COVID-19

FireRite's Online Fire Risk Solutions For Care Homes

FireRite now offer a virtual fire risk assessment tool for care homes and other businesses who need one. In these unprecedented times, access to premises can be heavily restricted to protect staff and residents/occupants. Although it does not replace a full fire risk assessment, their virtual interim fire risk assessment tool will help users keep pace with the changing circumstances inside their care home which may impact fire safety. Virtual fire risk assessment Users will also get the adde...

FireRite: Advanced Fire Safety Training Courses

At FireRite they have always offered a range of fire safety training in different formats. They’ve offered a range of standard training packages as well as bespoke and tailored training to meet their specific needs. The way that they approach training delivery needs to adapt and change as the world moves into ‘the new normal’. The requirements and legislation relating to fire safety for businesses have not gone away or been relaxed during the lockdown. Fire safety training is...

Fire Door Safety Week: Essential Fire Safety Insights

21st-27th of September marks Fire Door Safety Week, a week to raise awareness around a critical element of passive fire safety. Fire doors a part of the furniture in public buildings, their homes and other residential buildings. Most members of the public see fire doors all the time, but don't truly appreciate how much thought and strategic planning goes into fire doors, and how vitally important they are to their safety. Fire Door Safety Week aims to highlight the importance of fire doors to t...

Proper Storage Of Alcohol-Based Sanitizers

Since the onset of the pandemic, most companies have become familiar with issuing alcohol gel in the form of hand sanitizer for staff, customers and visitors. This is understandable because it’s a good way of ensuring no germs, viruses and bacteria are passed on when surfaces are touched. But, as a manager or procurement officer, just how au fait are users with storing these highly-flammable liquids? It’s important to do so carefully because of the high alcohol content in the gel &n...

Marine Evacuation Systems At Sea: MES & VIKING Insights

Marine Evacuation Systems (MES), served by liferafts, is an efficient and widely used method for mass evacuation at sea. With passenger ship capacities increasing, the ability of MES to evacuate hundreds of people in a matter of has been tested exhaustively in Beaufort Sea State 6 conditions. MES and liferafts–five things To be compliant, liferafts must be designed in accordance with SOLAS Chapter lll and the LSA Code. All VIKING liferafts are compliant with these standards and are ful...

Fire Apparatus Safety: Insights from FDSOA Conference

FDSOA’s Annual Fire Apparatus Conference looked a little different this year given it was held on Zoom rather than in person like the previous years, but that did not stop the organization from striving towards their mission to ‘educate and bring safety to the streets.’ The Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA)’s Chairman of the Board Eric Valliere – current Assistant Fire Chief in Scottsdale, Arizona who has been a part of the association for eight...

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Expert Commentary

Connecting Multiple Agencies In The Cloud

When public safety agencies, including police, fire, and ambulance, work together to meet the needs of a region, citizens are better protected, and a better quality of life for all is promoted. However, today’s public expectation demands agencies embrace digital transformation, for those partnerships to be effective and efficient and vitally, connected with the public they serve. This can involve the integration of operational systems, such as computer-aided dispatch (CAD) in a public safety answering point (PSAP) and those used by other organizations, or the implementation of one system across multiple agencies. Public safety systems under pressure Public safety systems are under a lot of pressure, and digital transformation provides the foundation to handle the scale, complexity, and unpredictability that comes with rapidly changing, multi-dimensional incidents and legislative demands. This is especially true for those regions that rely on multiple-agency partnerships. For example, remote areas where agencies such as mountain rescue will be required to work seamlessly with the air ambulance. This is where cloud-based systems come in. Scalability and resilience are especially important, when you look at the responsibilities that fall under the remit of emergency services organisations. Whether it is, for example, police or fire, response calls can range from small day-to-day incidents to massive events, such as natural disasters or crowd disorder. Cloud-based systems can address this range, intuitively aiding the responders no matter the bespoke nature of the call. Complex emergency service structures In the United Kingdom, while the government has sought to improve emergency services integration and collaboration, the situation is complicated due to the many different authorities that control emergency response and because few of their boundaries are coterminous. However, in major cities, such as London, jurisdiction is more focused, led by a single Fire Authority or Commissioner For example, in non-metropolitan areas, fire and rescue falls under the jurisdiction of combined fire authorities involving many different local councils and other authorities in the region. However, in major cities, such as London, jurisdiction is more focused, led by a single Fire Authority or Commissioner, with the local Mayor accountable for setting the annual budget. Then, there are the, often county-based, police forces and regional ambulance services, who fall into different hierarchal structures, all with different boundaries. All of this complexity creates barriers, which can develop into rigid siloes. This is the landscape that these organisations hope to improve by using cloud-based systems. Ensuring citizen data privacy Across all these structures run competing political priorities, as well as distinct legacy IT systems that must be surpassed to achieve seamless integration. Lastly, the services must ensure the public that there will be no unnecessary government personal intrusion through the technology. Citizen data privacy must be a leading consideration, especially in light of the recent increase in cyber-attacks directed at the public sector. For example, the WannaCry ransomware attack on the National Health Service in 2017. Cloud-based systems There are multiple advantages to moving emergency services systems, such as CAD, to the cloud – greater access, flexible connectivity, and communication through a government accredited secure platform. Moving to the Cloud enables more informed and timely decisions from emergency services personnel, more effective use of resources, and increased understanding and engagement, the overall impact of this is greater resiliency and safety for the emergency services, and the public they serve. Vitally, when the Cloud is used effectively and services are subsequently improved, public trust in emergency service institutions is reinforced. Benefits of the Cloud The benefits of the Cloud are most evident in public safety, when it comes to cross agency collaboration The benefits of the Cloud are most evident in public safety, when it comes to cross agency collaboration. Cloud platforms create a shared point of access to data that is currently split between multiple siloed organisations. This means that every agency, responding to an incident, will have the same information in real-time, greatly improving their coordination. This allows personnel to react to events on the ground, as they happen with no delays or confusion arising from misrelated communication. In a potentially chaotic emergency environment, the value of immediately sharing information in secure, trusted partner relationships cannot be overstated, when it comes to saving lives or ensuring staff safety. Attributes of an efficient public safety cloud platform There are several consistent considerations for public safety agencies looking to choose a cloud solution, as the foundation for the digital transformation process. The leading factor is collaboration and working together to form a checklist that can be used to identify an effective next-generation public safety solution. First, public safety agencies need a cohesive user experience for advanced communications and insight. This a basic element of any unified system. It ensures interoperability across all solutions and platforms, and unites capabilities beyond dispatch, and call-taking to include analytics, planning, and reporting features. The benefits of systems integrations When systems are integrated across public safety agencies, any organization can ensure effective communications for smarter, faster decision-making, which is essential to public safety work. Another leading consideration is that of public trust. When public safety professionals can harness operational data, they have more tools to make better-informed and more-timely decisions, allowing them to demonstrate increased public understanding and engagement. This results in more transparency and better evidence-based communication to demonstrate to the community that these services are acting for the public good. Return on Investment (ROI) An option here is to use a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, as these are often implemented on a subscription-basis Return on Investment (ROI) must also be factored into every decision. Public safety agencies have finite budgets and therefore, it is crucial to pick a cloud-based service that is cost effective. An option here is to use a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, as these are often implemented on a subscription-basis. Therefore, there is a predetermined cost and billing process which makes it much easier to track expenses and only pay for additional capacity when it’s needed. Lastly, any solution chosen must be easily adaptable and future-proof. The UK Government has oversight over emergency service policy legislation and there is always the potential for updates or amendments, for example the temporary changes brought in during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the selected platform must have the capacity to evolve in line with legislation through easily configurable workflows and customer business rules. It is vital that the cloud platform does not become just another legacy system that agencies must navigate when improving their services. A clear need for cloud transformation The benefits of cloud systems to public safety services are myriad. Ultimately, they improve the pace and quality of the emergency services’ response, which can in turn lead to the saving of citizens’ lives. A fundamental element is that they allow multiple agencies to focus on what they do best, unencumbered by managing the technology, responding to incidents together, with all services acting as a unified force in confronting any crisis. However, for the full benefits of cloud to be realized, certain attributes must be embraced when selecting a system, such as user experience, public trust, ROI, and adaptability. Once these attributes are secured, the improvements cloud-based systems can bring are limitless.

Emergency Actions Plans, A Must For Safety And Security

Workplace emergencies come in all shapes and sizes, including fires, explosions, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, toxic material releases, radiological and biological accidents, civil disturbances, workplace violence, etc. All of which, according to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), require an emergency action plan. Willfully violating that requirement and not having an emergency action plan that is current, well understood and accessible, could result in a fine of US$ 134,937 per violation. Emergency Action Plan Checklist by OSHA Considering that the Emergency Action Plan Checklist by OSHA consists of 21 items or categories, to be considered based on each potential emergency, that’s a lot of opportunities for something to get missed, a lot of ways someone could get hurt and for a violation to be considered willful! In this article, we will explore the emergency action plans required by OSHA, the challenges with today’s methodologies and how they are exposing operations to increased safety and security risks. The goal is to provide you with the information necessary, to improve your emergency response plans and ultimately, help you save lives, money and time. Emergency Action Plans As OSHA says, the best way to prepare to respond to an emergency is before it happens As OSHA says, the best way to prepare to respond to an emergency is before it happens. Few people can think clearly and logically in a crisis, so it is important to do so in advance, when you have the time to be thorough. This is a discussion that is applicable to almost every business. According to OSHA, all workplaces with more than 10 employees are required to develop a written Emergency Action Plan (EAP), to identify and coordinate the necessary employer, and employee actions, during an emergency. Key elements of an emergency action plan An emergency action plan must be in writing, kept in the workplace and available to employees for review. At the time of publication of this article, at a minimum, the EAP must include these elements: Procedures for reporting a fire or other emergency. Procedures for emergency evacuation, including type of evacuation and exit route assignments. Procedures to be followed by employees who remain to operate critical plant operations before they evacuate. Procedures to account for all employees after evacuation. Procedures to be followed by employees performing rescue or medical duties. The name or job title of every employee who may be contacted by employees who need more information about the plan or an explanation of their duties under the plan. An employer must have and maintain an employee alarm system. An employer must designate and train employees to assist in a safe and orderly evacuation of other employees. The employer must review the emergency action plan with each employee covered by the plan, including: When the plan is developed or the employee is assigned initially to a job, When the employee's responsibilities under the plan change, and When the plan is changed. Emergency action plans should consider all emergencies Emergency action planning is complicated, as it must consider the impact of all kinds of emergencies, all of which will have different implications on operations and the safety, and security team. They are detailed, as there are lots of moving parts and lots of things that will need to be completed in parallel, in order to minimize the impact on operations. With the right team putting their heads together, doing the right research and considering all the possibilities, creating a document that outlines the job to be done, the order of operations, the list of contacts and steps to be taken, is not out of reach for anyone. What might be out of reach for many is thinking clearly and logically in a crisis, and making sure the action plan gets done right the first time, when it is actually needed. The format, fundamental issue in emergency action plans The fundamental issue with today’s emergency action plan is not the content, but the format We believe the real issue or challenge is that for many, the emergency action plan is still just a document, often created and stored in a ‘red binder’ on someone’s desk. Therefore, the fundamental issue with today’s emergency action plan is not the content, but the format. A great emergency action plan not only details the requirements, but also ensures that the right team members are executing the right plan, at the right time. It ensures important steps are not missed and that precious time is not lost searching for information. It also ensures that the emergency coordinator has access to current data, so they can accurately determine how best to proceed. Need for data visibility Limiting the emergency response team to a document, outlining procedures, is exposing operations and those on site to increased risk. While the data might be there, we have no visibility, no information. While the training might have been completed, there also might be a revolving door on the emergency response team, making it difficult to confirm who was trained on what procedures, and when? In the event of an actual emergency, the action plan needs to be accessed by the coordinator and actions/responsibilities need to be verbally communicated, costing precious time, when seconds matter the most. When the emergency responders arrive on-site, there is limited, if any visibility, on the status of executing the action plans, where team members are and their current status. Continuing to rely on these manual, paper-based and antiquated methods, is exposing operations to increased risk of injury and damages. Digitally Transforming Emergency Action Plans! It is our belief that it is time to digitally transform how we manage the emergency response team and action plans It is our belief that it is time to digitally transform how we manage the emergency response team and action plans. Relying on the ways of yesterday, are no longer going to cut it and are actually exposing operations to more risk and cost than is necessary. Technology has evolved in ways that enable operations to cost effectively eliminate the fear, uncertainty and doubt in emergency response. Today, we can automate all the EAPs, ensuring staff merely needs to start the plan and follow the work items identified in the plan. High risk work items can be prioritized, so as to help further reduce risk. Real-time visibility of operations Execution can automatically be captured and monitored giving ‘Command and Control’ real-time visibility of the teams’ actions. Data can be captured in a single system of record, so management can easily evaluate performance and identify areas for improvement. It is time to take what was paper and digitally transform it, for a safer tomorrow!

Building Hygiene Improvements – Where Does Door Hardware Fit In?

Both our homes and public building environments can have a huge impact on our wellbeing, and over the past few years, the importance of health and hygiene standards has only been exemplified. It’s said that eighty percent of common infections are spread by touch. What’s more, every 30 minutes the average person is said to touch surfaces that expose them to 840,000 germs. These germs are prevalent in public buildings too, where touchpoints are areas or items that are used by several individuals. Of those touchpoints, door handles are the most touched surface in working environments for example, and can be associated with cross-contamination and health risks. Rising infection rates Right now, the need to improve hygiene within our building environments, understandably, carries a greater significance than it maybe once did. But when it comes to building design, the process of protecting occupants and visitors against infection - especially those most vulnerable - can never be ignored. Research has shown that the coronavirus can survive on surfaces for hours Over what has been a challenging biennial, building environments have closed, reopened and the process repeated. With the coronavirus, the idea of reducing footfall in facilities was instrumental in faltering rising infection rates. But now, as normality has somewhat returned, that footfall is back. Once again, touchpoints such as door handles are harboring germs. In fact, research has shown that the coronavirus can survive on surfaces for hours, and even days on metal door handles - and the same can be said for the common flu. Promoting hand washing Government campaigns have promoted hand washing, sanitizing and distance-making in response to a return to public facilities. Undoubtedly, infection control methods such as hand washing and systematic cleaning are the most guaranteed way of controlling cross-contamination. However, these methods can still fall redundant as a result of human error or relaxed conventions. Building design can play an important role here. Daniel May, Director at Consort explains: “We’re at a point where decision makers are under pressure to keep building hygiene standards as high as ever before. And outside of the clear-cut hygiene measures, it’s understood that more can be done throughout the building design process, with architectural hardware selection at the core of decisions.” Anti-Microbial hardware Door hardware is the first touchpoint when entering, exiting or navigating a building" “Door hardware is the first touchpoint when entering, exiting or navigating a building, and can be one of the most bacteria-ridden. Yet, the latest in hardware advancements could give facility managers an edge in the fight against infection, especially in healthcare facilities, such as hospitals for example, where footfall is high and the need to maintain strict sterile environments already exists.” “For added protection against bacteria, facilities can implement tailored anti-microbial hardware and finishes. Anti-microbial coatings applied to door handles are precisely formulated to prevent bacteria build-up upon the surface by interrupting cell multiplication. Some door seal solutions also make use of modern anti-bacterial technology, embedding it within the aluminum and silicone of the door seal during production, further reducing the spread of bacteria in high traffic areas.” Effective infection control For care and hospital locations specifically, The Care Quality Commission (CQC) sets a regulation that cleanliness and effective infection control is a necessity for those environments. Healthcare environments are encouraged to introduce innovative infection control methods where possible, supporting the best practice methods already in place. Healthcare environments are encouraged to introduce innovative infection control methods Equally, under The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, decision makers have an active duty to keep inhabitants safe and their environments clean. And aside from the use of antimicrobial solutions, many are challenged to provide hygienically maintained environments without sacrificing fire or safety standards. Efficient building management Daniel adds: “Facilities with high footfall must also consider ventilation and ease of movement. Whether in healthcare, commercial or public environments, both are key elements of efficient building management and when done effectively, can further help inhibit the spread of infection by ensuring fresh air is consistently making its way through halls and rooms.” “The most effective way to improve ventilation throughout a building is by opening its windows and doors. This creates an inlet for fresh air and an outlet for the old air, and with access points open, minimizes the need to touch door handles. Yet, when focusing on airflow, it’s inopportune to disregard fire safety. Too many times, we’ve seen facilities fall foul of leaving fire doors propped open in favor of improving ventilation and ease of access - but simply put, it’s illegal to do so and leaves fire doors wholly ineffective in a fire situation.” Automatic door controls Modern exit systems are purpose built to ensure fire doors can be left open safely and securely" “Modern exit systems are purpose built to ensure fire doors can be left open safely and securely. Automatic door controls make use of sensors which activate the operator devices connected to the main access doors.” “In turn, this aids access and egress when required and closes the doors shut when necessary. In the event of a fire, the alarm is sounded, and the doors close automatically - ensuring safety is never compromised. What’s more, these systems can be integrated with the external building security, reducing risk on all fronts. Regular cleaning practices “Ultimately, when paired with regular cleaning practices, these modern solutions can play an assist role in the fight against infection, helping to maintain building hygiene as well as the obligatory standards associated with building and fire safety.” Consort’s bespoke specification services extend to hygienic solutions, offering users tailored products to suit the needs of any building infrastructure. Antimicrobial finishes can be applied to any touch products and door seals, of which are already supplied to large complex hospitals around the world including Pamela Youde in Hong Kong and the Metropolitan Hospital in Birmingham.

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Editor's Dispatch

Wildfires Spotlight Staff Shortages And Training Challenges

Wildfires swept through the Panhandle region of Texas earlier in 2024. The Smokehouse Creek Fire and the Windy Deuce Fire, both starting on Feb. 26, were the most significant outbreaks. The Smokehouse Creek Fire went on to become the second largest in U.S. history, burning over a million acres across Texas and Oklahoma before it was contained in mid-March. worst-ever wildfire As Texas battled its worst-ever wildfire, firefighters worked to mitigate fire and smoke damage. Among the challenges were staffing shortages. The United States is facing a serious firefighter shortage that makes fighting wildfires, including the Smokehouse Creek fire, even more difficult. Not unrelatedly, over half of all firefighters in the U.S. are volunteers. training in structural fires Vector Solutions helps agencies train, prepare, and retain their employees to have a safer, better team “We just know how demanding the wildfire season is and how fast these fires can grow,” says Robbi King, Solutions Engineer at Vector Solutions. “We want our people to be current on the expectations of what we are training, preventing our chance of getting hurt,” he says. As fires increasingly occur at the wildland-urban interface (WUI), departments with training in structural fires should expand their training knowledge to prepare. Vector Solutions helps agencies train, prepare, and retain their employees to have a safer, better team. online firefighting training In addition to the availability of more than 450 hours of online firefighting training, the company also provides software platforms to ensure requisite knowledge and the ability to perform various skills. Ensuring preparation for wildfire season, Vector Solutions has courses that meet the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) requirements to renew certification. shortage of volunteer firefighters The shortage of volunteer firefighters is in part a reflection of the need for volunteers to hold full-time jobs to support their families, which limits their time for volunteering. Coverage of wildfire events, for example, is difficult during the day when more volunteers are at their paid jobs and unavailable. “It takes the sacrifice of vacation and other things you earn to be a volunteer,” says King. Firefighter staffing is short throughout the U.S., and agencies facing fire emergencies often call on the larger surrounding area for help. Lack of resources in emergencies Local volunteers can perform some of the duties, but outside aid generally comes in the form of paid firefighters Resources are needed to perform search-and-rescue duties after the fire. “The problem is, when you call on all your assets, are there enough people to take care of medical needs and other emergencies?” says King. Local volunteers can perform some of the duties, but outside aid generally comes in the form of paid firefighters. Volunteers cannot commit two weeks of unpaid time even in a fire emergency. Artificial intelligence Artificial intelligence (AI) can help to identify areas to search, but it takes human intervention to perform rescues and to facilitate recovery. A decayed power pole sparking dry grass was determined as the cause of the Smokehouse Creek Fire in Texas, and several other fires were also traced back to faulty power equipment. The fires caused significant damage, including hundreds of homes destroyed, livestock deaths, and widespread destruction of crops and ranch infrastructure. Wildfire impact and concerns A huge concern during wildfire season is that individuals heed evacuation orders when they come in. “We don’t want people to be left behind,” says King. “There’s nothing there that is worth your life. Minding the evacuation orders gets you out of harm’s way.” Residents in areas impacted by wildfire should also do their part to protect their homes; sometimes it’s as simple as mowing the grass. role of the weather Additional moisture can contribute to the rapid thickening of undergrowth, which contributes eventually The weather plays a significant role in determining the course of the wildfire season. Additional moisture can contribute to the rapid thickening of undergrowth, which contributes eventually to a cycle of drying out and opening the door to wildfires. The location of residences near areas prone to wildfires can contribute to risks, especially along the wildland-urban interface. “Communities want to live near nature, so they work with builders, who are trying to appease what they want,” says King. Vector Solutions Cloud “We need to look at where we are placing these homes to make sure we are pushing the vegetation back far enough to prevent the spread of fires.” Keeping firefighter skills current also makes a big difference. The Vector Solutions Cloud stores video of first responders performing skills and the video can be observed and critiqued later for better training. Scheduling and Check It Vector also provides Vector Scheduling, a time-and-attendance tool. Vector Check It streamlines routine truck and equipment tracking and centralizes asset and inventory management. Vector’s Guardian Tracking is a performance management and early intervention solution that equips first responders with a process for consistent feedback and positive recognition while identifying those in need of intervention before an adverse event takes place. Guardian Tracking Software The system can also identify when people are performing below expectations or fail to meet standards Vector Solutions can contribute to firefighter retention. The Guardian Tracking software can identify career milestone events and trace the negative impacts of a major fire event, including emotional stress. The system can also identify when people are performing below expectations or fail to meet standards. “Most agencies have de-brief sessions after milestone events, but sometimes we need additional care,” says King. impact due to COVID “We want to take care of people, but sometimes we need a reminder.” If departments can retain people, it becomes less of a recruitment effort. Four years after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact on the fire service is still being felt. “We are still identifying the long-lasting COVID effects, and there are small segments of communities that have not fully recovered,” says King. ”When you expose them to wildland fire and smoke, it compounds the issues.” risk assessment It will be some time before the full impact of COVID is understood, including the need for first responders to go inside residences at the height of the pandemic. “My work with the fire service and the military prepared me to always think about possibilities,” says King. “We do a risk assessment, which has allowed me to understand what the fire service needs and how we can apply our solutions to streamline and improve agencies’ processes. Having that knowledge has helped me find the right solution for firefighter needs.”

FIREX International 2022: Ingenuity From Adversity

FIREX International 2022 was bustling with visitors, glad to be back networking, demonstrating new technologies, and sharing ideas. Education was high on the agenda across the three days at London’s Excel, with various live seminars and panel discussion sessions held throughout the show. Fire Education Seminars covered topics ranging from social sustainability to safety leadership, while the Fire Protection Association (FPA) InfoZone hosted sessions on sprinklers in schools, the safety implications of electronic vehicle fires, and the insurability of timber buildings. With lots of new and established products on display at the event, it was clear that the biggest changes in this sector are being driven by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and, inevitably, the continued fall-out from the tragic Grenfell fire of 2017 in London. IP-based public alarm and voice address Coronavirus safety measures and concerns have driven advances in remote monitoring of fire detection systems. IP-based public alarm and voice address (PA/VA) technology is enabling improved remote communication channels. Ian Bridgewater, Director, Technical Sales Manager at TOA Corporation (UK) Ltd, explained to TheBigRedGuide.com how developments in this area can be utilized, “The use of IP in PA/VA is changing the way installers and maintenance engineers can communicate with systems.” Remote monitoring and maintenance He continued, “Connecting via industrial standard network protocols allows for remote communication.” “Working with specialist software developers has expanded this giving greater flexibility to monitor and maintain systems remotely from a central hub. IP allows for integration with network audio communication systems such as SIP and VMS (Video Management Systems).” Grenfell disaster The fire of the Grenfell building in London has brought changes to testing and regulation in the fire prevention The horrific fire that took hold of the Grenfell building in London in 2017, leading to 71 deaths, has brought about dramatic changes to testing and regulation in the fire prevention and suppression industries, as well as to the construction and building design. Indeed, these lessons learned at a high cost are being shared outside the UK and having an effect around the world. Impact of fire “It was the sixth major building fire since 1973, yet it's the only one that's created any change, and now those ripple effects are starting to be felt outside the UK, too,” Ed Peltor, Managing Director at Tenmat Ltd, said. “The recladding of the UK building stock (now extended to buildings over 11m, not just over 18m) that does not comply will take at least ten years. Despite Government funding and the Building Safety Bill, only a fraction has been rectified, costly waking watches remain in place.” A resilient industry It is encouraging that terrible events like the Grenfell fire and the COVID-19 pandemic are at least having a positive impact on innovation in fire prevention and resulting in more efficient systems and improved fire safety for many. Alongside these technological advances, FIREX 2022 also featured the Engineers of Tomorrow competition and live installer dedicated training, emphasizing the event’s focus on continued learning and a positive future for the active and passive fire sectors.

Our Top 10 Articles In 2021 Highlight New Technologies And Challenges

New technologies for the fire service were a predominant topic at TheBigRedGuide.com in 2021, based on the most-visited articles at the site during the past year. Looking back at the top articles of the year -- as measured by those that received the most "clicks" -- provides a decent summary of emerging technologies in the fire service. The list of articles also highlights some of the biggest challenges in the fire service, including wildfires and emerging fire risks. Timely and important issues in the fire marketplace dominated TheBigRedGuide.com’s list of most clicked-on articles in 2021. Let’s look back at the Top 10 articles posted at thebigredguide.com in 2021 that generated the most page views. They are listed in order here with a brief excerpt. What Impact Has COVID-19 Had on the Fire Industry? Firefighters have coped admirably against a backdrop of expanded roles and considerable staff absences As a front-line, critical service, the fire service felt a considerable impact from COVID-19. Firefighters have coped admirably against a backdrop of expanded roles and considerable staff absences. Some brigades have seen absence levels of up to 40%, forcing them to re-train some staff from non-operational roles as emergency responders. It has meant a broader range of service offerings, with brigades offering wider community support, from vaccinations to vital support elements such as delivering food and medicine and driving ambulances. What Fire Technologies Will Have the Greatest Impact In 2021? Exciting developments in firefighting equipment, media, and Information Technology (IT), centered on improving safety and protecting people and the environment, will be highlighted in 2021. Increasing use of electric and hybrid technologies in cars and trucks will continue to challenge Fire and Rescue Services, as they seek safer ways to effectively control fires in these vehicles. The refinement of ultra-high pressure (UHP) firefighting equipment will interest municipal and aviation fire services, as it allows effective firefighting to occur from outside a burning structure, protecting firefighters while using significantly less water volume, extinguishing the fire but minimizing water and environmental damage. A Look at Emerging Technologies in The Fire Protection Industry The ability to innovate in the fire industry can quite literally be a matter of life and death. Smart Connected Things (SCoT) within fire protection systems offer more accurate, efficient inspections and testing, which on its own can save lives. The systems are now being used by both building owners and service providers to determine fire protection system conditions as well as helping to perform some critical testing functions remotely. Fire protection brands have made huge leaps forward in their quest to develop smoke detectors that meet with the UL 268 Safety Standards for 2020. “TruSense Technology” is designed to differentiate between fast and smoldering flames and common false alarms. Water mist suppression systems can fight fires using significantly less water than a traditional system. How Drone Technology Helps London Fire Brigade with Incident Command Drones act as a loudspeaker to give instructions or reassurance and shine a bright spotlight in dark conditions The drones are permitted to fly up to 400 ft above ground level or higher in an emergency and can fly as fast as 50 mph. They also can act as a loudspeaker to give instructions or reassurance and shine a bright spotlight in dark or low-light conditions. The Brigade has eight pilots trained and operates a 24/7 service. The team is working closely with its blue light partners, including the Metropolitan Police Service, several search and rescue teams, and a host of fire services surrounding the capital, as well as advising other upcoming drone teams around the United Kingdom. Charging Of E-Bikes And E-Scooters Represents Residential Fire Hazard The fire hazards of e-bikes and e-scooters stem from their use of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that can erupt into flames. Complicating the problem is the use of unauthorized or third-party batteries that may not be safe. E-bike conversion kits are available to convert standard bikes into e-bikes, but they include only the motors and control gears. Batteries must be sourced separately, often over the internet and by cost-conscious buyers, who may not consider safety issues. Cheaper batteries may be faulty. Fire Protection for Paper and Pulp Plants Production of paper increased by more than 450% in the last decades and the demand for paperboard in the world is expected to grow significantly, driven by e-commerce and big retailers increasing their presence in the online sales universe. This sustained growth in production capacity and paper consumption presents several fire risks to companies and exposes communities that develop around paper mills to the impact of disasters caused by these fire risks. Cloud-based and communication force firefighter teams to have access to high-performing wireless connectivity What Are Emerging Technologies in Wildfire Prevention and Protection? Internet connectivity is not an obvious emerging technology in the wildfire prevention and protection industry; however, today’s cloud-based databases, applications, and communication infrastructure force firefighter teams to have access to fault-tolerant and high-performing wireless connectivity options. Broadband Bonding is the technology that combines 2 or more off-the-shelf cellular sim cards to create fast and reliable Internet connectivity on the go. Teledyne’s Handheld Laser Detects Explosive Methane From 100 Feet Away For firefighters, the tool provides situational awareness, saves time, and ensures safety from a distance. Knowing the presence of methane gas enables a firefighter to deal with an emergency gas leak and to avoid a deadly explosion. The Gas Laser from Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection can shoot a laser beam through a window, a gap in a door, or another common venting point to provide an instant reading of the amount of methane in an area up to 100 feet away. Thermal imaging cameras allow to locate and remove casualties faster and significantly improve survivability How Does Thermal Imaging Serve the Needs of Firefighters? For firefighters on the frontline, thermal imaging cameras allow them to locate and remove casualties faster and thus, significantly improve their survivability. The knock-on effect of this also removes firefighters from hazardous areas quicker. Finally, being able to “see” in dark smoke-filled environments allows firefighters to see hazards that they might previously discover only once in physical contact with the hazard. Modern Firefighting Calls for Modern Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) According to research at Underwriter Laboratories (UL), modern homes contain larger quantities of petroleum-based products and plastics that burn faster and hotter versus traditional and more natural materials. The result is more rapid and hotter fire growth with exponential increases in heat generation, smoke production, and toxicity. When a call comes in, firefighters rely on their turnout gear (TOG) for protection, but serious burn injury can occur right through the TOG. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) conducted a study that concluded station wear contributes to overall thermal protection. However, depending upon the station wear’s fiber content and material fabrication, it may also contribute to possible burn injuries.

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