PRP lands government fire safety work for care homes

by PassiveProjects

PRP has been appointed by the government to carry out research on fire safety regulations in care homes and specialist housing.

Under the contract with the Ministry of Housing (MHCLG), PRP will also review current provisions in Approved Document B (ADB) and propose alternative design options to inform future policy decisions.

The practice will review current design approaches, including evacuation strategies, at specialised housing and care homes, identify gaps in existing fire safety guidance and assess risks, costs and benefits of alternative design options.

The team will also conduct an international review of regulatory and design approaches to inform potential alternative design approaches.

The appointment comes after embattled housing secretary Robert Jenrick’s publication earlier this year of advice for building owners in an attempt to ensure all multi-occupancy residential buildings are safe.

PRP partner and Building Design regs columnist Andrew Mellor said: “A lot of progress has been made in fire-safety regulations since the Grenfell Tower fire, but a lot more still needs to be done, especially when it comes to care homes and specialist housing. We look forward to working with the wider industry in delivering this key piece of research that will ensure the safety of older people and their families across the UK.”

As part of the research, which is expected to be completed at the end of 2021, PRP’s development consultancy and later-living teams will work with the wider industry, academia, government bodies, the fire service and interest groups to gather data and expertise on fire safety.

PRP partner Jenny Buterchi said: “This is a unique opportunity for us to combine our development consultancy’s in-depth experience on fire safety with our later-living team’s unrivalled experience in the design of specialist housing and care-homes and through our regular work with the APPG on older people’s housing.”

PRP is already technical advisor to MHCLG on building safety analytical work.

CLT experts to develop new fire safety compliance framework

by PassiveProjects

Cross laminated timber (CLT) is now widely acknowledged as having a vital role to play in reducing CO2 emissions to mitigate the climate change crisis. Existing buildings and new construction account for nearly 40% of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions according to a World Green Building Council report published in September 2019.

Specialist contractors and manufacturers operating in the sector firmly believe that mass timber technology like CLT provides the solution to many of the challenges the construction industry is facing today.

In collaboration, leading CLT manufacturers are investing half a million pounds in developing a new fire safety compliance framework for CLT to meet the amended Building Regulations in England.

Over the next 18 months the research supporting the new framework will include a series of compartment fire tests for commercial and multi-family residential type buildings to generate new knowledge in support of a safe design envelope for CLT buildings.

Robust fire safety designs

The purpose of this ongoing research is to provide scientific data for CLT fire performance that will support designers in the delivery of robust fire safety designs.

It ultimately aims to allow the ministry of housing, communities & local government (MHCLG) to view CLT as a construction material suitable for all buildings including where CLT forms part of the external wall construction irrespective of height.

In carrying out this research as an industry, it will also establish benchmark testing for all CLT manufacturers leading to an enhanced and broader understanding of CLT performance in fire.

The project is a collaboration of the largest suppliers in Europe supported by leading fire and structural engineering experts. The project proposals and outputs will be reviewed by an independent industry stakeholder group.

Data from the research will be released as and when it becomes available during the course of the programme.

Knowledge and competency

The CLT industry in the UK, supported by the Structural Timber Association (STA) is also responding to recent statements raising concern about the gaps in knowledge and competency relating to mass timber by providing evidence of the product fire performance and data to support competent professionals in the design of mass timber buildings for fire.

This evidence aims to enhance the understanding of fire performance of CLT, in terms of compartment fire behaviour, the response of structural elements and hazards associated with external fire spread.

E-ONE introduces new 2020 CYCLONE® cab with voice recognition

by Americas - Products

E-ONE, a subsidiary of REV Group, has introduced the 2020 Cyclone® cab following feedback from firefighters, which features significant updates and refinements, including more interior space, greater visibility and easier access.

The new 100” wide cab provides more interior space, including a 4” raised roof for more headroom and a generous 27 inches between door and engine cover for both driver and officer.

The Cyclone cab provides excellent visibility for driver and crew with its low-profile dash, one-piece door glass, and a reduced profile interior A/C system.

The new rugged dash, constructed from heavy-duty cast aluminum, features a redesigned centre console area. It is available in both a low profile and a raised design for mounting of sirens, radios, and other electronic equipment. The officer’s side also has a very low-profile designed to provide additional legroom.

Other critical features of this new cab design include:

  • New vertical pull handles on cab doors along with extended lower and full-width intermediate steps
  • High-capacity air conditioning system, closer to the ceiling for greater visibility, with eight vents in rear and six in front.
  • LED strip lights configured as daytime running lights or turn signals, allowing for additional forward warning lights.
  • Heavy wall extrusions and 3/16” plate for the floor, roof, walls, and doors for maximum strength and durability.
  • Five cab length options with a flat roof (low or 4” raised) or one of four raised “vista” designs.

“We’re very excited about this new Cyclone cab. The increased interior space, combined with its rugged construction, and classic styling make the Cyclone cab a perfect choice for fire departments adding to their fleets,” said Joseph Belle, E-ONE Vice President, and General Manager.

www.e-one.com

Prime Minister warns £25m cut to London Fire Brigade

by Featured News

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has vowed to fight “unthinkable” proposals to cut the budget for the London Fire Brigade by £25m over two years, as part of the Mayor of London’s £500m saving plans.

The FBU has condemned the “huge damage to the fire service” left over from Boris Johnson’s time as Mayor of London. Central government have so far refused to bail out the GLA’s budget shortfall accrued during the coronavirus pandemic.

The union has criticised Mayor Sadiq Kahn for “passing on Tory cuts to the very emergency services that keep people safe” and has vowed to hold him to his commitment to protect frontline services.

David Shek, FBU executive council member for London said, “London is the epicentre of the UK’s building safety crisis and there is no safe way to manage funding cuts of this magnitude. A £25 million cut to London Fire Brigade’s funding is unthinkable and we will fight it to the bitter end.

“We have just marked the third anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire and in the years since have dealt with a number of fires in buildings with similar combustible materials. The dangers of cutting the fire and rescue service right now are blatantly obvious.

“The Mayor has committed to protected frontline emergency services and we will hold him to that. We will not accept any reduction in frontline services – whether that be crewing reductions, shift changes, or a recruitment freeze. Make no mistake – any reduction in fire cover will put lives at risk.”

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary said, “The scale of these cuts is devastating and is a gross insult to firefighters in London who have gone above and beyond to support their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The public will not support these cuts, and we intend to fight them.

“Sadiq Khan made a commitment to protect vital frontline services and he must do that. The government should support regions facing financial difficulties as a result of COVID-19 but there is no excuse for a Labour Mayor to be passing on Tory cuts to the very emergency services that keep people safe across the capital.

“Boris Johnson did huge damage to the fire and rescue service as London Mayor by pushing through the biggest cuts in history. These cuts impacted the response on the night of the Grenfell Tower fire and the London Fire Brigade has still not fully recovered. To be considering more spending cuts is downright reckless and would show contempt for the public’s safety.

“This pandemic has demonstrated the value of the fire and rescue service and we should actually be talking about new investment to make the service better and safer. The government must step up to provide whatever financial support is necessary or the prime minister’s talk of ending austerity will ring hollow across London. If that support is not forthcoming, the Mayor must pledge to scrap these dangerous cuts.”

www.london-fire.gov.uk/

Aico celebrates 30th anniversary

by Events

Aico recently celebrated 30 years of renowned market presence in Fire and Carbon Monoxide (CO) protection solutions.

Incorporated in 1990 in Oswestry, Shropshire, United Kingdom, Aico has grown over its 30-year history, with the growth being marked by the move to a new, bespoke head office.

The new 7-acre site came as a necessity as Aico’s growth and success has seen significant expansion to the team and operations. The new building provides a bold welcome to company visitors and passing traffic.

More than half of the overall site is taken up with landscaping, paying homage to the wider county’s famous green countryside, which is a key theme throughout the new build, aiming to preserve current eco-systems and encourage wildlife to flourish.

The building was designed to facilitate the company’s key goal of a healthy work environment with employee wellness to the fore. Multi-functional rooms make space for the company’s core people development practices and team building, something Managing Director, Neal Hooper attributes to being the strength of the company.

Aico MD, Neal Hooper said, “We have a passion for developing people and it shows in our culture. We hold ourselves to high standards and make sure our values of integrity, excellence, teamwork, commitment and sustainability come to life in the way we work. Each member of Aico understands that this new site is theirs and for their teams’ infrastructure to grow and develop in for years to come.”

At the beginning of the year, the Lion Quays Resort in Shropshire played host to an event marking the special occasion, with employees treated to a surprise guest speaker in the form of footballing legend Kevin Keegan. Mr. Keegan took to the stage to congratulate Aico on its 30-year anniversary and regaled staff with anecdotes from his impressive career.

Reiterating Aico’s ethos of Education, Quality, Service and Innovation, Mr. Keegan spoke of the importance of teamwork, attitude and commitment.

Technical Advisor for Aico, Dave Jennings has an impressive 26-year career with the company. He commented, “I started my career with Aico in 1994 and seeing the company’s growth over the past 26 years has been incredible. Aico has advanced and expanded and it’s great to see the new apprentices coming in now so that Aico has a future for generations to come.”

/www.aico.co.uk/

Banned cladding to be removed from high-rise buildings in Sharjah

by Middle East - Projects

The Sharjah Municipality has launched a crackdown on the buildings that continue to keep cladding facades, as part of its efforts to prevent fire accidents in residential units.

The inspection focuses on the review of safety requirements in these buildings to ensure that they maintain the specifications and protection requirements for fire safety.

Thabit Al Tarifi, Director-General of the Sharjah Municipality who heads the inspection campaign, said that it aims to check the buildings with aluminium and other flammable claddings and make the necessary changes according to a plan undertaken by the municipality’s engineering and buildings sector.

“This inspection comes within the framework of the municipality’s keenness to apply the best specifications and standards in all buildings to ensure the highest safety rates and fire prevention,” he added.

He urged managements and owners of the buildings to strengthen the safety standards and adhere to the requirements.

He said that the municipality facilitates procedures for the building owners to help them replace aluminium claddings with non-flammable materials.

Khalifa bin Hadda Al Suwaidi, assistant director-general of the Engineering and Buildings Sector, said according to the municipality regulations, buildings with a height of more than 23 metres or equivalent of seven floors should not have aluminium cladding.

In 2016, following a number of fire accidents in high-rise buildings, the municipality banned the use of aluminium cladding in the facades of the buildings.

The municipality had notified contractors, consultants and owners of buildings to implement a decision which calls for not using aluminium cladding for high-rise buildings.

The civic body has conducted a comprehensive survey of existing buildings with aluminium facades in all commercial, residential and industrial areas in the city.

He stressed that the municipality will continue to raise awareness of the dangers of using aluminium cladding through various means of media and direct communication with owners, contractors and consultants.

Kentec protects Holy Quran at National UAE University

by Middle East - Projects

The Sigma A-XT gas extinguishing panel from Kentec, has launched the ‘Luke 227’ fire extinguishing system integrated by the experts at GECO Mechanical and Electrical Ltd. Co. (GECO) to preserve the Holy Quran and other holy texts at the Holy Quran Academy within Al Qasimia University in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

Al Qasimia University is a vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Ruler of the Emirates of Sharjah and a member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates. In 2017, His Highness Dr. Sultan issued instructions for the creation of the Holy Quran Academy, a first of its kind in the UAE.

GECO, MEP contractor and turnkey fire protection solutions provider in the UAE, was chosen to undertake this special project to create and install a reliable and sustainable solution for the preservation of the Holy Quran, ancient manuscripts and other holy books at the Holy Quran Academy; GECO recommends the most adequate set of equipment suitable for this salient task – Luke Alexander’s ‘Luke 227’ fire extinguishing system, controlled by the Kentec’s Sigma A-XT gas extinguishing panel.

The Luke fire extinguishing system is available in 16 different size options and made with high-quality stainless steel directly sourced from Luke Alexander’s manufacturing location in Singapore. As the only company in the world that manufactures both the fire extinguishing agent and the fire extinguishing system, Luke Alexander provides an unparalleled sense of reliability and convenience to safeguard the most valuable and important assets.

Kentec’s Sigma A-XT releasing panel provides three initiation circuits as standard, which means the release of the extinguishant can be configured to activate from any combination of detection zone inputs to allow specific and controlled activations. It also features a large LED display, simplifying configuration and displaying the time remaining until release for added user safety.

Mr Sundararajan, Senior Sales Engineer of GECO, says it is an honour to be entrusted with such a culturally important project: “We take great pride in the systems we install being able to ensure the continuity and preservation of such significant artefacts.”

Kevin Swann, Managing Director of Kentec, says Sigma A-XT’s worldwide reputation (availability in over 90 countries) is built on its reliability and advanced configuration capabilities: “The extinguishing panels are both robust and easy to install, and allow the functionality of the system to be extensively modified to suit any type of installation, including this prestigious site. We are extremely proud that our trusted and reliable solutions are helping to ensure the continued preservation of such holy texts and important artefacts at the university complex.”

Ms. Yvonne Mun, Director of Luke Alexander, expresses gratitude and appreciation for this opportunity: “My team and I are humbled to be selected as the chosen brand to undertake a project of paramount importance in preserving the heritage of UAE. We consider this as another Milestone Project for Luke Alexander. This reminds us that what we do is more than just a business, rather it is ensuring safety and security with our best quality products. This vision is what continues to motivate us to elevate and improve our craft to better provide innovative and excellent solutions to the public.”

Luke 227 fire extinguishing agent has been approved under UL 2166 and FM 5600 standards and is a recognised trade name listed on the U.S EPA SNAP Program. Luke fire extinguishing system components are individually listed in the UL component recognition program and are collectively approved under UL 2166 standard as a UL approved system.

The Sigma A-XT has been approved to UL864 and is FM listed. EN approved versions are also available.

https://kentec.co.uk/

Sea-Fire launches new MN-Series NOVEC 1230 fire suppression system

by Americas - ProductsFire SuppressionProducts

Sea-Fire Marine has introduced the first US Coast Guard-approved 3M™ Novec™ 1230 engineered fire suppression system available at 725 psi (50 bar). The new fully customisable MN-Series provides greater flexibility when designing or retrofitting a vessel’s fire suppression system and is ideal for commercial or recreational vessels up to 300′.

The primary benefit of the Sea-Fire MN-Series is the ability to employ the system into almost any vessel layout. The increased psi allows for longer pipe runs, meaning the tanks can be located away from the protected space and still provide for multi-zone applications. The cylinders themselves are 10″ or 16″ in diameter for a reduced footprint and the ability to fit through standard manholes.

According to the manufacturer, the seamless and welded cylinders are powder coated for corrosion resistance and have an integrated valve protection cap for shipping and servicing. They are refillable and meet US DOT, TC, TPED, UN and dual specification options.

Adding to the MN-Series’ versatility is its actuators. Electric solenoid, pneumatic and manual/pneumatic/cable versions are available to meet any application requirement.

As an engineered solution, the MN-Series is configured for the specific vessel and they are tested and approved in accordance with IMO/SOLAS requirements. In addition to USCG, the system additionally carries type approvals from ABS and FM Global.

Novec 1230 has a negligible global warming potential – electrically non-conductive and non-corrosive, it’s safe for human exposure without any reduction in fire extinguishing capabilities.

www.sea-fire.com/

Titan Security Europe launches range of armoured vehicles

by Breaking NewsProductsProjects

Titan Security are now offering a new range of armoured vehicles for use in corporate, government and private security sectors across Europe. Titan are now able to provide custom built armoured cars including Range Rover, Mercedes Benz and Toyota Land Cruisers.

The standard range offers full body armouring with B6 level protection, B6 overlaps to provide protection from bullets following linear and angular trajectories, upgraded suspension, wheel assemblies, slotted discs on all wheels to enhance heat dissipation.

  • Armoured Range Rovers

Range Rovers are the most popular armoured vehicle as they offer exceptional all terrain mobility, high performance engines and high impact resistance. The range offers upgraded suspension and wheel assemblies, full armour coverage to B6 as standard, slotted discs and 20” wheel assemblies. Ballistic glass offers B6 level protection with armour plate overlap at key areas. Internal engine and vehicle components are fitted with additional plating, protection and redundancies to keep the vehicle moving.

  • Armoured Mercedes Benz

The S Class sedan is the pinnacle of luxury car and we are able to offer the new W221 generation in a variety of customised configurations including the S400 hybrid, S600, S63 and S65 AMG. The range offers complete armour coverage for all four sides and the roof, windshield and doors with ballistic overlaps and reinforced hinges to prevent potential misalignment of plates. The chassis has been fully reinforced and brake systems and suspension systems upgraded to provide increased mobility with armour plating.

  • Armoured Toyota Land Cruisers

Toyota land cruisers are the company’s popular flagship product and are available in left, and right hand drive with engine sizes from 4.0l V6 – 5.7l V8 Petrol and 4.5l V8 diesel offering exceptional power and speed.

The armoured land cruiser is incredibly versatile for all terrain and offers Smartarmour single piece armour design for sidewalls, overlapping Firewall armouring to minimise welding points, custom fabricated door panels, spall liner for bullet catching, updated armour to provide additional protection for batteries, engine wings, ECU, brake cylinder and radiators. The vehicle has been designed to act as a roll cage in the event of cars flipping and can be fully customised to customer’s specifications.

Automatic Fire Suppression Systems

As well as the standard features, Titan’s armoured vehicles can be fitted with CEN B7 level protective armour to protect from armour piercing rounds, ballistic radiator protection, certified blast protection, automatic fire suppression systems, communications systems, escape hatches and PA systems. They provide the most versatile armoured vehicles in the market today. All Titan’s vehicles are fully customisable and made to order so the client always receives a tailored armoured vehicle.

www.titansecurityeurope.com/

Ontario Government increases funds for forest firefighting

by Active

The Ontario government has taken additional steps to protect people and property during the wildland fire season, including an increase in base funding for emergency forest firefighting by $30.2 million, and ensuring safety measures are in place to protect Ontario’s highly trained fire rangers from COVID-19.

In mid-May, Ontario lifted Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ) designation that was put in place last month across Ontario’s fire region. The province will continue to assess forest fire hazard conditions and an RFZ designation may be reinstated in higher risk areas if conditions deteriorate. These restrictions are put in place in order to reduce the number of preventable human-caused fires and lower the risk of wildfires impacting the public.

To help stop the spread of COVID-19 fire rangers will be required to follow the health and safety guidelines recommended by the Chief Medical Officer of Health, such as physical distancing, frequent hand washing, and daily self-assessments by staff.

“This is an extraordinary period. As we put measures in place to protect our staff and the public from the pandemic, we have been taking additional steps to prepare for the wildland fire season,” said John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “Nothing is more important than protecting the safety of people and communities across the province. Although we want people to enjoy themselves, lifting the Restricted Fire Zone designation does not mean we can let our guard down when it comes to preventing human-caused forest fires.”

The province has also implemented a more aggressive approach to fighting wildland fires this season with a focus on detecting fires early, combating them with full force and keeping them as small as possible.

“Despite the challenges of these unprecedented times, Ontario’s emergency management personnel have been proactively working with partners to prepare for potential evacuations due to the wildland fire season,” said Sylvia Jones, Solicitor General.  “Public safety remains our top priority and our Provincial Emergency Operations Centre will continue to monitor forest fire situations with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and be ready to coordinate a response if called upon for evacuation assistance.”