Crowcon Detection Instruments Ltd. FIRE DETECTORS

During these challenging times, it is more important than ever to protect the supply chain of food, including supermarkets and convenience stores in cities around the world. On average 3,740 fires occur in food and groceries stores in the US annually, including supermarkets and convenience stores, according to a report published by the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association). Structure fires in mercantile properties were responsible for the loss of 12 lives and more than $600 million indirect property damages, and this doesn’t account for the cost of business interruption and the effect on the reputation of the store. Many stores haven’t been able to recover after a fire. The report estimates that a single fire may cost $46,000 on average, which in hindsight is considerably higher than investing in a fire detection system. The most common causes of fire in supermarkets It’s important to look at the data from two different perspectives. The first is the number of fires by cause, and the other is to quantify the property loss by cause. The report estimates that a single fire may cost $46,000 on average Fires caused by cooking equipment , including stores with kitchens and warming and portable equipment, account for 21% of incidences, but only for just 7% of total property damage and four civilian deaths (firefighter and first responder deaths are registered on a different report). On the other hand, electrical distribution and lighting equipment malfunctions and defective wiring account for 15% of the total of fires in a given year, but caused $165 million in property loss, or 27% of the total recorded on the report. It is also important to mention that intentional fires are the third cause reported, accounting for 11% of the total fire incidences and 20% of the property loss highlighted in the report. Occupation, materials and risks The kind of store poses a significant variety of risks associated to the type of occupation, the number of occupants and the materials stored and available in the shopping areas. It’s possible to find combustible materials of diverse nature and propagation speed. Cardboard and paper wrapping can be found in all store areas, including book and magazine stands. Cleaning products, oils and fatty products might have a high propagation speed. All of this, surrounded by different kind of plastics, immensely increase the level of risk. Overall, combustible liquids caused 41% of the civilian deaths recorded during the report In my firefighting years I’ve responded to several fires in food supermarkets and distribution centers, and saw tuna cans (canned with oil) exploding and spreading flames to the surrounding areas. Regarding occupation, it is known that supermarkets and groceries stores are places with high levels of occupation, especially during working hours. But one interesting fact that the report found is that fires occurring between 9pm and 5am can cause, on average, $73,800 in property damage. The NFPA estimates that 21% of human life losses happened between 12am and 3am. This highlights the importance of installing and maintaining an automatic fire detection system. Installing fire detection And Protecting Your Store With the variety of materials and the risk level that can be found in this kind of environment, it’s necessary to take a holistic approach. Fire protection should be designed while considering several angles, from passive protection in all interior and exterior structures and cladding to active protection with sprinkler and clean agent systems, proper ventilation and smoke control and automatic fire detection and evacuation systems. On average 3,740 fires occur in food and groceries stores in the US annually Several detection technologies need to work in parallel, depending on the type of products stored, the environment and the expected level of occupation on the protected area. Store height and ventilation need to be taken into consideration and also the kind of lighting in some cases. Depending on the ceiling height, the shopping floor could be protected with beam smoke detectors. If the ceiling is below six meters, or the store shelves obstruct the beam, it’s possible to use spot type smoke detectors. The same approach can be taken for warehousing and storage areas, but here I would recommend multi-criteria detectors, with heat and smoke detection combined. localized protection As I’ve mentioned before, cooking areas have an increased level of risk, which calls for localized protection. Here, I would recommend multi-criteria (smoke/heat) detectors for areas where food is heated and served, and smoke/heat/Carbon monoxide detectors on cooking areas to avoid nuisance alarms caused by cooking smoke and steam. It’s important to mention that until this year it was possible to install heat detection in cooking areas, but the UL 268 7th edition that comes into effect in 2021 will require cooking areas to be protected with smoke detection, and smoke detectors have to be able to reject nuisance alarms caused by cooking smoke and steam. Smaller supermarkets and convenience stores usually have vertical freezers or horizontal open freezers. Here, electrical and mechanical failures can ignite fires, which is why it is important to protect the rear side of the freezers. I would recommend point-type smoke detectors, as photoelectric smoke detectors tend to perform better on smoldering fires. The report mentions that air conditioning equipment and electrical equipment can be sources of ignition as well. To protect A/C rooms and electrical rooms I would recommend combined smoke/heat detectors, or maybe even smoke/heat/CO to assure better detection and avoid unwanted alarms in these business critical areas. There is a type of photoelectric smoke detector that uses two different LED sources inside the smoke chamber. This technology, called Dual-Ray, allows the smoke detector to identify the particles inside the chamber by size. The detector knows if it is sensing dust or steam, and can even differentiate between cooking or cigarette smoke from actual smoke from a smoldering fire. Bosch Building Technologies first introduced dual Ray technology in 2015. protecting the food supply chain During these challenging times, it’s more important than ever to protect the food supply chain and avoid the social and economic impact of fires in food stores, especially in impoverished areas. Supermarkets and convenience stores present a variety of challenges regarding fire protection, which calls for a holistic approach where passive and active protection are equally important. To achieve this target, one key element is automatic fire detection. Smoke and heat sensing technologies must be combined, and one size-fits-all approach is not enough. Detection and effective evacuation are critical to protect lives and minimize property loss.

With many businesses and facilities re-opening sites following the Coronavirus lockdown, fire safety may not seem high on the list to other worries and responsibilities. But here, Mandy Bowden, Fire Business Development Manager at Comelit Group UK, led by fire industry bodies, demonstrates why it must be a priority, ensuring installation of systems is guided by best practice in accordance with the development, and fire safety measures are maintained and regularly tested to ensure compliance. Fire safety is too often neglected. And in the midst of returning to work and implementing necessary fever screening solutions and social distancing policies, it may even fall further down the necessary requirements, for businesses who are naturally eager to open and ‘get going.’ Providing Fire Safety But the Government and leading authoritative fire industry bodies have made it absolutely clear that, “Coronavirus is not an excuse for disregarding your responsibilities and businesses must ensure that they have an adequate amount of competent people to help in the implementation of both preventative and protective fire safety measures.” Above all else, fire detection is there to save lives; but the way in which systems are presented, will depend on their surroundings. For many facilities it involves more than the best choice of products and services. It also requires compliance to standards, currently changing in light of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, and a need to consider the environment that it serves to keep safe. fire detection technology It is crucial that buildings are fitted with the highest quality life safety systems to ensure ultra-reliable protection Style of a fire detection system would be considered a priority for a hospitality environment, including hotel and restaurant facilities, to blend with the aesthetics and not impact on the ambience created. In any leisure facilities such as a Gym, it is essential fire detection measures and systems are in place that will provide customers, employees and the premises itself, with sufficient prevention against fire at all times. To keep up with demand, a system needs to be simple to install and operational as quickly as possible for the benefit of members and staff. However, a manufacturing vicinity will require latest fire detection technology to ensure the safety of its building, its specialist products and all personnel who operate on site. Similarly, an art studio is a specialist consideration when it comes to fire safety, especially with the use of different materials and substances in every day works by the artists on site.  ensure ultra-Reliable protection Both temporary and permanent healthcare facilities in this period have undoubtedly been key to fighting the Coronavirus pandemic, and experienced an expediential increased demand for patient care. With more people to treat and protect, those working or residing within these spaces have to be considered at greater risk in the event of a fire emergency. It is crucial that these buildings have been and continue to be fitted with the highest quality life safety systems to ensure ultra-reliable protection. And the same is true for care homes, a vulnerable group in the fight against coronavirus. They require critical and reliable, functioning fire detection equipment that presents high performance protection, avoiding false alarms to prevent moving elderly residents unnecessarily. In each of these scenarios, the need to act quickly is paramount.  Fire Detection Operations Fire safety must be kept a priority to ensure a return to work can occur seamlessly and successfully In healthcare, immediacy is a common theme through the industry, be it providing treatment or responding to a patient’s symptoms. This is no different in fire safety, with detection systems requiring an ease of use, by anyone operating on site. In businesses returning to work ‘post-lockdown’ the appointed Fire Marshalls and responsible persons may not be the ones returning to office locations, so others need to be trained with simple to operate solutions. In summary, fire safety must be kept a priority, arguably now more than ever to ensure a return to work can occur seamlessly and successfully, and with an obligation of care to workers coming back to operating establishments. By understanding these environments and choosing systems accordingly, duty holders can ensure they reduce risks across their premises and maintain a safe ‘new normal’. multi-Sensor detectors Comelit presents its third-party accredited family of ATENA and ERACLE fire detection and fire alarm systems, which offers a diverse portfolio of intelligent, addressable products that are feature-rich, easy to install, simple to operate and offer incomparable reliability. Tested to rigorous standards, the range encompasses smoke, heat and multi-sensor detectors as well as IP rated devices including sounders and callpoints, alongside accessories to complete installations. To support the installer, we have product specific basic and advanced commissioning training courses, together with a full suite of calculation tools for our ATENA addressable systems for both loop loading and battery standby calculations, helping to identify possible issues prior to installation. Comelit is a proud member of the Fire Industry Association (FIA) that insists on third-party certification; as a clear sign of a company’s quality. All demonstrating that we want to work in partnership with our customers to ensure manufacture, design and install of stylish (often bespoke) fire detection systems are a smooth operation for the benefit and peace of mind of businesses and facilities across the UK. All signs that we want to work in partnership with our customers to ensure manufacture, design and install of stylish (often bespoke) fire detection systems are a smooth operation for the benefit and peace of mind of businesses and facilities across the UK.

2020 introduced a variety of unique challenges for many industries around the world. Not surprisingly, the fire detection industry was not immune to all of those challenges. However, as much of the global community defined our manufacturing and installing peers as “essential” or “critical” it required us, as an industry, to adapt so we could continue to service our customers with our products and services. Many regions around the world are experiencing significant demand for temporary detection systems. This demand is almost universally driven by an increase in education, awareness, and enforcement. While this is a global shift, our company has experienced a large demand in our own backyard. Within the United States, this is being driven by the adoption and enforcement of NFPA 241. NFPA is the Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations. NFPA 241 has been a “concept” since 1930 and the official text was finally adopted by the NFPA in 1933. As with all standards, it has progressed over the years to accommodate changes in technology as well as safety awareness. Fire safety awareness While general safety awareness on construction sites has always been consistently high, fire safety awareness has significantly increased within the last 5 years. Nuisance alarms negatively consume first responder bandwidth Typically, new, or increased regulation within our industry occurs after a single devastating event or several significant events. In this particular case, it was a combination of both. On a national level, fires on construction sites were reaching dangerous and unacceptable levels and becoming so widespread that enforcement of this standard became a priority in several states. Need for accurate and timely fire detection According to a report released by Richard Campbell of the NFPA in February of 2020 titled Fire In Structures under Construction or Renovation, “the estimated number of fires in structures under construction has increased since 2014 after declining between 2008 and 2010” further creating awareness. For the last few years, the focus of many local AHJ’s (authority having jurisdiction) was on new and active worksites or renovation projects. With the changes imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic today, many non-essential industries have either shut down or had their operations significantly reduced. This means the need for a functioning detection system is more critical now than ever as many facilities remain idle or continue to operate with reduced personnel. Detecting fires quickly and accurately gives our first responders the best chance of saving a person or facility. Conversely, having any “detection system” is often not good enough. Nuisance alarms negatively consume first responder bandwidth, possibly removing an engine or fire company from a genuine event. Temporary fire detection In an article by The Boston Globe, Easthampton Fire Chief David Mottor, president of the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts said “Ninety percent of these buildings go up every day and nothing happens. It’s during construction before the sprinkler system is activated when they are most dangerous.” Globally, we have seen four approaches to temporary detection for both construction and renovation sites. We will quickly discuss the advantages and disadvantages below: Using 24/7 fire watch Utilizing local first responders or other authorized/trained personnel to offer 24/7 fire watch requires a person or team of people to be onsite 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to be physically looking for fires. Advantage: Someone is always on site, actively viewing and patrolling the facility. Disadvantage: Maintaining a 24/7 fire watch can be expensive, further the person or team can only see/find fires in proximity to them as they continue to move about a facility. Using digital linear heat detection Digital linear heat detection is a fixed temperature detector that is constructed using a twisted pair of metal conductors that are separated by a heat sensitive polymer. When the ambient temperature meets or exceeds the detector’s fixed temperature the polymers melt, and the detector shorts out resulting in an alarm. Advantages: Detector can be easily installed at a new construction site or a facility being renovated. The technology is a low profile, non-intrusive and cost-effective form of detection. This automatic initiating device is immune to environmental conditions. Protectowire FireSystems offers Confirmed Temperature Initiation technology (mechanical damage does not cause a false alarm). Disadvantages: Detector can be mechanically damaged during normal worksite operation. If you are unsure, be sure to check with the local AHJ or call your insurance provider Using wireless spot detectors There are a few companies on the market that offer wireless spot detectors that can be networked together. Advantage: Typically, this technology uses a mesh network of detectors. The detectors and their bases are battery operated and can be moved or placed per worksite requirements. Disadvantage: This technology can be expensive. Physical barriers on the construction site may hinder mesh network operation requiring the purchase of additional wireless units. Many wireless technology providers focus on smoke detection. Smoke detectors are often not ideal for the harsh environments associated with construction (dust, temperature changes, etc.). Using a hybrid approach This involves using wireless nodes to supervise linear heat detection. Most manufacturers of the wireless systems offer a wireless node that can accept a third-party initiating device. Advantage: Wireless nodes can be placed anywhere, and linear heat detection technology can withstand the harsh construction environment. Disadvantage: Wireless node battery life can be reduced when using a third-party device. Less cost-effective approach. Solution for Facilities While each of the approaches listed above has its own advantages and disadvantages, you must always consider what is best for your facility. If you are unsure, be sure to check with the local AHJ or call your insurance provider. Established in 1938, Protectowire FireSystems is the global manufacturer of Linear Heat Detection Systems. The Company has been manufacturing in the United States for the past 80 years and counting. Protectowire is dedicated to delivering products designed, engineered, manufactured, and tested with a high degree of performance, reliability, and quality. As one of the manufacturers in the fire protection industry, Protectowire has the experience and knowledge needed to meet the ever-increasing detection challenges of the special hazard and commercial industries.

To support the oil and gas industry in the Middle East, Crowcon has developed a high-temperature hydrogen sulphide (H2S) sensor to work alongside its XgardIQ fixed point detector and transmitter. Ala Ayoub, Regional General Manager at Crowcon, explains, “The Middle East oil and gas industry contends with high levels of H2S in their gas production operation. More recently, oil production is experiencing increased risks from H2S gas, as they extract more, heavier oils. Employees working in these extreme conditions need reliable, effective equipment to help minimise risk.” Crowcon's sensor is capable of operating at 70°C, improving on electrochemical technology to produce a sensor to retain moisture levels Detection of H2S and protection of workers is a high-profile safety issue at well heads, and further down the pipeline (unless the gas or oil has been ‘sweetened’). Hydrogen sulphide is a highly toxic gas which is lethal at 1,000 parts per million (or 0.1%). Traditional H2S sensors do not survive well in the hot, dry environments, increasing the risk of an accident. Capable of operating at 70°C Crowcon has developed a sensor capable of operating at 70°C, improving on electrochemical technology to produce a sensor to retain moisture levels, so preventing evaporation of the electrolyte, even in the harsh Middle Eastern climate. Crowcon's new HT H2S sensor works with the XgardIQ. The optional remote sensor housing means the sensor can be installed for optimal leak detection, while the transmitter's display screen and push-button controls are located for easy and safe to access, up to 15m away. Reducing maintenance downtime Crowcon will be presenting its new H2S sensor and its other gas detection solutions at ADIPEC 2018 in Abu Dhabi The technology reduces expensive maintenance downtime. A combination of high-temperatures and low humidity can cause the electrolyte to dry out in the traditional sensor design, impairing performance so they must to be frequently replaced. This incurs excessive costs in replacement sensors and in the time and manpower. The new sensor avoids this occurrence. Crowcon will be presenting its new H2S sensor and its other gas detection solutions at ADIPEC 2018 in Abu Dhabi from 12th to 15th November. Crowcon will be on stand 8437 in the UK Pavilion. Conclusion: Crowcon provides a reliable H2S gas detection solution for operating temperatures up to 70°C. The sensors can help reduce valuable downtime as part of the XgardIQ fixed point detector and transmitter solution. This technology will appeal to health and safety professionals, instrumentation managers, engineers and support facilities managers operating within the oil and gas and petro-chemical industries.

Crowcon’s F-Gas detector provides an effective gas leak detection package Fluorinated (Freon) gases, which include hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), hydro-chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), are a family of man-made chemicals containing fluorine. These ’F-gases’ are extremely powerful greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming – most are between 1,000 and 20,000 times more powerful than CO2 in terms of their impact on the atmosphere.   Not only are F-gases harmful to the environment, they are also extremely toxic and represent a significant health risk if inhaled. SF6 also poses an asphyxiation risk as, once inhaled, it may be too heavy to expel from the lungs.   In EU, the use and emission of F-gases comes under Regulation 842/2006, which mandates leakage control and regular checks. Leakage checks must be carried out by certified personnel for all plant with equipment containing 3kg or more of F-gases. Frequency of leak checks depends on the amount of refrigerant charged. In addition, detailed records must be kept in a log book – failure to comply may lead to severe penalties.   Common uses of F-gases include: Refrigeration and air conditioning systems Heat pumps Aerosols Fire-fighting equipment High voltage, gas-insulated switchgear   There are also many industrial applications including magnesium smelting, electronics manufacture and insulating foam manufacture.   Effective monitoring and detection of these gases is essential. Crowcon’s F-Gas infrared detector is a fixed-point detector specially calibrated to detect a wide range of F-gases. Rugged and easy to install, it can be connected to any control system which accepts analogue signals. Together with Crowcon’s Gasmaster control panel and Xgard toxic gas detector, the F-Gas detector provides an effective gas leak detection package.   In addition to protecting personnel from toxic gas risks, installing the F-Gas detector also offers the following benefits: Provides an early warning that the gas is leaking and thus maintains system efficiency and reduces potentially huge gas replacement costs Enables the supplier and user to comply with the mandatory F-gas regulations Helps to reduce the risk of leakage of powerful greenhouse gases into the environment  The detector operates from 24Vdc nominally and provides a 4-20mA signal (the output can also be set to 0-20mA, 0-2V, 0-5V or 0-10Vdc). It is compatible with most control systems or 4-20mA type controller. Housed in a rugged IP54 enclosure, the detector is suitable for use in non-hazardous areas such as plant rooms or switchgear rooms. With no moving parts, very little maintenance is required – just a bi-annual gas check (with re-calibration if necessary).   Special features of the F-Gas detector include: Superior IR sensor technology: provides fast, stable and dependable performance with low maintenance and long life. Unlike semi-conductor type sensors, the F-gas detector is not affected by other types of gas or changes in temperature or humidity LED indicators: tri-coloured LEDs indicate the operating status of the detector and, in combination with the function keys, facilitate simple adjustments such as zero and calibration Choice of signals: the analogue output signal can be set as 4-20mA, 0-20mA, 0-2V, 0-5V or 0-10Vdc for compatibility with virtually any control system IP54 rated enclosure: provides good protection from dust and water ingress in indoor environments

Warren Rees joins Apollo Fire Detectors as MD for Europe, the EMEA and Neil Taylor joins as Sales Director EMEA Apollo Fire Detectors Ltd has made two new appointments to its EMEA Board of Directors, demonstrating the company’s commitment to further growth in the region. Warren Rees joins Apollo Fire Detectors Ltd as Managing Director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Neil Taylor joins as Sales Director EMEA. In his role, Warren will be responsible for optimising the performance of Apollo EMEA and maximising growth opportunities in the region. Reporting into Danny Burns, Divisional Managing Director, Warren will head up Apollo’s team of EMEA Directors. As Managing Director EMEA, he will also sit on Apollo’s global board, helping to shape the company’s expansion plans at a global level. With more than 20 years’ experience in the fire industry in senior management roles, Warren is well-placed to secure a strong presence and increase profitability for Apollo across the whole of the EMEA region, with particular emphasis on the key growth areas of France and Germany. Prior to joining Apollo Fire Detectors, Warren joined its parent company, Halma, in 2003 as Managing Director of Fire Fighting Enterprises (FFE). After four years, he moved to another company in the group, Crowcon, as Managing Director, remaining in this role for five years until joining Apollo. Previously, Warren held senior operations roles with two global technology companies: Smiths Group in aviation and automotive and then at Thorn plc in radiation protection and consumer products. He first entered the fire industry in the 1990s as UK MD of Cerberus. As Sales Director, Neil Taylor will play a key role in implementing Warren’s vision for Apollo in the EMEA region.Managing the company’s UK and international sales teams and customer care division, Neil will lead the future sales growth in the UK and expand the international side of the business, building on the progress already achieved. Neil brings with him considerable sales and commercial experience gained at United Technologies, where he progressed to the role of VP for EMEA of Carrier Transicold, growing the transport refrigeration business from a £300 million to a £500 million company and selling into 62 countries across the EMEA. Neil then moved to Chubb Fire and Security Ltd as Commercial Director, where he achieved an excellent track record in international sales growththroughstrategic planning of routes to market. Warren, commenting on his and Neil’s recent appointments, says: “My career to date has given me insight into fire detection systems, putting me in a strong position to understand the issues and challenges that our customers face. With Neil’s commercial acumen and in-depth knowledge of the EMEA market, we are in an even stronger position to ensure that Apollo maximises the growth opportunities in this region and remains at the forefront of the latest technology developments as they emerge.” Apollo Fire Detectors Ltd has made two new appointments to its EMEA Board of Directors, demonstrating the company’s commitment to further growth in the region. Warren Rees joins Apollo Fire Detectors Ltd as Managing Director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Neil Taylor joins as Sales Director EMEA. In his role, Warren will be responsible for optimising the performance of Apollo EMEA and maximising growth opportunities in the region. Reporting into Danny Burns, Divisional Managing Director, Warren will head up Apollo’s team of EMEA Directors. As Managing Director EMEA, he will also sit on Apollo’s global board, helping to shape the company’s expansion plans at a global level. With more than 20 years’ experience in the fire industry in senior management roles, Warren is well-placed to secure a strong presence and increase profitability for Apollo across the whole of the EMEA region, with particular emphasis on the key growth areas of France and Germany. Prior to joining Apollo Fire Detectors, Warren joined its parent company, Halma, in 2003 as Managing Director of Fire Fighting Enterprises (FFE). After four years, he moved to another company in the group, Crowcon, as Managing Director, remaining in this role for five years until joining Apollo. Previously, Warren held senior operations roles with two global technology companies: Smiths Group in aviation and automotive and then at Thorn plc in radiation protection and consumer products. He first entered the fire industry in the 1990s as UK MD of Cerberus. As Sales Director, Neil Taylor will play a key role in implementing Warren’s vision for Apollo in the EMEA region. Managing the company’s UK and international sales teams and customer care division, Neil will lead the future sales growth in the UK and expand the international side of the business, building on the progress already achieved. Neil brings with him considerable sales and commercial experience gained at United Technologies, where he progressed to the role of VP for EMEA of Carrier Transicold, growing the transport refrigeration business from a £300 million to a £500 million company and selling into 62 countries across the EMEA. Neil then moved to Chubb Fire and Security Ltd as Commercial Director, where he achieved an excellent track record in international sales growth through strategic planning of routes to market. Warren, commenting on his and Neil’s recent appointments, says: “My career to date has given me insight into fire detection systems, putting me in a strong position to understand the issues and challenges that our customers face. With Neil’s commercial acumen and in-depth knowledge of the EMEA market, we are in an even stronger position to ensure that Apollo maximises the growth opportunities in this region and remains at the forefront of the latest technology developments as they emerge.”