To read your FREE digital copy of the February 2024 issue of International Fire and Safety Journal, click here

Editor’s Note:

Hello and welcome to the February 2024 Edition of International Fire and Safety Journal.

Our Head to Head feature this month delves into LION’s groundbreaking initiative—a comprehensive cost calculation tool for fire safety training centres. This tool, masterminded by Arnaud Lefebvre, the Sales and Marketing Director at LION, is a game-changer, enabling training centres to evaluate the total cost of ownership of their facilities efficiently. Lefebvre reveals the intricacies of this new calculation tool and discusses the promising future of firefighter training with LION’s New Fire Technology Training (NFTT).

In our Special Report, produced in partnership with Streamlight, we explore the technological advancements in emergency lighting. Donato Sasso, Streamlight’s Director of International Business Development, offers his expertise on the evolution of emergency lighting systems. From basic, functional units to state-of-the-art designs, this report underscores the industry’s commitment to improving operational efficiency and safety in high-stress environments.

For our Expert Insight section, I spoke to Avene Furness, Founder and Managing Director of Chute Fire Certification UK. Furness shares her unique journey being a woman in the fire safety industry, reflecting on her diverse experience in sales and her plan to venture beyond their current specialisation in refurbishing chutes to tackling more new installation projects

We hear from experts in the field of Rural Firefighting looking at the potential of mesh networking in aiding first responders during emergencies and innovative approaches in advanced fire-retardant technology in combating wildfire.

Also in this month’s issue we look at Fire Protection with deep dives into the progression of fire curtains, breathing apparatus, PPE and flame management in construction. Our New Technology segment features cutting-edge developments from Drax Technologies and Holmatro and our Last Word is from Patrick Schwobe, Principal Engineer at TLX Fire & Security, who tells all about the Liquid Level Sensor.

Finally, on a personal note, it was great to catch up with so many of you at Intersec this year. Stay tuned to our LinkedIn page for exciting post-show content to come!

Enjoy the magazine!

To read your FREE digital copy, click here

Read the latest edition of International Fire and Safety Journal here

Editor’s Note

As we approach the end of another year, it’s time to reflect on the strides and transformations within the fire and safety industry.

This month, it is our pleasure to present our annual Influencers Edition: an assembly of exclusive insights from 20 distinguished leaders in the fire and safety sector.

Their collective wisdom and expertise shine a light on the innovative strategies revolutionising fire safety and risk management.

From association leaders to heads of industry, these industry stalwarts take us on an international tour, showcasing everything from India’s robust fire prevention tactics to cutting-edge AI and smart sensor technologies in the United States, setting the stage for future industry directions.

A significant focus lies on firefighter health and well-being, highlighting initiatives for safer work environments and advanced protective gear to mitigate occupational health risks.

In our Head to Head exclusive, we sat down with Jason Busalacchi, TLX Fire & Security’s Business Development Manager for the Fire and Security Division to delve deeper into this transformation, while also gaining insight into their innovative Continuous Weight Monitoring Solutions and their plans for the coming year.

On the subject of Suppression, Dick van Roosmalen of Kappetjin Safety Specialists, examines the limitations of stationary extinguishing systems, whilst Travis Montembeault from Peerless Pump  introduces the transformative FireConnect digital innovation for fire safety management.

We also look at Li-Fire’s collaboration with Fireaway Inc. – a groundbreaking approach to managing electric vehicle lithium-ion battery fires.

On Safety, Andrew Frankum from Concept Housing addresses the critical issue of competence in fire safety management in social housing, Matt Paiss from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory navigates the evolving safety landscape of Energy Storage Systems, and Andy Reakes from the Joint Industry Board underscores the significance of qualifications in the electrotechnical and fire safety sectors.

This issue also shines a light on Community Risk Reduction with Ashley Rodrigue of the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, and perspectives on Emergency Action Plans by Jack J. Murphy from John Jay College of Criminal Justice at The Fire Science Institute.

Mukesh Chatter, CEO and Co-Founder of Alsym Energy, also discusses collaborative strategies for improving safety in the context of alternative battery solutions.

Montreal Fire Department Assistant Chief Dave Waterhouse provides some Expert Insight on the economic return of investing in fire rescue services, providing valuable guidance for fire departments.

Finally, looking ahead to January, Alex Nicholl, Show Director of Intersec, provides an extensive overview of what fire and safety professionals can anticipate at the 25th edition of Intersec.

Enjoy the magazine!

In this issue of International Fire and Safety Journal

16 – HEAD TO HEAD EXCLUSIVE

JASON BUSALACCHI – 16

TLX Fire & Security’s Business Development Manager discusses the global standardisation in fire and safety

24 – SUPPRESSION

KAPPETJIN SAFETY SPECIALISTS – 24

Stationary extinguishing systems: do they work as well as we think?

PEERLESS PUMP – 28

Delve into the advanced fire safety technologies reshaping monitoring and response practices in the industry

LI-FIRE – 32

Li-Fire’s collaboration with Fireaway Inc. for effective electric vehicle fire extinguishing solutions

34 – SAFETY

CONCEPT HOUSING – 34

Andrew Frankum discusses the importance of fire safety management competence in social housing.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST NATIONAL LABORATORY – 38

Navigating the safety landscape of Energy Storage Systems with Matt Paiss

JOINT INDUSTRY BOARD – 40

Andy Reakes explains the critical scheme for the electrotechnical and fire safety sectors

43 – INLFUENCERS EDITION

2024 PREDICTIONS – 43

20 of the biggest names in global fire and safety share their views on the next 12 months

68 – RISK MANAGEMNET

ASHLEY RODRIGUE – 68

The dynamic and evolving nature of Ashley Rodrigue’s approach to community safety and risk reduction

JACK J MURPHY – 72

Understanding the impact of Emergency Action Plans in building safety

ALSYM ENERGY – 76

Mukesh Chatter is CEO and Co-Founder of Alsym Energy, explains why collaborative strategies and alternative battery solutions are vital for improving safety

GORE-TEX – 78

Firefighter and the man behind the Firefighters Podcast, Pete Wakefield, tells all about his recent visit to W.L Gore & Associates’ European manufacturing base

80 – PRE-SHOW COVERAGE

INTERSEC 2024 – 80

Alex Nicholl, Show Director, gives the rundown on everything to expect at the 25^th edition of Intersec

84 – EXPERT INSIGHT

DAVE WATERHOUSE – 84

Is there a positive economic return from investing in fire rescue services?

88 – THE LAST WORD

FIRE DEPT. COFFEE – 88

Founder Luke Schneider talks giving back to the firefighter and first responder communities

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Editor’s Note

Hello and welcome to the November Edition of International Fire and Safety Journal.

Passive fire protection remains a linchpin in our continuous endeavour to make structures safer.

It’s not just about responding to fires but preventing their spread, ensuring our buildings stand resilient against unforeseen infernos.

This month, we spotlight those very innovations and the minds behind them, laying the foundation for a safer tomorrow.

I had the pleasure of speaking to passive fire protection expert Alec Purdie, Technical Manager at Quelfire, a frontrunner in providing tested firestopping solutions.

Alec and I to delve deeper into Quelfire’s commitment to building safety, their vision on standardising processes, and their continued presence and influence at the UK’s premier construction show, London Build. Be sure to check out our full show preview later in the magazine.

This month’s Special Report, produced in collaboration with Fomtec, spotlights fluorine-free foam and its place in the firefighting foam market.

John Ottesen, CEO and Founder of Fomtec, delves into the intricacies of transitioning to fluorine-free foam. Meanwhile, Fomtec’s Chief Chemist, Dr. Jan-Erik Jönsson, provides insights into the research and development behind firefighting foam.

I had the esteemed privilege of speaking with Mary Cablk for some Expert Insight on the fascinating subject of canine search and rescue in the wake of fatal fire incidents.

In our conversation, she reminds us: “While we guide them on where to search, [the dogs] must be confident and independent enough to execute the task without constant encouragement. We are their teammates, not their cheerleaders.”

Throughout the rest of the magazine, we also explore the latest in evacuation technology, highlight pivotal emergency lighting solutions for firefighters, and focus on initiatives countering the escalating threat of wildfires.

Many thanks to Comelit-PAC Fire Manager Mandy Bowden who has The Last Word on the post-Grenfell fire safety landscape and shares her vision for future-proofed protection.

Finally, it is my absolute pleasure to announce the launch of Fire and Safety Journal Americas (FSJA).

Building on the success of IFSJ, FSJA promises to spotlight the unique narratives of the region, delivering localised insights and unparalleled coverage of the Americas fire and safety industry.

Visit the official website, subscribe to the FSJA newsletter, follow us on LinkedIn, and stay tuned for the launch of the FSJA magazine in February 2024.

Enjoy the magazine!

In this issue of International Fire and Safety Journal

12– HEAD TO HEAD EXCLUSIVE

Alec Purdie – 12

Quelfire’s Technical Manager stresses the importance of standardising fire safety in construction

20 – WILDFIRE

NFPA – 20

Michele Steinberg talks Community Engagement, policy evolution and her vision for the future

AEM – 24

AEM looks at revolutionising wildfire monitoring and response

PANO – 26

How technology can revolutionise wildfire detection

Lindsay Judah – 30

Honouring America’s fallen fire heroes

32 – Industry Comment

DUNCAN J. WHITE – 32

Embracing tradition to foster Innovation

34 – EXPERT INSIGHT

Mary Cablk – 34

The crucial role of search and rescue dogs in fatal fire response

37 – SPECIAL REPORT

Fluorine Free Foam

Produced in collaboration with Fomtec

KNOWLEDGE PARTNER – 42

John Ottesen, CEO and Founder of Fomtec, navigates the complexities of the transition to fluorine free foam

50 – LIGHTING

Streamlight – 50

Take a look at some of Streamlight’s top lighting products for the fire industry

Nightstick – 54

Jonathan Gordon sheds light on visibility in firefighting

56 – SHOW PREVIEW

London Build – 56

The UK’s Premier Construction Show returns to Olympia London

60 – EVACUATION

Unif.id- 60

Shannon Dashington explains Unifi.id’s innovative approach to efficient evacuation

EVACSTAC – 64

The quick-build secondary staircase solution to the high-rise problem

Evac+Chair – 66

Director Ges Wallace discusses the urgent need for clearer fire safety guidelines

70 – BUSINESS UPDATE

Ziamatic – 70

How Ziamatic’s new Vehicle Cooling Units tackles vehicle fires

72 – THE LAST WORD

Comelit-PAC – 72

Mandy Bowden, Fire Manager Comelit-PAC talks the post-Grenfell fire safety landscape

Read the latest edition of International Fire and Safety Journal now!

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