Fire Safety Policies - News

A care home business run by private health and care provider - BUPA has been ordered to pay more than £1 million after a resident died in a fire, while smoking at one of its care homes. In what is thought to be the largest ever fine for fire safety breaches in the UK, BUPA Care Services (ANS) Ltd was fined £937,500 and ordered to pay £104,000 costs at Southwark Crown Court on 5 January. Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order London Fire Brigade brought the prosecution under t...

A residential structure fire was reported on E Barrett Way, Big Bear City, at approximately 9:03 a.m., on Thursday, January 20, 2022. Upon arrival, fire crews observed a multi-unit residence with smoke and flames showing from the exterior.  Successful extinguish  Crews immediately went into offensive fire attack mode and successfully extinguished the fire within minutes. The occupants of the residence self-evacuated prior to the fire department's arrival. The structure fire require...

Cases of arson are still commonplace in the construction industry and are widely believed to be the number one cause of on-site fires. An ongoing problem requires a proactive defense mechanism, as John Tyrer, Sales Director at wireless solutions firm Ramtech North America, explains. Causes of arson Irreplaceable heritage buildings lost, costs that go through the roof, and progress that cannot be recovered, the effects of arson are vast and uniquely upsetting. But these are concerns consi...

Whilst Eurotech Fire Systems has been supplying fire alarm systems manufactured by Apollo Fire Detectors for many years, it affirms its position on Apollo’s Partner Network. Apollo specializes in the design and manufacture of high-quality fire detection solutions that protect people from fire in over 100 countries around the world. With over 40 years of experience, they are one of the pioneering manufacturers of life and fire safety detectors and interfaces. In 2009, Apollo was award...

The cost of not using approved cabling in signal and control equipment for fire safety is being highlighted by cabling pioneer AEI Cables. The company is bringing an industry-wide campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of not using approved cabling as specified under the revised version of BS8519, the Code of Practice for Category 3 fire performance cables. Heat extraction systems The systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire s...

The Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) technologies have taken machinery maintenance to new heights. These enhanced benefits have been especially important within the field service industry. FieldEquip is here to share the 3 key benefits these innovative technologies can have for equipment care.  IoT Independent Data Collection How do users collect data from machinery? Manual data collection requires extensive on-site presence, which makes t...

All UKAS certificates of accreditation for ISO 15189 Medical Laboratories are being updated following the November 2021 issue of a revised Joint IAF-ILAC-ISO Communiqué on the Management system requirements of ISO 15189, as the current certificates refer to the January 2015 issue of the communiqué. Requirements of ISO 15189 Statements for use on test, study, calibration, and check reports/certificates have also been revised The communiqué states: "A medical laborator...

Residents of West Yorkshire are being urged to have their say and help shape the future of the region’s fire service. People who live in the county are asked to contribute to West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service’s Community Risk Management Plan for 2022-25, via a simple public survey released. Community Risk Management Plan “The needs of our community are at the forefront of everything we do, so as we look to update our current plan, it’s important to hear wha...

Ilkley Fire Station has gained two new on-call firefighters following the latest pass-out ceremony at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s HQ in Birkenshaw. Lewis Keirs Lewis Keirs, 19, whose father is also a firefighter with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, came to the service following a football scholarship with Guiseley AFC. Lewis Keirs said, “This feels like a dream, as I spent my childhood idolizing firefighters and fire engines watching my dad and his colleagues in their...

A new code of practice for the fire risk appraisal of external walls and cladding of multi-occupancy residential buildings has been published by BSI. The code has been developed to support the changes to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 brought about by the Fire Safety Act 2021, which provides for the fire performance of exterior walls and cladding to be a material consideration. PAS 9980:2022 Fire risk appraisal The code, PAS 9980:2022 Fire risk appraisal of external wall...

Advanced’s industry-renowned MxPro 5 fire alarm control panel is now compatible with Hochiki’s most sophisticated addressable multi-sensor device, the ACD. The new development enables Advanced’s customers to install its EN54 parts 2, 4 and 13-approved MxPro 5 fire panels, alongside an even wider range of detection devices, delivering increased choice and flexibility. MxPro 5 fire panels As an open protocol fire panel manufacturer, we understand how important choice is to our...

1: Reliability Sprinkler systems have been proven in use for well over 100 years, during which time they have a 99% success rate worldwide. Systems over 100 years old are still in full working condition today. 2: Popularity More than 40 million sprinklers are fitted worldwide every year. 3: Unnecessary Deaths Thousands of people are killed every year in buildings without sprinkler systems worldwide. 4: Life Safety Record Sprinklers are approved for Life Safety purpose...

UKAS and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) would like to invite certification bodies to express an interest in joining a pilot program to become accredited to certify against the UK Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework. The trust framework is a set of rules for providers of digital identity and attribute services to meet in order to demonstrate they meet requirements for secure, trustworthy services. This program presents an excellent opportunity for certifi...

Streamlight, Inc., a globally renowned provider of high-performance lighting, has introduced the BearTrap, a high-power work light that delivers up to 2,000 lumens for automotive and other inspection, identification and repair uses. Featuring both spot and flood beams, the light can rotate 270 degrees in its frame and clamps to virtually any surface or stands on its own for hands-free task illumination. It also features a magnetic base and a hanging hook for additional hands-free lighting optio...

Inspect Point, a globally renowned company that offers cloud-based business management software for the fire inspection industry, has announced a US$ 28 million investment from Mainsail Partners, a growth equity firm that invests exclusively in fast-growing, bootstrapped software companies. Inspect Point, end-to-end business solutions Utilizing capital invested by Mainsail Partners, Inspect Point intends to invest further in its product Founded in 2014, Inspect Point is an end-to-end business...

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) is reminding the public not to bring flammable objects onto moorland, following the sentencing of a 28-year-old man. Viktor Riedly received a custodial term of one year in prison after a fire on Marsden Moor, that was so large, over 100 firefighters were needed to tackle it. Landowners, gamekeepers, the National Trust, the Local Authority and local community groups also worked at the scene. Major incident with crews Leeds Crown Court heard how he...

AQUASYS is very pleased to have MECTRON International LLC as a new partner in Oman. The very dry and desert characterized country relies on AQUASYS' high pressure water mist (HPWM) technology for firefighting. MECTRON International LLC is a multi-disciplined engineering, professionally managed engineering solutions company that specializes in HVAC & Ventilation system, Fire Alarm & Fire Fighting Systems, ELV & BVM Systems, Industrial Kitchen & Laundry Equipments, Duct Manufactur...

Cold weather brings on a whole new set of changes and challenges for any kind of vehicle. The Striker® aircraft rescue and fire fighting (ARFF) vehicle is no different. Below is a guide on key checkpoints to help ensure the Striker ARFF is operation-ready. Striker ARFF vehicle Verify the ARFF Truck Batteries are Working at Full Capacity The batteries onboard the Striker ARFF vehicle are lead acid batteries with lead plates in the electrolyte liquid The batteries onboard the Striker ARFF...

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging the region’s residents to register their many appliances to make their homes safer. Ahead of ‘Register My Appliance’ Week, from 17 to 21 January, and as part of the government’s Fire Kills Campaign, the service reveals that, unlike cars, household appliances are off the radar for many people if a free safety repair is ever needed. Author's quote Research shows that for millions, the answer is ‘no,’ but this c...

As the World braces for another rapidly advancing mutating version of COVID-19, face masks are being used to reduce the chance of spreading or capturing COVID-19 once again.  To limit the spread of the virus as much as possible, countries across the world are advising their citizens to consider making mask use mandatory both outdoors and indoors. As the world starts enforcing limited lockdowns it's important to understand the differences between various types of face masks. Three types of...

As the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus spreads rapidly, 3M has been providing information about the company’s 3M N95 respirators, including information on where to buy them, how to ensure a proper fit, and why they are considered the standard equipment for protection. “As we have throughout the pandemic, 3M is committed to making sure everyone who needs an N95 has access,” said Raymond Eby, the President of 3M’s Personal Safety Division, adding”3M's N95 respi...

Comelit-PAC has upgraded its entire fire system range with the launch of LogiFire, which represents a complete technical and aesthetic evolution of its innovative addressable platforms. LogiFire, from newly formed Comelit-PAC, is guaranteed by a new range of control panels.  The systems can be expanded from 1 to 8 loops and support up to 2000 devices on an 8-loop system and have a greater loop capacity of 700 mAh. The panels are feature rich and have many onboard fault-finding diagnostics....

The Vanguard™ wireless fixed point gas detector from United Electric Controls can be installed in more plants and more locations that may have acetylene or hydrogen present. improved safety coverage The Vanguard TCD60 has an upgraded certification for hazardous locations and is certified for Class I, Div 1, Gr. A, B, C, and D as well as Ex db ia IIC as standard. This expands the flexibility end users have for installing the Vanguard gas detector throughout their operations, ensuring toxi...

Following the unprecedented year prior, 2021 continued to present significant challenges for everyone, but Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service continued to deliver its vital services, while also providing support for partner agencies. The year began with mopping up from significant flooding across the county over the Christmas period. The country was also in the midst of another national lockdown, with those that were able to still working from their homes. Staff across the Service pulled o...

The application period is currently open for two of FEMA’s fire service grant programs. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) funds critically needed resources to equip and train emergency personnel and meet the response needs of fire and EMS departments. Firefighter retention and safety The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant supports recruitment and retention initiatives for volunteer and paid firefighters. In addition, the application period for the...

Cummins Inc. has announced that Bonnie Fetch has been named the Vice President – Global Supply Chain and Manufacturing, effective February 1, 2021. Bonnie Fetch currently serves as Vice President – North America Regional Operating Team and Distribution Business Supply Chain Services. Navigating supply chain challenges “Bonnie is the right person for this role, as we continue navigating supply chain challenges and executing our Supply Chain transformation,” said Jennifer...

Cancer is a serious threat facing today’s fire service, but there are ways by which people can lower the risks. These include the 11 best practices for firefighter cancer prevention, outlined in the Lavender Ribbon Report. Firefighter cancer prevention This course explains how to incorporate these practices into daily routines, so as to reduce the exposure risks and protect themselves and fellow firefighters. For a limited time, interested individuals can take this course for free in the...

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fire Authority is asking residents to have their say on proposals to increase the fire service’s share of council tax for 2022/23. The Service is looking for a below inflation increase of £1.44 (around 2%) for the year, making the total contribution for the year £74.97 for a resident living in a Band D property. Following the financial settlement confirmed by the government at the end of December 2021, which confirmed the level of funding for th...

ImageTrend, Inc. released the second issue of the Collaborate Short Report: Pediatric Behavioral Health Incidents in the Pre-hospital Setting, from January 2018 to October 2021. Studies have found an increase in emergent pediatric behavioral health incidents over the last two decades and even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaborate Short Report This Collaborate Short Report focuses on how these incidents have changed across age groups and different regions from 2018 to 2021, by look...

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...