Fire Industry News for June 2024

On 25th March 2022, UKAS published the outcome from their 31st January 2022 call for Expression of Interest for certification bodies looking to underpin the certification to ISO 37301:2021 (Compliance Management System Certification) with accreditation. The initial conclusion was to consider including the development of accredited certification to ISO 37301 within its development program for 2022/2023, but this has been deferred to the 2023/2024 program, due to operational reasons subject to th...

The Built Environment Quality Management Systems standard was published in July 2022 and UKAS published an initial Expression of Interest in September 2022.  The feedback from this indicated that there was only limited interest from CB clients, and this has been underpinned by related feedback from other stakeholders.  Updated Expression of Interest This updated Expression of Interest is published to ascertain if the level of interest has increased This updated Expression of Intere...

One of Apollo’s next-generation products being displayed is the REACH Wireless range. Praised by customers for its intuitive user-interface and easy setup process, REACH Wireless makes it easier to solve challenging installation situations, such as extensions and occupied residential blocks using Apollo’s hard-wired addressable loop systems. Visitors at the Apollo stand will have the chance to get their hands on REACH equipment and experience first-hand just how easy it is to insta...

UKAS has accredited the first organization in the UK to undertake Forensic Cell Site Analysis activities to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025, including consideration of ILAC G19, UKAS Publication LAB 13, and the Forensic Science Regulators Code of Practice and Conduct (including FSR-C-135). Following a second development pilot assessment program, which started in 2021, two Forensic Units were assessed with IntaForensic Ltd successfully gaining accreditation. Quality assurance mechanism Devel...

In January 2021, UKAS launched its new national accreditation symbols, designed to better illustrate the diversity of what UKAS accreditation encompasses and to reflect UKAS as a modern, international and forward-thinking organization. A timeframe was provided for all accredited customers to transition their use of the UKAS symbols of accreditation from the old branding into the new. Confirming accreditation status As of 1st February 2022, it has been expected that all digital materials relat...

One of the key reasons fireproofing in high-rise buildings is essential is because of the time it provides for evacuation and rescue operations. In the event of a fire, occupants on higher floors may have limited means of escape. Fireproofing in high-rise buildings that use fireproofing materials and techniques can delay the spread of flames, allowing more time for people to evacuate safely and for emergency responders to reach the affected areas. Challenge to fire services As per the 2021 In...

After eight years, Simon Banks has made the difficult decision to step down from the BAFE Board. Justin Maltby-Smith, Group Managing Director of BAFE, stated, “In my first year with BAFE I can see that Simon has been an extremely supportive and valued member of the BAFE Board." "Simon’s work, especially in driving new talent into the fire and security sectors, has been of great value, and with Simon’s support BAFE has been honored to be part of this with our support of quality...

While Christmas calls for celebration, it is also the time to pay attention to fire safety at the place. If not handled properly, many things enjoyed during this time, such as fairy lights, candles, trees, and decorations, can all turn into dangerous fire hazards. Here are some of the best fire safety advice, so that their home and business stay safe during this season. 1. Check the Christmas lights Major Christmas fires get ignited by a little spark or short in the Christmas lights, so i...

The Home Office has published new Guidance for anyone with responsibilities under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.  The information published highlights “This guidance is for people who have responsibilities under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 (“the Regulations”). You will have such responsibilities if, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (“the Fire Safety Order”), you are a “Responsible Person” (or a p...

A Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) team is working to enable the use of trusted digital identity products across the UK economy. This means ensuring there are secure digital ways to prove that people are who they say they are, or are entitled to do particular things, without repeatedly having to present a mish-mash of documents and bills. Right from the start, they have been asking people what they want from these products. They heard time and time again that people want...

The NHS Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Mid-Point Event, celebrated last week on November 17, offered a unique platform for KTP Associates, Program Partners, and Senior Health Authorities to meet in person and learn about the development of the KTP projects over the past nine months. UKAS was represented at this event by Accreditation Director, Lorraine Turner; Accreditation Specialist, Alyson Bryant; Head of Development, Dave Compton; and Senior Assessment Manager, Martin Stearn. NHS KTP...

In early 2021, UKAS saw the culmination of an important project in which they re-launched their Purpose, Vision, Mission and Values, as well as updating their strategic priorities to align with the updated strategy. Once launched, the challenge of the past year has been to live up to these values and statements, while delivering their strategic priorities. UKAS’ values contained within their ‘PRIDE’ acronym UKAS’ values are neatly contained within their ‘PRIDE&rs...

In his article for UKAS’s 2021/2022 Annual Report, Marcus Long, Chief Executive of the Independent International Organisation for Certification (IIOC), shares his perspective on the role of conformity assessment in emerging technologies. The fourth industrial revolution is opening a wealth of technologies that will benefit both the assurance industry and, more importantly, users of conformity assessment services. Accredited conformity assessment Organizations of all shapes and sizes re...

In the article for UKAS’s 2021/2022 Annual Report, Emanuele Riva, Chair of the International Accreditation Forum, shares his perspective on the importance of collaboration and IAF and ILAC’s decision to come together as a joint entity. To paraphrase the philosopher Plato: "Each problem has three solutions: my solution, your solution and the right one."  For centuries this has been the basis of collaboratively increasing collective knowledge, where democratic and peaceful debate...

Running from 7th to 11th November 2022, World Quality Week offers the chance to celebrate and highlight the vital role that quality plays in all aspects of people's daily lives. The theme for the event is ‘Quality Conscience’; something which either gaining accreditation or using accredited services both indicates and helps to develop. Accreditation Working in tandem with standards and measurement, UKAS accreditation is one of the pillars that the UK’s national quality infra...

UKAS is delighted to announce the appointment of Caroline Hamilton, Chief Executive of SAFed, as the new Chair of their Policy Advisory Forum and Policy Advisory Council. Caroline’s extensive experience as a Chartered Mechanical Engineer in the nuclear and manufacturing industries, coupled with her leadership of SAFed, ideally qualify her for this position. As the trade association for the UK independent engineering inspection and certification industry, SAFed plays a key role in maintain...

UKAS is proud to have published its Annual Report for the financial year 2021/2022. Building on last year’s new format, the Annual Report contains a range of articles that reflect on UKAS’s activities and demonstrate the value accreditation brings to many areas of society. All articles share a common theme of technical rigor, individually examining aspects of how it is embodied, applied and delivered by accreditation. UKAS Annual Report 2022 The report contains articles from the U...

BAFE and NAPIT are pleased to announce the first-ever Third-Party Certification and BAFE Registration to the DS301 competency scheme, which has been achieved by CS Electrics based in County Durham. This competency scheme covers design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance works performed on Grade D domestic fire detection and fire alarm systems. domestic fire safety The importance of domestic fire safety was highlighted in 2017 with the tragic Grenfell Tower fire, but this does not on...

A recent report from the London Fire Brigade once again highlights potential risks of lithium-ion batteries being charged using incorrect and unofficial chargers following a fire at a house converted into flats at Streatham Hill, in September 2022. damages due to fire A communal area on the ground floor of the building was destroyed by fire. Most of the first-floor communal area was also damaged by the blaze. Firefighters used a short extension ladder to assist a woman from a flat roof to gro...

Ceasefire is excited to showcase its latest technologies at Fire India, Asia’s leading fire and safety expo. The fair will take place from 15th to 17th September in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. This article will give an idea of what to expect at the stand. Fire Extinguishers An unmatched range of portable extinguishers in various agents like ABC Powder & CO2. Specialized extinguishers like Metal Fire, Launcher, CAFS, based on Clean Agent and Water Mist, and Lithium Ion extinguisher...

Both BAFE and FireQual are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen was a bastion of integrity and service to the United Kingdom, which both BAFE and FireQual profoundly respected. Her death is a huge loss for everyone. The Queen had a strong link to the Fire Service College in Moreton-in-Marsh (where BAFE and FireQual are based), having officially opened the site in May 1974. Respect and condolences go out to The Royal Family and to all affected by The Que...

FireQual is proud to support the WorldSkills UK Fire Detection and Alarm Systems Competition. WorldSkills UK is delighted to launch the new Fire Detection and Alarm Systems Competition, run in partnership with Skills for Security. As well as offering apprentices the chance to boost their skills, they also have the unique possibility of competing at the ‘international skills Olympics’ in France in 2024. Undergoing intensive training The competition, which kicked off in May at the I...

Fire and Safety Solutions Ltd is pleased to support Ambition Aspire Achieve (AAA), a charity founded in June 2016 by Kevin Jenkins OBE, who had a long-standing desire to provide opportunities for children and young people in the London Borough of Newham and surrounding areas. 

FireQual is pleased to announce its latest appointment to the Senior Management Team. Steve Skarratt, in their new position as Qualifications Manager, joins the organization from his former role as Head of Prevention and Protection Training at The Fire Service College. Throughout his career, Steve has been heavily involved in training and development including acting as Interim Head of Learning and Development at the College, and before that, Curriculum and Qualifications Manager at the Fire Pr...

It is with a heavy heart that BAFE announces the passing of two friends and colleagues. Both, Peter Chilton and Dominic Cook passed away at the end of April 2022.  They both greatly assisted BAFE with fire extinguisher technician assessments/verification and exam invigilation as experts within their field. Peter Chilton Peter Chilton had more than 30 years of fire industry experience before working with BAFE, including 25 years with a fire extinguisher organization, Fire Protection Servi...

Two new accessories are adding breadth to HURST Jaws of Life® product offerings, providing first responders with more resources to enhance safety, speed and patient access at the rescue scene: HURST Jaws of Life Scout light and HURST Jaws of Life Ram Claw set. The HURST Jaws of Life Scout is a tactical LED scene light powered by HURST Jaws of Life eDRAULIC® Watertight Extrication Tool (EWXT)/ eDRAULIC 3.0 (E3) batteries. Offering up to 14,000 lumens with four light levels, the Scout is...

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, HURST Jaws of Life has collaborated with nationally recognized country music recording artist Mark Ware on a song that reflects on and celebrates the grit, guts, heroism, and heritage of the firefighter profession. ‘Firefighter Anthem’ will be performed live on April 28 at FDIC International with an acoustic rendition by Mark Ware himself at the IDEX Fire & Safety / HURST Jaws of Life booth #1608. Country music recording “In celeb...

As part of HURST Jaws of Life’s 50th anniversary, they’re celebrating the legendary rescue tool and honoring the heroes behind them in the series, In The Hands of Heroes. Picture this: A dramatic sepia-toned ink drawing of the legendary HURST Jaws of Life spreaders. More than a foot long, the spreader’s arms are open wide to nestle a Green Cross within its limbs, and a halo effect surrounds the icon to celebrate that lives have been saved. Zoom out a bit, and picture this: The...

HURST Jaws of Life®, a business unit of IDEX Fire & Safety, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the revolutionary Jaws of Life brand in 2022. The company whose hero tool founded the modern-day rescue tool industry is marking its half-century milestone with a celebratory logo, challenge coins, patches and more. “HURST Jaws of Life has been an icon for the rescue tool industry for 50 years, and we’re proud to celebrate this incredible anniversary along with our dealers who...

Following a thorough recruitment drive, the BAFE Fire Safety Register is proud to announce the appointment of their new Managing Director, Dr. Justin Maltby-Smith CEng FIET CMgr FCMI. Since BAFE’s establishment in 1984, and subsequently going fully independent in 2009, the registration body continues to have a core role in establishing methods to evidence competency within the fire safety arena. With this comes to its significant responsibility of ensuring the BAFE portfolio of schemes av...