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Advanced panels recognised with FM Approvals diamond mark

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Advanced panels recognised with FM Approvals diamond mark Axis EN and MxPro 5 fire panels from global systems leader, Advanced, have been certified by FM Approvals to the EN 54 standard, becoming the first UK-manufactured fire alarm control panels to attain this accreditation. The FM APPROVED diamond is one of the most prestigious certification marks in the world. It is issued by FM Approvals, a member of the FM Global Group, for products that adhere to the highest property conservation standards in quality, technical integrity and performance. It is a mark of quality and performance that is relevant for any engineer, specifier or building owner wishing to install fire systems that meet the highest property conservation standards. Advanced’s products lead the market in performance, quality and ease-of-use and the company has been at the forefront of standards leadership for decades across many of the 80 countries it operates in. As well as holding FM Approval for EN54 Parts 2 & 4, the Axis EN and MxPro 5 fire panels were among the first to obtain EN54 Part 13 from VdS. The FM Approval of Advanced’s fire panels also included an inspection of Advanced’s manufacturing sites as it moves into its HQ in Newcastle in the North East of England. The MxPro 5 and Axis EN labels and branding are being updated with the FM certification in early 2019. John Newton, Head of Products at Advanced, said, “Receiving FM Approval for our Axis EN and MxPro 5 fire panels is a proud moment for everyone at Advanced and is significant for all of our customers and partners. It further differentiates Advanced as a business that has achieved high standards in fire systems quality, technical integrity and performance globally. That difference is significant, and it means that companies across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Africa now have access to our industry-leading range of MxPro 5 and Axis EN products.” The MxPro 5 multi-protocol panel and Axis EN systems panel are certified to EN54 Parts 2, 4 & 13 and come in one-to-eight-loop variants as standard, with further custom build options available. Both product ranges are easily configured into high speed, 200-panel networks, covering huge areas with tens of thousands of field devices. They include high performance features such as Advanced’s complete false alarm reduction software, AlarmCalm, and TouchControl, Advanced’s control and touchscreen repeaters that feature Active Maps and zone plans. Advanced are specified from the smallest to the largest buildings globally including in some of the most prestigious developments such as; The Shard in London, Abu Dhabi’s International Airport and Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia. FM Approvals is an international leader in third-party testing and certification services for property loss prevention products and services for use in commercial and industrial facilities to verify they meet rigorous loss prevention standards. FM Approvals employs a worldwide certification process that is backed by scientific research and testing, and over a century of experience. The FM APPROVED mark is recognised and respected worldwide. Advanced’s Axis EN and MxPro 5 fire panels are now listed in FM Approvals’ on-line Approval Guide which houses real-time information about tens of thousands of products and services certified by FM Approvals. Advanced is a world leader in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire systems. The performance, quality and ease of use of its products sees Advanced specified in locations all over the world, from single panel installations to large, multi-site networks. Advanced’s products include complete fire detection systems, multi-protocol fire panels, extinguishing control, fire paging and false alarm management systems. uk.advancedco.com

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Rosenbauer UK restructures senior leadership team

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Rosenbauer UK restructures senior leadership team Rosenbauer UK, British manufacturer of firefighting appliances, has significantly restructured its senior leadership team, as the company prepares to consolidate its growth over the next five years. Nick Uwins takes the reins as Managing Director, following a promotion from his former role of Sales and Engineering Director. With over 28 years of fire industry experience, he replaces founder Oliver North who led the business since its formation in 2008. Mr North will now fulfil an official advisory role for Rosenbauer in conjunction with pursuing new challenges outside of the fire sector. Ian Robertshaw has taken up the post of Head of Operations, from his previous role as Service Director, while Nina Robertshaw, who has been with the firm since February 2017, has assumed responsibility of Head of Finance and Administration. The reshuffle comes on the back of a record year for Rosenbauer UK in 2018, which saw the organisation increase turnover by over 210% to £18 million; in turn filling its order book up to March 2020. Rosenbauer UK will also bolster its sales and service team throughout 2019 to uphold its quality of aftersales care and strong period of growth. Commenting on his new role, Uwins said, “Rosenbauer UK has formed a well-earned reputation for delivering first-class technology and service, alongside an unrivalled culture among our employees. These internal appointments will therefore ensure consistency during this period of change, as Oliver steps back from the fore. “Having been a part of the team since January 2016, it’s a pleasure to now be leading the company, and I look forward to fulfilling the contracts which we have secured over the past few months. We’ll also continue to increase front line vehicle and equipment technology.” Finishing, North said, “Combined, Nick, Ian and Nina have wide-reaching experience, knowledge and expertise, and I look forward to maintaining my involvement within an advisory capacity, as the company continues through its current phase of growth. It has been an honour to drive the organisation to where it is today and know the new Senior Leadership Team will continue to drive quality and efficiency.” www.rosenbauer.co.uk

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It’s time for IMPACT! 4EVAC’s new IMPACT showcases at ISE 2019

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It’s time for IMPACT! 4EVAC’s new IMPACT showcases at ISE 2019 Voice alarm (VA) and public address (PA) expert, 4EVAC, announced that it will be showcasing its new IMPACT system at ISE, RAI, Amsterdam, 6-8 February 2019, Hall 7 T194. Previewed at last year’s ISE, IMPACT has already made an impression as the latest addition to 4EVAC’s cutting edge range of modular systems, namely the COMPACT 500 and LoopDrive. IMPACT features 4EVAC’s signatory modular control and monitoring products that deliver secure communications to wide areas. A key feature is their redundancy, which enables evacuation instructions and general announcements to be broadcast even if the carrier network becomes damaged or faulty. The IMPACT concept takes existing 4EVAC products, including the DCA-2.500 amplifier and 4EVAC Manager programming application and integrates them with a new CONTROLLER to create a powerful yet compact system. IMPACT is able to distribute messages over multiple loudspeaker lines to more zones using fewer amplifiers. The DCA-2.500 amplifier itself sits in a 2U, 19-inch rack. Van Der Hout described it as “an old school” type of amp, with a transformer isolated for 100V and 50V outputs. It can also be bridged into a total output of 1000W. The DCA-2.500 is a D-Class unit and conforms to the EN54-16 and EN54-4 standard. Albert Van Der Hout, 4EVAC’s Division Manager, said, “other features include an internal, scalable battery charger for the 24VDC backup, which supports the dual voltage mains supply. An innovative feature of the IMPACT system is that the DCA-2.500 not only powers the system, it is able to charge and monitor the battery pack for up to three 1000W amps. This ensures reliability, while cutting the amount of hardware that needs to be installed, at the same time lowering installation and operating costs”. www.4EVAC.com

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Kentec protects Grade I Listed Granary Court

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Kentec protects Grade I Listed Granary Court A sophisticated addressable fire alarm panel, manufactured by Kentec, a life safety control systems manufacturer, is protecting employees, residents and property at Grade I Listed Granary Court in Norfolk. The two-storey medieval granary and cottage, now converted into office space and meeting rooms, is constructed of flint and stone dressings, and has a plain and pantile roof. The project required a solution sensitive to the property’s age, stone construction and listing, as well as a reliable system trusted to protect an important historic building. The solution, designed, supplied, installed and commissioned by East Coast Fire & Security includes Kentec’s single-loop Syncro AS addressable fire panel, Apollo XP95 detection devices, addressable beacon sounder bases, optical smoke detectors, heat sensors, multi-criteria sensors, manual call points (MCPs) and intelligent input/output units. The system is connected to an alarm receiving centre (ARC) to provide 24/7 monitoring. Simon Hubbard, Director, East Coast Fire & Security, said that because of the sensitivity and the focus on reliability, Kentec’s fire panel was the only choice. “The Syncro AS panel is simple to install, which is useful for a project of this complexity, but more importantly it is also very easy for the customer to operate.” Syncro AS is a multi-protocol panel, providing maximum choice in system design. It has powerful cause and effects software and can be used to network up to 64 panels, meaning a system can be expanded as and when required. “The project was challenging because of the age of the building and because it involved working alongside other specialist contractors,” Simon explained. “Kentec provided invaluable support to both ourselves and the customer and the result is a project that is a great success.” www.kentec.co.uk

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Perimeter Solutions expands presence in the global fire foam market

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Perimeter Solutions expands presence in the global fire foam market Perimeter Solutions announced it has completed the acquisition of Solberg, the firefighting foam products division of Amerex Corporation. Solberg produces foam systems hardware and advanced firefighting foam concentrate technologies under the SOLBERG, RE-HEALING, ARCTIC, and FIRE-BRAKE brand names. Solberg foam products address rising demand for technology that meet stringent fire performance criteria, and environmental safety standards. The Green Bay, Wisconsin-based company brings over 50 years of foam industry knowledge and formulating expertise to Perimeter Solutions, including a new generation of environmentally-friendly fluorosurfactant and fluoropolymer free fire foam. “The acquisition of Solberg was a natural next step for Perimeter Solutions global fire safety business. This acquisition significantly expands the company’s commitment to client service, diversity of capabilities, and technical excellence in market-preferred foam products,” stated Perimeter President and CEO, Edward Goldberg. “We are thrilled to add the highly talented, industry experienced Solberg team to our growing fire safety business and to our expanding group of valued customers.” Perimeter Solutions will integrate Solberg’s global operations within its existing manufacturing and sales ecosystem to expand its global technology and supply position in fire suppressant foam technology. “We are excited to join the Perimeter Solutions family. As we looked for the right partner to continue our journey it was important to find an organization whose core values aligned with ours,” stated Solberg’s President Bill Smith. “Perimeter Solutions is that partner. Perimeter Solutions is a great organization that is committed to customer service and is focused on developing innovative fire foam solutions for high-hazard, high-risk environments. Together we will truly be able to offer our customers the most innovative range of foam concentrates and foam systems hardware for use in industrial, institutional and commercial markets.” www.perimeter-solutions.com/

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Hochiki Europe systems partner secures £1.5m contract to protect North East hospital

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Hochiki Europe systems partner secures £1.5m contract to protect North East hospital Tees Fire Systems (TFS), has won a seven-figure contract to install a new hybrid system in a busy North Tees Hospital. TFS are one of twenty companies nationwide that are part of life safety manufacturer, Hochiki Europe’s, exclusive Systems Partners Network. The accolade recognises TFS Limited as a company with extensive expertise in the life safety and security industry and gives them use of the latest products and technologies available from Hochiki Europe. The University Hospital of North Tees provides services to people living in East Durham, Hartlepool, Stockton-on-Tees and the surrounding areas. The hospital was founded in 1968 and has capacity for 563 beds across eight floors and the estate is managed by North Tees and Hartlepool Solution LLP. As part of the contract, TFS made the decision to specify innovative products from Hochiki Europe for the project, as they boasted the highest compliance to standards, flexibility and unrivalled reliability. Kevin Hynes, Managing Director at TFS said: “When our tender for the North Tees Hospital contract was successful, we were praised for our technical knowledge, which is a testament to the hard work of our sales team, and our status as an Hochiki Europe Systems Partner.” During the course of the contract, TFS is providing ongoing technical support for the end-user around the installed solutions. The company also held monthly progress meetings with hospital facilities managers to keep disruption to staff and patients to a minimum. Mark Smith, UK Sales Manager at Hochiki Europe, added: “Installing life safety systems in healthcare environments can be challenging due to the complex layout of these buildings and the vulnerability of occupants. As well as keeping disruption to a minimum, it’s also important that the new installation does not compromise the functionality of existing systems. “Over the next two years, we will work closely with TFS to ensure that the new fire alarm system will provide the highest levels of safety from the very moment it is installed, to best protect staff, patients and the premises.” Steven Taylor, Assistant Director of Estates and Capital – North Tees and Hartlepool Solution LLP, the organisation responsible for the management of the healthcare estate said: “We were very impressed by the technical knowledge and significant experience demonstrated by TFS of working within a busy hospital environment. TFS’s approach and insight is refreshing and provides the trust with confidence that the project will be well managed and progressed in a collaborative manner. Work to install the new system started in June this year and is expected to be completed by Summer 2020. www.hochikieurope.com

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New SIL 2 compliant 316L stainless steel call points for onshore and offshore applications

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New SIL 2 compliant 316L stainless steel call points for onshore and offshore applications E2S Warning Signals has announced that its STExCP8 manual call points are SIL2 compliant to IEC 61508, allowing system integrators greater confidence when designing systems requiring an enhanced safety integrity level. The robust devices are part of the comprehensive STEx family of explosion/flameproof audible and visual signalling devices and feature highest grade 316L stainless steel enclosures. Designed for installation in the harshest of onshore and offshore environments, the call points and push buttons are IECEx and ATEX approved for use in Zone 1 and 2 hazardous areas for fire and gas alarm systems and emergency shutdown and process control applications. A choice of four operating mechanisms are available: a break glass call point and three push buttons with momentary activation, tool reset latching and dual action manual reset. The break glass unit employs a plastic-coated glass element for operator safety and an optional stainless steel lift flap is available to prevent inadvertent operation. Dual M20 cable entries are provided that can be orientated for top or bottom cable entry with a further M20 entry on the side. All unused entries are fitted as standard with stainless steel blanking plugs; adaptors for ½” NPT, ¾’’ NPT and M25 are also available factory fitted. In addition to a single or double switch option, terminations can be specified as standard DIN rail or the innovative E2S termination board. With dedicated connections, field or factory installed EOL and/or series devices can be removed or changed without disturbing system cabling. The enhanced corrosion resistant 316L marine grade STExCP8 range of call points and push buttons complements the existing lightweight GNExCP6 GRP and BExCP3 copper free marine grade LM6 aluminium alloy families, enabling specifiers to select the most appropriate enclosure material for their installation environment. www.e2s.com  

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Bristol’s structural PPE achieves new NFPA standard

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Bristol’s structural PPE achieves new NFPA standard Bristol Uniforms’ XFlex and Ergotech Action structural firefighting ranges have achieved accreditation for the new National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard for firefighting PPE. The NFPA is a major standard-setting body on the world stage, covering the USA, South America, the Middle East and the Asia Pacific region. It oversees nearly 300 safety standards on a range of subjects including fire safety.   The standard, originally created in 1971 for Protective Ensembles for Structural and Proximity Fire Fighting, establishes minimum levels of protection from thermal, physical, environmental, and bloodborne hazards.  It has recently undergone a revision to become NFPA 1971-2018.  As such, new and updated safety measures have been put in place, with requirements applying to the design, performance and testing of structural firefighting PPE.  XFlex is Bristol’s flagship range in structural firefighting PPE. The trouser and coat combination is ergonomically designed, with distinctive sports styling, enabling excellent range of movement and flexibility which helps firefighters carry out their physical roles more effectively.  Its combination of protective and breathable light-weight materials offers maximum comfort and guard against heat stress. Ergotech Action is an alternative design also popular with firefighters across the world. Like XFlex, it is lightweight and ergonomic, featuring special shoulder shaping, which provides greater comfort when wearing breathing apparatus, plus large underarm gussets for greater reach manoeuvrability. Both XFlex and Ergotech Action ranges are available to firefighters across the world, having also achieved accreditations from the European Standard of Certification (CEN) and the International Standards Organisation (ISO). Paul Gibson, International Sales Manager at Bristol Uniforms, commented, “At Bristol, we believe international standards provide an essential safeguard, enabling firefighting services across the world to confidently purchase kit of good quality that has been through rigorous testing and is fit for purpose. “Our structural PPE ranges passed the new NFPA certification with flying colours, and very few adaptations. Both styles are popular in every region of the world, favoured for their light weight and comfortable fit.” www.bristoluniforms.com

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California wildfire has now claimed the lives of 63 people with a further 631 still missing

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California wildfire has now claimed the lives of 63 people with a further 631 still missing The current California wildfire branded as California’s deadliest wildfire on record as death toll rises to 63, with 631 people still missing. The fire has surpassed the Northern California wine country wildfires of 2017, which took the lives of 44 people. The town of Paradise, previously housing 27,000 people, is being searched by U.S National Guard troops, recovery workers and cadaver dogs in the hopes of finding further victims or those still missing. Despite recently diminished winds and the strenuous efforts of firefighters across North America, the “Camp Fire” has grown to over 135,000 acres. Its vast expanse of land covered, number of fatalities and number of buildings destroyed qualifies this fire as one of the deadliest wildfires in the US since the turn of the century. Fuelled by a season of drought and high temperatures, symptomatic of global warming, the wind-driven flames hit Paradise with surprising speed. The number of fleeing residents contributed to the surge of confirmed casualties as authorities confirmed that some victims were found in the wreckage of their vehicles. A staggering 12,000 homes and buildings have been decimated, causing the recovery process to be increasingly difficult as demand for identification rises. Only three victims have been officially named by authorities. Butte County Sheriff, Kory Honea, gave a press conference on Tuesday, in which he stated that the Sheriff’s department are attempting to identify DNA samples of recovered remains by testing DNA provided by the relatives of missing people. The list of 631 people missing will continuously change as people turn up having fled or victims are identified amongst the dead. A further two victims have been discovered in a blaze across Malibu at the other end of the state.

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Interview: Abhishek Chhabra, Thomas Bell-Wright International Consultants

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Interview: Abhishek Chhabra, Thomas Bell-Wright International Consultants Abhishek Chhabra discusses the Abu Dhabi conference for Safety Design in Buildings taking place in December. Safety Design in Buildings (SDIB) is the leading debating platform for safety and fire professionals in the construction industry. Experts give their insights into risk assessments, holistic fire safety design, operational technology and building accessibility. Thomas Bell-Wright International Consultants (TBWIC) is a Dubai-based engineering firm that provides Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) services in the commercial building sector. Abhishek Chhabra, Marketing Development Manager for TBWIC, one of the speakers in the upcoming conference, shares his thoughts. Chhabra begins by discussing the Gulf Cooperation Council Markets (GCC markets). He explains how, aside from GCC markets, the whole world has been reacting to new knowledge and new understanding of fire safety, specifically relating, but not limited to, cladding. Each country’s geography is different and as a result, their construction and fire safety are also, but the building core must remain the same in terms of passive fire protection, fire doors and fire related products. He continues to explain how the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence has been increasing awareness to new developers and building owners to ensure that they are prepared to bring complete fire safety into new and maintained constructions. Chhabra follows this by debunking the most common myths and misconceptions with testing and certification processes. He establishes that everybody has the same intent, to create a fire safe building, and that there are specific internationally published standards and guidelines of how fire life and safety should be brought into buildings. He continues to explain TBWIC’s role in enforcing this “intent”, through testing, inspecting and certificating all aspects of fire safety in construction. He explains how they must work in partnership with the Civil Defence to continuously strive to raise the minimum requirements in fire safety. Chhabra finishes the interview by expanding on what he will be discussing at the SDIB and how that can benefit fire safety internationally.

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