UK Doorsets secures certification for security, fire and smoke control

by Featured NewsFire DoorsProducts

UK Doorsets Ltd are one of the first Secured by Design (SBD) member company to attain certification for security, fire & smoke control on their doorsets.

Secured by Design (SBD), the national police crime prevention initiative, has been a staunch campaigner for improved security in buildings for over 30 years. As a consequence of the tragic events of the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017, SBD announced that as part of its membership it was requiring doors that are either described as fire doors, or where fire performance is declared or implied, to have third-party certification for both security and fire performance.

SBD have subsequently revisited the possible life-threatening characteristics of fire rated doorsets, as asphyxiation caused by smoke inhalation is the most common cause of deaths in flats when a fire occurs. Therefore, with effect from 1st June 2022, SBD will require all member companies with doorsets listed on their SBD schedule that are fire rated and that are required by UK Building Regulations (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) to have smoke control properties for the intended installation – e.g. flat entrance doorsets to be certificated for the following attributes – Security, Fire and Smoke Control.
SBD are adamant that any doorset that carries SBD accreditation should be fit for purpose in all declared characteristics, but especially those that are life critical such as fire, security and smoke control.

Ruari Robertson, Secured by Design, said: “I am delighted that UK Doorsets Ltd are one of the first of our valued member companies to attain this certification and is a testament to the strong working relationship that exists between SBD and all its member companies, who will undoubtedly follow suit in achieving these attributes.”

Simon Chapman, UK Doorsets commented: “We are proud to be one of the first businesses to achieve this enhanced triple certification for our SBD doorsets. As a business we have always tried to be at the forefront of safety compliance, ensuring all our doors and doorsets achieve the best performance for their designated environments.

“We understand fully the danger and importance of smoke control in the event of a fire, so had already undergone third-party testing to guarantee our doors would perform if this occurred. This certification endorses that and will hopefully raise the bar with other manufacturers in the industry when producing these potentially lifesaving products.”

MSA Bristol inaugurates new Scottish Service Centre

by Breaking NewsPPEProducts

MSA Bristol, a leading supplier of PPE to fire services around the globe, has opened a new Service Centre in Livingston, Scotland. The centre will provide professional cleaning, decontamination, inspection, and repair of kit for fire and rescue services (FRS).

Currently, MSA Bristol is the only firefighting PPE manufacturer offering in-house managed services in the UK, via its two existing service centres in Bristol and London. 

The company has seen demand for its managed services grow, as fire and rescue services across the UK are increasingly prioritising regular professional cleaning to protect firefighters from health risks associated with smoke contamination. The new Scottish Service Centre has been created in response to a major new managed services contract signed with Scottish FRS last year.

Scottish FRS is the UK’s largest fire and rescue service with 6,660 firefighters operating out of 365 stations and is the first to make use of the new Scottish Service Centre.  After being worn at an operational incident, PPE including fire tunics, trousers, hoods, and gloves, are collected by MSA Bristol from key fire service hubs throughout Scotland. These garments are then thoroughly cleaned and de-contaminated, inspected for signs of damage or wear, and repaired if necessary, before being returned to Scottish FRS– all within seven days. 

The Service Centre features top-of-the-range commercial 33kg Electrolux washers and driers, which are digitally controlled and draw from a pre-heated water supply system to reduce cycle times and electricity usage.  This technology gives the centre a capacity to handle up to 900 garments per week, with the service history of every item tracked via a unique bar code.

The Scottish Service Centre is being run by manager, Anton De Klerk and his team of 10 new employees.  He said: “Since opening, we have gradually implemented new systems and are at the point that we’ve really found our rhythm. We now have full responsibility for the Scottish FRS contract and the processes are running smoothly.  We have regular reviews to iron out any issues, and we’re delighted to be hitting our targets and meeting client expectations.”

Roddy Mackinnon, equipment manager at Scottish Fire and Rescue added: “Regular cleaning, decontamination and repair of PPE is essential for providing firefighters with suitable protection. We have been using MSA Bristol’s managed services since March 2021 and are delighted that these services are now being delivered within Scotland.  The team have worked closely with us throughout the transition to ensure that the high levels of service and quick turnaround times are maintained.”

Edward Shepherd, service operations director, MSA Bristol said: “In recent years, MSA Bristol has seen a significant increase in take up of Managed Services packages in the UK, partly due to convenience and competitive pricing, but also partly due to health concerns. Our new service centre in Livingston will enable us to handle more items of PPE to meet this demand, and by providing this service locally and reducing mileage, it is also a more environmentally responsible way to operate.”

G3 Systems confirms Interschutz 2022 presence

by Featured NewsIndustry SectorsPublic Events

G3 Systems Limited has confirmed its participation at Interschutz 2022, the world’s foremost fire, rescue, civil protection, and safety/security trade show, from June 20-25, 2022, at the Deutsche Messe Hannover, Germany.   

Interschutz was last held in 2015, and the pandemic caused the show to be postponed in both 2020 and 2021.

Joining around 1,000 other companies from 50 countries, G3 Systems will be presenting its outsourced fire and rescue service capability to industrial, aviation and critical infrastructure customers from around the world.

With around 160,000 visitors expected to visit the show over 6 days, G3 Systems will demonstrate how its 24/7 fire and rescue services can minimise risk and improve on-site safety; protecting staff, visitors and facilities while enabling operations to continue in full compliance with national and international fire and safety standards and regulations.

Based in Portland UK, and currently celebrating 20 years in business, G3 Systems Fire & Rescue Services include structural and aviation rescue and fire-fighting services, emergency dispatch and response, incident command, fire safety, fire inspection and investigation, equipment and vehicle maintenance, testing and compliance, firefighter training and Medical Crash Crew / Ambulance Services.

In addition, G3 Systems provide waking watch services and client training in emergency response procedures, as well as through-life logistics support via mobile Field Service Engineers and forward deployed support staff.  Over 80% of its personnel work at its client’s facilities around the world.

G3 Systems will be present at Stand A51: Hall 17.

Hochiki fire system installed at Italian food production site

by Featured NewsFire DetectionFire SuppressionHospitalityIndustry SectorsProductsWarehouse

In 1959, eight dairies in the Parmigiano Reggiano area founded the CCS Consorzio Caseifici Sociali. Over the years, the business expanded to include the production and maturing of Parmigiano Reggiano.

In 1995, the Granterre Consortium was established, bringing together the entire Parmigiano Reggiano dairy chain, and then almost ten years later, in 2004, control of Parmareggio Spa was acquired. In 2019 Bonterre Spa, the holding company under which the control of Parmareggio Spa and Grandi Salumifici Italiani Spa (controlled by UNIBON) was established.

Then in 2021, Agriform Sca (leader in the production of Grana Padano PDO and the main Veneto PDOs such as Asiago, Piave, Montasio and Monte Veronese) merged with Parmareggio Spa to create the first Italian company in the world of PDO cheeses and cemented this new company as the leader in the Italian food industry.

New company requires fire safety upgrade

In 2021, the site at Sommacampagna required an upgrade of the fire detection system. Hochiki were the appointed manufacturers to supply the life safety system and devices due to their experience and expertise in the Italian fire safety market.

Within food production sites, the temperature and humidity inside the environment must be carefully controlled to comply with food hygiene laws, and because of this, these sites can be notoriously complex buildings to design and install fire safety systems for. The customer was looking for a high-performance fire detection system that would not be affected by these environmental factors, and most importantly avoid false alarms which can halt production and cost the company thousands of Euros for every minute the site is not fully operational.

The installation team also needed to pay particular attention to the installation of cables and piping. As a specialist in aged cheese production, it was imperative that the delicate work of the cheese wheels and the hot marking of the upper layer of the Parmesan rind was not affected during the installation project. One of the benefits to Hochiki products to this project was the ease of install and ease of use of the devices which had minimal impact on the business.

To meet the requirements of the project, the installer NET Technologies Srl chose Hochiki’s market leading system L@titude to be the brain of the life safety system. This innovative fire detection technology combines the very latest hardware and software to produce a control and indication system which is powerful and sophisticated, yet simple to use and understand via a graphical interface.

Mirko Corsini, project manager at Hochiki Italia said: “The installer chose Hochiki’s L@titude panel together with our SPC-ET beam smoke detectors, which are characterised by low power consumption at rest and incorporate a sophisticated algorithm of automatic compensation to environmental changes.

The technical features of these products make them perfect for meeting the needs of this type of food processing environment. The flexibility of the Hochiki ESP protocol made it possible, through the CHQ-SZM2/SCI Zone Modules, to integrate conventional detectors (SPC-ET) as if they were addressable devices, without having to use auxiliary power supplies that would have required additional cables and batteries.”

Detectors with short circuit isolators were installed to ensure the system complied with the requirements of UNI EN 9795, which states that a short-circuit isolator must be installed for each room/compartment.

Intelligent Photoelectric Smoke detector with SCI incorporates Hochiki’s newest High Performance Chamber Technology. This detector removes the need to use Ionisation Smoke Sensors in many applications. This also allows the sensor threshold level to be increased, thereby improving the signal to noise ratio, and reducing the likelihood of false alarms.

Throughout the site Intelligent Loop-Powered Wall Sounder Beacons and Visual Alarm Devices were installed to ensure a fully compliant and state of the art fire safety system.

Commenting on the project, Fabrizio Bergamin, Technical Coordinator at the installer company NET Technologies srl, said: “We chose Hochiki devices and system because of the technical characteristics and reliability that this brand offers, as well as a wide range of products that fully meet market demands. Post commissioning of the project, the operating conditions envisaged in the design phase have been amply met. Over the course of the next year, there will be further implementations of the fire detection system at the Parmareggio production site, with distributed intelligence solutions or with several autonomous and networked L@titude control panels.

During the project we have had to deal with several technical design studios to solve various kinds of system problems; a fundamental role, together with the products they offer, is played by the Hochiki Italia technical support. They have responded competently to regulatory and design aspects, as well as proposed solutions for applications”.

Fire protection for electrical cabinets and data panels

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementFire SuppressionIndustry SectorsProducts

Technology is integral in every walk of life, Ed Chivers, global product and certifications director, Reacton talks about electrical fire supression

Almost everything we do relies on technology. From how we communicate, to how we are entertained and find answers to problems, technology plays an integral part. And behind the scenes, powering our ability to connect the devices in our hands and the computers on our desks with the world, is a complex network of control panels, data cabinets, switches and servers, that all rely on electricity. And if these fail, the consequences can be devastating, especially if the cause of the downtime is fire.

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.

Reacton Fire Suppression’s electrical equipment systems are designed for use in small enclosures to protect people, assets and critical infrastructure from fire. Not only will our Direct systems deliver protection right where the fire originates, but they are also compact and sized for the electrical enclosure or cabinet being protected.

This will result in a significantly reduced cost of ownership as only a few kilograms of Clean Agent are being used and therefore need replacing in any fire conditions. Compared to that of a large total flood application 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.

The Reacton Direct system utilises our CT Direct valve technology and tubing to automatically detect the fire and actuate the system. The pressurised tubing is installed in and around the fire risks within the protected areas, always in communication with the system contents. When a fire occurs, the tubing will burst at the point of highest heat. As the contents of the systems are directly in communication with the detection tube, immediate discharge of the extinguishing agent is started at the point of detection.

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.

These Clean Agents are the leading choice for fire suppression when rapid protection and zero clean-up is essential for sensitive electrical equipment.

For more information on Reacton Fire Suppression products, please get in touch with the team by emailing info@reactonfire.com or call us on + 44 (0)800 0306526.

Access 360 to showcase fire safety solutions at The Fire Safety Event 2022

by Featured NewsFire DetectionFire SuppressionIndustry SectorsProductsPublic Events

Bilco UK, Profab Access and Howe Green, which together form Access 360, will be exhibiting a complete range of certified access solutions for roofs, ceilings, walls, and floors at this year’s Fire Safety Event.

From 5th – 7th April, industry professionals can meet with Access 360’s technical experts at Birmingham’s NEC on stand 3a/E25 to learn more about its comprehensive range of fire integrity and fire safety access products.

This includes Bilco UK’s unique SKY Flatglass Smoke Vent, Profab Access’ revolutionary patented PRECISION Adjustable Frame and Howe Green’s extensive offering of fire rated floor access covers.

On Thursday 7th April, Marcus Parnham, Access 360’s commercial director, will be delivering an exclusive seminar in the Fire Safety Theatre at 11am, discussing the importance of comprehensive fire testing and certification to ensure the highest standards of safety, efficiency and compliance.

Across the three days, visitors can receive live demonstrations of Profab Access’ ground breaking PRECISION Adjustable Frame, which makes the installation of riser doors up to 30% quicker.

The only product of its kind currently available, the PRECISION Adjustable Frame has been expertly engineered to be fully adjusted to meet the specific dimensions of each structural opening, when installed into a flexible or solid wall construction.

Featuring a continual adjustable steel packer system and built in factory applied intumescent fire rated mastic strips to the outer frame that provides fire stopping between the wall and the frame, it ensures the installation is fit for purpose, by providing the highest standards in accuracy.

Profab Access’ comprehensive portfolio of third party tested solutions, including the INTEGRA 4000 Series and VEGA 1500 Series Riser Doors, in addition to the PRIMA 1000 Fire Rated Series and SPIRA 6000 Series Access Panels, will also be on display.

Attendees can also receive a demonstration of Bilco UK’s innovative SKY Flatglass, which offers professionals a diverse ‘three in one’ solution, as it can be utilised as a smoke vent, roof access hatch and rooflight.

Howe Green’s 7500 Series Floor Access Covers will also be on display, which are independently CERTIFIRE fire rated to BS 776 Part 22 for two hours on integrity, and up to two hours on insulation.

Visitors can also receive demonstrations Howe Green’s unique CoverSkate lifting device, which enables the safe lifting and movement of heavy floor access covers, whilst also viewing Howe Green’s Visedge Series Flexible Floor Access Covers.

The Access 360 team will be available throughout the event to discuss professionals’ upcoming projects and provide information regarding how their extensive offering of fire integrity access solutions can be specified to ensure the highest standards of performance and compliance.

Parnham said: “The Fire Safety Event is the perfect opportunity for us to present our most popular fire rated access products to visitors and share expert advice to assist them in achieving adherence with all relevant regulations by achieving the most effective and efficient specifications.”

Magirus will not participate in Interschutz 2022

by EventsFeatured NewsIndustry SectorsProductsPublic EventsVehicles

In a major development, German truck manufacturer Magirus has announced it will not participate in this year’s Intershutz.

The firm said it made careful considerations, not to take part at the Interschutz 2022 exhibition and “allocate part of the planned investment to charitable initiatives in support of firefighters in the Ukrainian conflict”.

After two long years marked by the global pandemic, which has deeply depressed the business environment, the brand was already focusing its resources on the development of its “Next Generation Firefighting” portfolio.

A statement from Magirus added: “Now, the unexpected war in Ukraine is further impacting the whole automotive and firefighting industry. Issues ranging from chassis supply to logistics challenges and very significant cost increase acceleration require Magirus to take an even more decisive step in focusing on core activities: developing the best firefighting products and services to ‘serve heroes‘.”

The brand will continue its marketing efforts for the entire product portfolio through plans to conduct an roadshow, to participate at the September IAA Transportation event in Hannover, and to host an in-house Magirus fair in the latter part of the year on its home turf in Ulm, Germany.

Additionally, in light of the ongoing crisis, Magirus has donated two turntable ladders to firefighters in Ukraine and has decided to use part of the planned Interschutz investment where it can make an immediate positive impact, contributing to the German Fire Services Association’s charitable initiative in support of Ukraine. “Magirus remains more committed than ever to its clients, dealers, suppliers, and all its stakeholders and will start planning right away to find new direct and effective ways to engage with them on an ongoing basis,” the firm added.

UK fire services collect kits for Ukraine firefighters

by Featured NewsPeoplePPEProductsThermal ImagingVehicles

Fire services across the UK are donating thousands of items of kit and equipment to their counterparts in Ukraine.  

UK charity, FIRE AID and International Development (FIRE AID), and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) are coordinating donations of more than 5,000 items of fire and rescue equipment and PPE which will be sent in convoy to Ukraine.   

Eighteen fire engines, thermal imaging cameras for finding victims, generators, lighting, hoses, rescue equipment, and thousands of sets of PPE are among the items being donated. Every fire service across the UK has stepped in to support these efforts. 

The deployment of these donations is being supported by funding from the Home Office, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and the FIA Foundation, as well as through a public appeal via JustGiving – https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/KeepUkraineFireFightersSafe

Following a successful scoping visit to Poland conducted by FIRE AID volunteers this week, an initial convoy of three fire engines and a lorry of PPE and rescue equipment will depart the UK today, led by the Scottish Emergency Rescue Association (SERA).  

FIRE AID is then coordinating a subsequent convoy consisting of 15 fire engines and two lorries of equipment, donated by fire services across the UK, which will depart on 19th March. 40 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 and transferred to Ukraine.  

When it reaches Ukraine, the equipment will be used to support firefighters, emergency services and volunteers who are battling together on the front line, often using old or worn equipment. They are dealing daily with fires and other emergencies to protect lives, people and property as the invasion devastates the country.  

Claire Hoyland, project manager, FIRE AID said: “FIRE AID and its members have over 25 years of experience responding to requests for aid and support for emergency services in over 50 countries. Following the invasion of Ukraine, our members immediately mobilised to gather equipment and aid to donate to their Ukrainian counterparts. FIRE AID members have been working in partnership with the Ukrainian emergency services since 2012 and we are proud to be coordinating this unprecedented emergency response on behalf of the UK Fire Sector.” 

Priti Patel, Home Secretary, said: “The British Government and British people are standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and its citizens during this barbaric invasion. 

“I have been speaking regularly to my counterpart at Ukraine’s Interior Ministry and the Ukrainian Ambassador in London to understand what practical help we can offer. 

“We are helping to ensure that crucial fire and rescue equipment and PPE donated by Fire and Rescue Services will get to where it can directly provide succour to those brave firefighters, emergency services and volunteers on the front line in Ukraine.” 

Mark Hardingham, chair, National Fire Chiefs Council said: “As the terrible scenes unfold in Ukraine, the UK fire and rescue service is once again doing all it can to support those who urgently need help. The response has been incredible and it is testament to the public, private and voluntary sectors combining resources, enthusiasm and skills in response to the crisis. Thousands of items of kit and equipment – along with fire engines – have been donated to help the Ukrainian emergency services, battling together on the front line, as they strive to save lives and protect people and property.  

“I cannot express how proud I am of everyone who has come together to support this; from getting the equipment together, the hard work which has gone into ensuring the logistics of one of the largest convoys we have seen, to volunteering to be part of the journey itself. This is our sector at its very best – selflessly working together and supporting one other – ultimately helping and hoping to save lives.” 

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 also key partners in supporting and making the deployment.