Public Education - News

The Latvian National Armed Forces has awarded a contract to Avon Protection (Avon Protection Systems) for the supply of their market renowned CBRN respiratory protection, including FM50 mask systems, filters, spares and accessories. Latvia joins other NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) nations and partners, including Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Lithuania, Norway and The Netherlands, in purchasing the FM50 to protect their armed forces. NSPA contract for CBRN personal respirator system S...

Johnson Controls, the globally renowned company for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, has announced the launch of the Tyco Series LFII Residential 4.9 K-factor Lead-Free for 13D Sprinkler. Concealed pendent sprinkler The concealed pendent sprinkler is manufactured with a polymeric material that carries anti-heat and anti-corrosion properties, making it ideal for long-lasting dependable fire protection in residential occupancies. It is the first fire sprinkler to be certified to ANSI/...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

The National Fire Protection Association was founded in 1896 to help prevent injury, death, and economic losses resulting from fires. NFPA is a global nonprofit organization with a membership of over 60,000 worldwide. NFPA’s consensus standards and building codes are a recognized benchmark around the world for quality fire safety construction practices. Fire safety education In addition to its standard-setting work, NFPA also serves the public with information, advocacy, and outreach pr...

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...

More than half a million COVID-19 vaccinations have been given by fire and rescue services staff, according to a report by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC). As reported, the figure as of now is at 510,540 – a testament to the hard work from all involved, and will only increase as fire services continue their efforts to support the national program. Additional vaccination sites It is estimated up to 2,500 members of staff are supporting this vital work to get everyone eligible pro...

The past 18 months have been transformational in many ways. Events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing safety legislation, and a squeeze on profit margins have been a catalyst for change, thereby leading to significant investments in new software. It’s also put the spotlight on productivity and efficiency. According to ONS figures, productivity levels in construction have remained consistently below the UK average, until more recently. New digital strategy However, civil engineeri...

In an effort to move autonomous driving and vehicle safety forward, Texas Instruments (TI) has announced an expansion of its automotive offerings that can help automakers improve how advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) sense objects. TI’s new AWR2944 radar sensor TI’s new AWR2944 radar sensor adds to the company's extensive portfolio of analog and embedded processing products and technologies, giving automotive engineers more tools that can fuel vehicle innovation. The increa...

Ten people from across the fire sector have been named in the New Year Honors 2022 lists, in recognition of their services. The honors system recognizes extraordinary people, who in accordance with the list's criteria, ‘made achievements in public life and committed themselves to serving and helping the UK.’ Ongoing impactful work The FPA would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and congratulations to everyone named in the New Year Honours list for 2022, for their ongoing impa...

A Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) Project Manager has been recognized for his outstanding contribution to supporting the vaccination rollout in Cambridgeshire. John Barlow, who’s been with the Service for over 35 years, has been supporting the COVID-19 vaccination program since January 2021. In celebration of his efforts, John Barlow was invited by the Duchess of Cambridge on behalf of the Royal Foundation to attend a Christmas Carol Concert at Westminster Abbey. The event t...

EEAST Paramedic, Paul Chittock, has been awarded a Station Commander’s Commendation, marking 15 years of voluntary support for RAF colleagues based at Marham air force base in Norfolk. Paul’s volunteering has seen him working on everything from events and first aid training to critical incident scenarios, this is all alongside his day job with EEAST as a Paramedic, based at Kings Lynn. Over the years of service, Paul Chittock has provided medical cover and education for Family and F...

'Challenge Your Potential' and apply for a Regional (Retained) Firefighter role with the MFS. The South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) is dedicated to providing an efficient and effective emergency service to the South Australian community. Being a MFS Firefighter is one of the most highly respected careers in South Australia. The MFS is looking for community-minded individuals who are fit, healthy, and possess personal and professional values that align with themselves....

“I came to be a part of the industry almost by chance,” said Rebecca Gallagher, Area Sales Manager – Scotland & North East, adding “I’d not long left university and wasn’t sure which career path I wanted to take. Then, a recruitment company set me up with an interview at ROCKWOOL and almost four years later it was the best decision I have made.” Rebecca continues, “Although there’s an obvious perception that construction is predominantly...

Chate Singh pleaded guilty to six offenses under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. He was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 18 months, at Nottingham Crown Court. According to the fire service, a judge said Singh's actions could have had 'catastrophic consequences'. Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service noted that the breaches included failing to provide adequate fire safety training for staff, failing to implement procedures such as safety drills, and failing to...

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds, in order to help with firefighting costs for the Marshall Fire burning, in Boulder County, Colorado, USA. Fighting Marshall Fire FEMA Acting Regional Administrator, Tammy Littrell approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG), after receiving the request and determining that the fire threatened such a level of destruction that it would constitute a major disaster. At...

A landlord has been found guilty of a series of fire safety failings that left residents with only one option to escape a fire: via a restaurant with a metal shutter that was closed at night. Inspection London Fire Brigade inspectors visited the takeaway restaurant on New North Road in Islington after concerns were raised by one of the tenants and the local council.  There was residential accommodation on the first and second floors of the building with the takeaway on the ground floor....

The Extinguishing Section of Euralarm has published a guidance document on maintenance of extinguishing systems/equipment, controlled by electronic detection systems. Unlike a production tool, a fire protection system is on operational standby and is only activated in the event of a fire. Some faults may appear without being detectable, by a non-specialist operator. This is why it is necessary to carry out regular maintenance visits by specialists, to confirm the level of performance of the ins...