3M Scotchlite FIREFIGHTER UNIFORM ACCESSORIES

The original fire suppression agent has always been, of course, water. In the age of sail, it was ideal. Not so with the advent of the combustion engine, however. When applied to burning petroleum, the fire spreads. It also simply destroys electronics. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and Halon derivatives were the first widely used commercial fire suppression solutions, gaining popularity in the 1950s and '60s. Unlike water, they were highly effective, electrically non-conductive and didn't leave any residue. As compressed gases, storage wasn't a major issue. Unfortunately, Halon was found to be a high ozone depleting chemical; as a result, production was banned in 1990. Evolution Of Fire Suppression Systems Ideal for marine applications, HFC227 is fast, effective and clean With the sunsetting of Halon and the search for alternatives, CO2 gained prominence. However, it has three significant drawbacks: it's a greenhouse gas, requires a large number of cylinders and is potentially fatal if breathed at design concentrations. In the 1990s, HFCs rose to dominance as a fire suppression solution. Ideal for marine applications, HFC227 is fast, effective and clean. Like Halon and CO2, however, it's a greenhouse gas and contributes to global warming. Discharging an average-sized cylinder of HFC227 has the same CO2 equivalent as driving a car 268,760 kilometers. This is why it is being eliminated as part of a phased-down mandate from the EU, and restricted or taxed by various countries such as Australia and Norway. It is expected that similar legislation will begin to affect Canada and US-flagged vessels. Environmental Profile Of HFCs In 2002, 3M introduced Novec™ 1230 Fire Protection Fluid. It offers a number of important advantages over other clean agents in marine fire suppression applications. It has low acute toxicity and high extinguishing efficiency. This gives it a wide margin of safety compared to other chemical clean agents such as HFC227. A fluid, it vaporizes rapidly during discharge, is non-corrosive, non-conductive and leaves no residue. It is, importantly, a long-term, sustainable solution with virtually zero global warming potential, e.g., it has an atmospheric life of about a week versus HFC227's 34 years. So confident is 3M of its product, it offers its BlueSkySM Warranty; if it is ever banned or restricted from use due to its environmental properties, the company will refund the cost of the fluid. Unlike CO2, a gas, Novec 1230 fluid can be flown to the vessel or platform allowing less downtime waiting for supplies to arrive by ground For the marine and offshore oil and gas industries, Novec 1230 fluid offers distinct advantages. Because it's a fluid, recharging is simple. Unlike CO2, a gas, it can be flown to the vessel or platform. This means less downtime waiting for supplies to arrive by ground. It also takes up significantly less space. Recently, Sea-Fire Europe ceased distribution of HFC227. The move was strategic and ethical, given the environmental profile of HFCs. Novec 1230 Fluid For Recreational Marine Market With the phase-down of HFCs, supplies are running out. This means in the immediate future there will be a serious inability to service systems. Also, with shortages beginning, costs are rising, making the switch to Novec 1230 fluid a smart move financially. While 3M will obviously benefit from this, the real winner here is our planet and the people we share it with" Sea-Fire recognizes that it may lose business in the short term as boat and shipbuilders continue to choose HFC-based fire systems strictly based on cost alone. But, ultimately, eliminating the use of hydrofluorocarbons is the right thing to do for the marine industry as a whole. As the first manufacturer to introduce Novec 1230 fluid into the recreational marine market in 2012, Sea-Fire is fully prepared for the phase-out of HFCs. Benefitting The Marine Industry "As a corporation, 3M is committed to improving every life," said David Olds, 3M account executive for fire suppression applications. "Sea-Fire Europe made a difficult decision when announcing it would cease distribution of HFC227. While 3M will obviously benefit from this, the real winner here is our planet and the people we share it with." Sea-Fire Marine has long held the belief that it is in the business of protecting people and property at sea. With its recent declaration that its master European distributor Sea-Fire Europe is ending distribution of HFC-based fire suppression fluids, it can add the environment to its list.

Managing the global finance and IT teams at Apollo, Pete will work closely with the company's offices in the USA and China Apollo Fire Detectors has appointed Pete Browitt to the post of Global Finance Director, reporting directly to Apollo’s Managing Director EMEA, Steve Brown. Announcing the new appointment, Steve, said: “We are delighted to welcome Pete to the management team. Pete’s wealth of finance expertise - coupled with a proven track record in project management - make him a valued new Apollo staff member. I’m confident his considerable experience will bring a host of other benefits to the company.” Pete graduated with a BSc in Physics from the University of York. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and his career encompasses a variety of financial roles at 3M and HALMA. Most recently, Pete held the post of Finance Director at Avire - another HALMA company. He was also appointed as HALMA Fire Sub Sector Finance Director, a position that he will continue to hold in addition to his new role at Apollo. Commenting on his new role, Pete said: “My involvement with HALMA’s Fire Sub Sector made me very aware of Apollo and its position as the biggest company in the group. I’m looking forward to this exciting new opportunity and the chance to work for such an innovative company within this vital industry.” Managing the global finance and IT teams at Apollo, Pete will work closely with Apollo’s offices in the USA and China.

The 2016 event will focus on industrial security, associated with safety & security protection of industrial facilities & assets Saudi Arabia’s leading security, fire and safety workshop and exhibition will return in 2016. The Saudi Safety & Security Forum and Exhibition 2016 will be taking place from the 16-18 May at The Dhahran International Exhibitions Center, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 2016 welcomes a rebranded SSS, including new logos and branded collateral. The 2016 event will focus more on industrial security, associated with safety and security protection of industrial facilities and assets. The need for safety and security protection for industrial facilities continues to grow rapidly. Recent incidents and ongoing threats in the region highlight the urgency in ensuring security. Following the military operation in Yemen along with other allied Arab allies, Saudi Arabia has been forced to strengthen their security measures at key industry facilities. Physical and IT Security has become a major concern, with on-going cyber-attacks directed at oil and gas companies operating in the Middle East. Draw attention to safety and health regulations within work environments The security market in Saudi Arabia is predicted to show growth of 11.35% to 2018 and Saudi Arabia is now one of the world’s fastest growing markets for security and safety solutions. SSS 2016 will also draw attention to safety and health regulations within work environments with a focus on construction and heavy industry. Saudi Arabia is the largest construction market in the Middle East, according to the Saudi Gazette the construction sector is ‘one of fastest growing sectors’ for years with 7.1 percent. With this growth comes the vital responsibility of safety measures within the work place. Current safety standards still require vast improvement, with a demand for safety equipment, regulations and professional training services. SSS 2015 - A major success with over 2,200 industry experts The SSS 2016 international exhibition will play host to innovative and pioneering technologies and products aimed at overcoming security, safety and fire issues. SSS 2015 proved a major success, with over 2,200 industry experts attending the exhibition and 70 exhibiting organisations that included; DuPont, BRC, CANON, 3M, Dräger, UL, Gulf Defense Security Systems (GDT), Gulf Falcons Security & Protection (GFSP), NAFFCO and more. Alongside the exhibition will be a workshop-led conference format. The rebranded SSS 2016 has already received an unpreceded level of interest due to Saudi Arabia’s growing opportunities within security and safety. With the growing need for development within these highly important sectors in Saudi Arabia, SSS provides a unique opportunity to source new businesses.