Fire protection for electrical cabinets and data panels

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementFire SuppressionIndustry SectorsProducts

Technology is integral in every walk of life, Ed Chivers, global product and certifications director, Reacton talks about electrical fire supression

Almost everything we do relies on technology. From how we communicate, to how we are entertained and find answers to problems, technology plays an integral part. And behind the scenes, powering our ability to connect the devices in our hands and the computers on our desks with the world, is a complex network of control panels, data cabinets, switches and servers, that all rely on electricity. And if these fail, the consequences can be devastating, especially if the cause of the downtime is fire.

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 Outdated infrastructure, faulty wires, poor maintenance and overloaded circuits are all risk factors for fire.

Reacton Fire Suppression’s electrical equipment systems are designed for use in small enclosures to protect people, assets and critical infrastructure from fire. Not only will our Direct systems deliver protection right where the fire originates, but they are also compact and sized for the electrical enclosure or cabinet being protected.

This will result in a significantly reduced cost of ownership as only a few kilograms of Clean Agent are being used and therefore need replacing in any fire conditions. Compared to that of a large total flood application 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.

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

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.

These Clean Agents are the leading choice for fire suppression when rapid protection and zero clean-up is essential for sensitive electrical equipment.

For more information on Reacton Fire Suppression products, please get in touch with the team by emailing info@reactonfire.com or call us on + 44 (0)800 0306526.

Access 360 to showcase fire safety solutions at The Fire Safety Event 2022

by Featured NewsFire DetectionFire SuppressionIndustry SectorsProductsPublic Events

Bilco UK, Profab Access and Howe Green, which together form Access 360, will be exhibiting a complete range of certified access solutions for roofs, ceilings, walls, and floors at this year’s Fire Safety Event.

From 5th – 7th April, industry professionals can meet with Access 360’s technical experts at Birmingham’s NEC on stand 3a/E25 to learn more about its comprehensive range of fire integrity and fire safety access products.

This includes Bilco UK’s unique SKY Flatglass Smoke Vent, Profab Access’ revolutionary patented PRECISION Adjustable Frame and Howe Green’s extensive offering of fire rated floor access covers.

On Thursday 7th April, Marcus Parnham, Access 360’s commercial director, will be delivering an exclusive seminar in the Fire Safety Theatre at 11am, discussing the importance of comprehensive fire testing and certification to ensure the highest standards of safety, efficiency and compliance.

Across the three days, visitors can receive live demonstrations of Profab Access’ ground breaking PRECISION Adjustable Frame, which makes the installation of riser doors up to 30% quicker.

The only product of its kind currently available, the PRECISION Adjustable Frame has been expertly engineered to be fully adjusted to meet the specific dimensions of each structural opening, when installed into a flexible or solid wall construction.

Featuring a continual adjustable steel packer system and built in factory applied intumescent fire rated mastic strips to the outer frame that provides fire stopping between the wall and the frame, it ensures the installation is fit for purpose, by providing the highest standards in accuracy.

Profab Access’ comprehensive portfolio of third party tested solutions, including the INTEGRA 4000 Series and VEGA 1500 Series Riser Doors, in addition to the PRIMA 1000 Fire Rated Series and SPIRA 6000 Series Access Panels, will also be on display.

Attendees can also receive a demonstration of Bilco UK’s innovative SKY Flatglass, which offers professionals a diverse ‘three in one’ solution, as it can be utilised as a smoke vent, roof access hatch and rooflight.

Howe Green’s 7500 Series Floor Access Covers will also be on display, which are independently CERTIFIRE fire rated to BS 776 Part 22 for two hours on integrity, and up to two hours on insulation.

Visitors can also receive demonstrations Howe Green’s unique CoverSkate lifting device, which enables the safe lifting and movement of heavy floor access covers, whilst also viewing Howe Green’s Visedge Series Flexible Floor Access Covers.

The Access 360 team will be available throughout the event to discuss professionals’ upcoming projects and provide information regarding how their extensive offering of fire integrity access solutions can be specified to ensure the highest standards of performance and compliance.

Parnham said: “The Fire Safety Event is the perfect opportunity for us to present our most popular fire rated access products to visitors and share expert advice to assist them in achieving adherence with all relevant regulations by achieving the most effective and efficient specifications.”

Evacuation: Fire Sector Federation releases checklist

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProducts

The Fire Sector Federation has published a checklist aimed at Fire Risk Assessors to help them evaluate the safe escape of individuals from a building fire.

The ‘Personal Emergency Evacuation Residential Premises’ guide recognises that evacuation procedures with associated provision of safe routes of escape to a place of safety must be inherent in every building safety strategy.

Following a series of prompts, the questions posed in the checklist are designed to be interpreted by the fire risk assessor and used in discussion with their clients to help decide what actions are appropriate for the building. The checklist relates specifically to general residential buildings, which are usually unstaffed and operate a ‘stay put’ two- phase evacuation strategy.

The guide offers a lead where currently none exists and was developed by the Fire Sector Federation in conjunction with members who work as fire risk assessors in the sector.

Dennis Davis, executive officer, Fire Sector Federation said: “Assessment of evacuation procedures from a personal level to ensure the safe escape of every individual from a fire is a critical component of any fire risk assessment. We have worked closely with colleagues in the fire sector to develop the overview and checklist to support fire risk assessors in their audit and review of buildings. Some of the information may also help the Responsible Person, who have very specific duties for fire safety, meet their own responsibilities. 

“The guide has no formal status but having a simple general checklist we believe assists, when linked into a recordable process, discussion and assessment of evacuation during any audit and review to the benefit of building owners and residents.”

The publication is available as a free download on the Fire Sector Federation website at: https://www.firesectorfederation.co.uk/fire-risk-assessment/ The Fire Sector Federation seeks to give voice to and exert influence in shaping future policy and strategy related to the UK Fire Sector. The federation is a not-for-profit, non-government organisation established to act as a forum for the benefit of its membership and to evolve as a central source of information on all aspects relating to fire.

Euralarm’s Jon Konz selected on CEN-CENELEC Industry Advisory Forum

by Featured NewsPeople

Euralarm president Jon Könz has been selected as a member of the CEN-CENELEC Industry Advisory Forum. The Industry Advisory Forum consists of 18 members who were selected, based on their specific experiences and knowledge in the identified CEN-CENELEC Strategy 2030 areas and European Industrial Ecosystems.

Via the Industry Advisory Forum (IAF) high-level European industry representatives and CEN and CENELEC can have an open exchange on current standardisation issues and identify and advise on standardisation priority topics for the European industry. Besides the Forum can express suggestions, expectations, and concerns to identify common solutions.

By providing advice to the CEN and CENELEC corporate governing and advisory bodies and proposing medium- and long-term industry-driven standardisation objectives for CEN and CENELEC, the Industry Advisory Forum (IAF) contributes to reaching and successfully implementing the CEN and CENELEC strategic objectives. These objectives support European industry’s priorities, challenges and expectations from standardisation.

Könz said: “We are living in exciting times, with digitalisation and sustainability as both opportunities and challenges. I’m proud that on behalf of Euralarm I can contribute to the synergies between policy and standardisation and the green and digital transition.”

The IAF members are appointed for a 3-year term and are selected based on their high managerial level, relevant know-how on standardisation, expertise in one of the identified priority areas, sectorial balance across CEN and CENELEC, representing both SMEs as well as large industries and adequate geographical and gender balance.

Magirus will not participate in Interschutz 2022

by EventsFeatured NewsIndustry SectorsProductsPublic EventsVehicles

In a major development, German truck manufacturer Magirus has announced it will not participate in this year’s Intershutz.

The firm said it made careful considerations, not to take part at the Interschutz 2022 exhibition and “allocate part of the planned investment to charitable initiatives in support of firefighters in the Ukrainian conflict”.

After two long years marked by the global pandemic, which has deeply depressed the business environment, the brand was already focusing its resources on the development of its “Next Generation Firefighting” portfolio.

A statement from Magirus added: “Now, the unexpected war in Ukraine is further impacting the whole automotive and firefighting industry. Issues ranging from chassis supply to logistics challenges and very significant cost increase acceleration require Magirus to take an even more decisive step in focusing on core activities: developing the best firefighting products and services to ‘serve heroes‘.”

The brand will continue its marketing efforts for the entire product portfolio through plans to conduct an roadshow, to participate at the September IAA Transportation event in Hannover, and to host an in-house Magirus fair in the latter part of the year on its home turf in Ulm, Germany.

Additionally, in light of the ongoing crisis, Magirus has donated two turntable ladders to firefighters in Ukraine and has decided to use part of the planned Interschutz investment where it can make an immediate positive impact, contributing to the German Fire Services Association’s charitable initiative in support of Ukraine. “Magirus remains more committed than ever to its clients, dealers, suppliers, and all its stakeholders and will start planning right away to find new direct and effective ways to engage with them on an ongoing basis,” the firm added.

NFPA appoints new board member to Standards Council

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsPeople

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Board of Directors appointed a new member to the NFPA Standards Council. Chief Randy J. Krause of Port of Seattle Fire Department was appointed by the Board in November 2021. He began serving a three-year term on January 1, 2022.

In addition, three current council members were reappointed to serve additional terms. Jeffrey Foisel was reappointed for a second three-year term, while Kenneth Bush and James Quiter were each reappointed for one-year extensions. All terms began January 1, 2022.

Krause has been a member of the fire service for 36 years. He began his career in 1985 as a firefighter in the United States Air Force (1985-1989) and continued in the private industry at Boeing Company (1990-2010).

Krause left Boeing as a deputy fire chief and is currently the fire chief of Port of Seattle Fire Department where he has been for nearly 12 years providing service to the Sea-Tac International Airport and the surrounding communities.

He has been involved with NFPA Technical Committees since the mid-1990’s, currently serving as chair of NFPA Emergency Responders Occupational Health (ERH-AAA) and Fire Service Occupational Safety (FIX-AAA). Krause is also a member of Gonzaga University’s School of Leadership Studies Advisory Board. Krause earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from University of Washington – Bothell in 1998, and his Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University in 2006.

The NFPA Standards Council, appointed by the NFPA Board of Directors, is comprised of 13 members. The responsibilities of the council include overseeing NFPA standards development activities, ensuring compliance with the NFPA Regulations and Rules, and serving as the appeals body over matters related to standards development.

FIA commends UK’s efforts towards Ukraine fire fighters

by Breaking NewsPPEProductsSafetyThermal ImagingVehicles

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has lauded the efforts of UK’s fire industry in its efforts to assist firefighters in Ukraine.

The FIA CEO Ian Moore said it has been an “honour and a humbling experience”. As he lauded members for contributing not just equipment but other resources as well.

“The whole of the fire industry has come together to support the UK deployment of aid through Fire Aid, our charity partner,” Moore said in an official statement on the FIA’s website.

“It has been both an honour and humbling experience to be part of a truly collaborative humanitarian response from the UK.  We are incredibly proud of our sector for their determined and unified effort to help the fire fighters of Ukraine,” he added.

Fire Aid and International Development (Fire Aid), along with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) are coordinating donations of more than 5,000 items of fire and rescue equipment and PPE which will be sent in convoy to Ukraine.  

Eighteen fire engines, thermal imaging cameras for finding victims, generators, lighting, hoses, rescue equipment, and thousands of sets of PPE are among the items being donated. Every fire service across the UK has stepped in to support these efforts.

Moore said: “Our members have donated time, money, and equipment to supporting the UK Fire Sector Humanitarian response, but most of all they have stood shoulder to shoulder, working alongside all of the great organisations, as a team with a clear objective: to help the fire fighters of Ukraine. We are all united in our desire to do this.”

UK fire services collect kits for Ukraine firefighters

by Featured NewsPeoplePPEProductsThermal ImagingVehicles

Fire services across the UK are donating thousands of items of kit and equipment to their counterparts in Ukraine.  

UK charity, FIRE AID and International Development (FIRE AID), and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) are coordinating donations of more than 5,000 items of fire and rescue equipment and PPE which will be sent in convoy to Ukraine.   

Eighteen fire engines, thermal imaging cameras for finding victims, generators, lighting, hoses, rescue equipment, and thousands of sets of PPE are among the items being donated. Every fire service across the UK has stepped in to support these efforts. 

The deployment of these donations is being supported by funding from the Home Office, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and the FIA Foundation, as well as through a public appeal via JustGiving – https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/KeepUkraineFireFightersSafe

Following a successful scoping visit to Poland conducted by FIRE AID volunteers this week, an initial convoy of three fire engines and a lorry of PPE and rescue equipment will depart the UK today, led by the Scottish Emergency Rescue Association (SERA).  

FIRE AID is then coordinating a subsequent convoy consisting of 15 fire engines and two lorries of equipment, donated by fire services across the UK, which will depart on 19th March. 40 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 and transferred to Ukraine.  

When it reaches Ukraine, the equipment will be used to support firefighters, emergency services and volunteers who are battling together on the front line, often using old or worn equipment. They are dealing daily with fires and other emergencies to protect lives, people and property as the invasion devastates the country.  

Claire Hoyland, project manager, FIRE AID said: “FIRE AID and its members have over 25 years of experience responding to requests for aid and support for emergency services in over 50 countries. Following the invasion of Ukraine, our members immediately mobilised to gather equipment and aid to donate to their Ukrainian counterparts. FIRE AID members have been working in partnership with the Ukrainian emergency services since 2012 and we are proud to be coordinating this unprecedented emergency response on behalf of the UK Fire Sector.” 

Priti Patel, Home Secretary, said: “The British Government and British people are standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and its citizens during this barbaric invasion. 

“I have been speaking regularly to my counterpart at Ukraine’s Interior Ministry and the Ukrainian Ambassador in London to understand what practical help we can offer. 

“We are helping to ensure that crucial fire and rescue equipment and PPE donated by Fire and Rescue Services will get to where it can directly provide succour to those brave firefighters, emergency services and volunteers on the front line in Ukraine.” 

Mark Hardingham, chair, National Fire Chiefs Council said: “As the terrible scenes unfold in Ukraine, the UK fire and rescue service is once again doing all it can to support those who urgently need help. The response has been incredible and it is testament to the public, private and voluntary sectors combining resources, enthusiasm and skills in response to the crisis. Thousands of items of kit and equipment – along with fire engines – have been donated to help the Ukrainian emergency services, battling together on the front line, as they strive to save lives and protect people and property.  

“I cannot express how proud I am of everyone who has come together to support this; from getting the equipment together, the hard work which has gone into ensuring the logistics of one of the largest convoys we have seen, to volunteering to be part of the journey itself. This is our sector at its very best – selflessly working together and supporting one other – ultimately helping and hoping to save lives.” 

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 also key partners in supporting and making the deployment.