RECOM to open new fire training academy

by Featured NewsPeople

RECOM Solutions is set to open a new training academy, as part of a significant investment from the Trafford Park fire protection services firm.

The move is in response to huge growth in demand for its fire protection services, which has seen the firm increase its specialist operatives from five to 30 in the past 18 months, the BusinessDesk.com reproted.

This is in addition to its team of surveyors, contract supervisors and project managers in its fire protection arm. The academy will offer a live environment for training staff in the latest fire protection measures, legislation and products which are new to the market, such as new laws concerning cladding on structures of multiple occupancy, including high rise apartment blocks.

RECOM, a UK-based firm, works with a range of clients, ranging from the residential, to care home, healthcare, commercial, leisure, education, heritage buildings and industrial sectors.

The business is an approved contractor under the UK’s Fire Accreditation Scheme (FIRAS), and director, Jason McKnight, said the academy is due to be launched in the spring ahead of the implementation of the Fire Safety Act in England, which seeks to improve fire safety in multi-occupancy buildings.

McKnight said: “We have positioned ourselves ahead of the field by being able to provide a holistic approach to projects, linked to the new legislation.

“We act in both client side and contractor roles, utilising innovative cloud-based software to ensure clients have up to date relevant information on fire safety. This is the ‘golden thread’ of information that will become a legal requirement for building owners, developers and the like.”

He added: “The new academy will further demonstrate our commitment to retaining our leading market position in the provision of fire safety services.”

RECOM acts as a construction project manager and main contractor in addition to its role as a fire protection and cladding replacement specialist.

“The need for robust fire protection measures in buildings has been brought into sharp focus in recent years, and we are proud to be playing our part in helping to improve building safety and create smart, safe and sustainable places where people thrive, across the North West and beyond,” McKnight added.

The academy will enable RECOM to train and develop new employees and to educate its clients on the importance of fire protection measures within buildings. “We fully expect that the Fire Safety Act will lead to further expansion of our fire protection operations.”

London fire: Major blaze hits 22-storey tower block

by ActiveFeatured NewsSafety

A large fire broke out on Monday afternoon, in East London on the 17th floor of a block of flats. London’s fire service said it sent 15 engines and 125 firefighters to the high-rise at Whitechapel High Street.

Eye-witnesses described large panels of glass falling hundreds of metres to the ground and smoke bellowing out of the windows. Three commercial units underneath the railway arches were completely alight, and four cars and a telephone box were also on fire.

At one point, flames began to spread to a balcony on the 18th floor before fire crews put them out. Fire could later be seen through a window on the 19th floor.

A resident in the 10th floor of the building, who was visiting her friend from Nottingham, said no alarms went off. The fire severely disturbed several victims who were in the building. London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he was in “close contact” with London Fire Brigade’s commissioner Andy Roe, Sky News reported.

According to property developer Hondo Enterprises, which sold the building in 2018, it is a 22-storey mixed use development consisting of more than 7,000 square feet of retail area, 97,000 square feet of commercial office space and 207 residential apartments.

It is located over Aldgate East Tube station between the City, the financial heart of London, and neighbourhoods Aldgate and Spitalfields.

Christopher Garrigues joins Vacaville Fire Department, California

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsPeople

Christopher Garrigues has joined the Vacaville Fire Department after serving more than nine years at the Georgetown Fire Protection District, in Georgetown, California. Garrigues was one of 41 GEOFire Family members that comprised of career and volunteer firefighters.

Garrigues joined the GEOFire Family in 2012 as a volunteer and over the last nine years became an integral part of the department’s daily operations. The GEOFire Family has wished Garrigues the best as he has taken a position with the Vacaville Fire Department.

Garrigues has worked full-time for the department for the last year as a firefighter / paramedic. Garrigues assisted the department in several different ways, the Georgetown unit said in a press statement. His quick wit, honesty, professionalism, listening ear and true ability to care for others were an inspiration to everyone at the station, the news release added.

Profab Access’ Prima panel meets latest building regualtions

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProducts

Profab Access, a UK-based provider of access solutions and riser doors for ceilings, walls and partitions, is supporting architects, specifiers and contractors in achieving the highest standards of efficiency with its Prima 1000 Fire Rated SeriesAccess Panels.

Providing secure and unobtrusive access to ceiling and wall services for both residential and commercial projects, the fire rated panels are not only aesthetically pleasing and easy to install but ensure compliance with latest building regulations.

The access panels are independently bi-directionally tested and fire-rated up to 120 minutes to BS EN 1634-1:2000 for single and double door configurations up to 600mm x 1200mm. Sizes up to 750mm x 1500mm are also available and are fire-rated for up to 90 minutes.

The Prima 1000 FR Series Access Panels are available in standard and customisable specifications. The panels are also smoked sealed with an intumescent and smoke seal gasket.

The lightweight metal doors can be easily into jointless plaster, plasterboard and partitions to provide concealed access to electrical and mechanical services and are etch primed to support onsite decoration.

Marcus Parnham, commercial director at Profab Access, said: “As one of the industry’s leading manufacturers and the first to bi-directionally test its access panels and riser doors, we are committed to ensuring we provide construction professionals with the highest standards of compliance and performance. Our Prima 1000 FR Series Access Panels have been expertly designed to provide unrivaled certification, without compromising on visual appeal or functionality to meet the most demanding site requirements.”

Global fire extinguishers market to reach $7.1bn by 2026

by Americas - Featured NewsAmericas - ProductsAviationBreaking NewsBuilding ManagementConstructionFire SuppressionFirefighting EquipmentIndustry SectorsProductsUtilities

The fire extinguisher market is set to reach US$7.1bn by 2026, according to a new study published by Global Industry Analysts Inc., (GIA). The report, titled “Fire Extinguishers – Global Market Trajectory & Analytics, presents fresh perspectives on opportunities and challenges in a significantly transformed post Covid-19 marketplace.

Improving global GDP, resurgence in remodeling and renovation activity in developed economies, steady rise in new constructions in emerging markets, and stricter law enforcements are driving growth in the market.

Along with their expiration date, the existence of international, national, or local building regulations, laws, and codes implies that some of the fire extinguishers must be replaced annually, which generates enough demand to ensure the industry’s stability.

Additional opportunities generated by the demand for fire suppression technologies and other proactive fire management systems, hold potential for the industry’s growth. Although the construction industry remains the primary end-use sector for fire extinguishers, growth is forecast to improve from expanding applications in automobiles, military vehicles, and aircrafts. Growing emphasis on safety is fueling demand for automotive fire extinguishers and poised to benefit against this backdrop are small, portable and lightweight fire protection systems. The growing base of military vehicles, especially army ground combat vehicles, is forecast to benefit demand for fast-opening hand-held fire extinguishers (HFE) to safeguard against combat-induced fires.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the global market for Fire Extinguishers is estimated at $5.2bn in 2022, is projected to reach a revised size of $7.1bn by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 7.5% over the analysis period.

Dry Chemical & Dry Powder, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is projected to grow at a 7.4% CAGR to reach $5.1bn by the end of the analysis period. After a thorough analysis of the business implications of the pandemic and its induced economic crisis, growth in the Carbon Dioxide segment is readjusted to a revised 9% CAGR for the next seven-year period. This segment currently accounts for a 14% share of the global Fire Extinguishers market.

Currently, the extensively used fire extinguisher type is the multiple use dry chemical, which is most efficient on class A, class B and class C fires. CO2 fire extinguishers, which can be deployed on Class A fires, put out fire by removing oxygen component from the fire triangle as well as eliminating the heat through an extremely cold release. These black colored fire extinguishers are ideal for electrical fires

The U.S. Market is Estimated at $1.4bn in 2022, While China is Forecast to Reach $1.2bn by 2026
The Fire Extinguishers market in the U.S. is estimated at $1.4bn in the year 2022. The country currently accounts for a 27.9% share in the global market. China, the world’s second largest economy, is forecast to reach an estimated market size of $1.2bn in the year 2026 trailing a CAGR of 9.2% through the analysis period. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at 5.3% and 7.5% respectively over the analysis period.

Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 5.5% CAGR while Rest of European market (as defined in the study) will reach $422m by the end of the analysis period. Market growth is primarily led by change in standard building codes and mandating necessary deployment of fire extinguishers coupled with strong construction sector in developing markets such as Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Eastern European markets. Both China and India have been investing significantly in expanding their infrastructure in order to gain competitive advantage and support burgeoning economy and population. The recovery in the construction industry in the US, coupled with steady gains in construction spending in developing countries including BRICs and CIVETs, is expected to drive the demand for fire extinguishers in the next few years.

Meanwhile, the foam-based segment is set to Reach $658.5m by 2026. Foam-Based and Water-Based Extinguishers put out fire by eliminating the heat component from the fire triangle, while foam agents remove oxygen component from additional components.

Foam extinguishers are expensive, and suitable for diverse use except for Class C fires due to shock risk. There are Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) based and Alcohol Resistant Aqueous Film Forming Foam (ARAFFF) based extinguishers, known as Class A and B fire extinguishers for fighting chemical fires, which involve alcohol. In the global Foam-based segment, USA, Canada, Japan, China and Europe will drive the 6.8% CAGR estimated for this segment.

These regional markets accounting for a combined market size of $355m will reach a projected size of $559.3m by the close of the analysis period. China will remain among the fastest growing in this cluster of regional markets. Led by countries such as Australia, India, and South Korea, the market in Asia-Pacific is forecast to reach $94.6m by the year 2026, while Latin America will expand at a 7.9% CAGR through the analysis period.

UK releases provisional ozone depleting substances common framework

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionFirefighting EquipmentProductsSafety

The Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS) and Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (F-gases) UK Common Framework has been published in a provisional form on GOV.UK. The framework is accessible here.

This command paper sets out how the UK government and devolved governments propose to work together on the regulation of substances that deplete the ozone layer and fluorinated greenhouse gases.

The provisional Common Framework has received ministerial approval from all four governments. It was laid in the UK Parliament to enable parliamentary scrutiny to begin.

Traditionally, fire extinguishers have utilised halogens (CFCs). They also harm aquatic systems and contaminate water supplies along with the ozone layer.

Experts have long professed the use of pyrocool, which is a nontoxic, biodegradable, fire-extinguishing, and cooling agent. It’s said to replace the traditional extinguishers, and is just as effective in putting out fires, does not deplete the ozone layer, or persist in the environment, unlike CFCs.

Peaky Blinders, Downtown Abbey film set gutted in heavy Yorkshire fire

by ActiveFeatured News

Image: West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service

More than 100 firefighters were involved in tackling a blaze at a mill complex used as a film location for hit shows such as Peaky Blinders and Downton Abbey. Fire crews were drafted in to tackle the inferno at Dalton Mills in Dalton Lane, Keighley, West Yorkshire, the BBC reported.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said 20 pumps were called out just before noon on Thursday. The service said the incident was being scaled back but some crews would remain overnight to damp down the blaze.

People living in the vicinity were told to keep windows and doors closed and to avoid travelling through the area because of the smoke. There is a police cordon in place and some roads have been closed.

Nick Smith from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said nobody had been hurt in the fire. He said: “Internally the building has collapsed, the floor and the roof.” Firefighters spent the night damping down the fire neighbouring brigades were also in attendance, along with police, ambulances, Yorkshire Water and the Environment Agency.

UK hospital deploys Titan Lite fire barriers

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionHealthcareIndustry SectorsProducts

A Plymouth-based hospital in the UK has deployed Titan Lite fire barriers in its facility. The 18-month contract being carried out by a leading UK fire contractor involved installing large quantities of the Titan Lite 120:60, manufactured by TBA Firefly, to create fire barriers above ceiling voids throughout many parts of the hospital.

The hospital has 660 beds and provides medical and surgical care to a third of a million people with the building dating back to before the beginning of the Second World War.   

The refurbishment work, concluded at the end of November 2021, was being carried out by Plymouth based Ventro Ltd. whose operatives have had to work in many areas during the evenings and weekends to avoid disruption to the hospital’s everyday activities, including the treatment of patients.

Following early appraisals of the fire protection requirements within the ageing property and considering the large quantities of different mechanical services to be accommodated into the upgrades, the hospital’s estates department decided to raise the specification for the work from 30 minutes integrity rating to a full two hours.  

The Site Agent for Ventro, John Roberts, commented: “As a specialist fire contractor working across the whole of the UK and beyond, we have employed Firefly products on many projects over the years and expect to continue doing so.  In the early stages of this contract, which began on site in May 2020, it was thought Apollo 30 minutes would be appropriate, but the hospital then switched this to Tian Lite 120:60.  We have been installing the Titan Lite in many parts of the hospital, including most recently in the ceiling voids over the kitchens. This has been done by fixing metal angles across the soffits and then using the special tape and staples to secure the fabric to it. Despite the large number of services making the number of penetrations to be deal with quite challenging, our teams find the Firefly relatively easy to install.”

UK fire, construction, and energy consultancies to be brought under one roof

by Breaking NewsConstructionIndustry SectorsProductsUtilities

Housing construction, fire safety and energy efficiency consultancies are encouraged to register interest for a new consultancy framework launching this summer.

Consultancy Services (CS1) from LHC offers public sector organisations a wider range of services across all stages of the design, construction and refurbishment process, all in one framework.

The framework will cover all five LHC Group regions including Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA), Welsh Procurement Alliance (WPA) and South West Procurement Alliance (SWPA), Consortium Procurement Construction (CPC) and London and South East (LSE). However, housing consultancy services will be only for SPA, WPA and SWPA, owing to pre-existing frameworks already available for CPC and LSE areas.

CS1 brings together LHC’s existing Housing Construction Consultancy (H1 WS1), Energy Efficiency (N8C) and Fire Safety (FS1-C) frameworks under one umbrella to make it easier for contracting authorities to procure specialist consultants.

Dean Fazackerley, head of technical procurement at LHC said: “We recognise the importance of making frameworks more accessible to regional suppliers and SMEs to give them more opportunity to work with public sector organisations – CS1 looks to achieve that.

“Bringing housing construction consultancy, fire safety and energy efficiency under one roof allows us to meet client needs for projects of all sizes, reflecting the current market. It also means we can streamline the procurement process while offering a wider variety of high-quality, pre-approved expertise across a wide range of public sector buildings”

Consultancies are encouraged to register interest for the framework, which will be opening for applications in early summer 2022.

LHC intends to hold further engagement webinars with interested parties in due course to discuss initial proposals and gain feedback, before finalising the framework and issuing the tender.

Has the semiconductor shortage impacted fire and safety market?

by Featured NewsProductsThermal Imaging

The coronavirus pandemic has led to a rise in the uptick of digital technologies across different industry. However, the global semiconductor market has been facing an ongoing shortage due to various factors ranging from bottlenecks in the global supply chain and the pandemic itself, IDTechEx reported.

In the fire and safety market, RFID chips are being increasingly used in items such as SBCA firefighter clothing, helmets, regulators, vehicles, and other equipment. The technology works as the reader transmits a signal to unique tags, which respond with product data. This means teams can precisely track and take inventory of valuable assets and equipment.

Impinj, one of the leading UHF chip suppliers, stated in its Q3 2021 earnings call that semiconductor crisis has resulted in cost increases across the entire supply chain, from wafers to components, assembly, packaging, and shipping, and that the cost increases are too large for them to absorb at this time, and that they have no choice but to pass on the costs to their customers to maintain their margin model.

Despite the price hike, the business claims that demand for chips is still high – demand for endpoint ICs for UHF RFID tags exceeded shipments by more than 50% in Q3 alone. According to the company, both 200 mm and 300 mm wafers are in short supply for endpoint ICs, and the Demand will continue to outstrip supply, through 2022.

Major chip manufacturer GlobalWafers has told news outlets that the company won’t be able to meet the wafer demand until 2024. Doris Hsu, CEO, GlobalWafers said: “We have clear order visibility for 2023 and it should be okay into 2024. We do not see any signs of things slowing down in 2023 or 2024.”

This is because the worldwide expansion is moving at a snail’s pace. Over the next two years, the company plans to invest US$800 million in boosting production efficiency at its 12-inch fabs, including those in the United States, to increase production capacity. Last year, the business attempted to buy German wafer supplier Siltronic for $4.98 billion USD, but the deal fell through, and the funds will now be utilized to expand production. The firm announced in February 2022 that “the new manufacturing lines are planned to ramp up in H2 2023 and to be expanded on a quarterly basis.”

If the semiconductor and chip shortage has impacted your company or fire service’s operations, and you have found ways to overcome them, drop our editor an email on nikhil.pereira@intfireandsafetyjournal.com.