Reacton secures approval for electrical fire suppression

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionProducts

Reacton has secured the LPCB LPS 1666 approval for its electrical panel protection systems. The approval comes as the latest step in its ongoing global product certification initiative, adding to Reacton’s ever-growing list of internationally recognised certifications. Gaining LPCB LPS 1666 guarantees the form’s commitment to delivering a safe, tested, and high-quality product.  

Reacton has secured the approval for its range of direct clean agent protection systems which include 3M Novec 1230 and Chemours FM-200 Fire Protection Fluid. These clean agents are extremely reliable with zero clean-up to ensure a business can resume operations quickly, paired with the LPCB LPS 1666 approval, the supply of these clean agents adds to the firm’s commitment to delivering a high-quality product. 

Electrical fires are incredibly challenging to predict and once started, if left to burn undetected, their effects can destroy equipment beyond repair and spread quickly to nearby equipment or structures. Outdated infrastructure, faulty wires, poor maintenance, and overloaded circuits are all risk factors for fire. If fire strikes, it can bring a business crashing down, with operations coming to a standstill and a loss of sales being very real scenarios. Where downtime extends into days or even weeks, the interruption can prove seriously costly and can have a major impact on a businesses’ bottom line. The damage to a businesses’ brand can be so severe, that it simply never recovers. 

Reacton Fire Suppression’s electrical equipment systems are designed for use in small enclosures to protect people, assets, and critical infrastructure from the devastating impact of fire. Approved to LPCB standard LPS 1666, the systems are engineered and tested to safeguard enclosures that have air vents and/or forced ventilation, which are both significant factors and commonplace in energised enclosures. 

What is Direct Fire Suppression 

The critical concept is to detect and suppressing a fire right where it originates. Due to the nature of the contents being valuable and dangerous, most of the energised equipment is exceptionally well enclosed. This means that traditional fire detection and protection systems are mounted externally to the cabinet, delaying the detection of the fire, and impeding the extinguishing medium from reaching the heart of the fire quickly. It’s here that a direct fire suppression system will offer exceptional protection. 

Not only will the system offer protection directly to where the fire originates, it is also compact and sized for the electrical enclosure or cabinet it is protecting. This will result in a significantly reduced cost of ownership as only a few kilograms of clean agent is being used and therefore need replacing in any fire conditions. Compared to that of a large-scale total flood solution where the system sizes are much higher, so every discharge will come with a bigger price tag to replace or refill, not to mention the logistics and downtime. 

Direct systems comprise two key areas: the Direct cylinder assembly, which contains the clean agent extinguishing medium, and the pneumatic heat detection tube (Reacton Detection Tube) which provides the detection and delivery of the system. 

The Direct cylinder assembly will contain either 3M Novec 1230 Fire Protection Fluid or FM-200 Fire Suppressant which are effective on Class A, B, C and electrical fires. All cylinder assemblies are superpressurised with dry nitrogen at 15.0bar @ 20°C (217.5psig at 68°F) in approved cylinders. 

All cylinder assemblies comprise of a Direct valve. Which comes complete with pressure indication via a pressure gauge and an integrated ball valve to control the communication with the detection tube. 

Automatic detection is controlled through the use of the Reacton Detection Tube, which is pressurised with dry nitrogen at 15.0bar @ 20°C (217.5psig @ 68°F). It is the detection tube that provides the detection and delivery of the extinguishing medium. 

The Reacton Direct system utilises the CT Direct valve technology and tubing to automatically detect a fire and actuate the system. The pressurised tubing is installed in and around the fire risks within the protected areas and is always in communication with the system contents. When a fire occurs, the tubing will burst at the point of highest heat, and as the contents of the systems is directly in communication with the detection tube, immediate discharge of the extinguishing agent is started at the point of detection. 

This means that fully automatic fire suppression is ready 24/7 365, day and night, keeping watch over the asset it is protecting. With no power requirements, when a system detects a fire, it automatically activates, rapidly discharging the suppression agent inside the cylinder to the seat of the fire, knocking it down before it has an opportunity to take hold. 

Reacton’s Clean Agent range consists of 3M Novec 1230 Fire Protection Fluid and FM-200 waterless fire suppressant from Chemours. These clean agents are the most trusted and tested liquefiable gases on the market with all supply being solely through the biggest names in the industry when it comes to clean agents.  

Reacton’s Clean Agent extinguishing mediums all have the following approvals: 

  • Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 
  • Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) 
  • Factory Mutual (FM) 
  • Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) listed through the United States Environment Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) 

All products are recognised and listed in standards such as ISO 14520 & NFPA 2001. 

These Clean Agents are the leading choice for fire suppression when rapid protection and zero clean-up is essential for sensitive electrical equipment. All systems are stored as a liquid and discharged as a gaseous vapour. They work at a molecular level by removing the thermal energy of a fire to an extent where the combustion reaction cannot sustain itself. 

Reacton’s Clean Agents are electrically nonconductive, noncorrosive and leave no residue, meaning that the most delicate and sensitive equipment can be protected safely and effectively. The Reacton system can be scaled for use with a wide range of applications ranging from a single electrical panel right through to wind turbines. 

Reacton’s research and development team lead the way with state-of-the-art in-house testing and simulation. Whilst this provides vital product knowledge and confidence in its system and components, the firm recognised the importance to have all innovation, performance and exceptional quality verified. The best way to do this is by third party approval and certification, such as LPCB approval to LPS 1666, where Reacton’s products meet or exceed international standards, ensuring that its products perform at the highest level in these controlled environments. Ultimately, it gives users the same confidence that’s shared by Reacton’s engineers and teams. 

Reacton also work with some of the fire industries most active and influential bodies. This provides us with a platform to raise the level of safety within the industry by allowing experts to formulate best practises and clear guidance that genuinely helps to improve the safety of people and assets across the world. 

What is LPCB 

Reacton Fire Suppression has recently received a certification for the LPCB LPS 1666 approval at the Intersec Dubai exhibition in January 2022. The LPS 1666 standard developed by LPCB / BRE in the UK is the world’s first third-party fire test standard for small enclosure fire suppression systems and provides a much more appropriate performance assessment for such applications. 

The Building Research Establishment (BRE) has a certification arm called BRE Global. This is an independent, third-party certification body responsible for certification schemes, the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) certification is specifically for fire and security products and services. The standards within this scheme are called Loss Prevention Standards (LPS); this is where Reacton find the LPS 1666 which sets out the requirements and test procedures for the LPCB approval of the direct low pressure (DLP) application fixed fire suppression systems. 

The LPCB approval process involves assessment and testing of the products through fire test scenarios and component examinations. Full factory production control, training assessment and site audits ensure that not only the product performs, but the manufacturer can consistently produce quality items that are installed correctly. 

The main requirements and limits of the LPS 1666 standard are: 

  • A single container heat detection tube installation protecting a maximum single volume of 2m3. 
  • Up to 4 heat detection tube runs connected to a single container where no single protected volume exceeds a 2m3 volume.    
  • A maximum heat detection tube length of 10m from the container outlet to the end of any single detection tube run.   

The testing of the system is broken down into different categories allowing for a thorough review of the system and its performance. 

Fire Extinguishing Tests: which includes Detection Tube Activation Height, Agent Extinguishing tests, and Cabinet Perimeter Protection. System Discharge Tests: Minimum Flow Conditions test and Maximum Flow Conditions test. And finally, Component Examination and Tests that include testing pressure strength, leakage, corrosion, and ageing. 

 
An extremely practical and unique feature of the LPS 1666 standard is the testing and performance capabilities for openings and forced ventilation. This allows manufacturers to advise guidelines on the sizes of openings and ventilation rates within the protected risk.  

Reacton advise the following steps in their hazard analysis to arrive at a robust real-life system: Determine Fire Classification, Determine Hazard Compartments, Determine Dimensions, Determine Openings, and Determine Forced Ventilation. 

As market education continues, this standard is increasing in recognition and is now the benchmark standard for small space protection. Having a LPCB approved system installed provides full confidence that the system will deliver the performance when required. 

Reacton have both 3M Novec 1230 Fire Protection Fluid & FM-200 Fire Suppressant LPCB approved to LPS 1666. Both systems are approved for enclosures with open ventilation and forced or natural airflow. 

The high performance of the Reacton equipment can easily been seen with maximum ventilation openings being used with only 2.0kgs of extinguishing agent. Please see www.reactonfire.com for more information. 

Rhino receives RoSPA Gold Award for health and safety performance 

by Featured NewsFire DoorsProducts

UK-based fire doors manufacturer Rhino has received a Gold Award from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) in recognition of its high health and safety standards.

The annual awards, which are the longest running and most established in the UK health and safety industry, celebrate the organisations leading the way in health and safety management.

Nearly 2,000 organisations enter the awards each year to demonstrate their excellence in safety performance and their commitment to the health and wellbeing of their teams. 

This year, Rhino Doors joins winning organisations from over 50 countries around the world, spanning sectors including construction, transport logistics, engineering and manufacturing. 

The receipt of this coveted accolade comes after Rhino was awarded ISO 45001 certification in 2021, demonstrating the efficiency of its systems to improve health and safety and minimise or eliminate hazards. 

Stuart Lawrence, Group Managing Director of Rhino Engineering Group, said: “I’m very proud of the Rhino Doors team for the part they’ve played in securing this incredible achievement. 

“Working in complex, challenging environments means that the health and safety of our people is of paramount importance, and we’re committed to keeping robust systems in place to mitigate the risks to our team. 

“This award is testament to that commitment, and I look forward to building on this success as we move forwards.” 

Julia Small, RoSPA’s Achievements Director, said: “This is a fantastic and well-deserved accomplishment. All our award entrants demonstrate their unwavering commitment and passion for keeping people safe at work. 

“By receiving this recognition, Rhino Doors joins like-minded businesses and organisations worldwide, who represent the very best in their approach to health and safety. 

“I would like to add my personal thanks for all the work that it has taken to secure this well-deserved award – congratulations to all those involved, who champion and drive up health and safety standards every day. You are a fantastic example to others in your sector.” 

Rhino will collect its RoSPA Gold Award at a presentation evening at Nunsmere Hall, Cheshire, on June 23, 2022. 

Toxic Suppression Partners with Senseware to keep firefighters safe

by Breaking NewsFirefighting EquipmentProducts

Toxic Suppression, a referenced leader in firefighter safety has partnered with Senseware, a real-time indoor air quality monitoring technology company to launch Sentinel IQ. Sentinel IQ is the first monitoring system specifically designed to track and alert first responders to the threats of airborne contaminants.

First Responders are routinely exposed to many harmful contaminants in the line-of-duty including volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, and contagious pathogens. Cancer alone caused 66 percent of career firefighter line-of-duty deaths from 2002 to 2019, according to data from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).

Toxic Suppression’s vision is to provide safer working environments for first responders against the multiple hazards they are exposed to. “For the first time, the unseen hazards can be visualized in real-time to alert to unsafe working environments. Designed and tested in station and emergency vehicles, the Sentinel IQ is a future-proof solution with unlimited applications including custom sensor packages” said Scott Hacker, VP of Sales and Marketing.

The Sentinel IQ monitors air quality and sanitization performance including VOC’s, CO2, PM 0.3-1.0, PM 2.5, PM 10, CO, and offers the only real-time cloud-based ion sensor on the market. Coupled with the Sentinel Purifier, The Sentinel offers the only mobile air and hard surface sanitization system where the performance can be validated real-time.

“Our technology was invented from Parkinson’s Disease research and has evolved to help people understand the health of their environment. With over 1M firefighters in the United States risking their lives, we are proud to support Toxic Suppression in providing assurance and peace of mind to our heroes.” said Serene Almomen, CEO and Co-Founder of Senseware.

MSA ‘excited’ for FDIC International 2022 return

by Americas - Featured NewsEventsFeatured News

MSA Safety rounded off 2021 in style posting record quarterly revenues at $410m, increasing 6% from a year ago. Core product revenue increased 9% from a year ago. The positivity was attributed to acquisitions and strong growth in industrial PPE. Looking ahead, and with a major presence at FDIC International in Indiana, Jason Traynor, General Manager, Global Fire Service and Integration Leader for MSA Bristol gives IFSJ a sneak-peek on what to expect this year. 

Ahead of FDIC International 2022, what are MSA’s expectations from the show? 

We’re excited to be back in Indianapolis with FDIC returning to a full-scale event, and we’re looking forward to being together with our customers and sharing the latest in connected firefighting technology. We expect an incredibly engaged crowd that is looking forward to seeing how personal protective equipment is the driving force behind enhancing safety on the job. You’ll see that in how MSA’s G1 SCBA is the focal point of our LUNAR Connected Firefighter Platform, which includes using FireGrid’s insights to enhance crew monitoring and incident management. As always, we’re working to find new ways to keep firefighters safe and will feature Fotokite remote ariel monitoring capabilities that help heighten situational awareness at a fire scene.  

Give us an assessment of the American fire market’s performance over the last 12 months.  

As a leader in the safety industry, MSA continued to manufacture products for our customers who must work in times of global crisis, like the Covid-19 pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, the need for emergency responders never went away, so their needs of products and services that support them in their role continued. Across the company, we saw solid demand for our products, but three of our largest drivers were personal protective equipment, SCBA and turnout gear. Despite supply chain disruptions and labor constraints impacting our ability to ship some product, we did set a record in 2021 for the number of G1 SCBA units shipped. 

On the back of MSA’s strongest quarter (Q4 2021), what can we expect from the firm for 2022.  

Our focus will continue to be on developing and deploying products and technology that will help keep firefighters safe while on duty, and specifically through the MSA Connected Firefighter Platform. This will include new ways to monitor and track equipment and to get updates and upgrades for those items through subscription services. Through our MSA+ subscription program, we can reduce capital spending, enhance operational efficiencies for our customers, simplify upgrades to new technology and services, and ensure products are always under warranty. There will be more fire products included in the MSA+ service, and we look forward to seeing this grow through the year and beyond.  

Tell us about your recent contract wins, and pipeline for the H1 2022. 

This includes working with our new customers, like the Israeli Fire Service, who will be outfitted in MSA Bristol turnout gear. The ISF has signed on for 5,000 sets of gear across multiple contracts. To help better manage their equipment and help keep firefighters safe, we also expect more fire departments to see the value in connected technology and the usefulness of having gear, equipment, and technology together from one manufacturer. The Easton Fire Department in Easton, Pennsylvania, is one of those departments. They will be outfitting all their firefighters with our LUNAR Connected Firefighter devices.  

Any more acquisitions or mergers on the cards? 

MSA has a proven track record of successful acquisitions in the fire service, including Cairns, Gallet, Globe, Bristol and most recently with our investment in Perspective Robotics AG in the development of Fotokite. While we can’t comment on anything specific, as the world leader in head-to-toe firefighting safety products and technology, we are always interested in pursuing opportunities to grow and expand our business, particularly when it aligns with our mission of keeping men and women around the world safe on the job. 

Tell us about inward investments within the business, and anything new we can look forward? 

We will continue to invest in our business to support the growth we expect in key markets. Here in the United States, we’re investing in our talent pipeline and developed a new college tuition reimbursement program at MSA Globe. We want to attract and retain the next generation of employees who will develop and create the products needed to help keep firefighters and workers everywhere safe. In Europe, we’re investing in our European Shared Services center in Warsaw, Poland, to better serve our customers, and in the United Kingdom we’re renovating space at our Bristol facilities. We’re undertaking these types of projects and initiatives to support our mission of helping to keep people safe.  

What to expect at FDIC International 2022

by Americas - Featured NewsEventsFeatured News

The FDIC (Fire Department Instructors Conference) International trade show is one of the largest events for the fire safety market in the world and is certainly holds the distinction of being a massive event held in the US state of Indianapolis.  

The 2020 edition of the show was cancelled in the immediate aftermath of the Coronavirus pandemic clamping down all events, trade shows, and travel suspension. FDIC International 2022 is set to host several thousand professionals from the fire and rescue sector across the last week of April 2022 at the Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium.  

FDIC International also holds the distinction of being one of the oldest trade shows for the fire and safety industry. Over the past 94 years, the trade show has established itself as the premiere training-focused fire industry conference and exhibition in the world.  

This year will be no different with high quality and world-class instructors, classrooms, workshops, H.O.T evolutions and the most innovative products and services available to the industry displayed by over 800 exhibiting companies.  

This year, the prestigious awards will be eagerly anticipated, with accolades such as the Fire Engineering Lifetime Achievement Award, Tom Brennan Lifetime Achievement Award, George D. Post Instructor of the Year Award, and the Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award up for grabs.  

The Fire Engineering Lifetime Achievement Award has been given out during the General Session at FDIC since 1998. In 2009, the award was renamed for Tom Brennan, who was the editor of Fire Engineering for eight years and a technical editor until he passed away in 2006.  

New for 2022 is JEMS Con, which is aimed towards firefighters and first responders for training and sourcing destination. The JEMS Con will be co-located alongside FDIC International and was born out of extensive outreach and critical conversations with EMS providers, exhibitors, medical directors, and professionals. We wish you a successful and productive FDIC 2022 with plenty of learning, knowledge-sharing, and experiences in the US Midwest. 

Everything you need to know about FDIC International 2022

by Americas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsEvents

FDIC International is back this April 2022, and opens its doors to the public from April 25-30 in Indianapolis, IN, USA. FDIC International will offer thousands of fire and rescue professionals from around the world, quality world-class instructors, classrooms session, pre-conference workshops, H.O.T evolutions and the most innovative products and services available to the industry displayed by over 800 exhibiting companies.  

The FDIC International experience is more than your traditional trade show it’s about the learning and sharing with your peers formally and informally through hallway conversations, developing life-long friendships, and recharging your passion for the industry. The focus for this year’s FDIC event will be bringing together the industry in-person, for a safe and productive training experience while maintaining the celebration of comradery.  

FDIC International will present over 300 tried and true classes alongside updated content on important topics and new areas of interest from the world’s most renowned instructors. The week of training begins with two days of Hands-on Training (H.O.T.) evolutions and 

Pre-Conference workshops followed by three days of classroom sessions, covering the latest technology and techniques in the fire service.  

The Hands-on Training (H.O.T.) Evolutions at FDIC International are something you must experience to fully appreciate. Attendees can choose between 4- and 8-hour Hands-on Training (H.O.T.) Evolutions which cover the latest technology and techniques in the fire service and are instructed by industry icons. This year’s H.O.T. Evolutions include Drilling at the Speed of Flashover, Fundamentals of Open Water Rescue and Drowning Resuscitation, Advanced Vehicle Extrication, Truck and Rescue Company Fire Operations, and so much more – no other event in the world contains the vast amount of topics and locations presented at FDIC International. 

The FDIC International pre-conference workshops provide attendees with an in-depth look at specific topics covering new areas of interest within the fire service as well as traditional training topics. Attendees can choose from a variety of topics and should be prepared to walk away with new insights, ideas and approaches. This year’s topics cover the latest technology and techniques in the fire service, and include advanced vehicle extrication, active shooter response, open water rescue and drowning resuscitation, heavy vehicle extrication, and more.  

Perhaps one of the most distinguishing aspects of FDIC International’s classroom sessions is the world-renowned instructors. While you’ll certainly find the largest gathering of industry icons at FDIC International, you’ll also find new instructors from around the world presenting ground breaking topics. Some of this year’s sessions include Merging EMS into a Fire Department Culture, Thriving in the Fire Service, Swift Water Rescue Rules of Engagement, Down and Dirty Fireground Decision Making, Best Practices for Proficiency-Based Training, The Successful Short-Staffed Engine, and more. Attendees can move between classroom sessions and topics, customizing their FDIC experience and gaining the most from their time at the event. 

Women in Fire 

Returning in 2022 is Women in Fire for their one-day conference which will take place on Monday, April 25. This conference will begin with an opening ceremony which will take a look at what we know about women’s health in the fire service, including recent and emerging topics such as reproductive health, behavioral health, and modifiable risk factors among this population. Following that will be a line-up of educational classes that provide training, support and advocacy for women in the fire service. 

Our strong heritage and commitment to tradition is epitomized in the 2022 Opening Ceremonies. Every year, thousands of attendees pay tribute to all past, present, and future firefighters. Attending this event provides a comprehensive understanding of the gratitude and respect for all those who place their lives on the line to save others. In recognition of outstanding bravery and selflessness, one firefighter will receive the annual Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award.  

The learning continues on the exhibit floor at FDIC International! Exhibitions span the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium and the Outdoor Exhibits & Demo Area and give attendees access to explore hundreds of products and services while creating lasting and lucrative business relationships with leading manufacturers.  

Networking 

FDIC also offers a variety of networking opportunities including our special events, MATCH! and The Metro Officers Innovation Briefing.  

The Metro Officers Innovation Briefing is exclusively designed for Metro Officers who want to see what’s new in the industry, hear what innovations other metropolitan fire departments are implementing, and network with fellow officers. This complimentary one-day event takes place on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, the day before the exhibits open.  

MATCH! is a free service at FDIC International that was designed to help attendees and exhibitors make the most efficient use of their time by pre-scheduling one-to-one meetings to discuss sourcing needs. MATCH! is easy, efficient, and complimentary. Attendees who are actively sourcing products and services in the next 12-24 months will select categories they are interested in within our matchmaking tool. From there, exhibitor suggestions will be generated, and the attendees can request meetings that will take place in our MATCH! VIP lounge eliminating any exhibit hall distractions. 

JEMS Con 2022 

Making its debut this year, co-located alongside FDIC International, is the JEMS Conference & Expo (JEMS Con). JEMS Con will offer a refreshed, forward-thinking approach focused on the future of EMS, operational leadership and peer-to-peer sharing and networking. JEMS Con will bring together paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), medical directors and executives from all EMS providers including state and private agencies, third service and fire for education, training, peer-to-peer sharing and networking. JEMS Con will offer over 100 hours of continuing education approved by the CAPCE. 

Over the past year, we’ve done extensive outreach and had critical conversations with EMS providers, exhibitors, medical directors, and professionals. We’ve taken their insights and suggestions to start to lay the foundation of JEMS Con in 2022. With over 5,000 attendees that identify EMS as their primary job function already attending FDIC, we feel we can create considerable value and efficiencies for the industry in a co-located event. We are committed to welcoming all EMS providers, giving them a dedicated event to comfortably come together to learn, share, and network with peers. We will continue to build partnerships with the EMS community to help shape this event as we plan beyond 2022. We plan to expand the Metro EMS group, add more hands-on training evolutions, enhance the sponsorship experience, and include additional networking opportunities. We are excited about the opportunities this co-location will offer the Fire and EMS communities. 

The pandemic hasn’t stopped firefighters and EMTs from having to serve their communities and therefore the need for training hasn’t stopped! FDIC International is excited to welcome the fire & rescue industry back to Indianapolis at its regularly scheduled time. The focus for this year’s event will be bringing together the industry in-person, for a safe and productive training experience while maintaining the celebration of comradery. The need for connecting with peers became even more important over the past year and a half when COVID-19 created supply chain issues and shortages, as well as fewer in-person training opportunities. At this year’s FDIC International, the industry can expect to find our traditional robust education and training program, an expansive exhibit hall with leading manufacturers, new technology and networking events designed to celebrate coming together and thanking our first responders for keeping our communities safe. 

For general show inquiry or assistance, feel free to reach out to our team at FDIC@clarionevents.com. 

NEBOSH launches new service to shake-up in-house health and safety training

by Safety

NEBOSH launches new service to shake-up in-house health and safety training NEBOSH – one of the world’s leading providers of health and safety qualifications – has launched a new solution for businesses that want to improve their in-company training.

The NEBOSH Endorsed service will – as its name suggests – endorse great health and safety training. When companies invest in training, they want to see a return. Through a collaborative approach, NEBOSH will help organisations to elevate their in-company offering and deliver measurable behavioural change that contributes to healthier and safer workplaces.

A range of solutions are available via NEBOSH Endorsed. They are all tailored to the needs of individual organisations and emphasise learning that delivers tangible impact:
• Assessment and endorsement of existing in-company training
• Bespoke consultation and development of in-company training
• Delivery of engaging online and in-person training
• Learning impact measurement

Every person that completes a NEBOSH Endorsed course will be recognised with a NEBOSH Endorsed certificate to mark their learning.

Ian Cooke, NEBOSH Business Development Manager – Corporates and Consumers, says: “So much in-company training is well-meaning but has minimal impact on behaviour back in the workplace. NEBOSH are experts in learning. We want to share our 40 years’ worth of educational expertise and help create better health and safety training, whatever its duration or level.

“NEBOSH Endorsed is focused on two things: collaboration and impact. Everything we do will be tailored to an organisation’s needs and we’ll use a range of tools to make sure it is having a demonstrable impact on individual and organisational performance. Ultimately, we want to make the world a safer place to work and by partnering with organisations through NEBOSH Endorsed, we can make that happen!”

Data Intelligence: Shaping the Future for Fire Conference

by EventsFeatured News

The inaugural ‘Data Intelligence: Shaping the Future for Fire Booking’ is set to be hosted this May by the members of the NFCC Digital and Data Programme.  

The conference, to be held on 13 and 14 June in Liverpool, will inform and engage with strategic leaders and those in professional data roles around how effective use of data can significantly drive transformation in the fire and rescue service.

HMICFRS and Home Office have identified data as a key priority and senior leaders are encouraged to attend to support data specialists in delivering against these priorities.

Andy Hopkinson, NFCC Digital and Data Programme Executive and Chief Fire Officer of Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “The Data Conference is a fantastic opportunity to liaise with and hear from likeminded data professionals and leaders from across the sector.

“Together, we can shape the future for fire and beyond by using data to drive forward transformation.”

The conference programme will be released shortly and will be packed full of engaging, inspiring and thought-provoking sessions to showcase how data is being used both across the fire sector and our everyday lives to shape how leaders make transformational strategic decisions.

Rhino completes fire and acoustic testing on its CPNI door range

by Featured NewsFire DoorsProducts

Rhino Doors has successfully tested its full range of CPNI doors, with both single and double leaf variations achieving impressive results for fire integrity and acoustic attenuation. 

Following successful tests on its single leaf door in September 2021, the company put its double leaf CPNI product to the test in March 2022. 

The FD30 door, which was fire tested in accordance with EN1634-1: 2014, achieved the same 60-minute integrity rating as its single leaf counterpart and an insulation rating of 30 minutes. 

It was also tested to measure its effectiveness at sound reduction, achieving an impressive attenuation rating of Rw 40dB.

Rhino has been producing CPNI doors for many years and is now manufacturing its range of personnel doors with fire and acoustic ratings as an option, to cater to the needs of its diverse client base and to deliver high-security products capable of withstanding complex environmental stressors. 

“We’re very pleased with the recent successful performance of our double leaf CPNI door”, said Ceri Couser, Head of Security Projects of Rhino Doors. 

“These fire and acoustic tests, which conclude our testing on our full CPNI range, solidify our industry-wide reputation for producing high-security doors built to safeguard people and assets in challenging environments. 

“As we continue on our path of growth, building on the successes of the last year, we’re delighted that our CPNI range continues to offer our clients the strength to protect.” 

Understanding the latest fire doorset guidance and legislation with Winkhaus

by Featured NewsFire DoorsProducts

For over a decade the Winkhaus UK technical team have been involved in the creation and implementation of the latest standards and guidance for fire doorsets. Following the launch of a series of new fire training modules, Winkhaus share how these changes impact the entire life cycle of a fire doorset and what a compliant fire doorset specification should contain. 

Over the last five years, since the Grenfell disaster, there have been many changes in legislation and guidance, but important question remains: “Do specifiers and those responsible for fire safety in social housing understand the changes and have they implemented these changes into their specifications?” 

In October 2021, Winkhaus UK commissioned a survey that asked respondents to vote for which tests they think are required for a MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government) 2020 compliant fire doorset. Following the results of the survey, only 40% of respondents said fire doorsets should be smoke and fire tested, 20% said security tested and 20% said that fire doorsets should be third party accredited. The results from the survey provided an insight into the respondents’ knowledge about the new legislation and guidance. The conclusion highlights that in all likelihood, some specifications may have not changed in line with the correct guidance.   

Guidance on fire regulations have changed post-Grenfell, with changes in recent years highlighting the requirements for compliance, how this should be delivered and maintained through the lifecycle of a fire doorset. The 2020 MHCLG guideline identified the three critical performances for a fire doorset as: ‘fire, smoke, and security’. The MHCLG guideline, along with the independent review of building regulations and fire safety, also clearly states that these critical performances should be third party audited and certified. 

Traditional test evidences most often include smoke resistance but the smoke evidence has not been controlled by the 3rd Party independent audit / Certification scheme as recommended by the MHCLG. To precisely follow this guidance the independent audits must relate to fire, smoke and security. 

Insert test images (IMG_0022 and IMG_3892) with caption: Picture shows: Successful fire testing of the most complex and definitely the largest construction Winkhaus have ever tested. 

Both Winkhaus and Secured by Design (SBD) agree, to precisely follow this guidance the independent audits must relate to fire, smoke and security. This change ensures that all three performances are tested and regularly independently audited to prove all production this week, next month, and next year continue to provide the safest door set solution, for the lifecycle of the door. 

Winkhaus FireFrame composite fire doorset solutions are the first to attain the new Q Mark third party audit certification for ‘Smoke’ and Winkhaus is the first company to attain individual ‘Q Mark’ certification for all three critical performance requirements: fire, smoke and security. The company’s timber door set solutions are currently completing the same certification process.

As a business Winkhaus has always tested its fire doorset solutions against all three critical performances, with both fire and smoke now having their own mirrored FoAp (Field of Application) that identifies the design and range of products that are covered. The Q Mark certification system brings together the information from these FoAp’s and consolidates the approved design range within the door manufacturers “Scope of Certification”. 

Importance of 3rd Party Auditing 

UKAS accredited third party auditing is not just required to verify test data for fire doors, it is a critical requirement throughout the ‘Golden Thread’ or lifecycle of a fire doorset. There are five key stages within the Golden Thread: design and test; specify; manufacture; survey and installation; and maintenance.  

Design and test is the first stage of the Golden Thread and this is where the doorset is tested for fire resistance, smoke control and to PAS24 for enhanced security, both inside and outside. All the test reports are compiled and become a FoAP that shows all the variations and permitted parameters. Testing must be done with an independent UKAS accredited test house or laboratory.  

A specification is then written which outlines the requirement of skills and other specifics required for each doorset. The specification stage must follow the Golden Thread and ensures every stage is third party audited to ensure test evidence is current and correct. The key purpose of the specification is to ensure the fire door set is consistent and compliant through manufacture, installation, and maintenance. 

Next in the Golden Thread is the ‘manufacture’ stage; which is third party audited to ensure the fire doorset is consistently manufactured to the same standards as the test evidence and specification. 

Survey and installation is conducted by a third party accredited installer with an additional system training to ensure consistency and clear understanding of the tested solutions specified. This then leads to ‘maintenance’ which is the final stage of the Golden Thread. It is mandatory that annual audits are carried out and undertaken by a third party audited and accredited company to ensure compliance throughout the life of the doorset. Any remedial work identified through annual or routine inspection should be related back to the original test evidence, so again we recommend training is provided throughout the golden thread.  

Every stage from manufacturing, through survey and installation, annual inspection, and any remedial maintenance required must be third party audited. All of the stages within the Golden Thread refer back to the original design testing ensuring the correct components are being used to make or maintain a door. 

To aid the understanding of the new requirements for a compliant fire doorset specification, Winkhaus has recently expanded its free training. The firm now offers three different levels of training which can be tailored to the audience to ensure it meets company / client requirements and we will even write your fire door set specification: 

  • First option – This training provides an overview of the Golden Thread for fire doorsets, covering the requirements for a compliant doorset throughout its lifecycle. The five key stages in the lifecycle are covered from design and testing, specification, manufacture, survey, and installation through to inspection and maintenance. 
  • Second option – This training module covers the fire doorset legislation which is the next level of data for those who need a more detailed understanding of the changes that have been made to legislation for fire doorset standards over the past few years. Topics covered include the latest legislation and guidance, testing requirements for the three critical fire doorset performances of Fire, Smoke and Security and third party auditing.  
  • Third option – If you require a deeper understanding on legislation and guidance, need support in writing your specification or require further advice on compliance, we can arrange for a question-and-answer session with a member of our expert fire doorset team.  

Both option one and option two can be presented as a formal CPD or informally without CPD certification.  

For further information about our Fire, Smoke & Security doorset solutions, support with your fire door specifications or to register for our free training, please visit firetraining.winkhaus.com or email marketing@winkhaus.co.uk