Zenova Group announces distribution plans for Saudi Arabia

Provider of innovative fire safety and heat management technology and products, Zenova Group PLC, has announced that it has entered a sub-distribution agreement with the Ethmaar Investment Company  (“Ethmaar”) to distribute its thermal insulation and fire protection products throughout Saudi Arabia.

The sub-distribution agreement will provide Saudi customers with direct access to Zenova’s thermal insulation and fire protection products and builds upon Ethmaar’s relationships with some of the biggest organisations in Saudi Arabia.

This agreement provides for Ethmaar to place the first order of one container valued at £116,000 within 3 months of entering into this agreement and subsequently order a minimum of £1.2m worth of Zenova products within 12 months of the date of the agreement.

Commenting on the news, Tony Crawley, Chief Executive of Zenova Group PLC said: “This agreement with Ethmaar represents a very important first step for Zenova into Saudi Arabia and we look forward to working with Ethmaar as we gain a foothold for our products in this jurisdiction where our products are much needed to tackle the issues that are increasing in their significance as the local authorities focus more on temperature management, energy conservation, safety and prevention of fire”

Tariq M Barri, Managing Director of Ethmaar said: “We are very pleased to be Zenova’s partner of choice in Saudi Arabia. Critically, by adding Zenova to our portfolio we can bring innovative and high performing building material with green credentials to the attention of organizations (government and private), and building owners to compliment design strategies that improve safety, performance and reduce our environmental impact.

“Zenova IP, Zenova FP and Zenova IR improve the thermal performance and fire protection on future builds as well as providing solutions that do not exist in many scenarios. Adding Zenova to our product offerings allows Ethmaar to offer quick, affordable, and ecological insulation and fire protection solutions.”

Global fire truck market to reach over $8,000 billion by 2027

According to a recent report from Mordor Intelligence, the Global Fire Truck Market has been forecast in terms of Value (USD Million) across all segments is expected to reach USD $8211.74 billion by 2027, up from USD $5,501.8 billion in 2021.

Whilst the Covid-19 pandemic affected the fire truck industry worldwide, with the closure of production facilities and transportation businesses causing market instability, causing firefighting vehicle manufacturers to face supply chain issues, the , the market started picking up pace, and the demand for fire fighting vehicles is expected to have notable growth of 6.83% CPAG between 2022-2027.

Evolving government fire safety regulations across all sectors and continuous emphasis of government on the upgradation of fire trucks and associated equipment are expected to drive the demand for fire trucks during the forecast period, but high investments and upfront expenses associated with manufacturing fire vehicles may limit market expansion.

The evolution of electric trucks and growing interest in firefighting apparatuses and local assemblies across the world, however, are expected to create a positive outlook for the market studied.

The fire truck market is segmented by type, by application, and by geography. Based on the type, the market is segmented into type rescue trucks, tanker, pumper, and multi-tasking trucks. Based on the application type, the market is segmented into residential and commercial, enterprises and airports, and military. By geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the world. For each segment, the market sizing and forecast are based on value (USD Million).

Rising demand

According to the National Fire Protection Association, there have been more than 400,000 house fire cases reported in the United States every year. These fire incidents bring dreadful culture to the people. The scenarios remain the same not just in the United States but across the world. In addition, several residential/commercial fire incidents are being reported across the world where fire incidents have destroyed the lives and property of the people.

An increasing number of high-rise buildings are also leading local municipalities to upgrade their existing fleet of fire fighting equipment, including trucks.

Regional focus

The fire truck market is expected to be dominated by Asia-Pacific, followed by North America and Europe, during the forecast period.

The presence of key low-cost manufacturers of China, coupled with the rising demand from residential and commercial applications in emerging economies, such as China, South Korea, and India, is expected to drive the market growth during the forecast period.

China is the largest Asian market for fire trucks. However, India has witnessed a key increase in the demand for fire trucks over the past years, owing to the high industrialisation the country is undergoing. Industries from segments including oil refineries, steel plants, industrial corporations, and thermal power generation plants have also been demanding industrial grade fire trucks with special emphasis on foam trucks.

Japan saw a decreasing trend in the number of fire-related fatalities as of 2020. This trend is mostly attributed to the advanced technological developments of fire trucks and decreased response time to a fire alert. 

North America’s growth is primarily driven by the growing requirement of advanced safety infrastructure in residential buildings and commercial complexes, which is expected to augment the market demand.

The fire truck market in Europe and Middle-East, and Africa is primarily by the consumption in applications, such as enterprises, industries, airports, and the military, providing new opportunities for key players to expand in the market.

Finally, some prominent players in the market including Rosenbauer, E-one, Magirus, Oshkosh Corporation, are investing in R&D activities to develop improved products and equipment.

The full report can be found here: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/fire-truck-market

Teledyne GMI launches remote gas detection tool for firefighters

Teledyne GMI has introduced a new Gas Laser with highly advanced laser technology designed to detect natural gas, designed with the aim of enhancing safety and improving detection for fire services, and first responders.

Teledyne Gas and Flame detection has a portfolio of fixed and portable industrial gas and flame detection instruments used in a variety of industries including petrochemical, power generation, oil & gas, food & beverage, mining and waste water treatment.

Frequently fire personnel and first responders are called to natural gas emergencies using equipment that puts them close to potentially dangerous structures. The Gas Laser is designed to support remote detection allowing the operator to work at a safer distance from the hazard location.

When access to a property cannot be established, the Gas Laser can operate through glass, giving the user an audible and visual indication to the presence of methane. This quick scan permits fire personnel and first responders to make rapid decisions and establish control of the gas and ignition sources should a gas escape be detected.

Main features of the device include:
• Quickly scan common venting points from a safe distance
• Detection distance 30 m (100 ft)
• 8 hours run-time
• Highly visible, sunshine resistant guide laser equipped for location accuracy
• Graphical interface for easy user interpretation
• Color camera with Bluetooth, WIFI, and datalogging onboard
• Certified Intrinsically Safe to Class I, Division 2, Group D, T4

Sentry Doors secures accreditation for FD30S range

Fire safety door supplier Sentry Doors has announced that it now offers UKCA accreditation on its entire range of FD30S flush and glazed doorsets following a bi-directional burn test of its double-glazed range, including its double glazed doorsets complete with double glazed and panel sidelight.

The United Kingdom Conformity Assessment mark (UKCA) replaces the CE mark used in the European Union, for mainland UK and serves as a declaration of performance to the essential characteristics in accordance with the harmonised standards. The UKCA marking came into effect in January 2021 with businesses granted an extension until the 1 of January 2023 to transition to the UKCA marking from CE marking.

The UKAS accredited lab tested doorsets comprising of the door leaf and a glazed panel sidelight, alongside a door leaf with a range of Sentry’s glazing combinations, to ensure all variations were compliant. Each test exceeded the minimum 30-minute time requirement for an FD30S doorsets, demonstrating the overall integrity of the doorset and the superiority of the product. This accreditation offers customers complete confidence in these products.

Ty Aziz, Managing Director, Sentry Doors said: ‘We are pleased to announce the success of our recent fire test for bi-directional FD30S UKCA Double Glazed doorset complete with double glazed and panel sidelight. We reacted quickly to the changes in the market last year and are happy to share that we were the fire UK fire door manufacturer to obtain the UKCA marking with approved body BM TRADA.

“We now offer our entire range of FD30S flat entrance door styles in a range of combinations to suit our customers and their project requirements. As Sentry grow, we are constantly making efforts to remain a market leader and be at the forefront of compliance’.

Discover Sentry Door’s full range of FD30S external UKCA doorsets now. For complete confidence in compliance, you can be secure with Sentry. Contact marketing@sentrydoors.co.uk for more information.

Fire protection system market to grow 6.7%

The global fire protection system market size, which was valued at USD 72.72 billion in 2021, is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% from 2022 to 2030.

In recent years, the market was negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and knock on supply chain disruption across countries and regions. However, the post-pandemic market is expected to grow as the rising urban population which will likely boost demand for fire protection systems.

Fire protection systems include equipment such as fire detectors, fire response systems, fire analysis software, fire suppression systems, and fire sprinkler systems. These systems are installed in various infrastructures, including industrial buildings, residential buildings, and commercial buildings, to safeguard people and reduce the loss of destruction from fire hazards.

The adoption of fire protection systems in several developing countries was initially slow compared to developed nations due to the lack of awareness among consumers regarding the product as well as reduced regulatory pressure. However, the launch of fire safety programs and the use of targeted marketing explaining the benefits of a fire protection system have drawn the attention of large as well as small and medium enterprises, leading to steady market growth in recent years.

Construction of new properties, including residential and non-residential, is expected to offer new opportunities for installing fire alarm and detection systems. An increase in the number of property damage due to fire accidents is also driving the market.

The market for fire protection systems is also being driven by the regulations, standards, and codes imposed by different regulatory bodies as the growing standard has resulted in organisations installing up-to-date fire protection systems. These factors are expected to boost the growth of the market over the forecast period.

Detection

The fire detection segment accounted for more than 50.0% share of the global revenue in 2021. A fire detection system comprises various devices working collectively, which help detect and warn people through video and audio equipment during an incident involving smoke, carbon monoxide, fire, or other emergencies.

The fire analysis segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 13.6% from 2022 to 2030. The segment growth can be attributed to the increasing need for fire analysis, which helps make proper decisions during fire prevention.

Installation and maintenance

The installation and design service segment accounted for more than 40.0% share of the global revenue in 2021. This refers to the practice of outsourcing the solution for design, development, upgrades documentation and installing processes of the fire protection system. Fire protection systems are being installed across buildings of all sizes as inhabitants increasingly understand the benefits they offer in small, mid-size, and large buildings.

The maintenance services segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 6.8% from 2022 to 2030. Fire protection systems play a vital role in detecting and alerting people in the event of smoke or fire; however, any fault in the system may lead to accidents and asset losses.

Application Insights

The commercial application segment dominated the market and accounted for more than 45.0% share of the global revenue in 2021, which includes applications for retail, BFSI, government, healthcare, and telecom and IT educational institutions. The demand for fire protection systems in commercial applications is increasing due to the formulation of stricter government rules for fire prevention and control being put in place across the globe.

The industrial application segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 7.8% from 2022 to 2030. The industrial application covers major sectors such as oil and gas, mining, energy and power, and manufacturing. The need to safeguard automated systems from fire accidents is expected to fuel the growth of the segment.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the market for fire protection systems and accounted for over 35.0% share of the global revenue in 2021, which can be attributed to the rising demand for intelligent houses and smart buildings.

Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR over the forecast period, with countries including as India, China, and Japan expected to drive the regional market. Growing urbanisation and rising awareness among the consumers are also expected to contribute to the growth of the market in this region over the forecast period.

Shepherd’s Bush tower block fire caused by e-bike says London Fire Brigade

The London Fire Brigade have confirmed that the fire on the 12th floor of a high-rise building in Shepherd’s Bush earlier this week was caused by the failure of an e-bike’s lithium-ion battery.

Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackled a flat fire on Queensdale Crescent in Shepherd’s Bush. London Ambulance Service confirmed that two patients were assessed at the scene and another was treated and taken to hospital.

Firefighters have now issued an urgent safety warning to e-bike owners, claiming that London’s firefighters  have seen a huge spike in e-bike and e-scooter incidents as they have become more popular in recent years and have issued several warnings about how ferocious the fires can be.

So far this year, crews have attended 32 fires involving e-bikes and another seven involving e-scooters. So far in 2022, there have been a further 17 fires involving other lithium-ion batteries and last year, in total there were more than 100 fires in the capital involving lithium-ion batteries.

The Brigade’s Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety, Charlie Pugsley, said: “It’s incredibly concerning that we are continuing to see a rise in incidents involving e-bikes.

“When these batteries and chargers fail, they do so with ferocity and because the fires develop so rapidly the situation can quickly become incredibly serious.

“These items are often stored in communal areas and corridors and can block people’s only means of escape.

“Another issue with fires involving lithium-ion batteries and which we saw at yesterday’s fire is that when they fail, they eject their contents over a wide area which can lead to multiple areas of burning in the room where the fire has started.”

LFB’s advised never to store e-bikes or e-scooters in communal areas as if they are involved in a fire as it can easily block the only means of escape.

Fire investigators determined that many of the e-bike incidents involved e-bike conversion kits (to convert a standard push bike into an electric bike rather than purpose built ones) which only provide the motors and control gear but batteries must be sourced separately.

Assistant Commissioner Pugsley added: “There is a significant risk posed by the e-bikes which have been converted and we are predominantly seeing fires in ones which have been purchased from online market places and batteries which have been sourced on the internet, which may not meet the correct safety standards.

“Lithium-ion batteries are susceptible to failure if incorrect chargers are used.

“Our advice is to try and store and charge these items in a safe location if possible, such as in a shed or garage, and if they have to be stored inside, make sure there is smoke detection fitted and your means of escape is not obstructed.

“However we know this won’t be possible for everyone, so if you are charging them indoors, please follow our advice on using safe charging and ensure everyone in your home knows what to do in the event of a fire.

“Make sure they are charged in a room where there is smoke detection and on a hard, flat surface.

“We would also suggest people try not to charge them when they are asleep, so that if there is an issue they can react quickly.”

London Fire Brigade’s E-bike and e-scooter safety advice:

  • Always use the correct charger for the product and buy an official one from a reputable seller.
  • Batteries can get warm during their use and it is advisable to allow them to cool down before attempting to re-charge as they could be more susceptible to failure.
  • Batteries should always be charged on hard flat surfaces where heat can dissipate.
  • Batteries can also pose a risk if they have been damaged, so try to ensure they are not getting knocked around while in use or while being carried as spares as this can increase the chance of damage to cells.
  • You should always make sure you unplug your charger once it’s finished charging. Always follow manufacturers’ instructions when charging and we would advise not to leave it unattended or while people are asleep.
  • Ensure you have smoke alarms fitted in areas where e-bikes or e-scooters are being charged and make sure they are tested regularly.
  • Never block your escape route with anything, including bikes and scooters. Store them somewhere away from a main through route.

Drager wins iF design awards for PSS AirBoss and HPS Safeguard

Dräger has been awarded two iF Design Awards for its PSS AirBoss self-contained breathing apparatus and HPS SafeGuard helmet for excellence in their respective idea, form, function, differentiation and impact.

Dräger’s PSS AirBoss achieved its iF Design Award for its ‘high adaptability to the user’s ergonomics, needs and mission, providing the best possible protection and agility in challenging environments’. The judges also reported that it has ‘excellent weight distribution and optimal fit which allow the user to operate freely and fully concentrate on the task at hand’. PSS AirBoss’ communication links, highly-visible decals and integrated lighting were also said to support teamwork and safety. 

The ultra-light Dräger HPS SafeGuard helmet was commended for an ‘innovative design that combines optimal protection with the highest levels of wearing comfort’. It was also praised for the design’s ‘optimal operability’ even in the most challenging of environments, and ‘excellent ergonomics’. Overall, the judges reported that its ‘sporty look, lightweight and tailor-made accessories make the helmet a real all-rounder for any challenge’.

Elizabeth Millward, Marketing Manager at Dräger Safety UK, says the awards are a testament to years of development: “The research and development and design process happens in conjunction with fire services, industry, medical and educational organisations to ensure that our safety products and systems deliver the utmost in safety – crucially – whilst also providing user comfort for a wide variety of heights, weights and body forms. We’re immensely pleased to have been recognised in such a prestigious international awards’ scheme.”

The iF Design Awards are recognised as a symbol of design excellence around the world, with this year’s entries coming from a total of 49 countries. Each entry is scored during a three-day process where submissions are evaluated, discussed and scored in the Wilhelm Hallen exhibition space in Berlin by 75 international design experts.

Protective coating market to reach $16.7bn by 2030

The global protective coatings market size, which was valued at USD $12.2 billion in 2021, is expected to reach USD $16.7 billion by 2030, recording an estimated CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 3.40% over the forecast period (2022–2030), according to Straits Research.

The protective coating is widely used in construction, oil & gas, aerospace, industrial, marine, automotive, power generation, mining, and protects a range of surfaces from the elements, which could jeopardise an item’s operation or integrity. The building industry’s global expansion has boosted demand for protective coatings dramatically.

A growing demand for green coatings has driven the market. Green coatings are formulations that have been designed to have the least amount of environmental impact possible throughout their supply chain. These coatings are eco-friendly throughout their entire life cycle and in addition to raw materials and emissions, green coatings have reduced fire risk during handling and storage.

Asia-Pacific now has the dominant position in the global protective coatings market and is expected to witness the highest CAGR during the 2022-2030 forecast period. It is predicted to reach a value of USD $8,825 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 4.3%.

China is a key hub for chemical processing in the Asia-Pacific and accounts for a significant proportion of the chemicals produced globally. With the increasing need for various chemicals worldwide, the demand for protective coating from this sector is expected to rise during the forecast period.

North America holds the second-largest share in the regional market and is estimated to reach a predicted value of USD $3,475 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 2.9%. Protective coatings have a significant demand from the United States construction sector compared to the other countries in North America due to their larger market size and active investments in the development of the construction sector.

Europe takes third place in the market with estimated value to reach of USD $2,750 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 2.7%. The chemical industry in Germany is the largest in Europe. Germany is the primary chemical manufacturer, accounting for more than 70% of all chemical exports from Europe.

In the future years, the industry is predicted to expand, which will increase demand for the market under consideration. The market analysed is expected to grow over the projection period, thanks to increased demand from major end-user industries.

National Fire Protection Association announced theme for Fire Prevention Week

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape” as the theme for Fire Prevention Week which takes place on 9-15 October. The initiative is designed to reinforce the critical importance of developing a home escape plan with all members of the household and practicing it regularly.

According to NFPA data, home is where people are at greatest risk, with three-quarters (74 percent) of all US fire deaths occurring in homes. When a home fire does occur, it’s more likely to be serious; people are more likely to die in a home fire today than they were in 1980.

“Today’s homes burn faster and hotter than they used to, minimizing the amount of time they have to escape safely,” aid Lorraine Carli, vice president of the NFPA Outreach and Advocacy division. “In a typical home fire, you may have as little as two minutes to get out from the time the smoke alarms sounds.”

The Fire Prevention Week 2022 theme, “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape,” promotes messages that the NFPA said could mean the difference between life and death in a fire. Developing a home escape plan with all members of the household and practicing it regularly ensures that everyone knows what to do when the smoke alarm sounds and uses that time wisely.

Following are key messages behind this year’s “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape” theme:

  • Make sure your home escape plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
  • Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound.
  • Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.
  • Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet.
  • Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. Practice at least once during the day and at night.

As the biggest annual campaign at NFPA, Fire Prevention Week works to educate people about the leading risks to home fires and ways they can better protect themselves and their loved ones. Local fire departments are invited to play a key role in bringing Fire Prevention Week to life in their communities each year and spreading basic but critical fire safety messages.

To learn more about Fire Prevention Week, its 100th anniversary, and this year’s theme, “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape,” visit www.nfpa.org/fpw.

Global fire extinguishers market to grow at rate of 5.6%

The fire extinguishers market is expected to witness market growth at a rate of 5.60% in the forecast period of 2022 to 2029 according to a Data Bridge Market Research report.

The market report provides analysis and insights regarding the various factors expected to be prevalent throughout the forecast period while providing their impacts on the market’s growth, with rapid urbanisation cited as a key driver for escalating the growth of fire extinguishers market.

Another cause for market growth is the increase in the number of fire fatalities in homes and businesses across the globe as the introduction of new safety norms by government to prevent any unexpected incident on account of fire outbreaks.

The expansion from prominent companies of product portfolio by including compact, lightweight and cost-efficient fire extinguishers, and investment in merger and acquisitions to expand their consumer-base is also likely to influence the market.

Additionally, increase in food expenditure, change in lifestyle, surge in the disposable income of people and growing awareness positively affect the fire extinguishers market.

Furthermore, increases in preference for eco-friendly and gas- or powder-based fire extinguishers are expected to extend profitable opportunities to the market players in the forecast period of 2022 to 2029.

However, increased price of raw material is expected to cause issues for the market growth as the report says that risk in terms of mild respiratory, skin, or eye irritation is projected to challenge the fire extinguishers market in the forecast period of 2022-2029.

North America dominates the fire extinguishers market because of the rise in construction activities within the region.

Asia-Pacific is expected to witness growth during the forecast period of 2022 to 2029 due to the implementation of strict fire norms in the region.