Mergers & Acquisitions

SOCOTEC Netherlands is a recognized partner for Geotechnical Expertise, Building Performance, Risk Management & Claims for the construction and infrastructure sectors. By acquiring MOS Grondmechanica, SOCOTEC is following its strategy to become a major company in all aspects of ensuring sustainability in the built environment. MOS Grondmechanica is an independent research and consultancy company and has been one of the major firms in the field of geotechnics, geohydrology, and geotechnical monitoring for many years. Service portfolio With this merger, SOCOTEC is expanding its service portfolio and is able to offer clients a better service Both companies face similar challenges in the coming years when it comes to certification, automation, and investments to realize climate-neutral and circular infrastructure projects. This strategic merger will increase the workforce by 70 employees. With this merger, SOCOTEC is expanding its service portfolio and is able to offer clients a better service and flexibility, as it now has access to a more diverse fleet of equipment. The geotechnical laboratory capacity will be doubled, but above all it has more qualified staff in-house. “Quality and safety are not only concepts in theory for MOS Grondmechanica, but are part of the daily operations and these concepts are well integrated throughout the organization,” says Nils Mulder of MOS Grondmechanica. National coverage “Our engineers carry out work and consultancy in the fields of geo- and environmental engineering, geohydrology, and environmental monitoring.” “By merging with MOS Grondmechanica, we will have a better national coverage and a significantly larger research capacity, enabling us to serve our clients better, also in larger infrastructure projects. Together we stand stronger and are better prepared for the ever-changing future,” says Erik Geurtjens of SOCOTEC Geoechnics. Geotechnical services For Hervé Montjotin, CEO of the SOCOTEC Group : “By joining forces, we will take a leading position on geotechnical services for the infrastructure sector and we are ranked n°2 in that field in the Netherlands.” “The rationale supporting this strategic move is twofold; a solid business fit among our two companies, now having a stronger exposure to the infrastructure sector. And a cultural fit between our talented teams of experts committed to deliver operational excellence for sustainable infrastructures.” “This acquisition is arriving in a period of time where renovation and new construction of infrastructure are essential in the Netherlands.”

SOCOTEC UK, the market pioneer in testing, inspection and certification (TIC) in the construction and infrastructure sectors, has acquired Impulse Geophysics Ltd, a major provider of 4K Digital Video and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) services based in Bedford. Using cutting edge technology and AI, Impulse specializes in Asset Management and Condition Inspection in the Infrastructure industry, allowing clients to visualize and plan their networks/schemes effectively and safely. The company, which has strong experience and links with many key Infrastructure industries, will further strengthen SOCOTEC’s range of services in the Infrastructure Asset Monitoring area. Continuing innovation Bob Milligan, Managing Director of Impulse, said: "It is great to be joining SOCOTEC UK within the Infrastructure Division. Over the years, we have delivered many projects for SOCOTEC UK, and we look forward to continuing our innovation and growth by utilizing the client and geographical reach and expertise that joining SOCOTEC UK brings.” Richard Hildick-Smith, Managing Director of Infrastructure at SOCOTEC UK, continued: “We are really pleased to welcome Impulse to our division. It further strengthens our range of services in the Infrastructure Asset Monitoring area.” “Having Impulse’s expertise in the niche area of video linked with GPR surveys significantly enhances our portfolio. It will seamlessly integrate with the existing business unit services and clients, bolstering our growth into a more data led offering to clients with the aim of supporting Asset Integrity throughout the lifecycle.” Dominant position of SOCOTEC This acquisition reaffirms the dominant position of SOCOTEC UK in the TICC market, adding to the existing Infrastructure team of over 500 technical experts within the Monitoring, Materials Testing, Geotechnical Investigation and Foundation Testing specialisms.  It follows the acquisitions of Building Pathology specialists Hutton + Rostron (H+R) and of remote monitoring and advanced geospatial solutions experts IETG and 40SEVEN in 2023. Hervé Montjotin, CEO of the SOCOTEC group, added: “Monitoring solutions are strategic to the infrastructure sector. As a leading trusted third party, ensuring safety, longevity and integrity of built assets are an essential part of our societal role.” Strengthening infrastructure “This acquisition in the UK is further strengthening our infrastructure activities which at global level represent more than 30% of total Group revenues, reinforcing our leadership ambitions,” concluded Montjotin.

SOCOTEC, a major group in risk management and technical advisory for the construction, real estate and infrastructure sectors, is committed to supporting companies throughout the life cycle of their built assets. SOCOTEC Germany now has a 4th line of business and a total workforce of 1,400 people. The company is thus achieving a total turnover of €180 million. With more than 300 geomonitoring specialists, Trigis brings complementary expertise to SOCOTEC Germany's existing activities in the infrastructure, mining, building and industrial sectors, with a strong focus on the utilities world. Geomonitoring expertise The geomonitoring expertise enables ground monitoring, large-scale mapping, the creation of site plans, monitoring point planning, 3D digital terrain models, and thermal imaging, among other services in geomonitoring to monitor land and assets and prevent natural hazards. These services are generally on the critical path of major infrastructure projects. SOCOTEC Germany and Trigis GeoServices GmbH have come together to implement numerous synergies in markets with increasingly complex regulatory and technical challenges. Acquisition of Trigis For Hervé Montjotin, CEO of the SOCOTEC Group: "With the acquisition of Trigis, we are at the heart of SOCOTEC's strategic challenges in Germany.” “As a major player in infrastructure projects, SOCOTEC Germany now offers its customers the possibility of large-scale digitization of their assets or the environment surrounding their assets, such as power grids, mines or buildings, in order to better monitor and control them.” “This approach in Germany echoes the Group's other investments in monitoring in France, Italy, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, which, by adding these technological services of geo-surveillance and mapping of land, underground, maritime or fluvial areas, complements the historically recognized expertise of its civil engineers." Development prospects For Ludger Speier, CEO of SOCOTEC Germany: "In addition to the diversification of our service offer in perfect complementarity with our historical offerings, we are delighted to welcome the 300 Trigis experts, spread over 8 key geographical areas across Germany, in addition to our current sites.” “We will thus be able to work on new projects in good synergy and our development prospects are significant. The whole contributes to strengthening our reputation and our brand in the German territory for the benefit of our clients.”

SOCOTEC Group, a global pioneer in testing, inspection and certification (TIC) in the construction, infrastructure and environment sectors, has acquired Base Quantum, a Quantity Surveying, Dispute Resolution and Expert Witness practice, based in the UK. Base Quantum is a fast-growing organization dedicated to the provision of Quantity Surveying services in relation to the pre- and post-contract commercial management of construction and infrastructure projects, and Expert Witness services involving the evaluation of change, loss, damages, and risks in disputes and litigation in relation to a wide range of construction and infrastructure projects across the globe. Comprising quantum experts, quantity surveyors, commercial and technical experts, risk analysts, and construction economists, the acquisition of Base Quantum naturally reinforces SOCOTEC's value proposition in the UK, extending its offering of high value-added services. Risk analysis Base Quantum identifies, analyzes and manages the risks that are inherent in any significant construction With a turnover of £11m and an accretive margin for SOCOTEC, Base Quantum identifies, analyzes and manages the risks that are inherent in any significant construction, renovation, or maintenance project in the construction, real estate, infrastructure, and environment sectors. Risk analysis can be carried out at any stage of the project lifecycle; from contemporaneous, proactive risk management such as advising on and negotiating contracts, commercial contract management and administration, and project advisory services, to post-contract forensic quantum assessments in disputes, litigation, and other formal dispute resolution proceedings. Base Quantum's Expert Witnesses are instructed by law firms throughout the UK and globally in the context of litigation, arbitration, and other dispute resolution for participants in the construction process, including international contractors, government institutions, insurance companies, investors, developers, and major groups in the construction and infrastructure sectors. Key service lines The organization offers two key service lines: Expert Witness services, in relation to the analysis and quantification of change, loss, and damages in relation to construction disputes in the transport, marine, oil and gas, building, rail, and energy sectors, both in the UK and internationally (‘forensic expert witness services’, which represent 75% of revenues). Quantity surveying services in relation to construction and infrastructure projects in the UK, at all stages of the construction process ("quantity surveying services" which represent the remaining 25%). Significant opportunities for risk analysis Hervé Montjotin, CEO of the SOCOTEC Group, said: "Any important construction project, coupled with the ageing of our infrastructures and the challenges posed by renovations, represents significant opportunities for risk analysis. Furthermore, the ability to assess and quantify these hazards is key for stakeholders, as economic factors play a significant role in the development of the project.” "Consulting and quantitative analysis are paramount in any large-scale project. A detailed analysis requires a solid understanding of the business (such as an expert engineer in construction) and a capacity for data processing and quantitative risk analysis.” “This is combined with the growing demand for the need to resolve complex disputes and provide independent advice. Our role as an independent trusted third party is fostered by this additional expertise delivered by Base Quantum.” Consulting services He added: "The SOCOTEC Group wishes to continue developing its consulting services, quantitative studies and analyses, and expert reports in the context of dispute resolution and project advisory in the construction, infrastructure, and industry sectors.”  “With 10,000 employees worldwide, the group already has close to 200 experts in those fields in the USA, representing nearly $70m in revenues developed in this line of services." SOCOTEC’s expertise in infrastructure Nicolas Detchepare, CEO of SOCOTEC UK (which achieved a turnover of €170m in 2021), added: "The acquisition of Base Quantum reinforces the expertise of SOCOTEC’s construction and infrastructure, with the added capacity to analyze our clients' projects and the associated risks (such as delays and costs).” “It also allows us to support them with litigation matters by offering a combination of engineering, quantified risk analysis, and expert witnesses. Combining consulting and expert witness with technical expertise allows SOCOTEC UK to hold a unique strategic position in the TIC market, integrating all of the value chain.” “Beyond the obvious strategic fit, there is also a strong cultural fit between SOCOTEC and Base Quantum, a company marked by the entrepreneurial dynamic embodied by Duncan Hughes-Phillips, who is committed to working with us in the long term." Beyond traditional quantum services Duncan Hughes-Phillips, CEO of Base Quantum, commented: "Since founding Base, I have been inspired by the individual expertise of my colleagues and the collective capabilities of my team to bring their diverse range of expertise together for the benefit of our clients.” “Joining with SOCOTEC UK will allow us to build on the reputation that we have engendered in the construction industry to allow us to offer a much wider range of services beyond the traditional quantum services that we have hitherto provided, strengthening our team of quantum analysts, Quantity Surveyors and economists with engineers who are experts in their respective field will enable us to provide the high standard of service that our clients have come to expect across a far broader cross section of the industry.” “SOCOTEC’s culture of using technological advancements to develop new ways of solving the industry’s problems will enable us to build on our own methodologies for data analysis, risk management, and quantum assessment to provide novel and valuable solutions on the range of complex, high-value international projects that we currently work on.” Full range of SOCOTEC expertise "Every project is different with its own gamut of hazards and complexities, and I look forward to bringing the full range of SOCOTEC expertise together where our current expertise on costs, deadlines, quality, and performance can be backed up by the expertise of a core business engineer,” continued Duncan. “Accordingly, Base Quantum, which already achieves 50% of its turnover abroad, will be able to rely on the strong international dimension of the SOCOTEC Group for its future development."

Sestosensor is a company founded in 2009 in Bologna that operates in the field of photonics by developing and producing fiber-optic sensors that, due to their unique technical and environmental sustainability advantages, have growing applications in many industrial sectors. Sestosensor's products are on the market in applications ranging from the oil industry, where they are used, for example, to detect leaks in gas and oil pipelines, to aqueducts, mines, and infrastructures, such as dams, bridges, and tunnels, for failure prevention, risk reduction, and maintenance costs, in order to extend their life in total safety. Technology development projects Sestosensor is involved in several European research and technology development projects Sestosensor is involved in several European research and technology development projects. Its patents and proprietary know-how allow it to produce high-tech photonic interrogators in-house and it has realized unique applications such as the monitoring of the micro-cracks of Michelangelo's David preserved in the Accademia Gallery in Florence. Sestosensor has a complete portfolio of products covering all the most high-performance technologies from Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors for more limited non-invasive monitoring, to 'distributed' sensors that use an optical fiber even already installed by injecting laser pulses into a 'virtual' sensor capable of measuring vital parameters such as mechanical deformations at every point, evolution of cracks and fissures, temperature variations, vibrations and oscillations that allow real-time identification of the type, location and severity of any anomalies over long distances. Acquisition of Sestosensor For Massimo De Iasi, CEO of SOCOTEC Italy: "The acquisition of Sestosensor allows us to strengthen our technologies to support our customers in large projects for the control and monitoring of infrastructure and beyond.” “The technologies developed and patented by Sestosensor for SOCOTEC Italy open up new market scenarios such as the monitoring of our immense archaeological and artistic heritage, and the reduction of environmental risks in oil & gas infrastructures." He continues: "The development plan we are implementing allows us to address new market demands and be ready to face and respond to the challenges coming from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan." Integration of skills Filippo Bastianini, founder of Sestosensor: "My team and I are proud to join the SOCOTEC Italia experts. The integration of our skills with those of the entire Group allows us to compete at the forefront, to better respond to the new technological and ecological challenges of the coming decades, and to contribute to making SOCOTEC Group the global leader in the sector.”

Established in 2007, Quadrant Building Control is a market-pioneering Approved Inspector that doubled in size from 2018 to 2021.  It employs 140 surveyors and administrators and is licensed to undertake Building Control work in accordance with Part II of the Building Act 1984 and the Building Regulations 2010.  Operating from its network of 16 offices nationwide, it has approved over 50,000 Building Regulations applications across England and Wales, utilising bespoke software to monitor each step of the inspection process. Reputation for technical excellence Paul Knight, on behalf of the Quadrant board commented: “The Company has a proven track record and an enviable reputation for technical excellence in the Building Control field, serving clients from all residential, commercial and public sectors, with projects including new builds, extensions and refurbishments.” “Joining forces will allow us to demonstrate the capability and national consistency required in today’s ever-demanding regulatory environment so that we can continue to provide clients with the best possible Building Control service. Our in-house Training Program provides an attractive route for young talent to gain professional qualifications and enter the industry.” Second acquisition The company, based in Essex, employs almost 40 surveyors and CDM consultants The second acquisition, Shore, was first established in 2002, as a professional provider of consultancy services in relation to Building Control, Health and Safety, and Construction Design and Management Regulations (CDM), in both the commercial and residential sectors.   The company, based in Essex, employs almost 40 surveyors and CDM consultants and covers any size of project from minor building works to complex multi-million-pound developments. Kevin Savage, Managing Director of Shore, said: “When you instruct Shore as your approved inspector or construction safety consultants, you can be assured that you are receiving a high-quality service so that you can achieve reasonable compliance with building safety standards and regulations in both the commercial and residential markets.” SOCOTEC Building Control UK environment “With the new combined SOCOTEC Building Control UK environment, we have the platform to become the go-to private sector building control body to assist the Building Safety Regulator,” continued Kevin. “Our relatively young and talented management team is enthusiastic to participate in this challenge of developing leader in all parts of the Building control UK market and expanding SOCOTEC’s engagement in the UK construction health and safety construction management sector.” As Approved Inspectors, authorized by the Government to carry out Building Control on building works in England and Wales, both companies are licensed by the Construction Industry Council Approved Inspectors Register (CICAIR). Acquiring Shore and Quadrant Nicolas Detchepare, CEO of SOCOTEC UK said: “By acquiring Shore and Quadrant, SOCOTEC UK has become the leading company in the UK building control sector, and a major player within the Building and Real Estate market, both in commercial and residential sectors.” “With this leading position, SOCOTEC UK will be able to provide a holistic approach, combining all building expertise, such as fire engineering, sustainability, structural engineering and building envelope, with significant expertise to support customers with the new Safety Bill requirements.” “Consequently, SOCOTEC will train more than 50 apprentices and recruit around 50 engineers each year in this area, and as the UK’s leading company in this sector, we will be able to attract and retain the best talent in the industry.” Strategic move Hervé Montjotin, CEO of the global SOCOTEC group, added: “With this strategic move in the UK, we are confirming our strong belief in the UK economy and notably in the dynamism of the construction and infrastructure industries.” “SOCOTEC UK is now standing as the N°1 in Building control in the UK, thus joining SOCOTEC in France, ranked number 1 as well in the country.” “The group is paving the way for international leadership in risk management and technical advice in the Building and Infrastructure sectors, which is now within reach, with leading positions in Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain, and a recognized professional services company in the USA as well.”

As a company officer, the day will come where you and your crew are first to arrive at what looks like the beginning of a major incident. Your Battalion Chief (BC) is delayed or diverted to other incidents, so YOU are the Incident Commander (IC). How you set the table for this incident with regard to quickly setting up the Incident Command System (ICS) is critical. And how you use your channels of communication, including the ways you communicate, will be crucial to your success. Before we jump into the ‘how-to’, let’s examine something that looms over everything we do during emergencies, especially fires - ‘The NIOSH 5’. I first became aware of the NIOSH 5, when listening to one of Anthony Kastros’ lectures on incident command and the need for an organization on the fire ground. ‘The NIOSH 5’ Firefighters and emergency workers typically get lost, hurt, or killed at incidents, when any one of five causal factors identified by The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are present: Improper risk assessment Lack of incident command Lack of accountability Inadequate communications Lack of SOPs (or failure to follow established SOPs) Statistically, 50 percent of these line-of-duty deaths (LODDs) and injury events occur in the first 15 minutes of an incident. Half of those occur in the first three minutes! If you’re the initial IC, it’s statistically likely this could happen while you’re in charge. Need for training and practice in handling emergencies Keeping ‘The NIOSH 5’ at the forefront of your mind should trigger the need for training and practice in handling emergencies. Although there are factors you simply can’t control during an emergency, you can control communications, incident command, accountability, repetitive training, and standardization. The following are some things to keep in mind while managing an incident: Arrival on Scene In incident management, setup is everything and oftentimes, determines the outcome of the incident. To use a sports analogy, you definitely want your first pitch to be a strike. So how do you do that? Provide a Solid Size-up Clear and concise on-scene conditions reports set the tone for any incident and establish solid communications The first step is taking a deep breath and giving a good size-up. Clear and concise on-scene conditions reports set the tone for any incident and establish solid communications, and a command tone. Your tone and tempo in your size-up will help focus everyone and create a tactics-driven incident, rather than an emotions-driven one. But, if we’re being honest, being cool takes practice and repetition. Your agency should have a standardized way for how and when this size-up is delivered. In many cases, it’s a fill-in-the-blank script that includes the following four things: What you see (smoke and flames/or nothing showing) The area you see it affecting (the second story, the alpha/bravo corner) What’s happening/what’s on fire or causing the hazard (a two-story home or a sedan next to a building) Establishing command (a must-take command or pass, if you’re going to rescue a citizen) By practicing within your agency’s standards, it enables you to project a cool tone over the radio like you’ve ‘been there before. Order resources early and often Tunnel vision is a death sentence for any IC. In most cases, this is not the time to get sucked into task-level problems. The exceptions to this are structure fires and other emergencies where there is an immediate and known rescue. Otherwise, it’s time to step back, take in the big picture, and make decisions as an IC. Ask yourself: ‘What will this incident do in five minutes? 10? 20? One hour?’ If the answer is ‘get bigger’, then you need more resources. Order them early and often, because they can always be turned around. Don’t try to do too much with too little. Trusted Incident Command System equals early accountability As the initial IC, you’ll be sending crews into the hazard zone. It’s a red flag if, during the initial portion of the incident, you don’t have solid accountability. It’s during this initial ‘fog of war’ that we lose track of crews, and it’s when personnel gets hurt or killed. NFPA 1561, along with other best practices, requires that you know where everyone is and what they’re doing. If you don’t have that knowledge, stop and figure that out, or assign someone to figure it out and report back to you as soon as possible. Benefits of an all-in-one digital platform - Tablet Command Many agencies require the first-arriving officer to implement some form of an ICS to track crew Many agencies require the first-arriving officer to implement some form of an ICS to track crews – a notepad, whiteboard, tactical worksheet, or better yet, a digital command board. The huge advantage of an all-in-one digital platform like Tablet Command is that it’s CAD-integrated and will populate resources for you in real-time. There’s no writing and scribbling while listening to garbled radio traffic, and no trying to ‘catch up’ with resource orders that change on the fly. Accountability integrated into command processes With a platform, such as Tablet Command, all you’re doing is dragging and dropping resources into their assignments, which automatically time-stamps their activities. Maintaining accountability becomes seamlessly integrated into your command processes. These digital platforms also tend to be highly recognizable and easy for others to assume command. It’s paramount that you train extensively on whatever system your agency uses, and that everyone in your region or agency is squared away on how to maintain accountability in a standardized fashion. It’s a problem if you have several chiefs and company officers, and too many (or not enough) ways of maintaining accountability. Many agencies need the first-arriving officer to implement an ICS to track crews Segment and subdivide How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Use your knowledge of your ICS to break up the incident into manageable bites. When the Fire Chief arrives, they’ll have simple questions: Where is everybody? What are they doing? How are they doing? How do I talk to them? Knowing where your people need to deploy and what channel they’re on are critical to accountability. Using the command board is a great way to have all of those questions answered. Using divisions, groups, or sectors can make your life easier in this regard, especially as an incident grows rapidly Using divisions, groups, or sectors can make your life easier in this regard, especially as an incident grows rapidly. This is true because it ensures you’re talking to the supervisors of each segment of the emergency, especially when assessing conditions, actions and needs. Setting up an incident this way should also be an expectation that is agency-wide and practiced in scenario-based training. The terminology should be standardized so that your agency and neighboring agencies aren’t interpreting what you’re trying to accomplish in the heat of battle. Summary A clear communications plan, solid scene size-up, and early establishment of the ICS by company officers are critical to incident success. Combine this with accurate and solid accountability systems, either through analog methods or with a modern digital solution in real-time, and you guarantee safer outcomes for your crews. The best way to be prepared is through long hours of dedicated practice in the command role and, more importantly, an agency-wide understanding of what’s in the play book: Standardization! A standard approach to managing incidents will help you remedy the chaos and enable you to hand over a well-organized incident to the first-arriving Chief.

There’s no doubt the Building Safety Act and Fire Safety Act are driving major improvements in the construction industry’s quality and approval processes. Although the initial focus of the legislation is on high-rise residential buildings, it’s predicted to be rolled out across the entire sector soon, tightening fire safety regulations in hospitals, hotels, and commercial offices and we await the rafts of secondary legislation that will really redefine the regulatory landscape. Many fear that commercial real estate professionals will be unprepared for the higher levels of compliance required, by the incoming regulations. New requirements for competency, collaboration, and digitally presenting joined-up information will inevitably be imposed on architects, building inspectors, owners, and construction product manufacturers. Fire regulations for commercial buildings However, currently, fire regulations for commercial buildings remain lax and there’s ambiguity about what constitutes appropriate fire safety system management, as well as how to prepare for revised building and fire safety requirements, as they become available. It’s all too easy to take a laissez-faire attitude, but adopting an ‘it will never happen to me’ approach is likely to lead to problems down the road, so contractors, asset owners and FMs alike need to get with the legislative program and fast. Understanding of fire safety ratings for things to increase If specifiers are cutting corners and installing inadequately rated products today, there will be very costly consequences later It is certain that office interior specification, coupled with ongoing checks and a robust understanding of fire safety ratings for things, such as interior doors, panels and partitions is likely to be increasingly challenging going forward. Importantly, if specifiers are cutting corners and installing inadequately rated products today, there will be very costly consequences later. As a result, it is advisable to go above and beyond current construction regulations, when specifying materials for commercial office interiors, in order to future-proof and keep occupants safe. The Grenfell turning point Grenfell was a wake-up call for the construction sector, particularly for construction product manufacturers and those involved in fire protection and fire testing. Before the tragedy, many believed their products were safe and their methods were flawless and tested according to official guidelines. However, this terrible event compelled the industry to examine its manufacturing procedures, the efficacy, adequacy and relevance of testing and certification, as well as product performance claims made in marketing collateral. This re-evaluation, which found many parts of the specification process not fit-for-purpose, has, thankfully, culminated in a total cultural overhaul. Asking important questions regarding building fire safety Fundamentally, there was not enough questioning before Grenfell. Now, we’re re-thinking everything, asking ourselves: Are we doing things correctly? What’s the risk? How can we mitigate that risk? Five years on, the interpretation of evidence, whether direct fire test evidence or third-party assessment, has become much more refined, and rightfully so. Designers and contractors are paying more attention to the evidence used to support proposed items and applications, while manufacturers are re-thinking their use of evidence, in line with post-Grenfell thinking. Adequacy of test evidence The adequacy of test evidence for a given application is now being scrutinized much more closely The adequacy of test evidence for a given application is now being scrutinized much more closely, as are the testing methodologies. It now raises the important question: ‘Does this test accurately represent the effect in a real-world scenario?’ Unfortunately, the capacity to deliver on these questions is not matching good intentions. The rising need for test evidence of fire resistance rather than merely accepting an assessment has caused testing facilities to become overloaded, resulting in much longer wait times. Assessments are now heavily connected to appropriate fire test findings, which necessitate the gathering of evidence and a higher level of analysis, in order to provide assessments. The entire process has become necessarily more complicated, but this has affected efficiency, something which will need to be addressed as construction output inevitably increases. R&D cultivates innovation Fortunately, there are solutions within reach, thanks to significant advancements in the development of fire-safe products and materials across the industry. There’s been an increase in project-specific developments, as suppliers collaborate with designers and fire regulatory organizations to share their expertise. As a result, rather than merely installing the best fit, projects are now specified with fully customized fire-rated systems. Meanwhile, continuing R&D has led to many organizations looking ahead and anticipating shifting demands and trends in the built environment. It’s leading to additional testing and product development for applications that aren't already covered by existing technologies, and a commitment to the highest-quality fire solutions, meaning safer and higher-performance products. Expertise and training are key It’s important to note that choosing fire-rated products does not make the area fire-safe by default. Once the facility is in operation, a systems approach is needed to ensure that the installation and risk assessment of fire-rated products are periodically monitored. Extensive training and CPD must be taken into account for specifiers Even the slightest modification to a fire-rated product, such as changing a glass door’s opening system, might compromise its integrity. It’s critical to completely understand the ins and outs of the product being defined, in order to ensure that it's used correctly. As a result, extensive training and CPD must be taken into account for specifiers and office building managers alike. Increased training and CPD Increased training and CPD will keep the industry on track to deal with the level of comprehensive knowledge necessary Increased training and CPD will keep the industry on track to deal with the level of comprehensive knowledge necessary, specifying according to need and meeting the high standards of the near future. Continued development of fire knowledge is crucial, as the latest high-performance glass doors in offices today are specialized pieces of technology and fire-rated systems behave very differently from other glass partitions or doors. The design dilemma Another significant challenge is incorporating fire safe components into a space without losing its aesthetic appeal, but remaining compliant. Designers are increasingly aiming to open up space to bring in natural light and encourage a sense of well-being for the occupants, meaning walls that would previously have been solid are being specified as glazed. This means that large panels of glass, beyond the capacity of fire test facilities, must be handled sensitively and installed within a bespoke system. This necessitates close liaison with certification authorities to identify what can be assessed from the test evidence provided. Of course, workplaces must be fire safe, look good, and feel pleasant to work in. The sheer complexity of the day-to-day office functionality is a difficult issue. Aesthetics are often a requirement that is added to the fire resistance of fire doors. But it’s often the case that suitably certified hardware simply doesn’t exist. Glass office partition systems Can fire safety and great design coexist in the office space? Yes, definitely. Can fire safety and great design coexist in the office space? Yes, definitely. This is because, the latest glazed and sliding doors, adjustable ‘office pods’, and acoustically-optimized walls are all made with fire safety, sustainability, and elegant design in mind. Many glass office partition systems allow natural light and air circulation to flow through the room, which helps to improve employee well-being and boosts performance. Fire safety is of the utmost importance Fire safety and design can harmoniously co-exist in an office space, but it comes down to managing expectations. Fire safety is of the utmost importance, and as the requirements tighten, the commercial office industry will catch up with fire safety standards, testing and reporting regimes, and ongoing compliance. Fortunately, fantastic fire-resistant workplace solutions are entering the market, built for safety, flexibility, and aesthetic appeal.

When public safety agencies, including police, fire, and ambulance, work together to meet the needs of a region, citizens are better protected, and a better quality of life for all is promoted. However, today’s public expectation demands agencies embrace digital transformation, for those partnerships to be effective and efficient and vitally, connected with the public they serve. This can involve the integration of operational systems, such as computer-aided dispatch (CAD) in a public safety answering point (PSAP) and those used by other organizations, or the implementation of one system across multiple agencies. Public safety systems under pressure Public safety systems are under a lot of pressure, and digital transformation provides the foundation to handle the scale, complexity, and unpredictability that comes with rapidly changing, multi-dimensional incidents and legislative demands. This is especially true for those regions that rely on multiple-agency partnerships. For example, remote areas where agencies such as mountain rescue will be required to work seamlessly with the air ambulance. This is where cloud-based systems come in. Scalability and resilience are especially important, when you look at the responsibilities that fall under the remit of emergency services organisations. Whether it is, for example, police or fire, response calls can range from small day-to-day incidents to massive events, such as natural disasters or crowd disorder. Cloud-based systems can address this range, intuitively aiding the responders no matter the bespoke nature of the call. Complex emergency service structures In the United Kingdom, while the government has sought to improve emergency services integration and collaboration, the situation is complicated due to the many different authorities that control emergency response and because few of their boundaries are coterminous. However, in major cities, such as London, jurisdiction is more focused, led by a single Fire Authority or Commissioner For example, in non-metropolitan areas, fire and rescue falls under the jurisdiction of combined fire authorities involving many different local councils and other authorities in the region. However, in major cities, such as London, jurisdiction is more focused, led by a single Fire Authority or Commissioner, with the local Mayor accountable for setting the annual budget. Then, there are the, often county-based, police forces and regional ambulance services, who fall into different hierarchal structures, all with different boundaries. All of this complexity creates barriers, which can develop into rigid siloes. This is the landscape that these organisations hope to improve by using cloud-based systems. Ensuring citizen data privacy Across all these structures run competing political priorities, as well as distinct legacy IT systems that must be surpassed to achieve seamless integration. Lastly, the services must ensure the public that there will be no unnecessary government personal intrusion through the technology. Citizen data privacy must be a leading consideration, especially in light of the recent increase in cyber-attacks directed at the public sector. For example, the WannaCry ransomware attack on the National Health Service in 2017. Cloud-based systems There are multiple advantages to moving emergency services systems, such as CAD, to the cloud – greater access, flexible connectivity, and communication through a government accredited secure platform. Moving to the Cloud enables more informed and timely decisions from emergency services personnel, more effective use of resources, and increased understanding and engagement, the overall impact of this is greater resiliency and safety for the emergency services, and the public they serve. Vitally, when the Cloud is used effectively and services are subsequently improved, public trust in emergency service institutions is reinforced. Benefits of the Cloud The benefits of the Cloud are most evident in public safety, when it comes to cross agency collaboration The benefits of the Cloud are most evident in public safety, when it comes to cross agency collaboration. Cloud platforms create a shared point of access to data that is currently split between multiple siloed organisations. This means that every agency, responding to an incident, will have the same information in real-time, greatly improving their coordination. This allows personnel to react to events on the ground, as they happen with no delays or confusion arising from misrelated communication. In a potentially chaotic emergency environment, the value of immediately sharing information in secure, trusted partner relationships cannot be overstated, when it comes to saving lives or ensuring staff safety. Attributes of an efficient public safety cloud platform There are several consistent considerations for public safety agencies looking to choose a cloud solution, as the foundation for the digital transformation process. The leading factor is collaboration and working together to form a checklist that can be used to identify an effective next-generation public safety solution. First, public safety agencies need a cohesive user experience for advanced communications and insight. This a basic element of any unified system. It ensures interoperability across all solutions and platforms, and unites capabilities beyond dispatch, and call-taking to include analytics, planning, and reporting features. The benefits of systems integrations When systems are integrated across public safety agencies, any organization can ensure effective communications for smarter, faster decision-making, which is essential to public safety work. Another leading consideration is that of public trust. When public safety professionals can harness operational data, they have more tools to make better-informed and more-timely decisions, allowing them to demonstrate increased public understanding and engagement. This results in more transparency and better evidence-based communication to demonstrate to the community that these services are acting for the public good. Return on Investment (ROI) An option here is to use a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, as these are often implemented on a subscription-basis Return on Investment (ROI) must also be factored into every decision. Public safety agencies have finite budgets and therefore, it is crucial to pick a cloud-based service that is cost effective. An option here is to use a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, as these are often implemented on a subscription-basis. Therefore, there is a predetermined cost and billing process which makes it much easier to track expenses and only pay for additional capacity when it’s needed. Lastly, any solution chosen must be easily adaptable and future-proof. The UK Government has oversight over emergency service policy legislation and there is always the potential for updates or amendments, for example the temporary changes brought in during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the selected platform must have the capacity to evolve in line with legislation through easily configurable workflows and customer business rules. It is vital that the cloud platform does not become just another legacy system that agencies must navigate when improving their services. A clear need for cloud transformation The benefits of cloud systems to public safety services are myriad. Ultimately, they improve the pace and quality of the emergency services’ response, which can in turn lead to the saving of citizens’ lives. A fundamental element is that they allow multiple agencies to focus on what they do best, unencumbered by managing the technology, responding to incidents together, with all services acting as a unified force in confronting any crisis. However, for the full benefits of cloud to be realized, certain attributes must be embraced when selecting a system, such as user experience, public trust, ROI, and adaptability. Once these attributes are secured, the improvements cloud-based systems can bring are limitless.

In Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, in May 2022, a helmet camera recorded firefighters extinguishing a truck fire along I-94, catching every detail as sparks flew and firefighters hosed down the truck to suppress the blaze. Firefighters also hosed down the grass on the side of the freeway to put out hot spots and prevent a grass fire, MLive.com reported. The helmet-cam was part of a voluntary program that involves Ann Arbor firefighters wearing cameras when responding to active structure fires to capture video that can be used as a training tool, in order to better understand what went right and what went wrong. Video can also be released to the public to showcase how tax dollars are being spent. A focus on structure fires precludes any concerns about privacy. Helmet-cams used by firefighters Helmet-cams used by firefighters can provide a valuable tool for training and post-incident analysis Helmet-cams used by firefighters can provide a valuable tool for training and post-incident analysis. On the other hand, they could impact how a firefighter does his or her job or even violate privacy concerns and/or the public trust. While debate around the use of body-cams by law enforcement officers has mostly been settled, opinions still vary about the use of helmet-cams by firefighters. In one sense, the rules and regulations have not caught up with the technology, including smaller (and inexpensive) video cameras that can easily (and even discreetly) be mounted on a firefighter’s helmet. Some departments have banned use of helmet-cams, while others have sought to restrict and control their use. Still others haven’t given it much thought. Multiple perspectives for post-incident analysis An advantage of helmet-cams is to record video of the actions of officers and firefighters at an incident and to provide multiple perspectives for post-incident analysis. Critiquing performance is a learning tool to encourage continuous improvement. In case of an injury or line-of-duty death (LODD), helmet-cam footage provides an unblinking record of exactly what occurred. If a time element is being assessed, a helmet-cam video can display each activity along with a time display, thus eliminating the need for a stopwatch. Clear and time-marked audio recording In addition to video, helmet-cams can provide a clear and time-marked audio recording, not limited by radio-frequency interference. (Audio recordings are subject to additional privacy concerns in some jurisdictions.) A possible downside of using helmet-cams is to distract a firefighter from his or her duties or to narrow their focus to the detriment of a broad awareness of their surroundings. It is important that a firefighter not miss something that is happening at the periphery of his or her line-of-sight. Helmet-Cams can distract a firefighter’s attention Conscious of how they appear in a video recording, a firefighter might be more guarded in their actions or words; at the other extreme, they might be tempted to “show off” for the camera by taking greater risks to provide more dramatic footage. A firefighter with a helmet-cam might also become preoccupied with operating the camera to optimize video to the detriment of other concerns. Becoming fixated on the technology can distract a firefighter’s attention from the real job at hand. Creating a policy that addresses issues are helmet-cams use Departments should consider carefully the issues surrounding helmet-cams and create a policy Departments should consider carefully the issues surrounding helmet-cams and create a policy that addresses those issues. Fire service leaders may benefit from collaborating with local police leaders who have worked with body-cam video and know the possible evidentiary value of video that can be captured on the devices. Fire departments should be aware that any captured footage may have evidentiary value, if it relates to a crime or police internal affairs investigation. Unlike body-cams used by police, which download video to the department at the end of a shift and are covered by department policy, helmet-cams are less restricted and less well-managed. Firefighters may even own their cameras. Privacy concerns surrounding the use of helmet-cams Some fire departments, such as Houston, San Antonio, and San Francisco, have banned helmet-cams because of privacy concerns and worries about how a video might embarrass a department. Privacy concerns include the use of helmet-cams in medical calls, which make up most a firefighter’s daily responses. There should be rules that ensure that videos do not eventually make their way to Internet sites such as YouTube. In New Jersey, for example, Cathy’s Law (passed in 2012) restricts images and recordings at emergency scenes, such as motor vehicle accidents.

Among the ways, garments protect firefighters is by reducing the heat stress and discomfort created by the need to carry heavy gear. Making the garments more comfortable to wear means less physical stress. Garments also help to protect firefighters from the toxic elements in the fire environment. The extent to which plastic materials can generate toxic smoke when they burn has previously been ignored but is now better understood. Concerted effort to understand end user As a manufacturer of fibers used in firefighting garments, DuPont makes a concerted effort to understand the end user of their products; that is, the firefighter. They seek to keep the firefighter safer and to extend the time available to do his or her job safely. DuPont works with fabric and garment manufacturers to focus on minimizing the impact of the toxic environment. Firefighter’s awareness Multiple initiatives seek to make firefighters more aware of potential dangers and best practices Awareness by firefighters of the negative impact of toxic materials has increased substantially. Multiple initiatives seek to make firefighters more aware of potential dangers and best practices to avoid exposure to contamination. Organizations promoting greater awareness include firefighters’ unions, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and the National Fallen Firefighters Association. Toxic smoke For example, testing confirms that toxic smoke often affects firefighters in the neck and jaw area, where sweat promotes absorption of smoke particles. A woven hood or baklava avoids the absorption, reflected in the NFPA Standard 1971, which makes particulate protection hoods mandatory. The Nomex Nano Flex hood increases the comfort of the gear. Avoiding toxic materials also includes no inclusion of per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) in garment materials themselves. Standards and Specifications Testing is an area of focus for DuPont, which has the capabilities to test the layered structures firefighters are wearing. One tool is the Thermo-Man, a fully instrumented mannequin that tests the likely burn injuries of flash-over fires. DuPont works with the NFPA, ISO, EN, and other standards committees to develop testing and certified standards to ensure the performance of firefighter garments. Fire gear is specified in each region according to a standard (minimum) performance. In many cases, garments out-perform the requirements. Other variables Other variables of firefighting garments include the fitting and weight Other variables of firefighting garments include the fitting and weight. A less expensive approach might yield a garment that sacrifices comfort. Geographic and climate differences matter, too. A firefighter in the North would prefer a different garment than in the South. Garments should be comfortable, lighter, and warmer in cold environments. On the topic of gender, garment makers offer female designs that are cut and shaped differently. Garment makers evaluate the weight of the assembly, how well it protects against the heat, and the comfort. DuPont works with garment makers to test various materials and how they perform in fire garments. The company works with firefighter consultants in the U.S. and Europe who help them understand the language of firefighters. Addressing Dangers of Toxic Materials Cleaning fire gear of toxic materials is a challenge related to garments. Toxic materials on fire gear returned to the fire station can also expose the station environment to danger. Changing logistics and processes are driving how gear is handled in the fire station environments. Some stations are designating black zones, gray zones, and white zones, depending on the level of contamination of the gear in those areas. Washing and drying More frequent washing of bulky, heavy gear helps to circumvent the impact of toxic materials, but repeated washing and drying can cause mechanical stress and resulting damage to a garment. DuPont collaborates with weaving mills and garment makers to develop fabrics and garments that stand up well to frequent washing.Toxic smoke particles and mandatory use of hoods on firefighters is translating into more washing. As time goes on, the washing and decontamination process will likely become more professionalized with laundry companies stepping in to wash and handle the garments. Fire stations are not well suited to cleaning these garments. Nomex Nano fiber Nomex Nano Flex is a non-woven material that retains toxic and cancer-causing particles Developed to address the growing problem of heat stress, DuPont’s Nomex Nano fiber is engineered to be thinner than other advanced flame-resistant materials. Nomex Nano Flex was developed to help make products like firefighter hoods more protective against particles without compromising comfort. Nomex Nano Flex is a non-woven material that retains toxic and cancer-causing particles, and creates a particulate barrier. It also protects the firefighter from outside heat while cooling the firefighter by evacuating body heat. Higher evaporation rate Nomex Nano Flex has a higher evaporation rate. For the same thermal protection performance (TPP), it also has higher total heat loss (THL). Combining protection, thermal performance and toughness, Nomex Xtreme Performance is the highest performance category of solutions for flame-resistant personal protective apparel. Feedback from Firefighters “If we have a new innovation, or want to share our developments, we go proactively to fire departments to ask: Will this help you or not?” says Alfons N. Held, Global Market Leader, Emergency Response, DuPont Personal Protection. There is a difference between lab testing and what firefighters experience in the real world. Alfons N. Held adds, “We seek to understand what they need, and approach ‘lighthouse’ fire departments for guidance.” In any country or jurisdiction, there are fire departments – ‘lighthouse’ departments – that set the trends and work to evaluate the gear. If someone in Florida is using certain gear, it might also work in Texas or Arizona. The protection level Areas of continuing research in terms of firefighter garments include making them more wash-durable The question is: What protection level do we need? Given that level, departments seek to balance comfort with performance. Ironically, of the firefighters who die every year, some two-thirds of the deaths are attributable to overexertion, while less than 10% is linked to the fire/heat. Areas of continuing research in terms of firefighter garments include making them more wash-durable, more comfortable (with higher evaporation) and more lightweight. Complex systems Garments can be complex systems; heavy turnout gear is a five-layer garment with each layer contributing to performance – the outer shell, the inner liner, a moisture membrane, and one or two thermal liners. Sometimes attention is more focused on the outer layer of the gear with less awareness of the other layers and how the entire system works together. Importance of station wear In fact, protection of the firefighter starts at the skin, so station wear is important. “In our view, looking at all the layers on the skin and outwards is important,” says Alfons N. Held, adding “Firefighters wear various materials that are not always optimal.” For example, a cotton undergarment might get wet from sweat, stay wet and not evaporate. Environmental impact is another concern among garment-makers. Can the materials be reused or recycled? Some countries in Europe ask that manufacturers take back garments after they are used.     New Garments, New Needs A special need is development of new garments that can perform at the wildland urban interface (WUI), where catastrophic wildland fires encroach on residential areas. Design of gear for wildland firefighting has been lighter and does not include breathing systems. When fires reach residential areas, gear needs change. Wildland firefighters are not equipped to enter a structure fire and do not have adequate protection against carcinogens. New gear designs are needed that address both environments.

A new floating fire station in San Francisco, USA is designed to provide fast response to a variety of emergencies, to adapt to the rise and fall of the natural tide of the bay, and to withstand future sea level changes tied to global warming. Fireboat Station 35 Fireboat Station 35 is berthed at Pier 22-1/2, just north of the Bay Bridge, along the Embarcadero at Harrison just south of the Ferry Building, in San Francisco, California, USA. It is a 14,900-square-foot, two-story fireboat station, secured by four 60-inch-diameter vertical steel pipe guide piles that are 150 feet long, driven into the floor of the bay. A lift for the city of San Francisco’s three fire boats enables the new fire station to keep up with maintenance and repairs. Fireboat Station 35 will also house rescue watercraft. Floating fireboat station The new floating fireboat station is located near the existing Fire Station 35 building, constructed in 1915 The new floating fireboat station is located near the existing Fire Station 35 building, constructed in 1915, which will be used to store fire safety equipment and from which a fire engine will be housed and deployed, in case of emergencies. The ingenious design of the floating fireboat station accommodates the needs of the Fire Department and the realities of the changing climate, in order to better serve an urban environment. “The new Fireboat Station 35 will improve the Fire Department’s ability to meet our emergency response needs today and into the future,” said San Francisco City’s Mayor, London N. Breed. The US$ 39.9 million project is funded by the second phase of San Francisco’s Earthquake Safety and Emergency Response (ESER) bond. New modern facility critical to emergency response “The floating fire station is a welcome addition to the waterfront,” said Elaine Forbes, the Executive Director of the Port of San Francisco. Elaine Forbes adds, “Our firefighters will have a modern facility critical to emergency response and the unique design advances major efforts to make the waterfront resilient, to both sea level rise and seismic risks.” At the ribbon-cutting of the floating fire house, which took place on March 10, 2022, fireboats blasted water cannons dozens of feet in the air at the opening ceremony. Base of the station can withstand sea level rise The structure is designed to withstand seismic events in the earthquake-prone area and to render aid The 173-by-96-foot base of the station was fabricated in China to withstand sea level rise and natural disasters. The structure was floated across the Pacific Ocean from China to Pier 1 on Treasure Island in the middle of San Francisco Bay, where the actual two-story fire station was constructed. The structure was later floated across the Bay to arrive at its permanent home at Pier 22-1/2. The structure is designed to withstand seismic events in the earthquake-prone area and to render aid, including a small medical bay on board. Thus, the fire station will help to minimize damage during an earthquake and respond better to large-scale emergency. Recruiting tool for future city firefighters In addition to emergency response advantages, the new structure will also serve as a recruiting tool for future city firefighters. A group of high school students attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new floating fireboat station and a program at Mission High School trains students in fire science and basic EMT preparation, in partnership with San Francisco City College and the San Francisco Fire Department. Twenty-one personnel will be assigned to the new floating fire station, with seven personnel on shift at a given time and including three personnel who operate the engine.

Comelit-PAC has been working with partners - GB Integrated Systems to fit the latest fire safety systems at the Hop House in Deva City Office Park, in order to ensure the safety of all who work and visit the unique work environment. Part of the former Threlfalls Brewery, an iconic feature of the Manchester city skyline, Deva City Office Park presents an eclectic mix of business space presented in a Grade II listed Brewery building or 17 high-spec self-contained office units. Balancing modern design GB Integrated System worked directly with the site management team to upgrade the addressable panels With the need to offer 24 / 7 security and fire safety, GB Integrated System worked directly with the site management team to upgrade the addressable panels, and specified Comelit-PAC’s latest LogiFire solution. Iain Taylor, Director of Asset Management at Northwood Investors International Limited, said: “We knew we had complex requirements for Deva City when it came to security and fire safety, with each individual business on site needing its own risk assessments. This was set against the buildings themselves, where any upgrades had to be sympathetic to the specific interest Grade II classification and balance modern design and use of technology.” Easy fire safety solution Iain Taylor adds, “GB Integrated Systems made it a priority to understand this and work with us right from initial design and specification to implement a bespoke solution that could accommodate our requirements. From a fire safety perspective, Comelit-PAC was recommended, to ensure we could reduce installation time and minimize disruption to business activity for the benefit of our occupiers.” GB Integrated System specified Comelit-PAC’s LogiFire Easy fire safety solution. The office park required a stand-alone 1-loop analog addressable panel. Fire safety solution We recommended Comelit-PAC’s Logifire solution essentially because of its simple design" Mike Gray, Technical Director at GB Integrated Systems, stated: “We recommended Comelit-PAC’s Logifire solution essentially because of its simple design, and ability to easily install using existing cabling, so as not to interfere with the style of the development and its unique character. From the owner’s perspective, its style and flexibility of use means that it is the best fire safety solution to protect the occupiers collectively and blend seamlessly with its surroundings.” Logifire addressable system, has been designed to offer a simple to install, fire safety solution that is compliant with BS and EN standards. It is complemented with a range of detectors, offered with award-winning designs to ensure systems blend with their surroundings. Mind fire safety Mandy Bowden, Comelit-PAC Fire Manager, concluded: “When it comes to fire safety, the market is growing rapidly amid greater awareness of the need for risk assessments, remediation work, building upgrades and ongoing maintenance in the new-build sector as well as at existing sites. What our work with GB Integrated Systems at Deva City Office Park demonstrates is the need to assess each development as early as possible in a works program to ensure solutions meet exact requirements." She adds, "We understood that any upgrade had to be carefully considered with regards to how it will impact on the aesthetics of the overall premises. Together, we identified how LogiFire as a single solution, could be installed quickly and effectively for the benefit of all who work on-site. It allows for total peace of mind fire safety.”

Oshkosh Airport Products, a division of Pierce Manufacturing Inc., a subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation announces Airservices Australia has issued a purchase order for four Oshkosh Airport Products Striker® Volterra™ 6x6 Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) hybrid electric vehicles. These environmentally advanced fire apparatus will be deployed at the new Western Sydney International Airport (WSI), set to open in 2026. Striker Volterra 6x6 The Striker Volterra 6x6 comes equipped with an Oshkosh-patented hybrid-electric drivetrain, featuring an electro-mechanical infinitely variable transmission. This enables zero-emissions operation through the integrated onboard batteries and uninterrupted power supply by coupling with the internal combustion engine for pumping and drive systems. innovative design  Airservices Australia is making a significant investment to support the development of an 'airport of the future' WSI is a transformational infrastructure project expected to boost economic activity, provide local employment opportunities, meet Sydney's carbon-neutral sustainability initiatives, and meet the area’s growing aviation needs. Airservices Australia is a government entity making a significant investment to support the development of an 'airport of the future', featuring world-pioneering technology, innovative design, and a sustainability plan incorporating assets like the Striker Volterra ARFF hybrid electric vehicles.  sustainability "As the first airport built in Australia in over 50 years, WSI is not just an airport; it's a statement of intent for a more sustainable future,” said Dave Archer, Vice President of Engineering for Oshkosh Vocational. He adds, “The Striker Volterra vehicles, with their hybrid electric technology, align perfectly with Airservices Australia and WSI’s goals. These vehicles are not only an asset to emergency response capabilities but also play a crucial role in larger environmental sustainability initiatives." environmentally conscious choice Dave Archer continues, "They symbolize a dedication to intelligent design, energy optimization, fire crew safety and efficiency, and ultimately, a carbon-neutral future." Striker Volterra ARFF hybrid electric vehicles demonstrate the most advanced acceleration and reduced fuel consumption compared to our standard diesel models, making them an environmentally conscious choice for emergency response services. Striker Volterra features Striker Volterra ARFF demonstrates a 28 percent improved acceleration compared to the standard diesel models WSI’s four new Striker Volterra 6x6 vehicles will feature an industry-pioneering modular cab design, TAK-4® all-wheel independent suspension, and a 50’ Snozzle® High Reach Extendable Turret. They each house an 11,356-liter (3,000-gallon) water tank, a 1,590-liter (420-gallon) foam tank, and a 7,570 lpm (2,000 gpm) water pump, along with a 250 kg (550 lb.) dry chemical powder system. Accelerating from 0 to 80 kph (0 to 50 mph) in under 25 seconds, the Striker Volterra ARFF demonstrates a 28 percent improved acceleration compared to the standard diesel models when fully loaded. training, implementation, and service support Dave Archer said, “The collaboration between Oshkosh Airport Products and Airservices Australia marks a significant step forward in the aviation industry's commitment to sustainability." He adds, "We remain committed to a strong partnership, providing world-class training, seamless implementation, and unwavering service support to ensure these vehicles exceed expectations in the critical missions of ARFF crews.” By leveraging new technologies and innovations like Oshkosh Airport Products’ Striker Volterra ARFF hybrid electric vehicles, WSI will showcase the feasibility of low-carbon operations and set a new standard for airports worldwide.

Industry pioneer - AEI Cables has clinched a contract to supply its low-voltage power, control, and fire performance cables to a major extension of the Hong Kong Sports Institute. Working with its partners, Cornwall Contracting Co.Ltd, AEI Cables supplied the cables to the existing sports complex from 2011 to 2013. Extension features The major extension involves the facilities development building, which is located in front of the indoor swimming pool and rowing boathouse comprising a three-storey building area. This will feature a multi-purpose training hall, scientific conditioning facilities, a sports medicine center, sport psychology, sports biomechanics, sports nutrition, and monitoring center, and a sports residence area. Quality cabling The Hong Kong Sports Institute is a major sports complex located in Sha Tin Stuart Dover, General Manager of AEI Cables, said, “This is a major development of the institute and we’re thrilled to be working on such a prestige project with our partner to ensure the highest quality of cabling is installed.” The consultant engineer will be WSP Hong Kong Ltd and the electrical sub-contractor is Cornwall Contracting Co. Ltd. The Hong Kong Sports Institute is a major sports complex located in Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong, offering training to athletes and academic qualifications in the field of sports training. Fire performance cabling Using the very latest in technology and science, AEI Cables’ specialist Firetec Total Fire Solutions range offers enhanced fire performance cabling, accessories, and technical support from its distribution facility at Washington, Tyne and Wear. Applications for Firetec include residential and commercial buildings, shopping malls, airports, and protected buildings ensuring that fire alarms, sprinkler systems, building monitoring, and security systems can continue to operate in a fire.  All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organizations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail, and LUL and works to international standards around the world.

Firefighting is an extremely dangerous and demanding profession, both physically and mentally. However, help is at hand: Teledyne FLIR designed its K-series of professional yet affordable thermal imaging cameras to take the strain, assisting firefighters in navigating through smoky conditions while searching for hot spots and measuring temperature from a distance. The team at Solna Fire Station in Stockholm, Sweden, is a case in point, where the use of a FLIR K-series camera recently helped one of the team’s smoke divers save four lives in a city center fire. Greater Stockholm’s Fire Service Storstockholms brandförsvar (Greater Stockholm’s fire service), covers 10 municipalities in the city, including Solna, located just north of the center. When a recent large fire began downtown, Solna’s fire crew responded to the call. “We sent in two smoke divers, both with FLIR K-series cameras,” explains Tomas Bellander, a Firefighter and Instructor at Solna Fire Station with 22 years of experience. FLIR Thermal Camera Upon approach, his FLIR thermal camera showed what looked like an arm in the doorway" Tomas Bellander continues, “One smoke diver spotted an elevator with its doors slightly open. His instinct drew him towards the elevator and, upon approach, his FLIR thermal camera showed what looked like an arm in the doorway." He adds, "It turned out there were four people in that elevator, all of whom were saved by our smoke diver and his FLIR camera.” Smoke Diving Like any fire station, Solna has a range of conventional firefighting tools at its disposal but relies on FLIR thermal imaging cameras to locate fires and pinpoint anyone trapped or in need of assistance. However, while the main application for FLIR cameras at Solna Fire Station is smoke diving, the crew also uses its cameras as part of other rescue activities, such as locating people on train tracks or next to the water. FLIR K55 High-Performance “It’s a lot easier than using our own eyes and a flashlight,” says Firefighter - Simon Zettergren, adding “We can quickly see if there are any temperature shifts to detect human presence.” Zettergren says Solna Fire Station takes advantage of FLIR K55 high-performance thermal cameras, retaining two in each vehicle. Charging takes place inside the truck. “We typically deploy teams of two smoke divers: one with a hose and the other with a FLIR K55,” he explains. Easy Smoke Detection They display crisp thermal images on a bright LCD, helping Solna’s fire crew to navigate better FLIR K55 cameras allow Solna Fire Station to attack fires with a better strategy, maneuver through smoke more easily and save lives. They display crisp thermal images on a bright LCD, helping Solna’s fire crew to navigate better and expedite critical decisions. “A lot of thoughts go through your head when there’s a real fire,” says Tomas Bellander. Situational Awareness With Limited Visibility He adds, “You have to execute your strategy while simultaneously receiving commands from the lieutenant and making real-time judgments about situational awareness with limited visibility." Tomas Bellander concludes, "The stress factor is high, so you must call upon your equipment and training. If you can do that, the outcome will likely be positive.”

West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (WYFRS) has selected edge control room solutions from Frequentis to enhance service delivery for the communities it safeguards through better resource allocation and coordination between emergency services when responding to emergencies. WYFRS WYFRS is the fourth largest fire and rescue service in the country, responsible for the safety of over 2.2 million residents and the protection of 800 square miles of land, covering five major metropolitan districts. The diverse landscape, which encompasses everything from vast rural countryside to towns and major cities, presents unique challenges: Frequentis' expertise in providing comprehensive control room solutions and dedication to delivering innovative technology to emergency service organizations has played a vital role in this successful collaboration. Efficiency, Communication And Resource Allocation We are aiming to enhance the efficiency of our emergency response even further, and improve communication" “By implementing the Frequentis systems, we are aiming to enhance the efficiency of our emergency response even further, improve communication and coordination among emergency responders, and optimize our resource allocation,” says WYFRS Area Manager, Scott Donegan. He adds, "Ultimately, this will enable us to be even better at protecting the millions of residents, the communities, and businesses we serve here in West Yorkshire." Cloud-Based Mobilizing Solution The contract marks a significant milestone in West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service's journey toward modernizing its control room capabilities. “By adopting the Frequentis Microsoft Azure cloud-based mobilizing solution, West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service will benefit from a comprehensive communication and incident management platform, LifeX, and unique-mobilization solution provided by our recent acquisition, Regola," says Andy Madge, Managing Director of Frequentis UK & Ireland.  A System-As-A-Service Approach We continue to provide modern control room solutions for safety-critical customers" Andy Madge adds, "The 'System as a Service' approach aligns with the managed service requirements, eliminating conventional concerns and costs associated with ongoing IT management and security." He continues, “This partnering approach represents a significant step forward for Frequentis as we continue to provide modern control room solutions for safety-critical customers.” Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system The new systems include a replacement Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system that is Emergency Services Network (ESN) ready, an Integrated Communication and Control System (ICCS) for seamless telecommunications, radio communications, and data communications, as well as a mobilizing system for efficient resource allocation to incidents. The implementation of these cutting-edge systems will enable WYFRS to respond even more effectively to emergency calls, whether the resources are mobile or stationed at various premises, and the mobilizing system will streamline the assignment of resources and personnel.

The Wayne Township Fire Department of Waynesville, Ohio has in production a new Seagrave Marauder pumper. Seagrave thanks Wayne Township Fire Department for their trust and business. Some features of this new Seagrave Marauder pumper fire apparatus include: Seagrave 141" Marauder Stainless Steel Cab Cummins L9 450 HP 10" Raised Roof 24" Extended Front Bumper Waterous CSU 1500 GPM Pump Stainless Steel Pump Module and Plumbing 750 Gallon Water Tank Stainless Steel 137" Body ROM Doors Hydraulic Ladder Rack Whelen LED Warning Light Package FireTech HIVIZ LED Scene Lighting 181.5 Inch Wheelbase