Tall Building Fire Safety - News

When it comes to workplace safety, fire risk assessments are a critical part of the process. But for business owners who may not be familiar with them, these assessments can seem daunting. This guide is designed to provide beginners with all the information they need to understand and complete a fire risk assessment for their business. They’ll cover the basics of what a risk assessment is, what needs to be included and how to implement the findings. So whether they’re just starting...

When it comes to workplace safety, fire risk assessments are a critical part of the process. But for business owners who may not be familiar with them, these assessments can seem daunting. This guide is designed to provide beginners with all the information they need to understand and complete a fire risk assessment for their business. They’ll cover the basics of what a risk assessment is, what needs to be included and how to implement the findings. So whether they’re just starting...

Businesses of all types and sizes should have fire extinguishers on-site in the event of a fire. While these devices can be lifesavers, they can also be dangerous if not used in the right way or improperly maintained. It’s important to know how often the fire extinguishers should be checked, as they are an important part of any fire-safety plan. They can be used to put out small fires before they have a chance to spread and can help prevent serious injuries or even death. However, fire ex...

High-rise buildings are a triumph of human ingenuity, packing hundreds of people and countless systems into an efficient vertical footprint. But with great height comes the great complexity of high-rise fire safety. These architectural marvels have complex ecosystems that call for reliable high-rise fire protection systems to keep everyone and everything safe. When it comes to high-rise buildings, fire safety isn’t a nice to have, but a must-have! Complications of High-Rise Building Safe...

High-rise buildings are a triumph of human ingenuity, packing hundreds of people and countless systems into an efficient vertical footprint. But with great height comes the great complexity of high-rise fire safety. These architectural marvels have complex ecosystems that call for reliable high-rise fire protection systems to keep everyone and everything safe. When it comes to high-rise buildings, fire safety isn’t a nice to have, but a must-have! Complications of High-Rise Building Safe...

Specialist cable supplier AEI Cables is advising those in the supply chain with any doubts about fire performance of cable products on the market to check the specification to ensure certainty and compliance. The company is highlighting the need for safety and certainty across all fire performance cables, particularly Category 3 fire performance cables which are designed to withstand heat and flames for up to 120 minutes, helping to protect equipment, property, and even lives. Challenging time...

Dräger, an international leader in the fields of medical and safety technology, has designed a custom-built smoke extraction system for Kent Fire and Rescue’s (KFRS) new five-storey, live training facility, helping to ensure the service can deliver realistic training while minimizing the polluting impact on the environment.   The Ashford-based training facility is replacing the 30-year-old Live Fire Training building which was nearing the end of its operational life. The redevel...

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...

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is adding four high-tech, state-of-the-art aerial platform appliances to its fleet, further bolstering its emergency response capability across Sydney and the Central Coast. The ladder pumper appliances, each valued at $2.5m, feature an advanced, environmentally-friendly Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) that uses a special mix of foam and water to fight fires, promoting water conservation in the process. The first of four new CAFS Aerial Platforms (CAPs) coming on-...

With 73% of consumers who believe brands must act now for the good of society and reduce their impact on the planet, and 54% of consumers say they filter their choice of hotels according to the presence or absence of certification, having hotels commit to certify their management system on sustainability has become even more critical.  SOCOTEC Certification International has developed standards for the Hospitality sector in order to accompany this sector towards more social, business ethic...

SOCOTEC Group, a global pioneer in testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) in the construction and infrastructure sectors, has been providing services in Germany for 15 years. The first acquisition was Canzler in 2008, a specialist in consulting, engineering, and management of complex real estate projects, followed in 2017 by ZPP Ingenieure, technical experts in Infrastructure and energy projects, and by Schollenberger Kampfmittelbergung in 2018, a pioneer in EOD (Explosive Ordnance Detect...

It’s true that one of the main reasons one would get an intruder alarm system fitted for their business is to prevent break-ins. But these days, professionally installed intruder alarms offer much more than just that. From employee safety to satisfying the insurance and having eyes on the business at all times, the benefits of a modern commercial intruder alarm system make them a crucial security investment for businesses of all sizes. This article goes over what intruder alarms are, why...

Streamlight, Inc., a globally renowned provider of high-performance lighting, launched the rechargeable Stinger 2020 S, a powerful work light featuring 2,000 lumens, a body-mounted switch with intensity mode selector and battery status indicator, and a textured body for an enhanced grip. The new Stinger model, which is powered by a rechargeable Li-Ion battery, also features PiggyBack charging options that allow users to energize both the light and a backup battery at the same time. Newest mode...

Using the highest-rated fire performance cables will help firefighters in the event of a fire in some of the largest new buildings being developed, says pioneering cable supplier AEI Cables. AEI Cables has been highlighting the need for the use of Category 3 fire performance cables, which are designed to withstand heat and flames for up to 120 minutes, helping to protect equipment, property and even lives, supporting critical safety circuits in tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, shopping...

The most important thing to consider with a new build, whether its purpose is apartments or offices, is safety. Things can go wrong quickly, so preparation and prevention are key. In case of a fire, fire extinguisher installation is crucial for defusing a situation before it becomes an emergency. Especially when many new builds are tower blocks, the risk of being unable to evacuate safely becomes greater. Fire extinguisher regulations The Regulation Reform (fire safety) Order 2005 covers...

Milwaukee® continues its commitment to relentless innovation with the M18™ Backpack Fluid Pump Gen 2, M18™ SWITCH TANK™ 15L Chemical Spray Tank, and M18™ SWITCH TANK™ 15L Water Supply, designed to meet the needs of professional landscape maintenance. The battery powered design provides users with a hassle-free experience, allowing for continuous spraying without the physical strain associated with traditional manual sprayers. Additionally, the five-mode flow ra...

An upgrade to the Johnson Controls flagship building automation system (BAS), Metasys 14.1 offers a suite of new and enhanced features that answers the need for more comprehensive energy management. The BAS, which combines HVAC, fire, security and lighting systems into one, seamless platform, allows facility managers, IT teams and decision makers to optimize operations, fortify cybersecurity, advance energy and emissions goals, boost productivity and strategically modernize facilities. Buildin...

Sabrina Cohen-Hatton has been appointed as the new Chief Fire Officer to lead Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, becoming the organization’s first female chief.  Set to start her new role later this year following a handover period with current Chief Fire Officer, Neil Odin, Sabrina joins them from her position as chief of the neighboring fire service in West Sussex. Prior roles of Sabrina  Sabrina, who has previously held senior fire service roles with Londo...

The Fire Industry Training Academy (FITA) is the benchmark provider for educating and training professionals within the fire industry. The organisation supports those seeking to gain fire safety compliance – whether an individual, small company, SME, industrial space or large-scale public sector body. FIFA can advise on what the government expects in terms of ensuring buildings are fire safe. Fire safety compliance @FITA_fire: “Training may seem like an expensive luxury, but is a...

21st-27th of September marks Fire Door Safety Week, a week to raise awareness around a critical element of passive fire safety. Fire doors a part of the furniture in public buildings, their homes and other residential buildings. Most members of the public see fire doors all the time, but don't truly appreciate how much thought and strategic planning goes into fire doors, and how vitally important they are to their safety. Fire Door Safety Week aims to highlight the importance of fire doors to t...

Published in September 2020 by the Competence Steering Group, Setting the Bar (the final report of the Competence Steering Group), represents two years of challenging work following the Grenfell Fire Tragedy. Initiated by the recommendations within Dame Judith Hackitt's review “Building a safer Future” it identifies the need for competent persons within the construction and built environment industries to ensure buildings are effectively designed, maintained and managed with (fire)...

As a pioneer manufacturer of high-performance sealing systems for fire doors – they have shown unwavering support for Fire Door Safety Week since its inception in 2013. Kicking off on marks a momentous 10 year anniversary of the campaign. Fire Door Safety Week (FDSW) was launched in response to a legacy of fire door neglect. Know Fire Door Basics The campaign is managed by the British Woodworking Federation and is supported by a number of partners It's a ‘mass market’ aware...

Cygnus, a pioneering developer and manufacturer of EN 54-certified and 100% wireless fire detection and alarm systems, will be celebrating an important milestone at this year’s Fire Safety Event, the two-year anniversary of SmartNet achieving EN 54 certification. The Fire Safety Event is the UK's largest show dedicated to fire and life safety and takes place at the NEC in Birmingham from 8-10 April 2025. Fire detection and alarm system Cygnus will celebrate its two-year anniversary of o...

A dry riser is, in fact, simply a set of permanently installed pipework (water inlets, pipes, and outlets) spread through a building on all levels and which firefighters can access to help them fight a fire on an upper floor of a building. An air valve is fitted at the top of the pipework so that air can be released when the system is full of water. Fire-resisting enclosures surround the pipework. It is called a dry riser because it should always remain empty and only be filled w...

Following the tragic fire at London’s Grenfell Tower back in June 2017, it has become more important than ever to check third-party fire certification for goods and services. Although the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety Report into the incident in which 72 people lost their lives failed to mention third-party certification, the government’s own guidance certainly does. Fire safety officers It states: “Third-party quality assuran...

Very few people in the UK can be unaware of the devastation caused by the Grenfell tower block fire five years ago now. For those involved in the horrors of that night are replayed over and over again as the fatal accident inquiry into apportioning blame - and ensuring a similar event never occurs again - continues. To this end, the government has introduced new legislation in the form of the Fire Safety Act 2021. Fatal accident inquiry The Act considers the recommendations introduced by Sir...

Now that many businesses are again up and running following the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021, government thoughts are turning to housing – and social housing in particular. In their latest report, in October last year, the Housing Regulator pointed out there were still a number of risks facing the social housing sector. Providers, it said, should be taking steps to manage those risks. Those include local authorities, and councils, of course. Fire risk assessments @RSHEngland: “Board...

The FIA CEO has responded to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s announcement that responsibility for fire safety will move from the Home Office to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Ian Moore (CEO of the FIA) said that this decision (that many of us have known was coming for some time) is common sense and he is glad to see that the Government is finally listening (after many years) to feedback from the fire industry. WMS 8-Machinery of Government Organizati...

The fire safety landscape has experienced significant change in recent years. Some high-profile incidents, including those in Catford and Dagenham, highlight the critical importance of using fire-resistant materials and implementing enhanced safety measures for both residential and commercial structures. These tragic incidents have prompted the construction industry to rethink how it designs and builds safe spaces for people to live and work in. In fact, the latest revision to the Fire Safety S...

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