Survitec’s Seahaven inflatable system reduces cruise vessel costs and saves space

by Featured NewsPorts & MaritimeResearchSafetySearch and Rescue

Survitec report shows Seahaven reduces lifeboat space and supports new ship layouts

Survitec has published independent analysis confirming the benefits of its Seahaven inflatable lifeboat system for cruise vessels.

According to Survitec, the review was conducted by Foreship and focused on the system’s impact on deck space, operational efficiency and design flexibility.

The Seahaven Application Study examined how Seahaven can support cruise ship layouts by removing the need for traditional davit-launched lifeboats.

Seahaven allows reallocation of passenger vessel deck space

The study outlines how Seahaven uses less vertical and longitudinal space than conventional lifeboats.

This reduces overhang and improves bridge visibility, especially during transits such as the Panama Canal.

By freeing up this space, operators could reconfigure ship interiors to include more balcony cabins or expanded entertainment areas.

Survitec said this flexibility may increase potential revenue from ticket sales and improve the guest experience.

Capacity and safety compliance testing support SOLAS compatibility

Foreship’s capacity analysis reviewed how Seahaven meets the total number of people on board (POB) across various ship types.

It also compared Seahaven’s deployment mechanisms with traditional systems under SOLAS standards, including deployment at a 20-degree heel.

The report confirmed that medium-sized cruise ships could adopt Seahaven without needing major modifications.

Seahaven system reduces lifeboat complexity and training needs

Seahaven can evacuate up to 1,060 people in under 22 minutes using an automated system.

This eliminates davit-release mechanisms, simplifies life-saving appliance (LSA) management, and reduces crew training and maintenance costs.

The system has passed heavy weather testing in sea states above Beaufort Scale 6.

Claude Sada, Chief Operating Officer at Survitec, said: “Beyond delivering safety performance, Seahaven enables shipowners to optimise their fleets with improved design flexibility, greater operational efficiencies, and enhanced commercial potential.”

System offers multiple deployment configurations

Seahaven can be deployed as a standalone system or as part of hybrid evacuation solutions using Marine Evacuation Systems and tender lifeboats.

According to Survitec, this adaptability makes Seahaven suitable for retrofitting as well as new vessel builds.

Sada added: “Since achieving Lloyd’s Register type approval in 2022, Seahaven has set new benchmarks for maritime safety and vessel optimisation. As the industry continues to prioritise regulatory compliance and passenger experience, adopting Seahaven represents a forward-thinking investment in the future of maritime evacuation systems.”

Seahaven inflatable system reduces cruise vessel costs and saves space: Summary

Survitec has released a study by Foreship validating the design and operational benefits of its Seahaven inflatable lifeboat system.

The system takes up less deck space than traditional lifeboats, which supports improved ship layouts and commercial space use.

Seahaven is compatible with SOLAS deployment rules and evacuates 1,060 people in under 22 minutes.

It integrates well with medium-sized cruise vessels without requiring structural changes.

The white paper outlines several configurations and design models for both new ships and retrofits.

Seahaven supports automation, reduces crew training requirements, and passed testing in Beaufort 6+ conditions.

It can be installed as a standalone solution or part of a hybrid LSA configuration.

Survitec says Seahaven can reduce construction costs and increase revenue opportunities.

Arson charge rates in the UK: Data reveals widespread justice gaps

by Featured NewsResearch

Charge rates for arson remain low across UK police forces

Fewer than 1 in 20 arson offences in the UK resulted in charges being issued, according to findings published by Legal Expert.

The data, gathered through Freedom of Information requests sent to 36 police forces, recorded 65,053 arson offences between January 2022 and December 2024.

Across the 21 forces that provided arrest data, only 16% of incidents led to an arrest.

Just 4.83% of cases led to a suspect being charged.

Wiltshire Police had the highest conversion rate, charging suspects in 10.5% of 381 reported cases.

Essex Police recorded 3,212 arson investigations but issued only two charges.

Investigations were frequently closed without suspects being identified.

Twelve forces reported that 69% of their cases had outcomes listed as ‘Investigation complete – no suspect identified’.

In South Yorkshire, this applied to four out of every five incidents, leaving over 2,500 cases without any suspects named.

Urban centres report highest arson case numbers

Larger cities recorded the greatest number of arson incidents, with Metropolitan Police reporting 6,411 cases in Greater London between 2022 and 2024.

Greenwich was the most affected borough, with West Thamesmead ward experiencing the highest number of incidents across the city.

Other cities with high arson reports included Leeds (1,407 cases), Bradford (1,169), Sheffield (1,131) and Manchester (1,133).

In the West Midlands, 4,089 cases were recorded.

Birmingham neighbourhoods Sparkbrook, Washwood Heath and Lozells & East Handsworth were named as hotspots.

Belfast recorded 898 incidents and Bristol 844.

Bristol accounted for roughly half of all arson cases reported to Avon & Somerset Police in 2023.

Offender data shows high involvement of young people and repeat suspects

Data shared by 30 forces indicated that 34% of arson suspects were under the age of 18.

Northumbria Police recorded 296 suspects aged 11 to 15.

In Gwent, three in five suspects were minors.

In South Yorkshire, ten investigations were closed because suspects were under the age of criminal responsibility, which in England is ten.

Legal Expert reported that 80% of suspects were male.

Government data cited in the report shows that men are six times more likely to be arrested than women.

Repeat offending was also reported.

Twenty-three forces identified 1,319 people who had been suspected of arson more than once since 2020.

Surrey Police said it had recorded one individual suspected of committing arson 11 times.

Compensation applications rarely result in payments for arson victims

Legal Expert said that between 2022 and 2024, 464 victims of arson applied for compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

Only 76 claimants received a payout.

The total awarded was £102,260, averaging £1,345.53 per successful claim.

In 2024, just £2,400 had been distributed across 79 applications.

Legal Expert reported that 194 claims were rejected, while over 190 cases remained unresolved.

Legal Expert criminal injury specialist Ellie Lamey said: “It’s incredible that so few people have made a claim when thousands and thousands of arson offences have affected lives around the country.

With charge rates also being low, victims might be wondering how to get some form of justice.

“Victims who have sustained injuries, whether physical or psychological, due to violent crimes like arson have the right to seek compensation, and they don’t have to wait for someone to be charged or convicted of the offence to do so.

“As long as the crime is reported to the police and they cooperate with an investigation, victims can explore their chances of compensation through the CICA.

“We’ve helped many people who didn’t realise just how much they could receive by claiming with the support of an expert.”

Arson charge rates in the UK: Data reveals widespread justice gaps: Summary

Legal Expert collected data from 36 police forces in the UK showing 65,053 arson incidents occurred between January 2022 and December 2024.

Only 4.83% of these incidents resulted in charges.

Twelve forces reported that 69% of investigations were closed without a suspect being identified.

Cities such as London, Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham had the highest number of cases.

Children made up 34% of suspects in forces that provided demographic data.

Eighty percent of suspects were male.

Twenty-three forces reported over 1,300 repeat suspects.

Only 76 out of 464 compensation claims submitted to the CICA were successful.

The average payout for successful claims was £1,345.53.

Arson offences in London rise by 28% with Greenwich worst affected

by Featured NewsResearch

Greenwich named London’s top borough for arson incidents

New data published by Legal Expert from a Freedom of Information request to the Metropolitan Police shows that Greenwich recorded the highest number of arson offences across all London boroughs between 2022 and 2024.

Arson cases across London rose by 28% during this period.

Metropolitan Police recorded 6,411 incidents, the highest figure of any force area in England.

Greenwich saw a 67% increase in arson cases over the two years.

A total of 354 incidents were reported, with 141 recorded in 2024 alone.

The West Thamesmead ward in Greenwich alone reported more arson cases than seven entire London boroughs.

Croydon was the only other borough to report more than 100 arson cases annually over the three years, with a total of 313.

Update: 19 June 2025

Following publication, the Royal Borough of Greenwich provided clarification on local arson figures, noting that the majority of incidents occurred within prison facilities and not in the wider community. A new article providing full context has been published here.

Offenders rarely charged despite increase in incidents

According to the figures published by Legal Expert, only 5% of reported arson incidents across London led to charges.

The national charge rate for arson and criminal damage cases stood at 4.4% for the year ending September 2024.

In London, the rate recorded by Metropolitan Police was 4.84%.

Across England and Wales, 58.8% of arson investigations were closed due to a lack of suspect identification.

Among the nine forces analysed by Legal Expert, 71% of arson cases ended without identifying a suspect.

Of the 1,212 arson offenders identified in London, just 310 were charged.

Males accounted for 79% of the cases where gender was recorded.

Younger offenders less common in London

The age group responsible for the largest number of arson cases in London was 30 to 39 years, with 332 incidents attributed to this demographic.

Only 173 individuals aged 20 or under were identified as arson offenders, a proportion smaller than the national average of 32% reported by Legal Expert.

Of those, 34 were charged.

Metropolitan Police data also revealed that 78 individuals had previously been held in custody under suspicion of arson.

Five of these had been arrested for the offence three times.

Few arson victims receive compensation through CICA

Legal Expert found that 464 arson victims applied to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) between 2022 and 2024.

Only 76 of these claims were successful, including 17 in 2024.

Of the unsuccessful claims, 98 were rejected on the grounds that the incident was not classified as a “crime of violence”, while 54 were dismissed because the injuries did not meet CICA’s eligibility criteria.

Another 42 claims failed due to a lack of cooperation from the applicant.

So far, £102,260 has been paid to victims, with an average award of £1,345.53.

Just £2,400 has been paid out for 2024 claims to date.

More than 190 claimants are still waiting for their outcomes.

Legal Expert criminal injury specialist Ellie Lamey said: “It’s incredible that so few people have made a claim when thousands and thousands of arson offences have affected lives around the country.

“With charge rates also being low, victims might be wondering how to get some form of justice.”

Lamey added: “Victims who have sustained injuries, whether physical or psychological, due to violent crimes like arson have the right to seek compensation, and they don’t have to wait for someone to be charged or convicted of the offence to do so.”

Arson offences in London rise by 28% with Greenwich worst affected: Summary

Metropolitan Police recorded 6,411 arson incidents between 2022 and 2024, the highest of any police force in England.

Data published by Legal Expert revealed that Greenwich had the most recorded cases of any London borough, with a total of 354 incidents.

West Thamesmead, a ward within Greenwich, recorded 141 cases alone.

Across London, just 5% of arson cases led to charges, aligning with a national charge rate of 4.4%.

The age group responsible for the most offences was 30 to 39 years, with men accounting for 79% of those charged.

In total, 464 victims applied for compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

Only 76 claims were successful.

As of 2024, only £2,400 has been paid out to victims of arson, with more than 190 claims still pending a decision.

UK firefighter mental health study seeks 10,000 participants

by Breaking NewsHealth and SafetyResearch

National survey aims to assess firefighter mental health needs

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has launched a research project to examine the mental health of firefighters across the UK.

The study, commissioned by the FBU and independently conducted by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), will survey firefighters about how their work impacts their mental health, what support is available, and what improvements are needed.

There is no standardised mental health guidance specific to firefighters in the UK, despite the demands of the profession.

The research aims to provide data-driven recommendations to improve support across the fire service.

Survey seeks 10,000 firefighter responses

The study aims to gather at least 10,000 responses from serving firefighters through an online survey.

Steve Wright, FBU general secretary, encouraged participation: “We’re calling on all serving firefighters in the UK to take part in this ground-breaking research into firefighter mental health.

“Firefighting is an intensive and highly skilled profession, and every day we hear from firefighters who are facing increasing and preventable pressures at work.”

He added: “Firefighters are being let down by patchy and inconsistent support, without standard policies.

“We need firefighters across the UK to take this survey and help build a clearer picture of how fire and rescue services can better support the frontline.

“Together we are determined to improve mental health in our service.”

University of Central Lancashire leads independent research

The study is led by Dr Carolina Campodonico, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at UCLan, who highlighted the challenges faced by firefighters: “Firefighters across the UK face immense physical and emotional demands, yet mental health support remains inconsistent and underutilised.”

Dr Campodonico noted that similar research in countries such as the US, Canada, and Australia has led to stronger national policies for first responders.

“This is a vital opportunity for all serving firefighters to have their voices heard while remaining anonymous,” she said.

“Our research is independent, shaped by the needs of the fire service community, and aims to provide clear, evidence-based recommendations to improve mental health support.

“Every firefighter who takes part will be helping to create meaningful change—now is the time to speak up.”

Mental health concerns in the UK fire service

A 2019 study by mental health charity Mind found that 60% of surveyed fire service workers reported personal experiences of mental health problems.

Despite these findings, there has been little action from leadership to systematically address the issue across the fire and rescue service.

The FBU’s latest study seeks to identify causes of poor mental health and develop strategies to enhance support for firefighters and fire control staff.

UK firefighter mental health study seeks 10,000 participants: Summary

The Fire Brigades Union has commissioned the University of Central Lancashire to conduct a national survey on firefighter mental health.

The research aims to assess the impact of firefighting on mental health, review current workplace support, and recommend improvements.

With a goal of collecting at least 10,000 responses, the survey is open to all serving firefighters.

Steve Wright, FBU general secretary, said the study is needed due to inconsistent mental health support across fire services.

Dr Carolina Campodonico of UCLan highlighted that research in other countries has led to improved policies for first responders, and UK firefighters should receive the same level of commitment.

A 2019 study by Mind found that 60% of fire service workers reported mental health problems, but little action has been taken to address the issue at a national level.

The survey aims to provide evidence-based recommendations to improve firefighter mental health support in the UK.

Fire hazards of lithium-ion batteries in buildings: CROSS UK report

by Featured NewsResearchSafety

Lithium-ion battery risks detailed in new CROSS UK paper

Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures (CROSS UK) has published a Topic Paper examining the fire hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries in the built environment.

The paper presents information from publicly available research, industry guidance, and confidential reports within the UK.

It highlights the fire and explosion risks posed by both battery-powered devices and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

According to CROSS UK, lithium-ion batteries are used in smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, and other applications due to their high energy density and long lifespan.

However, they also present safety challenges, particularly in the event of thermal runaway, a self-sustaining reaction that can lead to fires or explosions.

Understanding thermal runaway and its hazards

Thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries can be triggered by overcharging, short-circuiting, or overheating.

Once initiated, it can cause rapid temperature increases, producing flammable and toxic vapours.

These incidents are difficult to control, with batteries capable of reigniting due to residual heat.

In some cases, they may react violently with common extinguishing agents.

CROSS UK’s paper warns that stakeholders must be aware of these risks and implement mitigation measures.

Recommended safety measures

The Topic Paper outlines several strategies to manage lithium-ion battery fire risks.

These include the use of battery management systems (BMS), fire detection and suppression systems, safe storage and disposal practices, adequate ventilation, and regular inspections.

CROSS UK states that emergency procedures should also be in place to respond to battery-related fire incidents effectively.

Intended audience for the paper

CROSS UK’s paper is relevant for those responsible for designing, constructing, and managing the built environment.

The organisation recommends it be reviewed by local authorities, building control bodies, developers, building surveyors, architects, fire engineers, facilities managers, and fire and rescue services.

The paper is also aimed at owners and occupiers of buildings where lithium-ion battery technology is in use or planned for installation.

Fire hazards of lithium-ion batteries in buildings: Summary

CROSS UK has published a Topic Paper examining fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries in the built environment.

The report explains how thermal runaway can cause fires or explosions, making them difficult to control due to flammable vapours, potential reignition, and reactions with extinguishing agents.

The paper highlights the importance of safety measures, including battery management systems, fire detection and suppression systems, ventilation, and emergency procedures.

CROSS UK advises that those responsible for the design, construction, and management of buildings should stay informed about lithium-ion battery risks.

The full paper is available on the CROSS UK website.

HSE launches consultation on Approved Document A for building structures in England

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsResearchSafety

HSE seeks feedback on structural safety guidance

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a consultation to gather views on the future of Approved Document A, which provides guidance on structural safety regulations in England.

According to CROSS UK, the call for evidence is open until 21 April 2025 and invites responses from individuals and organisations through an online survey or by email.

This consultation is the first step in a broader review process aimed at ensuring the guidance remains effective.

Approved Document A and its role in building regulations

Approved Document A is part of the statutory guidance that supports compliance with the Building Regulations.

It sets out practical methods to meet structural safety requirements, helping developers, engineers, and regulators adhere to national standards.

Building Regulations cover health, safety, security, access, and sustainability aspects of construction.

The Approved Documents provide a framework for ensuring compliance with these legal requirements.

Consultation details and how to participate

The consultation will run for ten weeks from 10 February 2025.

HSE has encouraged stakeholders to respond via an online survey, which facilitates a more efficient analysis of feedback.

Alternatively, responses can be submitted by email or post.

Participants are asked to specify whether they are responding as individuals or on behalf of an organisation, providing relevant contact details for verification.

Geographical scope and next steps

The call for evidence applies to England only, and there is no impact assessment associated with this consultation.

The responses collected will inform future updates to Approved Document A and contribute to the wider review of structural safety guidance.

HSE’s Technical Policy Team is managing the consultation, and further details on submission methods and contact information are available on the HSE website.

HSE launches consultation on Approved Document A for building structures in England: Summary

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has opened a consultation on Approved Document A, which provides guidance on structural safety under England’s Building Regulations.

The consultation runs from 10 February to 21 April 2025 and seeks input from industry professionals and the public.

Approved Document A is part of the statutory guidance supporting the Building Regulations, helping to ensure compliance with structural safety requirements.

The consultation is open to responses via an online survey, email, or post.

HSE has encouraged participants to specify whether they are responding as individuals or on behalf of an organisation.

This call for evidence applies only to England and does not include an impact assessment.

The feedback collected will contribute to a broader review of structural safety regulations.

Further details, including submission options and contact information, are available on the HSE website.

Fire safety considerations for data centres: Euralarm releases new guidance

by Featured NewsFire DetectionFire SuppressionResearch

Euralarm publishes fire protection guidance for data centres

Euralarm has released a new guidance document on fire protection for data centres, detailing factors to consider and available solutions.

The document outlines how fire protection requirements vary by client and region and offers insights to help stakeholders choose the most appropriate measures.

It provides information on different fire suppression technologies, including sprinklers, water mist, gaseous systems, oxygen reduction systems, and condensed aerosols.

The guidance is aimed at data centre designers, operators, and fire protection professionals seeking clarity on how different solutions impact fire safety.

Key considerations for fire safety in data centres

The document explains that fire protection strategies must be tailored to individual data centres due to variations in infrastructure, risk factors, and operational priorities.

It highlights that while regulatory standards provide a baseline, they may not fully address the specific needs of data centres, where high-value equipment and critical data storage require enhanced protection measures.

Euralarm’s guidance discusses how fire suppression technologies differ in their suitability depending on the stage of a fire incident.

Understanding fire suppression technologies

The guidance provides an overview of several fire suppression options and their effectiveness in different scenarios.

Sprinkler and water mist systems are discussed for their ability to control fires quickly, while gaseous systems and oxygen reduction solutions are considered for their impact on sensitive electronic equipment.

Condensed aerosol systems are also reviewed as an alternative approach.

The document aims to help professionals assess these technologies beyond regulatory compliance, considering factors such as business continuity and asset protection.

Guidance for industry professionals

The publication is designed for professionals who already understand the importance of fire protection and are evaluating the implications of different solutions.

Rather than prescribing a single approach, the guidance helps stakeholders assess which fire protection methods align with their specific data centre requirements.

It also addresses potential challenges when selecting a particular approach over another.

Copies of the guidance document can be accessed through Euralarm’s website: https://www.euralarm.org/resource/guideline-on-selection-of-fire-protection-systems-for-data-centers-pdf.html.

Fire safety considerations for data centres: Summary

Euralarm has released a guidance document outlining fire protection strategies for data centres.

The document details key considerations for fire safety and how different suppression technologies apply to various fire stages.

It explains that fire protection needs vary by client and region, and professionals must assess solutions beyond basic compliance.

It reviews technologies such as sprinklers, water mist, gaseous systems, oxygen reduction, and condensed aerosols.

The guidance is intended for data centre designers, operators, and fire protection professionals.

It does not specify a single solution but helps stakeholders determine the most suitable approach for their circumstances.

The document is available for download on Euralarm’s website.

BSIF report finds high failure rates in non-member PPE products

by Featured NewsPPEResearch

BSIF tests reveal high PPE failure rates

The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) has warned about the widespread presence of substandard personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety products following its latest independent testing.

Between December 2023 and December 2024, BSIF tested 161 PPE products from non-member suppliers.

Only 16 products (10%) met full compliance standards, while 138 (90%) failed.

Seven test results are still pending. Failures were recorded across all PPE categories.

In some cases—such as head protection, eye and face protection, and fall protection—every non-member product tested failed to meet regulatory standards.

High failure rates across multiple PPE categories

BSIF’s testing found concerning safety failures in several key product areas:

  • Head protection: All six tested products failed, with deficiencies in penetration resistance and shock absorption.
  • Eye and face protection & fall protection: All 13 tested products failed, failing to resist impacts and compromising user safety.
  • Safety footwear: 31 out of 36 tested products (86%) failed, with issues including inadequate impact resistance and slip protection.
  • Hearing protection: 28 out of 31 tested products (90%) had incorrect cushion and headband pressures, affecting noise reduction.
  • Safety gloves: 21 out of 22 tested products (95%) failed to meet cut, abrasion, and puncture resistance claims.
  • Hi-vis clothing: 11 out of 13 tested garments (85%) failed brightness and visibility standards.
  • Respiratory protective equipment (RPE): 22 out of 25 tested products (88%) did not meet filtration requirements for hazardous dust and fumes.

BSIF member suppliers show better compliance rates

In contrast to the non-member results, BSIF found a significantly higher compliance rate among its Registered Safety Suppliers.

Out of 399 tests conducted on PPE from BSIF members, 322 products (86%) passed.

Of the 51 products that initially failed, all issues were addressed and corrected.

BSIF CEO Alan Murray said: “People are continually surprised by the sheer volume of PPE and safety products that fail to meet basic safety standards.

What’s even more shocking is that, despite vendors being informed of these deficiencies, such products often remain on the market, continuing to expose unsuspecting buyers and users to significant risks.”

BSIF urges buyers to verify supplier credentials

BSIF has advised PPE buyers and procurement teams to ensure that products meet regulatory standards by checking for the BSIF Shield.

The BSIF Registered Safety Supplier Scheme Manager, Roy Wilders, said: “When protective—and sometimes life-saving—equipment fails to meet standards, it’s not just a statistic; it’s a potential tragedy waiting to happen.”

Wilders added that the BSIF team actively monitors the market to identify and address substandard products, but buyers must also take responsibility by verifying suppliers before making purchases.

BSIF report finds high failure rates in non-member PPE products: Summary

The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) has reported that 90% of PPE products tested from non-member suppliers failed to meet compliance standards.

Testing between December 2023 and December 2024 covered 161 products, with 138 failing regulatory assessments.

Categories with 100% failure rates included head protection, eye and face protection, and fall protection.

In contrast, 86% of PPE from BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers passed compliance tests.

BSIF has urged buyers to check for the BSIF Shield to ensure they are purchasing safe and certified PPE.

Reducing false alarms: Euralarm highlights multi-sensor technology

by Featured NewsFire DetectionResearch

Euralarm unveils white paper on multi-sensor fire detectors in Europe

Euralarm has reported that it has released a white paper covering how multi-sensor fire detectors may help reduce incorrect alerts in buildings.

According to Euralarm, the document offers details for professionals, managers, and regulators who oversee fire protection strategies.

Euralarm’s report states that multi-sensor devices bring together different detection methods to strengthen accuracy and accelerate response.

How multi-sensor detectors work

Traditional sensors rely on a single factor such as smoke, heat, or flames.

Euralarm’s white paper explains that multi-sensor models measure several signals to achieve early recognition of fires.

The paper notes that integrating multiple inputs can lower the chance of nuisance activations.

Potential benefits in varied settings

Multi-sensor detectors may assist residential, commercial, and industrial facilities by offering wider detection capabilities.

According to Euralarm, these devices respond to multiple fire indicators, allowing quicker evaluation of real threats.

This approach may lead to fewer disruptions caused by unnecessary evacuations.

Access to the document

Copies of the white paper can be obtained through the Euralarm website.

The organisation has provided the link for professionals and stakeholders to review the findings.

Euralarm states that the publication reviews key data on sensor reliability and system design.

Euralarm unveils white paper on multi-sensor fire detectors in Europe: Summary

Euralarm has released a white paper that describes how multi-sensor fire detectors can reduce false alarms.

The paper is directed at fire safety experts, building supervisors, and regulatory bodies in Europe.

It details how combining smoke, heat, or flame detection in one device may enhance early detection.

Traditional units that rely on a single factor can sometimes give incorrect alerts, according to Euralarm.

The document addresses these issues by highlighting multi-sensor systems and their ability to measure several signals.

Euralarm reports that these detectors have practical uses in residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

They also note how multi-sensor designs lower the rate of nuisance activations through integrated signal analysis.

The publication is available via Euralarm’s resource page.

It includes an overview of signal processing methods, technical considerations, and potential benefits for various applications.

Interested readers can access the white paper to study its complete findings.

Quelfire’s technical solutions ensure compliance at Wales’ largest health and research hub

by Featured NewsPeople

Pentre Awel is the first development of its scope and size in Wales and one of the highest-valued schemes Carmarthenshire County Council has undertaken. This £84 million project covers 83 acres and has created an estimated 1,800 jobs.

The scheme provides medical research and health care, encouraging individuals to lead active lifestyles. Pentre Awel also includes integrated care and physical rehabilitation facilities and hopes to boost the local economy by £467 million over the next 15 years.

As the chosen passive fire protection system manufacturer, Quelfire worked alongside the main contractor, Bouygues Construction Ltd and all the relevant parties to deliver this project.

The main objective was to incorporate an early engagement approach to design and build Pentre Awel around the tested details available, creating safe and compliant buildings.

Challenges of the project

As this was one of Bouygues UK’s first early engagement projects utilising a new approach and systems, the initial cooperation of relevant parties proved to be the main challenge.

This later led to the coordination of service spacings being problematic due to the large number of services used on the project, steel beams and restricted space available.

Solutions to the issue

Bouygues UK’s initiative to implement a new system called Morta ensured Bouygues completed work in line with the Building Safety Act and built the Golden Thread of Information to hand over to the building owner on completion of the project. It also guaranteed they met Building Regulation 38 requirements.

The Morta system ensured that all service penetrations were covered. If critical information was not provided, the schedule would go back to the responsible person to collate and send over.

The idea of a clear ‘Builder’s Work in Connection’ (BWIC) opening schedule is to make sure all parties work together, take responsibility, and understand what is required.

To provide the most relevant firestopping tested solutions from Quelfire’s extensive library, Quelfire required a detailed schedule with specific information about the project’s service penetration applications.

This included information about the wall or floor construction, the required fire rating, and the dimensions of structural openings.

Additionally, they needed to know if the application involved a head-of-wall scenario, whether any movement was required, and details about the services – such as their type, material, size, and any insulation requirements, including thickness.

However, receiving the information and getting everyone on the same page proved to be quite challenging as, for many, this was a brand-new approach to building construction. Luckily, Pentre Awel discussions began in 2022, leading to the first early engagement meeting in January 2023.

After this, Quelfire had regular project meetings and workshops to discuss the firestopping package, BWIC openings and any non-standard details. This ensured all parties were on the same page and could provide the correct information, minimising confusion.

Senior BIM Coordinator, Bouygues, Tom Marsh’s statement

Tom Marsh, Senior BIM Coordinator at Bouygues, stated: “Quelfire have been very proactive in supporting our Golden Thread initiative via our Information Management platforms.

They have also provided a lot of technical insight which we have used to improve on Pentre Awel processes, as well as other projects moving forward.”

Design Manager, Bouygues, Matthew John’s statement

Matthew John, Design Manager at Bouygues, said: “Quelfire’s Technical Manager, Alec, has supported the Pentre Awel design team throughout the detailed design stage, giving pragmatic guidance on tested passive fire stopping solutions.

“This support has been invaluable in assisting Bouygues in delivering our Golden Thread builders work approval process.”

Quelfire provide technical solutions to Wales research and health hub: Summary

Pentre Awel is the first development of its size in Wales and it hopes to boost the local economy by £467 million over the next 15 years. Quelfire worked alongside Bouygues Construction Ltd to complete the project.

Bouygues Design Manager said that the support and advice from Quelfire has been invaluable.