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Developments in emergency lighting 2019

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Developments in emergency lighting 2019 For those who are not aware, there have been some recent updates to the standards for emergency lighting, BS 5266-1. With the current situation there has been what is known as ‘Emergency escape lighting’, which provides indication and illumination of exit routes to enable them to be used at all times. However, there are two new developments: safety lighting and dynamic safety signage systems.  Continued monitoring of the safety of premises has identified two main areas that emergency lighting can be useful. Safety lighting provides illumination to protect occupants who remain in a premises during a supply failure. Dynamic Safety Signage Systems help with the input of the precise location of fire and other hazards, which enables occupants to be directed to the safest exit routes. To define these two areas further, an explanation: Safety Lighting– Monitoring the actions of users in a supply failure very few immediately evacuate the premises most wait to see if it is a short duration break or try and do their best to carry on as normal. Safety lighting is designed to protect anyone staying in the building during a supply failure there are a number of techniques that can be used and recommendations are given in BS 5266-1 for the minimum light levels that are appropriate. (While a major need for emergency lighting is to assist occupants to leave the building in the case of fire it also has a safety benefit to protect the occupants when the normal lighting supply fails this includes reducing trip hazards and allowing the operation of safety critical duties). Dynamic Safety Signage Systems DSSS Modern fire detection systemscan pin point the areas of a building contaminated by fire or smoke now operators of the premises can decide if occupants should be directed away from escape routes that are unsafe DSS Systems allow that information to be communicated to the occupants by conditioning the information provided by the escape route signage guidance on how this should be achieved and the pitfalls to be avoided is explained in the seminar. Both of these new techniques offer considerable benefits which are added to be the new developments on product design and application. There have been further updates, too.  For your ease and convenience, you can download the presentation below: Emergency Lighting Presentation.pdf FIA Trainer Ian Watts presented the above PowerPoint in 2018 at Lux Live to highlight the work being conducted by both manufacturers and standards committees.  CEN 169 Working Group 3 have been tasked with looking into this technology, which supports safe emergency escape lighting with the interface from other systems such as BMS and fire equipment.  This integration has been formally mentioned in the latest draft issued in January 2019 for BS 7273 part 6 and CEN 169 WG3 continue to discuss how the use of Dynamic Safety Signage Systems may create directional and negated messages for safe building occupation and evacuation. For those that would like further information about the updates to emergency lighting, the FIA runs two courses: Emergency Lighting Foundation and Design, and Emergency Lighting Advanced Maintenance and Operation. Both courses are just a day each, and contain all the information you need relating to emergency lighting and BS 5266-1. Emergency Lighting Foundation & Design This one-day course enables fire safety professionals to design an emergency lighting system. The course is based on BS 5266­-1. Benefits include: Being able to design, install, test and maintain emergency lighting systems Engineers will gain the knowledge and understanding to be able to provide advice on emergency lighting, design a lighting scheme and be able to install, test and maintain as required Course manuals to take away and refer to Book now >> Emergency Lighting Advanced Maintenance and Operation  Based on BS 5266­-1, this one-day course further develops the knowledge and skills of the fire alarm engineer to include servicing & maintenance of the emergency lighting system Benefits include: Engineers will be able to audit an existing system, provide advice on routine maintenance and to carry out periodic and remedial servicing Knowledge and understanding to be able to provide advice on emergency lighting system maintenance and servicing requirements, auditing and testing a system, completion of servicing, fault rectification and associated certification

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Vimpex dynamic duo on show at Firex International

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Vimpex dynamic duo on show at Firex International Leading independent manufacturer and distributor of fire alarm evacuation and building infrastructure products and accessories Vimpex, will be featuring their market-leading Identifire and Fire-Cryer ranges of evacuation and alarm sounders, beacons and system accessories at this year’s Firex International (18-20 June Excel London) on Stand FX940. All UK manufactured by Vimpex, the Identifire range of 50+ evacuation and alarm sounders, beacons and system accessories – offering flawless functionality combined with sleek design – ensures easy installation; Fire-Cryer voice enhanced sounders are proven to reduce delay and response rates in evacuation times and are as simple to install as electronic sounders. Fire-Cryer Solo providing the clearest, unambiguous voice message for communication at critical times. Vimpex is the UK’s leading independent manufacturer and distributor of Fire Detection, Alarm and Evacuation products and accessories, manufacturing and distributing a wide range of high quality Evacuation, Signalling and Building Infrastructure System products.

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No sign of arson in Notre-Dame blaze

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No sign of arson in Notre-Dame blaze The fire that tore through Notre-Dame cathedral was probably caused by accident, French prosecutors said on Tuesday after firefighters doused the last flames in the ruins overnight and the nation grieved for the destruction of one of its symbols. More than 400 firemen were needed to tame the inferno that consumed the roof and collapsed the spire of the eight-centuries-old cathedral. They worked through the night to extinguish the fire some 14 hours after it began. Paris Public Prosecutor Remy Heitz said there was no obvious indication the fire was arson. Fifty people were working on what would be a long and complex investigation. One firefighter was injured but no one else was hurt in the blaze which began after the building was closed to the public for the evening. From the outside, the imposing bell towers and outer walls, with their vast flying buttresses, still stood firm, but the insides and the upper structure were eviscerated by the blaze. Firefighters examined the gothic facade and could be seen walking atop the belfries as police kept the area in lockdown. Investigators will not be able to enter the cathedral’s blackened nave until experts are satisfied its stone walls withstood the heat and the building is structurally sound. The fire swiftly ripped through the cathedral’s timbered roof supports, where workmen had been carrying out extensive renovations to the spire’s wooden frame. The Paris prosecutor has opened an investigation into “involuntary destruction by fire”. Police on Tuesday began questioning the workers involved in the restoration, the prosecutor’s office said. Hundreds of stunned onlookers had lined the banks of the Seine river late into the night as the fire raged, reciting prayers and singing liturgical music in harmony as they stood in vigil. “Yesterday we thought the whole cathedral would collapse. Yet this morning she is still standing, valiant, despite everything. It is a sign of hope,” said Sister Marie Aimee, a nun who had hurried to a nearby church to pray as the fire spread. Interior view of Notre-Dame de Paris in the aftermath of a fire that devastated the cathedral, during the visit of French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner (not pictured) in Paris, France, April 16, 2019. Christophe Petit Tesson/Pool via REUTERS It was at Notre-Dame that Napoleon was made emperor in 1804, Pope Pius X beatified Joan of Arc in 1909 and former presidents Charles de Gaulle and Francois Mitterrand were mourned. Messages of condolence flooded in from around the world. Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, was praying for those affected, the Vatican said, adding: “Notre-Dame will always remain – and we have seen this in these hours – a place where believers and non-believers can come together in the most dramatic moments of French history.” Queen Elizabeth expressed deep sadness while her son and heir Prince Charles said he was “utterly heartbroken”.

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Back by popular demand: “Building a safer future” seminar – an opportunity to discuss the grey areas of the implementation of the Hackitt Review

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Back by popular demand: “Building a safer future” seminar – an opportunity to discuss the grey areas of the implementation of the Hackitt Review Due to the sell-out success of the Fire Protection Association’s “Building a safer future” seminar in Gloucestershire in February, a similar event has been planned to take place in London in April. The seminar will take a refreshed look at the Hackitt Review implementation plan and how safety standards and regulations are changing in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Speakers will address the implications for industry, stakeholders, and residents of tall buildings, and how different agencies can work together to improve and promote fire safety. Karen Beauchamp from Clevertronics, attended the Gloucestershire seminar and said: “I had a really positive experience. It was a great opportunity to be amongst professionals that value quality, compliance and safety above costs and have a common ground to make the environment we live and work in a safer place”. The government’s response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s recommendations, “Building a Safer Future”, was released in December in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy and confirmed that a ‘stronger and more effective regulatory framework’ is required which ‘commits the government to a programme of reform over the coming years’. Commenting on the relevance of the seminar, Fire Protection Association Managing Director Jonathan O’Neill said: “Whilst we welcome all the work on building regulations that has been achieved to date by Dame Judith Hackitt, since the government’s implementation plan it has become apparent that there are many grey areas that need un-picking, so that those implementing the recommendations actually understand the implications.” The event will be chaired by John Smeaton, Chair of the Fire Protection Association and speakers include: Nick Coombe – Protection Vice-Chair, national Fire Chief’s Council – How will the enforcement regulation landscape evolve? Tom Roche – FM Global – Impact of Grenfell from a commercial property insurer perspective Dr Jim Glockling – Technical Director, Fire Protection Association – Building information modelling (BIM) and resilient buildings Graham Watts – Chief Executive, Construction Industry Council – Creating the competency framework Howard Passey – Principal Consultant, Fire Protection Association – The Future for Fire Risk Assessment and Risk Management   Learning outcomes on the day will include: Dame Judith Hackitt’s recommendations and how these will be implemented Are fire regulations fit for purpose? The view of ‘early adopters’ and safety of high-rise buildings The future of compliance and enforcement How sectors can work collaboratively This London based seminar is ideal for: Social housing providers Building owners, landlords and managing agents Insurers/brokers Facilities/building managers Health and safety managers Construction industry professionals and manufacturers Architects and designers Building control officers and approved inspectors Fire risk assessors Fire engineers Fire and rescue services enforcement officers Seminar details: Date: Monday 29th April 2019 Venue: The Cavendish Conference Centre, London Time: 10:00 – 16:00 To book Further details can be found at: www.thefpa.co.uk/training/training-courses_detail.building-a-safer-future-london.html

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Ljubljana Fire Brigade opt for Bristol XFlex

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Ljubljana Fire Brigade opt for Bristol XFlex Bristol Uniforms, a leading designer and manufacturer of protective clothing for emergency services across the globe, has joined forces with its international distributor Rosenbauer Slovenia to secure a contract with Ljubljana Fire Brigade. Rosenbauer Slovenia and Bristol’s world-class design team worked closely to produce the winning design, which is based on Bristol’s ergonomic and lightweight XFlex design and customised to accommodate specific equipment. They used the latest fabric technology to create a quality, bespoke garment using a Hainsworth TITAN1220 outer layer, a GORE-TEX® CROSSTECH® FIREBLOCKER moisture barrier and a Hainsworth ECO-DRY ACTIVE lining. The XFlex design met Ljubljana’s core requirements – manufactured to European standards, fit for purpose, comfortable, ergonomic and durable – but was adapted to ensure it fully complied with their brief, including a special shaped collar, waist adjuster straps and additional padding on the shoulders. As well as having specific fabric and design requirements, the brigade also wanted the design to incorporate a number of different loops, hooks and pockets to accommodate a specific harness belt, radio and mic, torch, carabiner and Pax bag. Bristol’s experienced design team is well-versed in customising garments and delivered to a high specification. Aleš Vrščaj, Area Sales Manager at Rosenbauer Slovenia said: “We invested a lot of time into understanding the brief and requirements, and are very pleased with the finished design, as were Ljubljana. We were up against some strong competitors in the industry but in the end, our competitively priced tender, attention to detail and sound understanding of the brief gave us the edge.” Richard Cranham, International Sales Manager at Bristol Uniforms said: “We have a long history of supplying Ljubljana Fire Brigade, who procured PPE from us until the mid 2000s, and are pleased that they have once more opted for Bristol kit. The contract will see us supplying the Brigade with 220 sets of kit over three years, including warranty. They have already taken delivery of 114 sets and feedback so far is really positive.” For further information about Bristol Uniforms and XFlex, visit www.bristoluniforms.com

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FireAngel shortlisted for ASCP Safety and Compliance Awards

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FireAngel shortlisted for ASCP Safety and Compliance Awards FireAngel Safety Technology Limited, one of Europe’s leading smoke, heat and carbon monoxide suppliers, has been shortlisted in this year’s upcoming ASCP Safety and Compliance Awards for the ‘Product of the Year’ category. By featuring a unique patented software, FireAngel’s unique cloud based technology, FireAngel Predict, revolutionises the way social housing providers manage their housing portfolios by enabling remote testing and monitoring of smoke, heat and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. This enables landlords to manage estate and maintenance requirements at all times, fulfilling their duty of care and protecting the most vulnerable of tenants as the software records information in real time and transmits it wirelessly via a cloud-based network. FireAngel Predict has been installed by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) and South Wales Fire and Rescue Services (SWFRS) in the homes of those who are at greatest risk, including vulnerable social housing tenants or elderly individuals who may require assisted living. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Services (DSFRS) have also planned to launch FireAngel Predict. FireAngel has also recently secured a partnership with national housing and social care provider, Mears Group, who are responsible for the maintenance, repair and upgrade of over 700,000 social housing properties across the UK. The system will enable Mears’ clients to streamline the maintenance management processes by facilitating direct interaction with tenants when seeking to arrange repairs and maintenance visits. Alongside FireAngel’s Wi-Safe 2 network, the System utilises Z-Wave wireless communication technology, providing the potential for the System to connect with other devices and offer additional functionality. The cloud-based monitoring platform has enabled a shift towards prevention, in addition to reaction, through the ability to detect the risk of a future fire event. FireAngel Predict has a unique predictive algorithm which uses real time data to accurately identify changes in behaviour to highlight properties with an increased risk of fire and sends an alert to the relevant person, be that a social landlord or relative, and ultimately protect lives. The ASCP Conference and Exhibition 2019 is being held on 24th and 25th April at Celtic Manor, where FireAngel will be showcasing its complete range of fire safety solutions, including its comprehensive range of interlinked alarms. FireAngel will be attending the ASCP Safety and Compliance Award as a finalist on 24th April, where they hope to take first place. For more information on FireAngel and its range of smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms, please call 0800 171 2009 or visit www.fireangel.co.uk.

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LGA call for tougher sprinkler regulations

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LGA call for tougher sprinkler regulations A new briefing issued by the LGA calls on ministers to ensure that automatic fire suppression systems (AFSS) are installed in new buildings where vulnerable people sleep. It also calls on the Government to lower its threshold on the height of new buildings where AFSS systems, such as sprinklers are mandatory, from 30 metres down to 18 metres high. “Not only are these measures proven to be more effective in enhancing building safety but introducing them would provide reassurance to residents who are concerned about their safety,” the briefing stated. The LGA has also called on the Government to help “any council experiencing financial difficulty” after removing and replacing flammable housing on any of its tower blocks. It warned that more than half of the fire and rescue services in England and Wales have experienced “significant increases” in the amount of prevention and protection work following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. “These checks have had to be carried out in the context of reductions to the fire service workforce, as well as funding reductions for both local authorities and fire and rescue authorities,” the report stated. “We are concerned that this approach to ensuring people’s safety is not sustainable.” Earlier this month, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) called for two staircases to be built in all new tower blocks, after warning current safety guidance is “deeply flawed.” In its response to the Government’s technical consultation on Approved Document B, RIBA called for at least two staircases in new residential buildings, where the top floor is more than 11m above ground level or more than three storeys high. “We simply cannot allow buildings to continue to be built to regulations and guidance that everyone, including the government, acknowledges are deeply flawed,” said the Chair of RIBA’s Expert Advisory Group on Fire Safety, Jane Duncan.

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Building owners in the Emirates could reduce risk of fire losses by correctly implementing UAE fire code, says AESG

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Building owners in the Emirates could reduce risk of fire losses by correctly implementing UAE fire code, says AESG In the year since the major update to the UAE’s Fire and Life Code of Practice in early 2018, its implementation rate has been steadily growing at an encouraging pace. AESG states that while new developments have been quick to implement the regulations and safety measures stipulated in this code, there is need for existing properties to follow suite. At its Fire and Facades Forum held this month in Dubai, AESG’s Director of Fire and Life Safety, Peter Van Gorp outlined the key challenges UAE developers face with ensuring fire and life safety. “We see building owners grappling with the complexities of retroactively implementing the necessary changes to already approved constructions and fire safety systems. And even once this has been addressed, there is the question of ensuring the operability and maintainability of these systems.” While overcoming these hurdles may seem daunting, he advises that the payoff is significant as adherence to the UAE fire code could ‘reduce the risk of potential loss of life or property damage by a factor of 100′. For both new and existing developments, the company advocates the involvement of a fire safety specialist to design and execute the measures needed to ensure compliance with the code. In addition, AESG recommends periodic safety inspections by certified third-party fire safety engineers as a requisite to ensuring correct maintenance and operation of implemented systems. “Civil Defence authorities in the UAE have done an excellent job of promoting the revised code and making it easily accessible to anyone who wants a copy. The onus is now on developers to engage with competent fire engineers right from the initial design stages,” said Van Gorp. “For all new projects that AESG is involved in, we make sure fire safety systems are made a priority and work closely with architects, façade engineers and other teams as a coordinated effort is key to success.” The Head of Façade Engineering at AESG, Belarmino Cordero, considered that the newly defined accountability in the updated UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice will benefit the country’s built environment. “Ensuring code compliance in design and construction is now a shared responsibility between consultants, manufacturers, contractors and owners. The code clearly stipulates what the responsibilities are and puts in place the necessary control procedures.” www.aesg-me.com

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Key Hose launches the first new diameter attack line in decades, TRU-ID 2.25-inch

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Key Hose launches the first new diameter attack line in decades, TRU-ID 2.25-inch Key Hose has launched the first new diameter attack line in decades. Introducing TRU-ID 2.25-inch, the latest addition to true diameter hose solutions. When introduced in 2017, TRU-ID set new standards for ergonomic, lightweight, high quality, double-jacketed attack lines. Now, TRU-ID 225 adds more options to this game-changing line of high-performance attack lines. TRU-ID 225 combines an exclusive true internal diameter of 2.25-inch with a smaller outside diameter for a more ergonomic grip, so firefighters can easily manoeuvre and precisely guide the handline. TRU-ID 225 is ideally suited for high rise applications and large calibre attack line operations. When charged, each 50′ length of TRU-ID 225 eliminates over 20 pounds of weight clearly outperforming traditional 2.5-inch attack lines. Premium double jacket construction offers higher abrasion and puncture resistance for maximum dependability. The exclusive tru-tuned diameter is guaranteed to wash out kinks and deliver targeted flow rates while providing the nozzleman increased mobility with less fatigue. Doug Bonney, Director of Sales and Marketing, Key Hose, stated, “We are excited to deliver this revolutionary hose size to the industry. At Key, we are constantly looking for ways to provide firefighters solutions to the everchanging challenges they face.” Mr. Bonney went on to say, “Our commitment has always been to listen to these experts, so that we can design and engineer innovative products that make firefighting more efficient, and more effective with safety in mind.” TRU-ID 225 is designed for use with low pressure/high volume nozzles and comes standard with lightweight, laser engraved, extruded aluminium alloy couplings. These anodized, threaded expansion ring couplings are guaranteed for the life of the hose. The laser engraved TRU-ID logo is your assurance of genuine TRU-ID technology. TRU-ID 225 is made and tested in Dothan, Alabama and is NFPA compliant. Classic performance in an innovative design and rugged construction guaranteed to withstand the rigors of the fire ground for years to come. TRU-ID 225 from the hose experts, Key Hose seizes the power of targeted flows with command and control performance. www.keyhose.com

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Hainsworth Technology reveals new identity with the needs of the modern-day firefighter at its core

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Hainsworth Technology reveals new identity with the needs of the modern-day firefighter at its core Hainsworth Technology has overhauled their brand in response to demand for a refreshed identity that makes a deeper connection with the modern-day firefighter. By listening, Hainsworth Technology have not only been able to develop cutting edge fabrics that surpass international standards, but also to produce textiles that meet the specific needs of those who wear PPE daily on the frontline. The new identity aims to project this ethos and demonstrate Hainsworth Technology’s unrivalled knowledge in the market and commitment to continuous innovation. The nine-month project included an in-depth research phase, comprising of marketplace, industry, trend and competitor research, as well as visits to supplier partners. The result is a brand-new website, refreshed literature and a series of hard-hitting animations showcasing the benefits of the product range. Ultimately, their mission is to keep firefighters safe, and this is realised through a process coined by Hainsworth as Fibre Positioning Technology. Over the last 150 years the company has built up an intimate knowledge of the properties of different fibres and yarns, and how they must be placed, positioned and woven together to produce fabric that is stronger than the sum of its parts. This results in the highest levels of protection, comfort and quality when it is needed most. Hainsworth Technology has always taken the time to listen to emergency personnel throughout the world, continually asking them how their roles are changing and in turn how their PPE fabric must evolve and improve. This is mirrored in the new brand, with bold, emotive head shot style imagery and quotes from firefighters and employees on their experiences with the kit. The roll out of the new identity aims to reinforce what Hainsworth Technology has stood for since its inception; commitment to quality, dedication to the market. www.hainsworthtechnology.co.uk

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