Training & Education - News

The Environment Agency secured a restriction order against a recycling firm, after it failed to comply with fire regulations despite numerous warnings about storing hazardous waste at a site near local homes. Shee Recycling in the North East town of Birtley stored large oil drums containing hazardous waste, cutting equipment, batteries, and fuel canisters, all of which were major fire hazards. Environment Agency secures restriction order The site is close to other commercial properties, the e...

Kentec Electronics, a manufacturer of life-critical control systems, releases its Sigma ZXT single-area extinguishing control panel for general purchase following full BETA field testing in the UK, Europe, and South Africa demonstrating optimum installer and end-user satisfaction levels. New functionality, improved display, and multiple configuration options for a targeted response to a fire incident further Sigma XT’s reputation for user-friendly reliability. Building on hundreds of thou...

To mark World Mental Health Day, employees from Hardstaff Barriers are highlighting the importance of robust and proactive mental health policies in the workplace. The staff from Hardstaff Barriers, based in Kingston-on-Soar, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom, has spoken out to coincide with the global mental health awareness campaign, which took place on October 10, 2021. Hardstaff Barriers believes it is essential for businesses – whatever their size – to create a positive mental he...

With the many complexities in implementing a state-of-the-art safety program, combined with the millions of workplace injuries that continue to occur every year, the value of technology that simplifies safety procedures and connects safety managers to their employees, who are working in hazardous environments, has never been more important. MSA Connected Work Platform That’s why MSA Safety Incorporated (MSA), a globally renowned company in worker safety technology and solutions, has intr...

In August 2021, Task Force Tips (TFT) introduced CrewProtect, to protect first responders while riding in their apparatus. It eliminates particulates, VOCs, and aerosols containing bacteria and viruses from the cab and body air. However, upon returning to the station, the crew can still be at risk of exposure to these threats and more. Improves air quality That’s why TFT has partnered with Purafil, part of the largest air filtration company in the world to integrate proven and patented...

Envirograf announced that it was great to finally return to exhibition events. Now that COVID-19 lockdown restrictions have been lifted, Envirograf was able to return to exhibiting products at numerous exhibitions taking place across the United Kingdom. UK Construction Week 2021 Envirograf was present at the UK Construction Week 2021 (UKCW 2021) exhibition Envirograf was present at the UK Construction Week 2021 (UKCW 2021) exhibition, which was held from October 5 - 7, 2021, in Birmingham, UK...

USFA highlights National Fire Academy (NFA) online learning opportunities for fire and building code officials.  Some of the courses offer International Association for Continuing Education and Training continuing education units (CEUs) for officials who need to maintain professional certification. Recommended online courses Alternative Water Supply Planning and Implementing Programs (Q0217) 0.6 CEUs: This course is designed to assist anyone with planning responsibility for alternative...

In response to a petition by the IAFF and other stakeholders, the U.S. Department of Education is overhauling its Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program in an effort to provide relief for those who fell through the cracks. The changes will greatly benefit firefighters and EMTs who have student loans. The IAFF has been working with the Department of Education, the Biden administration and other stakeholders to make changes to the PSLF program in order to provide its members with student...

For over 95 years, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has raised fire safety awareness during Fire Prevention Week, held annually the first week of October. This year's theme, "Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety," is especially important as Americans spend more time working, studying, or recreating in their homes. In support of this vital initiative, Kidde is proud to offer helpful alarm tips and information as part of Carrier's Healthy Homes Program. Kidde is a part of Carrier Gl...

Finally, The Security Event 2021 took place at Birmingham NEC in early September, some 18 months after the industry last had the opportunity to come face to face at a gathering of this scale. And it certainly didn’t seem like it was a minute too soon. The Zitko stand was well attended and not just by industry visitors. Since the last show, the company’s virtually doubled in size and over the three days, they had most of the 30+ team present. Train & deploy solution 12 months o...

Building work has commenced on the new training facility and fire station in Huntingdon. The ground was broken on the multi-million-pound project, which involves building a modern, purpose-built training center and new community fire station at St John’s Park, north of Huntingdon. To officially commence the build, Chief Fire Officer - Chris Strickland joined Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fire Authority Chair, Councillor Edna Murphy, along with key colleagues involved with the project fr...

This week they’re looking at the marine industry and with it being mostly ship/ocean work, due to the unpredictability of varying factors such as weather, the ocean, the ship itself, and more, having the correct uniform and workwear shouldn’t be something that the workers should worry about. The importance of flotation suits and buoyancy aids can help protect workers when(if) falling into the ocean and sinking or drifting away. Initial cold shock Furthermore, with thermal properti...

Verint Systems (Verint), the globally renowned customer engagement company, has announced that Quadrant Knowledge Solutions has named Verint’s Experience Management a top performer and technology leader, in the 2021 SPARK Matrix Analysis of the Global Voice of the Customer (VoC) Platforms Market. Quadrant Knowledge Solutions conducted an in-depth analysis and evaluated the products, market presence, and value proposition for the major VoC platform vendors. Verint’s comprehensive te...

New Orleans, LA Local 632 has spearheaded a successful effort to secure a $15 per hour minimum wage for firefighters and paramedics, as well as all other city employees. The New Orleans Civil Service Commission, which is responsible for city personnel, approved the raise pushed by Local 632 and other labor advocacy groups and approved by the city council, for a living wage for all city employees. Next municipal budget The plan, which will cost the city approximately $11 million, will raise ba...

The Nomination Committee for Saab AB for the Annual General Meeting 2022 has now been appointed, based on the shareholder structure on August 31, 2021. Members of the Saab Nomination Committee are: Marcus Wallenberg, Chairman of the Board of Saab AB Petra Hedengran, Investor AB Peter Wallenberg Jr, Wallenberg Investments AB Ossian Ekdahl, Första AP-fonden Anders Algotsson, AFA Försäkring Nomination Committee for Saab AB The Nomination Committee represents approximately...

REV Group, Inc. announces the appointment of Eric Sandstrom as Senior Vice President, Engineering & Technology, a newly-created executive leadership position. The new role will play a critical part in evolving the product portfolio, optimizing engineering excellence, and product and powertrain design, innovation, and technological advancements. Prior to joining REV Group, Sandstrom was Global Chief Engineer - Electric Propulsion Systems at General Motors and led the team responsible for dev...

The London Fire Brigade successfully prosecuted a West London building owner, after major breaches of fire safety law were discovered, following a major blaze three years ago. On 9 August 2018, firefighters were called to a fire at a flat above a shop on Queensway in Bayswater, West London. It took 70 firefighters and ten fire engines to control the blaze that ravaged half of the four-story building. Two women were rescued from the building and treated for smoke inhalation at the scene. Absenc...

Lake Assault Boats, part of Fraser Industries and a globally renowned manufacturer of fire, patrol, and rescue craft, named Banner Fire Equipment, Inc. of Roxanna, Illinois, as its sales and service dealership for the US states of Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and portions of Illinois. Established in 1986, Banner Fire Equipment offers first responders a full range of sales, service, and support capabilities. dealer network expansion “Adding Banner Fire Equipment to our dealer network is...

Go is the new-generation, single-loop fire alarm control panel from Advanced. Versatile and packed with premium features, Go provides cost-effective access to MxPro 5 range performance, quality and ease of use, in a simpler, non-networkable format, for complete fire protection peace of mind. Available to order from October 2021, Go is the ideal solution for a wide range of single-panel sites, including restaurants, bars and guesthouses to small offices, shops, salons and surgeries. Go fire ala...

UKAS is delighted to be able to continue to support the Chief Scientific Officer’s (CSO) Knowledge Transfer Partnership Program for 2021. Knowledge Transfer Partnership Program CSO’s Knowledge Transfer Partnership Program offers a unique opportunity for clinical leaders The program will be launched at the CSO Conference. Come along and learn more about how UKAS is working with NHS England, NPL, and UK NML ChemBio to share knowledge and support the development of innovative ideas t...

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) has been awarded ServiceMark accreditation by the Institute of Customer Service (ICS), following record feedback from customers and colleagues. It’s the first time a fire and rescue service has achieved this recognition, and it’s a national standard, independently recognizing an organization’s customer service excellence. ServiceMark assessment report The ServiceMark assessment report noted that, KFRS has "turned customer culture completel...

HSE is becoming the new regulator for high-risk residential buildings, as per the provisions in the draft Building Safety Bill. This is a major component of the government’s actions towards meeting Dame Judith Hackitts 53 recommendations from “Building a Safer Future”. HSE recently published the attached document introducing the principles of what they want to see in a safety case, TCOM N328. The document suggests a number of things that building owners and building safety man...

After 30 years of proven performance, the Dutch government has decided that the current mobile water supply systems featuring hydraulically driven submersible pumps used for long-distance water transport, need to be replaced. The systems supplied between 1988 and 1992 (also by Hytrans® Systems) and used in the event of large-scale disasters, will be replaced by "State of the art" systems, in which 4 new patents are applied. Mobile water transport systems Each participating Fire Depar...

The NFCC Academic Collaboration, Evaluation and Research Group (ACER) will get to work this autumn, led by Nottingham Trent University academic Dr. Rowena Hill. ACER will review research from both the UK and across the world, keeping a watching brief on lessons learned that could apply to UK fire and rescue services. The NFCC is keen for ACER to encourage approaches from academics who share areas for potential research. NFCC set up The NFCC set up NOL that analyzed incidents to then share lea...

Christmas markets and festive light switch-ons are among the most popular annual events in the United Kingdom (UK), bringing together communities and attracting tourists from far and wide. In 2020, many Christmas markets that had been a tradition for decades could not take place, due to the COVID-19 global pandemic and the subsequent restrictions, thereby causing disappointment to many visitors. Importance of security at public events However, in 2021, a number of UK Christmas markets are bac...

Johnson Controls, the globally renowned company in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings solutions, has introduced Tyco Kantech KT-2, adaptable two-door controllers, which is cost-effective, easy-to-install and operate, for small-to-medium sized businesses. Tyco Kantech KT-2 door controller This new door controller expands Johnson Controls line of multi-door control solutions, purposely designed for retailers, medical offices, warehouses and businesses, with needs ranging from one door to t...

Johnson Controls, the globally renowned company in smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings solutions, has announced the release of the Zettler Profile Lite range of addressable fire alarm control panels, to the Asia Pacific markets. The two new addressable panel models, Pro215 Lite and Pro415 Lite have color LCD screens with 32 zonal LEDs integrated into a simple interface, which helps reduce operator errors. Both Profile Lite panel models feature red housing options, ideal for facilities tha...

Local Dartford MP, Gareth Johnson, has officially opened a new extension at Kentec Electronics, the manufacturer of life-critical fire control systems, enabling the firm to expand its manufacturing, dispatch and stores capability by a third. The extension not only enhances Kentec’s core production capabilities, but also adds further capability to its ‘specials’ department for niche and complex projects, such as those delivered to historic buildings or even yachts. Big success...

A new qualification is now available for delivery by FireQual Approved Training Centers. This new qualification provides individuals with knowledge of the hazards and risks associated with fire in the workplace, how fire risk is controlled in the workplace, the principles and practice of fire safety management at work and the role of the nominated fire marshal. Basic fire fighting equipment This new qualification also requires individuals to demonstrate their ability to safely use portable fi...

A new qualification is available for delivery by FireQual Approved Training Centers. This new qualification provides individuals with knowledge of the hazards and risks associated with fire in the workplace, how fire risk is controlled in the workplace, the principles and practice of fire safety management at work, and the role of the nominated fire marshal. New qualification available This new qualification also requires individuals to demonstrate their ability to safely use portable fire fi...