Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Fire Industry News

In this unprecedented time of a Global COVID-19 Pandemic, Euralarm informed users a few weeks ago about the Board’s decision to postpone its annual event that was planned on May 27th. The General Assembly, Industry Forum and 50th-Anniversary celebrations, and subsequent Section meetings, are rescheduled to October 29th and 30th, in the same location as previously communicated at the Renaissance Hotel in Brussels.   Extraordinary General Assembly Euralarm will run essential administ...

Cleveland-based apparel manufacturer and parent company of DRIFIRE®, National Safety Apparel® (NSA) announce its contributions to the US Department of Health and Human Services PPE initiatives in the fight against COVID-19. Providing protective masks National Safety Apparel has committed to help achieve the coalition goal to make 1.5 million+ face masks per week In partnership with the Hanes / Parkdale coalition of USA textile companies and small and medium-sized apparel manufacturers...

Code 3, a recognized global safety innovator, is pleased to introduce the Outliner Series of Running Board Lights that feature dual colors, multiple lengths, and flexible application. Enhance driver- and passenger-side visibility with these powerful, SAE-rated warning lights. Paired with white, customers can choose from amber, red or blue colors. The Matrix-enabled lights offer 32 flash patterns, including a steady-burn function for each color. The LEDs can be dimmed to provide a driving light...

ASSA ABLOY'S Harry Warrender, Market Region Manager gives COVID-19 updates to the customers. He said, "The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, addressed the country on 23rd March 2020, to announce the unprecedented steps required to save lives and protect our hospitals, due to the rapid increase of coronavirus cases in our country." "As a business, we have taken the decision that our employees’ welfare must take priority and therefore we will close our operational facilities for the foreseeabl...

Some insurance carriers delay or deny a patient’s medically necessary care, despite recommendations by doctors or other health professionals, in order to reduce costs and increase profits. A delay or denial can happen to anyone with a health care plan. However, firefighters are particularly vulnerable because, as government employees, their plans are not protected by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) in the United States. Protections for firefighters Without th...

The T-band radio spectrum provides critical communications for firefighters and other first responders in large metropolitan areas. However, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently required by law to auction off the spectrum for other uses in February 2021. Congress will need to pass legislation in the next several months to stop the auction, which is a provision of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012.   In the last several years, various bills ha...

Refrigerants used in cooling systems for homes and businesses are being replaced with alternatives that have less potential for global warming. But the transition comes at a risk: Some of the new refrigerants are flammable.  Although less flammable than gases such as propane, for example, new refrigerants can still ignite and burn with a high intensity under ideal circumstances. The new materials have low-flame velocity and are less easily ignited; however, one byproduct of combustion is t...

With many countries in lockdown, face-to-face seafarer training is also being suspended and some flag administrations have responded by granting automatic three-month extensions to the STCW Certificates seafarers must update every five years. However, VIKING Safety Academy has designed a unique training set-up so that seafarers can undergo training for a full certificate renewal even while the crisis persists. STCW refresher training VIKING Safety Academy has worked with Estonia’s Reval...

The Gorman-Rupp Company (Gorman-Rupp) will continue to conduct business at all of its locations, within the US state of Ohio, because it is an ‘Essential Business’ pursuant to the Director’s Stay at Home Order, issued by the state of Ohio, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. The Stay at Home Order for Ohio is effective from 11:59 p.m. on March 23, 2020, until 11:59 p.m. on April 6, 2020. Prioritizing the health and safety of everyone During this period, protecting...

PACCAR Inc, announces that in response to current public health guidance for COVID-19, it will hold its 2020 annual meeting of stockholders in a virtual meeting format only, via live webcast. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. Pacific time. The company is mailing to stockholders a notice of change of format for the 2020 annual meeting containing a 16-digit control number that will enable access to the meeting. Stockholders have the same rights and opportunities t...

In response to the rapid, ongoing spread of COVID-19 in Austria and the work stoppages announced by some of chassis manufacturers, Rosenbauer will be temporarily cutting production at its Austrian locations. In an initial step, the annual shutdown of the Austrian locations, which was originally scheduled for August, will therefore be brought forward to April 6-17, after which short-time work is to be requested as a precautionary measure in consultation with the Works Council. Critical function...

As the Coronavirus outbreak continues to spread across the globe, more companies are adopting stronger measures to protect employees from contracting and spreading the virus.  However, as the work practices, movements and behavior changes, businesses should also consider how their fire and security systems can help them mitigate risks in the wake of COVID-19.  Fire safety during COVID-19  During this extraordinary situation, it must be noted that fire safety cannot be put on ho...

In light of the latest UK Government measures, which it is introducing to reduce the spread of coronavirus, Advanced wanted to update on its current position. These necessary measures have and will continue to have an impact on the lives of the company’s employees and the business. However, Advanced is acutely aware that some of the customers are currently working to maintain public fire safety in essential buildings, such as hospitals, and Advanced will, therefore, continue to remain ope...

Powering Chicago, the voice of Chicago's unionized electrical industry, announced a free solar safety training program for Chicago area fire departments designed to help firefighters safely handle solar panels while on the job. Launched in late 2019 as a pilot program, more than 150 firefighters from 12 suburban departments have successfully completed the training to date. With generous federal and state incentives available to homeowners and business owners who adopt renewable energy practices...

​​​VIKING Safety Academy has addressed a fast-emerging seafarer training issue brought by coronavirus by delivering a unique e-learning tool that can keep seafarers STCW compliant until restrictions on movement and social interactions come to an end. With many countries in lockdown, face to face seafarer training is also being suspended and some flag administrations have responded by granting automatic three-month extensions to the STCW Certificates seafarers must update every five years. Howev...

AVK shared an update on the latest policies as regards to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier the Company announced that all staff, where they are able, are to work from home. This update is to inform that customers will still be able to contact in the same way that they would have done prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. All of the incoming landline numbers are diverted to mobile phones; if for any reason the call doesn’t get answered, one may hear a message service from a mobile provid...

Paul Hubbard shared the update on the latest policies amidst the current COVID-19 pandemic.  The government informed that in an effort to drastically reduce the rate of transmission of the virus, they are imposing enforceable measures to stop all but essential traveling and personal interaction for the next 3 weeks.  In response to this, the Company has ensured the welfare of customers, the staff and the wider population as a whole, whilst maintaining the highest possible level of se...

As one comes to terms with the latest restrictions announced by the Prime Minister, one shares the uncertainties of the ‘lockdown’ requirements.  BAFE had the news recently that fire alarm technicians are considered key workers, when they are responding to alarms or system failures. However, to date there is no other clarification regarding other services.  BAFE has set out to remind property managers of their obligations under legislation to maintain fire protection syst...

SYFRS is launching a poster drawing competition for youngsters and is giving away a load of LEGO prizes that are up for grabs. It’ll be sharing as many entries as possible with their staff to help keep spirits up, too. All SYFRS wants youngsters to do is get a piece of A4 paper and draw a firefighter, fire engine, or fire station. safety messages The drawings must also include at least one of the below safety messages: Don’t forget about cooking! Don’t leave clothes near...

SYFRS launches a poster drawing competition for youngsters and they are offering a load of LEGO prizes that are up for grabs. It’ll be sharing as many entries as possible with staff to help keep spirits up, too. Safety messages All SYFRS wants youngsters to do is get a piece of A4 paper and draw a firefighter, fire engine, or fire station. They must also include at least one of the below safety messages: Don’t forget about cooking! Don’t leave clothes near electric heater...

When Sean Bone-Knell applied to be a firefighter at Kent Fire and Rescue Service in 1984, he was told the window to apply had closed and to try again in a few years. Fortunately, his passion to join the fire service prevailed, and two years later, at 19 years old, his dream came true. Now, 33 years on, having climbed to be the highest-ranking fire officer in the service as Director of Operations, he’s hanging up his helmet for the last time. Sean's career  Sean said, “Being a...

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a major incident being declared by Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service. With the number of confirmed cases continuing to rise throughout the UK and the government's advice for those showing symptoms or knowing someone showing symptoms, to isolate for extended periods, the Service is getting ready to face staffing challenges. Prepare for COVID-19 impact Chief Fire Officer - Chris Strickland said, “Please be assured that we currently have...

PACCAR Inc is providing a business update in response to recent changes in customer demand and a weaker outlook for the global economy, as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic. The Company will suspend truck and engine production at its factories worldwide from March 24 until April 6, 2020. The company will review future actions on a regular basis. PACCAR will continue to provide aftermarket support to its customers who deliver essential infrastructure services to the communities. Strong...

FSi Limited (FSi Ltd) announced in a statement that they would like to update on the actions that the company is taking as a business to support customers, suppliers and protect the staff during the on-going COVID-19 outbreak. From the beginning of this outbreak, FSi Ltd has followed Government advice and will continue to do so in order to protect the business, but most importantly the company’s employees and business partners, which will always remain a priority. To date, FSi Ltd has be...

Sepura is carefully monitoring the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic and taking all necessary precautions to protect and support its employees and customers as they in turn protect and support the public. They are closely following UK government advice. Critical functions are being maintained in the office, supported by home-based teams as necessary to minimize the risk of infection whilst ensuring customer requirements can be met. warehousing, configuration and support Sepura’s main o...

BAFE has announced releasing a fire safety advisory during the on-going coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic. The advisory stated, “During this extraordinary situation, it must be noted that fire safety cannot be put on hold. Fire does not discriminate, and it is important that your fire safety policy is well maintained appropriately”. Fire safety systems and provisions It further reads, ”BAFE have discussed this fact before, but fire safety systems and provisions are different to...

The BAFE office is temporarily closed due to coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns. Staff safety is a priority and they will be working from home.  BAFE will be monitoring emails and accessing voicemail left to the BAFE office number. The response times may be longer than normal. 

First responders are on the front lines of the latest health crisis that involves spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. Around the country – and around the world – EMS departments are facing the uncertainties of a rapidly-spreading virus. One problem is a shortage of face masks. As cases surge, it will also be harder for ambulance companies to get other needed supplies. In King County, Wash., an epicenter of COVID-19 cases in the United States, Kirkland, Wash., firefighters and...

Bryx, a provider of first responder technology products, launches a new COVID-19 Critical Warning banner within its free Bryx 911 mobile alerting application. Keywords associated with the virus are systematically pulled from the supplemental data, triggering a banner that informs first responders of possible cases in which safety protocols and equipment may be necessary. The company’s algorithm, used to trigger the COVID-19 Critical Warning banner, can be extended to provide warnings for...

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Authority (SYFRA) has appointed a new Deputy Chief Fire Officer. Chris Kirby was appointed following a selection process, which included a written application, leadership team presentation, interview by staff group and trade union representatives and panel interview with members of the Fire Authority. Barnsley-born Chris Kirby will join South Yorkshire later this spring from West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, which he first joined as a Firefighter in 199...