Authorities knew dangers of cladding that caused Grenfell tower fire

by Breaking NewsProjects

Long before the Grenfell Tower fire, a senior official has admitted that the government knew the folies of the cladding used in the building.

The official, reported The Guardian, knew that plastic-filled cladding panels burned “fast and fierce”, 15 years before the incident. It was also known that these sort claddings weren’t suited to be used in tall buildings.

Anthony Burd, the principal fire safety professional and later head of technical policy in the government’s building regulations division from 2000 to 2013, denied there was a cover-up.

The tests revealed a “catastrophic” failure in the cladding panels, with flames reaching 20 metres into the air within five minutes.

Similar panels went on to be used on more than 400 high-rise blocks, including Grenfell, where they were the main cause of the spread of the fire on 14 June 2017 that killed 72 people.

Burd said the results should have been published but denied that this did not happen because the government feared it would trigger “an immediate cladding crisis” and was afraid of the response of the companies who made the materials.

The inquiry is focusing on how combustible insulation foams and aluminium composite panels (ACM) filled with a plastic core that burns like petrol came to be allowed on Grenfell and thousands of other homes. It has already heard how Arconic, which made the combustible panels on Grenfell, targeted the UK market for sales of its most combustible polyethylene-filled panels because of less stringent requirements.

Kentec’s K-Mesh wireless system installed on 1,000-year Chester Cathedral

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProductsProjects

K-Mesh, a wireless fire detection technology from Kentec Electronics, has managed to tackle several challenges enroute its successful installation at the historic Chester Cathedral.

Brad Parker, founder of Charles Thomas Heritage Fire Protection, was tasked with specifying and upgrading the wireless fire detection system previously installed in the Cathedral. The thick walls and lead-lined roofs and the other challenges that come with a building that can trace its roots back to 1093, meant Brad had to think outside the box. 

He opted for Kentec’s K-Mesh system, a technology that uses self-healing and configuring mesh technology. It also makes it easy to use, install and commission – and ultimately provides robust assurance that fire incidents are detected and communicated immediately. It is available as part of a complete fire detection system with Kentec-manufactured panels, such as the Syncro AS panel and in this case the Taktis panel.

A wireless translator module, which sits at the centre of the K-Mesh system, is hard-wired to the fire alarm control panel loop and communicates continuously with the wireless devices. Sensors are supplied in three variants: optical; thermal; and multi-criteria, with the optical and multi-criteria sensors featuring adaptive signal processing and double dust traps to prevent false alarms. Thermal detectors can respond to a fixed temperature threshold or detect a rate of rise in temperature. Wireless sounders, call points and testing kits are also available within the range.   

K-Mesh has a seven-to-ten-year battery life, which is approximately twice that of the industry standard. The technology is also fully expandable, and configurable from anything from two to 2,000 devices. Further capabilities include a communication range of up to 1,200 metres and immunity to hacking.   

Due to the size of Chester Cathedral, many expanders were needed, and with the K-Mesh system, each expander has up to 5 redundancy paths which connects to the strongest expander, creating the mesh. Even the dead spots in the cathedral can communicate with the strongest radio signal expander within its area, so in case of an emergency, every corner of the building is covered. 

“With the latest mesh technology, rather than one expander we can have three, four or even five redundancy paths and the signal connects itself automatically to the strongest expander to create the mesh,” Parker explained. 

Byronn Alty, operations manager, Charles Thomas Heritage Fire Protection said: “We went to what we would believe would be the dead spots within the cathedral and low and behold the device started communicating with the strongest radio signal expander within its area. I would look at the drawings and thought it would communicate with expander one, and yet the device ends up linking to expander two.”

A further benefit to the mesh technology is that it is plug and play: “The cathedral has an outbuilding with an old bell tower so there needed to be a link between the two. This was an initial design challenge for us to think how we were going to get radio over there, but the new wireless mesh is just plug and play and it was just great to see it working,” Alty added.

Kevin Swann, managing director, Kentec Electronics said: “We are pleased and excited about our new K-Mesh system and seeing it installed in such an important landmark is an honour and confirmation of our best practice. It is fast to install and less invasive to a building’s structure and all of us here at Kentec are committed to helping protect our heritage buildings and assets of national importance.”

London development installs 2,000 Hyfire wireless devices

by Featured NewsFire DetectionIndustrialIndustry SectorsProductsProjects

More than 2,000 Hyfire wireless devices have been installed across four towers in a London development. The project was completed with installers Gemini AMPM and property management firm FirstPort.

With up to 25 floors, the Elektron Tower, Proton Tower, Neutron Tower and Switch Tower are located on the banks of the Thames in Tower Hamlets, comprising 497 apartments in total. With fire system upgrades required outside the normal schedule of improvements to the buildings, wireless was an obvious choice, helping to limit time on site and reducing impact on the fabric of the building.

Jamie Dawson, director, Gemini AMPM, said: “With the requirement to install the upgraded system in an occupied buildings, wireless was the obvious choice, and Hyfire wireless devices are the best in the business. The original schedule to install the 2,000 individual detectors, call points, sounders and other wireless devices was six weeks, but we managed it in four thanks to the ability to pre-programme devices offsite and install them in minutes, with around 90% less cabling required.

“Our installers worked with the Hyfire team, who helped us to pinpoint the exact number of devices required and where they should be located. The onsite property managers from FirstPort helped facilitated us working across the four buildings and liaised with residents, ensuring we could gain access to 99% of apartments within the four-week schedule.”

Taurus is a completely new range of high-performance wireless detection, control and alarm devices, based on a new protocol that offers unprecedented capabilities, quality and reliability. The range is fully certified to EN54 and fully compliant with BS5839 Part 1.

Standard addressable or conventional fire panels are wired via a loop to translators, from which wireless devices can be used on their own to build fully wireless systems of virtually any size or mixed with Hyfire wired products to provide seamless hybrid solutions, offering total flexibility to specifiers and installers.

Ollie Murray, regional sales manager at Hyfire said: “Since the launch of Taurus earlier in 2021, more and more installers have been discovering the benefits that wireless fire devices can offer. This is just one example of a project where fire system installations are made simpler and quicker, which is particularly beneficial in situations where buildings remain occupied. Whereas the upfront cost of the unit may be a little higher, the savings on running wiring loops and making good after are also considerable, so the cost/benefit analysis in favour of using wireless is highly favourable, and that’s before you even consider the other benefits.

The Taurus range includes all devices required to build a fully wireless commercial fire system, including optical, multi-criteria and heat detectors, manual call points, wall sounders, sounder bases, and output/input modules. The Taurus translator can process up to 128 devices, with expanders that can extend the range of the system by up to 1km in open air. This effectively means that the scale of the system is limited only by the number of devices that the fire panel can handle. Tony Ulasi, development manager at FirstPort, said: “Installing a new fire system across these four landmark towers is a huge operation. We needed to work closely with a trusted supplier that could provide a cost-effective solution, whilst going above and beyond to minimise disruption to our tenants during the pandemic. From the beginning of the project Gemini AMPM ticked all the boxes – from product selection, to design, to installation. As a result, we have been able to prioritise safety, whilst achieving considerable cost savings.”

Birmingham university launches UK-first fire apprenticeship programme

by Featured NewsPeople

A fire engineering degree apprenticeship – the first of its kind in the UK – is growing its student and employer base to meet national demand for fire engineers and in line with new Government legislation.

The part-time Higher-Level Degree Apprenticeship in Fire Engineering, offered by Birmingham City University and developed in partnership between the National Fire Chiefs Council and the UK’s commercial fire engineering industrial sector, is a response to new Government legislation and recommendations and requirements for a workforce to address the shortfall.

The public inquiry and the investigations into the dreadful loss of life at Grenfell in 2017 identified a massive competency gap and an opportunity for people to acquire new skills in fire engineering across the UK, with the Government currently progressing a new Fire Safety Bill and Building Safety Bill through Parliament.

One of the UK’s first fire engineering apprentices received a boost to his studies after being invited to join a recent virtual call with Minister of State for Building Safety and Fire Lord Stephen Greenhalgh.
David Cooper, a firefighter based at West Midlands Fire Service’s Northfield station in South Birmingham discussed his career journey so far. He said: “It has been a brilliant journey for me so far, and to speak with the Minister early in the course was a great experience. We’re grateful that he gave his time to find out more about our work and to share encouragement. As with any challenge, I’d say to anyone considering this apprenticeship to grasp the opportunity with both hands.

The degree course is ideally suited to those currently working in the Fire and Rescue Service and in Fire Engineering consultancies, works to a national standard and employers can use the Apprentice Levy Fund to pay for the course, with students combining full-time employment with four years of part-time study to achieve a formal qualification.

Area Commander Steve Ball, of West Midlands Fire Service, said: “We’re proud to be partnering with Birmingham City University for this apprenticeship degree opportunity. West Midlands Fire Service is committed to reducing risk across our communities, and this includes a focus on the built environment. We wish Firefighter Cooper and his fellow students every success on their fire engineering journeys.”

Mike Leonard, visiting professor of Manufacturing and Construction at Birmingham City University said: “Birmingham City University has recognised the need to close the competence gap by becoming the first UK university to offer the Fire Engineering Degree Apprenticeship, allowing new entrants and experienced professionals to future develop their skills.

The majority of the first intake are mature students, who can often draw on in-depth experience and overlay this with the learning from the course to become more rounded and qualified professionals.

What’s the global fire sprinkler market value in 2022?

by Breaking NewsFire SuppressionProducts

Analysts have forecasted that the global fire sprinkler systems market is set to grow at a CAGR of 7.62% during the period 2017-2021.

Fire sprinkler systems comprise of wet pipe systems, dry pipe systems, deluge systems, and pre-action systems. These systems are effective tools to combat fires in commercial, industrial, residential setting, along with the transportation sector.

360 Market Updates has launched an indepth report on Wet Fire Sprinkler Systems Market Share Analysis 2022. The report analyses the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, business expansion, and emerging technologies. The report also gives an industry forecast to 2027.

A key challenege listed in the report is the high cost of retrofit and replacement of fire protection systems in existing buildings. Whereas a decline in insurance expenditure has been listed as a key market driver. In case of a fire, these systems are quickly activated to reduce heat, flames, and smoke, thereby saving human lives and preventing injuries as well as loss of property.

In case of a fire, these systems are quickly activated to reduce heat, flames, and smoke, thereby saving human lives and preventing injuries as well as loss of property. Fire sprinkler systems are categorised into wet pipe systems, dry pipe systems, deluge systems, and pre-action systems.

Companies and manufacturers such as Hochiki, Minimax, NAFFCO, Tyco Fire Products, Cosco Fire Protection, Globe Fire Sprinkler, HD Fire Protect, Reliable Automatic Sprinkler, Siemens, United Technologies, Victaulic, and Viking have been included as key resources in the report.

Expert: ‘Smaller ships with flammable cargoes need an inert gas system’

by Featured NewsIndustry SectorsPorts & Maritime

Global survival technology specialist Survitec has welcomed industry initiatives to install Inert Gas (IG) systems to smaller oil and chemical tankers less than 8000dwt.

Acknowledging the positive impact of 2016 amendments to SOLAS, which mandated the fitting of an IG system to newbuild tankers of 8000dwt and above, Survitec says it has seen a number of IG installations to smaller vessels following recent industry calls for a revision of the rules to include all tanker sizes.

Bernt Ohrn, managing director, Survitec’s Maritime Protection brand said: “The amendments written into SOLAS II-2/4.5.5 and II-2/16.3.3 have gone a long way in preventing fatal explosions aboard larger oil and chemical carriers but we do recommend that operators of existing and smaller oil tankers not already covered by the SOLAS requirements should consider installing a system.

“If you are carrying a cargo with a flashpoint of 60°C or less, then you really should have an inert gas system onboard.”

Prior to 2016, only oil tankers of 20,000dwt were required to have an IG system installed, but the rules were revised after a spate of serious incidents, including 2004’s fatal explosion aboard the Bow Mariner.

A number of incidents involving vessels of smaller tonnage, however, led to calls for another revision to include all oil and chemical tankers, irrespective of size.

Referring to an inter-industry working group study published in 2017, Ohrn said the majority of reported incidents occurred during tank cleaning, venting or gas freeing. And in several cases, the tank atmosphere for non-inerted tanks had not been evaluated or was not being monitored.

“These incidents are avoidable, as reports show,” Ohrn said. “The installation of an inert gas system on tankers of all sizes that carry flammable cargoes is both technically and operationally feasible, yet only a small percentage of the global tanker fleet has installed technology designed to purge cargo spaces of hazardous vapour.”

An IG system is used to remove oxygen in a space with hydrocarbon vapours in cargo tanks to less than 8% by volume. Where tankers are not fitted with the system, flammable vapour is vented until outlet concentrations are less than 30% of the lower flammable limit.

Ohrn said that given the mass and energy of an explosion at a shore-based terminal or port storage facility, a number of operators are making it compulsory for tankers to be inerted prior to entering the facility.

“I think the transportation side of the industry can learn from the ports and storage terminal side. When it comes to safety there should be no debate, no discussion. Safety comes first.”

Fire protection market in construction will be worth $4.32 billion in 2022

by Breaking NewsConstructionIndustry Sectors

The global fire protection materials for the construction market is expected to grow from $3.81 bn in 2021 to $4.32 bn in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.4%. These projections are based on a report published on Reportlinker.com titled ‘Fire Protection Materials For Construction Global Market Report 2022’. 

The growth is mainly due to the companies resuming their operations and adapting to the new normal while recovering from the Covid-19 impact, which had earlier led to restrictive containment measures involving social distancing, remote working, and the closure of commercial activities that resulted in operational challenges. The market is expected to reach $6.04 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 8.7%.

The fire protection materials for the construction market consist of sales of fire protection materials by entities (organisation, partnership, sole traders) that are used to protect the construction sites from fire and other safety situations. Fire-resistant building materials are any materials that resist fire and do not melt for a long time, that is, they can withstand heat long enough for the residents of the structure to safely leave the premises. Fire protection materials include concrete, reinforcement steel, gypsum, cast iron, bricks, asbestos cement, timber, stone, glass, among others.

The main types of fire protection materials for construction are coatings, mortar, sealants and fillers, sheets or boards, spray, preformed devices, putty, cast-in devices, and others. Mortar is a substance used to fill the gaps between bricks and blocks in masonry construction.

The growing regulations on the mandatory use of fire safety materials are likely to have a positive impact on the growth of fire protection materials for the construction market. Fire safety standards generally aim to reduce the fire-response of products and materials used in various living environments, such as domestic dwellings, household equipment, furnishings and electronics, buildings, and various modes of transportation.

Globally, fire safety standards aim to prevent fires from starting by establishing performance-based norms that, if followed, will improve the fire safety of materials and products. For instance, in March 2020, to improve fire safety in buildings in England and Wales, the Home Office introduced the new Fire Safety Bill.

Key manufacturers in the fire materials for construction market are constantly focusing on cutting-edge research and technological advancements to create improved fire protection materials that can withstand fire for a longer period and emit less smoke when burned. In September 2020, CIN, a Portugal-based company developed two new products C-THERM S110 and C-THERM S111 FD, to protect steel structures from fire.

Meiko introduces new respirator warewasher

by ActiveBreathing ApparatusFeatured NewsProducts

Meiko has launched a new respirator washing machine that claims to save on labour, chemicals, hygiene, and most importantly ensures consistent results and eliminates the risk of human error. The German engineering brand specialises in manufacturing warewashing and food waste handling equipment.

According to Meiko this is the first disinfection machine to clean masks. The automated washing technology for respirators and face masks provides Log 5 protection.

Washing in a machine, rather than hand washing, protects staff from aerosols and ensures maximum hygiene and inactivation of Covid 19. Babcock’s Rosyth site is the first UK user of Meiko’s automated respirator washing technology, which provides Log 5 protection.

Colin Chrystal, health, safety and environmental manager, Babcock’s Rosyth said: “Along with being able to evidence compliance with regulations, we know that our people are supplied with fully maintained kit, to the highest levels of cleanliness.”

“We anticipate being able to fully inspect, disinfect and maintain 60 units per day, comfortably. Babcock’s Rosyth site is currently washing 10 masks per day using the Meiko TopClean M Cleaning and Disinfection system (3M 6000 full face respirators and 3M 7500 half mask respirators).

“We are also investigating the possibility of cleaning our powered Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) head tops using the same system (3M M-200 series Versaflo and Speedglas head tops).”

Case Study: Norfolk school deploys Hochiki fire detection systems

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsIndustry Sectors

Hochiki, a fire and life safety products manufacturer, has been selected to deliver on a UK-based project in an educational establishment.  

Based in Norfolk, the Fred Nicholson school meets the educational needs of 162 pupils who have Educational Health and Care Plans identifying learning difficulties and a range of associated complex needs, including some children who receive specialist Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) provision.

Offering a personalised curriculum with high staff to pupil ratios, the school offers national curriculum and learning experiences that are relevant to their pupils needs which enables them to achieve. The school also offers residential provision to help further the life skills of certain pupils.

Following scheduled servicing, the need to update the existing conventional and 2-wire systems was identified, and the school underwent an upgrade to an addressable life safety system. TP Fire & Security was enlisted to help with the design and installation of the new system, and Hochiki, a manufacturer of life safety products, was chosen to deliver on the project.

Across the school L2 safety coverage was required, whereas ‘live-in’ areas such as dormitories required complete L1 coverage (much the same as a hospital or hotel) which included automatic fire detection.

Hochiki’s ESP addressable range was installed, due to its quality, reliability and diverse range of intelligent products including high performance sensors, flexible input and output modules and an assortment of ancillaries, perfect for a school environment where the fire detection system needs to have a bespoke and flexible design. Hochiki’s Ekho hybrid-wireless fire detection range was also installed and would interface with the main panel via a loop-powered translator module, for the schools mobile and outdoor classes.

As an educational setting with children with learning difficulties and ASC, it was extremely important to the school to keep disruption to an absolute minimum to avoid distressing the pupils. The flexibility and ease of installation of the Hochiki products was key to the success of the project as explained by technical design manager Kevin Harris.

He said: “A big plus with Hochiki products is how simple they are to install – it’s why they’ve become our go-to supplier for the past 20 years. Many other manufacturers only offer hardwire solutions, and for locations such as schools and care homes, keeping the installation simple and reducing on-site time is a huge win as this helps ultimately to reduce the disruption to both staff, and the day-to-day occupants.”