Fire Industry News for October 2023

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has chosen 143 Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 33 rugged detachable devices for installation in its 93 vehicles, serving as an Airwave Certified & ESN-ready Mobile Data Terminal (MDT), and as a demountable device in the rear of its appliances. The rugged Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 33 device has been provided by technology distributor Centerprise, partnering with 3tc to deploy the MODAS software suite. The TOUGHBOOK 33 device is a popular choice for fire servi...

Compliant passive fire protection encompasses the entire infrastructure of a building. Rooms, floors, and communal areas are all interlinked by a complex network of installations, which need to be incorporated into any fire protection strategy. A standout example of this is the use of compartmentation and fire-stopping to prevent the spread of fire through pipes. Compartmentation Compartmentation involves dividing buildings into a series of compartments, which are then reinforced with fire-st...

Fire safety is important in any building, but in the aftermath of Grenfell Tower, additional scrutiny has been placed on tower blocks, high-rise buildings, and social housing. Given the number of occupants in these buildings and the speed at which fire can spread, the passage of flames and smoke must be inhibited through a fully compliant compartmentation strategy. passive fire protection measures Compartmentation incorporates passive fire protection measures such as fire-resistant cavity bar...

CLM Fireproofing is delighted to announce that it has become a Local Partner of Crystal Palace Football Club. Formed in 1861, Palace were founding members of the Football Association and the FA Cup and the current season marks the club’s 11th consecutive season in the Premier League. Supporting communtiies Through the Palace for Life Foundation, the club has helped support communities throughout South London for the last 25 years. CLM Group CEO, Tom Gilbert, and Head of Marketing,...

Over the last few years, the fire protection industry has been defined by large-scale regulatory shifts. As pioneers in fire protection compliance, CLM welcomes any changes that raise the bar on safeguarding buildings and their occupants. That’s why this article, will be covering a series of regulatory changes that are on the horizon. Fire Safety Reform Program The Fire Safety Reform Program enters its third phase on 1st October 2023. This will introduce changes to The Regulatory Refor...

Fire poses a significant risk to the hospitality sector. Apart from causing costly damage and bringing operations to a halt, it can seriously undermine the organization’s brand. The evidence suggests fire is fairly commonplace in the industry; according to the government’s latest figures, hotels are one of the most vulnerable types of buildings, with 263 out of every 1,000 experiencing a fire in the period September 2012–September 2019. Pubs, restaurants, and takeaways fared s...

Following post-Grenfell inquiries, large-scale changes have been enacted in the Building Safety Act (2022) regarding the role of fire safety in construction and building maintenance. The bill will run alongside the Fire Safety Act (FSA) to strengthen oversight, creating an independent regulator to be established by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Here is an overview of the new roles and responsibilities enacted by the bill, and their implications for accountability and transparency...

Construction projects are a community process, not just in terms of immediate impact but also in the long-term benefits they offer local areas. This concept is particularly resonant in the case of local authority construction projects, as they are partially funded by taxpayers and designed for community benefit and use. Resident Liaison Officers (RLOs) are central to the relationship between local authorities, construction companies and community members. Not only is it essential that residents...

It is essential that staff and students are safe in their place of learning, whether it’s a school, university, college, or anywhere else. According to research, an average of 1,500 fires happen each year in educational establishments, causing a “significant impact on the social and emotional experiences of pupils, staff and the wider community and on teaching and learning in the affected schools.” According to insurance reports from Zurich, in 2019 alone there were...

Blackline GPS is a Calgary-based wireless technology company that provides products for worker safety monitoring, covert surveillance, and business applications such as vehicle and logistics tracking. Blackline’s proprietary location-aware hardware, coupled with easy-to-use web and mobile interfaces, allows organizations to keep workers safe and track important assets. Blackline’s main product is the Loner® safety monitoring device, worn by employees working out of sight and sou...

Northern Ireland Water (NI Water) is the sole provider of water and sewage services in Northern Ireland. Almost 1.8 million people across the country count on them to supply 605 million liters of clean water and treat 362 million liters of wastewater daily. Over 1,500 staff—approximately 500 of whom are frontline workers—operate and maintain thousands of assets and supply production, mechanical and electrical services, as well as metering and billing. While NI Water had a variety o...

Gilbert Fire & Rescue in Arizona and Pierce Manufacturing will welcome Gilbert’s new Pierce Volterra electric pumper into service with a local media open house and traditional push-in ceremony on Friday, October 27 at Gilbert Fire Station No. 2. The media event begins at 3 PM (MST) with the push-in ceremony to directly follow at 4 PM (MST). Attendees will have the opportunity to get an up-close view of the revolutionary electric fire apparatus, learn about its technology elements...

Amthal has appointed Deane Sales to the position of Group Sales Director, following the company’s strategic shift to its senior management team and approach to fire safety and security. As one of the nation’s trusted commercial fire protection and security partners, Amthal welcomes Deane to lead the Group in its new direction, introducing his extensive insight into compliance to forge key partnerships and identify opportunities for business development. life safety solutions Deane...

Heavy downpours on Friday (20) caused by Storm Babet saw Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service’s (CFRS) Combined Fire Control to see their busiest 24 hours on record. The Service’s Combined Fire Control Room is a joint control room with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service–responding to 999 calls from both counties. Over 1500 calls were received in a 24-hour period-exceeding that of the summer heatwave fires of July 2022. Flood alerts issued While Cambridgeshire saw flood alerts...

CLM is delighted to announce that Tom Gilbert will be joining CLM as the new Group Chief Executive Officer. Responsibilities As well as driving the group's overall vision, Tom will work with the team to develop the existing clients and introduce new ones while also identifying and developing new service offerings.  He will also utilize his extensive network to promote CLM as the UK’s number 1 passive fire protection contractor. Tom Gilbert Tom brings a wealth of experience t...

CLM Fireproofing is the current Number 1 Provider of the National Firestopping Framework (Pretium|Hyde Group). Utilizing the framework can engage to provide Firestopping and Fire Door Installation works. The Pretium Framework, developed with Contracting Authority the Hyde Group, with technical input from Frankham Risk Management Services, delivers quality services, best practices, and assurance with an accredited supply chain. About the Framework Projects of all...

To enhance fire safety and prevent wildfires, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is implementing a new law that mandates burn permits for larger campfires. The law, LD 24, goes into effect on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, and will impact fires that exceed 3 feet in height and 3 feet in diameter that are not for debris disposal. Notably, permits for burning brush and wood debris remain unaffected and are still required under the existing regulations. The ne...

The Board of Directors of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated has announced that Robert Mehrabian will be named Executive Chairman, effective January 1, 2024. As Executive Chairman, Dr. Mehrabian will remain actively involved with the company with a particular focus on strategy, technology, mergers and acquisitions and margin expansion programs. Dr. Mehrabian's employment contract has been amended and extended an additional three years to December 2026. In addition, Edwin Roks will assume the ro...

As Bonfire Night approaches, residents are reminded to stay safe while enjoying the festivities. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service wants everyone to enjoy Bonfire Night safely. However, fire crews are often called to incidents involving out-of-control bonfires and fireworks that can be easily avoided by taking a few simple precautions. bonfire safety tips Station Commander Gareth Boyd, community risk manager, said: “Bonfire Night can be plenty of fun for all of the family to enjoy,...

The terms under the new Building Safety Act 2022 became enforceable from October 1st this year.  Here, Bob Glendenning, Fire Design Engineering Manager of Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings, examines why creating a ‘Golden Thread’ of information within the new legislation is so important for those involved in the intumescent coatings industry.  Building Safety Act 2022 The Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) has been developed as a new framework for the design,...

Aboca S.p.A is an Italian healthcare company producing over 100 food supplements and medical remedies from organically farmed plants and medicinal herbs. They help with more than 60 health issues for people of all ages, with remedies sold in close to 20 countries. The company’s field operations span almost 1700 hectares of land located throughout Umbria and Tuscany, where more than 60 species of plants and herbs are grown using sustainable techniques and cultivated by 150 workers. The ch...

Osborne, a UK-based construction company, turned to Blackline Safety for a solution when they recognized a gap in the connectivity of their employee safety program. The challenge - A construction project employing Osborne people required their workers to spend extensive time inside the Gade Valley Viaduct near King’s Langley in the UK. Osborne realized that within this structure GPS, GSM, and company intranet signals were all inaccessible. Supporting additional purchases This created b...

When an employee working alone suffered a health incident, Marmon/Keystone’s investment in connected safety tech proved invaluable. The Challenge Providing safety and security for lone workers Marmon/Keystone is a wholesale distributor of tubular products with over 27 warehouses across the US, Canada and Mexico. Operating for over a century, many things have changed, yet one constant remains - the belief their employees are their most valuable asset. The company’s commitment to e...

The Fernie Snowmobile Association (FSA) maintains 160km of backcountry trails near Fernie, British Columbia, Canada. Working alone at night, and out of cell range, their volunteers rely on Blackline Safety to keep them connected to help if needed. The challenge Lone volunteers working out of cell range To keep trails open during the day, FSA members spend their nights on a snowcat trail groomer, driving deep into the mountains. There, they can spend up to 10 hours grooming the trails, wh...

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection has announced the shortlist for its 2023 Passive Fire Protection Awards, with the winners due to be announced on 23 November at the Association’s Awards Dinner at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in London. As well as showcasing the award winners, the event will feature a special guest speaker, comedian Hal Crutten.  Each award recognizes excellence within the passive fire protection industry, at the company and individual levels. Shortlisted co...

Global security and fire safety specialist, Comelit Group has achieved the prestigious Gold EcoVadis status, affirming its dedication to sustainable business practices and corporate responsibility.  Gold EcoVadis status EcoVadis is a globally recognized sustainability rating platform that assesses the environmental and social performance of companies across various industries. Achieving Gold status places Comelit amongst the top tier of companies worldwide for its sustainable and respons...

In the realm of passive fire protection, longevity and commitment to excellence are key indicators of a company's reliability and expertise. innovation, and commitment Nullifire, a renowned manufacturer of passive fire protection solutions, has recently been nominated for the prestigious Long Serving Member Award, 40 Year Gold by the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP).  With an impressive 40 years as a serving and proud member, Nullifire stands as a true industry pioneer,...

Founded in 1989, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control (Skedaddle) is Canada’s largest company providing humane wildlife removal to hundreds of homes and businesses across the country each day. Over the last 30 years, Skedaddle has completed thousands of wildlife removals through environmentally friendly and poison-free practices. The company has experienced significant growth in recent years, requiring the implementation of a comprehensive and connected program to address the safety of their...

Gas detection gives remote visibility into ammonia (NH3) leak incident. The Challenge Ammonia leak danger escalates When hazmat personnel arrived on the scene of an ammonia leak at a cold storage facility one night, they were ready for anything. One responder wore a G7 personal multi-gas detector and the team also had a G7 EXO area monitor at the ready. They immediately set up the G7 EXO downwind of the facility to determine the hazard level outside. At 21:08, the device detected high levels...

The fire department of a southern U.S. city was trialing Blackline Safety technology when a dangerous fuel spill put the products to the test. The Challenge Routine fuel delivery turns dangerous While making a routine fuel delivery to a local gas station one morning, the driver of a tanker truck went inside to buy a coffee. When he returned to the truck, 32 gallons (120 liters) of gasoline had spilled out, and more was flowing rapidly onto the ground. Acting quickly, he shut off the tanks an...