisting of post-inspection document review processes, logistics systems, compliance, and all vendor related operations.    

In addition to managing multiple work teams across the country, Schaid will be responsible for the direction, mentorship, and support of all departmental associates. He will set both individual and work team goals and provide training to accomplish overall goals and objectives.

“Jeff’s extensive experience and success at Telgian have made him an invaluable team member,” says Telgian Fire Safety President Larry Lacefield. “As the company continues to expand and diversify in 2022, more than ever, we value his innovation, vision and leadership.”

With more than 10 years of experience, Schaid specializes in the establishment of business objectives and the development and maintenance of both departmental metrics and associated KPIs. Schaid is also adept at streamlining workflows, identifying areas for improvement, and developing initiatives for improving delivery of services.

Formerly the Senior Director of Operations, Schaid has been part of the Telgian team for over six years.  

Rev Fire Group unveils Vector at FDIC 2022

by Featured NewsProductsVehicles

REV Fire Group, which includes REV GroupInc. manufacturers of fire apparatus E-ONE, KME, Ferrara, Spartan Fire Chassis, Spartan Emergency Response, Smeal, and Ladder Tower, will debut Vector, the first North American-style fully electric fire truck, during FDIC International (Fire Department Instructors Conference) in Indianapolis, Indiana from April 28-30, 2022.

The new electric fire truck is innovatively engineered so firefighters can drive and pump on electric power only. Developed with technology partner Emergency One Group LTD – maker of the world’s first EV fire truck – this new electric fire truck packs 316 kW of proven automotive-grade batteries to deliver the longest electric pumping duration in the industry. Vector performs 100 percent of fire ground duties on 100 percent electric with unrivaled performance, range, and efficiency.

Designed with the same components that are used on diesel-driven fire apparatus, Vector’s electric motor takes the place of the diesel engine, driving the pump or the rear axle in normal split shaft operation. Its low center of gravity battery placement provides better cornering with more predictable handling and is safer in a crash.

“We’re excited for Vector to debut at FDIC. We developed the ultimate fully electric fire truck without sacrificing the critical elements that firefighters value in the North American style, responding to our customer demand for cleaner technology, reduced noise pollution and lower carbon footprint. We look forward to sharing this with everyone at FDIC and the world,” stated Kent Tyler, President of REV Fire Group.

A special launch event will be held at REV Fire Group’s World of Innovation and Protection at Booth #4516 during FDIC at 3 p.m. Thursday, April 28 and Friday, April 29, and to mark the debut of Vector and to demonstrate other technological innovations, including:

Approximately 20 vehicles in various configurations will be showcased from the fire brands.

Security & Fire Excellence Awards returns in November 2022

by EventsFeatured News

The Security & Fire Excellence Awards is set to return on 23 November 2022 in London’s Hilton on Park Lane.

Now in its twenty-third year, Security & Fire Excellence Awards has consistently highlighted the best people, projects and processes that the security and fire sectors have to offer. For 2022, the organisers have reviewed the categories and made a number of changes to enhance the offering and to make the event even more relevant.

New categories for 2022 include: Security or Fire Diversity & Inclusion Champion of the Year, Security or Fire Start-Up Company of the Year, Security or Fire Sustainability Champion of the Year and Security or Fire ESG (Environment, Social & Governance) Initiative of the Year

The full 2022 category list, along with all other details, can be found here.

Scotland to clamp down on combustible cladding on high-rise buildings

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementIndustry Sectors

A legislation by ministers in Scotland has been proposed in the Scottish Parliament that will ban use of combustible materials on high-rise buildings.

Buildings with a floor that is 11 metres (36ft) or more above the ground will be considered as part of this move. Building standards minister Patrick Harvie said the move, combined with recent legislation on fire alarms, would help reduce the number of people killed or injured in fires. The new legislation will cover flats and other domestic properties, hospitals, care home buildings, entertainment and leisure venues and buildings which are “used as a place of assembly”, the Scotsman reported.

The changes come in the wake of the Grenfell Tower blaze in London in 2017 in which more than 70 people died after fire spread rapidly due to the cladding that had been installed on the outside of the high-rise flats.

Since 2005, cladding used on high-rise blocks in Scotland had to feature non-combustible materials or pass a large-scale fire test. The new building standards legislation removes the option of a fire test, completely prohibiting such materials in buildings with floors above 11 metres.

In addition to this, the highest risk metal composite cladding material will be banned from any new building of any height, with replacement cladding being required to meet the new standards.

Mr Harvie said “This is the third set of changes made to fire safety standards for cladding in Scotland since the tragic Grenfell Tower Fire, requiring any cladding on domestic or other high-risk buildings above 11 metres to be strictly non-combustible.

“Taken together with our new fire alarms regulations, covering all homes in Scotland regardless of ownership, this is yet another step on the Scottish Government’s mission to minimise the risk of deaths and injuries from fire.”

The legislation will also make improvements to energy performance standards, aiming to make buildings easier to heat while ensuring they are well ventilated and comfortable to live in.

Mr Harvie stated “The energy improvements will deliver another important step toward improved energy and emission performance of our buildings, and we’ll be going further on this in 2024 with regulations requiring new buildings to use zero-emissions heating systems.”

NFCC organises second convoy of UK fire service kits for Ukraine

by Featured NewsFirefighting EquipmentProducts

A further convoy of UK fire service kit and equipment has now left the UK and is on its way to Ukraine to provide vital support to the Ukrainian firefighters who are hard pressed dealing with the throes of war.

The convoy which has been supported by the Home Office has been organised by UK charity FIRE AID and International Development, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the wider fire industry.

This second deployment to provide life-saving kit and equipment is even larger than the previous one which went out last month, with an amazing 21 vehicles making this journey.

Fire and rescue services from across the country have all donated firefighting equipment which have been requested by Ukraine, to help its fire and rescue service as they continue their life saving work in the most difficult conditions imaginable.

In total 100 fire stations and 250 fire engines have been destroyed in Ukraine with a number of firefighters tragically losing their lives as they battle to protect their country.

More than 60 UK firefighters will join FIRE AID volunteers as part of the team driving the vehicles across Europe, where it will be received by the Polish State Fire Service before it is transferred to Ukraine. 

Fire engines, helmets, thermal imaging cameras to assist when searching for people, generators, lighting, hose, rescue equipment, and thousands of sets of firefighting PPE are among the items being donated.

The deployment of these donations is being supported by funding from the Home Office, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and the FIA Foundation.

Home Secretary, Priti Patel, said: “Our fire and rescue services are going above and beyond to support the effort in Ukraine and I am proud to once again support a convoy of fire service equipment being sent to those in desperate need. This is a phenomenal collaborative effort between our government, the NFCC, FIREAID and the fire sector and shows how together we can make a real difference to the lives of the people in Ukraine.”

Claire Hoyland, Project Manager, FIRE AID commented: “I speak with our Ukrainian partners and the State Emergency Services almost every day. Equipment is currently being destroyed, damaged, or lost on a huge scale as firefighters face unimaginable devastation on the frontlines. The way in which UK Fire Services and our members have mobilised to support them makes me so proud. EASST, in particular, has been a huge support, donating essential staff time and resources to make all this happen. Ukraine needs our help, and we will continue to offer it as long as we are able to.”

Ian Moore, Chief Executive, Fire Industry Association: “Once again, the whole of the fire industry has come together to support the UK deployment of aid through FIRE AID, our charity partner.

“To pull this together so quickly and efficiently is a truly collaborative humanitarian response from the UK.  Our members who have donated time, money and equipment have one aim; to work alongside our colleagues and help the firefighters in Ukraine.”

Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council Mark Hardingham said: “To see another convoy of this size go out is testament to the incredible hard work and determination of everyone who has been involved. It really has been a phenomenal effort and to see fire and rescue services, FIREAID, the sector and NFCC work together to achieve so much in such a short period of time is testament to everyone’s commitment and dedication.

“We continue to see horrific scenes unfold every day and this equipment will go some way to assist our Ukrainian colleagues as they continue with their biggest challenge to date, while putting their own lives at risk, with limited resources. Any help UK fire and rescue services can give, will be given gladly. The wider fire sector – including the MSA Safety, Fire Sector Federation (FSF), the Fire and Rescue Suppliers [FIRESA] Council and the Fire Industry Association (FIA) – are key partners in supporting and making the deployment.

Reacton secures approval for electrical fire suppression

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionProducts

Reacton has secured the LPCB LPS 1666 approval for its electrical panel protection systems. The approval comes as the latest step in its ongoing global product certification initiative, adding to Reacton’s ever-growing list of internationally recognised certifications. Gaining LPCB LPS 1666 guarantees the form’s commitment to delivering a safe, tested, and high-quality product.  

Reacton has secured the approval for its range of direct clean agent protection systems which include 3M Novec 1230 and Chemours FM-200 Fire Protection Fluid. These clean agents are extremely reliable with zero clean-up to ensure a business can resume operations quickly, paired with the LPCB LPS 1666 approval, the supply of these clean agents adds to the firm’s commitment to delivering a high-quality product. 

Electrical fires are incredibly challenging to predict and once started, if left to burn undetected, their effects can destroy equipment beyond repair and spread quickly to nearby equipment or structures. Outdated infrastructure, faulty wires, poor maintenance, and overloaded circuits are all risk factors for fire. If fire strikes, it can bring a business crashing down, with operations coming to a standstill and a loss of sales being very real scenarios. Where downtime extends into days or even weeks, the interruption can prove seriously costly and can have a major impact on a businesses’ bottom line. The damage to a businesses’ brand can be so severe, that it simply never recovers. 

Reacton Fire Suppression’s electrical equipment systems are designed for use in small enclosures to protect people, assets, and critical infrastructure from the devastating impact of fire. Approved to LPCB standard LPS 1666, the systems are engineered and tested to safeguard enclosures that have air vents and/or forced ventilation, which are both significant factors and commonplace in energised enclosures. 

What is Direct Fire Suppression 

The critical concept is to detect and suppressing a fire right where it originates. Due to the nature of the contents being valuable and dangerous, most of the energised equipment is exceptionally well enclosed. This means that traditional fire detection and protection systems are mounted externally to the cabinet, delaying the detection of the fire, and impeding the extinguishing medium from reaching the heart of the fire quickly. It’s here that a direct fire suppression system will offer exceptional protection. 

Not only will the system offer protection directly to where the fire originates, it is also compact and sized for the electrical enclosure or cabinet it is protecting. This will result in a significantly reduced cost of ownership as only a few kilograms of clean agent is being used and therefore need replacing in any fire conditions. Compared to that of a large-scale total flood solution where the system sizes are much higher, so every discharge will come with a bigger price tag to replace or refill, not to mention the logistics and downtime. 

Direct systems comprise two key areas: the Direct cylinder assembly, which contains the clean agent extinguishing medium, and the pneumatic heat detection tube (Reacton Detection Tube) which provides the detection and delivery of the system. 

The Direct cylinder assembly will contain either 3M Novec 1230 Fire Protection Fluid or FM-200 Fire Suppressant which are effective on Class A, B, C and electrical fires. All cylinder assemblies are superpressurised with dry nitrogen at 15.0bar @ 20°C (217.5psig at 68°F) in approved cylinders. 

All cylinder assemblies comprise of a Direct valve. Which comes complete with pressure indication via a pressure gauge and an integrated ball valve to control the communication with the detection tube. 

Automatic detection is controlled through the use of the Reacton Detection Tube, which is pressurised with dry nitrogen at 15.0bar @ 20°C (217.5psig @ 68°F). It is the detection tube that provides the detection and delivery of the extinguishing medium. 

The Reacton Direct system utilises the CT Direct valve technology and tubing to automatically detect a fire and actuate the system. The pressurised tubing is installed in and around the fire risks within the protected areas and is always in communication with the system contents. When a fire occurs, the tubing will burst at the point of highest heat, and as the contents of the systems is directly in communication with the detection tube, immediate discharge of the extinguishing agent is started at the point of detection. 

This means that fully automatic fire suppression is ready 24/7 365, day and night, keeping watch over the asset it is protecting. With no power requirements, when a system detects a fire, it automatically activates, rapidly discharging the suppression agent inside the cylinder to the seat of the fire, knocking it down before it has an opportunity to take hold. 

Reacton’s Clean Agent range consists of 3M Novec 1230 Fire Protection Fluid and FM-200 waterless fire suppressant from Chemours. These clean agents are the most trusted and tested liquefiable gases on the market with all supply being solely through the biggest names in the industry when it comes to clean agents.  

Reacton’s Clean Agent extinguishing mediums all have the following approvals: 

  • Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 
  • Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) 
  • Factory Mutual (FM) 
  • Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) listed through the United States Environment Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) 

All products are recognised and listed in standards such as ISO 14520 & NFPA 2001. 

These Clean Agents are the leading choice for fire suppression when rapid protection and zero clean-up is essential for sensitive electrical equipment. All systems are stored as a liquid and discharged as a gaseous vapour. They work at a molecular level by removing the thermal energy of a fire to an extent where the combustion reaction cannot sustain itself. 

Reacton’s Clean Agents are electrically nonconductive, noncorrosive and leave no residue, meaning that the most delicate and sensitive equipment can be protected safely and effectively. The Reacton system can be scaled for use with a wide range of applications ranging from a single electrical panel right through to wind turbines. 

Reacton’s research and development team lead the way with state-of-the-art in-house testing and simulation. Whilst this provides vital product knowledge and confidence in its system and components, the firm recognised the importance to have all innovation, performance and exceptional quality verified. The best way to do this is by third party approval and certification, such as LPCB approval to LPS 1666, where Reacton’s products meet or exceed international standards, ensuring that its products perform at the highest level in these controlled environments. Ultimately, it gives users the same confidence that’s shared by Reacton’s engineers and teams. 

Reacton also work with some of the fire industries most active and influential bodies. This provides us with a platform to raise the level of safety within the industry by allowing experts to formulate best practises and clear guidance that genuinely helps to improve the safety of people and assets across the world. 

What is LPCB 

Reacton Fire Suppression has recently received a certification for the LPCB LPS 1666 approval at the Intersec Dubai exhibition in January 2022. The LPS 1666 standard developed by LPCB / BRE in the UK is the world’s first third-party fire test standard for small enclosure fire suppression systems and provides a much more appropriate performance assessment for such applications. 

The Building Research Establishment (BRE) has a certification arm called BRE Global. This is an independent, third-party certification body responsible for certification schemes, the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) certification is specifically for fire and security products and services. The standards within this scheme are called Loss Prevention Standards (LPS); this is where Reacton find the LPS 1666 which sets out the requirements and test procedures for the LPCB approval of the direct low pressure (DLP) application fixed fire suppression systems. 

The LPCB approval process involves assessment and testing of the products through fire test scenarios and component examinations. Full factory production control, training assessment and site audits ensure that not only the product performs, but the manufacturer can consistently produce quality items that are installed correctly. 

The main requirements and limits of the LPS 1666 standard are: 

  • A single container heat detection tube installation protecting a maximum single volume of 2m3. 
  • Up to 4 heat detection tube runs connected to a single container where no single protected volume exceeds a 2m3 volume.    
  • A maximum heat detection tube length of 10m from the container outlet to the end of any single detection tube run.   

The testing of the system is broken down into different categories allowing for a thorough review of the system and its performance. 

Fire Extinguishing Tests: which includes Detection Tube Activation Height, Agent Extinguishing tests, and Cabinet Perimeter Protection. System Discharge Tests: Minimum Flow Conditions test and Maximum Flow Conditions test. And finally, Component Examination and Tests that include testing pressure strength, leakage, corrosion, and ageing. 

 
An extremely practical and unique feature of the LPS 1666 standard is the testing and performance capabilities for openings and forced ventilation. This allows manufacturers to advise guidelines on the sizes of openings and ventilation rates within the protected risk.  

Reacton advise the following steps in their hazard analysis to arrive at a robust real-life system: Determine Fire Classification, Determine Hazard Compartments, Determine Dimensions, Determine Openings, and Determine Forced Ventilation. 

As market education continues, this standard is increasing in recognition and is now the benchmark standard for small space protection. Having a LPCB approved system installed provides full confidence that the system will deliver the performance when required. 

Reacton have both 3M Novec 1230 Fire Protection Fluid & FM-200 Fire Suppressant LPCB approved to LPS 1666. Both systems are approved for enclosures with open ventilation and forced or natural airflow. 

The high performance of the Reacton equipment can easily been seen with maximum ventilation openings being used with only 2.0kgs of extinguishing agent. Please see www.reactonfire.com for more information. 

Rhino receives RoSPA Gold Award for health and safety performance 

by Featured NewsFire DoorsProducts

UK-based fire doors manufacturer Rhino has received a Gold Award from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) in recognition of its high health and safety standards.

The annual awards, which are the longest running and most established in the UK health and safety industry, celebrate the organisations leading the way in health and safety management.

Nearly 2,000 organisations enter the awards each year to demonstrate their excellence in safety performance and their commitment to the health and wellbeing of their teams. 

This year, Rhino Doors joins winning organisations from over 50 countries around the world, spanning sectors including construction, transport logistics, engineering and manufacturing. 

The receipt of this coveted accolade comes after Rhino was awarded ISO 45001 certification in 2021, demonstrating the efficiency of its systems to improve health and safety and minimise or eliminate hazards. 

Stuart Lawrence, Group Managing Director of Rhino Engineering Group, said: “I’m very proud of the Rhino Doors team for the part they’ve played in securing this incredible achievement. 

“Working in complex, challenging environments means that the health and safety of our people is of paramount importance, and we’re committed to keeping robust systems in place to mitigate the risks to our team. 

“This award is testament to that commitment, and I look forward to building on this success as we move forwards.” 

Julia Small, RoSPA’s Achievements Director, said: “This is a fantastic and well-deserved accomplishment. All our award entrants demonstrate their unwavering commitment and passion for keeping people safe at work. 

“By receiving this recognition, Rhino Doors joins like-minded businesses and organisations worldwide, who represent the very best in their approach to health and safety. 

“I would like to add my personal thanks for all the work that it has taken to secure this well-deserved award – congratulations to all those involved, who champion and drive up health and safety standards every day. You are a fantastic example to others in your sector.” 

Rhino will collect its RoSPA Gold Award at a presentation evening at Nunsmere Hall, Cheshire, on June 23, 2022. 

Toxic Suppression Partners with Senseware to keep firefighters safe

by Breaking NewsFirefighting EquipmentProducts

Toxic Suppression, a referenced leader in firefighter safety has partnered with Senseware, a real-time indoor air quality monitoring technology company to launch Sentinel IQ. Sentinel IQ is the first monitoring system specifically designed to track and alert first responders to the threats of airborne contaminants.

First Responders are routinely exposed to many harmful contaminants in the line-of-duty including volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, and contagious pathogens. Cancer alone caused 66 percent of career firefighter line-of-duty deaths from 2002 to 2019, according to data from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).

Toxic Suppression’s vision is to provide safer working environments for first responders against the multiple hazards they are exposed to. “For the first time, the unseen hazards can be visualized in real-time to alert to unsafe working environments. Designed and tested in station and emergency vehicles, the Sentinel IQ is a future-proof solution with unlimited applications including custom sensor packages” said Scott Hacker, VP of Sales and Marketing.

The Sentinel IQ monitors air quality and sanitization performance including VOC’s, CO2, PM 0.3-1.0, PM 2.5, PM 10, CO, and offers the only real-time cloud-based ion sensor on the market. Coupled with the Sentinel Purifier, The Sentinel offers the only mobile air and hard surface sanitization system where the performance can be validated real-time.

“Our technology was invented from Parkinson’s Disease research and has evolved to help people understand the health of their environment. With over 1M firefighters in the United States risking their lives, we are proud to support Toxic Suppression in providing assurance and peace of mind to our heroes.” said Serene Almomen, CEO and Co-Founder of Senseware.