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All social homes required to have smoke alarms fitted

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People living in social housing will be safer in their homes under new rules that will mean smoke alarms must be fitted in all rented accommodation, Housing Minister Eddie Hughes MP announced on 23 November 2021. This will mean housing providers are required by law to install smoke alarms in all social housing, and carbon monoxide alarms must be fitted in social and private rented properties with fixed appliances such as gas boilers or fires. The regulation changes will also require: Carbon monoxide alarms to be fitted when new appliances such as gas boilers or fires are installed in any home. Landlords and housing providers in social and private rented sectors to repair or replace smoke and carbon monoxide alarms once they are told they are faulty. These reforms follow a commitment in the Social Housing White Paper published last year. The White Paper set out proposals for wide-ranging reforms of the social housing sector which will drive up standards, including giving tenants a clear way to raise concerns and providing the regulator with stronger powers to take enforcement action.   To stay up to date on the latest, trends, innovations, people news and company updates within the global fire market please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Next generation of Ballyclare Xenon rescue jackets

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A major new order has shone the spotlight on the latest evolution of Ballyclare’s Xenon firefighter rescue jackets. The order has been awarded by three fire and rescue services in the Yorkshire and Humberside region and covers the rescue jacket requirements of some 3,200 firefighters. “PPE rescue jackets are subject to constantly evolving customer demands because of the ever-widening range of duties which fire and rescue crews face, many of which are not fire-related,” explained Ballyclare’s Business Development Manager, Andrew Buckley. “This exerted a strong influence on the design and manufacture of our new jackets and will allow them to bring a number of benefits to firefighters in the South Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and Humberside regions.” The new Xenon garments have been produced in a new orange/red colour that makes them suitable for use in both fire-related and rail applications. The colour meets the requirements of RIS-3279 -TOM – a high visibility standard which applies to the UK rail industry, and ensures rail workers on or near the trackside are sufficiently visible to trains or any other approaching traffic. “We could have achieved the technical and colour requirements using fabrics with polyester fibres, but we knew there were potential questions about the long-term reliability of these fabrics,” added Buckley. “We worked closely with the customer and our fabric suppliers to identify a suitable non-polyester fabric alternative. This is inherently flame retardant, and unlike fabrics which simply have a flame-retardant surface covering, it won’t degrade over time or be affected by repeated washing cycles. This maintains a high level of protection for the wearer and extends the operating life of the jackets considerably. The jackets also satisfy other customer specifications, meeting the relevant rescue and wild land standards, but also offer maximum comfort and freedom of movement to the wearer.” The new jackets share the same advanced design and material solutions as Ballyclare’s highly successful XENON multi-functional structural firefighting garments. Manufactured to exacting national and international safety, performance and quality standards, they incorporate such features as additional reinforcement on the collar, cuff and arm areas, to provide cut-and-puncture protection. A key consideration for the new jackets was the choice of moisture barrier for the internal drop liner, as this material would play a critical role in the comfort and breathability of the garments. Ballyclare identified a GORE-TEX moisture barrier with CROSSTECH Product Technology as the best and most advanced option available for this application. The fabric itself provides durable, breathable waterproof protection from blood pathogens, chemicals and particulates, enhanced by the use of fully-proprietary seam sealing technology in the construction of the jackets. The jackets also feature the world’s first fire-retardant and fully-launderable phosphorescent tape. After just a few minutes exposure to ultraviolet light this tape increases safety levels for the wearer by emitting an intense glow for up to 8 hours, allowing the jackets to be seen more easily in dark or poorly-illuminated conditions.   To stay up to date on the latest, trends, innovations, people news and company updates within the global fire market please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Aico colleagues selected for key positions at the FIA

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Esteemed colleagues of Aico have been selected for key positions at the Fire Industry Association (FIA) following the 2021 FIA Annual General Meeting. Voted for by FIA Members, the appointments will provide a fantastic opportunity to further support the fire industry. The FIA is a not-for-profit membership organisation overseen by a Board and seven Councils and is the largest fire protection trade association in the UK. As a major provider of fire safety training, the FIA aims to promote, improve and perfect fire protection methods, devices, services and apparatus. As Aico strives to promote best practice and improve fire safety legislation across the UK, these positions will be pivotal in achieving their vision. National Account Manager for Aico, Paul Cartwright, has been elected onto the FIA FIRESA Council, which provides vital communication between the Fire and Rescue Services and their suppliers, as well as liaising directly with the government and other external bodies. Paul Cartwright said, “I’m delighted and honoured to be joining the FIA FIRESA’s Council. I’m looking forward to working with Council members and representing a diverse group of companies supplying the fire service.” National Technical Manager for Aico, Andy Speake, who previously held a position on the FIA Fire Detection and Alarm Council, has been re-elected for the role and has also been elected to the FIA Board. He commented “I’m really pleased and excited with the recent results announced at the FIA AGM. The new appointments on the Councils will provide an opportunity to better serve FIA members as well as the industry as a whole.”   To stay up to date on the latest, trends, innovations, people news and company updates within the global fire market please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Peter Clauss returns to the IWMA Board

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One seat on the board of directors had become vacant after Erik Christensen of Novenco had retired earlier this year. This seat is now again occupied. During this year’s member meeting of the International Water Mist Association (IWMA), which took place on 26 October, Peter Clauss (Sales Director for CWS Fire Safety) was elected to again become a member of the board. Peter Clauss has over 30 years of experience in the fire suppression industry. He has worked for Kidde Deutschland, Marioff, the Wagner Group, Stöbich Brandschutz, Protection One and Johnson Controls International. He is involved and member of various trade associations, codes and standards organizations and approval authorities in Europe, the United States and Russia. Peter Clauss was a member of the board between February and August 2020, but left due to a change of employer. During the same meeting IWMA President Are Wendelborg Brandt (RISE), IWMA Vice President Dirk K. Sprakel (Fogtec), Alex Palle (VID Fire-Kill) and Henrik Bygbjerg (Danfoss Fir Safety) were confirmed in office. So was the Chairman of the IWMA scientific council Hong-Zeng (Bert) Yu.   To stay up to date on the latest, trends, innovations, people news and company updates within the global fire market please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Magirus supplies LFB with turntable ladders

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The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has ordered a total of 15 turntable ladders from Magirus through the UK distributor Emergency One, three of which are 64 meters high. This means that the London Fire Brigade has the highest turntable ladders in Europe. Magirus has been supplying fire engines to London since 1905, providing state-of-the-art technology and an overall quality standard for which Magirus is appreciated worldwide. The London Fire Brigade announced plans to upgrade its existing fleet and in July 2017, following the Grenfell Tower fire, it was decided to incorporate three extended height ladder appliances in the upgrade. It is one of the many improvements the Brigade has made since 2017 to equipment, training and procedures to enhance the response to high-rise fires. The M64L turntable ladders are the highest turntable ladders in Europe, standing 64 meters high, and each of these supplied to London is equipped with a lift for the entire length of the ladder set. To ensure the smallest possible turning radius for the vehicles with a length of 12 meters in the densely built-up city, Scania 4-axle chassis with trailing axle were chosen. For better assessment of a fire situation, cameras with thermal imaging technologies are integrated at the top of the turntable ladders, which also enable live streaming images for incident command. The appliances also have built-in technology that will alert the operator if weather conditions, such as wind, are too great to be able to use the ladders safely at their fully extended height. Furthermore, 12 standard articulated turntable ladders with a length of 32 meters were delivered in order to improve London Fire Brigade’s ability to deal with high rise incidents. Xavier Moreau, Director Sales & Marketing Magirus commented, “The configurations of the delivered vehicles for the London Fire Brigade were developed intensively in cooperation with the customer and also Emergency One and finally adapted to the specific needs of the London Fire Brigade. Only the most reliable and modern technology can meet the requirements and the high loads here. We are therefore very proud that the LFB has been choosing Magirus turntable ladders for decades.”   To stay up to date on the latest, trends, innovations, people news and company updates within the global fire market please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Tecserv UK expands East Anglian presence

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Fire & security system installation and maintenance company Tecserv UK has expanded its presence in East Anglia following the appointment of Simon Brighty as Area Manager for the region. Simon, who has worked in the industry since 1995, joins the company from Honeywell Building Solutions where he has spent the last 18 years in a variety of servicing, project management and field based roles supervising teams of service technicians. In his new role, Simon will be responsible for growing the service base in the East Anglia Area and managing a growing team of service engineers. This will include estimating new projects and small works opportunities. Commenting on his appointment Simon said, “After a long period working for the same company I needed a change and a fresh challenge. Tecserv has a great reputation within the fire and security industry, and I am excited about the opportunity to help them develop their East Anglian presence based on my previous skills and experience.” Colin Milligan, Tecserv UK Sales Director added, “Simon brings a wide range of managerial, supervisory and technical expertise to the team and has a wide network of contacts in East Anglia that we hope will help to expand our profile and reputation further in this region.” Simon lives near March in Cambridge and is married with three sons. Based in Underwood on the Notts and Derbyshire border, Tecserv UK celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2021. Its client base includes small and medium sized businesses based across the UK as well as leading brands in the hotel, education, retail and warehousing sectors. Well-known brands including Britvic, M&S Simply Foods, Harvey Nichols, The Ritz and Bulgari hotels in London, Pinewood Studio’s and several heritage buildings such as St Pauls Cathedral and other National Trust and English Heritage owned properties trust Tecserv UK to protect their people, property and processes.   To stay up to date on the latest, trends, innovations, people news and company updates within the global fire market please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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FBU criticise government on the building safety crisis

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The Fire Brigades Union has criticised the government for its lack of action on the building safety crisis, after the London Fire Brigade said that builders were able to “game the system” and avoid fire rules. The union said that the “massive” building safety crisis in the UK could be resolved if the government provided “the regulations and funding necessary to solve this crisis”, including “watertight legislation that prevents dodges and loopholes like this being possible”. Speaking to BBC Newsnight, Deputy Commissioner of the London Fire Brigade Paul Jennings had said that “hundreds if not thousands” of new buildings may be “deliberately” designed to avoid fire safety rules brought in after Grenfell. Mr Jennings said “We have got examples where we think people are deliberately designing and building their buildings below that 18 metre, six floor threshold, because they know if they reach that threshold they would have to put advanced and more intricate fire safety measures in”. He also discussed people focusing on loopholes where “the guidance doesn’t specifically say they can’t do something”. Assistant General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, Andy Dark, said, “There is a massive building safety crisis across the UK, and residents are rightly concerned about safety in their homes. We have been increasingly concerned with the growing evidence suggesting that the Westminster government, landlords and the construction industry are trying to avoid taking responsibility. It comes as no surprise that players within the building sector are ‘gaming the system’ to avoid compliance with the extremely limited improvements in the building regulations. “Ministers should listen to fire professionals and provide the regulations and funding necessary to solve this crisis. The Prime Minister should be taking personal charge of introducing immediate action and introduce watertight legislation that prevents dodges and loopholes like this being possible. Hand-wringing and mealy-mouthed words from the government are worthless. It’s actions that matter.”   To stay up to date on the latest, trends, innovations, people news and company updates within the global fire market please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Global supply issues are affecting the fire industry

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A survey by the Fire Industry Association (FIA) shows how global supply issues are affecting the fire industry. Over the last year there has been a decrease in the availability of components to the UK fire industry, which in turn is reducing the amount of manufactured assembled products being placed on the UK market. The FIA have been monitoring developments in this area and liaising with relevant UK Government departments, most recently with Scottish Government regarding the new legislation mandating that all homes must have interlinked fire alarms installed by February 2022. The FIA understands that this will be challenging to achieve and would therefore like people’s input via a short survey. The results will help to display to Government the current situation being experienced by people and businesses in the fire industry. The survey can be completed via the FIA website.   To stay up to date on the latest, trends, innovations, people news and company updates within the global fire market please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Forgotten firefighter remembered with plaque

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A plaque has been unveiled in memory of a fallen firefighter, after a fellow firefighter uncovered details of his life and passing nearly fifty years after he passed away. Wilfred McLaughlan was attending a fire in a factory when the roof collapsed, on 25 April 1972. He died later from his injuries. On the day the fire broke out he was three days away from his retirement. Retired Firefighter Graham Bowker was told about the loss of the firefighter when he was posted at McLaughlan’s former fire station five years after his passing. Whilst there has been limited coverage or discussion about McLaughlan’s death in the time since, and he has no traceable family, Bowker never forgot about McLaughlan, and when the site where the fire happened was developed Bowker started researching the story and making enquiries with a view to having a plaque established on the site. The fire took place at Oldham Batteries in Denton, Greater Manchester. The plaque was unveiled at the factory’s former site, which has now been developed into a wellness centre, on Friday 19 November. Graham Bowker said, “As firefighters, we are always mindful of the debt we owe to our fellow firefighters who came before us. I first heard this story as a young firefighter, and it has always stayed with me even though it’s been around 45 years since. When I saw the site was being built on I thought it was the right time to start trying to ensure that McLaughlan and his sacrifice were never forgotten. We owe it to him to ensure that that doesn’t happen.” The plaque being unveiled is part of the Fire Brigade Union’s red plaque scheme, which seeks to memorialise firefighters who died in the line of duty with a plaque near to where the relevant incident happened. Fire Brigades Union Regional Secretary for the North West Ed Burrows said, “As firefighters we want to ensure that our predecessors are not forgotten. They helped build and develop our profession through their dedication and service, something we all benefit from today. McLaughlan and many other firefighters have made sacrifices which we must remember, and the Fire Brigades Union is honoured to play a part in remembering Wilfred McLaughlan and his sacrifice.” At the inquest into McLaughlan’s death, in July 1972, Manchester Fire Brigade Chief Fire Officer Harry Lomas said, “He was a man who has always had my greatest support and my greatest respect. It seems a terrible tragedy to all his friends in the brigade.” The Coroner, Donald Summerfield, said, “This is a tragic story and I am told this brave man was only a few days off retirement. At every fire, firefighters* take their lives into their hands but it does not deter them.”   To stay up to date on the latest, trends, innovations, people news and company updates within the global fire market please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Mallaghan unveils new 6×6 fire rescue stair at Dubai Airshow

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Mallaghan has unveiled its newest range of Fire Rescue Stair, the 6×6 at the Dubai Airshow. The first of these new model Fire Rescue Stair units to leave the factory at Mallaghan’s headquarters in Northern Ireland, was handed over to firefighting equipment supplier, Naffco, and is currently being exhibited at the Dubai Airshow. Marcel Bernhard, Sales Department at Mallaghan, said: “We are thrilled to launch our newest product, the 6X6 Fire Rescue Stair, here at the Dubai Airshow. “The equipment has been handed over to our first customer, Naffco, and is being showcased at the Naffo stand throughout the show. “It has been fantastic to display the Stair here in Dubai and whilst this is a niche product, I’m delighted to say we have had significant interest and have enjoyed talking delegates through the key features.” The 6×6 Fire Rescue Stairs are designed to accommodate rapid evacuation of passengers from wide bodied aircraft, such as Boeing 747s and Airbus A350s, in the event of an emergency. The stairs are equipped with emergency lighting, beacons, water tanks, foam tanks and hose reels, and can be customised to the exact requirements of the customer Marcel continued: “The 6×6 Fire Rescue Stair is just one of the new Fire Rescue Stair products we have been developing with Naffco and are very proud to complete the handover at the prestigious Dubai Airshow.” Mallaghan products, which include Airport Buses, Catering Trucks, De-icers, Passenger Stairs and Maintenance Platform Lifts are used in more than 100 countries across the world by customers including British Airways, Delta, Emirates, Etihad, Menzies Aviation and Qatar.   To stay up to date on the latest, trends, innovations, people news and company updates within the global fire market please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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