NFPA highlights digitalisation of skilled trades

In September, the NFPA hosted a panel discussion exploring the role of digital tools in modernising the skilled trades industry.

The discussion was moderated by Katie Twist, NFPA Senior Marketing Manager, and featured panellists Kyle Spencer, Director of NFPA LiNK, Erik Hohengasser, Electrical Technical Lead, and Jonathan Hart, Fire Protection Technical Lead, sat down to discuss industry trends, challenges, and the technologies that are moving the needle for tradespeople in various lines of work.

The expert panellists communicated the critical need for tools like NFPA LiNK. Not only is it crucial for solving industry challenges like preserving generational knowledge, streamlining and simplifying communications, as well as spearheading collaboration, NFPA LiNK provides a competitive edge for organisations who are embracing digitalisation. Key focuses of the panel conversation included:

  • Traditional Industries Becoming Increasingly Tech-Savvy
    • COVID spurred further investments in software, data, and digital transformation to provide industries with new digital tools to combat challenges
  • How Young Professionals Entering the Industry Can Hit the Ground Running
    • NFPA LiNK includes NFPA DiRECT®, which provides a series of features to help users visually navigate real-life, on-the-job situations and educate themselves on the key code content they need to be aware of
  • Physical Code Books Alone Aren’t Going to Cut It Anymore
    • Organizations can greatly benefit from getting in on the new digital wave, the new features digital tools provide (ease of access, comments, note taking, bookmarking, etc.) have drastically improved the efficiency of the workplace

Visit NFPA’s LinkedIn page to watch the recording.

Exclusive: Realistic fire training with LION

Martin Joosen, Managing Director at LION (EMEA), talks the latest in digital training solutions that can save on cost whilst preserving efficacy

From digital propane to carbonaceous (class A) fire training solutions, the realism of real-life training is a constant factor in training program development. However, with the recent rise of gas prices in Europe and the rising interest in clean systems, new ways of training need to be developed. Down the line, the goal is to reduce resource expenses like gas usage and lower health and environmental risks during training exercises.

This new approach includes a long-term strategic vision and regular and adequate control over resources and their costs. Everyone considers these essential aspects when developing a training program or looking at healthy turnover for private fire training structures.

Training programs and courses are costly to create in time and resources, to put in place and to keep going regularly. Moreover, a vast audience must also be addressed, from firefighters and special intervention teams to security professionals, training schools and training companies. And even if you managed to get all the above together, the logistic and organisation necessary to get the expected return on investment on the training program is not always as high as we would like.

These days, the elaboration of fire and safety training is closer to a “magical” ground-breaking algorithm than the traditional “create and plan” processes we use. Power and fuel supply like electricity or gas are becoming a heavier part of the budget of training centres, public or private, if it has not already the most significant part.

The cost of fire training

A fire point consumes in 10 minutes up to 4.3 kg of propane gas and a rollover uses 1.5kg of propane gas each time it is turned on, therefore we can calculate that a minimum of 10 minutes of fire training using one gas simulator piles up to a gas usage of 5.8kg.

At the end of September 2022, the gas prices are around €1.65 per kg. Thus a 10-minute fire training using one gas simulator costs nowadays €9.57. To this extent, a training session of 12 people with minimal training set-up and only 1 simulator being used will have a price tag of €57.42.

On the other side, we also know that repetition creates “muscle memory,” which is key to a successful training outcome. You must train as often as possible and within a realistic environment, focused on realism, safe use, and cost-effectiveness. So how can you balance regular training and keeping your cost of operations under control?

Digital fire training equipment

Repetition is one of the most critical parts of good training. Digital training simulators are supplied with electricity, facilitating regular exercise without bearing unforeseen costs due to fluctuating gas pricing. Those training simulators also lower the exposure time of the trainees and instructors to dangerous situations or environments with digital systems.

Not all trainees are fire professionals with adequate protection (such as PPE, SCBA) that need to get used to intense flame and heat. Another great advantage is that the training can occur where the fire hazard is. For example, exercises can happen in the trainee’s building, site, or area. Think of the kitchen for a hospital where the most significant risk is. You can also train during summertime when water restrictions and high temperatures forbid you from using water, gas, or wood.

Realism is key

With the first generation of digital training equipment, it was not possible to train with a high level of realism. After implementing user feedback and advice, the new generation of digital products allows you to get familiar with all firefighting techniques; within all environments such as offices, real-life airplanes, and engine rooms.

You can use water or adapted laser-driven portable extinguishers and nozzles. You can also use your own equipment. No virtual reality or simulation, virtual prop that might make you seasick or nauseous, only actual and singular products. You can take the training to the next level, anywhere, anytime.

After several years on the market, digital fire training products are reaching a new level of realism. They can perfectly replicate the responding fire behaviour on used firefighting techniques in most well-known and standard fire classes. You can now add smoke and heating elements and enhance your training scenario and create a combined simulation with the right amount of cold smoke behaving like real smoke.

Give it shot

Do not let hesitations on realism or global instability around gas supply stop you from fire training – instead try digital fire training. Save on your operations recurring costs and keep on training. Take it to the next level. Add LION digital products to your traditional training equipment. At this point, this is one of the most promising answers to the growing concerns and questions surrounding gas prices, fire training, environmental impact, and natural evolution in this challenging world.

Exclusive: Why is fire safety training essential?

LION looks at the many reasons that fire and safety training should not be overlooked, set aside, or reduced to a minimum when planned and organised

We usually think of fire safety training as a meticulous and complicated process. Companies are looking at the impact it will have on their team member’s working day and its impact on their output on the day planned. It is believed that this can be a waste of time when trainees take it as a day or half a day off.

Fire safety officers and trainers can struggle and meet resistance when organising such training drills. They need to be mindful of not losing time trying to get the attention and focus of their audience, trying to get them from point A to B as fast as possible, wasting as little time as possible in a day that will already be too short to cover it all. Having the time necessary to set up a realistic scenario that everyone could encounter in their daily life is also a challenge.

But did you know that you have three minutes to get yourself to safety when a fire happens and, after that, the fire is already out of control? Or that most uncontrolled fires are caused by small objects such as cigarettes and candles? Or that Christmas time is one of the worst times for fires? Christmas lights, candles, and light decorations are hazardous. Fire safety is absolutely critical during the holidays. The bottom line is that a fire can happen anywhere and anytime. When not handled carefully, a fire outbreak can lead to loss of life and valuable assets.

We all know firefighters have one of the most challenging and risky jobs in the world; they risk their lives to save others. After reading all those facts, getting basic fire safety knowledge is the bare minimum we should expect from ourselves. Furthermore, the maximum number of deaths and injuries are often due to fire mishaps resulting from employees not knowing the appropriate fire safety and exit strategies to follow during a fire emergency.

To keep yourself and the people around you safe, you need to have the knowledge to prevent and fight the fire. Having fire safety training is an essential source of this knowledge. Fire safety training also helps you know how to use firefighting equipment such as smoke alarms or fire extinguishers to put out a fire.

Essential training

Fire safety training is crucial and should be provided to employees. It is one of the best investments that a company can make. Fire safety training in the office not only helps keep employees safe but also helps prevent fire disasters. Training like fire safety courses also give employees reassurance in identifying sources of fire within the office, as well as helping them to decide how to deal with fire situations.

The best way to prevent a fire in the workplace is by providing suitable training to all employees. Fire safety training sessions teach employees how to recognise fire hazards to feel safe working in a particular environment. Training should cover some critical points including such as that electrical wires should not be near a heat source or located under rugs and carpets; the emergency exits of the office buildings should not be blocked.

Fire safety risk assessment

A fire safety risk assessment comes under fire safety training that helps the employees recognise what areas of their office building or workplaces need improvement for fire prevention and safety. During the training exercise, they learn to assess their workplace fire safety risk based on certain aspects. This might be whether the office has planned emergency routes, emergency lighting, and sufficient exit. Also, for business that have employees with disabilities this should be taken into account when making any evacuation plans.

All businesses need to demonstrate to their employees the fire evacuation plan and double-check they know where the emergency exits are so that staff or workforce can safely evacuate the office premises in the event of a fire. A fire safety training program is beneficial for the employees to take proper action when detecting fire warning signs.

Training employees on how to use a portable fire extinguisher is essential. Staff should know where the fire safety alarms and all the emergency exits are located in the office building so they can activate them if necessary.

The skills obtained from this training are helpful for quick and efficient response when a fire outbreak. It can also help in removing fire hazards. A lack of proper fire safety training can make even the slightest incident much more devastating.

Training tips

Maintain fire-safe practices regularly. Perform a fire risk assessment and keep it up to date. These are the two most essential thing that everyone should know in addition to how to protect themself from fire and not intentionally causing fires unless in a controlled environment. Fire safety is a major topic that must not be neglected. Choosing the right fire safety training equipment partner is crucial.

At LION, we understand the influence of training and the consequences of lack of training. We are committed to properly preparing anyone who may have one day to prepare for the real thing. We realise that a reliable training partner should be able to propose the right training solution by removing potential risks without sacrificing the realism of the training simulation.

Since developing our first industrial-grade smoke generator, we have committed to utilising innovative technology and high-quality, durable construction in product design and implementation. This passion has led us to develop advanced fire safety and emergency training products.

LION Fire and Technical Training Products and Solutions simulate every fire or emergency response situation facet. The training products, units, structures, and props are constructed accurately to scale. They are built into objects and appliances that would be found in real life. LION focuses on creating the most realistic training scenarios possible, allowing trainees to experience the full impact of an emergency.

Escalating training

LION is more than just a “run-of-the-mill” training equipment manufacturer. We believe there are safer, more cost-effective methods to prepare employees to face dangerous situations. We are committed to helping global fire safety officers in teaching their colleagues fire safety in unique ways. We propose training as an escalating program that supports your team wherever they are on their training journey.

With our vast range of digital, live-fire products, your trainees can become proficient with the basics before building up to live-fire training. We will suggest the best proper hands[1]on training – that most aligns with your training objectives – to build the skills to move them further along this spectrum.

as an escalating program that supports your team wherever they are on their training journey. With our vast range of digital, live-fire products, your trainees can become proficient with the basics before building up to live-fire training. We will suggest the best proper hands[1]on training – that most aligns with your training objectives – to build the skills to move them further along this spectrum.

How does LION work?

We aim to learn from everyone and value curiosity and personal initiative to understand and exceed our customers’ needs. We use teamwork and feel responsible for doing whatever it takes to deliver solutions. Long-term partnerships based on trust, transparency, and collaboration are at the heart of LION’s success and values.

To make sure that we can propose the proper training solutions, we build our own fire and training experience to be able to walk in our customers’ shoes. The unique portfolio we sell pushes us constantly to care that every emergency responder and firefighter that uses our training equipment get the experience they need to be safe and successful on every call.

We are ready for the next generation’s training!

This article was originally published in the October edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

NFCC launches Supervisory Leadership Development Programme

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has launched the Supervisory Leadership Development Programme (SLDP) with 20 free licences available for UK fire and rescue services.  

Developed by members of the Supervisory Leadership Development project, in collaboration with CMI (Chartered Management Institute) and led by Project Executive Chris Blacksell, SLDP is a standardised first-line leadership development programme for fire and rescue services.  

The SLDP is aligned to the NFCC Leadership Framework, the NFCC Core Learning Pathway, and the Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard – Team Leader or Supervisor.  

The programme aims to develop people-focused leaders, who are empowering, collaborative and inclusive in their approach, and is designed for every new, existing, and aspiring supervisory leader across all areas of the UK fire and rescue service, regardless of role, contract type, or location.  

As part of a two-year contract with CMI, NFCC is able to offer 20 free licenses per service, per year.  

SLDP is a self-directed development programme, accessed through an online portal (NFCC ManagementDirect), and provides 24/7 access to: NFCC Leadership Framework self-assessment, Supervisory Leadership Development Programme, aligned to the NFCC Leadership Framework and NFCC Resource Library, containing over 24,000 high-quality learning materials. 

Chris Blacksell, Project Executive and CFO of Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, said: “It has been a pleasure to lead the Supervisory Leadership Development Programme to fruition, and I’d like to thank all those who have helped to develop this important product. It truly has been built by fire sector specialists, for the fire sector.  

“The Project Board view first-line leadership as a critical point in an individual’s career where they begin to develop their leadership styles. This programme sets a strong foundation to foster positive behaviours that will remain throughout the leadership pipeline.  

“Inclusive in its approach, this programme is designed for existing, new, and aspiring supervisory leaders, regardless of role or contract type, and I’m proud of what we’ve collectively managed to achieve.” 

Mark Hardingham, Chair of the NFCC shared his thoughts about the launch: “We know that Leadership is a continual area of focus for fire and rescue services. Leadership programmes enable all colleagues to reach their full leadership potential and provide for excellent fire and rescue services for the public.  

“The Supervisory Leadership Development Programme is one initiative from the NFCC’s Leadership Programme which helps to address these recommendations by unlocking and nurturing talent across all FRS staff.  

“Together with other workstreams being delivered by the Leadership Programme, such as the Core Code of Ethics, the Coaching and Mentoring Portal, the Talent Management Toolkit and Direct Entry Scheme, we have a strong offering for UK fire and rescue services to support them in identifying and developing excellent future leaders.” 

Recruits graduate from Accra Fire Academy and Training School

The latest round of recruits have graduated from the Fire Academy and Training School in Accra, Ghana, after six weeks of intensive training on firefighting.

The 525 recruits, comprised 278 males and 247 females, who went through the various stages of the process, including the pre-recruitment medical examination and the selection processes.

Candidates were exposed to the rudiments of firefighting required to manage and prevent undesired fires, and were provided with the required firefighting knowledge and skills through a hands-on approach to develop their operational competence.

The training was designed to strengthen their physical fitness and mental alertness through daily physical training and foot drills. The reviewing officer for the passing out ceremony was the Minister for the Interior, Ambrose Dery.

The Overall Best Recruit was awarded to Fafali Anang who also won the Best in Academics.

Emmanuel Logah won the Best in Foot Drills, while Mawuse Jemima Daliesor won the Commandant Award.

Mr Dery commended the recruits for their discipline and comportment during the period of training. He said: “Remember to carry your profession with pride, and represent the service and by extension Ghana as a true firefighter, ready to save your country from life-threatening situations whenever you are called to duty.”

The minister also commended the efforts of the leadership of the service for the innovative methods of educating the public on the dangers of fire.

Fire Protection Research Foundation to host Fire and Life Safety webinar series

The Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF), the research affiliate of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), has announced a free ‘Fire Protection Research Foundation 40th Anniversary Webinar Series’ in support of its four decades of facilitating research in support of the fire and life safety community.

The two-day series will be held August 24 – 25, 2022. The webinar will focus on current Foundation research priorities and other topics related to fire and life safety. 

The first day will see webinars on reducing residential fire losses, strategies or community resilience and data collection and data analytics to inform policy. The second day will cover hazards of new materials and systems, increasing effectiveness and reliability of safety systems and firefighting and safety effectiveness.

The full agenda can be downloaded here and registration for the free to attend event can be accessed here.

Since 1982, the Fire Protection Research Foundation has collaborated with organizations around the world to investigate emerging fire, electrical, and related safety hazards, and solutions.

Its work includes aiding in the development of major domestic and international research programs that address an ever-changing world and the increasing challenges to fire safety in the built environment; industry challenges such as data collection and data analytics to inform policy, hazards of new materials and systems, strategies for community resilience, firefighter safety, and more.

Chubb launches accelerated development programme for Fire and Security industry

Chubb, a UK provider of fire-safety and security solutions, has launched an accelerated development programme designed to attract and train new industry-entrants in partnership with Zitko Talent, a recruitment agency for the Fire and Security industry.

The accelerated development programme will last approximately 18 weeks, starting with alternating blocks of technical training, field experience and manufacturer-led certified product training. Trainees will finish the programe as certified Fire and Security engineers, equipped with the knowledge required to work within Chubb’s installation and maintenance teams.  

The programme will leverages Zitko’s expertise to attract and select candidates. As part of the process, specialist psychometric testing is to identify outstanding technical and learning potential. Chubb will then select and employ trainees from the pool, with manufacturers and educators contributing around 18-weeks of technical education and certified product training; all tailored to Chubb’s needs. 

The Zitko Talent team administers the entire programme on behalf of Chubb, while supporting/mentoring trainees. 

Andrew Collinson, Operations Director for Electronic Security, Chubb UK, said: “We have developed our own entry level engineers in-house before and some of our most successful people began with us this way. 

The accelerated development programme takes this to the next level. I believe it will be a significant source of talent; giving us people who will progress with us long-term. The programme’s been designed as a gateway for those who may or may not have previous engineering experience. 

The key requirements are ‘aptitude and attitude’; qualities which recruitment partner Zitko Talent will assess with their proven selection process.  By focusing on these qualities, Chubb aims to unearth hidden talent, especially among groups who are traditionally underrepresented in the industry”. 

Zitko Group’s Managing Director, George Zitko, commented: “Chubb has an apprentice scheme already, but they’ve recognised the value of the Talent approach. That is, developing people with transferable skills and giving them a pathway into the industry”. 

NFPA launches course to educate on water-based fire suppression systems

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced the launch of a new Certified Water-Based Systems Professional (CWBSP) Learning Path to help fire safety professionals prepare for an advanced certification exam in the design and review of safe and effective water-based fire suppression systems.

The CWBSP Learning Path will give eligible certification candidates the opportunity to increase their proficiency as a water-based systems designer and prepare for the Certified Water-Based Systems Professional (CWBSP) exam, available to take online or at hundreds of in-person testing sites worldwide.

To earn the certification candidates must have a minimum of five years of relevant work experience and obtain an attestation from a supervisor or employer.

Students who participate in the CWBSP Online Learning Path can review the layout and design requirements for fire suppression systems, including sprinkler, standpipe, and underground systems.

They will also be able to examine design considerations for fire pumps, water tanks, and hangers. Interactive exercises, real-life scenarios, and short videos will give students the opportunity to reinforce what they have learned.

The CWBSP Learning Path includes a practice test component and a final Capstone activity so students can assess their progress before taking the exam.

All participants of the CWBSP Learning Path will receive one year of access to exclusive online content and lessons developed by NFPA experts who have an intimate understanding of codes and standards and how they work together to support professional credentialing.

Dan Pickel, NFPA director of certification and accreditation, commented: “The NFPA Certified Water-Based Systems Professional credential was created in 2018 after discussions with leaders in the field of water-based systems design who indicated a strong desire for a credential that will assess and verify the knowledge and expertise necessary to be a water-based systems designer.

“The CWBSP was then developed in consultation with professionals from a wide variety of specialties, which helped us to create effective content and context for this new certification offering that can help professionals meet and exceed their career goals and give employers a benchmark to hire the most qualified candidates.”

FireQual appoints Steve Skarratt as its new Qualifications Manager

FireQual has announced its latest appointment to the Senior Management Team: Steve Skarratt, in their new position as Qualifications Manager, joins the organisation from his former role as Head of Prevention and Protection Training at The Fire Service College.

Throughout his career, Skarratt has been heavily involved in training and development including acting as Interim Head of Learning and Development at the College, and prior to that, Curriculum and Qualifications Manager at the Fire Protection Association.

The addition of Skarratt will aid in accelerating FireQual’s plans to add to its existing suite of available qualifications and will continue the developments made since its establishment in September 2020.

Nic Preston, Director of Qualifications, said: “We are thrilled to add Steve to the FireQual team. His tenured career up to this point will be invaluable in helping drive forward both FireQual and the future of fire and life safety qualifications.”

“It is essential that where possible the industry has robust yet accessible qualifications available for areas which do not have a current provision, or where new working practices require new forward-thinking qualifications to meet industry needs. The addition of Steve and his experience, especially pertaining to training and development, further strengthens the support FireQual can provide to the fire and wider life safety sector.”

Steve Skarratt commented: “I am excited to join FireQual at this very interesting stage of its growth. I trust my experience within the fire industry will benefit the organisation in helping to develop qualifications that will maintain and raise practitioner skills in what is an important time for the fire protection industry. I am looking forward to the challenges and opportunities this will present.”

Online courses to reduce wildfire risk to property launched by NFPA

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is helping serve the need for information and knowledge toward wildfire safety with the launch of two new online learning courses thanks to a Fire Prevention and Safety Grant from FEMA.

Developed with the help of wildfire safety experts and based on the latest structure ignition research, the new courses are hoped to reach millions of Americans living and working in areas prone to wildfire, motivating them to take action to help reduce structure loss and community devastation.

The new courses supplement NFPA’s wildfire safety programs, including the national Firewise USA Recognition Program, and support the tenets of its Outthink Wildfire policy initiative by dramatically increasing public access to wildfire risk reduction education.

“There are nearly 45 million American homes at high risk to damage from wildfire, and many people in these areas have no easy access to risk reduction training or education,” said NFPA Wildfire Division Director Michele Steinberg.

“Digital delivery can reach millions directly, helping expand their knowledge of wildfire causes and disaster prevention strategies. Most importantly, the trainings engage people in safety actions long before a fire starts, spurring much needed risk-reduction measures at the property and neighborhood levels.”

Reducing Wildfire Risk to Property: Protecting Your Home or Business

This course is designed to educate homeowners, business owners, and property managers on the key factors that determine risk to property from wildfire, steps they can take to protect their homes and businesses, and tips on how to share the information with other community members. An Individual Property Protection Plan is built into the course, which offers tailored, practical steps to help prevent the destruction of property.

The course also comes with a mobile app, the “NFPA Wildfire Risk Simulator” that includes an interactive 3D and augmented reality (AR) tool illustrating wildfire risk to structures. Users can select the environment, type of structure, and other details that most closely match their own scenario. As the simulated wildfire approaches, users will see the variables that help contribute to the destruction of their virtual home or building. Based on this learning, users can then adjust those variables for a more successful outcome.

Reducing Wildfire Risk to Property: Professional Online Training

This course is designed for wildfire mitigation professionals who want to increase their knowledge and confidence in evaluating wildfire risk in their communities and effectively communicating with property owners and community leaders.

The two-hour self-guided online training includes dynamic videos, animations, and graphics that illustrate key concepts of wildfire spread, structure ignition, and risk reduction. Interactive exercises help users practice how to communicate risk and mitigation options to home and business owners and guide them to take effective steps to protect their property.

This course provides continuing education units that can support job requirements as well as the maintenance of the NFPA Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist (CWMS) credential.

To learn more about reducing wildfire risk to property and to register for these free courses, visit nfpa.org/wildfirepreparedness.