Has the semiconductor shortage impacted fire and safety market?

by Featured NewsProductsThermal Imaging

The coronavirus pandemic has led to a rise in the uptick of digital technologies across different industry. However, the global semiconductor market has been facing an ongoing shortage due to various factors ranging from bottlenecks in the global supply chain and the pandemic itself, IDTechEx reported.

In the fire and safety market, RFID chips are being increasingly used in items such as SBCA firefighter clothing, helmets, regulators, vehicles, and other equipment. The technology works as the reader transmits a signal to unique tags, which respond with product data. This means teams can precisely track and take inventory of valuable assets and equipment.

Impinj, one of the leading UHF chip suppliers, stated in its Q3 2021 earnings call that semiconductor crisis has resulted in cost increases across the entire supply chain, from wafers to components, assembly, packaging, and shipping, and that the cost increases are too large for them to absorb at this time, and that they have no choice but to pass on the costs to their customers to maintain their margin model.

Despite the price hike, the business claims that demand for chips is still high – demand for endpoint ICs for UHF RFID tags exceeded shipments by more than 50% in Q3 alone. According to the company, both 200 mm and 300 mm wafers are in short supply for endpoint ICs, and the Demand will continue to outstrip supply, through 2022.

Major chip manufacturer GlobalWafers has told news outlets that the company won’t be able to meet the wafer demand until 2024. Doris Hsu, CEO, GlobalWafers said: “We have clear order visibility for 2023 and it should be okay into 2024. We do not see any signs of things slowing down in 2023 or 2024.”

This is because the worldwide expansion is moving at a snail’s pace. Over the next two years, the company plans to invest US$800 million in boosting production efficiency at its 12-inch fabs, including those in the United States, to increase production capacity. Last year, the business attempted to buy German wafer supplier Siltronic for $4.98 billion USD, but the deal fell through, and the funds will now be utilized to expand production. The firm announced in February 2022 that “the new manufacturing lines are planned to ramp up in H2 2023 and to be expanded on a quarterly basis.”

If the semiconductor and chip shortage has impacted your company or fire service’s operations, and you have found ways to overcome them, drop our editor an email on nikhil.pereira@intfireandsafetyjournal.com.

NVFC and Anheuser-Busch to hydrate US fire volunteers

by Featured NewsPeople

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has joined hands with Anheuser-Busch to provide hydration to volunteer fire departments responding to wildfires.

For the fourth year running the initiative, which is held under the name of the Emergency Drinking Water for Wildland Firefighters programme, will help volunteer departments that struggle with limited budget and resources.

The programme is an expansion of Anheuser-Busch’s longstanding tradition of providing emergency drinking water and supplies for disaster relief efforts. Anheuser-Busch is continuing its commitment in 2022 by pledging to donate 1.5 million cans of clean drinking water to help keep wildland firefighters hydrated as they protect and strengthen their communities.

Since the program began in 2019, nearly 4.9 million cans of water have been distributed to more than 960 departments across 49 states.

To apply for the emergency drinking water, departments must be based in the USA, annually respond to wildfires, be over 50% volunteer, and serve a population of 25,000 or less. Departments in declared emergencies due to wildfire will also be able to request water outside of the application period to help with their immediate wildfire response needs. The application period is open through March 15 and can be applied for on www.nvfc.org/water.

Lack of domestic smoke alarms in UK causing fatalities

by ActiveBuilding ManagementFeatured NewsFire DetectionIndustry SectorsProductsProjects

In research presented by BAFE and NAPIT, data collated over the last decade (2010-11 to 2020-21) in England, Wales, and Scotland record an unsettling 424,464 dwelling fires.

These fires resulted in almost 82,000 non-fatal casualties and close to 3,000 deaths. In more recent statistics made available by Fire and Rescue Services nationwide, there is an ongoing issue with high failure rates or a complete absence of domestic smoke alarms.

In England alone, during 2020 / 2021, there was a 28% failure rate of smoke alarms (i.e. that failed to operate or were not present). This failure rate rises to 39% in Scotland and increasing even further to half of all fires (50%) in Wales.

The ‘Fire Kills’ campaign from the UK government states: “You are around 8 times more likely to die from a fire if you don’t have a working smoke alarm in your home”. Both BAFE and NAPIT have stressed the paramount importance of having suitable life safety systems in place.

Provisional data from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities reports close to 176,000 new build dwellings were started in England alone during the previous 12 months from year ending 2021 (July-September). It is of key importance that the housing development sector complies with Building Regulations and relevant Approved Documents when providing appropriate domestic fire detection and alarm systems. These must be installed by competent contractors.

In August last year, BAFE launched its latest competency scheme with NAPIT, called DS301. This provides a route for contractors to demonstrate their competence to design, install, commission, and maintain Grade D fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises. This supports appropriate British Standards and working best practice, most notably the latest iteration of BS 5839-6 (Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises).

Justin Maltby-Smith, managing director BAFE, said: “This information clearly outlines that it is extremely important that any work on Grade D fire detection and fire alarm systems is performed in compliance with the appropriate current regulatory and competency documents available. Having suitable systems in place will aid in alerting residents as quickly as possible, allowing for a safer evacuation and providing emergency services more time to mitigate any damage. The housing sector has a great responsibility to use competent contractors, which is why the BAFE DS301 Scheme was developed, and it will clearly help in evidencing this competency. We must not lose focus that these are people’s homes, and they should feel safe and be confident in the systems installed.”

Frank Bertie, chief technical officer, NAPIT added: “These statistics show the risk to life posed by fire is a real threat. NAPIT are proud to be leading the way with the introduction of the new DS301 Scheme with BAFE to provide homeowners, house builders, management companies and specifiers with confidence that the contractor they use is appropriately qualified, competent, and assessed.  Registered members on the NAPIT DS301 Scheme have demonstrated their competency to deliver design, installation, commissioning and/or maintenance works for Grade D fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises. Correctly installed fire detection systems help save lives and must be considered a priority in all homes.”

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.”

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.”

Nittan launches visual alarm base for photoelectric smoke detector

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProducts

Nittan Europe, a manufacturer of fire detection products sold globally, has launched the EV-PYSVAD Visual Alarm Base for use with its EV-PYS Photoelectric smoke detector.

The new EV-PYSVAD is a Type A Indoor Beacon Base VAD with enhanced performance. It features 12 high power white LEDs which provide the required light output to meet the EN 54-23 Category C (Ceiling) certification requirements with a rating of C 3.0 x 5.0. As a slave device taking its commands from the EV-PYS detector, the EV-PYSVAD does not require an individual loop address.

The EV-PYSVAD has been designed to be a backward compatible drop-in replacement for its predecessor, the EV-PSBCN Visual Indicator Base, without the need for panel upgrades or type code changes.

The EV-PYSVAD Visual Alarm Base has been introduced specifically for use with Nittan’s EV-PYS Photoelectric smoke detector, which comes with a sounder.

The EV-PYS features an advanced smoke sensing chamber designed for maximum effectiveness. A spherical feature incorporated within the chamber provides superior light scattering, plus an orange LED is used, which significantly improves response across the fire spectrum.

The shape of the ‘PY’ smoke chamber is optimised to minimise the effect of dirt/dust contamination, plus a fine stainless-steel micromesh prevents the ingress of even the smallest insects which can create false alarms.

Northampton industrial fire to be investigated

by Featured NewsIndustrialIndustry SectorsUncategorized

A huge fire broke out in Northampton Industrial estate which was heroically fought off by the Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service. Now, an investigation into the cause of the fire has been launched which gutted one industrial unit on Connaught Street.

Authorities were first called to the blaze at 3.33am on February 20, Northants Live reported. Firefighters used breathing equipment to tackle the fire and a 45mm jet and hose reel jets were also used. The area was cordoned off and locals were told to keep their windows and doors closed to protect them from the fumes.

It took more than four hours to bring the fire under control, and thankfully there were no casualties. A spokesperson for the Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service said: “Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service was called to reports of a fire at an industrial premises on Connaught Street in Northampton at 3.33am on Sunday (February 20).

“Fire engines from The Mounts, Moulton, Mereway, Brixworth and Earls Barton were called to the incident, as was the aerial appliance from Corby. “Members of the Fire Investigation Team attended the scene this morning (February 21), found no remaining hotspots, and have started to investigate the possible cause of the fire.”

Major fire forces road closure in Wiltshire

by ActiveFeatured News

A fire in an large home caused a major road to be closed in Wiltshire, with plumes of smoke covering the skyline in the nearby area. The Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the property in the Westbrook near Bromham, just off the A3102.

An official statement from the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “At 6.59pm this evening our Service Control Centre received the first of multiple 999 calls to report a property fire in Westbrook near Bromham.

https://twitter.com/DWFireRescue/status/1494408374917775365

“Initially crews were dispatched to the incident from Calne and Melksham. Firefighters quickly requested support and we currently have 15 fire engines, three water carriers and an aerial ladder platform at this incident (approx. 75 firefighters).”Crews are dealing with a significant fire in a large property. The A3102 has been closed and will remain closed overnight while we deal with this incident.”

An update earlier today from the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We have reduced our attendance at this incident over night. 20 firefighters remain on scene. The A3102 remains closed to allow us to deal with the incident. The road will remain closed for some time yet. A fire investigation into the cause of this incident will begin as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Fire breaks out on ship carrying Volkswagen and Porche vehicles

by Featured NewsIndustry SectorsPorts & Maritime

A 650-foot-long cargo ship carrying Porche, and Volkswagen cars caught fire in the Atlantic Ocean. The ship’s 22 crew members fled the scene thanks to rescue works carried out by the Portuguese Navy.

Built in 2005 Felicity Ace can carry up to 4,000 cars. The vessel was on its way to a port in Davisville, Rhode Island, having set sail from Germany’s Emden.

The ship sounded the alarm after a fire broke out in the hold, the Associated Press reported.

Portugal’s navy said one of its patrol boats and four merchant vessels were helping with the rescue. Portuguese air force aircraft were also mobilized.

Both Volkswagen and Porche released separate statements, acknowledging an incident had taken place on a vessel that was carrying their vehicles among the cargo on the ship.

Porche in its statement said that ‘it’s thoughts were with the 22 crew members of the merchant ship’. The statement also reaffirmed that the Portuguese authorities had rescued the crew members.

The Portuguese Navy has said there are no further details about the recovery operation, but the ship is said to be drifting eastwards.