IFSJ Exclusive: Unrestrained performance from Holmatro

by Breaking NewsProducts

Rescue equipment manufacturer Holmatro gives the lo-down on its Pentheon Series of tools designed for first responders

All around the world first responders work in the most extreme conditions to save people’s lives. They are faced with different challenges every day, all requiring quick decision making and solid teamwork. Working under pressure, in a race against the clock, first responders need equipment they can fully rely on.

Rescue equipment manufacturer Holmatro has been developing innovative ways to solve the biggest challenges they face, resulting in its Pentheon Series of high-tech, battery-powered rescue tools.

Speed, control, endurance

When saving lives, time is of the essence as even a few seconds can make the difference between life and death. Holmatro put its focus on developing fast-use products which resulted in the development of a mechatronic system inside its tools.

The result is called stepless speed maximisation. It continuously optimises the motor and pump settings, resulting in a maximised oil flow over the full pressure range and providing rescuers with rapid tool speed at any load.

In the rescue business speed is nothing without control, but when working near a patient, it is important to take precaution, and so Holmatro built in speed control to its Pentheon tool range. Its two-mode control handle offers the choice, at any time during the rescue operation, to switch between the tool’s high-speed and low-speed modes. Within these two modes, the speed is still proportional to how far you turn the handle to its left or right.

It is impossible to predict the conditions rescue equipment will be needed in, but whether it is hot or cold, in the rain or snow and even under water, tools need to work, and so the Pentheon series of tools has been designed to work under all of these conditions. Both battery and tool temperatures are continuously monitored to make sure they remain useable as overheating may cause the tool to shut off. At extremely high temperatures, Pentheon tools will automatically switch to working at a lower power consumption, without loss of force, enabling rescuers can continue working even in hot weather and at high tool loads.

Peak performance

The Pentheon Series tools contain a battery with increased capacity, specially developed for high-performance tools, and due to its bigger cell volume, it heats up much slower than regular batteries, allowing more work to be completed while using its maximum power.

Its patented mechatronic system controls the motor and pump settings of Pentheon tools and is extremely energy efficient, designed in a way to extend the working time. When the tool is not operated or has reached its maximum pressure, the motor stops automatically, saving valuable battery capacity, the tool can be restarted by turning the handle again.

Visibility is key in emergency situations, and so in Holmatro’s range, there are six high-output LED lights in the carrying handle, illuminating the working area at night and neutralising shadows during the day. These are powered from the main battery, which means they automatically switch on and off together with the tool and, if desired, the lights can be switched off separately by pressing a button on the tool.

Swapping batteries is something that can cost valuable time, and so the Pentheon series allows the battery to be charged while it is still on the tool. Also, after connecting the tool to the charger the whole charging process will regulate itself. The battery on the tool always takes priority over the one on the charger if both are connected and the latter will resume charging when the battery on the tool is 100% full.

Up to three chargers can be powered from a single outlet, allowing users to charge six batteries without any management. The charging cord features a magnetic connector which enables easy connection and no disconnection is required. The on-tool charging cord allows for grabbing a tool and walk away with it. Thanks to the cord’s magnetic connector the tool releases itself.

The LED indicators on the Pentheon’s battery and charger give instant feedback on the battery’s temperature, state of charge and state of health. For more detailed battery information, Holmatro offers diagnostics software which can be used. A more extensive version of this software is available for authorised Holmatro Dealer Service Technicians. This combines in-depth tool diagnostics with integrated inspection procedures, to provide the best service for Pentheon tool owners. Holmatro also has special accessories available to connect the Pentheon tools and batteries to a laptop or pc.

Tool Design

Tool design is crucial to make them easy to use and to handle. When working near a patient, the tool should not be too bulky, as it will be difficult to reach the right space. On top of that, if the tool is too heavy, it will be harder to operate and carry. The compact integrated motor and pump share the same shaft – this saves a lot of precious space. The battery has a semi-circle shape which makes it fit around the tool like a bracelet, which also contributes to the slim design of Holmatro Pentheon tools.

With a carrying handle that goes all around the tool, you can hold the tool in any position. It also includes a suitcase grip for easy and well-balanced carrying. The handle is made of a damage-proof high-grade synthetic polymer. This extremely tough and elastic material has the unique property of always returning to its original shape. Centrally positioned on the back of the tool, the control handle is always within reach. This allows for easy tool operation at all sides of the car and in any position. All these things make the tools way easier to handle.

“The new Holmatro Pentheon Series rescue equipment offers you the unrestrained performance, unparalleled speed and ultimate control, and with battery management made easy, you are always rescue ready,” says Mattijn de Graaf, Research and Development Manager for Holmatro Group,

The Pentheon Series

The Pentheon Series consists of cutters, spreaders, rams and combi tools, with four versions of each tools.

Cutters

The blades of the Pentheon cutters are mounted at a 30 degree angle, creating an ergonomic design and allowing users to operate the tool from a comfortable waist height, resulting in more space between the tool and the car, meaning easier and safer cutting.

Because modern cars are becoming increasingly difficult to cut, the Pentheon Cutters are equipped with new car technology: the U-shaped blades pull even the strongest car materials into the cutting recess, close to the central bolt, where they are cut at the highest possible force.

Spreaders

The Pentheon Spreaders feature pointed teeth which bite into the material at both sides. Teeth on the outside alternately point in the opposite direction to prevent the spreader from slipping away and allowing for a superior grip over the full spreading range.

Telescopic Rams

The Telescopic Rams from the Pentheon Series come with a smart ram extension, meaning users will only need one compact ram for all applications, including cross ramming. The integrated laser pointer marks the exact spot the ram will touch the car construction, positioning the tool first time right.

This prevents users from needing to retract the ram, so the car construction could spring back and re-entrap their patient. The double carrying handle makes it easy to place the tool on both sides of the car, and the cross ram support set can help prevent the ram from pushing through car interior surfaces.

Combi tools

Next to the unique grip teeth that are also on the spreaders, the combi tools come with removable tips, making it easier to switch from spreading to cutting, without crushing the material the user cuts.

Holmatro at IINTERSCHUTZ

The Pentheon Series of tools will feature on Holmatro’s inside booth (Hall 26, Stand J27) at Interschutz, where visitors will be able to see them in action during the Holmatro Rescue Challenge (Stand L64, near Pavilion 35) at the show where they will prove their power on the latest models of BMW.

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

Rosenbauer to present Fireboat for Wildland Firefighting at INTERSCHUTZ

by EventsFeatured NewsProducts

Firefighting vehicle manufacturer Rosenbauer is set to show off its jet-powered rescue and fireboat, developed in collaboration with PALFINGER MARINE, at INTERSCHUTZ in Hannover, Germany later this month.

The boat is designed for fire departments to fight forest fires near the coast or shore from the water, providing an advantage wherever the scene of the fire is difficult to access over land or access with forest fire vehicles is not possible.

It can also serve as a rescue vehicle of choice when people have to be rescued from beaches because a burning forest edge has reached the coast or shore and is blocking the escape route over land.

The fireboat is equipped with the Rosenbauer N55 high-performance pump, which has a capacity of up to 5,500 l/min at 10 bar, and is also suitable for use with seawater due to the robust, corrosion-resistant design.

In addition, the boat can be connected to the Rosenbauer operations management system RDS Connected Command allowing integration into the central mission command and making it visible to all responders, also enabling the boat crew to be provided with mission-relevant information in the same way as their colleagues in the vehicles on land.

The new fireboat from Rosenbauer and PALFINGER  is made of seawater-resistant aluminum (marine grade aluminum), is 8.50 m long and 3.10 m wide and has a jet drive (water jet propulsion) with which it can reach a speed of up to 38 knots (approx. 70 km/h). The jet drive is powered by two 6-cylinder diesel engines, each with an output of 215 kW (292 hp). Three crew members are usually on the boat, up to 12 additional people can be transported.

The vehicle will be presented for the first time at INTERSCHUTZ 2022 from June 20-25 June in Hanover (Hall 27/Booth B58) as part of the Rosenbauer forest fire exhibition alongside various forest fire vehicles and personal protective equipment.

Three join NFPA board of directors

by Featured NewsPeople

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has completed the election of its Board of Directors at its Annual Meeting on June 6, 2022, which includes three new members: “Butch” Browning, Adrián Gallardo Landeros, and Mark Ghilarducci. Patrick Morrison was re-elected for his second three-year term.

Browning served as the Louisiana State Fire Marshal since 2008 and on the NASFM (National Association of State Fire Marshals) Board of Directors for the last 12 years. With more than 35 years in the fire service, He will assume the role of Executive Director of NASFM July 1st.

Landeros has served as the general director of Servicios de Información Estratégica, S.C. for the last 20 years. During his career, he has provided professional advice and consulting services to 12 Mexican state governors, legislative bodies, and several federal ministries. He has also coordinated or co-authored more than 20 books on Mexican economic and political issues.

Ghilarducci, serves as the Director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) within the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom. Prior to his appointments at Cal OES and FEMA, he served as deputy state fire chief at Cal OES. He also has more than 30 years of experience in public safety and government management at the local, state, and federal levels.

Morrison, the Assistant to the General President for Occupational Health, Safety and Medicine at IAFF (International Association of Fire Fighters), was elected to his second three-year term.

Previously, the Board elected a slate of officers that includes Russell Leavitt as chair, R. David Paulison as first vice chair, John Bonney as second vice chair, Roger Montembeault as secretary, Donald Cook as assistant secretary, Michael Wallace as treasurer, Stacy Welch as assistant treasurer, and Amy Acton as immediate past chair.

County Durham Fire Service a ‘forerunner’ for National Operations Guidance

by Featured News

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has dubbed County Durham & Darlington Fire & Rescue Service (CDDFRS) a national forerunner for implementing National Operational Guidance into its organisation.

CDDFRS seconded Station Manager Ian Moore to the NFCC during the development of National Operational Guidance. During this time, Moore worked closely with fire services from across the UK and gained a thorough understanding of how to implement and embed National Operational Guidance into his Service when he returned.

The department has been actively rooted into their Northeast regional working group which includes three other services and has worked to improve collaboration and ease the burdens of implementing National Operational Guidance on each of the respective organisations.

On a wider scale, it has directly engaged with around 28 other fire and rescue services from across the UK to share their experiences, documentation and strategic framework, ensuring that they are helping to drive the Fire Reform agenda across the sector and not just on a local level. 

Once CDDFRS completed its implementation, it put in place mechanisms to ensure the ongoing maintenance of risk assessments, procedures, and training packages as part of its business as usual. Since the project finished front line staff have commented that they find it easy to access the information needed to ensure an effective operational response to incidents.

The NFCC Implementation Team identified that the practice of sharing experience would help to move the fire and rescue sector forward and has now signposted other services to contact CDDFRS and share good practice nationally, hoping to establish a more efficient integration into many other services through shared experiential learning and National Operational Guidance good practice.

The NFCC Implementation Team said that the efforts of CDDFRS, in actively sharing their National Operational Guidance outcomes and their journey, has been instrumental in some fire and rescue services keeping pace with reforms across both operations and fire control, and that its willingness to help others is to be applauded.

Fire Brigades Union calls on Government to rethink PEEPs decision

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsIndustry Sectors

The Fire Brigades Union has written to the UK government, asking decision makers to rethink the rejection of a key Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendation concerning the evacuation of disabled residents of high-rise buildings.

The inquiry recommended that “that the owner and manager of every high-rise residential building be required by law to prepare personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs)” for all disabled residents.

In May, however, the government rejected the recommendation and revealed downgraded plans, which has been meet with criticism from both Grenfell campaigners and disability rights campaigners.

In a letter to Lord Greenhalgh dated 6 June 2022, Minister of State for Building Safety, Fire and Communities, Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary wrote that the FBU was ‘disappointed’ with the Westminster government’s decision to downgrade work towards ensuring residents with disabilities are provided with Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)

The letter read: “The [government] statement claims that implementation would involve significant issues with practicality, proportionality and safety. The FBU argues that resident safety is paramount, so there is a greater safety issue in declining to implement PEEPs. As for proportionality, the Inquiry has found the introduction of PEEPs to be a proportionate strategy, and the FBU agrees.

“Some reasons given for the refusal seem poorly evidenced, for example stating that if a PEEP advised the purchase of an evacuation chair, there would be an “impact on the good relations between disabled residents and non-disabled residents if disproportionate costs were passed on to the latter. Building owners should carry the costs.”

“The government’s decision is a negative, backward step, and the FBU stands with disability campaigners, the Grenfell campaign groups and the LGA in asking you to reconsider.”

Bollé Safety launches protective eyewear for first responders

by Featured NewsProducts

In a strategic move, protective eyewear manufacturer Bollé Safety has created a new division dedicated to the tactical market: Bollé Safety Standard Issue. The company is set to present its complete product range adapted to different professions, including first responders and special forces, at Eurostory’s trade show being held in Paris this month.

Bollé Safety has focused its expertise on the development of ballistic glasses and goggles in order to provide first responders and tactical interveners with the eye protection, designed to counter all risks related to the eyes in dangerous situations.

Among the key features of Bollé Safety Standard Issue range is the brand’s Platinum anti-fog and anti-scratch coating, which gives the lens resistance even in the most extreme environments. The coating is applied on both sides of the lens to provide maximum protection for the eyes and ensure clear vision in all conditions. In addition, all lenses are made of polycarbonate, a material of choice for safety glasses because of its resistance to scratches and impact.

The manufacturer has developed a range of sic protective glasses which, depending on the lenses, are suitable for various uses, including smoke lenses which are better at filtering UVA and UVB (99.9%), recommended for professionals who often work outdoors, clear lenses for use indoors and offer a 90% visible light transmission rate, and copper lenses which are suited for all activities requiring alternating exposure to high and low light.

The complete range of protective eyewear is designed for tactical and first responders environments and complies with international safety standards such as ANSI, AS/NZS and the current European standard for eye protection EN166. Each Bollé Safety Standard Issue product is tested and certified by independent laboratories to ensure impeccable quality.

Peter Smith, CEO of Bollé Safety, commented: “With the Bollé Safety Standard Issue brand, our priority is to develop ballistic glasses and goggles that combine comfort, style and protection allowing these professionals to concentrate on their high-risk jobs.”

Intertek and Knauf launch programme to improve fire safety standards

by Featured NewsMiddle East - Featured News Archives

Total Quality Assurance provider Intertek has announced a partnership with a leading manufacturer of building materials, Knauf, to launch a training programme for contractors, installers and professionals.

The programme is the first to offer Intertek Qualified Personnel (IQP) courses for drywall installers in the Gulf Corporate Council (GCC) region, and it is an extension of Intertek’s global initiative to independently qualify personnel to the highest industry standards.

The qualification programme is designed for technical professionals in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain and is delivered in the new Knauf Training Centre. Hundreds of professionals from the region are expected to complete this qualification every year, where they will learn how to optimise installation efficiency, how to reduce wastage and apply best practice to all installations in line with fire safety requirements.

The training programme expands on Knauf’s education and examination programme for the installation of its systems, certified by Intertek for compliance with international fire standards. 

Intertek’s IQP Programme increases the proficiency of participating installers and inspectors in installation practices, to ensure that their work is at the highest level of quality and safety assurance. Qualified professionals will be required to undergo a refresher training session every two years to maintain their qualification. The IQP Programme also gives relevant authorities independent assurance that the installations meet all industry requirements and have been carried out by qualified professionals. 

Amer Bin Ahmed, Managing Director at Knauf Middle East, said: “We are very pleased to offer IQP accredited courses in partnership with Intertek at the new Knauf Training Centre. The new programmes will ensure higher quality and safety standards for buildings, enable us to continue our vision for Quality, Sustainability, Health, and Safety, and train professionals with excellence through a growing range of courses.

“The new partnership with Intertek will improve skills and knowledge through accredited qualifications. This initiative will help to create and retain a greater talent pool for the overall industry and to set a high standard for the region when it comes to professional training.”

Cristina Perez Domper, Regional Operations Manager at Intertek Building & Construction for Middle East & Africa, said: “Partnering with an industry leader like Knauf to set up an IQP Programme is a significant step for Intertek in the region.

“We are very excited about launching the first IQP Programme of its kind in the region, and we look forward to expanding our network of certified programmes. This collaboration will elevate the standards for the industry and add an extra level of verification and qualification to the installation process, a key step which is often overlooked, in line with the increasing fire safety regulations implemented by authorities.”

Jean-Philippe Kayl, Vice-President Global Certification at Intertek, added: “Knauf’s commitment to excellence is truly impressive. Intertek is delighted to support Knauf in its journey to implement world-class quality and safety practices in the construction industry.”

EPA Issues first test order for Commercial Fire Fighting Foam

by Breaking NewsProductsPumps

As a part of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap, the agency has issued the first in a series of Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) test orders to require companies to conduct and submit testing on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). 

EPA selected 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamide betaine (CASRN 34455-29-3) as the first order issued under the National PFAS Testing Strategy. The foam has been manufactured (defined to include importing) in significant quantities (more than 25,000 pounds in a given year) according to TSCA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) rule reports.

This chemical substance is a surface-active agent used to make commercial fire-fighting foams and may be found in certain floor finishes. CDR data also indicate that at least 500 workers in a given year could be potentially exposed to this chemical. Although there is some hazard and exposure information about this PFAS, EPA said it found insufficient data to determine the effects on human health associated with the inhalation route of exposure. This test order will address this data need.

The Chemours Company, DuPont De Nemours Inc., National Foam Inc., and Johnson Controls Inc. are the recipients of this first test order. The companies subject to the test order have been instructed to conduct the tests as described in the order, including testing of physical-chemical properties and health effects following inhalation, or provide EPA with existing information that they believe EPA did not identify in its search for existing information. EPA said it encourages companies to jointly conduct testing to avoid unnecessary duplication of tests. 

Based on available information and predictive models, testing on 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamide betaine will also inform the agency’s understanding of the human health effects of 503 additional PFAS with similar structures as detailed in the Testing Strategy.

“For far too long, families across America, especially those in underserved communities, have suffered from PFAS. High-quality, robust data on PFAS helps EPA to better understand and ultimately reduce the potential risks caused by these chemicals,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. 

“Our communities deserve transparency from the companies that use or produce these substances about their potential environmental and human health impacts.”

New Fire Standard ‘Emergency Preparedness and Resilience’ launched

by Featured NewsSafety

The Fire Standards Board (FSB) has launched the eleventh professional Fire Standard; Emergency Preparedness and Resilience, which focuses on ensuring fire and rescue service are prepared to respond to major incidents and large-scale emergencies or disruptive challenges.

The FSB has said it hopes the Emergency Preparedness and Resilience Fire Standard is that services will contribute effectively to national resilience requirements and have suitable and sufficient access to resources and assets to support response to local, regional and national scale emergencies.

The development of the standard was led by CFO Phil Garrigan of Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, who oversee National Resilience Capabilities on behalf of the Home Office, and NFCC Lead for Local Resilience Forums, Stuart Errington. It was also supported by Business Continuity and national and local resilience practitioners from across a wide range of services, and the Home Office and Cabinet Office.

One of the expected benefits of achieving the Standard is that members of the public will be reassured that their fire and rescue service is resilient, prepared and able to respond to emergencies while maintaining its critical functions during a disruptive event.

As with all Fire Standards, there’s a corresponding Fire Standards Implementation Tool to support services with the implementation. The tool was designed to support services in assessing how well they meet the standard; helping them to build an action plan to identify and address any gaps.

Chair of the Fire Standards Board, Suzanne McCarthy said: “The Board welcomes the launch of the new Emergency Preparedness and Resilience Fire Standard and recognises the contribution it will bring to fire and rescue services and the communities they serve. The standard builds on our increasing portfolio of professional Fire Standards.”

Fire Minister Lord Greenhalgh said: “I am delighted to see the launch of the Emergency Preparedness and Resilience Fire Standard. This standard will help ensure consistency in how fire and rescue services prepare for and respond to major incidents and emergencies, and importantly how they will work with partner agencies. It will provide reassurance to the public that their local services are resilient and prepared to deliver a coordinated response.”

Chair of NFCC, Mark Hardingham said: “The Emergency Preparedness and Resilience Fire Standard aims to ensure that there is a consistent approach from fire and rescue services in preparing for, and responding to, major incidents and emergencies.  

“Thankfully major incidents and emergencies are infrequent, but when they do happen members of the public should be reassured that their local service is prepared to ensure an effective response through a standardised approach to emergency preparedness. Thank you to everyone who has been involved in the development of this standard.” 

Quelfire talks the importance of early engagement in firestopping products

by Breaking NewsPassive

Craig Wells, Sales Director, Quelfire highlights the importance of early engagement in firestopping products and what’s required from a client’s perspective

As a manufacturer and supplier of specialist firestopping products for gaps and penetrations in buildings, Quelfire has made it their mission to use their knowledge to promote the importance of early engagement in firestopping. This being the practice that firestopping should be considered at the earliest stages of construction and firestopping contractors, as well as the firestopping manufacturers, should be involved.

Early engagement in firestopping is imperative because ultimately, it saves lives and protects property. By designing and installing firestopping solutions correctly, this allows it to do its job when exposed to fire.

To ensure buildings are safe and comply with relevant regulations, firestopping needs to be designed according to manufacturers’ tested details. If firestopping is not considered when decisions are made about the location of compartmentation walls and main routes of M&E services, there is no guarantee that the manufacturer will have a tested solution. If these discrepancies come to light too late in the project, participants can face serious extra costs and delays due to needing to redesign service penetrations. By involving the specialist firestopping contractor and the manufacturer in the early stages, these can be avoided.

Moreover, considering firestopping at the early stages will support work further down the line when the project enters the installation stage. It will give all parties involved extra time to utilize the support offered by the manufacturer, such as on-site training about the correct installation of products as per the design and manufacturer’s guidance.

Passive fire protection is a complex matter, needing coordination between several trades and for all factors to be considered. However, having a clear, structured plan will safeguard reputations and give a competitive edge, eliminating any concerns about non-compliance amidst the increased scrutiny in the construction industry. 

Who Else Needs to be Engaged?

The virtual panel discussion titled: “Firestopping service penetrations – the importance and benefits of early engagement” of the London Build (2020) highlighted that firestopping service penetrations should not only be about the firestop products, but about the services themselves and the substrate construction. It’s important to engage with all trades and system manufacturers involved, such as manufacturers of gas pipes or sprinkler pipes, as well as contractors installing these systems. For example, the insulation that is added to the pipes will need to be determined that there is a tested firestopping solution compatible with it before building can start. Therefore, every participant must communicate with each other before anything gets designed or built to avoid running into any problems later.

Quelfire’s support

Committed to protecting people and property, Quelfire are advocates of early engagement in firestopping and are keen to educate the construction industry about the importance of fire safety. By working together with every participant involved in a construction project, from design to installation, Quelfire offer value-added services and support material to facilitate all parties in achieving compliance.

An early engagement consultation can be hosted via Teams or Zoom, with face-to-face meetings being an option if required. This consultation will identify the requirements of the project through the Quelfire information collection form (ICF) with additional drawings for more complex scenarios. This is an internal process, designed by Quelfire, that helps collect all necessary information to provide a correct tested detail. For example, the composition and size of services running through a compartment wall, or whether a letterbox is being formed. A follow up with a package of suitable standard details will then be issued accordingly. These consultations will involve and primarily work to educate all members of the project team.

As Quelfire specialise in firestopping, they have a dedicated technical team who are readily available to help with any questions and challenges that come up during the later stages of the project. To support design and specification, on the website there is no-strings-attached technical documentation such as: NBS specifications, BIM models, tested detail drawings and product datasheets.

Other than technical advice, Quelfire offer high-level, CPD certified, training on Effective Passive Fire Protection. This is beneficial for anyone involved in the design or management of installation of firestopping solutions. The CPD training is available as an open webinar for individual registration and as a dedicated session for organisations such as: architect practices, main contractors, and other organisations.

One important detail that gives Quelfire a competitive advantage is their wider range of tested details. By using real-life scenarios and regular customer feedback, they carry out fire tests monthly, with a significant proportion of their annual investment going into R&D. 

The requirements

Quelfire appreciate how difficult it is to change current practices within construction. However, they firmly believe that it is a necessary change to help reduce the risk of further incidents and overall, help improve the perception of the construction industry. In most cases, a cultural change is required to appreciate that decisions made about fire stopping are life safety decisions.

Being dedicated to ‘doing it right the first time around’ and paying attention to detail will not only improve fire safety but work to serve all parties. By taking these measures at the design stage, all parties can relish in the fact that they are saving lives and protecting property, whilst knowing that they are preserving their reputation.

Further to this, it is essential for cross-party communication and coordination. Referring to the ‘Firestopping of service penetrations: best practice in design and installation’ and ASFP’s development, there are 37 questions that need to be considered when designing and installing firestopping solutions. Not a single party involved will know the answer to all questions, so it is vital that every party participates and shares their expertise. This further links to competency and the idea of knowing what you do not know and being prepared to seek professional advice from firestopping contractors and manufacturers.

By providing these value-added services, Quelfire can educate all parties involved to decrease the risk of any catastrophes, like Grenfell, happening in the future. Through using every platform to get the word out, they hope to be the catalyst of a cultural change that encourages buildings being designed around available tested solutions. As FIREX approaches, there has never been more of an urgent time than now to have these important conversations about early engagement in firestopping.

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