At least 100 killed and 4,000 injured in Beirut explosion

by Middle East - Breaking News

The head of Lebanon’s Red Cross, George Kettaneh, said at least 100 people were killed and more than 4,000 were wounded in the Beirut explosion yesterday (4th August), adding the toll could rise further.

Video footage shows the moment a building exploded, sending a huge shockwave across the city that was heard and felt as far away as Cyprus – more than 125 miles (200km) away.

Lebanon’s prime minister has called for a day of mourning today (5th August), saying that his country was experiencing “a real catastrophe” and said those responsible would pay the price.

He tweeted that Tuesday’s blast was caused by more than 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate left unsecured at a warehouse near the city’s port for six years.

Cars are upturned and streets covered in shattered glass and twisted metal, with homes and businesses reduced to rubble.

Lebanon’s internal security chief, Abbas Ibrahim, also said the blast may have been caused by explosive material confiscated from a ship and stored at the port.

Euralarm welcomes new member Vanderbilt

by Passive

Following a decision of its Board, Euralarm has welcomed its newest member Vanderbilt. The company will join the Security Section of Euralarm. The Security Section represents the intrusion, access and video sector and is key stakeholder in organisations such as CertAlarm, CEN-CENELEC, IEC and the European Commission. Together with a diverse number of stakeholders in Europe, the section collaborates on finding solutions for today’s as well as tomorrow’s challenges for security in a digitised world.

The Security Section meetings gathers experts presenting on actual topics such as the standardisation landscape on video surveillance. The section liaises towards key standardisation groups in the security field and closely follows technological developments to guide regulation and standardisation. Concerning standards, the section continues informing members of changes and advocacy activities at both national and EU level.

Being a member of Euralarm Vanderbilt will benefit from Euralarm’s representation towards European institutions and standardisation organisations. This includes the monitoring of legislative and standardisation issues relevant to the industry. Vanderbilt will have access to the extended network of national associations and major companies in the electronic fire safety and security sectors, which form Euralarm’s members. The new membership will create opportunities for both sides, as it also strengthens the association.

Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt is a global provider of high-performance security systems across access control and intrusion detection. Vanderbilt is recognised for its future-proof, innovative, and easy-to-use portfolio that contains award-winning products such as access control solutions ACT365 and ACT Enterprise and intrusion solutions SPC and SPC Connect. An advocate of open platforms and integrations, Vanderbilt understands the issues customers face and provides multiple solutions that are designed to meet these needs.

European expertise on markets and opportunities

Companies joining Euralarm get a unique insight into what is happening in European markets and the opportunities that they might offer. They not only tap into the political expertise and understanding of the EU policy but can also make personal connections with technical and political experts and potential business partners.

Being a member of Euralarm enables companies and associations to gain expertise on standardisation. Members have their voice heard in Brussels and can support and direct standardisation and legislative processes.

euralarm.org/

www.vanderbiltindustries.com

BASEC highlights the considerations of aluminium cable conductors in the Indian market

by Middle East - Projects

BASEC (British Approvals Services for Cables) has highlighted critical fire performance applications, with aluminium cables being a carefully considered process to ensure they are safe, compliant and reliable in service.

At present, India’s market usage share of aluminium (Al) wire and cable products is at a staggering 80%. This means that only 20% of cable products being used have copper (Cu) conductors, which is in huge contrast to some developed countries. Typically, copper cable products are mainly used for house wiring, instrumentation and control, as well as special application cables including: low voltage (LV) fire resistant and extra high voltage (EHV). Natural raw, in-country supply of aluminium is available and so the government encourages the use of aluminium wires and cables. In comparison to copper, aluminium offers a commercially viable and affordable option.

International cable standards recommend the use of either an aluminium or copper conductor depending on application. Copper has better conductivity than aluminium overall, and in order for an aluminium conductor to carry the same current or load it will need to be at least one size higher than its copper equivalent. For example: a 185sqmm Cu would offer the same load current as a 240sqmm Al conductor.

In either case, the appropriate certifications should be obtained to prove product quality and compliance to the required standards, in order to safeguard users when the cables are eventually installed. Cables are the main power source for many applications central to keeping businesses and infrastructures operating.

Read the full article here – https://www.basec.org.uk/news/2020/7/22/aluminium-cable-conductors-the-must-know-considerations-you-should-be-aware-of/

Allegion UK: keeping compliant with fire safety regulations

by Passive

Ensuring compliance when it comes to fire safety isn’t just limited to checking a fire door and its operation. Of course, this is an integral cog in the wider fire safety clockwork, but there’s much more to it than just that, Allegion UK’s Karen Trigg explains.

Keeping staff or employees in-the-know about any evacuation plans could help to save lives – this isn’t just making sure everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire, it’s about educating employees about all workplace fire safety features, like how to use fire extinguishers and ensuring escape routes are kept clear of any potential fire hazards.

Here are some of the most common fire safety threats and what you can do to avoid them.

Fire Doors

Ensuring fire doors are properly maintained will help to contain a fire and buy precious time during an emergency evacuation. Checking a fire door is operating correctly is quick and easy, so there’s no excuse for letting standards split.

Not only are there simple checks to follow with the fire door itself, but employees should also be trained on the improper use of fire doors.

This means steering clear of wedging fire doors open. Not only does this pose legal threats, but it also renders fire doors obsolete. After-all, their primary use is to close in the event of a fire to reduce the spread of fire and smoke.

What’s more, fire doors are often placed in areas that will protect lives and property, such as doors accessing exit corridors or escape routes, so it’s imperative that they aid free passage.

Correctly installed hardware

Potential fire hazards can be avoided and controlled if the door hardware is installed correctly from the outset. This starts with a building’s installer or fitter. When installing door hardware, it’s important to ensure that you’re using either an approved or accredited installer.

The person fitting should be fully trained, as hardware that is installed incorrectly will not function properly, and can be more susceptible to damage and accidents.

Appropriate staff training

According to comparethemarket.com, 54% of people in the UK wouldn’t know what to do in the event of a fire.

History reveals that if the appropriate fire safety plans aren’t in place during a fire, businesses could be faced with severe repercussions. For starters, they’ll have to deal with a large fine on account of breaching regulations.

Then comes the added weight of a fractured reputation, followed by the burden of rebuilding a damaged property and the additional costs that come with that, too.

Not to mention that taking simple measures could be the difference between life and death – the sort of responsibility business owners wouldn’t want hanging over them.

All in all; it’s safe to say that implementing the basic necessary precautions is something every business should be doing. This starts with ensuring staff and employees are up-to-date with fire safety training.

Not only will they be clear of an evacuation plan, but it will also tune employees into how to spot fire doors and door hardware that aren’t working properly. For example, if a member of staff comes across a faulty door closer, they’ll know to report the finding to the appropriate person to get it sorted.

Keeping compliant with Fire Safety Regulations is a requirement for ensuring the utmost safety in any kind of environment. Don’t risk compliance when it comes to fire safety. Rest assured, peace of mind is better than leaving it to guess-work.

www.allegion.co.uk

IWMA announces tabletop booking has now started for IWMC 2021

by Events

The 20th International Water Mist Conference will take place in Warsaw, Poland, on 21st and 22nd April 2021. Organiser is the International Water Mist Association (IWMA) and the venue is the Regent Warsaw Hotel. The tabletop booking for the exhibition, which will run alongside the conference, has now started.

Bettina McDowell, IWMA General Manager, explains: “We want all attendees to get the most of this event and therefore offer a knowledge exchange platform, the opportunity to network and an exhibition to actually look at and ask questions about water mist components.”

Applications for speaker slots will be accepted until 30th October 2020. Another important deadline is 30th December 2020. Until that day, young researchers who have dedicated their master thesis to water mist can submit a summary to the IWMA Scientific Council.

Bettina McDowell, IWMA General Manager, says: “The Call for Papers, the abstract template as well as the sponsorship application forms (tabletop booking forms) can all be downloaded from the IWMA webpage or obtained from the IWMA head office in Hamburg”.

iwma.net/events/detail/iwmc-to-take-place-in-april-2021

Amazon removes balcony barbecues over fire risk fears

by Active

Retail giant Amazon has removed a number of barbecues specifically designed for use on balconies from sale over serious safety concerns highlighted by London Fire Brigade.

The Brigade’s Deputy Commissioner Richard Mills wrote to the firm and other companies that stock or manufacture the products last month, stating that they are a serious concern with regards to public safety.

Amazon and gift retailer Menkind both responded, confirming they had removed the items from sale and contacted customers who had purchased them offering a full refund if they return or dispose of the barbecues.

Deputy Commissioner Mills is now urgently asking anyone who has purchased such a barbecue and have received an email from one of these companies not to ignore it and to take the risks seriously. If customers have purchased a balcony barbecue from another outlet, they must contact the company and raise the issue if they haven’t heard from them.

He said: “We welcome the prompt and crucial action taken by both Menkind and Amazon in response to the concerns we raised.

“We advise that people never barbecue on their balconies as balcony fires can be devastating.

“Products designed specifically for people to barbecue on their balconies are incredibly irresponsible, and we are now asking customers to take action immediately and not to ignore the warning.

“The fact these companies took such swift action to take these products off the shelves shows what a very real risk they are. However, we remain deeply concerned that other companies did not respond to my letter and that these products may still be available for sale and customers are unaware of the dangers of using them.”

Amazon spokesperson said: “Safety is extremely important to Amazon. As soon as the London Fire Brigade raised concerns and new evidence about these particular products we took quick action, removed them from sale and contacted customers. We value the expertise of the London Fire Brigade and are committed to working closely with them and other relevant authorities on these matters. If customers ever have a concern about an item they’ve purchased, we encourage them to contact our Customer Service team directly so we can investigate and take appropriate action.”

Firefighters have attended more than 600 balcony fires in London in the last three years, including one at a block of flats in Deptford in May which was caused by a barbecue being disposed of in a plastic bag. Dozens of residents were evacuated from the building and a number of people were permanently displaced.

Menkind’s Marketing Director, Fred Prego, said: “Our customers’ health and safety is of utmost importance and we have taken swift action following fire safety concerns from the London Fire Brigade over the balcony barbecue product.

“We immediately removed this product from sale and contacted Menkind customers who purchased it, advising them not to use it on balconies and that they can return it for a full refund.

“Menkind is committed to complying with the latest product safety laws and regulations and we continuously collaborate with relevant authorities on the matter.”

REV Fire Group set to host Apparatus Conference & Expo this month

by Events

The REV Fire Group Apparatus Conference & Expo, powered by FDIC International, is an upcoming free digital event to be hosted later in July – featuring interactive exhibits and weekly Webcasts with leading fire service instructors on apparatus-related topics.

The 5-week series is designed to help visitors connect with leaders in the industry as we continue to tackle unprecedented challenges. Visitors will get exclusive access to top instructors and get up close and personal with five of the industry’s leading brands for LIVE product walk arounds where REV Group will answer questions on demand and allow participants to easily connect with representatives from REV Fire to further the conversations one-on-one.

The digital conference will also feature the following free training presentations:

  • July 20, 2020: “Must Haves for First Arriving,” Jonah Smith
  • July 27, 2020: “Mayday Monday,” Tony Carroll
  • August 3, 2020: “Proven Truck Tactics That Might Surprise You,” Jason Joannides
  • August 10, 2020: “Aerial Device Strategies and Tactics,” G. Howard Blythe
  • August 17, 2020: “The Engine Company’s Guide to Winning: Stretching for Success,” Steve Robertson

Find out the full schedule here – www.revtruckexpo.com

ADJ Fire & Security and Hikvision launch thermal imaging cameras at Recycling Lives

by ProductsThermal Imaging

ADJ Fire & Security has provided a solution to improve fire safety via Hikvision’s thermal bullet cameras for Recycling Lives.

Recycling Lives is a recycling and waste management operation, using a commercial element to support and sustain charity programmes for offender rehabilitation, residential support and food redistribution. It’s reportedly an effective approach to social aid, and one that has earned four prestigious Queens Awards and numerous admirers, including Andy Moore, Managing Director of ADJ Fire & Security Limited. ADJ works with Recycling Lives to provide technology-based solutions to minimise risk at its sites.

“The whole company’s called Recycling Lives, because that’s what it does,” Moore explains. “It gives people a second chance, people who have come out of prison or who are homeless, and they help them back into society. It’s providing help to people who really need it, by giving them jobs and if necessary rehoming them if they need somewhere to stay until they get their own place. They’re a special company, definitely. ADJ is extremely proud to be associated with a company like Recycling Lives.”

Recycling Lives has sites across the UK was founded, and is run, by second generation recyclers, time-served experts with a wealth of industry knowledge, insight and contacts. Their charity and social enterprise teams provide residential accommodation for the homeless, help to reduce reoffending and redistribute food, directly supported by recycling, recruitment, compliance and waste management businesses. As a result, they create more than just environmental and financial value from their activities: they provide significant social value too.

At the Recycling Lives site in Preston, on Longridge Road, ADJ was asked to help devise a solution which could help the Recycling Lives staff prevent and detect fires on-site during and out of office hours, explains Moore.

“These fires can happen within waste piles on site, and can end up burning inside without any notification,” he says. “They can seriously flare up when the pile is disturbed. There are batteries stored on site from depolluted cars and these can also be a serious fire hazard if ignited.”

The camera uses image processing technology, including Adaptive Automatic Gain Control, Digital Detail Enhancement, 3D Dynamic Noise Reduction, and a Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference of less than < 40mk. Its powerful behaviour analysis algorithm enables automatic smart detection including Line Crossing, Intrusion, and Region Entrance & Exit, and it also provides a reliable temperature exception alarm function and advanced fire detection algorithm. Temperature measurement range is -20℃ to 550℃ with ±2℃ accuracy.

The thermal imaging module provides 384 by 288 resolution, a high sensitivity sensor, and supports contrast adjustment and shutter adjustment in various modes. There are 15 palettes of adjustable colour available, and because this is a thermal imaging camera rather than a conventional CCTV device, there’s no need for additional lighting. 19 thermometric cameras were installed initially at the Preston site, with more set to be added in future.

“Cameras are located in the high-risk areas where fires could break out such as the plant rooms and stockpiles, shredder, and depollution areas,” Moore says. “When the cameras detect an increase in temperature that signifies a potential fire risk, they automatically raise an alarm and alert the client to the issue. That allows them to take action much more quickly than relying on traditional video or other forms of fire detection – they can react immediately even to the risk of fire breaking out.”

Recycling Lives Compliance Manager Dave Gallagher says: “The prevention of fire, and early detection of any fire that may break out, is of critical importance to protecting our people, infrastructure and the local environment. Whilst our risk controls have proved effective year after year, the opportunity to invest in new technology that enhances our ability to react fast in the event of an emerging fire hazard was one that was not to be missed.”

adjfireandsecurity.co.uk/adj/

Victaulic adds virtual access to renowned continuing education program

by Projects

Victaulic is now offering free virtual courses from its accredited University program to construction professionals around the world.

Growing demand for more versatile training options and shrinking access to traditional classes given the COVID-19 pandemic presented an opportune time for Victaulic to make its robust catalog of courses, many of which offer International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) Continuing Education Units (CEUs), available to industry professionals such as owners, engineers, contractors, architects and designers online.

“The launch of Victaulic University’s virtual platform is another successful result of collaborating with customers to help solve their challenges,” said Eric Luftig, Vice President, at Victaulic. “We are pleased to introduce an innovative and convenient way to support the industry’s need for high-quality education.”

Victaulic has instructed 175 live sessions since March, attracting approximately 7,200 virtual learners from 99 countries. Attendance is growing rapidly as Victaulic adds new content and more users discover the program.

“The Victaulic education program presents valuable information in a well-organised and easily understood fashion,” said Mike Stossel, Senior Design Manager at KNS Sprinkler Design and a recent Victaulic University participant. “The content is extremely insightful, and we look forward to participating in more courses in the future.”

Victaulic’s 45+ piping technology courses are available at no cost in two virtual formats: live, instructor-led webinars and self-paced courses, which are available on-demand at any time. Courses are taught in English, Spanish, and German, with new languages being added regularly, and cover several industries, including:

  • General Engineering/Construction
  • Plumbing, Heating and Air
  • Data Centers
  • Fire Protection
  • Virtual Design and Construction

CEUs or Professional Development Hours (PDHs), which are required for maintaining engineering certifications are immediately available upon completion of applicable courses.

Victaulic established accredited Victaulic University in 2013.

“Between Victaulic’s 100-year legacy and over 200 years of knowledge amongst the instructors, the global construction industry will undoubtedly benefit from Victaulic University,” said Colin Phelps, Sales Training Manager at Victaulic. “So far, we’ve had more than 12,000 courses completed. With our robust content and a growing curriculum, there’s something for everyone.”

www.victaulic.com

Telgian’s Russell Leavitt named NFPA 1st Vice Chair

by Americas - Featured NewsPeople

Russell B. Leavitt, Executive Chairman of Telgian Holdings, Inc. was recently elected 1st Vice Chair by the Board of Directors for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). NFPA is a global, nonprofit organisation devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. The organization focuses on fire codes and standards, as well as public education for fire safety, outreach and advocacy, training and essential research.

NFPA Board Members are selected based on fire industry experience, as well as the respect of peers in the safety community, a proven commitment to the association’s goals and an appreciation for the relationship NFPA must maintain with society as its needs evolve.

As NFPA 1st Vice Chair, Leavitt will work with the association as it delivers information, knowledge and training nationwide. In addition to this leadership position within NFPA, Leavitt also serves as chair of the NFPA 13 Sprinkler System Discharge Criteria Technical Committee, on the NFPA 13 Installation Technical Committee, as well as NFPA 3, NFPA 4 and the Cultural Resources (NFPA 909 and 914)  Technical Committees.

With almost four decades of industry experience, Leavitt has long been recognised for his expertise, which he shares as a sought-after speaker and presenter. Leavitt is a senior instructor for AFSA and Fire Smarts and conducts fire and life safety seminars nationally and internationally on a variety of related subjects. Examples include Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office fire sprinkler training events, such Fire Sprinkler Systems – Plan Review and Acceptance Testing for AHJ’s, Marketing for Contractors in Fire Protection for Expo Fire Protection Mexico & International Congress and NFPA 25 Step-by-Step Testing Procedures for FireCon, among others.

During the course of his career, Leavitt has also authored numerous industry training materials and informational articles including “Fire Safety Codes and Standards: What You Need to Know,”  “Understanding Fire Protection Classifications,” “International Fire Sprinkler Opportunity” and AFSA’s ITM Inspector Development Program.

Leavitt will hold the position of NFPA 1st Vice Chair for two calendar years.

www.telgian.com/