Experts ask for ‘accountability’ in Building Safety Bill amendment

by Breaking NewsSafety

An amendment to the Building Safety Bill, which removes the requirement for landlords to appoint Building Safety Managers in leasehold buildings seven storeys and over, is being challenged by a leading tall buildings fire safety expert.

Russ Timpson – a former firefighter and Managing Director of the Tall Buildings Fire Safety Network -is urging the government to reconsider its decision to scrap the recommendation first proposed by Dame Judith Hackitt in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire.

“This latest iteration of the all-important Building Safety Bill states that responsibility for fire safety will now fall squarely on the squarely on the shoulders of an ‘Accountable Person’, such as the freeholder or head lessee or a management company.

“Whilst the exact details regarding how this might be implemented are scant at this point, a dramatic rolling back of the proposals would be out of step with the Hackitt report and is something which must be avoided.

“It is abundantly clear, in my view, that when it comes to health and safety an ‘Accountable Person’ must, above all, be a qualified person. In other words, someone with the knowledge, skills and competencies to proactively tackle and reduce fire safety risk amidst an increasingly complex threat environment.

“The Grenfell disaster, and other high-risk building fires, have highlighted the need for more expertise in this area, not less, to help tackle incidents and improve fire safety. My hope is that government acts swiftly to ensure that anyone who assumes responsibility for fire safety in tall buildings will be suitably qualified once the Bill eventually passes into law.”

Candace Miller, Executive Director of SFJ Awards, the awarding organisation which certificates a wide range of fire safety qualifications in the UK, including those of the Tall Buildings Fire Safety Network, said:

“It is fundamentally important that anyone who is put in charge of tall building fire safety has undergone specialist training, which is backed up by a recognised qualification.

“A change in legislation is an opportunity to professionalise and raise standards. The tailored training provided by the Tall Buildings Fire Safety Network has undergone a rigorous accreditation process and is a key steppingstone toward achieving that.”

As the leading Fire and Rescue End-Point Assessment Organisation in England, SFJ Awards will be attending FIREX – Europe’s most important fire safety event and will be positioned at stand FI1234.

Firefly reports strong showing at Fire Safety Event

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionProducts

The combination of well-established flexible fire barrier systems and brand-new products developed to complement their performance, brought a steady flow of new and existing customers to the stand of TBA Firefly, as the specialist manufacturer returned to the Fire Safety Event at the NEC (5th – 7th April).

Firefly was showcasing its recently introduced Access Panel FR120 that has been developed to facilitate routine entry to lofts and other spaces compartmentalised using the manufacturer’s fire barriers. The 600 x 600mm lockable Zintec steel door and frame are IFC certified and supplied as a kit for a straightforward installation offering two hours’ fire protection.

Also debuting on the stand was Penowrap, a lightweight and flexible silica wrap which works with Firefly barriers like Athena by being able to protect steel or timber structural elements at their most vulnerable points.

Firefly Marketing Manager, Simon James commented: “After last September’s really positive show, it was expected this year’s Fire Safety Event would be a success, but we were very pleased with the number and profile of people who visited our stand over the three days.   

Shows like The Fire Safety Event are important to our brand and it was a good opportunity to let architects, engineers and other fire safety professionals look at, feel and discuss our passive fire protection products.  It is, after all, everything we are about – with FIREFLY being the first certified flexible fire barrier system and a manufacturer which continues to invest significantly in testing and developing new products which enhance our offer to specifiers and specialist installers.”   

Firefly’s expert technical staff were on hand to offer advice and support on all aspects of compartmentation when specifying the company’s products for both new-build and retrofit applications – within roof spaces, floor voids or for protecting partitions in warehouses and other structures.

Rev Fire Group unveils Vector at FDIC 2022

by Featured NewsProductsVehicles

REV Fire Group, which includes REV GroupInc. manufacturers of fire apparatus E-ONE, KME, Ferrara, Spartan Fire Chassis, Spartan Emergency Response, Smeal, and Ladder Tower, will debut Vector, the first North American-style fully electric fire truck, during FDIC International (Fire Department Instructors Conference) in Indianapolis, Indiana from April 28-30, 2022.

The new electric fire truck is innovatively engineered so firefighters can drive and pump on electric power only. Developed with technology partner Emergency One Group LTD – maker of the world’s first EV fire truck – this new electric fire truck packs 316 kW of proven automotive-grade batteries to deliver the longest electric pumping duration in the industry. Vector performs 100 percent of fire ground duties on 100 percent electric with unrivaled performance, range, and efficiency.

Designed with the same components that are used on diesel-driven fire apparatus, Vector’s electric motor takes the place of the diesel engine, driving the pump or the rear axle in normal split shaft operation. Its low center of gravity battery placement provides better cornering with more predictable handling and is safer in a crash.

“We’re excited for Vector to debut at FDIC. We developed the ultimate fully electric fire truck without sacrificing the critical elements that firefighters value in the North American style, responding to our customer demand for cleaner technology, reduced noise pollution and lower carbon footprint. We look forward to sharing this with everyone at FDIC and the world,” stated Kent Tyler, President of REV Fire Group.

A special launch event will be held at REV Fire Group’s World of Innovation and Protection at Booth #4516 during FDIC at 3 p.m. Thursday, April 28 and Friday, April 29, and to mark the debut of Vector and to demonstrate other technological innovations, including:

Approximately 20 vehicles in various configurations will be showcased from the fire brands.

Security & Fire Excellence Awards returns in November 2022

by EventsFeatured News

The Security & Fire Excellence Awards is set to return on 23 November 2022 in London’s Hilton on Park Lane.

Now in its twenty-third year, Security & Fire Excellence Awards has consistently highlighted the best people, projects and processes that the security and fire sectors have to offer. For 2022, the organisers have reviewed the categories and made a number of changes to enhance the offering and to make the event even more relevant.

New categories for 2022 include: Security or Fire Diversity & Inclusion Champion of the Year, Security or Fire Start-Up Company of the Year, Security or Fire Sustainability Champion of the Year and Security or Fire ESG (Environment, Social & Governance) Initiative of the Year

The full 2022 category list, along with all other details, can be found here.

Scotland to clamp down on combustible cladding on high-rise buildings

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementIndustry Sectors

A legislation by ministers in Scotland has been proposed in the Scottish Parliament that will ban use of combustible materials on high-rise buildings.

Buildings with a floor that is 11 metres (36ft) or more above the ground will be considered as part of this move. Building standards minister Patrick Harvie said the move, combined with recent legislation on fire alarms, would help reduce the number of people killed or injured in fires. The new legislation will cover flats and other domestic properties, hospitals, care home buildings, entertainment and leisure venues and buildings which are “used as a place of assembly”, the Scotsman reported.

The changes come in the wake of the Grenfell Tower blaze in London in 2017 in which more than 70 people died after fire spread rapidly due to the cladding that had been installed on the outside of the high-rise flats.

Since 2005, cladding used on high-rise blocks in Scotland had to feature non-combustible materials or pass a large-scale fire test. The new building standards legislation removes the option of a fire test, completely prohibiting such materials in buildings with floors above 11 metres.

In addition to this, the highest risk metal composite cladding material will be banned from any new building of any height, with replacement cladding being required to meet the new standards.

Mr Harvie said “This is the third set of changes made to fire safety standards for cladding in Scotland since the tragic Grenfell Tower Fire, requiring any cladding on domestic or other high-risk buildings above 11 metres to be strictly non-combustible.

“Taken together with our new fire alarms regulations, covering all homes in Scotland regardless of ownership, this is yet another step on the Scottish Government’s mission to minimise the risk of deaths and injuries from fire.”

The legislation will also make improvements to energy performance standards, aiming to make buildings easier to heat while ensuring they are well ventilated and comfortable to live in.

Mr Harvie stated “The energy improvements will deliver another important step toward improved energy and emission performance of our buildings, and we’ll be going further on this in 2024 with regulations requiring new buildings to use zero-emissions heating systems.”

NFCC organises second convoy of UK fire service kits for Ukraine

by Featured NewsFirefighting EquipmentProducts

A further convoy of UK fire service kit and equipment has now left the UK and is on its way to Ukraine to provide vital support to the Ukrainian firefighters who are hard pressed dealing with the throes of war.

The convoy which has been supported by the Home Office has been organised by UK charity FIRE AID and International Development, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the wider fire industry.

This second deployment to provide life-saving kit and equipment is even larger than the previous one which went out last month, with an amazing 21 vehicles making this journey.

Fire and rescue services from across the country have all donated firefighting equipment which have been requested by Ukraine, to help its fire and rescue service as they continue their life saving work in the most difficult conditions imaginable.

In total 100 fire stations and 250 fire engines have been destroyed in Ukraine with a number of firefighters tragically losing their lives as they battle to protect their country.

More than 60 UK firefighters will join FIRE AID volunteers as part of the team driving the vehicles across Europe, where it will be received by the Polish State Fire Service before it is transferred to Ukraine. 

Fire engines, helmets, thermal imaging cameras to assist when searching for people, generators, lighting, hose, rescue equipment, and thousands of sets of firefighting PPE are among the items being donated.

The deployment of these donations is being supported by funding from the Home Office, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and the FIA Foundation.

Home Secretary, Priti Patel, said: “Our fire and rescue services are going above and beyond to support the effort in Ukraine and I am proud to once again support a convoy of fire service equipment being sent to those in desperate need. This is a phenomenal collaborative effort between our government, the NFCC, FIREAID and the fire sector and shows how together we can make a real difference to the lives of the people in Ukraine.”

Claire Hoyland, Project Manager, FIRE AID commented: “I speak with our Ukrainian partners and the State Emergency Services almost every day. Equipment is currently being destroyed, damaged, or lost on a huge scale as firefighters face unimaginable devastation on the frontlines. The way in which UK Fire Services and our members have mobilised to support them makes me so proud. EASST, in particular, has been a huge support, donating essential staff time and resources to make all this happen. Ukraine needs our help, and we will continue to offer it as long as we are able to.”

Ian Moore, Chief Executive, Fire Industry Association: “Once again, the whole of the fire industry has come together to support the UK deployment of aid through FIRE AID, our charity partner.

“To pull this together so quickly and efficiently is a truly collaborative humanitarian response from the UK.  Our members who have donated time, money and equipment have one aim; to work alongside our colleagues and help the firefighters in Ukraine.”

Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council Mark Hardingham said: “To see another convoy of this size go out is testament to the incredible hard work and determination of everyone who has been involved. It really has been a phenomenal effort and to see fire and rescue services, FIREAID, the sector and NFCC work together to achieve so much in such a short period of time is testament to everyone’s commitment and dedication.

“We continue to see horrific scenes unfold every day and this equipment will go some way to assist our Ukrainian colleagues as they continue with their biggest challenge to date, while putting their own lives at risk, with limited resources. Any help UK fire and rescue services can give, will be given gladly. The wider fire sector – including the MSA Safety, Fire Sector Federation (FSF), the Fire and Rescue Suppliers [FIRESA] Council and the Fire Industry Association (FIA) – are key partners in supporting and making the deployment.

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.