The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has announced that it has received a five-year grant of $7 million to support HazMat response training at nuclear facilities in the United States.
Classifying the future with Warringtonfire: What EN 13501 means for compliance
As EN 13501 replaces BS 476, Peter Barker, Technical Policy Manager at Element Materials Technology, examines what manufacturers must understand to ensure compliance and readiness
On 2 September 2024, the UK Government formally announced the withdrawal of the National Classes fire testing standards from Approved Document B.
These will be replaced by the EN 13501 series of European classification standards.
Since the consultation process began, the construction and manufacturing sectors have engaged in extensive discussions regarding the implications of this shift – from the technical distinctions between BS 476 and EN 13501, to the financial and logistical demands of adapting to the new testing regime.
Concerns have also been raised about the adequacy of the transition period and the capacity of UK testing facilities.
Peter Barker, Technical Policy Manager at Element Materials Technology, offers further insight into the changes.
An overview of the BS 476 fire testing standards
Originally introduced in 1932, the BS 476 standard established a framework for evaluating the fire performance of construction materials and building components.
The standard encompassed three primary areas: incombustibility, non-inflammability (reaction to fire), and resistance to fire (structure and containment).
Over time, the standard evolved into a suite of parts, each addressing specific performance criteria.
For instance, BS 476: Part 22 focuses on non-load-bearing elements and is used in conjunction with Part 20 to evaluate products such as doorsets and partitions.
The BS 476 series outlines the conditions under which fire performance tests are conducted, as well as the criteria for evaluating results.
The outcome of such testing is documented in a test report, which includes a detailed description of the tested product, the test method employed, and the performance achieved.
These reports serve as benchmarks for comparing similar products and determining their suitability for use in buildings under applicable regulatory frameworks.
In the UK, assessments of fire performance based on BS 476 are often extended through expert judgement.
These assessments are conducted by competent professionals in accordance with the guidelines set out by the Passive Fire Protection Forum (PFPF), which define both the process and the competency requirements for assessors.
It is important to note that the methodology for extending the scope of tested designs under BS 476 differs significantly from the rule-based system used for EN classification.
This distinction underscores the complexity of transitioning to EN 13501, which involves more than a simple reapplication of existing test data.
Introducing the EN 13501 classification framework
The EN 13501 series was developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) in response to mandates from the European Commission.
Its purpose is to provide a harmonised system for testing and classifying construction products across the European Union, thereby eliminating trade barriers and establishing a common technical language.
The EN classification system supports the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) and is underpinned by standardised test methods that determine product performance.
It includes provisions for both Direct Application (DIAP) and Extended Application (EXAP), which allow for the extension of test results to cover a broader range of product configurations.
These rules are maintained and updated by CEN working groups composed of experts from across Europe.
Although originally designed to facilitate the EU single market, the EN 13501 system has been adopted within UK building regulations to define performance requirements for both regulated and non-regulated construction products.
These requirements are tailored to the product type, building design, and intended use.
Rationale behind the regulatory shift
Historically, both BS 476 and EN 13501 have been recognised in Approved Document B as a valid means of demonstrating fire performance.
However, the UK Government has now committed to a single, unified classification system.
This decision aligns with recommendations from the Hackitt Report, which called for a more transparent and effective regulatory framework for building safety.
The withdrawal of BS 476 is being implemented in stages.
A six-month transition period granted for reaction to fire and external fire exposure to roofs came to an end on 2nd March 2025, with references to BS 476 no longer included in Approved Document B, though specific exemptions are in place for some projects already underway.
A five-year period ending in September 2029 applies to resistance to fire.
The phased approach was provided to industry by UK government to facilitate a smooth transition to the European standards without being disruptive to supply chains.
Challenges for manufacturers transitioning to EN 13501
The move from BS 476 to EN 13501 presents several technical and operational challenges for manufacturers:
- Incompatibility of test evidence: Results obtained under BS 476 cannot be used to generate classifications under EN 13501.
- The EN system requires performance data derived from specific EN test methods.
- Scope extension: The EN framework employs DIAP and EXAP rules to extend the applicability of test results.
- A test programme based on BS 476 is unlikely to yield the same scope of application when re-evaluated under EN standards.
- Increased testing requirements: Depending on the breadth of a manufacturer’s product range, a substantial number of new tests may be necessary to achieve EN classification.
- This must be accomplished within a limited timeframe, alongside competing demands from other manufacturers.
- Product redesign: In some cases, existing products may need to be modified to meet the performance thresholds defined by EN test methods.
Practical steps for preparing for the transition
With the government’s direction now clearly established, manufacturers are encouraged to begin the transition to EN 13501 without delay.
While the timing of this shift is ultimately at the discretion of each manufacturer, early engagement will help ensure continued market access and regulatory compliance.
Manufacturers should begin by cataloguing their product range and sharing this information with their chosen test laboratory.
This enables the development of a reverse-engineered test programme based on DIAP or EXAP rules.
Given the complexity of this process – particularly when multiple performance characteristics are involved – it is essential to work with laboratories that possess deep expertise in EN testing and classification.
Warringtonfire, for example, has extensive experience in conducting EN tests and preparing classification reports, with over 20 experts working across testing and technical services that actively contribute to the CEN working groups that help develop the EN test, EXAP and classification standards across many different products.
Their support can be instrumental in navigating the transition and ensuring that products meet the requirements of the EN 13501 series.
Supporting manufacturers through the transition
Following the launch of the government consultation, one of the key concerns raised by manufacturers – and echoed in the Independent Review of the Construction Products Testing Regime, led by Paul Morrell OBE and Anneliese Day KC – was the issue of laboratory testing capacity.
Warringtonfire’s capabilities are bolstered by three UKAS-accredited laboratories located within the UK, as well as a BELAC-accredited facility in Belgium.
These sites are equipped to conduct EN testing across a wide range of methods, covering both reaction to fire and resistance to fire for numerous construction product types.
To further address the growing demand for testing services, Warringtonfire has made a significant investment in a new 101,000-square-foot facility in Warrington.
This state-of-the-art site, which officially opened in January 2025, expands the organisation’s capacity to support manufacturers during this period of regulatory transformation.
The construction products sector is undergoing one of the most consequential regulatory shifts in recent decades, particularly in the area of fire safety.
Warringtonfire remains committed to assisting clients and the wider industry throughout this transition.
With accreditation to European standards and extensive experience in preparing EXAP reports and EN 13501 classifications, Warringtonfire will continue to deliver essential testing and certification services to ensure compliance and uphold safety standards.
For more about Warringtonfire and its new Birchwood Park laboratory, or to book for 2025, please visit Warringtonfire.com.
This was originally published in the August 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.
IAFF secures $8 million for Hazmat response training
Federal grant supports firefighter training in hazardous materials response
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has confirmed that it has received more than $8 million in federal funding to expand its Hazmat response training.
According to the IAFF, the five-year grant is the largest in its history and was awarded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).
The funding will strengthen the IAFF’s Hazardous Waste Worker Training Program and Hazmat Disaster Preparedness training courses.
It will also support the development of new instructional materials that the IAFF said are intended to modernise approaches to firefighter training.
General President Edward Kelly said: “The longstanding partnership between the IAFF and the NIEHS has been vital to many of the advancements in fire fighter safety and training we’ve accomplished.
“These funds will ensure we continue to provide fire fighters with the training, knowledge, and tools they need to address hazardous materials emergencies and keep themselves and their communities safe.”
Training expansion and new course delivery
The IAFF reported that nearly 4,000 firefighters were certified in Hazmat response under its previous five-year federal grant.
The union said that the new award will allow training for an additional 6,500 firefighters over the next five years.
It added that the funding would also help advance the IAFF’s “Responding to Renewable Energy Emergencies” programme.
That course, launched earlier this year, provides instruction on managing electric vehicle fires and other incidents linked to renewable energy.
The organisation explained that these scenarios are increasingly present in modern firefighting operations.
Partnership with NIEHS
The IAFF explained that its collaboration with the NIEHS has continued for several decades.
The group said the relationship has supported the design of training aimed at preparing firefighters for hazardous material incidents.
It added that the funding helps ensure personnel can access knowledge and skills necessary to work safely in these environments.
The union commented that the renewal of the partnership would carry forward initiatives that it views as central to firefighter safety.
Kelly added: “This funding will ensure we continue to provide fire fighters the training, knowledge, and tools they need to address hazardous materials emergencies and keep themselves and their communities safe.”
Development of drone training
The IAFF confirmed that part of the new grant will go towards creating a drone training programme for the fire service.
The union explained that this will be the first comprehensive course of its kind for the sector.
It said the training would focus on operational use of drones in emergency settings.
The IAFF added that the programme would also help participants prepare for the Federal Aviation Administration’s remote pilot certification exam.
The group said it expects drones to play a greater role in fireground operations in the future.
Supporting modernisation of the fire service
The IAFF noted that the grant will be used not only for direct Hazmat training but also for the production of updated learning materials.
The union explained that these resources are intended to make training more relevant to current and emerging risks.
It said that part of the funding would go towards instructional methods suited to evolving technologies and incident types.
The organisation added that federal support for these initiatives reinforces national investment in emergency response capacity.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
This funding announcement shows how large-scale grants are being directed toward firefighter training in hazardous material response.
The IAFF has indicated that the award will allow for an additional 6,500 firefighters to be trained in the US over the next five years.
The inclusion of renewable energy and drone programmes highlights how Hazmat response training is adapting to new operational challenges.
Professionals in fire and safety roles can use this information to understand current priorities in firefighter training and how resources are being allocated.
IAFF secures $8 million for Hazmat response training: Summary
The IAFF has received more than $8 million in federal funding for Hazmat response training.
The grant comes from the National Institutes of Health through the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
The IAFF said this is the largest grant in its history.
The funding will strengthen Hazardous Waste Worker and Hazmat Disaster Preparedness training programmes.
It will also support the creation of new training materials.
The IAFF reported that 4,000 firefighters were certified under the previous grant.
The new award will allow for training of an additional 6,500 firefighters over five years.
The funding will support the “Responding to Renewable Energy Emergencies” programme.
The IAFF said this course helps firefighters manage electric vehicle and renewable energy fires.
The union also confirmed development of a new drone training programme.
The drone course will prepare participants for the FAA remote pilot certification exam.
Edward Kelly, IAFF General President, said the grant ensures firefighters have knowledge and tools for Hazmat emergencies.
The IAFF added that the partnership with NIEHS has been longstanding.
It said the collaboration supports firefighter safety training.
The organisation confirmed the funding will help modernise fire service training approaches.
IAFC calls for responder feedback on hazmat rail incidents in the United States
IAFC begins data collection from responders to improve hazmat rail incident response
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has launched a nationwide request for input from emergency responders who have dealt with hazardous materials (hazmat) rail incidents.
According to the IAFC, the insights will contribute to its ongoing Significant Rail Incident Study, which is being developed with national partners to improve hazmat preparedness and training programmes.
The organisation confirmed that the study’s initial framework has been developed by a national control group, which identified five key focus areas. It now seeks operational feedback from those with firsthand response experience.
Participants are invited to complete an initial form, with select responders to be contacted by IAFC for further follow-up as part of a detailed assessment.
The IAFC stated that input collected may inform future protocols and improve nationwide response systems for major hazmat rail incidents.
U.S. study follows earlier IAFC rail safety research
The IAFC said the responder feedback component builds on its prior research publication Considerations For Ensuring The Effectiveness of U.S. Railroad Hazardous Materials Training, Preparedness, And Community Outreach Programs.
That earlier work focused on improving rail hazmat training and outreach efforts across the country.
The new phase aims to document operational practices and lessons learned directly from significant rail incident response events.
The IAFC noted that the current study is designed to connect high-level priorities with practical, on-the-ground responder experience.
It added that this process will help refine policy recommendations through a more applied evidence base.
Partners include rail industry and federal bodies
The IAFC reported that the study is being undertaken in collaboration with the Association of American Railroads, the Shortline Safety Institute, and additional industry and federal agencies.
These partners are working with hazmat response stakeholders to ensure findings reflect operational needs and challenges.
The IAFC said that cooperation across these sectors is essential to capture a full range of technical, procedural, and policy considerations.
It added that the involvement of responders is a critical part of validating and contextualising the study’s findings.
The association said the study aligns with broader national safety goals and will contribute to ongoing risk reduction strategies in rail operations.
Call for U.S. responder participation remains open
The IAFC has invited all U.S.-based personnel who have responded to hazmat rail incidents to take part in the study.
Participation involves completing a short form, with follow-up contact from the IAFC if criteria are met.
The association said that all data collected will be used to shape future hazmat rail preparedness and response policies.
It added that responder feedback is particularly valuable in assessing what procedures work in practice, and where gaps may exist.
The IAFC encouraged eligible responders to engage with the study, stating that their perspectives can contribute directly to national safety improvements.
Study targets applied learning from incident response
According to the IAFC, the project aims to capture “Smart Practices and Lessons Learned” from real-world incidents.
The organisation stated that grounding the study in actual responder experience will support a more accurate understanding of current capabilities and shortfalls.
It also said that this phase of the research focuses on operational relevance, rather than theoretical planning or policy assessment.
The IAFC explained that volunteer participants will be contributing to a shared national learning process.
It emphasised that participation from diverse response contexts is encouraged, including urban, rural, and specialist units.
IAFC calls for responder feedback on hazmat rail incidents in the United States: Summary
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has launched a national data collection initiative.
The goal is to gather feedback from U.S. emergency responders who have dealt with hazmat rail incidents.
The study follows a prior IAFC publication on hazmat rail safety and outreach.
A national control group has outlined five key study priorities.
The IAFC is now seeking practical feedback to validate and extend that framework.
Responder input will help identify operational lessons and effective practices.
Participants must complete an online form to register interest.
Selected responders will be contacted for follow-up interviews.
The study is being conducted with the Association of American Railroads and the Shortline Safety Institute.
It also involves federal agencies and hazmat response networks.
All data collected will be used to support future rail incident protocols.
The IAFC stated that participation will inform national preparedness improvements.
The feedback gathered will focus on applied operational experiences.
Responders from all geographic and service contexts are encouraged to apply.
The IAFC confirmed the opportunity remains open for eligible responders.
Blackline Safety achieves significant growth in their fire-hazmat sector
Calgary’s Blackline Safety sees 50% growth in fire-hazmat business
Calgary-based Blackline Safety has reported a notable 50% increase in its fire-hazmat personal and area gas monitor business over the past year.
This marks an impressive rise, resulting in a total contract value exceeding $2 million.
Cutting-edge technology propels growth
The significant growth is attributed to Blackline Safety’s pioneering product capabilities in the realm of safety technology.
Doug Mayer, the firm’s Fire Hazmat Business Development Specialist, commented: “Blackline’s top priority is ensuring the safety of both organisations and communities.
“Understanding the critical nature of emergencies, our focus has been on offering rapid, accurate, and transparent safety solutions.”
Blackline Safety’s G7 personal gas detectors and G7 EXO area gas monitors stand out with features such as GPS-enabled location tracking, providing an essential layer of safety during crises.
Combined with the company’s cloud-based monitoring and analytics platform, Blackline Live, organisations can access real-time data about their workers and their environments, irrespective of their location.
Mayer further elaborated on the capabilities of their platform: “The Blackline Live platform offers a revolutionary approach, allowing decision-makers to understand real-time situations and act quickly.
“This can include liaising with local or even federal agencies.”
Features that make a difference
Key offerings of Blackline Safety’s G7 solutions include:
- Real-time monitoring: Ensuring safety for individual workers and those in emergency situations.
- Flexibility: Easy to swap gas sensor cartridges adjusting to specific requirements.
- Integration with Vlahi’s CERES software: A platform that provides information about the spread and movement of released gases.
- Community alerts: Offering guidance on potential evacuation measures during major incidents.
- Analytical insights: Allowing data to be integrated into other platforms for comprehensive analysis.
Emphasising the real-time capabilities, Mayer added, “Post-event analysis isn’t sufficient anymore.
!With our technology, organisations can actively collaborate with their teams on the ground and even anticipate potential future challenges.”
Recounting a real-life incident, a Fire Department Lieutenant from a major US city described the value of Blackline’s devices during a hazardous fuel spill.
He mentioned how the G7 detectors proved their effectiveness: “Having access to real-time data changed our approach.
“It enabled us to adapt our response strategies quickly and effectively.”
IFSJ Comment
For industry professionals, advancements in safety technology aren’t just about numbers or sales growth.
They represent a direct enhancement in the capabilities of frontline responders.
Blackline Safety’s innovations highlight the evolving landscape of fire and safety tech.
As organisations continually look to improve their response times and strategies, technologies that offer real-time data and insights will inevitably become standard.
Blackline’s significant growth is a testament to this trend.
Their ability to integrate technology for rapid response and effective collaboration offers a promising glimpse into the future of fire and safety operations.
Real-time hazmat information for first responders at rail incidents: US DOT proposes new requirements
In a move likely to bring about significant changes to safety procedures, the United States Department of Transportation (US DOT) is proposing new requirements for the sharing of real-time hazardous materials (hazmat) information with first responders at freight rail incidents.
East Palestine incident highlights need for real-time hazmat information
On the 3rd of February, 2023, a freight train operated by the Norfolk Southern Railway derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, leading to 38 railcars overturning.
The event received national media attention, mainly due to concerns about public health following the hazardous materials leak.
The incident underscored the necessity for first responders to have immediate access to information about on-scene hazards.
First responders require quick, coordinated, and specialized responses at hazardous materials incidents.
The right personal protective equipment (PPE) and knowledge of the chemicals involved are crucial for effective and safe response decisions.
Hazmat exposure risk for first responders
Approximately 300 firefighters from 50 departments were on the scene of the derailment in East Palestine on the night of February 3.
Many of these firefighters were volunteers, lacking both hazmat training and specialized equipment.
Their PPE may have provided inadequate protection from the hazardous materials exposures, which included vinyl chloride, a highly toxic, flammable, and known carcinogenic liquified compressed gas.
Communication issues during hazmat incidents
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the incident in East Palestine.
Last week, during a hearing, NTSB presented initial findings, including a video summary of the hazardous materials release and an investigation summary featuring incident footage.
The hearing discussed several issues related to the communication between first responders and the railroad.
There was a 45-minute delay before responders were given a list of the materials in each of the tank cars.
In addition, firefighters on the scene didn’t have access to critical information via the AskRail app.
Also, placards identifying the hazardous materials on the tank cars had been damaged by the fires.
Moreover, the hardcopy of the train’s content list was not immediately available since the conductor had disconnected the head-end locomotives and was moving them a mile away from the derailed railcars.
Proposed changes for quicker access to hazmat information
In response to these challenges, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is soliciting input on proposed reforms.
A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was posted in the Federal Register on June 27, and it is open for public comment until August 28, 2023.
PHMSA is suggesting changes to its Hazardous Materials Regulations.
These amendments pertain to the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act and are intended to bolster requirements for the provision of real-time train content information to first responders at hazardous materials rail incidents.
The proposed amendments would require railroads to maintain current train content lists in both hardcopy and electronic formats.
Moreover, the amendments suggest that as soon as a railroad is aware of an accident involving any hazardous materials, it should actively push train content information to authorized responders within a 10-mile radius.
The proposed amendment also includes a requirement for all carriers, regardless of their class, to share this information, as opposed to the current requirement which is only applicable to class 1 railroad carriers.
IFSJ Comment
If the proposed amendments are accepted, they would help ensure that first responders have timely access to critical information, ultimately leading to more effective and safer emergency responses.