Fire Industry News for July 2020

Johnson Controls has announced that it is expanding its GRINNELL G-Fire One-Bolt coupling product line by adding two new sizes - 1.25 and 1.5 inches. The new, smaller couplings allow contractors to perform easy and quick installations on smaller diameter piping and in tight spaces. GRINNELL G-Fire One-Bolt As part of the One-Bolt family, both couplings feature the unique, single-bolt design that eliminates alternate tightening while resulting in more consistent installations and dependable pro...

As of April 2020, there were 301,960 miles of natural gas transmission lines in the United States along with 17,414 miles of gathering and 1,328,271 miles of distribution lines. There is an additional 218,851 miles of liquid transport lines in service in the U.S. The footprint touches all 50 states and poses a response consideration for approximately 85 percent of the nation’s fire service. Natural gas incidents Most natural gas incidents involve either motor vehicle crashes where a serv...

Currently, in times of COVID-19 Coronavirus, the healthcare sector has maybe become the most vulnerable industry as it places the health systems of many countries to the test. The last thing hospitals want to be worried about now is their fire detection system. In the event of a fire alarm, some patients will need assistance to evacuate. For those in critical conditions or being in isolation due to a COVID-19 infection, evacuation can be extremely challenging or even impossible because of the u...

Global fire systems company, Advanced has been specified on yet another landmark development in London, United Kingdom. The installation of Advanced fire panels at the Landmark Pinnacle marks another tall-building win for the manufacturer who, in 2019, announced its specification at Western Europe’s second tallest building, 22 Bishopsgate. Landmark Pinnacle Standing 75 floors high at the head of the South Dock in the heart of Canary Wharf, the Landmark Pinnacle will, on completion in 202...

The Board of Directors of MSA Safety Inc. announced the election of Nish J. Vartanian to the position of Chairman, succeeding William M. Lambert, who will continue to serve the company as a Director. Mr. Vartanian, 60, is the sixth chairman in the history of the 106-year-old Pittsburgh-based company - a global provider in the development and manufacture of innovative technologies that help protect people's health and safety, and facility infrastructures. Mr. Vartanian became an MSA director in...

The Board of Directors of MSA Safety Incorporated declared a second quarter dividend of 43 cents per share on common stock, payable June 10, 2020 to shareholders of record on May 22, 2020. Combined with the company’s first quarter dividend, this represents a 4 percent increase on an annual basis compared to 2019. MSA has increased its dividend annually for more than 50 consecutive years. Over the past twelve months, the company has funded $65 million of dividends to shareholders and deplo...

The protection against fire, even in times like this, is still critical. And Apollo are here to meet the demand. The crisis has presented certain challenges to production, but Apollo remains committed to the customers. The company aims to meet orders, whilst at the same time, keeping the colleagues safe. Continued production Signage posted throughout detailing; the two-meter separation and the ‘one-way’ road guidelines With the aid of Government guidance, Apollo has been able to c...

In line with current government guidance, Europe’s door manufacturer, Hörmann, has released a video outlining how professionals can keep themselves, their colleagues and their customers safe while installing its popular range of garage, entrance and internal doors. Available to view on Hörmann UK’s YouTube Channel, the video provides installers with guidance on the measures they should take before, during and after an installation to ensure the wellbeing of all individuals...

Global safety equipment manufacturer MSA Safety Incorporated reported results for the first quarter of 2020. Quarterly Highlights Revenue was $341 million, increasing 5 percent from a year ago on a reported basis and 7 percent on a constant currency basis. GAAP operating income was $59 million or 17.2 percent of sales, compared to $32 million or 9.9 percent of sales in the same period a year ago. Adjusted operating income was $64 million or 18.7 percent of sales, compared to $58 million or...

Halma releases an update regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Full Year Results announcement and AGM. Halma continue to expect the group’s adjusted profit before tax for the year ended 31 March 2020 to be in a range of £265 million to £270 million, in line with the guidance given in the group’s scheduled Trading Update on 19 March 2020. Halma expects revenues to be approximately £1,330 million and year-end net debt (excluding the impact of IFRS16) to be a...

A fire which appeared to have broken out in a CAD laser cutter (still under fire investigation) in a design classroom at the Bede Academy North in Blyth caused smoke detectors and break glass call points to activate, prior to the sprinkler system operating and containing the fire to the room of origin. Following the redirection of the sprinkler head access to the ground floor corridor was restricted to FRS and staff who were instigating clean-up operation. Approximately one hour after the fire,...

Sprinklers protect life, protect buildings and keep firefighters safer. This was confirmed in a parliamentary debate on fire safety and sprinkler systems at Westminster Hall recently by a wealth of experts.   They work and make complete sense as an important layer of safety, but why is one not making use of them? Is now not the time to finally act on this?  Overall fire safety  Requested by Sir David Amess MP, and former firefighter and MP Jim Fitzpatrick (Chairman and Secretar...

Advanced has announced via a company statement that while they continue to manufacture products and provide customer service and technical support in spite of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic spread. The company is taking great care to operate within the UK Government’s guidelines for business operation and protect the staff. As a result, Advanced is seeing growing challenges around resourcing which are having a significant effect on the company’s ability to maintain the usual service l...

The symptoms of the illness associated with this novel coronavirus are similar to those caused by influenza and other respiratory illnesses and include coughing, shortness of breath, fever, and difficulty breathing. In many countries, COVID-19 is considered to be a high-risk workplace hazard for healthcare workers in a variety of fields and specializations. The WHO and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recommended airborne precautions for healthcare workers for certain...

These are unprecedented times. At Chubb, protecting the health, safety and well-being of the Company’s employees and serving the Company’s customers is top priority. As Chubb navigate the evolving circumstances surrounding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Company are taking actions aligned with the latest information and global guidance to protect the Company’s employees, serve the Company’s customers and minimize the spread of the virus while continuing to provide e...

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Monday, 23rd March 2020, Hörmann UK has had to make some immediate changes and has taken the difficult decision to suspend normal business operations. Suspending business operations These actions are designed to protect the safety and well-being of the employees, customers and suppliers, something that is of utmost importance to the company. Hörmann UK is also acting in line with current government guidelines by taking the appropri...

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...

Johnson Controls’ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, George R. Oliver, reaffirmed that the company is delivering 'essential products, services, and personnel' during the COVID-19 pandemic. "At times like these, it is critically important to reach out and let people know that we are here and that we continue to help hospitals, pharmacies and other essential businesses as needed to continue their operations," said Oliver. Supporting critical infrastructure in COVID-19 period Johnson Co...

FAFS announces that Marlowe plc has acquired Managed Occupational Health Limited (MOH).  Established in 2004 and headquartered in Norwich, MOH is a national provider of occupational health services. MOH employs approximately 70 staff, including 40 technicians, nurses and doctors who provide recurring occupational health advice, assessments and monitoring to help employers comply with health and safety legislation and assure the physical and mental health and wellbeing o...

Johnson Controls has announced the release of the new TYCO Model CWS Concealed Window Sprinkler, designed to provide an alternative to a two-hour fire-resistance-rated glazing assembly. The 5.6 K-factor CWS is UL and C-UL Listed as a specific application automatic window sprinkler and can be used in accordance with the International Building Code as an alternative to interior fire partitions or exterior wall assemblies, as evaluated in ICC ESR-2397. TYCO Concealed Window Sprinkler TYCO CWS Co...

Johnson Controls announces a new TYCO portfolio of corrosion solutions for fire sprinkler systems. This family of products gives the fire protection industry a complete Johnson Controls portfolio that can significantly increase the lifespan of dry, pre-action, and wet fire sprinkler systems. Model NG-1 nitrogen generators The portfolio includes Model NG-1 nitrogen generators offered in wall-mounted, standalone and skid-mounted models. Using a patented fill-and-purge process, the NG-1 nitrogen...

The world is changing. Trends in urbanization and population growth require more sustainable solutions to move the world forward. From a business perspective, sustainability means that companies can do good for the planet whilst also doing good for employees, communities and customers. As a fire and security business, Chubb protects businesses globally, helping to make the world a safer place. However, the very tool that is used to counter the threat of fire also poses an environmental and physi...

Halma, the global group of life-saving technology companies, has acquired Maxtec, LLC, based in Utah, USA. Maxtec is a pioneer in the design, manufacture and distribution of oxygen analysis and delivery products for use in medical and non-medical applications. They specialize in innovative products for respiratory care, including in oxygen sensors and analyzers for use in hospital acute care units. Maxtec will be managed as part of Halma’s Perma Pure business, whose medical dehydration pr...

MSA Safety Incorporated the global provider in the development, manufacture and supply of safety products that protect people and facility infrastructures, announced that Nish Vartanian, President and CEO, and Kenneth Krause, Senior Vice President, CFO and Treasurer, will host the company’s fourth quarter earnings conference call on Thursday, February 20, 2020. Investors and interested parties will have the opportunity to listen to the conference call live via the Internet. A replay of th...

Halma, the global group of life-saving technology companies, has acquired Sensit Technologies, LLC (“Sensit”), a gas leak detection company based in Indiana, USA. Sensit’s technologies are closely aligned to Halma’s purpose of growing a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, every day. Sensit manufactures products that enable natural gas utilities to detect leaks in their pipes, reducing climate change effects by minimizing emissions of methane, protecting worker...

Halma, the global group of life-saving technology companies, announces that it has made a strategic investment in Valencell, a renowned innovator in wearable sensor technology. Valencell’s biometric sensor technology provides highly accurate measurements of heart rate, blood pressure and other biometrics, which can be used in medical-grade wearables. Valencell has established a strong position at the convergence of the consumer wearables and health and medical devices markets. The company...

After the recent events at Bolton University, where a student accommodation tower went up in flames, Karen Trigg of Allegion UK looks into how campus management must improve their fire safety and security strategies to keep students safe. Universities are more aware than ever of their responsibility to keep students safe and secure from all potential fire and security threats. However, after the recent events at Bolton University, where a fire ripped through the Cube building (an accommodation...

2020 marks the tenth anniversary of globally renowned door manufacturer, Hörmann’s innovative RollMatic garage door range. Ten years on from its UK launch, Hörmann’s RollMatic garage door range remains a popular choice for architects, house builders, installers and homeowners, providing the highest standard in quality and safety. RollMatic garage door range Building on Hörmann’s German manufacturing expertise, the RollMatic door opens vertically for enhanced us...

Fires in modern data centers are a harsh reality. Such fires result, not only in serious amounts of direct damage, but also in costly indirect damage, including downtime associated with server outages and cleanup from the fire. These fires are not only dangerous, they can disrupt modern life. In 2017, a fire at a large data center in Azerbaijan took almost seven hours to extinguish. During that time, the entire country lost computer access to the Internet, with access to the network available o...