MSA ‘excited’ for FDIC International 2022 return

by Americas - Featured NewsEventsFeatured News

MSA Safety rounded off 2021 in style posting record quarterly revenues at $410m, increasing 6% from a year ago. Core product revenue increased 9% from a year ago. The positivity was attributed to acquisitions and strong growth in industrial PPE. Looking ahead, and with a major presence at FDIC International in Indiana, Jason Traynor, General Manager, Global Fire Service and Integration Leader for MSA Bristol gives IFSJ a sneak-peek on what to expect this year. 

Ahead of FDIC International 2022, what are MSA’s expectations from the show? 

We’re excited to be back in Indianapolis with FDIC returning to a full-scale event, and we’re looking forward to being together with our customers and sharing the latest in connected firefighting technology. We expect an incredibly engaged crowd that is looking forward to seeing how personal protective equipment is the driving force behind enhancing safety on the job. You’ll see that in how MSA’s G1 SCBA is the focal point of our LUNAR Connected Firefighter Platform, which includes using FireGrid’s insights to enhance crew monitoring and incident management. As always, we’re working to find new ways to keep firefighters safe and will feature Fotokite remote ariel monitoring capabilities that help heighten situational awareness at a fire scene.  

Give us an assessment of the American fire market’s performance over the last 12 months.  

As a leader in the safety industry, MSA continued to manufacture products for our customers who must work in times of global crisis, like the Covid-19 pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, the need for emergency responders never went away, so their needs of products and services that support them in their role continued. Across the company, we saw solid demand for our products, but three of our largest drivers were personal protective equipment, SCBA and turnout gear. Despite supply chain disruptions and labor constraints impacting our ability to ship some product, we did set a record in 2021 for the number of G1 SCBA units shipped. 

On the back of MSA’s strongest quarter (Q4 2021), what can we expect from the firm for 2022.  

Our focus will continue to be on developing and deploying products and technology that will help keep firefighters safe while on duty, and specifically through the MSA Connected Firefighter Platform. This will include new ways to monitor and track equipment and to get updates and upgrades for those items through subscription services. Through our MSA+ subscription program, we can reduce capital spending, enhance operational efficiencies for our customers, simplify upgrades to new technology and services, and ensure products are always under warranty. There will be more fire products included in the MSA+ service, and we look forward to seeing this grow through the year and beyond.  

Tell us about your recent contract wins, and pipeline for the H1 2022. 

This includes working with our new customers, like the Israeli Fire Service, who will be outfitted in MSA Bristol turnout gear. The ISF has signed on for 5,000 sets of gear across multiple contracts. To help better manage their equipment and help keep firefighters safe, we also expect more fire departments to see the value in connected technology and the usefulness of having gear, equipment, and technology together from one manufacturer. The Easton Fire Department in Easton, Pennsylvania, is one of those departments. They will be outfitting all their firefighters with our LUNAR Connected Firefighter devices.  

Any more acquisitions or mergers on the cards? 

MSA has a proven track record of successful acquisitions in the fire service, including Cairns, Gallet, Globe, Bristol and most recently with our investment in Perspective Robotics AG in the development of Fotokite. While we can’t comment on anything specific, as the world leader in head-to-toe firefighting safety products and technology, we are always interested in pursuing opportunities to grow and expand our business, particularly when it aligns with our mission of keeping men and women around the world safe on the job. 

Tell us about inward investments within the business, and anything new we can look forward? 

We will continue to invest in our business to support the growth we expect in key markets. Here in the United States, we’re investing in our talent pipeline and developed a new college tuition reimbursement program at MSA Globe. We want to attract and retain the next generation of employees who will develop and create the products needed to help keep firefighters and workers everywhere safe. In Europe, we’re investing in our European Shared Services center in Warsaw, Poland, to better serve our customers, and in the United Kingdom we’re renovating space at our Bristol facilities. We’re undertaking these types of projects and initiatives to support our mission of helping to keep people safe.  

What to expect at FDIC International 2022

by Americas - Featured NewsEventsFeatured News

The FDIC (Fire Department Instructors Conference) International trade show is one of the largest events for the fire safety market in the world and is certainly holds the distinction of being a massive event held in the US state of Indianapolis.  

The 2020 edition of the show was cancelled in the immediate aftermath of the Coronavirus pandemic clamping down all events, trade shows, and travel suspension. FDIC International 2022 is set to host several thousand professionals from the fire and rescue sector across the last week of April 2022 at the Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium.  

FDIC International also holds the distinction of being one of the oldest trade shows for the fire and safety industry. Over the past 94 years, the trade show has established itself as the premiere training-focused fire industry conference and exhibition in the world.  

This year will be no different with high quality and world-class instructors, classrooms, workshops, H.O.T evolutions and the most innovative products and services available to the industry displayed by over 800 exhibiting companies.  

This year, the prestigious awards will be eagerly anticipated, with accolades such as the Fire Engineering Lifetime Achievement Award, Tom Brennan Lifetime Achievement Award, George D. Post Instructor of the Year Award, and the Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award up for grabs.  

The Fire Engineering Lifetime Achievement Award has been given out during the General Session at FDIC since 1998. In 2009, the award was renamed for Tom Brennan, who was the editor of Fire Engineering for eight years and a technical editor until he passed away in 2006.  

New for 2022 is JEMS Con, which is aimed towards firefighters and first responders for training and sourcing destination. The JEMS Con will be co-located alongside FDIC International and was born out of extensive outreach and critical conversations with EMS providers, exhibitors, medical directors, and professionals. We wish you a successful and productive FDIC 2022 with plenty of learning, knowledge-sharing, and experiences in the US Midwest. 

Everything you need to know about FDIC International 2022

by Americas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsEvents

FDIC International is back this April 2022, and opens its doors to the public from April 25-30 in Indianapolis, IN, USA. FDIC International will offer thousands of fire and rescue professionals from around the world, quality world-class instructors, classrooms session, pre-conference workshops, H.O.T evolutions and the most innovative products and services available to the industry displayed by over 800 exhibiting companies.  

The FDIC International experience is more than your traditional trade show it’s about the learning and sharing with your peers formally and informally through hallway conversations, developing life-long friendships, and recharging your passion for the industry. The focus for this year’s FDIC event will be bringing together the industry in-person, for a safe and productive training experience while maintaining the celebration of comradery.  

FDIC International will present over 300 tried and true classes alongside updated content on important topics and new areas of interest from the world’s most renowned instructors. The week of training begins with two days of Hands-on Training (H.O.T.) evolutions and 

Pre-Conference workshops followed by three days of classroom sessions, covering the latest technology and techniques in the fire service.  

The Hands-on Training (H.O.T.) Evolutions at FDIC International are something you must experience to fully appreciate. Attendees can choose between 4- and 8-hour Hands-on Training (H.O.T.) Evolutions which cover the latest technology and techniques in the fire service and are instructed by industry icons. This year’s H.O.T. Evolutions include Drilling at the Speed of Flashover, Fundamentals of Open Water Rescue and Drowning Resuscitation, Advanced Vehicle Extrication, Truck and Rescue Company Fire Operations, and so much more – no other event in the world contains the vast amount of topics and locations presented at FDIC International. 

The FDIC International pre-conference workshops provide attendees with an in-depth look at specific topics covering new areas of interest within the fire service as well as traditional training topics. Attendees can choose from a variety of topics and should be prepared to walk away with new insights, ideas and approaches. This year’s topics cover the latest technology and techniques in the fire service, and include advanced vehicle extrication, active shooter response, open water rescue and drowning resuscitation, heavy vehicle extrication, and more.  

Perhaps one of the most distinguishing aspects of FDIC International’s classroom sessions is the world-renowned instructors. While you’ll certainly find the largest gathering of industry icons at FDIC International, you’ll also find new instructors from around the world presenting ground breaking topics. Some of this year’s sessions include Merging EMS into a Fire Department Culture, Thriving in the Fire Service, Swift Water Rescue Rules of Engagement, Down and Dirty Fireground Decision Making, Best Practices for Proficiency-Based Training, The Successful Short-Staffed Engine, and more. Attendees can move between classroom sessions and topics, customizing their FDIC experience and gaining the most from their time at the event. 

Women in Fire 

Returning in 2022 is Women in Fire for their one-day conference which will take place on Monday, April 25. This conference will begin with an opening ceremony which will take a look at what we know about women’s health in the fire service, including recent and emerging topics such as reproductive health, behavioral health, and modifiable risk factors among this population. Following that will be a line-up of educational classes that provide training, support and advocacy for women in the fire service. 

Our strong heritage and commitment to tradition is epitomized in the 2022 Opening Ceremonies. Every year, thousands of attendees pay tribute to all past, present, and future firefighters. Attending this event provides a comprehensive understanding of the gratitude and respect for all those who place their lives on the line to save others. In recognition of outstanding bravery and selflessness, one firefighter will receive the annual Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award.  

The learning continues on the exhibit floor at FDIC International! Exhibitions span the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium and the Outdoor Exhibits & Demo Area and give attendees access to explore hundreds of products and services while creating lasting and lucrative business relationships with leading manufacturers.  

Networking 

FDIC also offers a variety of networking opportunities including our special events, MATCH! and The Metro Officers Innovation Briefing.  

The Metro Officers Innovation Briefing is exclusively designed for Metro Officers who want to see what’s new in the industry, hear what innovations other metropolitan fire departments are implementing, and network with fellow officers. This complimentary one-day event takes place on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, the day before the exhibits open.  

MATCH! is a free service at FDIC International that was designed to help attendees and exhibitors make the most efficient use of their time by pre-scheduling one-to-one meetings to discuss sourcing needs. MATCH! is easy, efficient, and complimentary. Attendees who are actively sourcing products and services in the next 12-24 months will select categories they are interested in within our matchmaking tool. From there, exhibitor suggestions will be generated, and the attendees can request meetings that will take place in our MATCH! VIP lounge eliminating any exhibit hall distractions. 

JEMS Con 2022 

Making its debut this year, co-located alongside FDIC International, is the JEMS Conference & Expo (JEMS Con). JEMS Con will offer a refreshed, forward-thinking approach focused on the future of EMS, operational leadership and peer-to-peer sharing and networking. JEMS Con will bring together paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), medical directors and executives from all EMS providers including state and private agencies, third service and fire for education, training, peer-to-peer sharing and networking. JEMS Con will offer over 100 hours of continuing education approved by the CAPCE. 

Over the past year, we’ve done extensive outreach and had critical conversations with EMS providers, exhibitors, medical directors, and professionals. We’ve taken their insights and suggestions to start to lay the foundation of JEMS Con in 2022. With over 5,000 attendees that identify EMS as their primary job function already attending FDIC, we feel we can create considerable value and efficiencies for the industry in a co-located event. We are committed to welcoming all EMS providers, giving them a dedicated event to comfortably come together to learn, share, and network with peers. We will continue to build partnerships with the EMS community to help shape this event as we plan beyond 2022. We plan to expand the Metro EMS group, add more hands-on training evolutions, enhance the sponsorship experience, and include additional networking opportunities. We are excited about the opportunities this co-location will offer the Fire and EMS communities. 

The pandemic hasn’t stopped firefighters and EMTs from having to serve their communities and therefore the need for training hasn’t stopped! FDIC International is excited to welcome the fire & rescue industry back to Indianapolis at its regularly scheduled time. The focus for this year’s event will be bringing together the industry in-person, for a safe and productive training experience while maintaining the celebration of comradery. The need for connecting with peers became even more important over the past year and a half when COVID-19 created supply chain issues and shortages, as well as fewer in-person training opportunities. At this year’s FDIC International, the industry can expect to find our traditional robust education and training program, an expansive exhibit hall with leading manufacturers, new technology and networking events designed to celebrate coming together and thanking our first responders for keeping our communities safe. 

For general show inquiry or assistance, feel free to reach out to our team at FDIC@clarionevents.com. 

NEBOSH launches new service to shake-up in-house health and safety training

by Safety

NEBOSH launches new service to shake-up in-house health and safety training NEBOSH – one of the world’s leading providers of health and safety qualifications – has launched a new solution for businesses that want to improve their in-company training.

The NEBOSH Endorsed service will – as its name suggests – endorse great health and safety training. When companies invest in training, they want to see a return. Through a collaborative approach, NEBOSH will help organisations to elevate their in-company offering and deliver measurable behavioural change that contributes to healthier and safer workplaces.

A range of solutions are available via NEBOSH Endorsed. They are all tailored to the needs of individual organisations and emphasise learning that delivers tangible impact:
• Assessment and endorsement of existing in-company training
• Bespoke consultation and development of in-company training
• Delivery of engaging online and in-person training
• Learning impact measurement

Every person that completes a NEBOSH Endorsed course will be recognised with a NEBOSH Endorsed certificate to mark their learning.

Ian Cooke, NEBOSH Business Development Manager – Corporates and Consumers, says: “So much in-company training is well-meaning but has minimal impact on behaviour back in the workplace. NEBOSH are experts in learning. We want to share our 40 years’ worth of educational expertise and help create better health and safety training, whatever its duration or level.

“NEBOSH Endorsed is focused on two things: collaboration and impact. Everything we do will be tailored to an organisation’s needs and we’ll use a range of tools to make sure it is having a demonstrable impact on individual and organisational performance. Ultimately, we want to make the world a safer place to work and by partnering with organisations through NEBOSH Endorsed, we can make that happen!”

Data Intelligence: Shaping the Future for Fire Conference

by EventsFeatured News

The inaugural ‘Data Intelligence: Shaping the Future for Fire Booking’ is set to be hosted this May by the members of the NFCC Digital and Data Programme.  

The conference, to be held on 13 and 14 June in Liverpool, will inform and engage with strategic leaders and those in professional data roles around how effective use of data can significantly drive transformation in the fire and rescue service.

HMICFRS and Home Office have identified data as a key priority and senior leaders are encouraged to attend to support data specialists in delivering against these priorities.

Andy Hopkinson, NFCC Digital and Data Programme Executive and Chief Fire Officer of Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “The Data Conference is a fantastic opportunity to liaise with and hear from likeminded data professionals and leaders from across the sector.

“Together, we can shape the future for fire and beyond by using data to drive forward transformation.”

The conference programme will be released shortly and will be packed full of engaging, inspiring and thought-provoking sessions to showcase how data is being used both across the fire sector and our everyday lives to shape how leaders make transformational strategic decisions.

Rhino completes fire and acoustic testing on its CPNI door range

by Featured NewsFire DoorsProducts

Rhino Doors has successfully tested its full range of CPNI doors, with both single and double leaf variations achieving impressive results for fire integrity and acoustic attenuation. 

Following successful tests on its single leaf door in September 2021, the company put its double leaf CPNI product to the test in March 2022. 

The FD30 door, which was fire tested in accordance with EN1634-1: 2014, achieved the same 60-minute integrity rating as its single leaf counterpart and an insulation rating of 30 minutes. 

It was also tested to measure its effectiveness at sound reduction, achieving an impressive attenuation rating of Rw 40dB.

Rhino has been producing CPNI doors for many years and is now manufacturing its range of personnel doors with fire and acoustic ratings as an option, to cater to the needs of its diverse client base and to deliver high-security products capable of withstanding complex environmental stressors. 

“We’re very pleased with the recent successful performance of our double leaf CPNI door”, said Ceri Couser, Head of Security Projects of Rhino Doors. 

“These fire and acoustic tests, which conclude our testing on our full CPNI range, solidify our industry-wide reputation for producing high-security doors built to safeguard people and assets in challenging environments. 

“As we continue on our path of growth, building on the successes of the last year, we’re delighted that our CPNI range continues to offer our clients the strength to protect.” 

Understanding the latest fire doorset guidance and legislation with Winkhaus

by Featured NewsFire DoorsProducts

For over a decade the Winkhaus UK technical team have been involved in the creation and implementation of the latest standards and guidance for fire doorsets. Following the launch of a series of new fire training modules, Winkhaus share how these changes impact the entire life cycle of a fire doorset and what a compliant fire doorset specification should contain. 

Over the last five years, since the Grenfell disaster, there have been many changes in legislation and guidance, but important question remains: “Do specifiers and those responsible for fire safety in social housing understand the changes and have they implemented these changes into their specifications?” 

In October 2021, Winkhaus UK commissioned a survey that asked respondents to vote for which tests they think are required for a MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government) 2020 compliant fire doorset. Following the results of the survey, only 40% of respondents said fire doorsets should be smoke and fire tested, 20% said security tested and 20% said that fire doorsets should be third party accredited. The results from the survey provided an insight into the respondents’ knowledge about the new legislation and guidance. The conclusion highlights that in all likelihood, some specifications may have not changed in line with the correct guidance.   

Guidance on fire regulations have changed post-Grenfell, with changes in recent years highlighting the requirements for compliance, how this should be delivered and maintained through the lifecycle of a fire doorset. The 2020 MHCLG guideline identified the three critical performances for a fire doorset as: ‘fire, smoke, and security’. The MHCLG guideline, along with the independent review of building regulations and fire safety, also clearly states that these critical performances should be third party audited and certified. 

Traditional test evidences most often include smoke resistance but the smoke evidence has not been controlled by the 3rd Party independent audit / Certification scheme as recommended by the MHCLG. To precisely follow this guidance the independent audits must relate to fire, smoke and security. 

Insert test images (IMG_0022 and IMG_3892) with caption: Picture shows: Successful fire testing of the most complex and definitely the largest construction Winkhaus have ever tested. 

Both Winkhaus and Secured by Design (SBD) agree, to precisely follow this guidance the independent audits must relate to fire, smoke and security. This change ensures that all three performances are tested and regularly independently audited to prove all production this week, next month, and next year continue to provide the safest door set solution, for the lifecycle of the door. 

Winkhaus FireFrame composite fire doorset solutions are the first to attain the new Q Mark third party audit certification for ‘Smoke’ and Winkhaus is the first company to attain individual ‘Q Mark’ certification for all three critical performance requirements: fire, smoke and security. The company’s timber door set solutions are currently completing the same certification process.

As a business Winkhaus has always tested its fire doorset solutions against all three critical performances, with both fire and smoke now having their own mirrored FoAp (Field of Application) that identifies the design and range of products that are covered. The Q Mark certification system brings together the information from these FoAp’s and consolidates the approved design range within the door manufacturers “Scope of Certification”. 

Importance of 3rd Party Auditing 

UKAS accredited third party auditing is not just required to verify test data for fire doors, it is a critical requirement throughout the ‘Golden Thread’ or lifecycle of a fire doorset. There are five key stages within the Golden Thread: design and test; specify; manufacture; survey and installation; and maintenance.  

Design and test is the first stage of the Golden Thread and this is where the doorset is tested for fire resistance, smoke control and to PAS24 for enhanced security, both inside and outside. All the test reports are compiled and become a FoAP that shows all the variations and permitted parameters. Testing must be done with an independent UKAS accredited test house or laboratory.  

A specification is then written which outlines the requirement of skills and other specifics required for each doorset. The specification stage must follow the Golden Thread and ensures every stage is third party audited to ensure test evidence is current and correct. The key purpose of the specification is to ensure the fire door set is consistent and compliant through manufacture, installation, and maintenance. 

Next in the Golden Thread is the ‘manufacture’ stage; which is third party audited to ensure the fire doorset is consistently manufactured to the same standards as the test evidence and specification. 

Survey and installation is conducted by a third party accredited installer with an additional system training to ensure consistency and clear understanding of the tested solutions specified. This then leads to ‘maintenance’ which is the final stage of the Golden Thread. It is mandatory that annual audits are carried out and undertaken by a third party audited and accredited company to ensure compliance throughout the life of the doorset. Any remedial work identified through annual or routine inspection should be related back to the original test evidence, so again we recommend training is provided throughout the golden thread.  

Every stage from manufacturing, through survey and installation, annual inspection, and any remedial maintenance required must be third party audited. All of the stages within the Golden Thread refer back to the original design testing ensuring the correct components are being used to make or maintain a door. 

To aid the understanding of the new requirements for a compliant fire doorset specification, Winkhaus has recently expanded its free training. The firm now offers three different levels of training which can be tailored to the audience to ensure it meets company / client requirements and we will even write your fire door set specification: 

  • First option – This training provides an overview of the Golden Thread for fire doorsets, covering the requirements for a compliant doorset throughout its lifecycle. The five key stages in the lifecycle are covered from design and testing, specification, manufacture, survey, and installation through to inspection and maintenance. 
  • Second option – This training module covers the fire doorset legislation which is the next level of data for those who need a more detailed understanding of the changes that have been made to legislation for fire doorset standards over the past few years. Topics covered include the latest legislation and guidance, testing requirements for the three critical fire doorset performances of Fire, Smoke and Security and third party auditing.  
  • Third option – If you require a deeper understanding on legislation and guidance, need support in writing your specification or require further advice on compliance, we can arrange for a question-and-answer session with a member of our expert fire doorset team.  

Both option one and option two can be presented as a formal CPD or informally without CPD certification.  

For further information about our Fire, Smoke & Security doorset solutions, support with your fire door specifications or to register for our free training, please visit firetraining.winkhaus.com or email marketing@winkhaus.co.uk  

Euralarm position paper on NLF evaluation

by Breaking NewsSafety

Euralarm, the European association representing the electronic fire safety and security industry, has given feedback on the NLF. The association’s response to the questions of the European Commission were laid down in a Position Paper.

Euralarm says it remains convinced that the New Approach and the New Legislative Framework (NLF) are the best tools to support the free movement of goods and the proper functioning of the European Single Market for Goods. The NLF in its broad set-up is fit for purpose to deal with upcoming challenges through technological developments. Thus, Euralarm believes that changes should be made only in response to clear needs, within the existing framework.

Among the main benefits of the NLF Euralarm considers: strengthened coherence across different sectoral legislation, improved legal certainty, higher compliance levels, ease of compliance, improved level-playing field, strengthened CE marking use and functioning. When it comes to conformity assessments, Euralarm strongly believes that Module A, in combination with an effective market surveillance, provides a good and fair level playing field for manufacturers. The combination of modules (particularly the use of Module A, self-assessment), acceptable time to market and good market surveillance system is an essential element of the NLF and the most effective regime to preserve safety and the level-playing-field.

The introduction of the NLF has also been beneficial for SMEs in that it has opened the EU market to them, thanks to the use of hENs and module A. Having a stronger Single Market has further benefitted the global competitiveness of European industries and it has improved the speed of adoption of state-of-the-art technologies, as compared to the old approach. The NLF has set the basis for a strong market surveillance system, notably by providing for a Union framework for market surveillance comprising both competencies and obligations for national authorities and by organising effective administrative cooperation between these authorities on the one hand and with the EU Commission on the other hand.

In the Euralarm Position Paper Euralarm further explains its position towards CE marking itself, harmonised standards, conformity assessment procedures, notified bodies, the accreditation system and digitalisation of the information.

Based on this position, Euralarm believes that a full revision of the NLF might not be necessary to address problems with specific legislation.

The Euralarm Position Paper on NLF evaluation can be downloaded here.

Command Light introduces Trident Tripod at FDIC 2022

by Featured NewsFirefighting EquipmentProducts

Command Light, a leader in emergency vehicle lighting, has launched the all-new Trident Tripod. The lights can be powered by AC power, truck 12V DC or one of Command Light’s different non-proprietary battery options with Akron Revels, FRC Spectras, FireTech Helios, Whelen Pioneer Plus or a Feniex Arrow Stick.

“Our tripod is available in AC or DC models, but it’s our DC models that are really going to be a gamechanger in the market. It’s the first time in industry history that fire departments can pair a DeWalt FLEXVOLT, Makita XGT, Milwaukee M28 or HURST EWXT/E3 battery with a high-lumen LED made for the fireground,” Command Light President Roger Weinmeister explained.

“We really wanted to create a tripod that works with crews’ other battery-operated tools, all the while delivering even more light than the traditional tripod. We know that tripods aren’t new to the market, and yet we recognized that the choice in LEDs and power sources was always limited, so now, we’re changing that with the Command Light Trident.”

The Trident is available in 10 DC models and 8 AC models, depending on LED fixture. Each DC tower can be spec’ed with additional options, like shore power, 12V DC truck power and truck mounting brackets with disconnect.

Command Light’s tripod features a compact 50” collapsible design, weighing between 25-35 lbs. depending on model. When deployed and extended, the Trident Tripod features a 91” reach.

“Historically, Command Light has been known for its patented light tower, and while we still firmly believe every truck should be equipped with this important piece of equipment to properly illuminate a scene, we also know mobile lighting is important,” Weinmeister added. “Really, we just want to help crews get light where it’s needed most, whether that’s by setting up lighting near the victim or elevating, rotating and backlighting a large scene.”

The new tripod will be unveiled at FDIC International 2022 (Command Light Booth #3411).

Trading bans could be slapped on firms that refuse to fund cladding repairs

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementFire SuppressionIndustry SectorsProducts

Firms refusing to contribute to the fund set up to fix dangerous cladding will be warned they could be blocked from selling new homes, the Guardian has reported.

Michael Gove, the UKs levelling up secretary, will explicitly threaten retaliation, citing powers in the building safety bill that would stop uncooperative developers getting planning permission.

It is understood that Galliard Homes will be one of the major developers singled out as a potential target for the punitive measures, although other companies are also expected to be named by Gove.

Earlier this month Gove, who was tasked with addressing the cladding scandal – which has involved thousands of leaseholders facing crippling bills for the removal of dangerous cladding – signed an agreement with 35 developers, which collectively agreed to contribute £2bn towards fixing buildings they had a role in constructing.

Some developers did not sign up to this supposedly voluntary agreement, and Gove will this week ratchet up the pressure by reminding them that if they continue to refuse, they risk harsh sanctions under legislation about to become law.

The Building Safety Bill was introduced to create a new regulatory framework for building safety after the Grenfell Tower fire. But as it was going through its final stages in the House of Lords Gove introduced amendments that would give him the power to stop firms that have failed to sign his cladding pledge from selling homes.

Under the bill, these firms could be blocked from obtaining planning permission, or prevented from getting building control signoff.

Ministers believe that even the threat of these sanctions could be enough to deter investors. According to an internal document about the strategy seen by the Sunday Times, officials are arguing that it would be “irresponsible” not to warn prospective consumers of the potential risks.

Galliard is one of at least nine large developers that has yet to sign the Gove pledge. They are expected to be given just a few weeks more to comply. Galliard said at the weekend that it had acted quickly on cladding but that, before signing the pledge, it required “certainty” from the government and “a clear and succinct plan for developers, the government, the supply chain and insurers to all work together to find an equitable solution”.

Under the Gove plan, in addition to the £2bn from developers to fix their own buildings, the industry will commit a further £3bn for the removal of unsafe cladding through an expansion of the building safety levy, a charge on new residential buildings.

Under the current system, local authorities can impose section 106 agreements on developers telling them that, as a condition of getting permission, they must construct a certain number of affordable homes.

Gove wants to abandon these arrangements and instead force developers to contribute to an infrastructure fund that could be used by councils. In a recent white paper, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities argued that a new approach was needed because the current system “enables some developers to benefit disproportionately and unfairly from the land they develop”.