Euralarm welcomes Vanderbilt Following a decision of its Board, Euralarm has welcomed its newest member Vanderbilt. The company will join the Security Section of Euralarm. The Security Section represents the intrusion, access and video sector and is key stakeholder in organisations such as CertAlarm, CEN-CENELEC, IEC and the European Commission. Together with a diverse number of stakeholders in Europe, the section collaborates on finding solutions for today’s as well as tomorrow’s challenges for security in a digitized world. The Security Section meetings gathers experts presenting on actual topics such as the standardisation landscape on video surveillance. The section liaises towards key standardisation groups in the security field and closely follows technological developments to guide regulation and standardisation. Concerning standards, the section continues informing members of changes and advocacy activities at both national and EU level.  Being a member of Euralarm, Vanderbilt will benefit from Euralarm’s representation towards European institutions and standardisation organisations. This includes the monitoring of legislative and standardisation issues relevant to the industry. Vanderbilt will have access to the extended network of national associations and major companies in the electronic fire safety and security sectors, which form Euralarm’s members. The new membership will create opportunities for both sides, as it also strengthens the association. Vanderbilt is a global provider of high-performance security systems across access control and intrusion detection. Vanderbilt is recognized for its future-proof, innovative, and easy-to-use portfolio that contains award-winning products such as access control solutions ACT365 and ACT Enterprise and intrusion solutions SPC and SPC Connect. An advocate of open platforms and integrations, Vanderbilt understands the issues customers face and provides multiple solutions that are designed to meet these needs. Vanderbilt is an ACRE brand. Companies joining Euralarm get a unique insight into what is happening in European markets and the opportunities that they might offer.    Share this post on our LinkedIn or Twitter. See more news here.

Parrot partners with AIRT’s Drones for Good Parrot have recently announced a new partnership with the Miami, Florida-based Airborne International Response Team (AIRT). AIRT is a prominent 501(c)3 non-profit organisation supporting Drones For Good and the official home of DRONERESPONDERS, one of the world’s fastest-growing program supporting the use of UAS by public safety and emergency services organisations around the globe. Parrot will support the disaster response and humanitarian missions of AIRT and the public safety testing conducted by DRONERESPONDERS with donations of both financial support as well as Parrot’s most advanced drone technology.  Available from August 2020, the Parrot ANAFI USA features an industry-first 32x zoom, 4K HDR video and thermal imaging capabilities. ANAFI USA is an ultraportable, secure and durable aerial camera platform. “We are excited to team up with Parrot to explore how their latest drone technology can help emergency response professionals prepare for, respond to and recover from complex incidents,” said Christopher Todd, Executive Director of AIRT. “We truly appreciate their support and dedication to our non-profit mission.” AIRT already uses the Parrot ANAFI Thermal with great success. Todd expects the ruggedness and increased capabilities of combined zoom and thermal sensing offered by the new Parrot ANAFI USA will bolster AIRT’s response capability for the height of the 2020 hurricane season. “We’ll be coordinating extensive testing with members of both AIRT and the DRONERESPONDERS program to fully assess the ANAFI USA’s capabilities for both disaster response and public safety missions,” Todd said. “Our partnership with AIRT and DRONERESPONDERS allows Parrot to collaborate directly with first responders using drone technology to make a positive impact within their communities,” said Chris Roberts, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Parrot.    Share this post on our LinkedIn or Twitter. See more news here.

Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service to train new generation Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service is training the next generation of the county’s firefighters. Ten new recruits have started their rigorous training at Pegswood Fire Station, the first time in 40 years that whole time firefighters have been trained in-house by the service. Although the service regularly trains on-call firefighters – historically their whole time firefighters have been trained at other fire and rescue services across England and at the old Scottish Fire Services Training School, Gullane since 1980. Group Manager for Learning and Development Lee Buckingham said: “Each and every recruit will have a different reason for choosing to become a firefighter, but over the next two months these individuals will be united in their training which will ultimately help prevent incidents, save lives in their communities and help make Northumberland safer. “We have an incredible amount of expertise in the fire service and fantastic facilities and we are excited to train 10 new trainees from the communities of Northumberland. I’m sure our next generation of firefighters will form part of the service for another 40 years. This is a huge accolade and seeks to demonstrate the excellence and quality we deliver.” “This is also a very proud moment for the service and for the Learning and Development Department and we are grateful to Northumberland County Council for supporting this opportunity.” The course will run over eight weeks where the new recruits will learn about equipment and procedures relevant to the risks in Northumberland. As well as fire fighting, training will cover road traffic collisions, chemical incidents and water rescues. This will provide the trainees with the essential skills and knowledge when they are at their assigned stations for the remaining 28 months, before becoming competent firefighters. Group Manager Buckingham added: “This is an extremely poignant moment for myself.”   Share this post on our LinkedIn or Twitter. See more news here.

TFT release new dual feature SHO-FLOW app TFT’s new SHO-FLOW app is the fire service’s first dual featured application that operates as either a fully functional stand-alone water flow calculator or in conjunction with TFT’s SHO-FLOW Bluetooth Flow Meter. In stand-alone mode, crews are able to independently calculate everything related to getting water to the fire using established fire flow formulas. Functions include Flow Rate, Nozzle Reaction, Pump Discharge Pressure, Hose Friction Loss and establishing Target Fire Flow Rates. Users also have the option to seamlessly connect to any TFT SHO-FLOW Bluetooth Flow Meter, and transform their calculations into real world numbers in real time. Instead of using formulas, measure real time flow rates and calculate true Pump Discharge Pressures (PDP), Nozzle Reaction, Hose Friction Loss, and even conduct NFPA 1962 Flow Tests. The revolutionary app, designed to deliver information in either metric or USA units, also allows custom naming of the team’s SHO-FLOW meter device, as well as enabling an unlimited amount of first responders to see real time flow rate, total water delivered, and device friction loss from up to a quarter mile away. The dynamic app also includes instant links to TFT’s water flow education video series, H2KnOw, and recommendations for target fire flows when using water or foam. Android and Apple users can download the free application on Google Play or at the App Store (search apps for “SHO-FLOW”). TFT was founded on innovation over 50 years ago. Every day new ideas flow at TFT for one reason, to help firefighters save lives and protect property more safely and effectively than the day before.   Share this post on our LinkedIn or Twitter. See more news here.

TP Fire & Security boosts driver safety TP Fire & Security boosts driver safety and MPG while cutting emissions and idling time with award-winning in-cab technology TP Fire & Security, one of the UK’s leading providers of fire and security protection, has announced the successful implementation of Lightfoot’s award-winning in-cab technology across its fleet, leading to increases in fuel economy of over almost 10%, a 59% uplift in elite driver numbers, and the eradication of instances of dangerous driving. Utilising Lightfoot’s pioneering driver rewards platform, TP Fire & Security has also seen an 57% fall in instances of over acceleration, an 8% drop in harsh cornering, and a 7% fall in vehicle idling. The organisation, which provides everything from alarm system maintenance and installation to extinguisher servicing and risk management, operates a fleet of 34 vans consisting of Citroen Berlingo and Renault Traffic vehicles. In addition to its installation team, TP Fire & Security also has an emergency call-out team, which rapidly deploys engineers to address instances of minor equipment faults through to full scale system shut downs. Requiring swift responses, TP Fire & Security places great emphasis on safe and efficient call-outs, ensuring that its staff arrive on site without delays caused by avoidable accidents or incidents linked to harsh driving styles, particularly in difficult driving conditions. Lightfoot’s ability to encourage smooth, mindful and above all safe driving, was vital to TP Fire & Security, as vehicles involved in even the most minor of accidents delay call-out times dramatically and put the wellbeing of staff at risk. In addition to lowering the likelihood of accidents that can lead to vehicle downtime, the smoother driving style promoted by Lightfoot’s real time driver guidance and rewards package has led to a 9.8% reduction in emissions. Commenting on the positive impact that Lightfoot has had on its drivers, Mel Jackson, Health and Safety Manager at TP Fire & Security, said: “Running a fleet of 34 vehicles has its challenges. Keeping track of drivers is the simple element. Tracking driver behaviour is where the serious management of our fleet takes place. “The results are excellent. Our driver performance has increased resulting in a 100% reduction in instances of dangerous driving, plus we’ve seen an uplift in mpg by 9.8%. Our team have transformed the way they drive, aided both by the assistance of Lightfoot’s on board dashboard device and its engaging driver rewards package. “For us, it’s great. Finally, a solution providing immediate and readily available data with the presence of a continual on-board driving coach.” Mark Roberts, Lightfoot’s Founder and CEO, commented: “TP Fire & Security has a vital role to play in protecting businesses, providing fire protection and detection services that safeguard premises, staff and assets. Having the ability to get on site safely and with certainty is core to their business, which is why Lightfoot’s ability to enhance duty of care to staff on the road proved so attractive. “Since installing Lightfoot, TP Fire & Security’s drivers have transformed their driving style. Elite Driver numbers have leapt, and instances of dangerous driving have been eradicated. Add to that lower fuel bills, a reduced carbon footprint and enhanced staff wellbeing through the adoption smoother, safer driving, incentivised via a raft of rewards, and it’s a win-win result for all involved.” Lightfoot’s innovative in-cab driver feedback helps drivers achieve greater efficiency from their vehicles with fuel savings and corresponding emissions reductions of up to 20%. Combined with falls in at fault accidents by up to 40% and wear and tear costs by 45%, Lightfoot brings about multiple benefits to fleets. Its pocket-sized dashboard display device uses live engine data to provide real-time visual and audible feedback to drivers, helping fleets improve efficiency and safety one mile at a time. Lightfoot also provides drivers with an app, giving users full insight into their performance and score, alongside access to exclusive competitions which drivers can opt in to enter as soon as they achieve Lightfoot’s ‘Elite Driver’ standard; the point at which fleets see the best efficiencies and savings across the board. In addition to the highly popular cash-prize Drivers’ Lottery, drivers can enter competitions for a range of other prizes that serve as an incentive to maintain a smoother driving style. Considered revolutionary in the fleet management and telematics worlds, Lightfoot’s disruptive approach to reducing accidents has been adopted by some of the largest companies in the market, including Virgin Media, Greencore, and South West Water. To find out more about how Lightfoot can transform your fleet, visit https://www.lightfoot.co.uk/.   Share this post on our LinkedIn or Twitter. See more news here.

The Prince of Wales meets Emergency Services personnel The Prince of Wales has met representatives from South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT), Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFRS), and Devon and Cornwall Police. His Royal Highness (HRH) visited Exeter Middlemoor Fire Station on Wednesday 22 July to express his support and thanks for the work undertaken by the three services so far in response to Covid-19. He heard first-hand from various personnel about the pressures on the services, and how they have adapted with dedication and professionalism to meet the challenges. SWASFT has worked in close partnership with the region’s fire services during the pandemic, with firefighters supporting ambulance crews by driving vehicles and working alongside clinicians to provide care and assistance to patients. Jessica Cunningham, Executive Director of Operations at SWASFT, said: “We are delighted that HRH has been able to hear first-hand about the invaluable amazing contribution of our fire service partners across the region in our response to Covid-19. “We were able to stand this project up extremely quickly, which was really important because nobody knew in March exactly what the impact of Covid-19 would be on the population of the South West. “We are extremely grateful for the level of collaboration with all the region’s fire services, which has truly benefitted our service to patients. “We are discussing with the fire chiefs how we will continue to work together, as this partnership has been a really positive experience for both services.” In March SWASFT formally requested the five South West fire and rescue services to provide ambulance drivers as part of its Covid-19 response. SWASFT invested in a fleet of 15 additional ambulances, which would be driven by volunteer firefighters across the South West 24/7. Initially they attended lower priority calls with Emergency Care Assistants (ECAs), but since the end of June have worked alongside paramedics to respond to all categories of emergency. So far the volunteers have attended a total of more than 4,500 incidents. Derek McCullough, an officer with SWASFT who has co-ordinated the partnership, said: “The volunteers are genuinely saving lives. There have been cases where they have assisted with CPR and have revived various people. They have also been involved in challenging hospital transfers in the South West and beyond for patients with severe burns and life-threatening brain injuries. One crew also helped to deliver a baby girl called Elsie.” Mark Evans, an on-call firefighter, is leaving his job as a supermarket manager to join SWASFT as an ECA after helping to deliver baby Elsie. He said: “When I was at school I wanted to be either a footballer or a paramedic. I’ve really enjoyed partnering with SWAST during the pandemic, and everyone has made me feel part of the team. I’m starting-off as an ECA and eventually aim to become a paramedic.” HRH also met Newly Qualified Paramedic Conor Calby, Paramedic Kye Brooks, and Rob Partridge, on-call fire crew manager and volunteer ambulance driver.

How can holding open doors prevent the spread of COVID-19? Reducing the spread of germs and bacteria has never been more essential in the current climate. Holding open internal doors provides an easy and effective method of infection control within your building, but it is important that this does not impact your fire safety. Reducing door handle contact A study by the New England Medical Journal, which researched the survival of coronavirus on a number of surfaces, identified that the virus was still detectable on hard surfaces such as plastic and stainless steel 72 hours later. While regular cleaning can help combat transmission, the inevitable use of door handles means that they can quickly become a hotspot for the spread of germs. Improving visibility and aiding social distancing While lock down restrictions remain uncertain, social distancing measures are expected to stay for some time. Holding open internal doors facilitates social distancing by allowing improved vision when entering or leaving a room, or when travelling through a corridor. Not to mention the post-COVID etiquette of whether or not you should hold the door open for the person behind you! Increasing ventilation Workplace guidance published on 11th May 2020 identified ways employers and employees can work safely during the pandemic. One of the recommendations included the requirement for increased ventilation which can be achieved by opening windows and doors. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), said: “Good ventilation can help to minimise the risk of spreading coronavirus, so focus on improving general ventilation. Where possible, consider ways to increase the supply of fresh air, for example, by opening windows and doors” The solution Geofire’s Agrippa door holder allows a door to be hygienically held open in a fixed position, preventing the need to touch the door handle. The Agrippa door closer’s free-swing feature allows a door to be held open at any angle. Using ‘listen and learn’ technology, the Agrippa suite of products will automatically release the door on the sound of the building’s fire alarm. Wedges or homemade devices should never be used to hold open a fire door and is illegal should a fire occur. Building operators have a legal responsibility to ensure fire doors are not illegally wedged open to ensure that they can prevent the spread of smoke and flames. The Agrippa wire-free fire door holder and closer are fully compliant to the requirements of BS 7273-4 for standard actuation of fire doors, and third party tested and approved to EN1154 and EN1155. Andy Collinson, CEO at Geofire said: “Wedging open a fire door removes its ability to stop the spread of fire, putting lives at risk. There are legally compliant solutions readily available if ease of movement around a building or increased ventilation is required. “From new builds to listed buildings, we have products to suit every installation; conventional hard wired, radio wire free and the Agrippa fire door holder and closer allow ‘dual mode’ installation, meaning you can install straight from the box and programme our innovative ‘listen and learn’ patent technology at a more convenient time”. Share this post on our LinkedIn or Twitter. See more news here.

Fire safety experts AinsCo celebrate record financial year Wirral-based company, AinsCo undergoes rebrand, office move and announces new appointments after record financial year Fire and security experts, AinsCo Fire & Security, has announced a record 15% increase in turnover on its previous financial year (June 2019 – June 2020), with the family-run business going from strength to strength, despite the ongoing impact the Covid-19 pandemic is having on the UK economy. The figures come as the firm celebrates its 15th year in business with a fresh new rebrand. Formerly known as MPEFS, AinsCo has also moved into modern new headquarters on Prenton Business Park, on the Wirral – demonstrating the company’s strong position within the sector, and confidence in its future expansion and growth plans; with the family-business moving ‘home’, as well as being strategically placed to serving its existing customers across the North West with close links to the M56. Leaders in the bespoke fire system design, commission and maintenance field, which has benefited further from investing in new software to improve the customer experience post-COVID; AinsCo boasts an accredited and highly-skilled team of 21 that deliver on every project with knowledge and expertise. AinsCo has seen a 40% rise in its staff during the last financial year, with the recent appointments of experienced operations manager, Iain Menzies, technical manager, Edward Arrowsmith, and project manager, Dean Broderick also joining James Conder and Tom Watson who are new engineers. Mike Ainscough, Managing Director at AinsCo Fire & Security, said: “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved during 2019/20 which has exceeded all expectations. Despite the uncertainty of Brexit, and then the Covid pandemic, through the dedication and hunger of our amazing team and the loyalty of our clients, we are proud to report these figures which crucially put us in a very strong position as we charter these  turbulent times. “Our training methods have also played a huge role in our success too, with the company putting sizeable investment in ensuring our team is fully skilled; with the whole office completing IOSH courses relevant to their roles, as well as a number of other programmes. “While we celebrate 15 incredible years in 2020 with a new brand – which places more emphasis on the family ethos that lies at the heart of the business – and fantastic new premises on the Wirral – our mission very much remains the same – to continue to be a safe pair of hands for our clients when it comes to the design, installation and maintenance of best in class fire and security systems.” Already working with a host of illustrious clients including Merseyrail, Avanti West Coast and Network Rail, Menzies, Arrowsmith and Broderick will help the company to continue with its plans to expand nationally, with them bringing a combined 70 plus years worth of experience to the company. Previously group operations manager at self storage firm, MJC Developments, Menzies has worked in a diverse number of roles both in the UK and the Middle East. Menzies’ new role at AinsCo will include working on the operational structure and processes to further optimise the teams performance. Arrowsmith has worked in the industry both as an engineer and in managerial roles. The ILM Level 3 certificate-holder boasts Formby-based Mercury Alarm Services (MAL) and Mold-based Crime Prevention Services on his impressive CV. Arrowsmith’s new role will be to provide technical assistance to the firm’s engineering base, as well as internally working with members of staff in the office. An ever-present in the industry since the late 1980’s, Broderick has worked for many years as a senior installations engineer, before later embarking on a career in project management, earning his stripes at Modern Alarms, ADT and Tyco before spending time in Europe; with his experience sure to prove invaluable at AinsCo. Iain Menzies, Operations Manager at AinsCo, said:“AinsCo has a great reputation in this sector and to be part of the business now is a fantastic opportunity. As soon as I walked into the office, I could tell it was a highly professional organisation, where quality and efficient management and teamwork is second nature. I also admire the family ethos that runs right through the heart of the company. AinsCo cares about its clients, and is fair, honest, approachable and responsive to their specific needs.” Edward Arrowsmith, Technical Manager at AinsCo, said: “Having started out in the industry way back in the 1980s, I have enjoyed a long and varied career so far, and seen my role and skills evolve dramatically over the years. I look forward to bringing these skills and experience to AinsCo, and the opportunity to mentor those coming through the ranks, which I know is a top priority for the company.” Dean Broderick, Project Manager at AinsCo, said: “AinsCo are widely regarded as one of the best companies to work for in the North West and after working for some big companies throughout my long career both in England and Europe, I’m really looking forward to now working with the companies host of local, regional and national clients, in what is an extremely exciting time for the firm both in and out of the office. Share this post on our LinkedIn or Twitter.   See more news here.