Why lithium-ion batteries catch fire, what thermal runaway means and which risks matter most for e-bikes, EVs and other battery-powered devices
Upcoming Webinar: How the UK second staircase mandate affects evacuation systems and building design
IFSJ webinar to examine the UK’s second staircase mandate and its impact on tall building fire safety design
International Fire and Safety Journal (IFSJ) will host a webinar examining the implications of the UK’s second staircase mandate for fire safety strategy, system design and evacuation planning in tall residential buildings.
Register now
Titled “Redefining Escape: What the UK’s Second Staircase Mandate Means for Global Fire Safety Design”, the webinar will take place on 11 May 2026 at 11:00 BST.
The session will discuss how the introduction of mandatory second staircases in all new residential buildings over 18 metres is influencing how tall buildings are designed, occupied and managed.
While the requirement is rooted in UK legislation, the discussion will also address the broader relevance of these regulatory changes for international fire safety design and operational practice.
The webinar will examine how the second staircase requirement affects evacuation strategy in multi-stair buildings, including considerations around escape planning, compartmentation, evacuation sequencing and system zoning.
It will also address what building owners and facilities teams should consider to ensure life safety systems remain effective, maintainable and operational across multiple escape routes.
Another focus of the session will be the role of emergency lighting and dynamic signage in supporting evacuation behaviour, particularly as building layouts become more complex.
The discussion will also examine how coordinated approaches to lighting, detection and wayfinding systems can support clearer evacuation routes and reduce complexity during an emergency.
Speakers
The webinar will feature insights from two industry specialists with extensive experience in fire detection and life safety systems.
Martin Green, Commercial Training & Support Manager, Hochiki Europe, has more than 30 years of experience in the fire safety sector, including nearly two decades with Hochiki Europe.
He delivers training and technical support across the UK and provides accredited CPD and practical guidance for those responsible for the design, installation and management of life safety systems.
His expertise covers fire alarm and emergency lighting design, regulatory compliance and fire safety strategy.
He will be joined by Mick Hall, Regional Sales Manager, Hochiki Europe, who has spent the past decade working with architects, consultants, installers and building owners across the UK.
His experience includes system design, application engineering and integrated life safety approaches, including dynamic emergency communication and wayfinding systems.
Together, the speakers bring more than forty years of combined experience in the fire safety market, offering technical insight into the practical implications of the second staircase mandate.
Who should attend
This webinar will be relevant for professionals involved in the design, operation and management of tall buildings, including:
- Architects and building designers
- Developers, building owners and asset managers
- Facilities and estates teams
- Health and safety and fire safety professionals
- Fire safety installers and electrical engineers
Although the session focuses on UK regulation, it will also provide useful insight for international audiences seeking to understand how regulatory change is influencing tall building fire safety design and operational practice.
Register for the webinar
The webinar will take place on 11 May 2026 at 11:00 BST.
To register, visit: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4263019240448011096
Dubai law sets new safety rules for public spaces and events
Dubai safety law to take effect in June
Dubai has issued Law No. (2) of 2026 on public safety, creating a new framework for venues, events, buildings, pools, beaches, products and daily activities across the emirate.
Gulf News reported that the law was issued by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, and that it will come into effect on 1 June 2026.
The legislation is intended to protect lives and property, reduce accidents and support sustainable growth in the city.
It replaces Local Order No. (11) of 2003 on Public Health and Community Safety in Dubai, with existing rules under that order remaining in effect until new guidelines are issued, provided they do not conflict with the updated law.
The law sets requirements for public venues and events, including standards for equipment, lighting, ventilation, entry points and exit points.
It also requires firefighting equipment, alarm systems, emergency evacuation plans, first-aid supplies, trained safety supervisors, clear signage and a public safety management plan.
Noise levels and crowd sizes are also addressed, with the aim of reducing overcrowding and protecting hearing.
Duties for operators, residents and owners
Gulf News also reported that the law extends to occupied buildings, homes and recreational areas, including swimming pools and beaches.
Maintenance work in occupied buildings must follow strict safety standards, especially where electrical equipment or other higher-risk tasks are involved.
Property owners, operators and service providers are responsible for complying with the standards and with related regulations issued by authorities.
Residents and visitors are expected to follow safety procedures, cooperate with safety supervisors and comply with evacuation instructions during emergencies.
Beach users must respect designated swimming times, avoid restricted staff areas and follow guidance when using equipment.
The law also prohibits the handling of explosives, fireworks, toxic substances and flammable materials without authorisation.
It bans the sale or use of tools, devices and products that fail to meet safety requirements or create a risk to public safety.
Products covered by the law must include safe-use instructions in Arabic and English.
Penalties and transition period
Gulf News reported that fines for breaches range from Dh500 to Dh1 million, with repeated violations within a year allowing the fine to rise to Dh2 million.
Dubai Municipality and authorised staff from other authorities can record violations, issue reports and involve the police where necessary.
Those affected by decisions made under the law can submit a written appeal within 10 working days.
A committee appointed by the Director General of Dubai Municipality or a relevant authority will review appeals within 30 days, and its decision is final.
Affected parties must fully comply with the law within two years, with a one-time extension available if approved by the Executive Council on the Municipality’s recommendation.
The law states that Dubai Municipality and other authorities are not liable for damages caused by an owner’s failure to comply, with responsibility resting with the owner.
AEI Cables urges cabling beyond minimum safety requirements in modern buildings
Safety and cabling selection in higher-risk buildings
AEI Cables has said cabling choices in modern buildings should meet and exceed minimum safety requirements where there is high risk to people and property.
In a press release, the company referred to recent legislation and guidance affecting electrical and fire safety, including the Building Safety Act 2022.
Stuart Dover, General Manager of AEI Cables, said: “Meeting the legislation and guidance can sometimes seem challenging but the systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety.
“This legislation and guidance should be the minimum criteria for relevance in buildings where vulnerable people move about will help firefighters trying to execute a safe evacuation.
“These areas present a higher risk in the event of a real fire and if in doubt those in the supply chain should seek advice. This may mean going beyond the minimum level of cabling to meet this category of relevance but may make all the difference in the event of fire.”
The Act defines higher-risk buildings as those at least 18 metres in height or at least seven storeys containing at least two residential units.
Category 3 Control guidance linked to evacuation and communications systems
AEI Cables also highlighted Category 3 Control fire performance cables identified under the revised British Standard BS8519: 2020 Code of Practice.
The cables are designed to reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread in the event of a real fire.
Guidance for Category 3 Control fire performance cables applies to evacuation alarms for disabled occupants in care homes, emergency voice communications systems and voice alarm systems.
Relevant buildings include tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, shopping malls and stadia.
Certifications, categories and third-party approvals
AEI Cables also referenced its Firetec Enhanced cabling, which has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control, as well as Category 2 Control.
BS8519 sets out six cable categories, with three covering power cables and three covering control cables, each with survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes.
Products supplied by AEI Cables carry approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB.
The company also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and states that it works to international standards around the world.
Aberdeen safety hub opens as Arco expands training and offshore kit drops
Safety services and site capabilities
Arco has opened a specialist centre in Aberdeen to support oil, gas and renewables sector companies working across onshore and offshore operations.
The£500,000 site is intended to help companies minimise risk and maximise productivity across demanding working environments.
The 13,700 sq ft centre is based near Aberdeen airport.
It offers safety training, face fit testing, respiratory servicing and product decoration services.
The centre also provides offshore kit drops, with orders placed before 3pm delivered the same day.
Each week, up to 100 kit bags are dispatched from the Aberdeen centre to the North Sea and beyond.
Energy and export focus
The launch follows Arco’s November announcement of a 37 per cent rise in pre-exception EBITDA to £11.4 million over the past year.
Alex Richards, Arco’s Energy and Export Director, said: “We’ve been keeping customers in Aberdeen safe for nearly 40 years, and this new centre signifies more than just a move to a new site.
“Our £500,000 centre enables access to Arco’s more than 140 years’ safety experience through best-in-class training, respiratory servicing, face fit testing, and same-day offshore kit drops.
“We supply highly certified PPE selected specifically to combat hazards faced offshore, onshore and across complex industrial environments.
“Our people are energy sector specialists, with deep understanding of industry regulations, working conditions and operational challenges.
“That knowledge allows us to provide informed guidance, the right solutions first time, and a level of service customers can rely on.
“By keeping people at the centre, and offering products dedicated to the energy industry, we’ve built long-standing partnerships that help protect workers, reduce risk and maximise productivity across Aberdeen’s energy community.”
The company said it is supporting workers across the globe from the Aberdeen centre, including Africa and the Middle East.
Northcentral Nebraska Electrical Inspection Association joins NFPA as an EIS affiliate
Northcentral Nebraska association joins EIS affiliate network
The Northcentral Nebraska Electrical Inspection Association has joined the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) as the latest Electrical Inspection Section (EIS) affiliate chapter.
The NFPA announced that this relationship serves the Nebraska electrical enforcement community by providing a resource for training, education and networking opportunities.
Tim McClintock, NFPA lead regional electrical specialist and Executive Secretary of the Electrical Inspection Section, said: “NFPA is proud to welcome its newest EIS Affiliate Chapter.
“Through this relationship, NFPA and the Nebraska electrical enforcement community can work hand-in-hand, amplifying our collective voice to tackle today’s electrical challenges and advance safety in the community.”
McClintock stated: “A strong electrical inspection program plays a vital role in safety and compliance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (NEC) and other codes, helping safeguard people and property from electrical-related hazards.
“The new NFPA EIS Affiliate Chapter actively supports electrical inspection professionals who are charged with understanding the NEC and how its requirements are applied, and is aimed at both meeting their unique needs, as well as preserving the independent voices of those engaged in electrical inspections.”
National expansion of electrical inspection chapters
Northcentral Nebraska joins eight other states that have established affiliate chapters among the first organisations in the United States.
The current network includes Alabama, Colorado, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana, North Carolina, Ohio and Rhode Island.
This expansion is part of a broader initiative by the NFPA to support electrical professionals across the country.
John Schindler, president of the Northcentral Nebraska Electrical Inspection Association, said: “Electrical inspections are an essential component of community safety, ensuring compliance with the National Electrical Code and supporting an effective electrical system of safety.
“The Northcentral Nebraska electrical inspection community is pleased to be working closely with NFPA to address today’s electrical safety challenges head-on, expand our impact, and position the chapter for the future.”
Members of these affiliate chapters may qualify for specific NFPA membership benefits including participation in the code development process and access to code changes training.
The NFPA develops the NEC and related resources to help enforcement professionals remain current on research and technical expertise.
The new Nebraska chapter intends to address safety challenges while maintaining the independent voices of those conducting inspections.
Survitec explains why local servicing mattered in this Norway deal
Survitec blog outlines Hansen Protection offshore contract
Hansen Protection has secured a multi-year contract to supply life-protection equipment to Lufttransport for offshore helicopter operations in Northern Norway.
In a blog post, Survitec wrote that the agreement covers a comprehensive suite of personal protective equipment, with servicing and maintenance conducted within Norway.
The contract is initially for three years with an option to extend.
The equipment scope includes immersion suits, lifejackets and rescue swimmer equipment.
Lufttransport is described as Norway’s largest and fastest-growing offshore helicopter operator.
The blog post states Lufttransport is on track to grow its fleet to 18 helicopters by the end of 2026.
Contract structure, servicing model and sector context
Survitec’s blog post describes the contract as using a hybrid model combining the sale of crew suits and rescue swimmer equipment with the rental of HALO lifejacket systems.
The post describes this approach as intended to streamline logistics, support regulatory compliance and support safe, efficient offshore operations.
Fredrik Joachim Eriksen of Hansen Protection said: “Our ability to provide not only quality Survival Technology but also a robust local service and maintenance network was instrumental in securing this contract.
“We are not just delivering equipment; we are delivering peace of mind and operational continuity in some of the world’s most challenging environments in northern Norway.”
Eriksen added: “We’re always looking to the future, whether it’s integrating digital safety management systems, adopting sustainable materials, or responding to the unique risks of remote and harsh environments.
“Our investment in local service infrastructure, product innovation, and customer service is helping drive our business growth.”
Erlend H. Olsen, CEO at Lufttransport, said: “Safety is at the core of everything we do at Lufttransport.
“As we expand to meet growing demand in offshore energy, partnering with Hansen Protection ensures our crews are equipped with the most advanced Survival Technology.
“This agreement reflects our shared commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability in some of the world’s most challenging environments.”
The blog post says Lufttransport’s recent developments include introducing advanced helicopters and securing long-term service agreements.
The N2 Gen approach: How DSPA supports reliable protection in modern infrastructure
John Munno, Director of Energy Risk Engineer, explains how nitrogen generation technology improves safety, efficiency and compliance in modern energy facilities
The energy sector encompasses a range of high-value, mission-critical assets vulnerable to fire risks, including energised electrical equipment (Class C per NFPA 2010), flammable liquids and gases (Class B) and ordinary combustibles (Class A).
Facilities such as power substations, transformer enclosures, battery storage rooms and control cabinets require fire suppression solutions that are non-conductive, residue-free and safe for sensitive electronics.
Inert gas systems, particularly those based on nitrogen (IG-100), extinguish fires by reducing oxygen concentrations to below 15% while maintaining breathable levels above 10%, making them ideal for these applications.
High-pressure cylinder-based systems have dominated this space for decades, storing compressed nitrogen in steel cylinders released via solenoid valves and piping networks.
However, emerging technologies like the N2 Gen by DSPA – a non-pressurised, electrically initiated nitrogen generator – provide innovative alternatives.
By generating nitrogen on-demand through controlled decomposition of a solid compound, N2 Gen eliminates many limitations of cylinder systems.
This paper explores these advantages, drawing on technical specifications and performance data to demonstrate N2 Gen’s suitability for energy-related risks.
How cylinder-based systems operate
High-pressure cylinder-based systems store nitrogen or inert gas mixtures (e.g., IG-100, IG-55, or IG-541) in seamless steel cylinders pressurised to 200-300 bar (2,900-4,350 psi).
Upon fire detection, a control panel signals the release of gas through discharge nozzles via fixed piping, flooding the protected enclosure to achieve design concentrations (typically 40-52% by volume for nitrogen, equivalent to 12-15% oxygen reduction).
Key features include:
- Rapid Discharge: Full release in 60-120 seconds, depending on system size.
- Distribution: Requires engineered piping for even agent dispersal.
- Maintenance: Periodic hydrostatic testing (every 5-10 years), pressure checks and cylinder recertification.
- Applications: Widely used in data centres, electrical rooms and energy facilities for total flooding protection.
While effective, these systems involve challenges such as high initial costs for cylinders and piping, space-intensive storage and safety risks from high-pressure vessels, which can rupture under impact or corrosion.
How the N2 Gen system works
The N2 Gen by DSPA is a fixed fire suppression generator designed for enclosed environments, producing pure nitrogen (IG-100) through an irreversible chemical reaction.
Housed in a stainless-steel enclosure, it contains a solid propellant that, upon electrical activation from a fire detection panel, an initiator triggers decomposition, generating nitrogen gas that passes through a multi-layer filter/cooler to remove particulates and cool the output.
Technical specifications include:
- Discharge Time: 5-14 seconds, providing rapid flooding.
- Agent Output: Scalable based on generator size, achieving oxygen reduction below 13% in enclosures that retain gas for at least 10 minutes.
- Placement: Can be installed directly inside the protected area (no piping needed) or externally with optional hoses.
- Outer Casing: Provides thermal clearance (air gap) to limit surface temperatures to 75°C for personnel and 200°C for combustibles, with perforations for even gas distribution.
- Certifications: Tested for Class A, B and C fires per EN 2 and NFPA 2010 standards; suitable for unoccupied energy assets like industrial units and storages.
- Limitations: Irreversible activation; not for deep-seated fires or oxidising materials.
N2 Gen’s design ensures clean, transparent, non-conductive discharge with no residue, preserving visibility and equipment integrity – critical for energy applications.
Comparing N2 Gen and cylinder designs
The N2 Gen system’s solid propellant technology offers significant benefits over cylinder-based systems, particularly for energy-related risks where space is constrained, reliability is paramount and rapid response minimises operational disruptions.
Enhanced safety
High-pressure cylinders pose inherent risks, including potential rupture from mechanical damage, corrosion, or over-pressurisation, which could lead to explosive failure in seismic or impact-prone energy sites.
N2 Gen operates at ambient pressure until activation, eliminating these hazards.
Its hermetically sealed stainless-steel housing ensures a 15-year shelf life without leakage concerns and the generated nitrogen exhaust is non-toxic (primarily N2 with trace CO2 and H2O).
In energy facilities, where personnel may enter intermittently, N2 Gen’s thermal safeguards (e.g., air gap limiting exposure to safe temperatures) provide superior protection compared to cylinder systems, which require secure storage to prevent accidental discharge.
Easier installation in compact sites
Cylinder systems demand substantial infrastructure: multiple heavy cylinders (each 50-100 kg), extensive piping networks and dedicated storage rooms, complicating retrofits in compact energy enclosures like switchgear or battery rooms.
N2 Gen’s lightweight, compact design (25-50% the weight of equivalent cylinder agents) allows direct placement within the risk area, eliminating piping needs and reducing installation time and costs by up to 50%.
For external mounting, flexible hoses suffice.
This modularity is ideal for modular energy assets, such as offshore platforms or containerised substations, where space savings translate to more efficient layouts and easier compliance with tight enclosure standards.
Lower maintenance and cost efficiency
Cylinder systems require ongoing maintenance, including annual inspections, hydrostatic testing every 5 years and periodic refills, incurring high operational expenses – especially in remote energy sites.
N2 Gen has minimal maintenance needs: visual checks and electrical testing of the initiator, with no pressure monitoring or recertification.
Long-term costs are further reduced by avoiding cylinder transport and disposal.
Initial capital outlay for N2 Gen is competitive and its scalability (multiple units for larger volumes) avoids over-sizing, providing ROI through reduced downtime in energy operations where fires can cost millions in lost production.
Superior performance in energy applications
Both systems use nitrogen for oxygen reduction, but N2 Gen’s rapid 5-14 second discharge generates inherent momentum for better distribution in cluttered enclosures, outperforming slower cylinder releases (60+ seconds) that may be hindered by piping friction or venting.
In energy risks – e.g., arc flashes in electrical panels or gas leaks in compressor stations – N2 Gen’s quick action prevents escalation, with testing showing effective suppression at 12% oxygen levels even with internal airflow.
Its filter ensures particle-free output, safeguarding sensitive turbines or transformers from contamination, unlike potential impurities in stored gases.
For hazardous areas (per ATEX Directive), N2 Gen’s non-pressurised nature simplifies approvals.
Environmental and reliability benefits
Cylinder systems contribute to emissions via manufacturing and transport of high-pressure vessels, while N2 Gen’s on-site generation minimises logistics footprints, aligning with sustainability goals in the energy transition.
Reliability is enhanced by N2 Gen’s rugged design (-20°C to +75°C operation, 95% humidity tolerance), resisting corrosion in humid or coastal energy environments where cylinders might degrade.
Post-discharge, N2 Gen leaves no residue, enabling immediate equipment restart – vital for grid stability.
Technical comparison of suppression methods
Traditional high-pressure cylinder systems store extinguishing agents at 200–300 bar, while the N2 Gen by DSPA system operates at ambient pressure (0 bar).
This low-pressure design removes the need for heavy storage vessels and reduces overall system weight by up to 75% for an equivalent agent volume.
The systems also differ in performance and installation.
High-pressure cylinders typically discharge over 60–120 seconds, whereas N2 Gen units complete discharge within 5–14 seconds.
Because N2 Gen systems require no fixed pipework, units can be positioned directly in the protected area, streamlining installation and enabling flexible system design.
Maintenance demands are lower for N2 Gen, limited to visual or electrical inspections, compared with the annual servicing and five-year pressure testing needed for high-pressure systems.
The operational lifespan extends to 15 years, whereas conventional cylinders generally require replacement or retesting after 5–10 years.
In terms of space, high-pressure systems occupy a larger footprint due to cylinders and storage requirements, while N2 Gen offers a compact configuration, providing a practical solution where space efficiency and ease of maintenance are priorities.
Applications in the energy sector
N2 Gen excels in protecting energy infrastructure, such as:
- Substations and Switchgear: Direct installation in enclosures guards against electrical faults without residue.
- Battery and Transformer Rooms: Rapid response to thermal runaway or oil fires.
- Gas Storage Modules: Suppresses Class C gas fires in tight, unoccupied spaces.
Field deployments in industrial energy units demonstrate reduced fire damage and faster recovery compared to cylinder systems.
Final observations
For energy-related fire risks, the N2 Gen by DSPA system surpasses high-pressure cylinder-based alternatives by prioritising safety, simplicity and efficiency.
Its non-pressurised, compact design addresses the sector’s unique challenges – limited space, high reliability demands and cost pressures – while delivering proven nitrogen-based suppression.
As energy infrastructure evolves toward modular and sustainable designs, adopting N2 Gen enables proactive protection, ensuring operational continuity and asset preservation.
Stakeholders in power generation, transmission and storage should evaluate N2 Gen for its transformative potential in fire safety.
This was originally published in the November 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.
What many teams miss about gas detectors on short-term sites
Gas detectors gaps on temporary worksites
Crowcon Detection Instruments has warned that temporary and mobile worksites are often neglected when it comes to gas detection, leaving workers exposed to invisible hazards.
The company said that such sites, which include refinery turnarounds and short-term construction projects, frequently lack adequate gas safety systems.
According to Crowcon, data from 2015 to 2020 shows that temporary worksites across the UK accounted for 11 deaths and more than 130 injuries.
Ed Clapham, Product Manager at Crowcon Detection Instruments, said: “The environment of a temporary worksite clearly demonstrates the need for gas monitoring, mainly due to the way these sites operate.
“Most, if not all, temporary worksites run under intense time, deadline and cost pressures, with crews often required to move rapidly between jobs and environments.
“However, these quick turnaround times and competing pressures frequently result in safety systems being overlooked.”
He added that when teams rely on assumptions rather than real-time monitoring, they create a safety gap that can have serious consequences.
Cost and awareness challenges in gas safety
Clapham said: “It’s important for teams operating on mobile or short-term worksites to remember that temporary operations can carry long-term consequences if hazards are underestimated.
“If a project is only expected to last a few days or weeks, decision-makers sometimes assume it doesn’t require the same level of safety infrastructure as a permanent site, when in fact, this mindset can be dangerous.
“The reality is that temporary setups tend to be more unpredictable, often involving changing personnel, unfamiliar layouts and makeshift conditions that increase the risk of gas exposure.”
He explained that limited budgets and a lack of awareness often prevent proper investment in portable detection systems.
“Because these worksites are considered short term, tight project budgets and limited resources can mean that gas detection falls into the ‘nice to have’ category rather than being treated as essential, when this should not be the case,” Clapham said.
“In some cases, a lack of awareness or expertise is also to blame. Not every project manager or contractor fully understands the technical risks associated with invisible hazards such as oxygen depletion or low-level toxic gas exposure.”
The need for proactive safety measures
Clapham continued: “It’s quite common for businesses, and individuals, to be more reactive than preventative. It’s not unusual for safety equipment to be purchased after an incident or regulatory audit, rather than before.
“This happens because, without visible consequences, leadership may not prioritise proactive investment. This can unknowingly create a dangerous cycle in which, until something goes wrong, gas detection remains invisible, both literally and figuratively.”
He said that under Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance, project managers are legally responsible for ensuring that workers are not exposed to foreseeable hazards, regardless of project duration.
“Beyond compliance, incidents are highly disruptive and costly,” he added.
“Even a single near-miss can derail schedules, trigger investigations, halt operations and damage client relationships.”
Portable gas detectors addressing temporary site risks
Clapham said: “Gas detection technology has advanced significantly over the years, which is why it’s so important to leverage the full capabilities of modern safety equipment, especially across temporary worksites, where portable solutions are ideal.
“Temporary worksites are defined by constant change and rotating personnel. This level of movement makes it difficult to maintain consistent safety standards, but this is precisely where portable and area gas detectors excel, providing the agility and adaptability needed to match such fluid operations.
“Modern portable and area gas detectors offer a practical, proven way to deliver the reliability of fixed monitoring to virtually any location. These compact, connected systems can be deployed quickly to cover confined spaces, open worksites or multi-zone maintenance areas, without disrupting workflow.
“By implementing connected, mobile detection systems, teams can maintain full situational awareness, even in fast-paced or remote environments. Ultimately, it’s about making safety flexible, without ever lowering standards.”
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
This information is relevant to safety officers, project managers and compliance leaders overseeing short-term or mobile industrial operations.
The insights highlight a recurring issue in temporary work environments, where gas detection is often deprioritised despite clear legal and operational risks.
Professionals responsible for safety planning in construction, maintenance and refinery operations can use portable gas detection technology to ensure continuous monitoring even in fluid, multi-site projects.
The data cited by Crowcon and the British Safety Council reinforces that gas-related incidents remain a leading cause of injury and fatality across temporary worksites, underscoring the importance of equipping all crews with portable detection systems from project start to completion.
BESA signs UN pledge making indoor air quality a human right
Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) signs Global Pledge for Healthy Indoor Air