Fire Safety Risk Assessment

NFPA hires new public education leader to oversee fire and life safety education The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) appointed Andrea Vastis as senior director of Public Education. Vastis will oversee NFPA’s well-respected wildfire and home fire education programs. NFPA’s public and fire education programs The Seekonk, Massachusetts resident has held various roles in public health education, and has a long history of innovating education programs and fostering rewarding partnerships. Her ability to oversee strategic, purposeful planning, and management of interdisciplinary teams makes her a great fit for the role of leading NFPA’s public education and wildfire outreach teams. Most recently, Vastis worked for CVS Health, where she oversaw product development and promoted the role of the pharmacist in the healthcare industry. In a previous position at CVS, Vastis expanded the scope of services for the brand’s MinuteClinic within the retail health setting. Vastis also spent six years as an assistant professor and program coordinator for Community Health Education at Rhode Island College where she elevated the profile of the program and helped to transition the field of study from a concentration to its own major. Her passion for health and safety goes back to the 1990s when she worked as a senior health promotion specialist for the Rhode Island Department of Health, and as a health educator for Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island. Wildfire protection “The energy, insight and expertise that Andrea brings to the table is exactly what NFPA is seeking to further our efforts to reach the public with lifesaving information,” NFPA Vice President of Outreach and Advocacy Lorraine Carli said. “Our public education programs have been instrumental in helping reduce loss from fire for more than a century. However, as the public is more complacent about fire and overloaded with lots of messages in lots of formats, it is critical that we develop innovative strategies and collaborate with others to deliver fire safety messages that resonate with the public and gets them to take action to be safer from harm. I have great confidence in Andrea’s ability to lead NFPA’s public education division into the future.” In her new role, Vastis oversees Fire Prevention Week, the nation’s longest running public health campaign which began in 1922 In her new role, Vastis oversees Fire Prevention Week, the nation’s longest running public health campaign which began in 1922. This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is ‘Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.’ The campaign works to educate individuals and communities about three basic but essential steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of having a fire – and to escape safely in the event of one. Vastis will also direct NFPA’s wildfire efforts including the organisation’s Firewise USA program, which teaches people how to adapt to living with wildfire and encourages neighbors to work together and take action to prevent losses. There are more than 1,500 recognised Firewise USA communities across the nation working proactively so that people and property are prepared and protected against the threat of wildfire. Fire and life safety education “NFPA is the go-to authority for fire and life safety educational content, tools, and resources. I am excited to work with the public education and wildfire teams, and organisations that share NFPA’s mission so that we can collectively save lives and reduce loss,” Vastis said. “My primary goal is to “engage, inform, and activate the public.” Vastis has a Bachelor of Science from Rhode Island College, a Master of Public Health in Social Behavioral Sciences from Boston University. Additionally, she is on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of East Providence, Rhode Island.

NFPA’s fire safety recommendations for revelers for the 4th of July celebrations With the Fourth of July fast approaching and the summer months upon us, indulging in barbecues, holiday parties and swimming often top the list of activities to enjoy during the summer season. To help everyone do so safely, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is reminding people about potential summer fire and electrical hazards and providing tips and recommendations to minimise them. “By knowing where potential fire and electrical hazards exist during the summer months and taking the needed steps to prevent them, people can enjoy activities such as grilling, swimming and celebrating the Fourth of July while keeping their families, guests and homes safe,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of NFPA’s Outreach and Advocacy Division. Following are NFPA’s summer-related safety statistics and tips: Fireworks NFPA recommends that revelers refrain from using consumer fireworks and attend public fireworks displays put on by trained professionals  NFPA recommends that revelers refrain from using consumer fireworks and attend public fireworks displays put on by trained professionals. Fireworks annually cause devastating burns, injuries, fires, and even death, making them too dangerous to be used safely by consumers. On Independence Day in a typical year, fireworks account for nearly half of all reported U.S. fires, more than any other cause of fire. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) 2017 Fireworks Annual Report, fireworks were involved in an estimated 11,100 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during calendar year 2016. There were an estimated 900 emergency department-treated injuries associated with sparklers and 400 with bottle rockets. Sparklers were the most common type of fireworks causing injury to pre-schoolers, and 400 of the 900 sparkler injuries were related to children under five years old. Young adults 20 to 24 years of age had the highest estimated rate of emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries in 2016. According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, 73 percent of consumers grill on the Fourth of July and 58 percent grill on Labor Day Grilling Fire Safety All types of grills pose a risk for fires and burn injuries. According to NFPA statistics, July is the peak month for grilling fires followed by May, June and August. Roughly 9,600 home grill fires were reported per year. The leading causes were a failure to clean, using the grill too close to something that could burn or having things that could catch fire too close to the grill, and unattended grill use. Leaks were the leading cause of gas grill fires. According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, 73 percent of consumers grill on the Fourth of July and 58 percent grill on Labor Day. The following are tips for grillers: The grill should be placed well away the home or deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. The grill should also be a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic. Keep children and pets away from the grill area. Have a three-foot (1 meter) “kid-free zone” around the grill. Keep your grill clean by removing grease and fat buildup from the grates and trays below. Never leave your grill unattended. Electric Shock Drowning (ESD) Electric Shock Drowning happens when marina or onboard electrical systems leak electric current into the water. The current then passes through the body and causes paralysis. When this happens, a person can no longer swim and ultimately drowns. Here are tips for swimmers and boat owners: Tips for swimmers Never swim near a marina, dock or boatyard, or near a boat while it’s running. Obey all “no swimming” signs on docks. Tips for boat owners Avoid entering the water when launching or loading a boat. Docks or boats can leak electricity into the water causing water electrification. Each year, and after a major storm that affects the boat, have the boat’s electrical system inspected by a qualified marine electrician to be sure it meets the required codes of your area, including the American Boat & Yacht Council. Make the necessary repairs if recommended.

NFPA-IAFC-NVFC unveil joint fire service safety initiative The “Fire Service Safety Stand Down Quiz” Sweepstakes is back as part of the annual Safety Stand Down campaign. Hosted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in conjunction with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Safety Health & Survival Section and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), the interactive online quiz emphasises the importance of the 2018 Safety Stand Down theme, “Be Aware – Get Checked.” Fire Service Safety Stand Down The NFPA, IAFC and NVFC are asking all fire and emergency services personnel to take the 2018 quiz, which will be available June 22 through July 9 at www.nfpa.org/fireservicequiz. The quiz contains 15 questions related to being aware of your health and getting annual check-ups, with a focus on firefighter physicals, NFPA 1582 and the IAFC Roadmap to Firefighter Health and Wellness. Everyone who completes the quiz will be automatically entered into the sweepstakes; 200 randomly selected participants will win a limited-edition challenge coin commemorating this year’s Safety Stand Down theme. IAFC-NVFC joint fire safety initiative Safety Stand Down is a joint educational and awareness initiative of the IAFC and NVFC. This year’s event takes place June 17-23, and departments are encouraged to suspend all non-emergency activities during this week to focus on training and education relating to health and safety. An entire week is provided to ensure all shifts and personnel can participate. With this year’s theme, members of the fire and emergency services are encouraged to focus on understanding, implementing and monitoring a comprehensive annual medical/physical and navigating the Road Map to Firefighter Health and Wellness. Topic information, training materials and videos will be available at www.SafetyStandDown.org, the official website for the Safety Stand Down event. “The 2018 Safety Stand Down highlights the importance of firefighter wellness and the need for individuals to be aware of their health by having annual medical physicals,” said Curt Floyd, NFPA’s fire service technical lead and a former fire chief. “NFPA applauds the NVFC and the IAFC for reminding firefighters and command staff that it is their responsibility to continue to remain vigilant in their awareness of their personal health and wellness throughout their careers.”

NFPA 720 CO detection and warning system to be inducted into 2019 edition of NFPA 72 Upon adjournment of the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Technical Meeting in Las Vegas, the requirements of NFPA 720, Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide Detection and Warning Equipment are one step closer to issuance by the Standards Council as incorporated into the 2019 edition of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. NFPA 720, which has worked to minimise occupant risk to carbon monoxide in homes and other occupancies since it was first issued in 2003, will be withdrawn once the 2019 edition of NFPA 72 is issued by the Standards Council this August. National Fire Protection Association Several NFPA task groups and technical committees have diligently worked over the past three years to integrate the requirements of NFPA 720 into NFPA 72, with the goal of providing smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm requirements in a single, comprehensive document. “Having two separate alarm system documents on different revision cycles has proved confusing and inefficient for code officials, enforcers and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) responsible for implementing and enforcing the codes’ requirements in their states and jurisdictions,” said Richard Roux, senior electrical specialist at NFPA. “Providing smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm requirements in one document will help make their work much easier and more streamlined.”  Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm Some 38 states currently adopt or reference NFPA 720, which requires carbon monoxide detection in homes Some 38 states currently adopt or reference NFPA 720, which requires carbon monoxide detection in homes. Some states only require that carbon monoxide alarms be installed in new home construction, while others only require carbon monoxide alarm installations when there is an attached garage or similar construction. Some of these requirements are the result of state statute, while others are amendments to a state’s building code. Roux emphasizes the importance of making sure that states and jurisdictions are aware of NFPA 720 being rolled into NFPA 72. NFPA 720 “All stakeholders who adopt or reference NFPA 720 need to know about the upcoming changes, so they can make the necessary adjustments and continue delivering carbon monoxide protection to the states and/or jurisdictions they serve,” said Roux. “At NFPA, we’re doing all we can to make sure we get the word out, and we strongly encourage anyone with a vested interest in this issue to do the same.” An article in the May/June 2018 issue of NFPA Journal, ‘Smarter About Smoke’, provides a complete overview of key changes to the 2019 NFPA 72, including the integration of NFPA 720.

NFPA introduces CodeFinder tool to reference international codes and standards The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has released CodeFinder, a new interactive online tool that identifies the NFPA codes and standards that are in effect in U.S. municipalities or counties, as well as in regions of Canada, South America, Latin America and the Middle East. Keeping up with new hazards, changing technologies and best practices is essential when it comes to optimising safety; but for busy building, design, electrical, emergency response, fire protection and industrial practitioners, it can be daunting to stay current on the codes being enforced in a given country, state or region. CodeFinder helps users around the globe identify the NFPA codes and standards in effect, including those referenced in other codes. The tool considers the data available at the state level, in cities with more than a quarter million in population and in counties with over one million in population (or the largest municipalities in the state). The tool also identifies the NFPA codes and standards being used in countries outside the United States. NFPA Conference & Expo  At this week’s NFPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, President and CEO Jim Pauley highlighted the new tool, and emphasized the important role that codes, and standards play in the fire and life safety ecosystem. Pauley called for greater government responsibility; a commitment to using current codes and standards globally; safety prioritisation; a skilled workforce; code compliance and enforcement; well-resourced emergency preparedness and response support; and increased public education efforts. "CodeFinder was developed so that those charged with fire and life safety can easily access up-to-date safety benchmarks and help reduce risk in our world" “Codes and standards are developed by experts from around the globe to ensure a minimum level of safety. Current editions of codes incorporate learnings from new research, case studies, loss experience, and innovation. By applying the most recent codes and standards, we will ensure that people and property get the level of protection that they expect and deserve,” Pauley said. “CodeFinder was developed so that those charged with fire and life safety can easily access up-to-date safety benchmarks and help reduce risk in our world.” CodeFinder online code-locator tool  CodeFinder utilises color-coded mapping, a convenient hovering feature, and filtering by jurisdiction. Users can also search by topic or by the most frequently used NFPA codes and standards. There is even a place for users to provide code information, if the information is not already included within CodeFinder. The new digital code-finding tool includes International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and International Code Council (ICC) information, as well as the NFPA codes and standards that are referenced within those IAPMO and ICC documents. The referenced NFPA documents are considered part of those codes – and, as such, should be enforced to ensure complete compliance and the ultimate level of safety. CodeFinder also references the NFPA documents that are in use in Canadian provinces and territories, as well as in Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Saudi Arabia and the United American Emirates. Color-coded mapping Designed to be informational and educational, CodeFinder does not provide a comprehensive or exhaustive list of codes and standards usage, nor are amendments to those codes and standards reflected in the tool. The color-coding on the map reflects only the most up-to-date edition of a particular code or standard incorporated by any authority having jurisdiction. Prior to using the new NFPA resource, users will be prompted to review more details and disclaimers for CodeFinder.

NFPA unveils new additions to its board of directors at the annual Conference & Expo 2018 The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) elected Brion Callori, Martha Connors, Reginald D. Freeman, William J. Fries, and Louis Paulson, to its board of directors at the association’s annual Conference & Expo in Las Vegas. The three-year term for each member takes effect upon the close of the conference. Three board members, John D. Bonney, R. David Paulison, and Michael Wallace were re-elected each for a second three-year term. Callori is senior vice president of Engineering and Research at FM Global, where he is responsible for corporate engineering and research activities and oversees a global staff of more than 450. Callori serves on the board of directors of the Spencer Educational Foundation, which supports the education of risk management students, and is a member of the Board of Visitors for the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Strategy implementation and product development expert Connors is a digital media and marketing consultant with expertise in growing businesses via new strategy implementation and new product development. She has a strong background in consumer marketing, having served in a direct marketing role for a nonprofit and later launching one of the first online media sites. In addition to currently serving on the Board of Trustees at YMCA Camp Mohawk, she has also served on several other boards. Freeman is fire chief/director of emergency management for the City of Hartford, Connecticut. His career has spanned city fire departments, aeronautics, and fire and emergency services in Iraq. Freeman was an instructor at the Mississippi State Fire Academy and is currently an adjunct professor at Anna Maria College in Massachusetts, having developed curriculum for a Master of Public Administration program. Among his several degrees and advanced training, Freeman recently completed his doctorate in Organisational Leadership. Fire and life safety specialists hired Fries is also a lifetime member of NFPA and has served on multiple technical committees Fries is the Pentagon fire marshal, supervising fire protection engineer, and deputy director of the Standards and Compliance Division at the Department of Defense. He established and manages the Office of the Pentagon Fire Marshal. With an extensive background in fire and life safety, Fries has written and co-written policy and procedures relating to fire and life safety, emergency management, and facility protection issues for the Department of Defense. Fries is also a lifetime member of NFPA and has served on multiple technical committees. Paulson until recently served as president of the California Professional Firefighters, an organisation which represents 30,000 career firefighters from 177 local affiliates in all state, political, and legislative activities. He is co-sponsor of the California Joint Apprenticeship Committee, the largest apprenticeship program in California. Since 2004, Paulson has served as chair of the California Fire Foundation, which provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they protect. Paulson also serves on various boards related to the fire service and other areas including the Boy Scouts of America from whom he received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.

The Fire Risk Assessment infographic details the responsibilities of employers and building owners towards fire safety The Fire Risk Assessment Network have released a new infographic detailing the responsibilities of employers, building owners or occupiers with regards to fire safety at the workplace. The visually compelling, easy-to-understand infographic also includes information about general safety hazards, fire risk assessments and the law. It is of the utmost importance that those responsible for workplaces and other buildings, which are open to public access, can avoid fires by taking responsibility for and adopting the right behaviours and procedures, including carrying out a fire risk assessment and keep it up to date. Mitigating risks The purpose of a fire risk assessment is to identify the fire hazards, identify people at risk, evaluate, remove or reduce the risks, record your findings, prepare an emergency plan, provide training and review and update regularly. The infographic provided by the Fire Risk Assessment Network details the three things that fires need to start, and what procedures that employers must follow to combat these three things. The complete infographic explores what the ways are to carry out a fire risk safety assessment, and different studies, guidance and information for business owners to be safe. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 helps promote fire safety in England and Wales, and this infographic hopes to help others know more about fire safety.