Third UK fire service convoy on its way to Ukraine

by ActiveFeatured News

The third convoy of UK fire service kit and equipment is now on its way, providing vital life-saving equipment to firefighters in Ukraine.

These monumental ‘mega’ convoys are the culmination of a number of weeks of incredible hard work and planning to ensure support is being given by the UK.

This means an amazing 60 fire vehicles – packed with hoses, helmets, thermal imaging cameras, generators, ladders, rescue equipment and protective equipment and other kit requested by Ukraine – have now been donated by UK fire and rescue services and the wider fire sector.

Organised by UK charity FIRE AID and International Development, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), EASST, and the wider fire industry, the convoys have also been supported by the Home Office and other government departments.

As well as kit and equipment being donated by fire and rescue services, the convoy has been joined by a fully kitted out mechanical team – provided by the fire sector – to ensure vital support to ensure its safe passage to Poland.

22 vehicles have left UK shores today and are on their way to Poland, where the kit will be handed over to Ukraine via the Polish State Fire Service.

The first convoy left in mid-March, the second one set off on April 21st and the third convoy has now left.

These donations of firefighting equipment – which has been requested by Ukraine – will help its fire and rescue service as they continue their life-saving work in the most difficult conditions imaginable.

Over one hundred fire stations and two hundred and fifty fire engines have been destroyed in Ukraine with a number of firefighters tragically losing their lives as they battle to protect their country.

The deployment of these donations is being supported by funding from the Home Office, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and the FIA Foundation.

The wider fire sector – including the MSA Safety, Fire Sector Federation (FSF), the Fire and Rescue Suppliers [FIRESA] Council and the Fire Industry Association (FIA) – are key partners in supporting and making the deployment.   

Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, Mark Hardingham commented: “Once again we have seen fire and rescue services, FIRE AID and the wider sector work together to make this happen. The situation in Ukraine remains at the forefront of everyone’s mind and to be able to assist is something everyone involved should be incredibly proud of.”

Ian Moore, Chief Executive, Fire Industry Association: “This third convoy has been the culmination of incredible partnership working, with everyone coming together to support this convoy. The wider fire sector is proud to have played its part in supporting this – a truly collaborative humanitarian response from the UK to assist those who need our help the most.”

Claire Hoyland, FIRE AID Project Manager said: “When we started collecting equipment six weeks ago, I could never have imagined the scale of the response. Everybody wanted to help. The deployment of 60 vehicles has been an incredible achievement by all involved but I must acknowledge our FIRE AID members EASST and Kent Fire and Rescue who have been working in Ukraine now for 10 years. The relationships that we have built up with in this time have been critical to the successful deployment of these convoys. For us, this is about more than just helping firefighters in a time of desperate need. It is also about helping friends and colleagues who have found themselves on the frontline of a war.”

Lord Greenhalgh, Fire Minister, said: “I am proud to see a further convoy of fire service kit on its way to Ukraine to provide vital support to the Ukrainian firefighters for the third time in less than two months. It is truly a great demonstration of hard work by civil servants, the UK’s fire and rescue services, the NFCC and FIREAID.”

Survitec to supply advanced firefighting systems to eco ferries

by Breaking NewsIndustry SectorsPorts & Maritime

Survival Technology solutions provider Survitec has secured a contract to supply advanced fire-fighting systems to a pair of 48,000grt LNG dual-fuelled eco ferries under construction at Finland’s Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) for Australian shipowner Spirit of Tasmania (TT-Line Company Pty Ltd).

“This is a major order from a returning customer,” said Michał Peruga, General Manager, Survitec, Poland. “This contract win demonstrates our ability to go beyond simple equipment supply to being able to provide a complete bespoke fire safety solution for all areas of the ship, from bow to stern.”

Survitec’s extensive scope of supply includes Novenco Fire Fighting (NFF) XFlow Water Mist systems for machinery spaces and accommodation areas; an NFF XFlow Deluge system for car decks; a dry powder fire suppression system for the ships’ LNG bunkering stations; a deep fat fryer fire extinguishing system and a CO2 system for the vessels’ galley ducts.

Peruga added that Survitec’s technical team helped the shipyard and owner navigate complex mandatory regulations in relation to the design, installation, and operation of a fire suppression system.

“Our NFF XFlow technology uses a combination of fine water droplets and water mist. Consequently, the system can be activated immediately, without the need to evacuate first, which reduces the risk of damage to machinery and other critical installations. It makes the system more efficient for certain types of fires compared to high pressure water mist systems, even though both systems have to pass the same test,” said Peruga.

Mika Laurilehto, CEO, Rauma Marine Constructions, said: “The agreement we have with Spirit of Tasmania is for a pair of world-class ferries capable of meeting exacting standards in terms of safety, reliability and customer service. 

“Survitec’s ability to offer a full range of fire safety solutions and also local after care services allowed us to streamline the design and procurement processes in a manner that benefits both the yard and the shipowner.”

Finn Lende-Harung, Commercial Director of Fire Solutions at Survitec, said: “Dual fuel systems and alternative fuels are setting new standards for fire safety in the industry. Shipowners and builders are looking for suppliers capable of providing technical support to high-value projects throughout the entire life span of a vessel. We work hard not only to keep on top of the latest changes in legislation but also to offer through-life benefits that help with the total cost of ownership – from the design and construction phase through to operation and servicing.”

Having successfully designed, installed and commissioned the advanced fire-fighting systems aboard Yara Birkeland, the world’s first fully electric, autonomous containership, Survitec is fast becoming the eco ship builder’s go-to fire systems choice supplier.

“The success of that project marked an important milestone for Survitec, placing us at the forefront in the development of fire safety technology for the next generation of environmentally sustainable ships,” continued Lende-Harung.

When delivered in 2023 and 2024, Spirit of Tasmania’s new 212m long ropaxes will each have capacity to ferry 1800 passengers across Bass Strait, on the company’s Geelong to Devonport, route which connects the island state of Tasmania with mainland Australia.

The new vessels will replace the Spirit of Tasmania I and II, both built in Finland in 1998.

Hochiki set to demo smart and green products at FIREX

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProducts

Europe’s most important fire safety event, FIREX, is coming back to London ExCeL and Hochiki Europe are thrilled to be exhibiting and meeting customers old and new face to face after a gap of three years.

The European team will be demonstrating a range of market leading products, as well discussing what the future holds for fire system design, why the industry must think green and how customer insight is driving innovation at Hochiki.

Sophisticated design combined with powerful customer insight

The Hochiki Europe team of experts will be on hand to demo the new and improved L@titude system. With huge investments made in the research and development of this product, led by customer insight, this latest model combines the very latest in hardware and software and is the company’s market leading control and indication system.

Sophisticated enough to operate anywhere in the world, in multiple languages, across all manner of applications – from schools and hospitals, city skyscrapers filled with thousands of office workers, apartment blocks and entertainment venues, cultural and commercial spaces as well as international travel ports, manufacturing warehouses and logistics hubs. The system has been designed to be simple to configure and easy to use, utilising touchscreen technology with a graphical user interface to help display vital information. It is EN approved and recently DBI certified for the Danish market following its EN54 Part 13 BRE approval.

Greener life safety products

For visitors looking to improve their energy consumption, the Hochiki team will be providing live demonstrations of the power saving and environmentally friendly FIREscape+ combined emergency lighting and fire detection system. The system features LED downlighters consuming only 0.1W once fully charged, the lower energy consumption directly correlates with lower CO2e emissions; providing building owners with a greener and more cost-effective solution.

Visitors can also learn how Hochiki are helping to protect and keep operational one of the UK’s largest offshore windfarms at Margate, critical as thoughts turn to how the UK can start to produce more of its own energy and rely less on foreign sources. For a country once solely reliant on coal to power its homes and businesses, the UK is now the leader in offshore wind energy. Encouragingly, today 44% of the UK’s electricity comes from renewable sources – a figure expected to accelerate given the Government’s April 2022 announcement, committing to “supercharge” clean energy deployment, which would see 95% of Great Britain’s electricity set to be low carbon by 2030.

A new generation of Hybrid Wireless Fire Detection

Hochiki’s next generation of hybrid wireless fire detection products, Ekho is also available for demonstration.  At the core of the system is the wireless Translator module, hard-wired to the fire alarm control panel loop and communicates continuously with the wireless devices. Wireless Expander modules are then used to extend the self-healing radio mesh network, increasing the reach and capacity of the overall system.

Commenting on attending the event, Hochiki’s Sales Director, Nathan Hudson said, “It is exciting to meet with our customers face to face and get back to live events. You cannot beat a live demo and I am looking forward to hearing what visitors think of the life safety technology we are bringing to the show, especially our FIREscape+, L@titude and Ekho ranges. I think this year’s event, for many reasons, really will be the best yet.”

I am immensely proud of our teams and how they have continued to develop and bring to market leading products as well as serve our customers over the last two years. There is a reason we have been trusted as the leader in fire detection for over 100 years, it is our people and their passion to ensure our customers get the best. I would like to extend an invite to all attendees to come and say hello at our stand at FIREX.”

FIREX will take place at Excel London 17th-19th May 2022, head to stand FI 1640 to speak to the Hochiki team of experts. Or for more information visit the websitehochikieurope.com/events

NEBOSH Diploma scholarship returns for 2022

by Featured NewsPeople

NEBOSH has opened applications for its 2022 scholarship programme and this year it’s offering even more opportunities for aspiring health and safety professionals.

After attracting more than 500 applicants in its first year, the 2022 programme will now award ten scholarships to study for a NEBOSH Diploma. Three National (UK) and seven International learners will be awarded paid-for online study for the NEBOSH National or International Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals.

The Michael Adamson NEBOSH Diploma Scholarship is named in memory of Michael Adamson who lost his life in a preventable workplace incident. The Diploma and scholarship are designed to help learners develop the knowledge and practical skills they need to succeed in the workplace, advance their careers and keep people safe from harm.

Tran Duy Thanh Truc works for Oxford University Clinical Research Unit Vietnam as Health and Safety Manager and is one of the winners of the 2021 scholarship. She says: “This is a great opportunity to improve your health and safety competencies. NEBOSH is offering us the chance to create better workplaces in the world, not only in the rich countries but for everyone. All workers in the world have the right to access better working conditions – the scholarship can help you to progress your education and help make safer workplaces.”

Applications are open from 3-24 May 2022 and must be submitted through a form on NEBOSH’s website. Those who meet the minimum criteria will be reviewed by an expert judging panel who will select the winners. Judges include:

  • Dee Arp, NEBOSH Chief Operating Officer
  • Matt Powell-Howard, NEBOSH Head of Product Development
  • Louise Adamson, Michael’s sister and NEBOSH Ambassador
  • Khansa Burai, NEBOSH Diploma holder and HSE Engineer for the Sudanese Electricity Distribution Company
  • Robert Jukes, NEBOSH Diploma holder and HSEQ Manager for Northwood Tissue

Teledyne launches easy to install gas detection system

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProducts

Teledyne Oldham Simtronics has launched the MX 256. Offering over 200 gas detection points, this cost-effective unit provides flexible, accurate and reliable site management.

The semi-automatic magnetic calibration helps simplify maintenance to ensure systems stay healthy in
the toughest environments.

In addition, Teledyne Oldham Simtronics’s fully addressable sensors significantly reduce installation costs and, more importantly, minimizes the overall cost of ownership compared to using multiple stations for larger sites such as laboratories, hotels, schools, universities, and large public and industrial facilities.

In a wall-mounted box, the MX 256 is compact and easy to install, the configuration will be carried out
thanks to its programming software COM 256.

Fire Protection Association to participate at FIREX International

by EventsFeatured News

The Fire Protection Association is set to make its presence felt at this year’s FIREX International with key personnel from the FPA involved in delivering conferences and keynotes.

FIREX International welcomes thousands of fire safety professionals to explore the latest innovative products and solutions and meet face-to-face with the fire safety community – all under one roof, over three days.

“We’re delighted to be returning to FIREX International this year and we relish the opportunity it presents to connect with our members, customers, and the wider fire safety sector. FIREX will see the launch of several new and exciting FPA services including our Material Identification Laboratory, for identifying building insulation material; two fire resistance test furnaces, in collaboration with global safety science leader UL; and our newly developed fire compartmentation and door survey technology. “We are also pleased to be hosting the General Assembly of the Confederation of Fire Protection Associations (CFPA) Europe during the same week and our European partners are very much looking forward to the show.”Jonathan O’Neill OBE, Managing Director of the Fire Protection Association

Hear from industry experts in the FPA InfoZone theatre, featuring talks on the latest legislation, technology, and building safety. Highlights include:

Day 1: Bringing the global world of fire testing to the UK
Jonathan O’Neill OBE, FPA and Chris Miles, UL

Day 2: NFCC updates
Gavin Tomlinson, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service & NFCC Protection Committee Chair

Day 3: Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures UK (CROSS-UK)
Steve Hamm, IFE and Neil Gibbins, CROSS UK

Building Safety Bill receives Royal Ascent and becomes a law in UK

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementIndustry SectorsSafety

The Building Safety Bill received Royal Assent on 28 April 2022 and is now an Act of Parliament. It has been a long process leading up to this point since the tragic Grenfell fire on 14 June 2017, but there is much further work to do in order for the changes in the Act to be implemented.

As many stakeholders will be aware, the Act is a significant piece of legislation that completely overhauls the regulatory regime for higher risk buildings in England, as well as introducing numerous other changes that affect construction products regulation, competency standards in the construction industry, the management of building fire safety risks, liabilities, and so on.

Peter Baker was previously appointed as Chief Inspector of Buildings by the Health and Safety Executive, and is leading the new Building Safety Regulator as established under the Act. Mr Baker notes that:

“The Building Safety Act introduces tough new measures for the safety and quality of buildings which will be enforced by the new independent regulator being established in HSE.

“I call on everyone involved in the design, construction and management of buildings in England to now step up, get ready for the changes, and work together to drive the necessary culture change to protect people and deliver safe and good quality buildings”

The Government’s transition plan notes when various provisions are expected to come into effect, however this may well be updated now that the Act is law. HSE has said that the registration of high-rise buildings will be starting from April 2023, with the new safety management regime requirements applying from October 2023. No doubt further dates for other changes will soon be released.

Now that the Act is in force, Developers need to be looking at how they procure higher risk projects and what effect the Act will have on these developments and their obligations in relation to the same. Similarly, Contractors and Consultants need to understand their additional obligations not only on higher risk developments, but also on building projects generally where they will hold specific duties.

All construction stakeholders (including manufacturers and suppliers) need to understand the full extent of the changes coming, and appreciate now what actions and business investment are required in order to ensure compliance with the new regime, and act now or risk being caught short.

MSA Safety launches ALTAIR io 4 Gas Detection Wearable

by Featured NewsPPEProducts

Adopting new technology that helps to simplify safety procedures and connect managers to their employees in hazardous environments has never been more easy. MSA Safety announced that its latest innovation – the ALTAIR io 4 Gas Detection Wearable device – is now available for order.

Designed to work in concert with the company’s new MSA+ safety subscription service, the ALTAIR io 4 device represents the hardware portion of a cloud-ready suite of technology that MSA calls the Connected Work Platform. When connected together, the ALTAIR io 4 and MSA+ create a versatile and powerful hardware/software combination that enhances worker safety while simplifying safety program management.

“The Connected Work Platform brings workers, worksites and workflows together to help make safety simpler for everyone,” said Gustavo Lopez, MSA Safety’s Vice President of Connected Services & General Manager of Industrial Products. “We’re empowering safety managers to use the platform as a solution to develop adaptable and proactive safety plans by leveraging our world-class sensor technology and cloud-based solutions to enhance safety and productivity.”

To showcase the features, benefits and value of MSA’s Connected Work Platform, the company is hosting a virtual Connected Work Summit May 17 – 19, 2022. Attendees can learn from and chat with MSA experts about why the technology that enables connectivity is often under-utilized or missing from safety management programs and how to leverage connected technology to address those gaps and create adaptive safety programs.

MSA will feature the ALTAIR io 4 at the summit, highlighting how it was designed from the ground-up, making it MSA’s first direct-to-cloud gas detector to feature:

  • Out-of-the box global cellular connectivity and GPS location to transmit real-time data, like critical gas detection readings and location information, directly to supervisors via the MSA Grid software platform;
  • Access to MSA software services that enable fleet management, as well as real-time monitoring, incident reporting and datalogging services;
  • A new, electronic MSA id device tag that replaces paper-based sign-out processes;
  • MSA’s industry-leading XCell Sensors; and
  • Compatibility with a new ALTAIR io Dock calibration test stand, enabling automatic bump testing, calibration and datalogging.

With MSA+, safety managers can bundle hardware and software needs for long-term safety advancements and a convenient way to stay ahead of safety innovation and with minimal capital expense. The MSA Grid and accompanying MSA+ safety subscription has various price points and subscription levels to accommodate individual customer needs and budgets. MSA+ also extends warranty coverage and provides automatic and ongoing software upgrades.

“Having the ALTAIR io 4 connected with MSA+ means it will only get better with time,” Lopez said. “It means getting the latest software updates automatically, ultimately bringing the most recent safety technology immediately to the worksite. Additionally, with safety data automatically logged in the MSA Grid, it helps make compliance easier by streamlining the data gathering and creating reports to inform safety decisions.”

In addition to the Connected Work Platform and the ALTAIR io 4, the mid-May Connected
Work Summit will allow safety managers to learn more about managing and protecting their safety programs now and in the future. Over the three-day event, learn how connected worksites, gas detection wearables, and software solutions can enhance worker and infrastructure safety.

Sessions include:

  • How Connectivity Can Help Simplify Safety and Boost Productivity – Tuesday, May 17;
  • Managing Your Gas Detection Fleet with Hardware and Software – Wednesday, May 18;
  • Why Cybersecurity Matters for Connected Work Programs – Thursday, May 19.

To register for the free summit sessions, click here. The ALTAIR io 4 will be first made available in the United States and Europe, and MSA said it expects to begin shipments in May. For more information on the ALTAIR io 4 Detector and MSA+, please visit the company website by clicking here.

Darley welcomes new board members

by Featured NewsPeople

Lieutenant General L. Scott Rice, former director, Air National Guard, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. recently joined Darley’s Defense Advisory Board.

He was responsible for formulating, developing and coordinating all policies, plans and programs affecting more than 105,500 Guard members and civilians. Before assuming his current

position, General Rice served as the adjutant general and commander, Massachusetts Air National Guard.

Darley also added two new members to our Fire Advisory Board. Chief Dan Eggleston began his fire service career in 1978 and is currently the career fire rescue chief with the Albemarle County (VA) Department of Fire Rescue.

Chief Eggleston is a past president and chairman of the board for the International Association of Fire Chiefs and currently serves as a board member for the National Association of Counties.

Chief Kim Zagaris, or ‘Chief Z’ as some call him, is currently the wildfire policy and technology advisor for the Westen Fire Chiefs Association. His position is new, created in response to the destructive

wildfires that have. unfolded across the West.

Chief Zagaris retired as state fire and rescue chief for the State of California, Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), a position he held for 18 years. Chie Zagaris has extensive background in fire service, emergency management and homeland security which includes working with local, state federal and international agencies over his 42-year fire service career.

During his tenure in California, he served under six governors. and has been actively involved in every major and catastrophic emergency in California as well several in the nation. During his time with Cal OES he was able to expand the fire apparatus fleet from 106 fire apparatus to 300 fire apparatus most with Darley pumps.

Warwickshire invites residents to become on-call firefighters

by Featured NewsFirefighting EquipmentProducts

Warwickshire residents have been invited to sign up as on-call firefighters before May 12 with the Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service in the UK.

On-call firefighters in Warwickshire perform a range of services including responding to incidents, prevention activities, supporting fire protection efforts and working with local communities. They do this while usually working a day job and maintaining a balance between the two roles.

On-call firefighters can earn between £5,000 to £8,000 annually, the county announced on its website.

On-call firefighters normally live within five minutes to their nearest station and respond as needed to calls during set shifts. Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service is offering a new option for on-call firefighters where residents living outside the five-minute response radius can work their day job from their local fire station when on-call and respond to calls as necessary. This setup would suit people formerly working in office roles who are now hybrid-working or working from home.

Warwickshire County Council’s spokesman for Fire and Rescue and Community Safety, Andy Crump, said: “On-call firefighters have a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills, work in their local communities and develop themselves. I would heavily encourage anyone considering applying to do so – especially in Fenny Compton or Shipston-on-Stour where we currently have vacancies.

“In my opinion the ability to work from our fire stations means that many people who may have felt unable to apply previously can now do so. Please do submit your application if that sounds like you.”

Prospective recruits must be aged 18 and over, a team player, passionate about serving the community and willing to pick up new skills. They will receive an extensive training of course and be expected to attend a drill night once a week.

Candidates do not need any prior qualifications to apply for the role and anyone who considers themselves willing to work on their fitness and new skills should apply. On-call firefighters receive an annual wage plus additional payments for attending drill nights and incidents.