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Guidance on maintenance of extinguishing systems

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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 installation by functional tests. Beyond technical verification of the correct functioning of the system, maintenance must also include: Preventative replacement of critical components that may degrade over time. Adapting the extinguishing installation to changes in risks and protected premises. Keep the extinguishing installation in conformity with the rules/standards/regulations in force. Check the tightness of the protected enclosure to ensure it is capable of retaining the extinguishing agent for a specified period of time, normally at least 10 minutes. It is the responsibility of the user/owner to ensure the safety of his staff, but also of his equipment for the sustainability of his business. However, visual inspection and maintenance by users isn’t sufficient – there must be inspection and maintenance by professional contractors, because, by entrusting this service to a specialist, users/owners are ensuring the correct level of competence is applied to the system, while remaining focused on their business. The aim of the guidance document is to make all users having an extinguishing system in their premises or users planning to install one, aware of the importance of maintenance and continuous preventative measures for the constant performance and availability of the systems in case of fires. The correct performance of extinguishing systems is essential to quickly extinguish a fire and protect human life. This document specifically covers gaseous fire extinguishing systems, but the content may also be applicable to other fire extinguishing or fire prevention systems. Copies of the Guidance document on maintenance of extinguishing systems/equipment can be downloaded from the Euralarm website.   Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Ask the expert – Eric Schlett

Exclusives /

Fire Buyer sits down with Eric Schlett, Senior Vice President, Fire & Rescue from FDIC to discover what we can expect from FDIC International 2022  What can we expect from FDIC in 2022?   FDIC International is North America’s largest training and sourcing destination for firefighters and will take place April 25-30, 2022 in Indianapolis, IN, USA. FDIC International offers thousands of Fire & Rescue professionals from around the world, quality world-class instructors, classrooms, workshops, H.O.T evolutions and the most innovative products and services available to the industry displayed by over 800 exhibiting companies. The focus for this year’s FDIC event will be bringing together the industry in-person, for a safe and productive training experience while maintaining the celebration of comradery.   FDIC International will present over 300 tried and true classes alongside updated content on important topics and new areas of interest from the world’s most renowned instructors. The week of training begins with two days of hands-on training (H.O.T.) evolutions and pre-conference workshops followed by three days of classroom sessions, covering the latest technology and techniques in the fire service. Back again is Women in Fire for their one-day conference happening on Monday, April 25.  The learning continues on the exhibit floor at FDIC International! Exhibitions span the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium and the Outdoor Exhibits & Demo Area and give attendees access to explore hundreds of products and services while creating lasting and lucrative business relationships with leading manufacturers.   Our strong heritage and commitment to tradition is epitomised in the 2022 Opening Ceremonies. Every year, thousands of attendees pay tribute to all past, present and future firefighters. Attending this event provides a comprehensive understanding of  the gratitude and respect for all those who place their lives on the line to save others. In recognition of outstanding bravery and selflessness, one firefighter will receive the annual Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award.  The FDIC International experience is more than your traditional trade show it is about the learning and sharing with your peers formally and informally through hallway conversations, developing life-long friendships, and recharging your passion for the industry.  We also recently announced the rebrand and co-location of our event JEMS Conference and Expo (JEMS Con), with FDIC International. JEMS Con, which was previously known as EMS Today, will offer a forward-thinking approach focused on the future of EMS, operational leadership, training and peer-to-peer sharing and networking. JEMS Con will bring together paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), medical directors and executives from all EMS providers, including state and private agencies, third service and fire.  Over the past year, we’ve done extensive outreach and had critical conversations with EMS providers, exhibitors, medical directors, and professionals. We’ve taken their insights and suggestions to start to lay the foundation of JEMS Con in 2022. With over 5,000 attendees that identify EMS as their primary job function already attending FDIC, we feel we can create considerable value and efficiencies for the industry in a co-located event. We are committed to welcoming all EMS providers, giving them a dedicated event to comfortably come together to learn, share, and network with peers. We will continue to build partnerships with the EMS community to help shape this event as we plan beyond 2022. We plan to expand the Metro EMS group, add more hands-on training evolutions, enhance the sponsorship experience, and include additional networking opportunities.   We are excited about the opportunities this co-location will offer the Fire and EMS communities!    To read the full interview see our December-January issue available in the new year. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Product spotlight – Global ReSet

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Offering a global solution, the unique Global ReSet call point mimics the feel of breaking glass, without the need to replace broken parts  The best of both worlds, the UL listed manual fire alarm showcases a generic look to eliminate the confusion between traditional ‘break glass’ call points and American style pull stations.  Accommodating the building by building differences in manual fire alarm standards, commonplace in the Middle East, the Global ReSet combines the functionality and appearance of both EN 54-11 and UL standards.  The globally recognised appearance provides clarity for those unfamiliar with fire alarm systems, making it obvious which apparatus should be operated to raise the alarm in an emergency.  UL 38 listed, the Series 22 Global ReSet can be used as an effective replacement for traditional pull stations worldwide, with a design inspired by the manual call point to offer a complete global solution.   The requirements for UL 38 cover manual signaling boxes for fire alarm systems intended for permanent installation and used in ordinary locations in accordance with the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, and the National Fire Alarm Code, NFPA 72.  A versatile mounting plate that fits US, European, single-gang, and double-gang mounting boxes allows for a quick and easy installation, wherever you are in the world.  The Global ReSet simulates the feel of breaking glass without the need to replace broken parts, this real glass appearance helps maintain operator deterrence; when activated, a visible warning flag drops into view and can be quickly reset with the provided key for immediate re-use.  Safe for use in areas where glass cannot be used such as food processing plants and common areas, the resettable manual fire alarm provides an ideal solution for locations that suffer from a high number of false activations such as schools, shopping centres and public areas.  The unit can be protected against unwanted activations with an integral cover, or for more substantial protection, guarded by a cover from the Stopper range.  As recommended in BS 5839-1:2017 manual call points can be fitted with a protective cover to prevent false fire alarms. The British Standard Institute recommends in section 20.2b, that: “All MCPs should be fitted with a protective cover, which is moved to gain access to the frangible element.”  A British Standard with global reach, BS 5839-1, has been used on high profile construction projects across the Middle East, including Dubai – the Standard recognises the importance of protecting call points, like the Global ReSet, against misuse or accidental activation.  In additional to UL listed models, the multipurpose call point is available in five different colours and can be supplied with UV printed custom labelling.    To read the full article see our December-January issue available in the new year. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Ask the expert – Hussam Al-Haddad

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Hussam Al–Haddad, CEO, ATEIS, discusses how IoT and cloud technology plays an integral role in technological innovation in life-saving technology  In 2006, based in Dubai Silicon Oasis at the heart of the Middle East, ATEIS Middle East FZCO was established to expand the ATEIS success story outside Europe and reach the Middle East & India Markets. This expansion helped secure and delivered an enviable portfolio of more than 2000 mega installations in the region.  To deliver the vision to become the number one in the life-safety industry, ATEIS Middle East established the first UAE production facility for Fire Detection and Alarm Systems under the VELOX brand name. In addition, the in-house R&D team are continually innovating fire detection solutions that integrate with the ATEIS Pro-audio PAVA offerings and have filed patents relating to micro-power technology, reinforcing VELOX as a leading brand in the fire industry. Security Buyer Editor Rebecca Spayne catches up exclusively with Hussam Al-Haddad, CEO, ATEIS Middle East FZCO, to discover more about their detection, evacuation, and alarm technology innovation.  You recently celebrated 40 years of innovation last year. How do you continue to innovate in a constantly evolving market?  We have adopted a notion called The Possible Team. Our team is determined to achieve the impossible in terms of innovation in the market. We are fortunate to have built a very collaborative and team-oriented workforce who believe in the growth and technology that the company has innovated, perfected and distributed to the market.   When we branched out in the Middle East in 2006, we created a roadmap of innovating acoustic solutions and voice evacuation systems. We were the first company to introduce an integrated public address, voice evacuation system and professional audio. So, we combined the voice evacuation and the public address available in the industry for quite some time with high fidelity pro-audio solutions. ATEIS Middle East innovated having a pro audio capability to the system. The new concept allowed ATEIS products to deliver high fidelity audio capability for the first time across a massive install base such as in shopping malls. We have been pioneering this since 2006. The huge references of this concept across the region are a testament to The Possible Team’s capabilities.   We continued this route until 2011 when we decided to change our course, start manufacturing fire detection, and alarm systems, and build the first factory of its kind in Dubai. Why fire alarm systems? As you know, voice evacuation systems go hand in hand with fire alarms systems, so we thought it was the right time to bring it into the region.   We will continue to build on this and move forward with our voice evacuation integration system. In 2012 we launched our first Pro-audio PAVA fire alarm control panel. The Fire Detection Panel can propagate 48 audio channels across 8,192 zones in a manner never seen in our industry. It is a massive system that can cater to retail and hospitality environments and the size of a compound of many buildings. It was an enormous leap in technology. This kind of innovation cannot happen without The Possible Team.     To read the full interview see our December-January issue available in the new year. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Big Interview – Caleb Holloway

Big Interview /

Fire Buyer talks exclusively to Caleb Holloway, Deepwater Horizon explosion survivor, to discover why he chose a career in the fire service  How would you describe your time working on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig before the catastrophe?  The rig was like a home away from home. Everyone from day one showed incredible respect and was so genuine. I didn’t expect what I found when I got out there – it was more like a community. I still remember the first day that I got on the rig, I was amazed at how clean and big it actually was. The company I worked for before was a small and personal company and not as well-maintained as the Deepwater Horizon, so I wasn’t used to all the high-tech machinery.  You saved the lives of some of your team at Deepwater and continue to save lives in the fire service. Can you tell us how you adapted/managed to navigate these extremely difficult situations?  The night of the actual blowout in the catastrophe – that was the first time I’d really been faced with something like that. My mind immediately went into survival mode. When you experience chaos, your mind and your body are trying to comprehend what’s happening. That night it was about one thing – survival. Doing whatever I could to try to get to my team. That’s what I wanted – to get to my crew. Along the way, we found other people on board, scattered and who needed help. All of that was unplanned.  Now, as a Firefighter I’m trained to do that. I am trained to expect the ‘crazy’ to happen when we go on calls as that’s what we’ve signed up to do. It doesn’t catch me off guard as much, and I’m  more mentally prepared. I have heightened awareness, more focus and know that anything can happen at any time. That’s the biggest thing.  You have earned the Firefighter commendation medal and other awards to date. How has your experience impacted your career?  Teamwork is a huge part of my firefighting career. It’s something that I carried over from my experience at the Deepwater Horizon. On the rig, we had such a great relationship with each other and I knew whatever I did beyond that, teamwork was something I would cherish forever. I knew that I was going to take that with me to my next adventure in life.   In firefighting, the brothers that I have on the truck don’t replace the experience that I had with the Deepwater Horizon crew, but it does bridge the gap. I took the rapport and teamwork skills from the job on the rig and applied them to the emergency services sector. With the commendation medal, there was a particular call where we rescued two women out of a house fire and we had a plan in place and everybody was clear on what they were supposed to do. It was both preparation and teamwork that led us to receive that award, and also I received the exceptional duty award.    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 – An insight on Christmas fire safety

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As the festivities commence, a lot of us will be spending more time at home rather than outdoors, which hugely increases the risk of causing fires, which some may not be aware of. There are numerous fire hazards to be aware of, and Coopers Fire has listed some of the most common to ensure you practice Christmas fire safety as well as possible. Dry Christmas trees Real authentic Christmas trees are a beautiful addition to your home and really encourage everyone to get into the spirit of the holidays. However, once they begin to dry up, the chance of causing a fire is high. It is important to water the trees frequently and sufficiently to prevent them from drying. Another way to prevent your Christmas tree from drying up is to use a live one, which can easily be replanted in the garden after the festivities end. Lit candles There is nothing quite like an ambiance and array of bright candles while watching a Christmas movie with your family or friends. It is crucial that you are in a position where you can keep an eye on any lit candles in the home and attend to them at all times to prevent a fire from breaking out. Keep candles away from children and ensure you remember to blow them out when you are done with them. A great alternative is to use electric candles, which are far safer but still provide the same comforting feel as regular candles. Christmas dinner – kitchen fires Christmas dinner is always somewhat of a challenge each year. Cooking the turkey at the right temperature, making sure the roast potatoes are crispier than last year, and dishing up twelve even plates of food is just the beginning. Grease is just one of the factors that can cause a fire in your kitchen at Christmas time. The oven may overheat and if you are working with a gas stove in such a busy period, you may also put your kitchen at risk. Take care when cooking in the kitchen and make sure you have a fully working fire extinguisher at hand in case of an emergency. Christmas gadgets – electric socket overload Adults, teens, and children united, everyone is ready to charge up their anticipated Christmas gadgets as soon as the wrapping paper hits the floor. However, plugging in too many electrical items in a single socket is a huge risk for fire to occur. Investing in a heavy-duty electrical power source is a much safer option when enjoying any electrical items.   Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Airports shifting to eco-friendly firefighting foams

News Desk, Technology /

In the case of a fire emergency at any airport, every second counts. Aircraft Rescue Fire Firefighters (ARFF) always have to be effective in a short time, in order to save precious lives from a burning aircraft. The firefighting foam must be quickly efficient and should be able to contain the fire effectively. Fluorine-free foam (FFF) The world of firefighting is quickly moving towards fluorine-free foam products, moving away from PFAS-containing products (such as AFFF and AR-AFFF foams). The industry’s main challenge was to provide efficient fluorine-free foams, with the same performance as that of fluorinated products. Performing fluorine-free foams (FFF) that meet ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) specifications are available in the aviation market now. Some international airports are changing or have already changed to fluorine-free foam, on-board fire trucks or in aircraft hangar fire safety systems. Thanks to its long experience in environmentally-friendly foams and aircraft fire safety, BIOEX launched ECOPOL A+ fluorine-free foam, a high-performance FFF, which is dedicated to aircraft fire extinguishment. This fluorine-free foam quickly extinguishes a wide range of hydrocarbon fuels triggered fires, which are common occurrences at airports, such as kerosene, jet A1, gasoline, and heptane. ECOPOL A+ meets International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) certification and European Standard EN1568 Part 3 v2018 certification. The foam forms a stable and thick foam blanket, which flows rapidly above burning fuel, to seal vapors and cut off the oxygen supply, in order to quickly extinguish the fire and prevent re-ignition. Viable alternative to AFFF foams ECOPOL A+ foam is a viable alternative to AFFF foams and offers equal or better performance than traditional AFFF foams. The ECOPOL A+ foam adheres to vertical surfaces, in order to cool aircraft parts, such as fuselage or body, providing long thermal insulation and allowing for quick passenger evacuation. Formulated without PFAS-components, this fluorine-free foam is an environmentally friendly solution for airports’ fire protection. ECOPOL A+ foam meets environmental concerns, balanced with high fire safety performances. It is fully biodegradable, fluorine-free, and silicone-free foam. ECOPOL A+ foam can be used in low or medium expansion, depending on the fire scenario (such as, landing gear, engine, or fuel line fires). Contained within the ARFF vehicle, the foam concentrate can be applied on direct application, by the airport fire truck monitor. For fires that cannot be reached by the aircraft fire vehicle, it can be put out with fixed or mobile foam proportioning, and foam discharge devices. The foam concentrate is available in 3% and 6% versions. Firefighters can use it with fresh, brackish, and sea water. BIOEX aviation foam concentrates are tested and approved by many international airports, such as the Paris airport, Geneva airport, and Ottawa airport.   Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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New fire protective safe from Burg-Wächter

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Burg-Wächter, Germany’s security specialist, has launched the latest addition to its extensive safe range – the brand-new FP 44 E Fire Protective Safe – offering superior protection against burglary and fire. Durable design Featuring a double-walled body and door that protects against break in attempts, Burg-Wächter’s new FP 44 E Fire Protective Safe has been designed to protect its valuable contents, including documents up to size A4, in the event of a fire, having been tested to Class NT FIRE017-60P, which certifies 60 minutes of fire protection for paper at temperatures of up to 1000°C. Flexibility, privacy and ease of use For added security, users are able to create up to two individual PIN codes (which can be changed at any time) for the electronic combination lock, whilst the new angled LCD display, which is ideal for operating from above, ensures that PIN codes are discretely displayed to the user only, giving peace of mind where privacy is concerned. In addition, a high quality and substantial rotary knob makes opening and closing the safe quick and easy. Fabulous aesthetics Aesthetics have not been forgotten either. With its stylish anthracite body, the FP 44 E Fire Protective Safe is further enhanced by its sleek minimal design control panel. Weighing in at 25kg, the FP 44 E has a capacity of 14.3 litres and includes not only a convenient internal drawer but also fastening materials allowing the safe to be securely fixed to the floor. Burg-Wächter is a safe and post box manufacturer, with its UK head office and distribution facility based in Bradford, West Yorkshire. This site is also home to sister brand Sterling. The central location and large stock holding allows for delivery of many lines on a next day basis across the Burg-Wächter product range. Burg-Wächter are members of the European Security Systems Association (ESSA) and VDMA security systems. All Burg certified Eurograde safes are tested to the European burglar resistance standard known as EN 1143. This standard is recognised by the Association of Insurance Surveyors (AiS).   Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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IoT-based smart forest firefighting system standards

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The plenary session of ITU-T Study Group 20 was held online recently, with representatives from 40 countries attending the meeting. In the meeting, the draft Recommendation “Requirements and Reference functional model of IoT-based smart forest firefighting system” led by Dahua Technology was given consent for a final review process leading to approval. It’s revealed on International Telecommunication Union (ITU) work programme page that the Recommendation will go through the traditional approval process (TAP), since it has regulatory implications. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations specialised agency for information and communication technologies – ICTs. It’s founded in 1865 as the earliest international standardisation organisation and one of the three most authoritative and influential international standardisation organisations in the world. It aims to shape the future of ICT and connect the world with 193 Member States as well as some 900 companies, universities, and international and regional organisations. In the context of the global digital economy, forestry is facing challenges such as digital transformation, improvement of fire prevention efficiency, and enhancement of safety in firefighting. This Recommendation will provide a solid reference for smart forest firefighting systems and will effectively promote the efficiency of forest fire prevention and firefighting globally.   Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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IDEX discusses fire department staffing shortages

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Firefighting is a tough job, both physically and mentally. As reported, unemployment rates are the lowest they’ve been in decades, meaning there are fewer people looking for new jobs. Those who are left in the department can be doing jobs meant for two or even three people, working days on end without a break; this added workload means additional stress and strain on the firefighters. While fewer people are seeking it out as a full-time profession, volunteering as a firefighter isn’t as accessible as it used to be, either. Requirements have gotten stricter over the years. Training is challenging and time-consuming, and many people simply aren’t able to be on call for emergencies. Between jobs, commuting, and taking care of their families, they don’t have a lot of extra time for volunteer service. Many departments have had to scale back the scope of their services. Response times get slower, and the community suffers those consequences. This firefighter shortage is a problem for a lot of reasons—both for firefighters themselves and the people they serve. The first crew on the scene may only have three people—sometimes only two. This is especially common in volunteer departments; in other departments, it’s generally the result of an attempt to save money, but it has its own price. One study showed that a four-person crew can “…complete 22 essential firefighting and rescue tasks in a typical residential structure 30% faster than two-person crews and 25% faster than three-person crews.” That’s an incredible amount of damage and devastation that could be prevented with just one or two extra people on the scene. In short, a larger crew creates a safer scene—no surprise there. The spokesperson for the International Association of Firefighters quoted as saying there should be a minimum of four crew members, as safety concerns grow when there are only two or three, but when four is simply not possible, what can be done? With smaller crews and less available volunteers, resourceful fire departments find innovative ways to maximise their time in the first five minutes of a fire scene. The right fire truck pump controls can help with both. Take a look at SAM. SAM takes complex pump operations—something that traditionally requires the full attention of a valuable crew member—and makes them simple, freeing up crew members to perform other tasks. So simple, in fact, that the firefighter can access water and set the pressure with just a few swipes on a screen. That crew member is then free to turn his or her attention to the emergency situation.   Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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