Fire Safety Policies - News

On June 17, Marc Warren will complete a one-day, 150-mile bicycle ride through the Great Allegheny Passage to raise awareness about the importance of firefighter/EMS behavioral health. Inspired by his daughter, Ali Rothrock’s work for first responder mental health, Warren is hoping to raise US$ 2,500 to support the NVFC’s Share the Load program. As a lifelong athlete, Marc Warren is no stranger to physically grueling endeavors. But this time he is using his skills to raise money for...

On May 15, 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6800, the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act, which would provide approximately US$ 3 trillion in assistance, to help the nation deal with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The bill includes a number of provisions to assist fire, EMS, and rescue departments, including: Provides US$ 500 million through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, for the purchase of personal protective equipm...

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) created a survey to better understand the experiences of volunteers and combination fire, EMS, and rescue departments in dealing with the outbreak of COVID-19 and related social distancing measures. Fire/EMS survey The NVFC asked individuals to take a few minutes to complete the COVID-19 Impact on Fire/EMS Survey and is also encouraging re-taking the survey periodically (no more than once per week), so that the company can track changes in the respons...

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...

The Scottish Government has published its route map for moving out of lockdown. This is their Publication of key phases of changing restrictions. Scotland’s route map News published alongside this document states, "The COVID-19: Framework for Decision Making - Scotland’s route map through and out of the crisis–gives practical examples of what people, organizations and businesses can expect to see change over time.” It adds, “The route map gives an indication of t...

SSAIB has announced publishing its policy statement for COVID-19 Remote Auditing. The policy covers BAFE, British Approvals for Fire Equipment schemes with SSAIB remote auditing procedures in place. A BAFE statement added that they will endeavor to publish information from all BAFE Licensed Certification Bodies as this is made available. Information from SSAIB: The following strategy has been implemented to allow continuation of certification services by the SSAIB, during the exceptional circu...

Instead of the Fire Safety Event, which was meant to take place in late April 2020 (postponed until September 2020), Nineteen Group hosted an online webinar event (15/05/2020) to discuss current fire topics. Several notable fire safety specialists discussed different topics, but the overarching topic was how the coronavirus pandemic will affect fire safety and any additional changes it will require. COVID-19 safety measures Niall Rowan, CEO - ASFP, noted Dame Judith Hackitt’s comments t...

With the support of the Scottish Government, the Supplier Development Program has launched a survey on the effects of Supplier Relief. short survey Suppliers in Scotland, especially small, medium, and micro-sized businesses, can fill in a short survey to share their experience of supplier relief with public sector buyers during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) crisis so far. Responses will be collated into a report which will be shared with the Scottish Government and local authorities throughout S...

Victaulic, the globally renowned manufacturer of mechanical pipe-joining systems, is now offering free virtual courses from its accredited and award-winning Victaulic University program, to construction professionals around the world. Growing demand for more versatile training options and shrinking access to traditional classes given the COVID-19 pandemic presented an opportune time for Victaulic to make its robust catalog of courses, many of which offer International Association for Continuing...

Unparalleled speed, ultimate control and battery management made easy: Holmatro launches a new series of high-tech cordless rescue tools, designed to outperform all other tools on the market, regardless of whether these are battery-powered or connected to an external pump by means of a hose. The Pentheon Series offers a much higher speed than other rescue equipment. This is thanks to a new and patented mechatronic system inside these tools. Maximized oil flow This system optimizes the motor a...

Motorola Solutions announced the addition of three cloud-based offerings to its CommandCentral software suite: CommandCentral 9-1-1 Smart Transcription, CommandCentral 9-1-1 Citizen Input and PremierOne®️ Cloud CAD. These offerings provide emergency call handlers and the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) operators who dispatch 9-1-1 calls to police, fire and emergency medical services with the ability to streamline workflows and improve the monitoring and integrity of information in a secure go...

The Site Operating Procedures have been updated to incorporate a number of technical changes as a result of the recently published Government guidance on Working Safely during Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Construction and other Outdoor Work. Version 4 inclusions The changes in Site Operating Procedures – Version 4 are minimal and include: Removal of the requirement for face-to-face contact to be kept to 15 minutes or less. The section on PPE links to the latest Government guidance...

On 18 May 2020, global coatings manufacturer Hempel began construction of a new factory in Yantai Chemical Industrial Park, China. The new factory will help meet the increasing demand for more sustainable and innovative coating solutions in the region. Strategically located in the Yantai Chemical Industrial Park, Hempel’s new Chinese factory will replace its existing production facility in Yantai. It will have a production capacity of more than 100,000 tons per year and w...

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is calling on Kent residents at home to tune into the first-ever online fire station open day on Thursday 28 May. Aimed at families of all ages, the virtual event has been organized in place of a number of the service’s annual ‘Family Open Days’, which were canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. online open day The online open day will take place from 11 am on Thursday 28 May on the Kent Fire and Rescue Service Facebook page, start...

InventHelp, a renowned technology inventor and fire protection systems provider, wanted to fulfill the need for a proposed multi-function smoke/fire/temperate alarm with an automated communication system for residential or commercial buildings. For this purpose, InventHelp has released the latest Smart Smoke Detector (AAT-4370). Smart Smoke Detector (AAT-4370) The Smart Smoke Detector (AAT-4370) quickly provides the premises owner and first responders with the critical information they request...

The Association for the Promotion of German Fire Protection (vfdb) is celebrating its 70th anniversary. It was founded on May 22, 1950 in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt to further develop German fire protection scientifically and technically.  “Over the past seven decades, we have succeeded in creating an internationally renowned network of experts for protection, rescue, and security,” says vfdb President Dirk Aschenbrenner. “Whether in fire protection or technical assista...

South Yorkshire’s fire service is seeking to remind people that sprinklers save lives, as part of a national ‘Think Sprinkler’ awareness campaign. The message comes after a retrofitted system stopped a chip pan fire, which could otherwise have seriously hurt two sleeping occupants and destroyed their Doncaster flat, in its tracks earlier in 2020. £1million sprinkler fund It also comes only months after the service revealed that a £1million sprinkler fund, pu...

On episode 3 of the Fire Safety Matters (FSM) Podcast recurring guest Warren Spencer, Managing Director - Blackhurst Budd Solicitors, answered questions from BAFE regarding his thoughts on Third-Party Certification and Government fire safety guidance. Mark Sennett, Chief Executive Officer - of Western Business Media, asked, “The question we've had come in from BAFE is they would like to hear your thoughts on Third-Party Certification as a statutory defense. Can you give us an insight...

Now that businesses are starting to operate again, there are some key fire safety matters for organizations to consider, in order ensure employees can return safety back to work. The Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service (RBFRS), Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service (BFRS) and Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service (OFRS) are helping businesses return to work safely, in these extraordinary times. Adapting to new ways of working Businesses have had to adapt to new ways of working, over...

FIA are committed to listening to the members and the wider fire industry and through offering online examinations hope this enables fire professionals from around the country, and the world, to take advantage of their time at home to complete the industry-recognized qualifications as there is no other way to raise the knowledge and gain qualifications right now. From June 1st the FIA will provide online examinations where required for their training Full requirements to take the exams will...

Economical and effective - the 25AE-70V paging horn for 70-Volt and 25-Volt paging systems distributes sound evenly, accurately, and affordably. “The 25AE-70V efficiently produces high quality audio and is a great addition to Viking’s paging collection.” – Paul Speltz, Senior Engineer, Viking Electronics Viking’s new 25AE-70V paging horn is designed to broadcast paging audio from a 70-Volt or 25-Volt paging amplifier. Five selectable power taps enable each horn&rs...

Twiceme Technology is entering the protective work gear segment and launching the first safety helmet ARMET together with the Swedish-innovative brand Guardio. The Twiceme technology provides a fast and reliable safety tool in the workplace and takes Twiceme one step further to the vision of making vital info accessible – everywhere to everyone. Twiceme x Guardio In 2020, only a year after the launch of Twiceme technology in the market, they are expanding into the protective work gear s...

TFT has introduced all-new High Rise Kits that help eliminate cumbersome hose line setups and allow for easy visibility of the supply pressure at the standpipe. The kits includes a heavy-duty duffel bag, 2.5” angled waterway with in-line pressure gauge (valved and no valve options can be specified), two spanner wrenches, 2.5” x 1.5” reducer for use with a 1.5” coupled hose off of the TFT high rise solution, and 1.5” x 2.5” increaser for a break and extend hos...

Firetrace Ltd announced that the company is operating business as usual, in spite of the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic. During these very uncertain times, the company added that they are still providing their services throughout UK and Ireland, while abiding to government guidelines on operations. safety of staff and Customers While continuing business as normal, the company reaffirmed that their main priority is the safety of suppliers, clients, customers and staff. In some cases, fire sup...

Ian Moore, CEO of the FIA, has been working closely with the Government’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) on behalf of the FIA members on a number of issues, more recently the work has focused mainly on the business issues created by COVID-19; such as working safely during COVID-19 in offices, construction industry recovery plans, key worker status, training while on furlough etc. He states “BEIS have posted a lot of valuable guidance for businesses...

TFT has introduced all new High Rise Kits that help eliminate cumbersome hose line setups and allow for easy visibility of the supply pressure at the standpipe. The kits includes a heavy duty duffel bag, 2.5” angled waterway with in-line pressure gauge (valved and no valve options can be specified), two spanner wrenches, 2.5” x 1.5” reducer for use with a 1.5” coupled hose off of the TFT high rise solution, and 1.5” x 2.5” increaser for break and extend hose o...

The Ontario government has taken additional steps to protect people and property during the wildland fire season, including an increase in base funding for emergency forest firefighting by $30.2 million, and ensuring safety measures are in place to protect Ontario's highly trained fire rangers from COVID-19. On May 16, 2020, Ontario is lifting the Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ) designation that was put in place last month across Ontario's fire region.  The province will continue to assess fore...

The industry’s first watertight battery-powered extrication tool line is expanding as HURST Jaws of Life® introduces nine new tools that will give first responders a full selection of extrication solutions that are completely operational underwater. EWXT line The company that has revolutionized the rescue industry again and again, HURST Jaws of Life introduced its innovative eDRAULIC® Watertight Extrication Tool (EWXT) line with water-resistant casing in 2019. Using a potting pro...

The latest podcast from Fire Safety Matters featured an interview with Stephen Adams, Chief Executive of BAFE. Brian Sims, recently appointed Editor of FSM Magazine, discussed a multitude of subjects in the segment. This included BAFE’s Don’t Just Specify, Verify! Campaign stressing the importance of that checking your chosen contractor is appropriately Third Party Certificated. Stephen Adams also discussed the recent comments regarding fire risk assessments in the House of Com...

AXA is producing a series of guides to help businesses return to work. In the information published, they state - “With signs that we’re now past the peak of Coronavirus cases in the UK, there are indications that the current lockdown will gradually be relaxed.” AXA has produced back-to-business guidance for multiple sectors, including construction sites, construction subcontractors, sprinkler installations, and other areas currently relevant. policy conditions AXA comments...