Humane issues fire safety alert for AI Pin charging cases

by Featured NewsSafety

Humane requests users to stop using charging cases immediately

Humane, the company behind the ChatGPT-powered AI Pin, has urged users to stop using the bundled charging case due to potential fire safety risks.

As reported by The Verge, Humane informed AI Pin users via email about safety issues related to the third-party battery cell used in the charging cases.

The company has since cut ties with the supplier of these cells.

Humane clarified that the safety concern is limited to the charging cases, and other components like the AI Pin, magnetic battery booster, and charging pad are unaffected.

Safety communication and ongoing investigation

Humane has not shared this information on its official website or X.

The company stated it would provide more details once its investigation is complete.

It remains unclear if Humane will offer free replacements for the affected charging cases.

To compensate users, Humane is providing a two-month free subscription worth $24 (approximately Rs 2,000), excluding taxes.

This subscription is necessary for accessing most AI Pin features.

Product launch and user feedback

Humane launched the AI Pin in April this year.

However, it faced criticism from prominent YouTubers and publications for being slow and unresponsive, with some users reporting delays of up to 10 seconds for a weather report.

Another feature allowing the wearer’s hand to serve as a display for menus and experiences received negative feedback.

Reviewers found the gestures hard to use and the screen difficult to see in daylight.

Harnessing smart technologies for enhanced protection with Amthal

by Breaking NewsProjectsSafety

Dave Pountney​​​​, IPL (Amthal Group Company) Business Development Manager explores advancing fire safety in highly hazardous environments

As industries such as Oil & Gas, Petrochemicals, and Energy continue to operate in environments where the chance of fire and explosion is inherent, there is an increasing need to adopt innovative solutions and mitigate these risks effectively.

Dave Pountney​​​​, IPL (Amthal Group Company) Business Development Manager explores the evolving landscape of fire safety in highly hazardous environments.

He highlights the role of smart security technologies in creating compliant protection and safeguarding lives and assets.

Providing fire detection solutions is a complex task at any time, but in high-hazard applications, there are additional risks and challenges to address.

The oil and gas industries are one of the most hazardous industries in the world, and fire prevention is essential to protecting workers and the environment.

It demands meticulous attention to detail and a profound understanding of dynamic factors.

Understanding the complexities of highly hazardous environments

Such highly hazardous environments present a myriad of challenges for fire safety management.

These settings are characterised by the presence of flammable materials, volatile substances, and complex operational processes, creating an elevated risk of fire and explosion.

Factors such as temperature variations, pressure fluctuations, and chemical interactions further compound the complexity of fire safety management in these environments.

Addressing the unique challenges requires a comprehensive understanding of dynamic factors and a proactive approach to risk mitigation.

Significant emphasis is placed on eliminating ignition sources and controlling ambient conditions to well below explosive limits.

Compliance with stringent standards

Given the volatile environments in the oil and gas industries, it is understandable a significant emphasis is placed on compliance with health and safety standards.

These environments are accountable to strict legislation that plays a vital role in defining requirements, helping to ensure that the very highest levels of safety are met.

This includes The ATEX Directive, which mandates the installation of equipment designed for use in explosive atmospheres, as defined by BS EN 60079.

Hazardous areas, where explosive mixtures of air and gas or vapour may occur, necessitate intrinsically safe (IS) equipment to prevent ignition.

IS technology, introduced in fire detection equipment in the 1980s, became mandatory in certain hazardous environments with the ATEX Directive in July 2003.

Under the directive, areas are classified into zones based on the likelihood and persistence of explosive atmospheres.

Zones range from continuous presence (Zone 0) to short-lived occurrences (Zone 2).

IS systems are essential in Zone 0, where they ensure low power and energy levels incapable of ignition, even with faults.

IS fire detection finds extensive use in power generation plants globally, including conventional and nuclear stations.

The evolution of smart fire safety technologies

Adhering to industry legislation and specifying approved products are vital considerations when specifying fire detection solutions.

It is also essential the right technology is chosen for each environment, ensuring accurate and reliable fire detection.

Once a suitable design has been approved and installed, how the information from this array of devices is processed and visualised is critical to the success or otherwise of a protection system.

Advancements in technology have revolutionised fire safety, enabling the development of smart solutions that offer unprecedented levels of protection and efficiency.

Smart fire safety technologies leverage opportunities for integration, data analytics, and automation to enhance situational awareness, facilitate rapid response, and optimise resource allocation.

These technologies represent a paradigm shift in fire safety management, offering real-time insights, predictive capabilities, and remote monitoring functionalities.

Key components of smart fire safety systems

Smart fire safety systems encompass a range of components and functionalities designed to address the specific challenges of highly hazardous environments.

Technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial IoT are pushing change in this area even faster with new field-mounted sensors and edge devices.

Space limitations in the control room also encourage end users to install more components in hazardous plant and field areas.

Increasingly stringent safety regulations and standards for explosion protection are driving users to obtain automation (and other) products with certifications for use in hazardous areas.

Some key components include smart fire detection systems that utilise sophisticated sensors and algorithms to detect incipient fires at the earliest possible stage.

These systems can differentiate between genuine fire threats and false alarms, minimising disruptions to operations while ensuring timely response.

Remote monitoring and control capabilities allow operators to monitor fire safety systems in real-time and initiate response actions remotely.

This functionality is particularly valuable in highly hazardous environments where access may be restricted or hazardous conditions preclude manual intervention.

Intelligent suppression systems leverage real-time data and predictive analytics to optimise suppression strategies and resource allocation.

These systems can dynamically adjust suppression parameters based on the evolving fire scenario, maximising effectiveness while minimising collateral damage.

Integration into client’s modular units enables seamless coordination between fire safety systems and other building systems, such as HVAC, access control, and emergency lighting.

This integrated approach enhances overall operational efficiency and ensures a coordinated response to fire emergencies.

Case study: Amthal’s Middle East project

Amthal has recently completed the first of three fire and suppression pump packages for an energy project in the Middle East.

The programme of works involved the initial risk assessments, through research and testing to select the most suitable equipment and materials for the project.

The installation and commissioning of fire protection solutions tailored to the specific needs of the client’s modular units.

The scope of work for the project was significant in being a highly hazardous environment, where it was critical to understand the dynamics involved.

Designing fire protection solutions that could be seamlessly integrated into the client’s modular units while meeting strict space and weight limitations.

Whilst collaborating with regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with local safety regulations, Amthal installed both main and reserve water mist systems connected to a detection activation and alarm system.

Watermist technology was chosen for its effectiveness in suppressing fires while minimising water usage and collateral damage.

The internal environment of the enclosure was classified as hazardous, requiring specialised equipment to ensure safety.

Amthal utilised ATEX-certified equipment, including lighting and smart control systems, to meet the stringent safety requirements.

All control and status panels were manufactured using 316 stainless steel, known for its corrosion resistance and durability.

This ensured the longevity and reliability of the fire protection systems, even in harsh environmental conditions.

In summary, the complex and challenging nature of fire detection is never more apparent than when dealing with industries which carry potentially catastrophic risks.

When it comes to safeguarding critical but dangerous infrastructure and ensuring that heavy, valuable industry is also safe for the local population, fire safety professionals need to use every resource at their disposal.

That means sensitive risk assessment and detection, staged alert and alarm levels, clear visualisation, fast to real-time information relays and a suitable response should the worst happen.

Essentially, there is no single answer for fire detection in hazardous areas.

Each solution must be customised to the application’s requirements.

And must account for evolving technology and changes in legislation.

Effective protection is based on the materials and fuels present, the processes involved, the environment, and other control measures present.

Specifiers and installers with considerable experience to identify and work in partnership with fire detection experts ensure that the chosen technology is appropriate, and meets industry legislation to guarantee compliance and present total protection.

This article was originally published in the June 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Shankersinh Vaghela calls for separate fire safety commissionerate in Gujarat

by Safety

Vaghela appeals to Gujarat Governor for new fire safety system

In the wake of the Rajkot gaming zone fire, former Gujarat chief minister Shankersinh Vaghela has written to Governor Devvrat Acharya, urging the establishment of a separate commissionerate for fire safety and disaster management.

As reported by The Indian Express, Vaghela has also called for a transparent single-window online licensing authority system.

The appeal follows a devastating fire at an indoor gaming zone in Rajkot on May 25, which resulted in 28 fatalities and nine injuries.

Officials reported that the TRP gaming zone lacked the necessary fire department no-objection certificate.

Vaghela highlighted past incidents in Gujarat, such as the 2019 Surat fire that killed 22 children, the 2022 Morbi bridge collapse with 134 deaths, and the boat capsize in Harni lake last year that claimed 14 lives.

He criticised the state government’s response as “stereotypical assurances” and called for a people-oriented approach.

Recommendations for a single-window online system

Vaghela’s letter to the Governor detailed several recommendations aimed at improving safety measures.

He proposed a commissionerate with coordinated fire safety and disaster management, replacing the current fragmented system with a single-window online system under vigilant supervision.

Vaghela stated: “A commissionerate should be set up with fire safety and disaster management coordination.

“As licencing authority and clearances are with different local bodies, this should be replaced with a single-window online system under the supervision of vigilance officers.”

He also suggested standard safety norms for public places, including hospitals, colleges, schools, theatres, malls, gaming zones, water parks, construction sites, and commercial complexes, to be implemented by the state government at various administrative levels.

Call for legal action and public transparency

Vaghela’s letter also emphasised the need for strict legal action against corruption and negligence by government officers.

He recommended exemplary punishment for those responsible for such incidents, including government and private contractors.

Vaghela said: “An effective and transparent system should be created for places with larger footfall.

“There should be strict legal action against corruption and dereliction of duty by government officers for putting people’s lives at stake for financial gains.”

He proposed the creation of a public portal where citizens can verify compliance with government rules and access copies of necessary permissions for public places.

Criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response

In his letter, Vaghela questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reaction to the Rajkot incident.

He criticised Modi for not offering condolences during public rallies, despite his political career starting in Rajkot.

Vaghela stated: “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political career started from Rajkot as an elected MLA.

“Busy in the ongoing elections, he might have forgotten that he is a Gujarati.

“Governments will come and go, but how will you bring back lives? If you cannot give life, then how do you get the right to take it away?

“Instead of rubbing salt in the pain of victims’ families by putting out a tweet, if he, a moral responsibility, had said a few words of condolence in one or two public rallies, we would have thought he is our own PM.”

Mass timber construction gains momentum amid fire safety challenges

by ConstructionFeatured News

Timber as a sustainable building material

As reported by Reuters, the use of timber in construction is gaining traction worldwide.

Notable projects such as a 5,000-seat football stadium in the UK, a replacement terminal at Zurich airport, the Naples central underground station, and the aquatic centre for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games all feature timber as the primary construction material.

Mass timber products, including cross-laminated timber (CLT), glulam, and laminated veneer lumber, are becoming popular due to their benefits in strength, flexibility, and sustainability.

The need to decarbonise cities is a significant driving force behind the adoption of timber in construction.

The built environment sector is responsible for 37% of global emissions, largely due to the use of high-emission materials like concrete and steel.

Studies indicate that replacing these materials with mass timber could reduce global CO2 emissions by 14-31% and fossil fuel use by 12-19%.

Addressing fire safety and sustainability concerns

One of the primary concerns regarding the use of timber is fire safety.

According to Built by Nature (BbN), mass timber products are combustible but behave predictably in fires, and various fire prevention measures can be applied.

The UK, following the Grenfell fire disaster in 2017, has stringent fire regulations that limit the use of combustible materials in buildings over 18 metres tall.

This has reduced the residential market for mass timber in the UK, although it remains popular for sports facilities and schools.

Sustainability concerns also play a role in the adoption of mass timber.

While proponents argue that timber is a renewable resource, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) warns that the CO2 reduction potential of timber has been overestimated.

The sustainability of timber depends on responsible harvesting and replanting practices, which vary globally.

In the UK, most engineered wood products are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).

Innovations and policies promoting timber use

Various innovations are being explored to address the challenges of using timber in construction.

For instance, hybrid wood products combining hard and soft woods are being developed to reduce reliance on single species like Sitka spruce, which can improve biodiversity and carbon storage.

Additionally, the EU-funded Woodcircles project aims to enhance the recyclability and reuse of timber in buildings.

Policies are also being implemented to incentivise the use of timber.

Cities like Amsterdam and Hamburg have set mandates and subsidies to promote mass timber construction.

Outside Europe, Toronto allows mass timber buildings up to 12 storeys, and New York City is actively promoting the benefits of timber construction.

National-level policies in countries like Australia and France further support the adoption of timber through financial incentives and legislative measures.

The future of timber in construction

The future of timber in construction looks promising as awareness of its environmental benefits grows.

Policymakers and industry stakeholders are increasingly recognising the potential of timber to reduce the construction sector’s environmental footprint.

Andrew Lawrence, global timber specialist at Arup, emphasised the need for consensus on fire safety and water damage solutions to build confidence in timber construction.

IFSJ Comment

As cities worldwide strive to reduce their carbon footprints, timber offers a viable alternative to traditional materials like concrete and steel.

However, the adoption of timber is not without its challenges.

Fire safety concerns, sustainability issues, and the need for industry-wide knowledge and acceptance are significant hurdles that must be addressed.

Innovations such as hybrid wood products and research into biomass-based glues show promise in overcoming some of these challenges.

Moreover, policies at both city and national levels are crucial in promoting the use of timber.

Mandates, subsidies, and legislative measures are driving the adoption of mass timber, particularly in regions where awareness and expertise are already established.

Gautam Budh Nagar fire department completes delayed fire safety audit

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsSafety

Fire safety audit findings in Gautam Budh Nagar

As reported by The Hindustan Times, a 15-day fire safety audit in Gautam Budh Nagar, which aimed to check the firefighting systems of high-rise buildings, was completed after two months due to elections and VIP movements.

Fire officials stated that 125 high-rises in the district were found with faulty firefighting systems, resulting in notices and cases against many of them.

Chief Fire Officer Pradeep Kumar Chaubey said: “The 15-day fire safety audit that began on March 11 was completed after a long delay due to elections and VIP movements in the district.

“We have checked 348 societies, out of which notices were served to 125 for violating fire safety norms and operating faulty firefighting systems.”

Legal actions and fines imposed

The fire department has taken further steps to enforce compliance with fire safety norms.

Cases have been registered against 77 societies, and fines have been imposed on three of them.

Chaubey added: “We have also registered cases against 77 societies and imposed a hefty fine on three of them.”

During this drive, around 3,154 towers of 348 societies were also checked individually.

The fire department has requested strict action against high-rise societies for faulty firefighting systems.

Fire safety violations and penalties

The fire safety audit included checks on various firefighting equipment and systems.

Violations can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment or fines.

During the audit, fire officials checked pipes, pumps, water sprinklers, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers.

Violations of fire safety norms can lead to imprisonment for up to 10 years or a fine of up to ₹1 lakh, said an official.

Record fire incidents in April

April has once again recorded the highest number of fire incidents for the third consecutive year.

According to the fire department data, 805 fire incidents were reported from January to April 2024.

In the last four months, 121 fire cases were reported in January, 136 in February, 182 in March, and 366 in April.

An official noted: “2,070 fire incidents were reported in 2018; 1,729 incidents in 2019; 1,246 in 2020; 1,372 in 2021; 1,514 in 2022, and 1,530 in 2023.”

IFSJ Comment

The completion of the fire safety audit in Gautam Budh Nagar, despite delays, highlights the persistent challenges in ensuring fire safety compliance in high-rise buildings.

The audit’s findings, with 125 high-rises identified for faulty systems, underscore the importance of regular and thorough inspections.

The rise in fire incidents, particularly in April, points to the need for heightened vigilance during warmer months.

The fire department’s comprehensive checks and the severe penalties for violations aim to mitigate the risk of fire incidents.

Regular maintenance of firefighting systems, including pipes, pumps, sprinklers, alarms, and extinguishers, is crucial for the safety of residents in high-rise buildings.

Fire service issues warning during National Hoarding Awareness Week

by Featured NewsSafety

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service warns of fire risks during National Hoarding Awareness Week

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) is supporting National Hoarding Awareness Week, taking place from 13-17 May 2024, to help raise awareness of the fire risks associated with hoarding.

As reported by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, hoarding affects an estimated 2-5% of the UK population.

Fire risks linked to hoarding include blocked escape routes, accelerated fire spread, increased smoke development, and delays in reporting essential property repairs.

Additionally, hoarding presents extra risks for firefighters during emergencies.

Home fire safety visits

The free home fire safety (Safe and Well) visits offered by HIWFRS are crucial in identifying and supporting individuals with hoarding behaviours.

Laura Cane-Andrews, HIWFRS Safeguarding Lead, said: “Our home fire safety visits play a huge part in identifying and supporting members of our community who may be displaying hoarding behaviours, to ensure they remain safe but can also receive any support they may want and need.

“We work closely with the individual and multi-agency partners to reduce the fire risks in the home.”

HIWFRS has shared stories of individuals they have assisted to highlight the impact of hoarding.

One such individual, B, had been overwhelmed by a high volume of books, newspapers, and videos.

Following a fire incident, a safeguarding referral led to joint visits from a Community Safety Officer and Adult Services team, resulting in regular support and significant improvements in B’s life.

Challenges and ongoing support

Hoarding is a complex mental health condition, requiring tailored approaches for each person.

Some individuals may refuse support, as seen in the case of H, who has been referred to HIWFRS but declined a home fire safety visit.

H faces risks including blocked escape routes and potential vermin due to spoiled food storage.

HIWFRS continues to collaborate with partner agencies through multi-agency risk management meetings to support H.

Progress has been made, with neighbours helping to clear some hoarded items.

HIWFRS is awaiting confirmation for a home fire safety visit to proceed with H’s consent and will keep supporting efforts to mitigate fire risks in the meantime.

Preplanning for ship incidents with Paul E. Calderwood

by Breaking NewsPorts & Maritime

Structural fire fighting response to marine incidents (part 2) By Paul E. Calderwood, Calderwood Consulting International

[Part 1 can be found here]

In February 1989 there was a vessel fire in Wilmington Delaware on the MV Centaurus and the following issues and problems were identified by the fire department:

  • Inability to communicate with the crew
  • Lack of knowledge of vessel systems and arrangement
  • Lack of knowledge of the fire control plan
  • Logistic of managing large amounts of foam concentrate, including protecting the foam from freezing temperatures
  • Difficulty in recharging large numbers of radios and flashlights during a prolonged operation
  • Difficulty in dewatering and controlling pollution from contaminated runoff

These and many other issues and problems will be faced by fire fighters and the command staff at a vessel fire and with proper pre-fire planning many of these can be eliminated or reduced.

All fires to a fire fighter can be a life and death situation, but with shipboard firefighting there is a heightened level of risk due to the unknowns.

Use of 30-minute air tanks may be only enough to get you to the fire but not able to exit from a lower deck or engine room.

There are a number of MIRT (Marine Incident Response Teams) Teams formed in the US today.

The make-up of these teams includes port area fire departments, USCG, special experts like marine architects and marine chemist and other agencies and departments that would be called upon to respond to a vessel fire.

These teams are used also to provide training and drills prior to actual events but it gives the responders the opportunity to meet each other and iron out any problems in a non-emergency situation.

Mutual aid training of fire fighters is an area of planning that will need extensive work to accomplish.

Every fire department is faced with legally mandated training, much of which is required to be repeated annually.

Finding the time, the vessels, competent instructors and a safe location to hold training is needed and not easy to do.

The basic training of fire fighters for responding to a shipboard fire is roughly 16 – 24 hours.

Now you have to factor in the typical day in the life of a fire fighter, shift starts at 8am, equipment checks and housework until 9am, training from 9-9:30 until lunch.

After lunch class could start around 1:30 until 5 pm, so in one day with breaks and lunch you will get about 6 hours’ worth of training in; unless there is a fire or a medical call.

Depending on fire department work schedules, vacation schedules, sick days and injuries it could take months to get everyone through just the basic training.

The hands-on training can be organized through multi-departmental drills with assistance from the shipping companies and the US Coast Guard.

The one item that can be pointed to as a problem at every fire that has not gone right is communications.

The command staff of a vessel fire should already be aware that they will have communications problems, especially trying to communicate with the fire attack teams below deck.

The comment about being able to communicate in any type of building can also be any type of vessel.

The steel construction of a vessel is going to cause problems on many levels but especially with communications.

During practical drills in Everett we have found that a standard portable radio can reach 2-3 decks below the main deck near a stairwell.

The use of radio relays or using the ship’s communications systems may be the only way to get messages back and forth.

A secondary issue of communications comes from the ability of the OIC to communicate in a common language.

The terminology of the marine environment and ships system is complicated; if an OIC has no idea what a ship’s crew member is talking about it is doubtful that he will go along with it.

During port calls, many of the ship’s crewmembers may be on shore leave and will be unavailable to assist in the emergency and with a language barrier it will be difficult to ascertain who is accounted for or missing.

A M.I.R.T. is a group of training individuals from the many different agencies and departments in the area that have practiced together and responded to actual incidents.

Special experts like marine architects, marine chemists and vessel stability are vital to have on scene throughout the event.

The M.I.R.T. team concept can help bridge the gaps that are left from the lack of training.

These experts can help OIC’s in developing attack plans that can actually keep fire fighters above deck and not have to enter spaces that can be attacked using ship systems.

The use of some indirect attack methods, like flooding a space with CO2, can help buy time for the OIC to arrange for further support and resources.

There are similarities in the basic construction and layouts but being familiar with a vessel will make a difference when an actual event occurs.

Training can be upgraded to practice drills where fire fighters board a vessel in turnout gear and simulate fire conditions, advance lines, do search and rescue, patient removals and systems operations.

Through the use of drills on actual vessels fire fighters will gain a working knowledge of how to operate on a vessel, how to find their way around the different decks and how to communicate.

The simple task of walking onto the ship, across the main deck and then down 4-5 decks to a smoke-filled engine room is not something an average fire fighter can physically do.

The command staff needs to know how to organize the attack on a fire and how to set up an accountability system to track all fire fighters and crew members.

The pre-fire planning that is needed in a port community needs to address all the different types of vessels that dock there.

Based on the different types of vessel the plan can be generic for all vessels or it may have to be specific to each type of vessel due to the size or hazards associated with the vessel.

In the back of the NFPA 1405 Guide there are generic forms that can be used to start your planning; the intent of the forms is to have a memory jogger that will assist the incident commander that is first assigned to the vessel fire to gather important information that can and will change during the course of the fire.

These changes need to be monitored but without a good base line to start with the changes may not seem to be as serious as they really are.

Things like the depth of the vessel in the water and any listing of the vessel to one side are important to note.

Accountability was one area that needs to be assigned to an officer at the beginning of the incident.

When coordinating the efforts of hundreds of fire fighters and the alphabet soup of local, state and federal agencies, there has to be a detailed method of accounting for everyone, especially those entering into the hot zones.

Control and check points need to be established at the vessel entrances and members need to check in when boarding and check out when leaving the vessel.

A secondary check point is also needed at the point where fire fighters are actually entering into the vessel to attack the fire.

The time they enter, and their air bottle pressure should be written down and an estimated time of return and their destination.

If the crew does not return within the given time period and is unable to be contacted the rapid intervention team should be sent in to search for them.

Crews can easily become disorientated below deck and travel to another exit point, but they should always contact the checkpoint where they entered to notify them that the team has exited the interior of the vessel safely.

If your department could be called on to respond to any type of vessel fire, please take the time and get the proper training to be able to safely and professionally respond and mitigate the situations.

I dedicate this article to Firefighter Augusto Acabou and Firefighter Wayne Brooks Jr., may they both Rest In Peace.

Contact me regarding available training programs in the US and International locations: dchiefpaul@aol.com

This article was originally published in the May 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Rochdale-based QDOS launches advanced fire safety technology

by Featured NewsSafety

DynamicZM: revolutionizing fire safety management with new LCD technology

Rochdale-based company QDOS, specialists in fire safety, has unveiled their latest product, dynamicZM, an advanced alternative to traditional LED fire zone mimics.

The product is designed to enhance fire safety management using a large LCD screen that automatically displays an active fire alarm zone plan during an alarm event, with the capability to switch to other media in non-emergency times.

This development eliminates the need for manual intervention, providing clear and immediate identification of zones during emergencies.

Technology and investment

The development of dynamicZM involved a substantial investment and four years of dedicated effort.

The system is designed for versatility in various commercial settings including education, hospitality, office, and retail environments, offering the dual function of a fire safety and information display system.

In industrial settings, it serves to display vital health and safety updates, facilitating swift responses and effective evacuations during emergencies.

This innovation represents a significant evolution in fire safety technology.

Expert insights and product advantages

Damian Linley, founder and CEO of QDOS, expressed his enthusiasm for the new system: “dynamicZM is a step forward in fire safety technology, providing clear and immediate situational awareness during fire emergencies.

This technology empowers facilities managers, building occupants and fire safety professionals to take decisive action.” He further highlighted the system’s adaptability and clarity, stating that it eliminates confusion for all building occupants during emergencies.

The product is compatible with both conventional and addressable fire alarm systems and features a smart power saving mode among other advanced specifications.

Exhibition and availability

QDOS is showcasing dynamicZM  on Stand 4/M23 at The Fire Safety Event 2024, providing an opportunity for fire safety professionals to experience this new technology firsthand.

The product will be available through the QDOS approved installer network across the UK starting in the third quarter of 2024.

Harnessing AI to enhance fire safety measures

by Breaking NewsSafety

Kaylie Moncur, Head of Marketing at SeeChange, sheds light on the transformative power of artificial intelligence in fire safety

For hundreds of thousands of years, humans have used and controlled fire.

From cooking food to powering industrial revolutions, fire has been a tool that humans have both used and respected.

With this respect for the danger that fire represents, humans have developed regulations for using it safely.

In the early days of humanity this could mean not lighting a fire around dry foliage, humans having witnessed the devastation of wildfires on the landscape; for modern life there are potential fire risks at every turn from retail storage to petrol filling stations.

So how do we keep pace with safety when the risks are constantly evolving?

OSHA and HSE are regularly updating standards in line with new risks, but for businesses and individuals these standards are both numerous and rely on human interaction with the standards to maintain compliance.

A fire safety officer can write a detailed fire risk assessment, plan safe routes out of the building and comply with the legislation on paper.

However, there will always be unknown additional factors that emerge, and the human nature to take shortcuts to overcome.

Despite the regulations and implementations of risk management and fire prevention, fire and explosions (excluding wildfires) are the single largest identified cause of corporate insurance losses, representing 21% of all claims with more than €18 billion of insurance claims between 2017 and 2021.

Human nature is to assume risks are lower, especially in familiar environments, and confirmation bias can reinforce this – an employee left a box of products in front of an electrical panel a week ago and it was fine, it will be fine this time too.

The employee may be right, this time it might be fine, but what about next time?

What about the day of an unannounced fire safety inspection, or the day that the electrical panel becomes faulty and sparks?

Businesses can be meticulous planning fire safety on paper, but in the end they rely on employees to stay within the rules.

When this falls down, this can lead to fines as a minimum.

Fires can cost in building damage, insurance premium increases, compensation for anyone caught in the fire, and in worst case scenarios it can cost lives.

What does AI have to do with Fire Safety?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is (along with connectivity, human-machine interaction and advanced engineering) one of the four foundational types of what is referred to as the fourth industrial revolution.

Computer Vision AI seeks to understand scenarios by extracting meaningful information from the surroundings, and to execute actions defined by programmed rules.

Introducing AI into Fire Safety allows businesses to balance human actions with agreed safety parameters and to demonstrate to health and safety regulators, insurance companies, their own employees, and customers that they take fire safety seriously.

Although it can seem complicated to introduce AI to a business environment, solutions can be designed to run on edge devices, integrate with existing CCTV, and be fine-tuned to individual environments, providing 24/7 cover.

 A challenge for Health & Safety professionals is to apply regulations consistently across sites where layout differs.

AI can enforce rules designed by fire professionals, allowing them to focus on reducing or eliminating associated risks.

An example could be the electrical panel scenario we previously highlighted.

Whilst health and safety professionals can decree access must not be blocked with a minimum clearance of 30″x36, how do they enforce this when employees are running the store day to day?

Without a health and safety professional on site throughout store opening hours, it is reliant on employees remembering and actively following risk assessment guidelines.

For businesses with plenty of employees, this can be less challenging, but for those with fewer employees trying to complete more work, health and safety may not be a priority.

By turning on AI solutions which monitor for scenarios such as these, businesses translate the risks outlined by their health and safety advisors into actionable rules, with the health and safety management system integrating with existing communication methods.

In store notifications would then be sent advising items have been stored incorrectly and requiring them to be relocated.

Of course, AI like any tool has its limitations.

 For example, data requirements are a challenge – AI needs to learn about its environment, and this typically requires huge amounts of data.

 In addition, there is always a risk that if an AI system encounters something in an environment it is not familiar with, something important could be ignored (known as a False Negative) or something irrelevant could be flagged (a False Positive).

Overcoming limitations such as these requires a combination of machine learning and human oversight.

 By ensuring solutions are built with human inputs this enables AI to make safer and more accurate decisions, and for them to continually improve by taking these corrections into account.

 It also ensures that humans can review and understand the decisions AI makes and intervene with this decision-making process when necessary.

What can AI offer for Fire Safety?

The key areas of fire safety that AI can really help businesses succeed with are:

  1. Continuous monitoring of protected zones including exit routes, exit doors, electrical panels, with rules and parameters determined by both the regulations and the individual business layout.
  2. Early alerting for spills of flammable and hazardous liquids such as fuel leaks at a petrol station
  3. Notifications for obstructed access or missing firefighting equipment such as fire extinguishers.
  4. Insights into incidents, near misses and general store safety
  5. Reporting and audit trail documentation to demonstrate to regulatory bodies a commitment to ensure compliance

For businesses this is an extension of their existing health and safety practices, enabling them to demonstrate to regulatory bodies that they understand and comply with regulations.

It also provides opportunities for employee training or business process improvement – is a fire door always blocked at 9am on a Monday because of stock deliveries?

Are there more obstructions in exit routes during peak holidays due to excess stock deliveries with no place to store it?

Businesses can utilise AI to guide their employees into complying with the regulations.

But in addition, when used properly AI can also provide a wealth of data including critical insights, incident reports and audit trails to help understand what is happening at a granular level across the business.

For retailers with multiple stores in a chain, deploying a health and safety management system can allow them to understand the entire retail estate immediately – which stores are more frequently non-compliant, which regions may need more employee training, which areas are performing well and so consistently strive for better standards.

This can then enable businesses to reward the stores performing well, and support those who are not compliant.

Stores for example with high staff turnover may not have enough employees with the awareness and training to enforce regulations.

Some stores may be understaffed and lack the capacity to get the store cleanliness and fire safety hygiene under control.

For businesses, this would allow them to assess the situation as a whole and address problem areas.

In the example above, if a store is understaffed, businesses may focus more attention on recruitment drives in specific regions, as this is likely to be much more cost effective than repeated fines for non-compliance.

Finally, AI can enable remote cross-estate fire safety compliance visibility.

AI allows managers to see how stores perform day to day, how fast employees respond to fire safety non-compliance and how many incidents there are every day, week, and month.

Businesses can then use this data to find ways to incentivise their employees to adhere to continual compliance – stores with less than 10 incidents per quarter may get a bonus or other benefits for maintaining health and safety compliance.

Whilst the world of AI seems vast and it can be difficult for businesses to know how or where to start, it is easy to see the value of AI in these settings.

Not only can businesses demonstrate how seriously they take fire safety to regulatory bodies, but they can ensure that workplaces are truly safe for their employees and customers.

This article was originally published in the April 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Fire safety compliance in England’s high-rises falls short under new regulations

by Building ManagementConstructionSafety

Recent findings reveal low compliance rates

According to new research from FASTSIGNS UK, fire and rescue services in England have received only a fraction of the required building and external wall plans for high-rise buildings under the updated fire safety regulations.

These findings, based on Freedom of Information requests to 18 fire services, show that only about 30% of building plans and 21% of external wall plans have been submitted since the regulations were updated.

This low compliance comes despite the legal obligation for responsible persons of high-rise residential buildings, with seven or more storeys, to provide local fire and rescue services with essential safety information, as stipulated by the Fire Safety (England) Regulation 2022, effective from 23 January 2023.

The importance of these regulations was underscored by the Grenfell Tower tragedy in July 2017, which led to enhanced legal requirements including the necessity for clear, updated building plans to facilitate safe and effective emergency responses.

Variation in compliance across regions

The research highlights significant disparities in compliance among different fire services across England.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service reported the highest compliance, receiving 88% of both building and external wall plans.

In stark contrast, Nottingham Fire & Rescue Service received only 6% of building plans and a mere 4% of external wall plans.

This suggests a varied landscape of adherence across the region, potentially impacting the effectiveness of fire services during emergencies.

The data for this research was gathered to help fire services prepare more effectively for potential emergencies, ensuring they have the necessary information to navigate high-rise buildings safely.

It also aims to facilitate safer evacuation for residents by providing clear, signposted exit routes.

Comments from industry experts

John Davies, managing director of FASTSIGNS UK, emphasised the critical role of up-to-date safety information in building management: “No matter what the industry, health and safety signage is fundamental in minimising risks and supporting people’s wellbeing, as well as being crucial in the event of an emergency.

“With certified safety and directional signage, both residents and response teams will be able to clearly navigate high-rise buildings when an incident occurs.

“We work closely with our customers around England so that any buildings that fall under this criteria meet these new requirements.”

IFSJ Comment

The recent study revealing the low compliance with fire safety regulations in England’s high-rises raises significant concerns about safety standards and enforcement.

While some regions like Cheshire showcase high levels of adherence, the overall low compliance rate across the country points to a critical need for stronger enforcement and accountability mechanisms.

This issue highlights gaps in the regulatory framework and stresses the need for continuous improvement and oversight to ensure that safety regulations are more than just statutory requirements but actual practices that safeguard lives.