Fire Industry News for March 2025

Charterhouse Capital Partners, one of the longest-established private equity firms operating in Europe, announces that it has agreed to acquire ESTYA, formerly ERIS. Charterhouse will invest in partnership with ESTYA’s management, who are reinvesting in the company, and alongside Chequers Capital, who will remain a significant shareholder following an initial investment in 2021. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approval. Electronic safety and security systems ESTYA is...

VIKING Norsafe leads the industry in the development of equipment which is assured to perform on a particular installation, at a specific location, in harsh weather conditions. They have engaged with high technology partners to develop compliance processes and methods which can provide safety-critical verifications. The tools created for this design and verification are technically exclusive to VIKING Norsafe and mean that equipment can be defined to Performance Standards. Daily safety process...

Reliable lifeboat hooks are important for ensuring that the lifeboat won't launch before users are good and ready. Fear of hook failures has often held crews back from performing necessary drills, and the reputation of lifeboats and rescue craft as a reliable safety measure has suffered. But with the right hook design, users and their crew don't have to worry. VIKING offers the world's safest hooks designed and manufactured in-house: VIKING Nadiro Drop-In-Ball hook system and VIKING Norsafe TOR...

Based on industry experience and consolidating existing standards, the new IMO resolution MSC 402 (96) and related regulations provide mandatory higher-quality standardization for companies performing maintenance services throughout the maritime industry. The new resolution is an improvement from the previous guidelines because it sets clearer criteria for both safety equipment services and service suppliers. This way, it will help the maritime industry move away from a subjective manufacturer...

For shipowners across the globe, safety is first. But in a world where one must maximize efficiency - even when it comes to safety - many successful operators are turning to trust safety management with a single expert partner. When they look at maritime safety, what do they see? Liferafts, lifeboats, immersion suits, and firefighting systems? Service and training? Compliance with rules and regulations? It can be complex for sure, but it doesn’t have to be! Maritime firefighting equipmen...

As the potential last line of defense in critical situations at sea, personal protective equipment must be maintained to the highest of standards, with any damage recorded and flagged for repair. RFID track-and-trace technology is a game-changing PPE condition and service solution. Before leaving the manufacturing plant, all VIKING PPE is fitted with a durable radio-frequency identification (RFID) device that allows for monitoring of its servicing st...

Established in Hamburg in 1886, Dr. Sthamer is well-known across the marine industry for its high-quality concentrates, which meet requirements under IMO1312 for Deck Foam Systems and IMO670 for High Expansion Inside Air Foam systems for Engine Rooms and Machinery spaces. A strong investor in R&D, Dr. Sthamer’s environmentally responsible products also include next-generation high stability 1% Fluorine Free Foams. New Global Partnership Agreement Foams will be offered under a five-y...

Liferaft servicing is a critical aspect of maritime safety, ensuring these essential life-saving devices are always ready for use. With decades of expertise, VIKING is a trusted pioneer in liferaft maintenance, offering comprehensive solutions through a global network of over 280 certified service stations in key shipping hubs and offshore locations. Skilled technicians ensure high-quality servicing under strict safety standards, with the process covering three key steps: Documentation, Service...

In celebration of 100 years of the IFE and continuing to build on previous event successes, the South Wales IFE Branch organized a CPD event on 19th July 2018 at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters. The event, which focused on Fire Compartmentation, attracted over 100 delegates and was supported by Firerite UK, a Fire Protection Company based in South Wales. The presentations were developed to focus on key elements of Compartmentation. How firestop products are tested Fire-Rite U...

Hannay Reels will be showcasing various high-quality reels for fire applications at the FDIC show that is taking place in April. They will be in booth 4069 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. This event will provide valuable insights into what Hannay Reels offers to the firefighting and rescue industry. Benefits and customizations Customers have the option to customize the reel to fit perfectly into the tight spaces Hannay will be featuring several different reel serie...

The new VIKING YouSafe™ Vanguard is specially designed for the Offshore industry where ergonomics, comfort and freedom of movement are alpha omega for working conditions offshore personnel face. Keeping offshore crew safe is more than basic compliance. Working for long periods with complicated tasks that require full attention means that equipment must be as comfortable as possible and provide max. mobility. And it doesn't hurt to look good! Single point indicators The SOLAS/MED-approve...

VIKING is a pioneer in winterisation technologies for lifeboats and rescue boats. They have actively participated in SAREX I, SAREX II, and SAREX III, field-based lifeboat survival tests in polar conditions. The expeditions provided unique insights into the complexities of Polar operation, and its risks and challenges for the lifesaving equipment. With this knowledge they have developed concepts for winterized equipment, from equipment standards and maintenance to operation procedures. They de...

Whether users are in the cockpit, kneeling at the winch, or hanging on the end of the cable, they’ve got users covered with protection that provides comfort and allows the best maneuverability so users can focus on the task at hand. All passengers and crew travelling by helicopter in hostile offshore areas as defined in JAR-OPS-3 must wear personal protective equipment with ETSO approvals, including immersion suits. Aviation safety requirements With an EASA (European Aviation Safety Aut...

A fundamental aspect of VIKING philosophy is that best outcome is achieved by investing in their life-saving equipment. Their VIKING Norsafe products have been designed and built since 1903 and their talented staff have always strived to be at the forefront of innovation, continually pushing the boundaries of product development to provide the most technically advanced life-saving appliances for use at sea. Ensuring safe operation All VIKING Norsafe equipment is manufactured in-house at thei...

Since 1999, FireRite has been pioneering the fire protection industry in Wales and the UK, alongside their experienced team of 28, providing fire safety assessments, strategies, audits and training to thousands of clients across the regions both in the public and private sector. FireRite has four key values; passion, care, integrity, and expertise. FireRite wanted a rebrand that repositioned these values first and foremost and reflected them. Values and professional services While the company...

A fire breaking out in the place of work or home can be one of the most devastating events imaginable. Getting a fire risk assessment could mean the difference for their employees and business. A fire risk assessment is a snapshot of the premises in terms of compliance with current fire safety legislation and the risk to life safety. It is an organised and methodical examination of a defined premises which takes into account the activities carried on, or planned to be carried out on site and th...

Firerite is proud to support this year’s Fire Door Safety Week (24th September – 30th September) – a campaign that raises awareness about the critical role of fire doors, drawing attention to specific issues such as poor installation and maintenance. It also encourages building owners and users to check the operation and condition of their fire doors; and understand the legal commitments they have. Fire doors are a crucial part of the passive fire protection of every...

The devastating fire damage caused to the cathedral of Notre Dame earlier this week provided a dramatic visual illustration of the effect that a fire may have on a heritage building. Although it is too early to speculate on the cause of the fire at Notre Dame, it can be seen as an appropriate moment for the Fire Sector internationally to reflect on the management of heritage buildings in relation to fire risk management. How vulnerable these buildings can be is crucial Heritage buildings can...

The surge in demand for Category 3 Control fire performance cables used in critical situations can only help to meet safety compliance requirements, says pioneering cable supplier AEI Cables. 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. Selection and installation of cables AEI Cables has been highlighting the importance of following the technical guidance f...

Maintenance, testing, and inspections for onboard fire protection and firefighting systems and appliances are required in accordance with SOLAS Chapter II-2/14.2.2 and must be carried out in a manner having due regard to ensuring the reliability of the systems and appliances. When it comes to fixed firefighting foam systems specifically, work is to be carried out based on the guidelines referred to in MSC.1/Circ.1432. Digitalized planning tools Hereunder, the verification of valves, gauges, a...

Allegion UK, alongside its family of pioneering door hardware brands, is set to present a complete fire door solution at The Fire Safety Event, taking place between the 8th and 10th April at the NEC, Birmingham. With a focus on keeping people safe where they live, learn, work and connect, Allegion’s team of experts will be on hand with specification, installation and maintenance advice at this year’s event, and will showcase a flagship range of fire door solutions, including archite...

Telguard, a pioneer in security and life safety technologies, is pleased to bring to market the latest addition to its multi-carrier family of products. The new TG-7FEM multi-carrier 5G LTE-M and Internet commercial fire communicator offers the best in alarm communications. Telguard’s recent introduction The Internet can be set as the primary path, backup to cellular, or disabled Like Telguard’s most recent introduction, the TG-7FM, the TG-7FEM harnesses groundbreaking multi-carr...

FLIR thermal cameras are proven performers in the early identification of hotspots that emerge when common equipment found in food processing plants deteriorates, wears or reaches end-of-life. Established in 1997, Dovecote Park supplies British beef, veal and venison to retail, fine dining and food service customers nationwide. Committed to keeping its workforce safe and its productivity rates high, Dovecote Park urgently began to assess potential solutions. Identification of a potential fire...

The use of electric cars is rapidly increasing. But with the transition to electric transportation comes a new challenge: Vehicles with lithium-ion batteries can be especially dangerous when they catch fire. The request for solutions to handle these challenges in the maritime markets has also increased during the last few months. Hence, they at VIKING have teamed up with two global players to help the customers with the challenges, that might occur. Rosenbauer Battery Extinguisher System (BE...

As the fire safety industry continues to evolve, there are significant changes ahead that will impact how everyone approaches fire extinguisher firefighting foams. In particular, the increasing restrictions on per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams demand staying ahead of the curve. At FireRite, their commitment to customer satisfaction and support has always been at the heart of everything they do. They understand that navigating these complex regulatory changes can...

It would be difficult to find someone with more energy, enthusiasm, and warmth than Scott Finco. A born-and-raised Wisconsinite, Scott is the kind of guy who makes everyone feel like an old friend within minutes of meeting him. Equal parts charismatic storyteller and level-headed problem solver, he is as quick with a laugh as he is with a life-saving solution. And for more than three decades, he has poured that boundless energy into protecting others, earning him the title of 2024 Whelen Everyd...

Ship fires are on the rise, posing serious risks to crews, vessels, and operations. Ensuring firefighting equipment meets the latest safety standards is not just essential — it’s lifesaving. The latest update to the Marine Equipment Directive (MED), (EU) 2024/1975, mandates significant changes to the approval and use of firefighting suits onboard European vessels. Here's what users need to know to stay compliant and protect the crew. Enhanced crew safety What does this mean for sh...

Lorient and ASSA ABLOY are excited to announce their debut at the UK’s fastest-growing fire safety exhibition, The Fire Safety Event 2025, taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 8th to 10th April 2025. Located at stand 4/G30, together they will exhibit a complete range of fire door hardware and sealing system solutions. Spanning an impressive 84SQM, the stand will highlight the critical role of door hardware and intumescent sealing systems in fire safety, showcasing how these component...

Being caught in a fire mishap is scary to think about, but it’s an unfortunate truth that many firefighters have to fight with thousands of building fires every year. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the risk of dying in homes without smoke alarms is twice as high, as it is in homes that have working smoke alarms. And, to escape a building fire, early warning is vital; and for this reason, every home or business needs a smoke alarm. A smoke alarm is one of the best yet...

Regularly assessing the condition of lifeboats and related equipment is crucial to ensuring safety at sea. A new iPad-based inspection and reporting solution from VIKING will enhance the accuracy, consistency and timely delivery of servicing documentation. Standard industry practice for lifeboat servicing relies on inspection reports that are compiled after the inspection has taken place. Aside from the wait customers can experience for relevant documentation to arrive, post-event reporting pos...