Building Fire Safety - News

The last few years have been challenging for everyone, including the fire industry. It changed everything, except our dedication to overcoming challenges. With everything returning to normal, the countdown to Interschutz 2022 has begun. Interschutz 2022 Exhibitors are looking forward to Interschutz 2022 after a long wait. It will allow them to interact and work collaboratively to sustain, expand, or form new networks. With only a few days till the doors open for the world's leading fire and r...

C-TEC is exhibiting at Housing 2022 exhibition, which is taking place from June 28 to June 30, 2022, in Manchester Central, Manchester, United Kingdom (UK). With over 300 exhibitors and an action-packed program of seminars, networking events and debates, the Chartered Institute of Housing’s annual Housing event is the place to be for a local council, housing association, developer or housing professional. C-TEC’s innovative solutions at Housing 2022 C-TEC will be exhibiting a host...

RESCUE Intellitech AB, the innovative Swedish manufacturer of decon washers for SCBAs, face masks and other PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), such as boots, gloves, and helmets, has announced that their recently launched DeconWasher Pro S will be available for orders on the global market as of now. After a successful introduction on the North American market earlier in 2022 spring season, RESCUE Intellitech AB will now showcase the new machine at INTERSCHUTZ 2022, which is taking place in Ha...

With temperatures heating up in Cambridgeshire this week, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) would like to remind residents of important outdoor fire safety and water safety advice. Head of Fire Prevention for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, Group Commander Ed Miller said, “We tend to see an increase in calls to fires during spells of hot weather. This does result in our crews spending significant time at incidents that could be avoided.” He adds, “We know...

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) regional administrator has authorized the use of federal funds, in order to assist the US state of Arizona, in combatting the Pipeline Fire burning, in the Coconino County, United States of America (USA). On June 12, the state of Arizona submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG). At the time of the request, the fire threatened approximately 2,100 homes in and around Doney Park, Timberline and Black Bill Park. The fir...

In May 2022, the Environment Agency’s Waste Industry Regulatory Services and Chemical Compliance Team (EA) advised the Fire Industry Association (FIA) that they are applying a restriction on persistent organic pollutants entering sewerage systems and the water environment. This group of chemicals is known to have adverse long-term effects on the environment and human health, and can be found in some fire extinguishers. Chemicals in fire extinguishers The chemicals, often known as POPs,...

For a business owner, chances are that they have been told that the restaurant needs to comply with fire safety regulations. But what does that mean? And what are the specific fire safety regulations need to be aware of as a restaurant owner or manager?  This piece takes through the most important fire safety regulations for restaurants, so owners can ensure the business complies. Stay safe and informed! The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 Restaurant owners are responsible for...

The Optimum Group (Optimum Drywall Systems Ltd) is delighted to share the changes that have been underway, as part of their fire-stopping team restructure. They have recently secured some great projects with clients, both old and new, and are excited to deliver them with a fresh and talented Fire Stopping Team. They have a new leadership structure, promoted from an established and experienced management team, and added some exceptional new talent to create a department that can provide a reliab...

Frontline firefighters in Tyne and Wear are benefitting from a ground-breaking new scheme, which sees them being trained in first aid and trauma support by a leading North East paramedic educator. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) have teamed up with the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS), in a scheme believed to be the first of its kind in England. TWFRS – NEAS partnership It has seen Paramedic Educator, Phil Barlow, who has 15-years frontline experience being seconded to...

Angus Fire is pleased to announce that the company has donated a wide range of much needed firefighting hose, branch pipes and other firefighting equipment to firefighters in Ukraine, in order to help them protect buildings, critical assets and help them to save lives.

Fire safety checks will need to be redone on more than 1,600 council homes, because of concerns previous inspections may have been conducted by unqualified officials. The revelation is the latest twist in a long-running saga, which emerged last year when Norwich City Council admitted hundreds of people in its properties were potentially put in danger because crucial safety inspections of fire, water, and electrics had not been done. Overdue gas checks Since then, £1.2 million has been s...

Fire safety checks will need to be redone on more than 1,600 council homes, because of concerns previous inspections may have been conducted by unqualified officials. The revelation is the latest twist in a long-running saga, which emerged last year when Norwich City Council admitted hundreds of people in its properties were potentially put in danger because crucial safety inspections of fire, water, and electrics had not been done. Overdue gas checks Since then, £1.2 million has been s...

Recent research from Duke University involved firefighters wearing silicon wristbands on and off the job. The silicon absorbs any semi-volatile organic compounds the firefighters may have been exposed to. The wristbands worn by firefighters were analyzed for 134 different chemical compounds, including phthalates, brominated flame retardants, organophosphate esters, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), all of which have been linked to increased...

Recent research from Duke University involved firefighters wearing silicon wristbands on and off the job. The silicon absorbs any semi-volatile organic compounds the firefighters may have been exposed to. The wristbands worn by firefighters were analyzed for 134 different chemical compounds, including phthalates, brominated flame retardants, organophosphate esters, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), all of which have been linked to increased...

Briggs & Stratton has announced that Kristina Cerniglia has joined the Company as Senior Vice President (SVP) & Chief Financial Officer (CFO). She joins Briggs & Stratton after serving eight years at Hillenbrand, Inc., as Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer. Prior to Hillenbrand, Inc., she spent 23 years in the financial organizations at Stanley Black & Decker and United Technologies Corporation. Kristina Cerniglia currently serves on the Board of Directors for L...

The classic car parade and the motorcycle meeting on INTERSCHUTZ Saturday - this demonstration is likely to have rarity value not only in Hanover. On 25 June 2022, around 50 fire engines will drive through Hanover in a long procession. The special feature: Together they should have around 2,000 years or more under their belt. This is because the convoy, which will make its way from INTERSCHUTZ to downtown Hannover in the morning and, after a breather in front of the New Town Hall, back to the e...

Research by Luxfer Gas Cylinders into how back, joint and limb pain affect firefighter health is released, ahead of Interschutz 2022. Fire services could be losing an average of 25 staff days per year, for each team member affected by poor musculoskeletal (MSK) health – thought to be around one in four firefighters. Luxfer, the industry-renowned manufacturer of lightweight, durable, high-performance SCBA cylinders, investigated the prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal health issues, i...

The government has published its response to the consultation on the use of cladding in buildings over 11m in England. Combustible materials Combustible materials have been banned for use in external facades of buildings higher than 18m since 2018, following extensive lobbying in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire. In early 2020, the government suggested also banning the use of such materials for buildings above 11m in height, and ran a consultation on this in May 2020, the response to...

In Australia, fire is never too far away. From the bushfires that ravage New South Wales (NSW) to the kitchen fires in Melbourne, the threat is there. For those who live in high-risk areas, the ability to fight a fire should not be overlooked or underrated. And while firefighters consider using a fire extinguisher as a last resort, they are sometimes the best bet in fighting a fire until help arrives. But, as important as it may be, many don't know much about fire extinguishers and what types o...

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) is in serious need of funding to tackle the building safety crisis, according to Commissioner Andy Roe. A total of 1,100 of London’s buildings above 11 meters are currently listed by the LFB as having serious fire safety issues. While this represents a slight drop from 1,174 in March, the capital has had more than 1,000 unsafe buildings for almost a year, and the real number of unsafe buildings could be much higher. City Hall Plenary meeting At a City Hall...

At FeuerTrutz 2022 on June 29 and 30, 2022, in Nuremberg, WAGNER will present its fire protection solutions, which are used worldwide in areas such as warehouses/logistics, data centers, or museums and archives. Among other things, the expert relies on active fire prevention with oxygen reduction. Visitors can experience how this system works live at the stand. In addition, Matthias Dorsch, Head of Market Solution Management, will speak on June 30 at the expert forum "BIM goes fire protection"...

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) EMS Safety Practices manual provides information to enhance the health and safety of the emergency medical services (EMS) practitioner and support the reduction of occupational illness and on-duty injuries and fatalities. 146-page manual This 146-page manual outlines how to develop a safety program that covers all aspects of EMS operations to prepare for, prevent, mitigate, and respond to all hazards. It covers safety regulations and guidelines while a...

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is proud to announce the Queen has recognized Paul Grimwood, a KFRS Senior Principal Fire Engineer, in the 2022 Birthday Honors List. Paul, who has a career spanning over 50 years in firefighting and fire engineering, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire). High-Rise buildings He is highly regarded within the fire industry as an expert and pioneer for new operational tactics, as well as for his meticulous work when it comes to ensuring resi...

Over 2,300 first responders have taken an online instructor-led live course from the National Fire Academy (NFA), and the number is growing. The NFA suspended its on-campus and field courses in March 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By June 2020, the NFA and USFA’s partners from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives launched the first online instructor-led live 2-day course, “Fire Investigation: First Responders,” using the Zoom video conferencing app. Ad...

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) EMS Safety Practices manual provides information to enhance the health and safety of the emergency medical services (EMS) practitioner and support the reduction of occupational illness and on-duty injuries and fatalities. This 146-page manual outlines how to develop a safety program that covers all aspects of EMS operations to prepare for, prevent, mitigate and respond to all hazards. It covers safety regulations and guidelines while also emphasizing the impo...

CHEMTREC and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) are teaming up for the fourth year to provide volunteer fire departments with the CHEMTREC HELP (Hazmat Emergencies Local Preparedness) Award to enhance their hazardous materials response capabilities and improve responder safety. CHEMTREC HELP Award The 2022 application period is now open until September 1, 2022. Two U.S. volunteer fire departments will each receive US$ 10,000, through the CHEMTREC HELP Award in 2022. Fire departments m...

National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) members can enter to win a personalized Cairns XF1 Fire Helmet, courtesy of MSA Safety Incorporated (MSA Safety). Cairns XF1 Fire Helmet The jet-style design of the Cairns XF1 Fire Helmet reduces snag hazards, provides a personalized fit, and houses its own integrated light module, and the soft goods are removable, washable, and replaceable. This is the second of three opportunities to win an XF1 helmet in 2022. One recipient will be randomly selected, a...

The episode begins with Jonathan O’Neill OBE, FPA Managing Director, speaking with Chris Miles, Regional Business Director at UL, to explore how international testing practices could benefit the UK’s own building safety. Their discussion starts with a look at the Building Safety Act receiving royal assent, and whether a clearer, more transparent, and more effective specification and testing regime for construction products was being achieved. Chris casts doubt over whether this has...

Fire safety and protection are more prevalent now than ever before. There is a huge push on competency and compliance for the installation and products in the fire industry in 2022, following tragic recent events such as Grenfell. Just like a plumber would need to showcase that they are competent to service a boiler, the demand for fire protection installers to show they are competent is essential. What is Passive fire protection (PFP)? Passive fire protection (PFP) is a crucial component of...

Alongside the Fire Safety Act, the UK government has now committed to Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and a raft of new measures that are designed to ensure a full response to the Grenfell Tower inquiry recommendations. The launch, coming at the same time as the commencement of the Fire Safety Act 2021, is described as ‘the most comprehensive plans for fire reform in decades’. The plans will be set out in the UK government’s Fire Reform white paper, in order to strength...