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Code of practice for fire risk appraisal published

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BSI, in its role as the UK National Standards Body, publishes a new code of practice for the fire risk appraisal of external wall construction and cladding of existing multistorey and multi occupied residential buildings. It has primarily been developed to support the upcoming changes to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order which will confirm that the fire performance of external cladding systems is a material consideration. The code, PAS 9980:2021, Fire risk appraisal of external wall construction and cladding of existing blocks of flats – Code of practice, has been developed by a steering group of experts in the fields of construction, fire, housing and safety. It is for use by fire engineers and other competent building professionals when undertaking a fire risk appraisal of external walls (FRAEW). The standard sets out a methodology to conduct and record fire risk appraisals of external walls, which can be scaled up or down depending upon the complexity of individual buildings. It uses a five-step risk assessment process to assist in the identification of risk factors influencing the overall risk rating of a building, as well as mitigation steps that might improve the risk rating. Not all buildings will require an appraisal, and of those that do, not all will require intrusive inspection. It also gives recommendations for the competence of professionals completing such appraisals. The standard aims to assist with the ongoing effort to increase the number of competent professionals, by providing the knowledge on fire risk arising from various aspects of external wall construction. Where homeowners and building owners are faced with external wall construction which does not meet the expected standards, PAS 9980 provides a methodology for assessing the level of safety. It also identifies the proportionate steps that could be taken to better safeguard residents while seeking not to expose them to undue financial burdens. The standard does not alter the obligations placed upon those carrying out building work on external wall construction, nor does it affect the compliance of past building work, whether measured against Building Regulations or contractual obligations. The standard is sponsored by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and the Home Office. BSI is appointed by the UK Government as the National Standards Body and represents UK interests at the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the European Standards Organizations (CEN, CENELEC and ETSI). Its role is to help improve the quality, safety and integrity of products, services and systems by facilitating the creation and maintenance of consensus based, market led standards and encouraging their use.   Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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BAFE Fire Safety Register’s new Managing Director

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Following a thorough recruitment drive, the BAFE Fire Safety Register are 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 its own significant responsibility of ensuring the BAFE portfolio of schemes available consistently represent the highest echelon of competency for specific fire safety works. Justin joins the BAFE Fire Safety Register from his most recent roles as Technical Scheme Development Manager at NAPIT and before this a long tenure at Certsure/NICEIC leaving as Head of Schemes and Operations. On his appointment, Justin commented “This is a great time to be joining such a highly respected organisation. Stephen Adams has developed BAFE to become the quality standard within the fire safety industry which I plan to continue and expand its reach. I, alongside the quality BAFE team, will work on further development of quantifying competency. I am excited for the next chapter of BAFE’s growth, knowing we already have robust and longstanding foundations to build upon.” BAFE Chair, Douglas Barnett, stated, “Justin will be a great addition to the BAFE team. The Board and I trust he will lead the organisation in the right directions required. His knowledge and experience within both UKAS accredited third-party certification and electrotechnical sectors brings a level of expertise that will be extremely valuable to the development and management of both new and existing competency schemes for the fire safety sector.” Douglas added, “We must also give our huge thanks to Lewis Ramsay (BAFE Board Member) who has been a crucial player in managing the business during this interim period. Lewis has been central to the delivery of services and schemes to our customers during the challenges of the pandemic.” Justin will begin his role as Managing Director of BAFE on 20 January 2022.   Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Comelit-PAC launches LogiFire fire safety systems

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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 700mAh. The panels are feature rich and have many onboard fault-finding diagnostics. The stylish product design is a unique feature of the range, with carefully constructed lines and a neutral appearance to ensure fire safety has a natural blending with surroundings, without affecting the experience for visitors or staff on any site development. Mandy Bowden, Fire Manager at Comelit-PAC said, “This is a very exciting chapter for Comelit-PAC and a significant investment that we are looking forward to presenting to our fire installer customers. Whilst its core objective is to offer the latest compliance, it has also taken into account the need for style and latest technology. “LogiFire prioritises reliability and performance levels that have allowed Comelit-PAC to consolidate its position as a central player in the fire detection sector. Its development has taken consideration of increasing reliance on integrated systems through the internet of things. It has taken careful planning and a close working partnership to achieve latest objectives for fire safety to meet discerning customer requirements.” Logifire addressable system, has been designed to offer a simple to install, fire safety solution that is compliant with BS and EN standards. It is complemented with a new range of detectors, offered with award-winning designs to ensure systems blend with their surroundings. Mandy concluded, “What LogiFire represents is the commitment of Comelit-PAC to research and develop our product portfolio, together with our pledge to remain close to our customers throughout the entire process, all leading to the creation of a new all-encompassing innovative system. “Our in business together approach leads to solutions that encompass design and planning phase and takes into account requirements for commissioning and configuration. Together with our dedicated training programmes, from basic installation to full integration, customers can be assured that we are really ‘with you always’ from a sales and technical perspective.”   Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Apartment block fire in New York

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At least 19 people, including nine children, have died after a fire at the Twin Parks North West complex, a 19- storey apartment building in New York, on January 9. The fire began just before 11am. The fire was started by a faulty electric heater, but Fire Chief Daniel Nigro said many of the victims were killed by the smoke. The door of the apartment was left open, allowing smoke to spread quickly throughout the building. Investigators are also looking into whether a door malfunctioned. “The door to that apartment unfortunately when the residents left was left open, it did not close by itself. The smoke spread throughout the building, thus the tremendous loss of life,” Nigro said at an evening press briefing. New York City Mayor Eric Adams told Good Morning America, “There may have been a maintenance issue with this door and that is going to be part of the… ongoing investigation.” Adams praised the firefighters who ran out of air yet continued to rescue people. Central heating was on in the building, Nigro said, and smoke alarms were working. Some residents could not escape due to the volume of smoke. Nigro said one did alert a neighbor of the rising smoke and prompted the initial 911 call. Nigro said that ‘very heavy’ fire and smoke ‘extended the entire height of the building’. Some residents were trapped in their apartments and broke windows for air and stuffed wet towels under their doors. Another 32 people were sent to hospital, several are in a critical condition, according to Adams. “This tragedy is not going to define us,” Adams said at a news conference near the scene. “It is going to show our resiliency.”     Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Kidde introduces smart smoke detection solution

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A trusted provider of fire safety for over 100 years, Kidde announced the launch of the Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Alarm with smart features and corresponding new mobile app. Designed for Wi-Fi connectivity, the alarm and app function not only as a standalone safety solution, but, notably, is the first smart system that can transform existing Kidde hardwired interconnected alarms into smart ones with an easy and fully integrated solution that offers whole-home protection. Kidde is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, a global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable and intelligent building and cold chain solutions. Remote Monitoring With Wi-Fi connectivity and Kidde app integration, the fully integrated system offers the features and capabilities homeowners need to manage their Kidde home safety systems with confidence and to respond quickly and efficiently – wherever they are. With traditional interconnected systems, when an alarm in the group goes off, all connected devices sound simultaneously. Adding Kidde’s new Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Alarm and mobile app with Wi-Fi connectivity now makes it possible to receive alerts via mobile notification. Real-Time Information Kidde’s Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Alarm and app places real-time information on potential issues and alarm status at users’ fingertips. In addition to whole-home protection, the product capabilities include: Double the detection: Alerts occupants to both smoke and carbon monoxide (CO), providing defense against two common home safety threats in a single alarm. 10-year guarantee: Alarms are powered by 120V AC with a sealed long-life lithium backup battery that lasts for 10 years – the entire life of the device. Simple setup: Easily add alarms by scanning the QR code on the back of the product. Voice control capabilities: Compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Use voice commands to check alarm status and connection. Notify friends and family: Option to notify relatives, friends or others if smoke or carbon monoxide is detected. Voice alerts: Voice warning alerts of “Fire!” when a smoke or fire hazard is present, “Warning: Carbon Monoxide!” when CO is detected, or “Replace Alarm” at the device end of life. Smart Hush feature: Temporarily silences false alarms when users are in the home. “Kidde’s Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Alarms with smart features provide families the ability to rest easy knowing the people, places and things that matter most are always protected. It’s a new level of control and connectivity from Kidde that leverages technology and IoT for a safer home,” said Isis Wu, Vice President & General Manager, Residential Fire and Healthy Homes, Carrier Fire & Security. “This is part of Carrier’s Healthy Homes program, focused on creating smart, safe and healthy indoor environments.” According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms. The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms. With the average time to escape safely being as little as two minutes, every second counts in the case of a fire.   Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Coopers Fire – Smoke protection for elevators

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Regardless of where the elevator is located, one of the biggest risks when being inside one is during the event of a fire, as the elevator shaft will act as a chimney and will absorb smoke at an incredibly quick pace. According to the National Fire Protection Association, smoke inhalation is more likely to be the cause of death rather than the fire itself. In commercial properties especially, many people will come and go, which creates additional risk and danger when those people are looking for an exit during a fire evacuation. The worries around being trapped in such a small space are a cause for concern. How will you be able to breathe? What if the elevator doors are partly stuck and smoke is able to filter through? Smoke and fire curtains are a great way to protect elevators and people from the spread of smoke or fire and the damage it causes. The evolution of smoke and fire curtains The initial purpose of an elevator is to provide an easy travel solution between floors. When an emergency occurs, elevators serve an essential role where the International Building Code is concerned. The IBC has strict guidelines that an elevator must follow. Chapter 10 under section 1003.7 calls for elevators to be used only as an ‘’accessible means of egress in accordance with section 1009.4’’. After the conclusion that elevators are the fastest cause of smoke spreading throughout a building, the IBC and other fire regulation organisations produced these guidelines to prevent further tragedies from happening. Coopers’ fire curtains with smoke control offer integrity against fire and prevent the spread of smoke to other floors when used over elevator doors or in lobbies. FireMaster fire curtains with smoke control can be used over individual elevator doors or form virtual cost-effective elevator lobbies. Ensuring open-plan lobbies and elevator doors meet requirements is key when running a building that utilises elevators. Why are smoke and fire curtains the best solution? Fire extinguishers, fire alarms, sprinklers, and smoke detectors are all products that a building needs to meet the minimum requirements for fire safety – all of them are essential for protection and they can ensure a fire is prevented or stopped before it spreads further. However, in bigger buildings, the amount of fire protection required is substantial. Without a fire extinguisher and sprinkler at hand in each location, you create the risk of not being able to utilise them when needed – ensuring equipment is available in each area comes at a cost. Often, many buildings may not be able to provide fire protection equipment in elevators due to their small size and the possibility of them being misused – causing damage to the elevator before a fire has even occurred. With a lack of equipment available, a fire could seriously harm the space, surroundings, and people who could be inside.   Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Advanced provides an alarm system for QuickZone

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A QuickZone conventional fire alarm system from UK manufacturer, Advanced, has been installed at BlocHaus Climbing, Manchester’s newest bouldering wall. Newly opened, BlocHaus Climbing boasts an array of facilities at its East Manchester site, including 130 climbable boulders, a routing roof, and an on-site café. As part of the active fire protection for the site, the 4-zone QuickZone conventional fire panel from Advanced has been installed alongside Hochiki conventional heat/smoke detectors, Apollo conventional call points, and Roshni conventional sounders. Music shutdown integration Responsible for the design, installation, and commissioning of the fire system at BlocHaus Climbing was Manchester-based, Surefire Protection Surefire installed the QuickZone panel alongside music shutdown integration to ensure clear audible notification for all building users in scenarios where the system goes into alarm. Michael Rouse, Fire Alarm Supervisor at Surefire Protection, said, “As long-term partners of Advanced, we’ve worked with its solutions for many years and are confident in their capability to deliver high standards of protection throughout sites large and small. We only specify Advanced fire panels due to their quality, reliability and standard of technical support, and we firmly believe they offer the best solutions available for open protocol systems.” False alarm management QuickZone is the conventional and twin-wire fire system from Advanced that is quick and simple to install and manage and ideal for installations that have less complex programming and configuration requirements. Offering eight-panel variants across the QuickZone and QuickZone XL product lines, the panels will support 2 to 32 zones, are approved to EN 54 parts 2 and 4, and support comprehensive false alarm management. Neil Parkin, Sales Manager for the North of England and Ireland, said, “Surefire’s installation of Advanced at BlocHaus Climbing demonstrates our solutions’ versatility. Not only will you find our panels installed throughout airport terminals, hospital complexes, and university campuses, but also smaller, less complex sites, such as offices, retail outlets and activity centers. Whether you opt for the simpler QuickZone panel or the feature-rich QuickZone XL, Advanced can deliver the conventional system you need.” Fire protection systems Advanced is a pioneer in the development and manufacture of fire protection systems. Its reputation for performance, quality and ease of use sees its products specified in locations around the world, from single-panel installations to large, multi-site networks. Advanced’s products include complete fire detection systems, multi-protocol fire panels, extinguishing control, fire paging, false alarm management, and reduction systems as well as emergency lighting. Advanced is owned by FTSE 100 company Halma, a global group of life-saving technology companies. Advanced products protect a wide range of prestigious and high-profile sites across the globe, from London’s Shard and Lloyds building to Abu Dhabi International Airport and the Hagia Sophia historic site in Turkey. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Marioff marine service hubs certified

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Marioff is pleased to announce its marine service hubs in Finland, Italy, Singapore and the United States are now certified as Lloyd’s Register (LR) Approved Service Suppliers. The LR certificate allows Marioff to maintain fire-extinguishing equipment and systems on vessels under LR maritime classification and demonstrates Marioff fulfills required quality standards. Marioff is a Carrier company, a global provider of innovative heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire, security and building automation technologies. Marioff maintains the system through its BluEdge service platform, the best-in-class service and aftermarket support offering for its HI-FOG systems throughout the product lifecycle, enabling marine customers to concentrate on their core businesses. Fire protection technology Marioff, a developer of water mist fire protection technology, is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, the global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable, and intelligent building and cold chain solutions. Auditors from Lloyd’s Register evaluated Marioff marine service hubs in accordance with LR requirements, to ensure the functions meet the necessary quality standards. Marioff is featured in the category of ‘Inspection and Maintenance of Fire-Extinguishing Equipment and Systems.’ Original Equipment Manufacturer “We are extremely proud to achieve the Lloyd’s Register Approved Service Supplier certification for all of our service hubs. Certification is a great indicator about the high quality of services we are providing to our customers globally every day,” said Juho Heikkilä, Senior Manager, Field Operations, Marioff’s marine unit. “Marioff, as the original equipment manufacturer of HI-FOG water mist fire suppression systems, strives to continuously develop its service and aftermarket offerings. Marioff’s strategy is to be the lifecycle partner for its customers.” Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Imperial Kitchens uses Hikvision’s fire solutions

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Due to the high combustibility of wood and the presence of dust, along with the existence of volatile organic compounds present in varnishing, painting, and lacquering operations, the kitchen manufacturer Imperial Kitchens faced a constantly high risk of fire. To eliminate that risk, Imperial Kitchens installed Hikvision’s Thermal Bi-Spectrum HeatPro cameras, providing an early warning to help protect staff and increase facility safety. 1) To enhance fire and smoke detection Imperial kitchens in Meadowbrook, Queensland, a reputable manufacturer specialising in design, manufacture, and installation of indoor and outdoor kitchens, vanities, and other joinery, operates in a challenging environment where the presence of wooden materials, sawdust, and varying airflow can pose serious obstacles to reliable smoke detection. Aside from that, a recent update to the company’s insurance policy dictated that the fire and smoke detection system needed to be upgraded, should Imperial Kitchens wish to remain insured. 2) Early warning Michael Cooper, the General Manager at Imperial Kitchens, decided that a smoke detection system alone was not sufficient for the challenges his factory was facing. “Our factory, by its very nature, is a dusty environment, which could trigger false alarms and cause unnecessary panic and costs. There had to be a better way to improve the safety of our staff and facility, and it was also high time for us to consider a digital transformation of the business.” Hikvision’s HeatPro Cameras To address the challenges, Imperial Kitchens collaborated with Intechsys, a solution provider specialising in high-end automation and security, who conducted a thorough review of the facilities and reached the conclusion that Hikvision’s thermal cameras provided the best solution for Imperial Kitchens. The thermal cameras not only keep the manufacturer’s staff and facilities safe with an early warning but also meet the requirements in the updated insurance policy. Features of Bi-Spectrum HeatPro Cameras Intechsys installed four Hikvision Bi-Spectrum HeatPro cameras (DS-2TD1217-2/P) for Imperial Kitchens, which were equipped with both optical and thermal sensing. The cameras were placed high up on the walls of the factory, limiting the dust exposure. A 24/7 continuous recording option is available to keep the property safe. The Hikvision Thermal HeatPro Camera has a high sensitivity thermal module and features a reliable temperature-anomaly alarm, advanced fire detection algorithm, and high-quality optical module with 4 MP resolutions. Alarm verification During testing, Intechsys noted that a MAP gas torch triggered the thermal camera’s temperature-anomaly alarm instantly, which then set off an alarm via a high-level interface to the Hikvision NVR. This then passed both the alarm notification to the Hik-Connect app as well as to the monitoring center via the alarm system. The servers in the control room decipher alarm signals, and the staff in the control room will be able to verify the alarm using actual camera footage, which is impossible to achieve with a fire detector system made of thermal detectors or smoke detectors. Then it is up to the staff to decide how to respond to the alarms – whether to send a patrol, call the police, or call for the fire brigade.   Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Cybrid Thrust helps belgian first responders

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Since 2019, Cybrid Thrust has been the drone partner for most of the public safety, security and defense organisations in Belgium and abroad. Cybrid thrust The company has developed specialist expertise to solve the most challenging issues with innovative solutions and benefits from numerous trusted references in the market. Cybrid Thrust’s team advises and delivers turnkey solutions in the field of autonomous systems, advanced robotics and smart sensors. It, therefore, seems natural that the Fotokite Sigma, made for first responders, resonates into the Cybrid Thrust company vision, bringing a safer and simpler way to access live footage, for any emergency or security team, without the need to pilot a system. Fotokite Sigma Fotokite is a Zurich CH, Syracuse NY, and Boulder CO based company creating tools that assist public safety teams with elevated situational awareness. They build fully autonomous, persistent, and reliable systems that provide invaluable overview information to firefighters and first responders to help them manage complex, safety-critical situations Matteo Baronio, Cybrid Thrust’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), said “Fotokite fulfills all our expectations and our end customers’ needs, in terms of ease of deployment, reliability and safety. Fotokite Sigma’s innovative solution enables all first responders and security organizations with an eye in the sky.” He added, “Actionable dissemination of live images enhances their situational awareness and fastens the decision making process during critical situations.” The Kite, firefighting aerial camera The Fotokite Sigma allows any firefighters to quickly gain overview perspectives, during critical situations, at the push of a button, without any active piloting necessary. The Kite is a firefighting-specialised aerial camera, it is robust and deployable in seconds, and fully-autonomous, in order to provide consistent aerial point of view, during emergency situations. The system fits well within any fire departments, who have not yet established a drone program. It serves to complement existing drone programs, without adding any complexity for a daily-use front line tool. The IP55 classification and 24h+ flight autonomy allow the Fotokite Sigma to be used safely in all weather conditions.   Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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