UL receives accreditation to certify pressure equipment in EU and UK

by Featured NewsProducts

UL (Underwriters Laboratories) has been accredited to certify pressure equipment used in the EU and UK market.

The UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking is a new UK product marking used for goods placed on the market in Great Britain. It covers most goods that previously required the CE marking.

After an initial transition phase, most products introduced to Great Britain’s market previously required CE marking must: Have the UKCA marking, be accompanied by compliance documentation and be in compliance with the relevant regulation for Great Britain.

As of January 2021, the UKCA marking applies also to pressure equipment and will require a certificate from an UK Approved Body.

UL International (UK) Ltd received accreditation from UKAS and expanded its UK Approved Body scope to cover Pressure Equipment Regulations in the UK (Approved Body Number: 0843) – the equivalent of the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) in the EU.

UL said the accreditation has enhanced its portfolio and enables its experts to evaluate and certify products to UK-specific requirements that help ensure safer use of pressure equipment.

UL can now also help customers to have continuity of third-party services for access to any market in Europe, Great Britain and Northern Ireland through its accredited Notified and Approved Bodies.

The company commented: “We have the global reach and expertise to support market access needs during every step of the Brexit transition by combining testing and certification, global scope and localized knowledge with real-time market expertise.”

Global Village strengthens five-star health and safety credentials

by Featured NewsMiddle East - Featured News ArchivesSafety

Global Village, the UAE and wider region’s leading multicultural family destination for culture, shopping, and entertainment, has retained its best practice Five Star Occupational Health and Safety Audit conducted by the British Safety Council for the fourth consecutive year.

The park achieved an overall score of 97.72% compared to 96.62% last year – retaining its position in the highly respected five-star “Excellent” category and setting benchmarks for the industry across the region.

Global Village is the only entertainment destination in the world to have been awarded the British Safety Council’s Sword of Honour – celebrating organisations that have reached the pinnacle of health, safety and environmental management.

Sutharson Sathaiah, Senior Manager of HSE and Risk at Global Village said: “Global Village is an immense outdoor destination with the complexity of thousands of partners and millions of guests each season. Retaining this coveted award is a great achievement and illustrates our determination to lead the way in terms of Health and Safety for our industry.

“The score we have achieved is testament to the commitment from top management, which flows through the entire organization. We take our Health and safety record and practices very seriously and we are honoured that this has been recognised by this prestigious organization.”

Global Village underwent a comprehensive, quantified and robust evaluation of its occupational health and safety policies, processes and practices. The audit measured performance against key health and safety management best practice indicators and a detailed review of multiple elements – including risk assessments to fire routes, first aid provisions to emergency planning within eight core areas from safety organisation to continuous improvement and crosschecks systems in place – evaluating their effectiveness and providing feedback.

Mike Robinson, CEO of British Safety Council, said: “The award of a five star grading following our occupational best practice Health and Safety Audit is an outstanding achievement and is reflective of a proactive organisation which is committed to continual improvement in its health and safety arrangements and managing risks to workers’ health, safety and wellbeing. Global Village should be very proud of this achievement.”

The audit process included documentation review, interviews with senior management, employees and other key stakeholders, together with sampling of operational activities. The high scores celebrate the excellence of Global Village and its employees in managing health, safety and environmental risks, deploying best practice techniques as well as maintaining consistently high standards of guest satisfaction. 

European firefighters meet to discuss reducing risk of cancer

by Featured News

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU)’s focus on tackling cancer in firefighters with its pioneering DECON project, which includes research and detailed training, has played a major role in a meeting of the Europe-wide European Public Service Union (EPSU) Firefighters’ Network, which took place yesterday. DECON was a central focus of the day, Riccardo la Torre, Fire Brigades Union national officer, addressed the meeting with a presentation on the latest news and next steps from the campaign.

The DECON project includes research that shows that cancer rates in firefighters can be four times higher than the general population, and training to help mitigate this risk. Toxic fire contaminants found in fires are thought to be responsible for the increasing rate. The training focuses on mitigating the risk to firefighters from fire contaminants.

The EPSU is a collection of over 260 trade unions spanning across Europe, representing eight million public service workers, and its firefighters’ network brings together the firefighter sections of it from across Europe, including the FBU.

Two discussion sessions took place, both focused on “Cancer as a professional disease for firefighters, impact of fire effluents and decontamination”. Other speakers in the discussions included Professor Anna Stec of University of Central Lancashire, who has worked with the FBU on DECON, and representatives of firefighters from countries including Poland Sweden, and Italy.

The FBU is also calling for preventative health screening for firefighters and presumptive legislation recognising cancer as an occupational disease to help protect firefighters and their families further from this occupational hazard.

Commenting, Riccardo la Torre, Fire Brigades Union national officer, said: “DECON is here to stay in the UK fire and rescue service. It’s got the entire sector speaking about the risk posed, and now firefighters from across Europe are keen to learn from each other. At the Fire Brigades Union we know the value of international solidarity, and as part of that we are enthusiastic about sharing our work with our European brothers and sisters.

“This meeting was also a huge opportunity for us to listen and discuss these issues, and we look forward to getting back to the UK and working with fire and rescue services to make progress on DECON and saving firefighters from early, needless deaths. Neither the bosses or the government have done this domestically, it’s been down to FBU members and the Firefighters 100 Lottery to carry out this life-saving work.”

Exclusive: Considerations for outsourcing aviation fire and rescue services

by AviationBreaking NewsIndustry Sectors

Chris Thain, Business Development Manager for Fire & Rescue Service at G3 Systems Ltd, talks outsourcing aviation fire and rescue services

When it comes to outsourcing a process to an outside organisation there is always a lot to consider in terms of how it will affect the business as it could affect staff numbers and impact existing management systems and processes.

To find out about the ins and outs outsourcing aviation fire and rescue services, International Fire and Safety Journal caught up with Chris Thain, Business Development Manager for Fire & Rescue Service at G3 Systems Ltd, a supplier of bespoke operational delivery of Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) and Industrial Rescue and Firefighting Services (RFFS) to airports and high-risk industrial facilities around the world.

Why should businesses consider outsourcing their ARFF and RFSS services?

Outsourcing fire and rescue services can enable organisations to concentrate on their core business, while continuing to maintain and improve safety, resilience, and regulatory compliance. It enables companies to focus on their own customers’ needs while delegating essential but non-core requirements to external specialist providers. This releases internal resources that can be put to more effective use for other purposes, leading to greater overall efficiency and competitiveness.

It is unrealistic for airport operators to be experts in every business function, process, and discipline required to manage a modern airport, it is simply far too expensive to maintain this level of knowledge and expertise internally. By utilising outsourced service providers, airport operators can leverage a global knowledge base and resource centre, accessing world class capabilities, skills, and expertise that they may have been precluded from previously.

What are some of the key benefits of outsourcing?

Managed ARFF service providers often have access to a wider, more highly skilled, and diverse talent pool than the client themselves and will already have in place the requisite interview and selection processes designed to select only the strongest, most appropriately qualified, and experienced staff.

Training and competence management can reflect global best practice, with industry and/or site-specific risks recognised, evaluated, and reflected in the ongoing training provided to the ARFF staff members.

Shared experiences gained from a variety of different airports or industrial operations, coupled with specialist skill sets, ongoing education, learning and professional development and best working practices also enable the outsourced service provider to add value and resilience to and further reduce risk within the client’s operation.

As specialists in their field, outsourced ARFF service providers are generally much better at deciding how to cost effectively avoid risk in their areas of expertise without compromising safety and response, than perhaps a fully employed on-site team might be.

What are the biggest concerns around outsourcing?

Firstly, there is issue of compliance. If we assume that the vehicles and equipment provided by or for the ARFF meet the ICAO standards for the airport Category and that they are well maintained and fit for purpose, then the only other variable affecting the service delivery and compliance standards is the ARFF officers and staff that are engaged on the contract.

The second issue often stems from concerns around management control and responsibility for delivery. Relinquishing a degree of authority and responsibility can be difficult but By delegating and working as partners, communicating openly, honestly and in a timely manner, and through building close working relationships, we quickly overcome any feelings of doubt or concern.

Thirdly, the issue of cost versus benefit must always be addressed. While airport ARFF services may be seen by some as an expensive mandatory cost, in most cases the provision of an outsourced ARFF service can deliver cost savings in other areas of airport maintenance and management.

Finally, a common misconception is that outsourcing an existing airport ARFF service to a third-party provider will result in firefighters losing their jobs. This is simply not the case. In most situations, it makes sense for the outsourced provider to retain as many of the incumbent staff as possible on the contract.

What are the cost considerations involved in outsourcing?

People and equipment form the largest elements of cost for any ARFF service. Labour costs, including the costs of employment, vary from country to country and from role to role within the ARFF itself. The mix of officers to firefighters, the availability and recruitment of ex-pat staff versus local staff and the contractual conditions of work all influence the final cost of labour for the end customer. It is also very important to consider local employment terms and conditions and to ensure that costs such as social insurance, pensions and contractual stipends are captured and included.

Similarly, emergency vehicles and the technical equipment required to effectively fight fires and rescue people in modern aircraft and airport incidents can be very expensive. For example, a typical airport crash rescue tender can range in price from $500,000 to more than $1.2 million depending upon the age, technical specification, and the category of airport the vehicle is required to protect. Given that a CAT 10 airport requires a minimum of three such vehicles fully loaded with PPE and safety equipment, you can quickly see how the costs to deliver the ARFF service can mount up.

Other ancillary costs for the ARFF service will include staff travel, training and certification costs, communications, IT and data costs, licenses, and permit costs, insurances, medical support and, in some extreme cases, security and life support costs.

What should businesses consider when deciding to outsource when it comes to selecting a partner organisation?

The first consideration should be around timing – when is the new service required to be at full operating capacity and is there enough time work through the tendering and selection process to ensure a successful outcome? The earlier that engagement can begin with potential partner organisations, the better for all parties.

The next consideration is to know what ARFF services you require – being clear on the full scope of requirement early in the process will ensure clarity for all parties and will deliver a smoother, more cost-efficient service in the longer term.

Finally, be realistic about the budget for delivering a fully compliant ARFF service for your aerodrome – manage the expectations of those responsible for allocating and approving the budget and ensure that the safety of travellers, airport staff and firefighters always remains the highest priority.

What are the main services you offer for customers looking to outsource their aviation fire and rescue services?

G3 systems offer the following main services for our customers:

  • Structural & industrial rescue & fire fighting service
  • Aviation crash/rescue & fire fighting services
  • Emergency dispatch & control
  • Incident command & control
  • On-site fire safety, fire inspection & service
  • Emergency vehicle management & maintenance
  • Fire & rescue equipment and facilities management & maintenance
  • Fire & rescue training
  • Emergency medical services

How do you analyse the needs and requirements of potential clients?

Assessing the needs of a potential client begins with a conversation to determine what kind of airport they are operating (Civilian, Military or both, or Heliport/Seaplane Airport etc.) and what the ICAO Category for the airport is or will be. This immediately helps determine the number and type of emergency vehicles that are required to meet the regulations (ICAO Annex 14 Document 9137 Part 1: Rescue and Fire Fighting) and therefore the minimum number of staff that will be required to effectively deliver the ARFF service.

We determine if the airport is already operational, with an incumbent ARFF service, or if the airport is a new development requiring a first time ARFF presence. The geographic location of the airport is also important as we need to understand the local operating conditions, both physically and environmentally as well as commercially. We also need to understand the timing requirements for the airport and the process that the customer will undertake for competitive tendering.

A task resource analysis is conducted, and mobilisation and project management plans created to understand exactly how the new ARFF service will be implemented. We then also have our strict risk based internal process to navigate, ensuring that any responsibilities and liabilities that we take on are manageable and viable for us as an organisation.

What are you focused on at the moment?

We have some exciting prospects on the horizon and are currently working on new projects in the Middle East, Africa, and the Indian Subcontinent, which we hope will result in long term ARFF contracts taking us into the 2030’s.

In the meantime, we are also actively engaged with trade organisations such as the Airport Fire Officers Association and attending events such as Interschutz 2022, to continue to meet with our clients and colleagues across the aviation industry and to support the sector as much as possible.

This article was originally published in the June edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Oshkosh Corporation Acquires Maxi-Métal Inc

by Featured NewsProductsVehicles

Oshkosh Corporation, an innovator of mission-critical vehicles and essential equipment and owner of Pierce Manufacturing, announced that it has completed the acquisition of Maxi-Métal Inc. of Saint-Georges de Beauce, Quebec, Canada.

Maxi-Métal is a leader in the design and manufacture of custom fire apparatus and utility vehicles in the Canadian market and will be part of Oshkosh’s Fire & Emergency segment. It has served fire and emergency professionals since 1983 and is a premier fire apparatus manufacturer in Canada. MAXIMETAL will maintain its name, team members, facilities, and branding elements.

John C. Pfeifer, Oshkosh Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Maxi-Métal is an organization known for quality, reliability, and an overriding focus on customer service and support. Their culture and customer focus align exceptionally well with Oshkosh, Pierce Manufacturing and its dealer network.”

“This acquisition will enhance the combined strengths of Pierce and MAXIMETAL by broadening collaboration and expanding sales and distribution capabilities within Pierce’s North American dealer network,” said Jim Johnson, Oshkosh Corporation Executive Vice president and Fire & Emergency segment President. “Oshkosh expects to benefit from MAXIMETAL’s experience and leadership as the company grows its combined presence in the Canadian market.”

Chennai building fire safety scans to be carried out by drones

by Featured NewsSafety

Drones are to be used to scan for fire safety issues on buildings in Chennai , the capital city of Tamil Nadu in East India, by the Special Task Force, according to a report from The New Indian Express.

The Task Force, established over three years ago to target illegal buildings across the city, will use drones to review 149 buildings which are under scanner for violation of fire safety norms.

A consultant is to be hired by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) member secretary, after which inspection will be carried out, a CMDA official said.

This follows a separate study on fire safety measures with an alternate mechanism in congested areas including George Town, Purasawalkam, Tripplicane and T Nagar.

“Once the order is passed this week, we are likely to take it up the coming week. We wanted to have scientific data on these buildings. Doing it manually will take time,” said the official.

Fire consultant V Sivaramakrishnan said, however, that drones cannot find out whether the sprinklers are working or are they connected to the water pump, and so this will have to be done manually.

According to a survey of 150 T Nagar multi-storeyed buildings carried out by the State Fire and Rescue Services Department, it was found that in most buildings, water storage and provision of fire pump facilities and hydrant systems are not as per requirements of National Building Code. Most buildings also were also found to have no automatic sprinkler system.

Supreme Concrete launches High Fire Rated Lintels

by Featured NewsPassiveProducts

Supreme Concrete, part of Ibstock, has launched a new range of High Fire Rated Lintels, including Extreme Fire Rated Lintels, that maintain 300-minute load bearing capacity in intense fire conditions. This makes Supreme Concrete one of the only manufacturers in the UK to provide such an extensive offering of accredited lintels.

The high-performance range has undergone comprehensive third-party testing and complies with all recognised industry specifications to provide construction professionals with a portfolio of resilient concrete lintels that deliver unrivalled performance and compliance.

This includes five-hour fire rated lintels that maintain 300-minute load bearing capability, when subject to fire conditions, in addition to lintels with 90 minute and 120-minute load bearing capabilities, when subject to intense fire conditions.

Gavin Hoe, Sales Director for Supreme Concrete, said: “As a trusted and experienced supplier of essential building components, Supreme Concrete is recognised throughout the industry as setting the standard for quality and compliance.

“The development of our new High Fire and Extreme Fire Rated Lintels ranges reflects our continued dedication to providing construction professionals with the very latest innovations in fire integrity products that deliver first class performance. Buildings are designed to withstand actions from numerous anticipated hazards to ensure life and structural safety, and our new concrete lintels are proven to ensure the structural stability of a building during fire exposure, whilst successfully containing fire spread for the allocated time period.”

The new Fire Rated lintels ranges conform to the NBS BIM Object Standard and advice will be provided by Supreme Concrete specialists to ensure that the correct lintel is specified for the chosen application. Supreme Concrete’s in house team will also work together with architects and specifiers across a comprehensive range of projects to deliver training and technical support requirements.

UK homebuilder swings to loss following Fire Safety Pledge

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsIndustry SectorsPassive

UK homebuilder Crest Nicholson Plc has reported being pushed into a loss in the first half of the year after pledging to fix safety issues on apartments buildings.

The company reported a loss before tax of £52.5 million ($64 million) for the six months through April after recording an charge of £105 million in the half year, according to a statement Tuesday.

The charged wiped out growth in sales and prices as the UK’s new build housing market continued showing no signs of slowing down as rising rates and a cost of living squeeze threaten to damp demand. 

The pledge is a result of the UK’s debate over how to address widespread fire safety failures that were exposed in 2017 by Grenfell Tower fire in London. Uncertainty over who should fund repairs left thousands of homeowners unable to sell their homes and trapped in tower blocks that may be unsafe. 

This in turn prompted the government to seek commitments from homebuilders to help fund repairs, with large publicly traded firms expected to make contributions that will help cover the cost of repairs on buildings whose developers no longer exist or are overseas and unwilling to pay. 

“We are pleased to have reached a resolution with the government by signing the Building Safety Pledge,” Chief Executive Officer Peter Truscott said. “We hope this now provides comfort and assurance to affected residents and stakeholders. It also allows the group to move forward in remediating the affected buildings directly or through another party as soon as possible.”

Crest’s revenue climbed 12.3% in the half year period while home completions rose 7.8%.

Show Preview: INTERSCHUTZ returns to Hannover

by Breaking NewsEvents

The world’s leading trade fair of fire safety professionals is set to take place this month with over a thousand exhibitors from 50 countries and delegates from all over the world

Scheduled to take place on Hannover, Germany, seven years since it last brought the fire industry INTERSCHUTZ finally returns this month and is set to welcome fire safety professionals from across the globe. The show will feature solutions and products from industry leaders, provide answers to some of the industry’s biggest issues and offers a forum for discussion of key trends. Focussing on the future, the event is a showcase across industrial sectors and national borders.

Staged over six days, INTERSCHUTZ will provide a platform for market leaders to present their innovations and puts the focus on the lead theme: Teams, Tactics, Technology – Connected for Protection and Rescue. It is also set to be a place of action and excitement where the likes of height rescue specialists, smokejumpers and firefighters demonstrate their unique skills and all the latest kit at popular events on the open-air site.

Across the week-long event, the agenda is full of current issues and developments including: civil protection with a focus on vehicles and equipment, fire fighting and fire extinguishing technology, associations, communications and control centre solutions, security and organisational equipment, rescue services, first aid and medical equipment, personal protective equipment and fire prevention. 

For the first time, INTERSCHUTZ has  also dedicated a complete hall to the topic of digitalisation where companies and research institutions will be presenting solutions for the digital networking of systems and players.

The international trade fair will bring together stakeholders and thought leaders from trade associations, politics and industry as well as those with day-to-day operational experience. It is a show that will see business at its heart as it highlights the world’s providers of fire and rescue services, civil protection, and safety and security solutions as it shapes their business cycles.

There will be 1,000 companies from 50 countries as well as the participating associations and organisations will present the solutions for the challenges of our time. Anyone who wants to learn about the latest emergency management innovations and developments heads for Hannover when the gates open on INTERSCHUTZ.

What to expect at INTERSCHUTZ

The economic, ecological and political challenges of our times make the fair an important driver of change. The spread of global warming and the resulting natural disasters have already changed everyday life for many helpers and rescue forces – a challenge made more complex by the Coronavirus pandemic and the humanitarian emergencies caused by ongoing political conflicts.

The fire industry are among those on the front lines tackling these issues which all require new approaches and solutions. Digital technologies for the support and connectivity of key players are becoming increasingly important, which is why INTERSCHUTZ 2022 will specifically focus on digital transformation processes and so visitors can look forward to an extensive program both live on-site and online.

The lead theme of INTERSCHUTZ 2022 is: “Teams, Tactics, Technology – Connecting Protection and Rescue”. According to INTERSCHUTZ Project Manager Bernd Heinold, the trade fair is targeting two aspects that are crucial for the present and the future: the use of innovative digital solutions and cooperation between the various players and institutions.

“The keyword is connectivity at all levels,” Heinold explained during a press conference in Hannover, ahead of the fair. “Digitalisation has fundamentally changed all areas of life and continues to do so. The same is true for emergency response – from firefighters to rescue services right through to disaster responders, all over the world.”

For the first time, INTERSCHUTZ has dedicated a complete hall to the topic of digitalisation. In Hall 16, companies and research institutions will be presenting solutions for the digital networking of systems and players. New technologies are opening up myriad new preventative options and ways of coping with crises and hazards for the fire industry. Everything that happens generates data, which can be captured and cross-matched in vast quantities and used to develop key insights and analyse alternative courses of action for a whole range of requirements and situations.

As increased interconnectedness and integration goes hand in hand with increased dependence on technology infrastructures, INTERSCHUTZ will look at the best way to enable societies to deal with modern crisis situations.

Another new feature of the show is the ‘Smart Public Safety Hub’ at the center of Hall 16, where various companies will be networking under a single roof and demonstrating joint, interdisciplinary application scenarios – for example, including the use of drones to assess the situation or support rescue forces, communication between an airfield firefighting vehicle positioned in the outdoor area with the control center in the hall, or the digital description and analysis of deployment sites on a multi-dimensional scale.

At INTERSCHUTZ, it is not only the exhibitors’ solutions that are digital, but also the event formats. For the first time, visitors and exhibitors be able to experience different scenarios up close on the demonstration grounds in a combination of real and virtual displays. These may include everyday disasters as well as current or conceivable catastrophes and crises and with the help of modern media technology, the participants are integrated into the presentation.

Also new is the INTERSCHUTZ Digital Conference, which is scheduled to be broadcast from 21-23 June in the Media Factory, allowing interested parties who cannot make it to the event the opportunity to learn about the various aspects on show. Like the INTERSCHUTZ Central Forum in Hall 26, the program will cover all the major industry topics, including the electrification of emergency vehicles.

Bernd Heinold explains that, despite the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, the interest of exhibitors from Germany and abroad is extensive with more than 1,000 companies from 50 countries registered to present their products and solutions in eight halls and three pavilions, plus the outdoor area from 20 to 25 June.

However, he says the acquisition phase is far from over: “We are confident of achieving a similar result on the exhibitor side, the same as in 2015,” he said. After Germany, the top five exhibitor nations include Italy, the UK, the United States and the Netherlands. The broad international character of INTERSCHUTZ will also be demonstrated by three separate ‘Country Days’, dedicated to the neighbouring countries of France on Tuesday 21, Italy on Wednesday 22 June, and finally the US on Thursday 23 June.

What’s on the agenda

Staged over six days, INTERSCHUTZ features eye-catching exhibitions and engaging forums on the many aspects of fire fighting, rescue services, civil protection and safety and security.

Civil Protection: Disaster management mobilisations pose major logistical as well as technical challenges. Solutions for meeting those challenges – everything from tents for stay, accommodation or sanitation purposes, mobile power supply or flood protection – will be on show in the civil protection display area at INTERSCHUTZ 2022.

Fire Fighting: Fire brigades from around the globe are faced with an ever-changing set of catastrophic scenarios and major emergencies caused by natural disasters and climate change require closer interaction among the various players. INTERSCHUTZ will showcase vehicles and equipment, hardware and software as well as research and development up close and first-hand. Digital technologies and connected operations in the face of an emergency will be displayed at exhibition stands and discussed in related conferences.

Communications and Control Center Solutions: Increasing urban densification and continuously changing operational scenarios demand innovative digital solutions and seamless cooperation between all players involved. Within the new Digitisation and Transformation display sector, current and future requirements for networked solutions will be put forward and discussed.

Rescue Services: The rescue services are faced with a number of new challenges and developments, not least demographic change, telemedicine, a skills shortage, and large-scale catastrophic incidents. They are under constant pressure to scrutinize their strategic direction and to keep up to date with the latest technologies, which is why INTERSCHUTZ is so important as it will provide a comprehensive survey of the latest emergency-sector products.

Protective Equipment: The requirements for personal protective equipment are becoming more and more individual. From smart textiles to integrated communication solutions for fire protection, rescue services and civil protection, at INTERSCHUTZ there will be the entire range of PPE for all areas of application.

Fire Prevention: Modern building designs, bigger dimensions and densely built-up areas are leading to new requirements for preventive fire protection. INTERSCHUTZ covers all the relevant areas, from planning to implementation. Here you can swap ideas with specialists from around the world within the framework of this, the industry’s networking hub for preventive fire protection.

Parallel to INTERSCHUTZ, the German Fire Brigade Association (DFV) is organizing the 29th German Firefighters’ Day, which will attract many more firefighting fans to Hannover. The event is being organized under the motto ‘Safety.Life’ in cooperation with the state of Lower Saxony, the Lower Saxony Fire Brigade Association, the City of Hannover and the Hannover Fire Brigade. Immediately before INTERSCHUTZ, a blue light mile has once again been planned for downtown Hannover. There, the people of Hannover will already get in the mood on the Sunday before the fair.

Action and excitement during the trade fair will be provided by various competitions and live training courses, including, for example, the “S-Gard Safety Tour,” the “Holmatro Rescue Challenge,” and the “Firefit Championships Europe,” which will be held in Germany for the first time after the INTERSCHUTZ Community Days in the summer of 2021, will also be returning to the exhibition grounds.

All in all, visitors can look forward an extensive program of congresses, workshops, training sessions, live demonstrations and competitions in addition to the products on show in the exhibition.

Tickets for INTERSCHUTZ can already be purchased online at www.interschutz.de.

This article was originally published in the June edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

UK Fire industry marks 5-year anniversary of Grenfell Tower fire

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsIndustry Sectors

Today (14 June 2022) marks five years since the Grenfell Tower fire of 2017. The five year anniversary is being acknowledged by organisations from across the fire industry.

Grenfell United – a group made up of survivors and bereaved from the 72 people who died in the fire – are holding a Silent Walk which will begin at Notting Hill Methodist Church at 18:30, and participants are being asked to wear something green to show support. The group is inviting members of the community and anyone who would like to join to take part in Silent Walk, as “the community continues to heal and fight for justice”.

In a joint statement, the British Approvals For Fire Equipment (BAFE) and FireQual paid its respects to all those affected by the fire. Justin Maltby-Smith, Managing Director at BAFE also commented on the Building Safety Act: “Whilst many requirements of the new legislation will not come into effect until April 2023, it is important to begin working as if this is in effect now. This is due to the length of projects that will crossover this date, so it is in your best interest to, if not already, introduce a new regime regarding safe working and competency expectations behind this.”

Pete Wolfenden, a firefighter who responded to the Grenfell Tower fire, said: “It’s been five years since the Grenfell Tower fire and the thoughts and wishes go out from all London firefighters and fire control staff personnel to the survivors and friends and family of those who lost their lives in this appalling incident, the worst domestic blaze in living memory.

“We also remember the brave and courageous members of all the emergency services who attended on the night and subsequent days, some of who still suffer Ill health and bear the mental scars of attending that traumatic incident.”

Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said: “Firefighters and the Grenfell community have a bond that was forged in tragedy, and the Fire Brigades Union stands in solidarity with all bereaved, survivors and residents. Today on the fifth anniversary of the fire, it is a time for reflection, and to remember all those who lost their lives, and the loved ones they left behind.

“Their legacy lives on in the fight for justice. The community have faced constant denials from those responsible for Grenfell being covered in cladding as flammable as petrol. They have faced a wait for criminal charges that continues to this day. They inspire us all with their relentless fight for justice and we continue to stand in solidarity with them every step of the way.”

London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe said: “Today as we mark the fifth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire, we remember the 72 people who lost their lives that night and our thoughts are with their family and friends, the survivors and the Grenfell community.

 “I have found the strength and dignity that the Grenfell community has shown in the face of such terrible loss humbling and inspiring.

 “I give my commitment that we will continue to listen and make changes to our service and work to drive improvements in the built environment to ensure such a tragedy can never happen again.” 

Mark Hardingham, NFCC Chair, commented: “It is hard to believe five years have passed since the devastating fire at Grenfell Tower.

“Today I will be taking time to reflect on the tragedy and remember the 72 people who lost their lives, those who were injured, along with the community who continue to be impacted by the terrible events that evening. The inquiry is ongoing and we continue to hear evidence which has been distressing for everyone involved. I hope that the findings will bring much-needed answers for families and friends.”

“We continue to work with government and fire and rescue services to improve how they respond to fires and the building safety regime, and ensure people feel safe in their homes.

And Dave Badillo, a firefighter who was one of the first on scene at the tragedy five years ago told the Guardian: “I truly believed Grenfell would be a turning point in the future of fire safety and building regulations in this country.

“But five years on, every time the bells go down I pray it’s not a high-rise fire. Because there’s a real chance it’s wrapped in flammable materials, and its fire doors and door closures aren’t compliant, a list of vulnerable residents is absent and there’s just one smoke-filled escape route. This leaves me helpless to rescue all the desperate families screaming for help.”