New legislation to ban products made by forced or child labour from entering the European Union (EU) market is “a big step towards promoting safe and secure working environments for all workers”, IOSH says.
The European Commission recently presented its Communication on Decent Work Worldwide, which has the eradication of forced and child labour at its heart. The ban on products made by forced labour is part of its comprehensive approach, with the ‘legislative instrument’ covering goods made inside and outside of the EU.
In announcing this development, the commission said that ‘decent work’ is still not a reality for many people around the world, with 160 million children in child labour and 25 million people facing forced labour.
The development is aligned with the International Labour Organisation’s Global Call to Action for a Human-centred Recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and takes place when the EU is supporting renewed efforts to integrate the right to safe and healthy working conditions into the ILO framework on fundamental principles and rights at work.
Dr Ivan Williams Jimenez, Occupational Safety and Health Policy Specialist for IOSH, said: “This represents an excellent opportunity not only to leverage the UN Sustainable Development Goals–related aim for a world of work where businesses frame their sustainability policies towards decent work principles, but to promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious jobs.
“As forced labour is publicly recognised as the most common form of modern slavery and, in many cases, it affects the most vulnerable and excluded groups in society, IOSH has long demanded that companies tackle and remove forced labour and modern slavery risks from their value chains.”
Jimenez added: “Progress has been slow so far; we know that some countries have passed national and state laws asking the private and public sector to report on modern slavery risks in their supply chains. However, this is a field where there is certainly room for further improvement.”
The European Commission has now invited the European Parliament and the Council to endorse the approach set out in the Communication and to work together on its implementation. More details can be found here.
Plans for a new fire safety support hub in Cardiff have been turned down. The hub was proposed to help victims of the cladding scandal. Currently, thousands in the city are still living in apartments at serious risk of fire, five years after the Grenfell Tower disaster, with many facing gigantic bills for work to make their homes safe.
A fire safety support hub could help those affected with financial and legal advice, as well as signposting and counselling for those suffering from mental health issues, councillors said. Liberal Democrats in Cardiff put forward a motion on Thursday, March 17 to set up a hub, with backing from other opposition councillors.
But this was voted down by the ruling Labour group. Councillor Rhys Taylor, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, said: “Five years on and people are still trapped in potentially unsafe homes, and are paying the price both financially and mentally for the mistakes of developers.
“Leaseholders in some instances have faced bills of thousands of pounds due to be paid with less than 28 days’ notice. That’s because kettles have more consumer protection than the leaseholders who are trapped in this scandal. People are looking to pay their whole life savings to meet these bills, and war veterans are even considering selling their medals, Wales Online reported.
“In June, management companies will be issuing the second half of annual services charges. For the Celestia buildings in Cardiff Bay, that’s half of the £2.4m needed to repair defects. If leaseholders can’t pay, of which there will be many, they’ll be pursued by debtors. A support hub would provide help and advice for people in these situations.”
Extra costs heaped onto affected residents include skyrocketing insurance premiums, service charges, patrolling fire wardens, and remediation work like replacing cladding. Many of the issues faced by affected residents in Cardiff are complex and technical, including fraudulent fire safety certificates and inadequate wall inspections.
Lots of residents also suffer from poor mental health as a result of the issues, according to recent surveys. Labour said the fire safety issues were difficult to address and had previously explored council tax residents for affected residents, but later ruled this out as too expensive.
Cllr Lynda Thorne, cabinet member for housing, dismissed the motion as a pre-election stunt. She said: “This administration is committed to doing all we can to help and support all those residents affected by the plethora of faults and design failures built into these developments. It’s a whole gambit of failures that makes this issue so difficult to address. These issues aren’t straightforward.
Fire Protection Association’s managing director Jonathan O’Neill OBE will be addressing the audience in the Fire Safety Theatre with the Fire Protection Association’s concerns about the forthcoming Building Safety Bill. O’Neill will address audiences on Wednesday, April 6, from 10:15 to 11:00am
On Thursday 7 April, 14:00 – 15:00, the FPA’s Senior Fire Safety Trainer Alan Emms will be co-presenting a CPD session in the Training and Competency workshop taking place in the Fire Safety Theatre which will provide practical guidance and an insight into all aspects of fire safety training whilst focusing on the role of the Responsible Person.
Launched in 2016, The Fire Safety Event is one of the UK’s important industry events which has been on the radar of several professionals and manufacturers over the last six years. During its time, it has become the UK’s largest fire and safety show, with more than 100 leading manufacturers and service providers showcasing the most cutting-edge fire safety products and solutions in active and passive fire protection.
The Fire Safety Event is run alongside The Security Event, The Workplace Event, and The Health & Safety Event. Collectively known as ‘The Safety & Security Series’ that is set to welcome more than 700 exhibiting businesses and visitor numbers surpassing 28,000 attendees.
O’Neill began his career in the insurance industry and was appointed Managing Director of the FPA in 1999. During his time as MD, he has overseen two relocations and has managed the organisation to financial independence from insurers.
O’Neill has served on numerous government, ministerial, and sector advisory bodies and was part of the strategic advisory group on the Fire Futures Review. He represents UK insurers on the Prevention Forum of Insurance Europe, is the UK’s representative at the General Assemblies of CFPA Europe and CFPA International, and sits on the Executive of the Fire Sector Federation.
In 2017, he was awarded in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to fire safety and received his OBE from Prince William, Duke of Cambridge on Tuesday 31 October at Buckingham Palace.
In 2014 Chris Ferrara, president, and CEO of US Fire Pump, saw a glaring need for the petrochemical industry to have high quality equipment adapted specifically for its needs. In addition, Ferrara saw that supplemental emergency response teams to aid in larger than usual fires, something that many customers requested.
With this in mind, and using his more than four decades of knowledge in manufacturing, Ferrara embarked on a journey eight years ago. He was also backed with the expertise of having been the owner of one of the largest fire apparatus manufactures, and his decades of fire service experience. Marrying these rich experiences he founded US Fire Pump, a manufacturer of fire equipment and the world’s largest Emergency Response Organization. Ferrara’s vision to provide innovative equipment and firefighting methods has taken the world by storm.
Ferrera quotes one of the USA’s founding fathers Benjamin Franklin. He said: “Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.”
Already having satellite offices in Texas and manufacturing in Louisiana, Ferrara continued his vision for growth via expansion, and progress by constructing a new world class manufacturing facility in Holden, Louisiana in 2020.The facilities are not only home to state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment but large testing and training facilities and the largest fleet of emergency response and fire rental equipment on the globe. Since is construction, many pieces of custom designed and built fire equipment have been delivered from the facility to customers spanning several continents.
Facilities and expansion
Being growth minded Ferrara knew that creating a presence strong regional and global presence to better serve the industry would need to be a top priority. Ferrara says: “Our locations in Holden and Baton Rouge, Los Angeles, Vidor, Texas and additional firefighting foam storage in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Rancho Cucamonga, California, and Spain ensure that we are able to serve our customers strategically. As you can see, from locations across the Gulf South, we have a heavy presence in the region due to the sheer amount of the industrial facilities concentrated in the area.
“To enhance our already robust coverage across the region, I’m excited to announce that we are opening a brand-new facility on I-10 in Mt. Belvieu, TX. The new facility in Texas will be a hub in the region for warranty, repair, service and dispatch of rental and emergency response equipment.”
On the opening of the new facility Ferrara adds: “These new openings are paramount in achieving the success of US Fire Pump and allows for continued growth and success in the industry.”
The new Texas facility is located at 11331 I-10 East Mont Belvieu, TX 77523. Of course, having additional space for service is going to ease the demand on each location, but as we opened this location in Texas because of the demand that the “Everything is bigger in Texas created”. Although the rest of the United States and in particular the Gulf South have many petrochemical plants, Texas is an anomaly due to the sheer volume of product required in the Greater Houston Region and the Golden Triangle. Having this facility in Mont Belvieu allows for us to have dedicated resources to this region. From a petrochemical industry standpoint, it’s mindboggling as to how many companies are concentrated in Texas. For us being in the region and providing exclusive dedicated resources to the area makes the most sense for speed of service to the customer.
Five biggest changes in the industry
Ferrara says: “From my humble beginnings as a welder / pipefitter, volunteer fireman to building a company that manufactures fire apparatus’, I have seen a massive evolution of the fire services, emergency responders, and safety industry.”
Technology would be number one; the speed that advancements in technology within the fire service industry has been rapid. “I’ve always prided myself and our company on being innovative and developing new technologies to introduce to the fire service market. It’s what always has set us apart from the competition.
Secondly, firefighting foam and the regulations with PFAS and PFOA’s have seen several changes. This goes hand-in-hand with technology but the speed of the regulations has caused the technology of using fluorinated foams to the use of non-fluorinated firefighting foam. Third, is the clean cab technology in the fire service. A shift to move firefighters from, for instance wearing bunker gear in the apparatus cab due to the constant exposure to carcinogens is something someone would not have even entertained 30 years ago, for that that even as recent as 10 years ago.
This goes back to technology but the robust filtrations systems to reduce these exposures to the hazardous substances is something that is one of the biggest changes I have seen to date. Number four: The use of passenger and commercial electric cars on our roads, and the demand on firefighters to extinguish electric car fires. This is all new to the fire servicepeople and it’s here to stay. There is major difference in the way traditional fossil fuel powered cars are extinguished.
Lastly, it’s not something that has changed but an element that has remained constant. It’s the people. The emergency responders who serve the public everyday are the same today as they were 40 years ago and will continue to be heroes for generations. Their passion and dedication drive people like myself and our company, to continue to innovate products to serve them.
We have a long list of clients who use our products and services, and I would like to thank them all. From building high velocity pumps for FDNY’s ‘Super Pumper’ to our Emergency Response Teams extinguishing major fires for numerous corporations and government agencies, we have nothing but gratitude for the trust shown in our services, people, and products.
The pandemic and giving back
The nature and impact of Covid was devastating. The pandemic, and resulting illness that it cause, affected many companies with employee welfare severely affected in some cases leading to fatalities. However, for US Fire Pump employees saw no major impacts to their health. Such was our strength that we never ceased operating for a single day throughout the last two years. This was down to the high demand of Emergency Response calls during the pandemic and the subsequent waves that hit different states in the US, at different times. During the pandemic, we also witnessed an uptick in request for our rental equipment and other services that we offer different market segments. The one negative implication of the pandemic has been the severely restrained global logistics sector. Components that are typically considered ‘everyday’ items are considerably harder to source. Even when in stock procuring them in a timely manner is still a major issue.
Speaking about employee welfare, US Fire Pump are major believers in giving back to the community through our various corporate social responsibility efforts. Ferrara says: “I’ve always been a firm believer in giving back to the fire service industry. For many years, even with my previous company that manufactured fire apparatus’ and now through US Fire Pump, giving back to first responders has been a key pillar of our DNA. We give back in many ways, the obvious ones are through donations that support fire and security conferences.
“But I feel the best way to do give back and leave a lasting impression is through education. Here at US Fire Pump, we hold free training sessions for first responders. These modules would otherwise cost each individual member a few thousand dollars. The reason we have kept our trainings free is because knowledge and expertise are worth their weight in gold, not only in terms of career progress but also to save lives. Afterall, serving the public and protecting lives is our main aim and mission and education is key to its success.
In a slightly delayed celebration of its 125thanniversary, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) will return to an in-person event for its annual Conference & Expo (C&E) at the Boston Convention Center in Boston, Mass., June 6-9, 2022. While the event has been held online the past two years due to the pandemic, this year will once again bring together thousands of the industry’s leading professionals who will attend more than 110 educational sessions and special events. It will be kicked off with a keynote on leadership by Admiral William H. McRaven.
Jim Pauley, CEO and President, NFPA said: “We are excited to welcome the huge community of fire, electrical and life safety professionals back to a live C&E. Not only are the programmatic line-up and exhibits more valuable in person, but attendees learn so much from each other being in the same place.”
Educational sessions will address the latest issues, challenges, and opportunities for today’s fire and life safety practitioners, including the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem; code compliance; emergency preparedness and response; emerging technologies; global issues; public education; building and life safety and construction; fire protection systems; industrial hazards; electrical safety; and much more.
In addition, the NFPA Spotlight on Public Education (SOPE) will be held on June 6-7, covering a wide range of public education issues, such as fire and fall prevention among older adults; youth fire-setting education and intervention; and community risk reduction (CRR), to name a few. SOPE attendees are also invited to participate in a CRR workshop on June 8, which will support and assist CRR professionals in developing a community risk assessment (CRA).
This year’s expo will feature more than 300 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services needed to comply with prevailing codes and standards for design, construction, and operation of the built environment. The NFPA booth will showcase its latest initiatives, programs, and resources, including a dedicated area for live NFPA LiNK demonstrations, highlighting the full capabilities of dynamic, digital access to NFPA codes and standards and related material. The expo floor will also feature specialty NFPA booths showcasing electric vehicles, wildfire virtual reality, and CRAIG 1300™, the digital tool that collects and analyzes community data in support of CRR.
The 2022 NFPA Technical Meeting, which will begin on June 8 at 1:00 pm EST, will consist of two days this year in anticipation of increased participation and interest in the continuation of cycling NFPA standards. More details about which certified amending motions will be debated and acted upon will be available online as soon as the agenda is finalized.
General session will be held on Monday, June 7 and will include presentations by NFPA President Jim Pauley, Board of Directors Chair Amy Acton, and Keynote Speaker Admiral William H. McRaven, USN (Ret.).
The biggest UK fire service convoy – made up of 22 vehicles and more than 5,000 items of kit and equipment donated by UK fire and rescue services – has been deployed to support firefighters in Ukraine.
The convoy, which left for Poland last weekend, also comprised of more than 60 volunteers from FIRE AID and fire and rescue services. The aid is providing vitally needed equipment to support firefighters, emergency services and volunteers, battling together on the frontline.
Vehicles underwent final checks and the convoy departed Kent on March 19. The estimated journey time to Poland was three days, after which the equipment was transferred to Ukraine. The equipment is expected to support emergency services which are dealing daily with fires and other emergencies to protect lives, people, and property.
Coordinated by UK charity, FIRE AID and International Development (FIRE AID), the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), and the fire industry through the Fire Industry Association, the 22-strong vehicle convoy includes 15 fire engines, an incident response unit, a hydraulic rescue platform, mechanical support for the journey, and two lorries containing equipment such as thermal imaging cameras, generators, lighting, hoses, and thousands of sets of PPE.
The deployment of these donations is being supported by funding from the UK Home Office, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and the FIA Foundation, as well as through a public appeal via JustGiving.
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 also key partners in supporting and making the deployment.
Claire Hoyland, Project Manager, FIRE AID said: “We’re calling this a mega convoy as it is not only mega in size, but it has been truly a monumental effort from all involved. Within two weeks we have put together the biggest ever donation of aid from UK Fire and Rescue services. I am so proud of everyone involved and so grateful for the support of our project partners, including EASST, NFCC, and the Home Office, along with many others who have contributed time, money, and assistance.
“FIRE AID members have been working in Ukraine for more than a decade. We have a number of friends and colleagues within the Ukrainian fire service battling fires and responding to emergencies on the front line. We know that this donation is much needed and we are proud to be able to help in whatever way we can.”
Mark Hardingham, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, said: “To see the convoy of fire vehicles – packed with thousands of pieces of firefighting equipment, start its journey was incredibly humbling; every firefighter and volunteer involved should be immensely proud of how their amazing work is making this a reality. This firefighting kit will soon be with Ukrainian emergency services, helping our firefighter colleagues to save lives and protect their local communities – often whilst under devastating attacks.”
Sherwin-Williams has supplied FIRETEX intumescent fire protective coatings to the Brunel Building, a 22,500 sqm workspace in London. The 16-floor construction features a 3.5m high column-free space throughout, due to its unique structural design.
Passive fire protection experts from Sherwin-Williams worked with the contractor Laing O’Rourke, structural engineers Arup and in collaboration with specialist structural steel supplier Severfield to ensure the interior and exterior steelwork was fire-protected for up to 60 minutes.
For the interior steelwork, FIRETEX C69 primer, FIRETEX FX2003 intumescent coating and FIRETEX M71V2 decorative topcoat was chosen. For the exterior steelwork, the solution was Macropoxy 400 primer, FIRETEX FX6000 intumescent coating and Acrolon C237 topcoat. The epoxy zinc phosphate primer and Certifire-approved intumescent coat were applied in shop, allowing the contractor to benefit from its fast-drying properties. The fire-tested and fully-approved acrylic urethane topcoat also offered strong colour retention to help maintain the Brunel Building’s striking aesthetic appearance.
Andy Luter, Senior Project Manager, Severfield said: “The architectural features and design required a fabricated steel which could be protected off-site and installed with minimum damage. The team at Sherwin-Williams offered a technical solution which allowed the exposed interior steel and exoskeleton to meet the desired fire protection levels without compromising on design or delivery.”
Rick Perkins, Global Technical Manager, at Sherwin-Williams, said: “The FIRETEX range of products allows us to coat steelwork off-site where relevant with fast drying times, resulting in minimal damage, as well as cost and time savings to help steel fabricators to meet their requirements for fire protection.”
This year marks 50 years of fire testing for Warringtonfire. It was in 1972 that the first commercial fire test was undertaken at a newly completed fire testing laboratory in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. 50 years later, what is believed to be the UK’s oldest existing fire resistance testing laboratory, continues to operate. Today, it is one of Warringtonfire’s main sites and is a centre of excellence for the testing of timber fire doors.
In addition to being an early pioneer in fire testing, Warringtonfire has remained at the forefront of the industry. Through its collaboration with trade associations and standards committees, including ASFP, BSI, CEN and FTSG, Warringtonfire’s team of technical experts continue to play a pivotal role in raising standards in the fire protection industry.
Recognising how much customers rely on specialist technical knowledge to support them through the testing process, Warringtonfire has continued to invest in building a world class team of technical experts and has one of the largest global teams in the industry.
Leigh Hill, Division Director for Warringtonfire said: “I’m immensely proud in reaching this key milestone and of the contribution we have made to raising standards in the fire protection industry over the past 50 years. Many of our customers and even some of our colleagues have been with us on our incredible journey and I’d like to thank them for their continued support. Looking ahead, we remain committed to carrying on the important work we do, helping to ensure we are making tomorrow safer than today.”
Jason Traynor, general manager, Global Fire Service and integration leader for MSA Bristol took some time out to discuss the importance of the Middle East market for the business.
Traynor also talked about the company’s strategic partnership with Fotokite, and the company’s forecasts for 2022.
Luminite has appointed Laura Grainger as Director of Sales and Marketing. Laura has earned a promotion from within the company after she joined nine years ago and has played a key role in building relationships with distributors and end users, contributing to the wider growth of the business.
Graham Creek MD said “Laura is a vital member of the team and has proven to be a strategic Sales and Marketing Manager. Our future plans for growth with the addition and development of our wireless security range will entail a larger team which Laura will head and oversee.”
Commenting on the new appointment, Laura said “This opportunity comes at an exciting time for Luminite. Our increasingly diverse product range is opening up new and challenging avenues for the Company and I look forward to driving our sales and marketing plans forward.
Luminite manufactures PIR detection, wireless switching, IP connectivity and wireless alert systems. The North London based company has been around for more than 37 years operating in both the security and home automation markets.
