Ramtech publishes 2026 construction fire safety whitepaper

Ramtech whitepaper revisits NFPA 241

Ramtech has relaunched its construction fire safety whitepaper with a 2026 edition focused on NFPA 241 gaps, expected code changes and the use of wireless systems on US projects.

Ramtech said the refreshed paper is titled Closing the Gaps in Construction Fire Safety and follows its earlier whitepaper No Site Left Behind: The Modern Fire and Life Safety Solutions for Construction.

The paper says fragmented adoption across states, reliance on older editions and a minimum code mindset continue to weaken site fire safety.

It gives early insight into expected areas of change in the forthcoming NFPA 241 2026 revision, including guidance for mass timber construction, tighter site security requirements, clearer Fire Prevention Program Manager responsibilities and stronger links with other NFPA and International Fire Code standards.

James Pecz, Ramtech’s North America lead and member of the NFPA 72/241 Temporary Fire Alarm Task Group, said: “Across the U.S., adoption of NFPA 241 is still highly inconsistent.

“My work on the NFPA 72/241 Temporary Fire Alarm Task Group has highlighted how reliance on older editions or minimum-code compliance leaves sites exposed, especially as projects become larger and more complex.

“Wireless detection and notification systems can bridge these gaps, helping contractors meet best-practice standards while protecting people, assets, and schedules.”

Project examples and US office opening

The report includes project insight from Barton Malow, Space Age Electronics and Ramtech, alongside case material from large developments in Detroit and California.

Kyle Jarvenpaa, vice president of business development at Space Age Electronics, said: “Projects with hundreds of workers across dozens of floors present unique challenges.

“The real test isn’t just knowing the code – it’s making sure every worker hears the alarm, every floor is cleared, and safety teams have real-time visibility.

“Coordinated wireless detection and notification systems turn complex safety plans into action, giving workers confidence they’ll be alerted immediately in an emergency, while helping teams respond faster and keep projects moving efficiently.”

The report says Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) are increasingly recognising wireless fire detection and notification systems as a practical way to address compliance gaps when permanent systems are not yet operational.

On the $1 billion Hudson’s Detroit development, project safety professional Anna Kahl said: “On a project of this size, evacuation planning can’t rely on assumptions.

“Noise, height, changing access routes, and limited visibility are the norm, not the exception.

“A coordinated alarm system that reached all workers at the same time was vital – it kept our team safe and gave us confidence in every drill.”

A case study in the whitepaper also describes the deployment of more than 350 wireless devices on a $1.3 billion resort development in California.

The relaunch follows the official opening of Ramtech’s dedicated US office in Charlotte, North Carolina, in October.

Ramtech expands US presence to deliver modern fire safety systems

Ramtech opens new US office to boost supply chain and safety reach

Ramtech has announced the opening of a new office in Charlotte, North Carolina, expanding its operations across the United States and building a full domestic supply chain.

The global wireless solutions provider said the new base will improve access to fire and life safety systems for contractors across the US construction sector.

According to the company, the office will help mitigate supply chain delays, rising costs and logistical issues while supporting contractors with equipment, training and technical assistance.

Ramtech said the Charlotte location will enhance mobilisation and delivery efficiency for modern fire and life safety technologies nationwide.

Industry leadership and focus on modern practices

Joel Pickering, fire and life safety principal at Ramtech, said: “For too long, the US has relied on outdated approaches that don’t reflect today’s risks or the solutions available.

“It should be no surprise when we say there is a clear need for stronger, more uniform adoption of safety codes and modern evacuation technologies that ensure every construction worker feels safe and protected at all times.”

Pickering added: “At Ramtech, we are challenging the status quo, maintaining our focus on ‘safety simplified’, fully aligning ourselves with NFPA standards, while striving to build a chain of awareness, adoption and compliance that brings everyone aboard.

“The opening of this office adds another crucial piece to the puzzle, enhancing mobilisation, efficiency and consistent evacuation support across every environment.”

Expanding partnerships and operational coverage

Ramtech has worked in the US for seven years, serving major construction firms including Turner, PCL and Barton Malow, as well as clients in the maritime defence sector.

Its WES system has protected more than 350 workers on large-scale projects such as Hudson Detroit and Gaylord Pacific Resort.

The company partners with over a dozen distributors across the US, including Space Age Electronics.

Ramtech said Charlotte will act as an anchor point for its planned expansion across the South and Midwest regions.

Senior leadership comments on US investment

James Pecz, head of North America, Middle East and Global CX at Ramtech, said: “We are proud to put a permanent marker on the map in North Carolina.

“The launch is a tangible statement of our investment in the US market and a demonstration of our commitment to partners and clients across the country.

“Deciding to establish a base here bring us closer to delivering safety solutions more efficiently and reliably, backed by a full US supply chain and national service coverage.

“As we continue to grow our presence in the US, this step ensures that Ramtech is not just responding to the currency of industry needs, but actively shaping the future of wireless evacuation solutions, helping protect workers and facilities at every stage of a project.”

Ceremony marks official opening

The launch event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Bruna Pacios Esposito, business unit director at Ramtech, alongside Orama managing director Giorgio Koursaris.

Product marketing manager Jiayao Wang presented recent technology developments during the opening.

Forthcoming whitepaper to assess US site safety

Ramtech confirmed that Pickering is leading a new edition of the company’s ‘No Site Left Behind’ whitepaper, first released in 2022.

The updated report will analyse fire safety awareness across US construction and industrial projects.

It will incorporate insight from Pickering’s experience on major developments and is scheduled for publication later this year.

The release coincides with preparations for the next edition of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 241 standard in 2026.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

Ramtech’s Charlotte expansion provides contractors and safety managers with direct access to wireless fire and life safety systems through a full US-based supply chain.

The development is particularly relevant for construction site safety officers, project managers and compliance teams seeking faster mobilisation and standardised evacuation systems.

By situating operations in North Carolina, Ramtech can offer regional support to distributors and installers, improving response times for technical and training needs.

The company’s forthcoming whitepaper may also inform safety officers and code enforcers ahead of the 2026 revision of NFPA 241, the key US standard for preventing fire damage during construction.