Tall building fire safety

North-east-based fire systems manufacturer, Advanced reaches a milestone in the construction and refit of its new £2M headquarters. As a pioneer in the design, development and manufacture of commercial fire detection systems, Advanced employs over 180 staff and services over sixty countries from bases in the UK, US, India and Dubai. The firm’s relocation from its existing four sites in Cramlington to one 48,000 sq. ft base in Balliol Business Park, Longbenton will allow the business to satisfy the growing international demand from its customers. Continue Impressive Growth With work set to be completed over the summer, the state-of-the-art facility delivers the infrastructure and space Advanced needs to continue its impressive growth. Advanced, owned by Halma, formed in 1999 in North Shields and moved to its current base in Cramlington in 2003, quickly growing its operations across the four factories. This is a major step for the business, which will make an enormous difference to our operations" Managing Director, Ray Hope, said: “This is a major step for the business, which will make an enormous difference to our operations. It brings our admin and operations under one roof, will improve efficiency and support the technology we need to manage a manufacturing, R&D and commercial network across five continents.” Single Panel Installations “Our workforce is outstanding and I’m delighted we will be delivering them state-of-the-art premises and facilities in the North East that will support job security and opportunities for local workers in the future.” Advanced is a pioneer in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire detection systems. The performance, quality and ease of use of its products sees Advanced specified in locations all over the world, from single panel installations to large, multi-site networks in some of the world’s most prestigious sites including the Shard in London, Western Europe’s tallest building. Advanced’s products include complete fire detection systems, extinguishing control panels, fire paging and false alarm management systems.

Gardner Denver Holdings, Inc., a renowned global provider of mission-critical flow control and compression equipment, announced that it has acquired international liquid and gas handling solutions provider, Oina VV AB, for a net purchase price of approximately US $10 million funded by cash on hand. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, Oina specializes in customized pump solutions for liquid handling processes for use in medical, process and industrial applications. Oina will be part of Gardner Denver’s Medical Segment. Customized pump solutions Acquisition of Oina will provide further access to the peristaltic pumps market and enhanced R&D capabilities and leverage Gardner Denver’s distribution network, commercial, and operational capabilities. “Oina has a strong history of delivering innovative products and building excellent customer relationships. This acquisition complements and expands our existing peristaltic pump offering and provides increased access to and expertise in the market,” said Vicente Reynal, Gardner Denver’s CEO. “This is another important step in our strategy to drive ongoing profitable growth by leveraging core, mission-critical technologies in attractive end markets.” Mission critical technologies The CEO of Oina, Anders Lovas, stated, “We are excited to join the Gardner Denver family. Oina will be able to leverage an expanded commercial and operational footprint as we continue to innovate and deliver high quality products and service to our customers.” Gardner Denver is a globally renowned provider of mission-critical flow control and compression equipment and associated aftermarket parts, consumables and services, which it sells across multiple attractive end-markets within the industrial, energy and medical industries. Its broad and complete range of compressor, pump, vacuum and blower products and services. Oina offers customized solutions for liquid and gas handling, including peristaltic pumps, piston pumps, diaphragm pumps, valves, tubing, fittings and more.

From coast to coast, Americans across the country have been protected for years, thanks to a wave of 2011-2012 legislation initiatives that brought carbon monoxide (CO) protection to the forefront of home and apartment safety. During those years, many states enacted the 2009 International Residential Code, which required CO alarms in newly constructed residences, or enacted CO legislation of their own. Since then, countless lives have been saved as a majority of states have followed suit with similar legislation and code adoption. Timely Reminder To Property Owners However, as CO alarms generally installed at that time had a lifespan of seven years, BRK Brands and First Alert, a trusted brand in home safety, along with health and safety officials, have issued a timely reminder to property owners: the need to replace CO alarms in affected buildings as they approach expiration. CO is a colorless and odorless gas that is impossible to detect without a sensing device States where alarms may have reached or are reaching their end-of-life include Alabama, Arkansas, South Dakota, West Virginia, California, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. In addition, Local Law 7 of New York City required carbon monoxide alarms in all single- and multi-dwelling units throughout the five boroughs. Local Law 75 followed in 2012, requiring the replacement of alarms upon their expiration. Building Escape Plans Known as the “silent killer,” CO is a colorless and odorless gas that is impossible to detect without a sensing device. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, CO poisoning is a leading cause of accidental poisoning in the U.S. and is responsible for an average of 450 deaths each year. Any fuel burning appliance, including heaters, fireplaces, furnaces, appliances and cooking sources using coal, wood or petroleum products, are all potential sources of CO. It’s critical to have appliances inspected by certified licensed technicians, educate tenants on the dangers of CO and have building escape plans in place in the event of a CO emergency. End-Of-Life Warning People may experience disorientation or unconsciousness, and can suffer long-term neurological disabilities Diagnosis of CO poisoning can be difficult because symptoms, which include nausea, headaches, dizziness, weakness, chest pain and vomiting, mimic those of many other illnesses. In more severe poisoning cases, people may experience disorientation or unconsciousness, and can suffer long-term neurological disabilities, cardio respiratory failure or death. As an extra safety measure, BRK Brands/First Alert CO or Combination alarms feature an end-of-life warning to alert residents to the need for replacement. The end-of-life signal differs significantly from the 85-decibel horn heard in an emergency or during regular testing of the alarm. It also differs from the low-battery chirp, and usually consists of short chirping sounds. Check the back of the alarm, as well as the alarm’s user manual, for specific information on these different signals. Also, if the date code is labeled 2011 or prior, the alarm needs to be replaced. Advanced CO Sensing Technologies BRK Brands/First Alert offers advanced CO sensing technologies and latest safety features available, in hardwired, wall mount plug-in and battery-powered versions. Alarms manufactured today now include a 10-year alarm life (increased from 7 years). With the constantly changing building code and legislative requirements, BRK’s 10-Year Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms keep property managers ahead of the curve by offering the highest levels of protection and an easy installation solution. Smoke Detection And CO Detection CO detectors to be installed in new multi-family properties with a significant advantage The BRK 10-year hardwired smoke and CO alarms further raise the bar by incorporating 10-year battery backup technology, not only for smoke detection but also for CO, providing installers in any of the 45 states (and counting) that require CO detectors to be installed in new multi-family properties with a significant advantage. It uses an electrochemical CO sensor – the most accurate technology available, allowing residents to capture and retrieve the highest CO levels recorded in their apartment through the peak function. “CO poisoning is a threat to everyone, and as a rental property owner or manager, there is an important responsibility to ensure your properties comply with all local and state laws, which are designed to protect residents from the dangers that CO poses,” said Mary Collins, director of marketing at BRK Brands. “It’s especially helpful to plan ahead for alarm replacement when you expect the end-of-life signals to begin sounding.”

KME Fire Apparatus, globally renowned manufacturer of fire apparatus, announces the delivery of eight KME custom pumpers to Central Pierce Fire & Rescue, WA. KME custom pumpers These eight engines have been specifically engineered to the department’s requirements. Paul Stueve, Assistant Chief of Logistics for Central Pierce states, “Cascade Fire and KME have provided an experience of responsiveness, a willingness to meet high expectations, and delivery with professionalism.” These new pumpers are identically built on KME’s Predator cab with a Severe Service interior package These new pumpers are identically built on KME’s Predator cab with a Severe Service interior package. The trucks will serve a diverse area including the City of Puyallup, WA, which is has an urban environment as well as a portion of unincorporated Pierce County. Features of the custom pumpers include: Predator MFD cab with a 10” raised roof Cab Cummins ISX 12 500 HP engine Allison 4000 EVS transmission Waterous 1500 GPM pump FoamPro 2002 foam system 500-gallon water tank with 30-gallon foam tank Efficiency and reliable service “The new pumpers have hit the streets, providing service reliably as promised. The feedback from our citizens has been positive with regards to their impressive appearance. From early evaluations by our firefighters, the consensus has been positive on the design features that were specified and how these pumpers perform,” said Paul Stueve. KME dealer, Cascade Fire & Safety, of Yakima, WA., provides service and support for Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. “At Cascade, our mission is providing fire departments with the right products and service for the long term,” said Mark Merritt, Cascade Fire & Safety, President. “Our entire team thoroughly enjoys the privilege of serving the professionals at Central Pierce Fire & Rescue. We are excited to see them get to new levels and reach their goals.”

Patol will be returning to the Firex International exhibition to demonstrate its extensive capabilities in industrial fire protection. The focus on stand FX650 will be one of the more recent additions to Patol’s product range - the Fire Thermal Infrared (FireTIR) detection system. The system features fixed infrared cameras connected to a user-friendly software interface through which the surface temperatures of the area being protected are monitored in real time. Camera Lens Cleaning High or low pre-alarm and alarm set temperatures can be programmed for each zone The image from each camera can be divided into zones, allowing specific risk areas to be identified and to also establish non-detection areas. High or low pre-alarm and alarm set temperatures can be programmed for each zone, with outputs to fire alarm and process control systems. FireTIR is suitable for a wide range of applications, including storage and handling plants, manufacturing industries, transport and power generation. For hazardous areas, camera enclosures are available to IP66 or ATEX certification, with automatic camera lens cleaning ensuring the system is ideally suited to dusty environments. Fibre Optic Option Kelvin Miller, Patol Sales Director, comments - “The FireTIR products are a very natural fit for us as a business and further strengthen our position as a particular specialist in heat detection technologies. Building on our existing portfolio which includes LHDC (linear heat detection cable) and infrared heat and flame sensors, we are able to offer further solutions to the challenges posed by the fire detection requirements of many varied applications. We look forward to demonstrating the capabilities of the system to visitors to the exhibition.” Alongside FireTIR, Patol will also be showing the latest developments in its LHDC products. In addition to the extensive range of cables manufactured by Patol at its Reading facility, the company also offers the Sensa range of fiber optic linear heat detection cables. Kelvin continues - “The addition of the Sensa cable was the missing piece of the LHDC jigsaw and means that we can offer a fiber optic option, as well as our LHDC in both analog (resettable) and digital (non-resettable) options.” Intelligent Fire Detection The Sensa Fibre Optic LHDC system has been providing reliable and intelligent fire detection and asset monitoring on projects throughout the world for more than 20 years. It offers speed of detection, reliability and versatility in monitoring temperature and detecting incipient fires in a range of multi-discipline environments. Alarm levels can be adjusted dependent on the risk levels of the zones Applications for the technology include protection of car parks, monitoring of vessels, automatic storage warehouses and power cable trays, with the capacity to configure the cable in multiple detection zones to meet the specific requirements of a given application. Alarm levels can be adjusted dependent on the risk levels of the zones, providing a programmable platform to suit many fire detection applications and installations. Flame Detection Options Relay contacts communicate the alarm decision directly to the main fire alarm control panel, with the capacity to also interface with third party systems - via a Modbus communications path – to control ventilation or extinguishing systems. Completing the line up for Firex this year will be the conveyor detection systems from Patol. The 5000 Series of infrared transit sensors are available in heat and flame detection options. The suitability of the technology to protect conveyors in particularly challenging environments has been highlighted by a new video shot by Patol at the Aberthaw power station in Wales.

Isover, a manufacturer and supplier of innovative insulation solutions, will be showcasing its U Protect passive fire protection range for HVAC applications at this year’s FIREX International 2019 on stand FX110. A critical risk to address when designing a building is the potential spread of fire within HVAC systems from one compartment to another. As such, at this year’s FIREX International, Isover will be focusing on its U Protect system, which offers passive fire protection for circular and rectangular ductwork. Passive Fire ProtectionThe U Protect slabs and wired mats are manufactured with Isover’s ULTIMATE™ mineral wool insulation The innovative U Protect system has been tested under EN 1366-1 & EN 1366-8 and assessed against BS 476: Part 24, offering up to 2 hours passive fire protection in HVAC ventilation and smoke extract ducts, as well as 1-hour passive fire protection for kitchen ducts. The U Protect slabs and wired mats are manufactured with Isover’s ULTIMATE™ mineral wool insulation, which is produced using an exclusive, patented process and formed of long interwoven fibers. This ensures both excellent fire protection, thermal performance and a significantly reduced weight when compared to traditional stone wool solutions. The insulation also features a black aluminum foil facing for an aesthetically pleasing finish and to help differentiate it from standard HVAC insulation. Thermal Building Regulations To further ensure effective fire protection and a straightforward installation, a full range of accessories are also available within the U Protect system, including intumescent paint, glue, screws and tape. Our U Protect System has been tested and assessed against the key current industry standards" Emmanuel Dupuis, Product Manager of Technical Insulation at Isover said: “Choosing the right insulation for HVAC applications is vital to reduce the risk of a fire spreading from compartment to compartment. Our U Protect System has been tested and assessed against the key current industry standards, providing specifiers with a proven system. “In addition to its fire protection properties, U Protect’s slabs and wired mats also have inherent sound deadening properties and can be used to meet the thermal Building Regulations. They’re also lightweight and easy to install, with no glue or intumescent paint required between the slabs or mats.” Latest Technological Innovations “We are very much looking forward to attending FIREX International this year and explaining the many benefits of our U Protect range to specifiers, contractors and customers – new and existing. As well as featuring a demonstration area, allowing visitors to get ‘hands-on’, our sales team will also be available to answer any questions or discuss any specific project requirements.” FIREX International, which takes place on 18 – 20 June at the London ExCel, is a fire safety exhibition, welcoming over 18,000 fire safety professionals to experience the latest technological innovations and hear from industry leaders - all under one roof, over three days.

Those responsible for the specification of products which go into new modern buildings have been asking for safe, approved cabling, which play a critical part in electrical supply systems. The number of fires in high-rise buildings in Europe and the Middle East have brought the issue of quality of products for fire performance circuits into sharp focus, not least the Grenfell disaster. Meanwhile, new buildings become increasingly complex, with the use of new materials and the designs of many requiring complex electrical systems to support security and fire safety. New and refurbished buildings such as hospitals, schools, shopping malls or airports, may have complex addressable loop fire alarm systems which provide information on individual detectors. Conventional systems only provide information about specific circuits or zones. Indicating exact location of fire, fault For critical alarm circuits in buildings where large numbers of people move about there can be no greater priority than safetyThe addressable systems feature a fire control panel which receives information and status reports from each device, indicating its exact location and if there may be a fire, a fault, heat or contamination. For critical alarm circuits in buildings where large numbers of people move about – many of whom can be vulnerable – there can be no greater priority than safety. The cabling chosen for these systems is therefore critical. If the power to these alarm systems fails because the cabling does not meet the required performance, then the information available for fire and rescue services is directly affected and with it, the chance of finding people who may be in the building. To meet these design challenges, and with the inquiry into the Grenfell disaster still ongoing, it is the use of the very latest technology and science that is taking enhanced fire performance cabling onto a new level. Safe and compliant cable products Decision-makers in the supply chain want reassurance that the products they are specifying are safe and compliant, meeting all recognized specifications. Calls have been made by the Approved Cables Initiative (ACI) for all cable being used in the UK to conform to relevant British, European or international standards amid increasing concerns about the volume of non-approved cables coming onto the market. Installers have welcomed the development of a new generation of fire performance cabling Installers have welcomed the development of a new generation of fire performance cabling which ensures critical fire-safety circuits can continue to operate in the event of a fire from 30 minutes up to 120 minutes. The standard and enhanced cables in the Total Fire Solutions range are tubed, making them a welcome product for contractors with ease of installation. They are all UV stable and they all come with a hard insulant to resist any fault generation over time. These cables meet all relevant industry standards including ISO 9001 and is approved by the leading industry organizations nationally and worldwide including BASEC and LPCB. Carrying out fire risk assessment For the fire and rescue services, the continuity of power means they can continue to read fire alarm system information which can direct them to the seat of the fire and help to locate people who may be in the building. Responsibility for choosing the right system lies with the ‘responsible person’ under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in business or any other non-domestic premises. This will be the owner, employer, landlord, or may be the facilities manager or building manager. As the responsible person, he or she must carry out a fire risk assessment of the premises and review it regularly and put in place and maintain appropriate fire safety measures. Ultimately, the responsible person faces a fines or jail if they fail to follow these measures and there is a fire. For some buildings, it is crucial to select the highest quality products to meet the most rigorous third-party tests and real-life fire scenarios Any items or products which go into these fire safety systems must be covered by standards set by national, European and international bodies such as British Standards. These will certify that when needed these products will perform their function and operate as expected in real life fire conditions. Ensuring cables meet fire safety standards In support of these standards, cable industry bodies provide testing regimes to ensure that different types of cable are fit for purpose and meet these standards when tested in fire conditions. For installers, or those procuring cables, there is a need to check the cable when it arrives to make sure it is exactly what was specified. Instances of unsafe non-approved cable continue to come to lightFor some buildings, it is crucial to select the highest quality products to meet the most rigorous third-party tests and real-life fire scenarios. These include environments such as hospitals, schools and care homes where older people and children move about. Specifiers looking at new large public sector projects such as hospitals should refer to BS 8519 for the electrical supply, and the most relevant cabling system. Counterfeit Flexible Cords campaign Instances of unsafe non-approved cable continue to come to light. Unsafe flexible cord, intended for use in domestic and industrial applications, has been found on sale in the UK recently, prompting the ACI to issue a fresh alert to the electrical supply chain. The latest find of sub-standard flexible cords is marked ‘Made in Turkey’ and ‘Ermaks’. Samples came to light following the initiative’s recent ‘Counterfeit Flexible Cords’ campaign which alerted the electrical supply chain to dangerous industrial flexible cords. We in the supply chain should all be vigilant to watch out and report these instances of non-compliant cabling wherever we see or suspect they have been installed, while developing only the safest products and systems of our own. We shouldn’t forget that we all have a duty and a responsibility where lives and property are at stake. Importance of MV cables to infrastructure Medium Voltage (MV) cables coming onto the market should be independently approved and certified as compliantThe demand for power has never been greater, with the explosion of development in towns and cities across the UK and the growth of industrial development and technology reliant on consistent supplies. Medium Voltage (MV) cables coming onto the market should be independently approved and certified as compliant as the pressure mounts on the installation of quality products in modern building developments. MV cables are crucial to our infrastructure. Electricity leaves the generating site and is routed via a step-up transformer to take it up to the National Grid distribution voltages of 400Kv, 275Kv and 132Kv. Once in the local area, the supply goes through step-down transformers that reduce the voltage to 415V with domestic supplies tapped off at 230V. To provide power to the sub-stations – very often located on the premises of the establishment that they supply – Medium Voltage (MV) cables are used. MV cables were only developed as the level of voltages increased and the need arose for a greater classification range. design and specification of the cables The technical design and specification of the cables is of paramount importance within the power distribution networkThe size of the market has developed to the point where the global MV cables market was valued at 39.31billion US dollars in 2016 and projected to grow at a rate of more than six percent until 2022. The technical design and specification of the cables themselves is of paramount importance within the power distribution network. There are a number of technical considerations to be taken into account including the size of the installation, the position of the installation in relation to the network and the presence of primary and secondary sub-stations. Prior to installation, a detailed route survey should also be carried out to plan where cables will be jointed and to identify any possible obstructions which may require special civil engineering works such as directional drilling. Underlying the critical nature of supplies to these types of services, the incidence of non-approved cables for these applications also plagues the industry.

Products for electrical systems that are installed into modern, complex buildings have to be fit-for-purpose for today’s challenging demands. With the background of numerous incidents still being felt by the fire performance industry, how is it to set the benchmarks for the future to make sure there is never another Lakanal House or another Grenfell? The long-term answer is for clearer guidance and legislation, if necessary, to enable the whole supply chain to make decisions which are compliant when choosing products. In the meantime, with the Grenfell inquiry projected to go on during 2019, what is the benchmark?The development of LSZH materials was accelerated following the King’s Cross Underground disaster in which 31 people died Cables With LSZH Materials We have standards through British Standards (BS) and testing regimes which cables should meet to validate that they meet these standards with approvals from various industry bodies including BASEC and LPCB. At AEI Cables, we have developed our Total Fire Solutions range of cables and accessories for all fire safety applications, incorporating Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) features. Traditional PVC cables which produce vast amounts of dense black smoke, toxic fumes and acid gas when exposed to fire, bring an added danger to people who may be caught in the fire. Cables which incorporate LSZH materials emit very little of these substances. In a real fire situation, the cables will enable the fire and rescue services to find and evacuate people and help to protect property Smoke And Noxious Gases Cause More Casualties The development of LSZH materials was accelerated following the King’s Cross Underground disaster in which 31 people died, many of them from toxic fumes. London Underground has banned the use of PVC cables as a result. The adoption of LSZH for cables and other materials is also endorsed by the Building Regulations themselves. According to Part B, referencing fire safety, it says clearly: “The primary danger associated with fire in its early stages is not flame but the smoke and noxious gases produced by the fire. They cause most of the casualties and may also obscure the way to escape routes and exits. Measures designed to provide safe means of escape must therefore provide appropriate arrangements to limit the rapid spread of smoke and fumes.” Helping Fire And Rescue Services The very latest in technology and science, including LSZH materials, offers enhanced fire performance cablingThe very latest in technology and science, including LSZH materials, offers enhanced fire performance cabling, accessories and technical support ensuring critical fire-safety circuits can continue to operate in the event of a real fire from 30 minutes up to 120 minutes. In a real fire situation, these cables will enable the fire and rescue services to find and evacuate people and help to protect property. At the same time, there is still evidence of non-approved cabling still coming onto the market, and we simply cannot compromise quality of these products being used in these applications. Applications include residential and commercial buildings, shopping malls, airports and protected buildings with a track-record ensuring that fire alarms, sprinkler systems, building monitoring and security systems can continue to operate in a fire.

The continuity of power in the event of a real fire has never been more important as modern buildings become more complex and the need for the highest quality of products comes under the spotlight. With power for lighting and fire alarms, the fire and rescue services can use the intelligence gathered to evacuate people quickly, confident that they have found all the people in the building. Without power, they are literally scrambling in the dark without good information upon which to make their rescue. The continuity of power will also ensure that sprinkler or water mist systems can continue to operate where they exist. In commercial buildings, there may also be smoke evacuation fans which help to enable safe evacuation. Fire alarms may be digital, with loop systems which will provide information for fire and rescue services  Appropriate Cabling  At the start of a project, the most appropriate cabling should be specified as part of the electrical system rather than at the end of a project. Fire alarms may be digital, with loop systems which will provide information for fire and rescue services across individual areas and floors. At the same time, there are new designs, materials and products continually coming on to the market for major projects, and with it an increasing need for the various parties involved to work closely together to make sure they get it right. There has been an increasing incidence of non-approved cables on the market and unfortunately it is not until cables have been installed, tested or used that issues become clear. For installers, or those procuring cables, there is a need to check the cable when it arrives to make sure it is exactly what was specified. Should there be a problem, have it checked and seek good advice. Keep records of purchase, including reel flanges with batch markings and a sample of the cable markings. Send lengths for testing and then decide on the most appropriate course of action. Choice of cabling is crucial at the start of major projects as issues may occur later  Meeting Rigorous Third-Party Tests  For some buildings, it is crucial to select the highest quality products to meet the most rigorous third-party tests and real-life fire scenarios. These include environments such as hospitals, schools and care homes where older people and children move about. Specifiers looking at new large public sector projects such as hospitals should refer to BS 8519 for the electrical supply, and the most relevant cabling system. It is crucial to select the highest quality products to meet the most rigorous third-party tests This Code of Practice specifies that the type of system selected during the design phase ‘should be derived from a detailed process of consultation with the relevant authorities’ and that ‘the design should be agreed at an early stage.’ The decision-making process for cable selection relevant for life safety and firefighting systems is clearly defined here. This covers three categories ranging from 30 minutes to 120 minutes fire survival time.  Categories 1 and 2 cover means of escape for 30 minutes and then 60 minutes respectively, and these cables are tested in accordance with the relevant codes. Category 3 for firefighting to 120 minutes refers to power and control cables meeting the 120-minute test according to the relevant standards. It should be emphasised that only Mineral Insulated Cable (MIC) or a cable meeting the requirements of BS7846 F120 will meet this criteria. For clarity, BS 8519 does not take precedence over BS 5839 for alarm systems and BS 5266 for emergency lighting. In essence, choosing the most relevant cabling and electrical accessories which will continue to operate under fire conditions has become critical. Application Of Medium Voltage Cables  As the incidence of non-approved cables continues then so the application of Medium Voltage (MV) cables into high-risk environments including hospitals, schools, care homes, industrial sites and sub-stations serving infrastructure sites also becomes critical. In the context off fire engineering, it is important to select the relevant MV Cables in these areas. Adhering to the latest regulations is no longer enough - there needs to be a risk assessment. In order to do this effectively, it is important to ask – are the fire safety procedures up to date? All AEI MV cables are third party tested and approved by BASEC. Educational establishments including schools, colleges and laboratories are some of the most prone structures to fire hazards The whole supply chain needs to take consideration of these areas where vulnerable people often move about such as children or elderly people in hospitals or care homes. The fire and rescue services may need a little more time than a conventional building including reading complex fire alarm information to ensure a safe rescue in the event of a real fire. Educational establishments including schools, colleges and laboratories are some of the most prone structures to fire hazards. This is due to ageing structures, high volume of combustible materials, and changing use in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths programmes where more combustible and flammable liquids are being used. Concerns have been raised by architects and and designers about fire protection regimes  Sufficient Fire Risk Assessment  Recent research by the Fire Brigades Union, for example, showed that a key focus for all educational institutions must be ensuring that there is an effective fire risk management process in place, delivered by suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment carried out by an expert in the field. The best practice under Business Information Modelling (BIM) and all best practice of fire safety engineering methods should be observed in conjunction with project partners. There have been concerns over a number of years around the fire protection regime for new buildings expressed by the architects and designers themselves. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) points to the delays to Approved Document B with regard to the relationship of Building Regulations to changing design and construction. AEI Cables provides a full range of cabling products through its Total Fire Solutions service RIBA says the virtual disappearance of the role of the clerk of works or site architect and the loss of independent oversight of construction and workmanship on behalf of the client is a further issue for concern. In essence, RIBA believes that future proposals for the fire safety regulatory regime should be informed by the specialist fire safety expertise of relevant professional organisations and groups, and also take full account of this wider set of construction industry AEI Cables provides a full range of cabling products through its Total Fire Solutions service with the support of its parent company Ducab based in Dubai, with the design, manufacture and supply of MIC, Firetec Enhanced or Firetec Power depending on specific needs. The choice of cabling and accessories should not be underestimated at the earliest opportunity to ensure the fire and rescue services are given every chance of success in rescuing people and saving property.

FIREX International, 18-20 June, 2019, at ExCel London will feature 25-plus hours of seminars and panel discussions along with an exhibition of 130-plus manufacturers showcasing products for fire safety. A Sprinkler and Suppression Presentation Area will highlight the important category. Also, for the fourth year, the International Tall Building Fire Safety Conference will take place alongside FIREX International. There will be 18,000 fire prevention and protection professionals from over 70 countries in attendance at FIREX International. Seminars and panel debates, held in the dedicated Expertise and Guidance Theatre, will include sessions covering tall building safety, passive fire protection, case studies, and more. One session will consider how the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union will impact fire safety laws and the fire industry. Implications of fire safety regulations A presentation will cover the development of new tests to assess video smoke and flame detectorsThe aftermath of the Grenfell fire will be the backdrop of several sessions. One will address the competency of fire, emergency and security systems technicians in the post-Grenfell era, presented by Fire and Security Association Chairman Tom Brookes. Also, a panel discussion will consider the process control and record-keeping requirements of Dame Judith Hackitt's proposed ‘golden thread of information’ that spans regulatory, design, compliance, construction and operational management functions. Another session will speak to post-Grenfell implications of fire safety and future regulations, and there will be a summary of the government response to the Hackitt/ADB review and its impact on passive fire protection. Other topics include training, testing, and fire risk assessment. A case study will highlight the importance of smoke alarms in rented properties. A session on defining Fire Industry Association (FIA) Qualifications will address the impact of best practice, legislation and standards. A presentation will cover the development of new tests to assess video smoke and flame detectors. And there will be an update on industry efforts to create an overarching competence body for the fire safety sector. Thousands of products on display The Passive Protection Zone offers an opportunity for delegates to develop their knowledge of passive fire protectionFIREX International caters to everyone within the fire safety buying chain from manufacturers, distributors, installers, integrators, consultants to end users. With tens of thousands of products on display, attendees can test and try them out hands-on. The largest presence at the show will be the Fire Solutions stand, organized by Halma, which will feature six leading suppliers of fire safety technology from the same commercial family hosted at a single stand. The featured exhibitors will be Advanced, Apollo Fire Detectors, Argus Security, FFE UK, Klaxon and LAN Control Systems. The Passive Protection Zone offers an opportunity for delegates to develop their knowledge of passive fire protection via a variety of seminars and workshops. Plus, Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) member companies will be located around the zone, displaying related products. Tall Building Fire Safety Conference The 6th International Tall Building Fire Safety Conference will focus on innovation, drones, fire science and more. Topics on Day 1 will be fire engineering, fire testing and fire science in tall buildings. Day 2 will address fire risk management, insurance and construction in tall buildings. Day 3 will focus on firefighting in tall buildings. FIREX International is co-located with IFSEC International, Facilities Show, Safety & Health Expo and Field Service Management Expo, catering to those working across many platforms, including building management, and protection and safety of people and information.

From students to policymakers, safety professionals at all levels will gather at the NFPA Conference & Expo, June 17-20, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. The multi-faceted event will include a technical session addressing standards development, a product and services exhibition, and education sessions about a range of topics, some of them relating to the fire service. The NFPA Technical Meeting, also known as ‘Tech Session,’ is an important element in the standards development process, ensuring that consensus is achieved on proposed changes to NFPA Standards prior to Standards Council review. Education sessions There will be 120-plus education sessions at the Conference & Expo During this meeting, supporters and opponents of certified motions voice their opinions, and qualified NFPA members vote on proposed changes. The three-day Expo, June 17-19, highlights products and services from 350-plus suppliers that are needed to meet and maintain compliance with prevailing codes and standards in the design, construction and operation of buildings and facilities. There will be 120-plus education sessions at the Conference & Expo. Here is a sampling of some of the education sessions related to the fire service. Engaging Local Officials for Wildfire Risk Reduction - Case studies from organizations around the world illustrate the impact of engaging local officials early and effectively to reduce wildfire Integrating Wildfire into Public Education Messaging - The National Fire Protection Association's Wildfire Division will host an interactive conversation about professional development, engaging residents in wildfire risk reduction, and the resources available to help integrate wildfire into public education outreach efforts. Improving Fireground Visibility Using the Internet of Things - A system incorporates cost-effective, lightweight Internet of Things (IoT) devices, an advanced real-time analytics system, and visualization capabilities to enable incident commanders and firefighters to leverage data from the scene in real-time. Enhanced Smoke Alarms and New UL Testing Standard - Research has enhanced technology that can recognize different fire and smoke characteristics created by changes in home design, building techniques, and modern furnishings -- resulting in fewer nuisance alarms. Cancer and Firefighting PPE - The reality is that firefighters are regularly exposed to carcinogen contamination. Considering dermal exposure, inhalation exposure, and off-gassing, how much protection can firefighters expect from their PPE? Wildfire Tactical Support - The UK’s Response to the Record-Breaking 2018 Wildfires. The United Kingdom’s ‘Wildfire Tactical Advisors’ (WTA) model provides valuable lessons on fire department engagement, including experienced fire officers who support the fire incident commanders at wildfire incidents. ROI on Smoke Alarm Installation Programs - Panel members from NFPA and the Red Cross will explore approaches to smoke alarm program evaluation using the Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework to guide discussion. Foam Firefighting Technologies of the Future - Pressurized Instant Foam (Pi Foam) stores the premixed foam solution initially in a calm environment, and then in a pressurized vessel with soluble gas. At the time of the incident, ready-made foam covers the fire without any foam generator. Connected Technologies for Water-Based Fire Protection Systems - Smart Connected Things (SCoT) used in water-based fire protection systems will enable both owners and service providers to determine system status and perform some inspection and testing functions remotely.

The Fire Safety Event, 9-11th April, at the National Exhibition Center (NEC) in Birmingham, UK, is the fastest growing exhibition for the fire safety industry in the United Kingdom in terms of both exhibitor and visitor numbers, say the organizers. The growth can be attributed to the exhibitor lineup and full program of seminars and features. Visitors can also expect live demonstrations, world-class speakers and a keen focus on the issues most pressing in the industry today. This content is managed in-house by The Fire Safety Event’s experienced team, who are deeply entrenched in the industry and able to respond quickly to developments in the market. Furthermore, co-location with three complementary events provides a more comprehensive offering for visitors, giving them more value for the time they spend on-site. Maintaining The Highest Fire Safety Standards Our continuing partnerships with a whole host of key industry associations reinforce the importance of The Fire Safety Event for the market" The Fire Safety Event is hosting more 50 of the world’s leading fire safety brands in 2019. Notable exhibitors include Kingspan, FirePro, Klaxon, Xtralis and FFE. The full list of exhibitors and partners can be found on their website. “Our continuing partnerships with a whole host of key industry associations reinforce the importance of The Fire Safety Event for the market and the need for an event like ours in the UK,” says Rachel Godfrey, events manager. “Our exhibitors recognize our goal is to offer education and support, filling a gap in the market and helping to ensure their customers maintain the highest fire safety standards,” Godfrey continues. “High-profile incidents in recent years have put a spotlight on the industry, and we recognize our role in providing ongoing education on new standards and legislation, best-practice advice and access to great products that will support the industry.” CPD-Accredited Seminar Program The seminar program has been designed to engage and educate the audience. It is delivered across four areas – Fire Safety Keynote Theatre, Fire & Evacuation Theatre, DSEAR (Dangerous Substance and Explosive Atmospheres Regulation) with a Bang Demo Area, and Tall Buildings Fire Protection Area. The seminar program is CPD-accredited and is delivered by leading industry experts, government officials, lawyers and manufacturersThe seminar program is CPD (Continuing Professional Development)-accredited and is delivered by leading industry experts, government officials, lawyers and manufacturers. Also featured are less conventional seminar formats, with Pinsent Mason welcoming audiences into a mock trial based on real life prosecution under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Now in its third year, the show certainly has evolved. “We began with 16 exhibitors and now proudly this year will host over 50!” says Godfrey. “We really value feedback and have taken on board what visitors say, as well as understanding exactly what our exhibitors say worked for them in previous years. We’ve added more elements that aim to challenge and educate audiences and hopefully ensure the event is so pivotal in the fire safety calendar that visitors count down the days until our next show.” High Profile Speaker Lineup As the event grows in stature, it has been able to attract a higher profile speaker lineup, including Dame Judith Hackitt and former New York City Fire Commissioner Sal Cassano as two of the keynote speakers this year. “This undoubtedly has helped attract our highest number of visitors and exhibitors to date,” says Godfrey. With the introduction of The Security Event, we will also see a much greater increase in the number of installers and end users attending"“Our dedication to putting on the best quality content will set us apart from other events, and we believe this will see us continue to grow. With the introduction of The Security Event [this year], we will also see a much greater increase in the number of installers and end users attending, many of whom will also have an interest in fire safety.” Simultaneous Events Taking Place At NEC Also taking place at the NEC between 9-11th April are The Health & Safety Event, The Facilities Event, and, new for 2019 – The Security Event. One of the key benefits for visitors of the co-location of the events is the complementary seminars taking place within the other shows that are relevant to the fire audience. “It also enables visitors to meet exhibitors that cover other disciplines for which they may only have a partial responsibility,” says Godfrey. “We recognize it isn’t always feasible to justify attending individual shows, so having the other shows in the hall just next door is a huge bonus for the fire audience.”

Peterborough firefighters were buzzing to help a local project to enhance the environment for bees. Last week on Monday the firefighters from Green Watch at Dogsthorpe Fire Station attended an environmental initiative called Jimmy’s Bee’s at the newly built Connect Park in Millfield, Peterborough. Building Relationships With Local Residents The crew joined volunteers from the community to dig the grass up, sew and plant wildflower seeds in order to create a fantastic haven for bees. The project was commissioned by Channel 4 due to the third of Britain’s bee species declining since 1980. Planting the wildflower seeds allows bees and other insects to pollinate. Station Commander Matt Murdoch, the officer in charge of Dogsthorpe Fire Station, said: “A key part of being a firefighter is to be an active part of the local community. This allows us to ensure we are reaching the most vulnerable people to help keep them safe. Projects like this are a great way for our crews to pitch in and help the community, as well as make useful links and build relationships with local residents.”

Each year, the centrally located exhibition grounds of Hamburg Messe and Congress host more than 40 trade shows and other events that draw a total of more than 700,000 visitors from all over the world. The light-flooded halls and outdoor areas have a total space of nearly 100,000 square meters, enough to accommodate a wide variety of activities ranging from key international trade fairs to smaller exhibitions. Energy and Building Solutions A public address and evacuation solution installed by Energy and Building Solutions Behind the scenes, a public address and evacuation solution installed by Energy and Building Solutions, part of Bosch Building Technologies, helps to ensure the safety. If a dangerous situation ever arises, every second will count for clearing large crowds of people from the enormous buildings and grounds. The new evacuation system with fully compliant voice alarm system is designed to meet the most demanding requirements. “This state-of-the-art solution is necessarily very complex, due to the architecture and acoustics of the high-ceiled exhibition halls, among other factors,” explain construction supervisor Nico Zimmermann and systems specialist Joey Pickardt of Bosch. Bosch networked solution To meet the technical requirements for the new system, the existing cable network had to be completely replaced. “Announcements in individual halls and the foyer can now be directly controlled from any of the three linked locations,” adds Zimmermann. To make sure that they can be heard loudly and clearly, Bosch’s technicians installed more than 1,200 speakers and around 70 amplifiers. The system’s sound quality is so good, that Hamburg Messe and Congress also uses it to play background music and provide information to visitors. It is one of the largest solutions of this kind ever installed by Bosch in Germany.

Oakland County is enhancing the safety of residents, guests and businesses by improving the ability of first responders to communicate with each other during emergencies, including seamless interoperability with neighboring counties as well as state and federal agencies, County Executive L. Brooks Patterson has announced. ASTRO 25 LMR network The county has entered into a contract with Motorola Solutions to replace its aging public safety radio system with the ASTRO 25 land-mobile radio (LMR) network which will interface with the statewide Michigan Public Safety Communication System (MPSCS). Oakland County will be the first user in Michigan to utilize Motorola Solutions 'Phase 2' technology that will more than double the number of users on one system. “Oakland County always pursues innovation to provide outstanding services to our residents and businesses,” Patterson said. “That’s why we collaborated with our cities, villages, and townships to identify and implement leading-edge communications technology that will improve public safety for years to come.” Enhancing public safety communications We’re ecstatic to work with Oakland County to provide them with mission-critical communication solutions" Motorola Solutions Regional Vice President Chris Lonnett said his company will be working with Oakland County to take the county’s public safety communications to the next level. “We’re ecstatic to work with Oakland County to provide them with mission-critical communication solutions for their first responders,” Lonnett said. “Oakland County has long been a role model for agencies working together to improve public safety. This will be a great step forward to improve regional communications interoperability.” Fire fighters paging In addition to interoperability, the ASTRO 25 land-mobile radio (LMR) network will provide Oakland County’s public safety departments countywide paging of fire fighters with new 700/800 MHz pagers. “This new partnership with Motorola Solutions will launch Oakland County into a whole new level of emergency communications,” said Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard. “Technology is constantly changing and this investment will give our first responders the tools they need to serve our residents. Once again, Oakland County will set a standard for other counties to follow and emulate.” Two-way radio system Oakland County’s contract with Motorola Solutions requires one percent grade of service which means 99 out of 100 times the two-way radio system will be fully available to a first responder. Also, the contract requires the new radio system to cover 97 percent of the county outdoors and 95 percent of the county while in buildings. 31-site simulcast system A 31-site simulcast system will ensure Motorola Solutions provides reliable and dependable communications A 31-site simulcast system will help ensure Motorola Solutions provides reliable and dependable communications that will provide full-system capacity to every first responder in Oakland County. "The idea that this new radio system will actually become a reality is extremely exciting,” said Farmington Hills Fire Chief Jon Unruh. “The communication system will give us capabilities we haven’t had before and enhance the service we provide to Oakland County residents while providing reliable and dependable communication for our first responders." APX mobile West Bloomfield Township Police Chief Michael Patton agrees. “After a comprehensive evaluation process, the selection of a Motorola Solutions will provide enhanced mission-critical, push-to-talk radio communications to the next generation of Oakland County public safety members as well as greater interoperability with our state and federal public safety partners,” Patton said. Both Patton and Unruh were members of the selection committee for Oakland County’s new communications system. Portable two-way radios The US$ 46.9 million project will replace more than 3,500 portable radios and about 2,000 radios in emergency vehicles with Motorola Solutions APX mobile and portable two-way radios for best-in-class communications for public safety officers. The radios are equipped with Wi-Fi and support wireless programming. Plus, the project will replace 76 radio consoles at the 20 Oakland County 911 public safety answering points or dispatch centers with new Motorola Solutions MCC 7500E dispatch consoles. These consoles will be tightly integrated with the existing Motorola Solutions CallWorks 911 platform which will maximize the capabilities for emergency call taking. The project will replace 76 radio consoles at the 20 Oakland County 911 public safety answering points Large-scale emergency recues The system will be built with multiple layers of redundancy to withstand large-scale emergencies such as tornadoes or floods. The design includes 31 sites, 12 channels on the 700/800MHz, and will be built to Project 25 'Phase 1' and 'Phase 2' compliance standards. Oakland County’s Courts and Law Enforcement Management Information System (CLEMIS), which uses innovative computer technology for criminal justice and public safety applications, will utilize APX Radio Management to maintain and update the fleet of radios through a central database. APX Radio Management Implementing the complete ASTRO 25 land-mobile radio (LMR) network will take up to three years. Over the next six months, Oakland County and Motorola Solutions will work together to design the 31-site system to submit to MPSCS for review.

KME Fire Apparatus, globally renowned manufacturer of fire apparatus, announces the delivery of six KME custom pumpers to the City of Atlanta, Georgia. These six pumpers will join the existing fleet of 45 KME pumpers already deployed within the city limits. Severe Service cab These six new pumpers are built on KME’s Severe Service cab and will serve the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department’s 35 fire stations, including five stations at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. With a staff of more than 1,000 employees, the City of Atlanta Fire Rescue Department serves an area of 132 square miles within the city limits. Features of the six custom pumpers include: KME 96” Severe Service XMFD cab Cummins ISL 450 HP engine Allison 3000 EVS transmission Hale Q2 1500 GPM pump Elkhart 240-125P foam eductor 500-gallon water tank with 30 gallon foam tank KME – FireLine partnership FireLine’s longstanding relationship with Atlanta is built on trust and loyalty" “KME appreciates the opportunity to serve the City of Atlanta with these pumpers and we value the trust they have placed in our apparatus and our dealer, FireLine,” said Stephen Carleton, Director of Sales for KME. “FireLine’s longstanding relationship with Atlanta is built on trust and loyalty. We are pleased to continue working with the City of Atlanta to provide equipment, parts, and service,” said Bob McDonel, President, FireLine, Inc. Fire safety equipment major FireLine, Inc. is a globally renowned manufacturer of fire safety equipment and apparatus, including firefighting helmets, in-take valves, vehicle mount systems, cutting tools and kit, pumpers, tankers, aerial quint and other fire apparatus. KME is an international source manufacturer of high quality, custom fire apparatus serving communities across the USA. They offer a wide range of apparatus that includes ARFF, aerial, industrial, pumper, rescue, tanker, and wildland products built on custom or commercial chassis.

Motorola Solutions announced its implementation of APX Project 25 (P25) two-way radios into the Maryland FiRST Radio System for Allegany County. Used by law enforcement, fire departments and emergency medical services (EMS), the radios provide seamless communication across agencies and state borders. For 20 years, Allegany County has used Motorola Solutions for mission critical communications. APX Project 25 two-way radios “Communications is vital in everything we do from a simple control check to a major incident,” said Captain Chuck Ternent, Cumberland Police, Allegany County, MD. “It’s great to now be able to pick up your microphone and get a clear message through.” The entire Maryland FiRST System is using Motorola Solutions’ routing systems & customer premise equipment The entire Maryland FiRST System is using Motorola Solutions’ routing systems, customer premise equipment and now APX two-way radios to serve the county’s population of more than 70,000. Cross-agency communications “Cross-agency communications is very important,” said Steve Shipley, Chief of Emergency Management, Allegany County, Maryland. “With Motorola Solutions’ multi-band P25 radios, our officers use one radio to communicate with any law enforcement agencies. This makes a response to a large scale incident that much more seamless; officers don’t have to carry multiple radios to communicate with different agencies.” “By joining the Maryland FiRST mission-critical radio system, Allegany County experienced immediate benefits including enhanced coverage and interoperability with first responders across the state,” said Mike Leonard, Mid-Atlantic Territory Vice-President at Motorola Solutions. “Motorola Solutions is honored to work with the county to provide solutions first responders need to help keep people safe.” Public Safety Responders On May 17th, Motorola Solutions Inc. hosted a celebratory event for the county’s public safety responders, agency officials and local representatives. Motorola Solutions is a global renowned provider of mission-critical communications.

A fire system with integrated fire telephone and voice evacuation system from Advanced has been installed at an exclusive 30-storey residential high-rise in Dubai. Boasting state-of-the-art amenities, luxury interiors, a fully equipped gym and rooftop swimming pool, the Siraj Tower has become one of the most sought-after residential projects in the ambitious $64billion entertainment complex, Dubailand. As Advanced’s exclusive distributor in Dubai, Cignetix were responsible for integrating this crucial part of the building’s active fire protection. Four Advanced Axis EN panels, which were recently certified by FM Approvals to the EN54 standard, and 2000 devices have been installed alongside its high-performance fire telephone solution. Designed for clear, easy-to-use control, the system benefits from LED status indications showing its operational stateSunil Gopalkrishnan, Managing Director at Cignetix, said: “Thanks to their reputation for performance, quality and ease-of-use, Advanced are our preferred choice of fire alarm, fire telephone and voice evacuation systems – capable of handling large networks of up to 200 panels and complex cause and effect programming.” Fire Telephone Solution Advanced’s fire telephone solution is ideal for high and low-rise apartment buildings, hotels, universities, government and military sites where local fire departments and emergency personnel need access to fire/emergency communications. Designed for clear, easy-to-use control, the conventional system benefits from LED status indications showing its operational state – whether the system has a call-in, is connected or is in fault condition. The fire telephone system is compliant with EN54 parts 2 and 4 and can be configured as either a standalone, independent system or completely integrated into the Axis EN fire system. Steve Carroll, Advanced’s General Manager for the Middle East, said: “The Siraj Tower is another fantastic example of the successful partnership between Cignetix and Advanced. In order to take full advantage of what our products offer, it takes companies like Cignetix, who have the skills and experience required, to apply Advanced to sites such as this prestigious high-rise.” Axis EN Fire Panel Range Axis EN, which is part of Advanced’s Axis range of systems, holds global approvals, including EN54, UL864 and AS1670Available for European, Middle East and South East Asian markets, Axis EN is Advanced’s highest performance analogue panel range, combining 1-8 loop, fire panels configurable up to 200 panel networks with a complete range of wired and wireless loop devices and powerful peripherals. Axis EN, which is part of Advanced’s Axis range of systems, holds global approvals, including EN54, UL864 and AS1670. It is designed to go anywhere where high quality, reliable and easy to use fire detection and control is required. Advanced, owned by FTSE 100 company Halma PLC, have a long history of protecting some of the most prestigious high-rise residential developments in the world, including the Gold Coast’s Soul Building and Miami’s Sands Pointe. Advanced is a pioneer in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire systems. The legendary performance, quality and ease of use of its products sees Advanced specified in locations all over the world, from single panel installations to large, multi-site networks. Advanced’s products include complete fire detection systems, multi-protocol fire panels, extinguishing control, fire paging and false alarm management systems.