Essex fire authorities offer free sensory smoke alarms

by Breaking NewsFire DetectionProducts

The Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is raising awareness of its free offer to fit sensory smoke alarms that can alert people with reduced hearing to a fire in their home, during Deaf Awareness Week.

The Fire Service is offering a free home visit to all Essex residents where staff visit your home to give safety advice on how to prevent a fire. 

You can book a free visit for yourself or someone you know by calling 0300 303 0088 or by visiting www.essex-fire.gov.uk/book. 

The fire service recommends having at least one working smoke alarm on every level of a home and can supply and fit smoke alarms as well as sensory smoke alarms for free if required. 

A sensory smoke alarm is fitted to the ceiling in the same way as a regular smoke alarm and is wirelessly linked to an additional device.

This device is placed in the line of vision of the person who requires the sensory alarm while in bed (i.e. on the bedside table or wall-mounted nearby). 

This additional device is attached to a vibrating pad that is placed underneath a pillow in the bed. 

Multiple linked alarms can be placed throughout the home, so that all alarms activate in the event of one alarm being set off. 

When a smoke alarm on the ceiling is activated, a high-intensity flashing strobe light is set off inside the bed-side device and subsequently, the pad will vibrate underneath the pillow, alerting the person and enabling them to be aware of what actions they need to take which may involve evacuating the property. 

Between April 2021 and March 2022, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service’s Prevention team fitted 7,540 smoke alarms and 1,125 sensory alarms. 

Paul Pemberton, Inclusive Prevention and Partnership Manager at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “We recommend that every home has at least one working smoke alarm on every level of the property. 

“We understand that many of our residents might not be able to hear a regular smoke alarm. Essex has one of the highest numbers of sensory impaired communities across the country outside of Metropolitan areas and it’s important that we recognise that the standard smoke alarms we provide might not be suitable for all our residents in Essex. Whether that’s because of their reduced hearing ability, or maybe medication that they take, it would make it harder for them to be alerted by just an audible smoke alarm on its own. 

“We want to make sure that everyone in our county has the same protection from working smoke alarms. We work with numerous partners to provide the appropriate solutions and equipment to alert someone in the event of a fire, if they would have difficulty in doing so. 

“Make sure to test your smoke alarms regularly, we recommend at least once a month. Check in on family and friends who might not be able to test their smoke alarms as easily as others, or not at all.” 

IOSH backs manifesto to end workplace deaths

by Featured NewsSafety

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) today calls for a joint effort to create a safer a healthier world of work as a new manifesto is launched which aims to end workplace fatalities by 2030.

IOSH is one of many organisations to sign the manifesto ‘Zero Death at Work’, which is launched today by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC).

In unveiling the manifesto, ETUC estimates that more than 27,000 people may lose their lives at work in the EU over the current decade unless action is taken to make workplaces safer, something IOSH says is unacceptable.

Vanessa Harwood-Whitcher, Chief Executive of IOSH, said: “IOSH supports the European Trade Union Confederation call for zero death at work. We promote safe work and workplaces in which no lives are lost and we believe firmly that all deaths can and should be prevented. We encourage an holistic approach to preventing deaths due to occupational injuries through multi-faceted governmental and corporate prevention strategies. This requires strong leadership, worker-involvement and occupational safety and health (OSH) capacity-building, underpinned by effective OSH regulatory regimes.”

Today’s launch coincides with International Workers’ Memorial Day, an annual day in which people who have lost their lives through work are remembered. It is also World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

Vanessa added: “On this day, every year, we commemorate all those lives lost due to accidents and ill-health caused by poor working conditions and inadequate protections. We also consider what improvements everyone can make to protect workers’ rights to go home healthy each day.

“Global figures from the International Labour Organisation show that many people are still dying as a result of occupational accidents or work-related diseases, and new challenges such as the Covid-19 public health crisis highlight workplaces as potential sources of transmission. Added to the rise of the informal economy and platform working and impacts of climate change on OSH, there is still much to do to protect workers across the entire value chain. We need action by policy-makers, Governments, regulators, organisations and workers to driver a safer and healthier world of work, and one that revitalises and ‘builds back better and healthier.

“As the world’s largest body for professionals dedicated to occupational safety and health, our charitable objects direct us to pursue the vision of a safe and healthy world of work. Our mission supports this, and our members dedicate their working lives to the protection of workers health and safety, the prevention of harm, building sustainable workforces and supporting their colleagues to lead healthy, productive lives.”

IOSH is joined by Ministers, MEPs, trade union leaders and top occupational safety and health experts in signing the manifesto.

Vanessa added: “Our Catch the Wave campaign highlights how setting high standards in the treatment of workforces, communities and supply chains will reward everyone. Let’s work together to make our shared vision a reality.”

KME display new fire apparatus technology at FDIC 2022

by Americas - EventsAmericas - ProductsFeatured NewsProductsVehicles

KME, a subsidiary of REV Group, has several new fire apparatus technology on display at FDIC International from April 28-30, 2022.

KME’s Booth #4500 will show five unique vehicles to meet multiple fire service needs. These include:

• 103-foot Tuff Truck from Pine Ridge Fire and Rescue, SC: Built on a KME SSX chassis, this rig features a 650-gallon water tank a 1750 GPM pump, and KME’s EZ-MRS™ to help facilitate maintenance and keep the AerialCat Steel-Safe ladder in optimal condition.

• Heavy Walk-In Rescue from West Haverstraw Fire Department, NY: This truck has a four (4) compartment walk-in rescue body, crew seating for 8, an 8” front bumper extension and dual cribbing compartments under the body.

• Tractor-Drawn AerialCat with Steel-Safe technology from Summerville Fire Department, SC: This 101-foot TDA is built on a SSX chassis and features a pre-piped waterway, a -14’ outrigger stance, and 90-degree jack knife capability.

• 102’ Mid-Mount Platform from East Pennsboro Township Fire Department, PA: The spacious platform offers 22.8 cubic feet of space for four firefighters and equipment as well as a state-of-the-art motion control system with 10” display at the control console.

• Custom 4X4 Pumper from San Bernardino County Fire Department, CA: This truck features the SSX chassis with 10” raised roof, a Zico single arm ladder rack, 1500 GPM pump, 500-gallon water tank with 30-gallon foam cell and FoamPro foam system.

“We’ve got a great selection of apparatus that will be on display, each showcasing KME’s custom configurations based on the fire department’s specific requirements,” said Kent Tyler, President of REV Fire Group. “We are excited about seeing our customers face-to-face in Indianapolis and talking about the latest in fire apparatus and technology.”

Ferrara showcasing several new apparatus’ at FDIC 2022

by Americas - EventsAmericas - ProductsFeatured NewsProductsVehicles

Ferrara Fire Apparatus, Inc., a subsidiary of REV Group, is exhibiting the latest in fire apparatus and technology, including the first North American style fully electric fire truck at FDIC International.

REV Fire Group’s Vector will make its debut at FDIC yesterday, allowing attendees to see and learn about the first North American style fully electric fire truck.

Developed with technology partner Emergency One Group LTD – maker of the world’s first EV fire truck – Vector packs 316 kW of proven automotive-grade batteries to deliver the longest electric pumping duration in the industry. This enables fire departments to drive and pump on electric only.

Ferrara will display the following products at Booth #4101: Cinder Custom Pumper from Gary (IN) Fire Department, Igniter Custom from Jackson (NJ) Fire District, MVP Rescue Pumper from Jackson Township (IN) Fire Department, and Custom Pumper from Shreveport (LA) Fire Department.
“At Ferrara, every truck is authentic, just like our team and we look forward to seeing you at FDIC,” said Kent Tyler, President of REV Fire Group. “We are extremely excited and proud to share the Ferrara story and show off our line-up of heavy-duty fire trucks this year at FDIC.”

How the Fire Fighters Charity is helping UK’s service people

by Breaking NewsPeople

Ever since coming into existence, the Fire Fighters Charity has been assisting and aiding firefighters. Along with the frontmen, the charity’s services are also aimed towards employees of the Ministry of Defence Fire and Rescue Service, chaplains or faith leaders, and volunteers. 

Many of you will be eligible for the Fire Fighters Charity’s support – and it’s helping thousands of people just like you every year. The Fire Fighters Charity supports all UK fire and rescue service personnel, working and retired – as well as their spouses, partners, and dependants – with their health and wellbeing needs now and throughout their lives. 

With that in mind, we are now working with the Charity to share a few people’s stories of how they’ve been helped with their physical health, mental health and social wellbeing. Watch this space as IFSJ will focus on more real-life stories of firefighters that have benefitted from charity’s efforts. 

In this feature, we take a look at the life and career of Guy Pedliham, a station officer with London Fire Brigade, who was helped by The Fire Fighters Charity with both his physical and mental health on a number of occasions. 

Guy first visited Jubilee House in Cumbria, one of the Charity’s three residential centres, in 1997. “It was following an accident at work in 1996,” says Guy. “I fractured my vertebrae and had a large disc bulge after falling out of an appliance whilst dismounting it.” 

After speaking to the Fire Fighters Charity, Guy was offered a place at Jubilee House to help him regain some strength and movement in his back. 

“Before going there, in the two weeks building up to it, I actually felt quite anxious, partly because I didn’t know what to expect, partly because I tend to get anxious when I go away from home for any length of time anyway,” says Guy. 

“But when I got there, that was very quickly dispelled. The staff are fantastic, there’s just such a great atmosphere, they’re so friendly and approachable, always smiling – and that’s the whole of the staff, the therapy staff through to the housekeeping staff and the kitchen staff. 

“Then once you get into your groups and meet others, I very quickly adjusted to being there – to the point you don’t want to come home again! You’re mixing with people that are either firefighters, families or other personnel, so you all instantly have that bond. The banter is the same everywhere.” 

Guy remained in touch with the Fire Fighters Charity following his initial stay, receiving support in the years that followed, including a return to Jubilee House. 

“These visits make a huge difference,” says Guy. “I’m in my 60s now and I’ve been in the fire service for 33 years… without the help that I’ve had from The Fire Fighters Charity, I’m certain that wouldn’t be the case – I wouldn’t be an operational firefighter still now. 

“There’s not many people riding in the front of appliances in their 60s.” 

It wasn’t until 2014, however, that Guy realised the Fire Fighters Charity may be able to help him with his mental health too. He had been struggling following an incident at work for several years but had largely tried to move on without taking the time to come to terms with how he was feeling. 

“I spoke to our occupational health team in 2014, as I realised I’d begun really struggling with my mental health following a bombing incident in London several years before,” says Guy. 

“They suggested I get in touch with the Charity, and I was offered a place at Jubilee House again, as I felt so comfortable after my previous visits. There were talks and workshops as a group which were helpful. 

“The key thing for me is, I asked for help as soon as I felt I was getting to a point where I was at risk of not coping. 

“I think there’s a general tendency in the fire service not to do that, for people keep going until it does reach crisis, in a mistaken belief that it’s weak to say you have any sort of mental health issue, which is something I absolutely disagree with… 

“I think it’s a strength to realise you need help and to ask for help. I’d really recommend people at least pick up the phone and talk to someone in the first instance or speak to someone who’s received the Charity’s support.” 

Guy was later supported by the Charity in the years that followed that visit, as he continued to come to terms with struggles with his mental health – some of which went back years. 

He has continued to support the Charity through regular monthly donations since, having seen how much support it can offer, and he more recently received support both online and face-to-face following a neck injury at work. 

The Fire Fighters Charity recently launched My Fire Fighters Charity (MyFFC), a health, wellbeing and social space for the UK’s fire family, helping all its members to live healthier and happier through great content, easy access to support and a thriving online community. 

Available as an app or through your desktop computer, MyFFC features a huge and growing library of health and wellbeing information, as well as information on fundraising, a wealth of groups for members to join and a means to connect with friends and colleagues across the UK. 

“I’ve also downloaded MyFFC, The Fire Fighters Charity’s social space for the UK’s fire services community and tried some of the videos on there which have been great,” he adds. 

Guy now has an important message, following his own experiences, that he wants to pass on to anyone else who may feel they’re struggling with their mental health. 

He says: “I think primarily the key message is to reach out and talk, even before you reach out to the Fire Fighters Charity, talk to your workmates, family or friends… Don’t hesitate. The Charity is there, it’s helped me and, as I said earlier, I wouldn’t be doing the job I’m still doing without it.” 

If something is affecting your physical health, mental health or social wellbeing, let The Fire Fighters Charity help. Call its Support Line on 0800 389 8820 or make an enquiry online at www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/support  

Experts ask for ‘accountability’ in Building Safety Bill amendment

by Breaking NewsSafety

An amendment to the Building Safety Bill, which removes the requirement for landlords to appoint Building Safety Managers in leasehold buildings seven storeys and over, is being challenged by a leading tall buildings fire safety expert.

Russ Timpson – a former firefighter and Managing Director of the Tall Buildings Fire Safety Network -is urging the government to reconsider its decision to scrap the recommendation first proposed by Dame Judith Hackitt in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire.

“This latest iteration of the all-important Building Safety Bill states that responsibility for fire safety will now fall squarely on the squarely on the shoulders of an ‘Accountable Person’, such as the freeholder or head lessee or a management company.

“Whilst the exact details regarding how this might be implemented are scant at this point, a dramatic rolling back of the proposals would be out of step with the Hackitt report and is something which must be avoided.

“It is abundantly clear, in my view, that when it comes to health and safety an ‘Accountable Person’ must, above all, be a qualified person. In other words, someone with the knowledge, skills and competencies to proactively tackle and reduce fire safety risk amidst an increasingly complex threat environment.

“The Grenfell disaster, and other high-risk building fires, have highlighted the need for more expertise in this area, not less, to help tackle incidents and improve fire safety. My hope is that government acts swiftly to ensure that anyone who assumes responsibility for fire safety in tall buildings will be suitably qualified once the Bill eventually passes into law.”

Candace Miller, Executive Director of SFJ Awards, the awarding organisation which certificates a wide range of fire safety qualifications in the UK, including those of the Tall Buildings Fire Safety Network, said:

“It is fundamentally important that anyone who is put in charge of tall building fire safety has undergone specialist training, which is backed up by a recognised qualification.

“A change in legislation is an opportunity to professionalise and raise standards. The tailored training provided by the Tall Buildings Fire Safety Network has undergone a rigorous accreditation process and is a key steppingstone toward achieving that.”

As the leading Fire and Rescue End-Point Assessment Organisation in England, SFJ Awards will be attending FIREX – Europe’s most important fire safety event and will be positioned at stand FI1234.

Jeff Schaid promoted to vice president at Telgian Fire Safety

by Featured NewsPeople

Telgian Fire Safety recently announced the promotion of Jeff Schaid to Vice President, Field Operations. In his new role, Schaid will be responsible for the overall leadership, direction, and development of Field Operations.

This includes the creation and implementation of strategic and operational initiatives for both internal and external inspections, as well as data analysis and headcount evaluation.  He will also provide indirect oversight of Field Support consisting of post-inspection document review processes, logistics systems, compliance, and all vendor related operations.    

In addition to managing multiple work teams across the country, Schaid will be responsible for the direction, mentorship, and support of all departmental associates. He will set both individual and work team goals and provide training to accomplish overall goals and objectives.

“Jeff’s extensive experience and success at Telgian have made him an invaluable team member,” says Telgian Fire Safety President Larry Lacefield. “As the company continues to expand and diversify in 2022, more than ever, we value his innovation, vision and leadership.”

With more than 10 years of experience, Schaid specializes in the establishment of business objectives and the development and maintenance of both departmental metrics and associated KPIs. Schaid is also adept at streamlining workflows, identifying areas for improvement, and developing initiatives for improving delivery of services.

Formerly the Senior Director of Operations, Schaid has been part of the Telgian team for over six years.  

Firefly reports strong showing at Fire Safety Event

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionProducts

The combination of well-established flexible fire barrier systems and brand-new products developed to complement their performance, brought a steady flow of new and existing customers to the stand of TBA Firefly, as the specialist manufacturer returned to the Fire Safety Event at the NEC (5th – 7th April).

Firefly was showcasing its recently introduced Access Panel FR120 that has been developed to facilitate routine entry to lofts and other spaces compartmentalised using the manufacturer’s fire barriers. The 600 x 600mm lockable Zintec steel door and frame are IFC certified and supplied as a kit for a straightforward installation offering two hours’ fire protection.

Also debuting on the stand was Penowrap, a lightweight and flexible silica wrap which works with Firefly barriers like Athena by being able to protect steel or timber structural elements at their most vulnerable points.

Firefly Marketing Manager, Simon James commented: “After last September’s really positive show, it was expected this year’s Fire Safety Event would be a success, but we were very pleased with the number and profile of people who visited our stand over the three days.   

Shows like The Fire Safety Event are important to our brand and it was a good opportunity to let architects, engineers and other fire safety professionals look at, feel and discuss our passive fire protection products.  It is, after all, everything we are about – with FIREFLY being the first certified flexible fire barrier system and a manufacturer which continues to invest significantly in testing and developing new products which enhance our offer to specifiers and specialist installers.”   

Firefly’s expert technical staff were on hand to offer advice and support on all aspects of compartmentation when specifying the company’s products for both new-build and retrofit applications – within roof spaces, floor voids or for protecting partitions in warehouses and other structures.

Rev Fire Group unveils Vector at FDIC 2022

by Featured NewsProductsVehicles

REV Fire Group, which includes REV GroupInc. manufacturers of fire apparatus E-ONE, KME, Ferrara, Spartan Fire Chassis, Spartan Emergency Response, Smeal, and Ladder Tower, will debut Vector, the first North American-style fully electric fire truck, during FDIC International (Fire Department Instructors Conference) in Indianapolis, Indiana from April 28-30, 2022.

The new electric fire truck is innovatively engineered so firefighters can drive and pump on electric power only. Developed with technology partner Emergency One Group LTD – maker of the world’s first EV fire truck – this new electric fire truck packs 316 kW of proven automotive-grade batteries to deliver the longest electric pumping duration in the industry. Vector performs 100 percent of fire ground duties on 100 percent electric with unrivaled performance, range, and efficiency.

Designed with the same components that are used on diesel-driven fire apparatus, Vector’s electric motor takes the place of the diesel engine, driving the pump or the rear axle in normal split shaft operation. Its low center of gravity battery placement provides better cornering with more predictable handling and is safer in a crash.

“We’re excited for Vector to debut at FDIC. We developed the ultimate fully electric fire truck without sacrificing the critical elements that firefighters value in the North American style, responding to our customer demand for cleaner technology, reduced noise pollution and lower carbon footprint. We look forward to sharing this with everyone at FDIC and the world,” stated Kent Tyler, President of REV Fire Group.

A special launch event will be held at REV Fire Group’s World of Innovation and Protection at Booth #4516 during FDIC at 3 p.m. Thursday, April 28 and Friday, April 29, and to mark the debut of Vector and to demonstrate other technological innovations, including:

Approximately 20 vehicles in various configurations will be showcased from the fire brands.

Security & Fire Excellence Awards returns in November 2022

by EventsFeatured News

The Security & Fire Excellence Awards is set to return on 23 November 2022 in London’s Hilton on Park Lane.

Now in its twenty-third year, Security & Fire Excellence Awards has consistently highlighted the best people, projects and processes that the security and fire sectors have to offer. For 2022, the organisers have reviewed the categories and made a number of changes to enhance the offering and to make the event even more relevant.

New categories for 2022 include: Security or Fire Diversity & Inclusion Champion of the Year, Security or Fire Start-Up Company of the Year, Security or Fire Sustainability Champion of the Year and Security or Fire ESG (Environment, Social & Governance) Initiative of the Year

The full 2022 category list, along with all other details, can be found here.