Staging Site!

X-twitter Linkedin-in Youtube
International Fire Buyer placeholder image

IAED releases Performance Standards 10th Edition

Exclusives, News Desk /

IAED releases Performance Standards 10th Edition The International Academies of Emergency Dispatch®(IAED™) ED-Q Council of Standards has approved the release of Performance Standards 10th Edition, an updated version of performance requirements for all medical, fire, and police emergency calltaking. These new standards are integrated seamlessly into AQUA® 7 Ascent and will enhance a communication center’s ability to review cases and manage the quality assurance (QA) process. Standards 10 is the result of more than two years of feedback and input from members across the world desiring a more positive approach to quality review. While in the past communication center QA professionals, called ED-Qs, have used the Performance Standards to identify deviations from protocol, Standards 10 helps management assess overall calltaking performance of emergency dispatchers. By using Standards 10, managers can employ a more positive approach to quality assurance by delivering feedback using a strengths-based approach. Brian Dale, Associate Director of Medical Control and Quality Processes for the IAED, said, “Standards 10 makes it possible for management, ED-Qs, and emergency dispatchers to focus on improving the system, both of the calltakers and the software they’re using. Our feedback at NAVIGATOR was very positive, and we’re excited for everyone to begin using Standards 10.” ED-Qs will benefit from the shorter, more succinct Standards that enable calls to be reviewed more efficiently, quickly, and accurately. Due to new research, these standards reduce call review requirements in most agencies, which ED-Qs will also appreciate. Emergency dispatchers will also welcome the introduction of Standards 10. Previous versions required ED-Qs to emphasize minor emergency calltaking mistakes, often leading to low morale in the communication center where emergency dispatchers are already tasked with a high-pressure, stressful job. In some cases, the review process could strain relationships between emergency dispatchers and management. Standards 10 will help balance these negative feelings by also acknowledging the positive performance and excellent work of emergency dispatchers. For more information about Standards 10 and the IAED, visit emergencydispatch.org. For more information about how AQUA 7 Ascent can improve your center’s review process, visit prioritydispatch.net.

IAED releases Performance Standards 10th Edition Read More »

International Fire Buyer placeholder image

Comelit Styles Out Security at IFSEC 2018

Event News, Exclusives, News Desk /

Comelit Styles Out Security at IFSEC 2018 Comelit Group is introducing a new fire division at IFSEC 2018, created to integrate with its smart security solutions, including stylish new video door entry systems, home automation and CCTV.  On stand E120, Comelit will be unveiling a range of specialist fire solutions, including conventional and addressable panels, which has already proven successful across Europe in complementing its renowned security portfolio. And in security, Comelit will be displaying its revolutionary architect-designed video doorbell, Visto, presenting its ability to connect via a home WiFi network to allow homeowners to see, hear and speak with visitors at any time, or from any location via a smart phone or tablet. Visitors will also be able to see live demonstrations of the newly launched Mini Handsfree monitor with integrated Wifi that offers installers an easy upgrade opportunity. Alongside Comelit’s new App, it allows homeowners to benefit from instant intercom control and smart door entry capability with both Comelit’s VIP and 2-wire SimpleBus systems. Says Francesca Boeris, Managing Director Comelit Group UK: “IFSEC has continually evolved with the changing landscape of security, introducing new sectors and recognising truly innovative companies together with their products and services.  It was an obvious choice for Comelit to present our Fire offering at the show and illustrate how it complements our globally recognised security product portfolio. “We are equally very excited to showcase our latest in door entry systems; demonstrating how our technology innovations offer smart, secure and long-lasting solutions, coming, as you’d expect from Comelit, without compromising on aesthetics for the end user.  And this can all be achieved with simple installation processes as we can show, with live demonstrations of our new Visto range and Mini Wi-Fi monitors.” Comelit’s Mini Handsfree Wi-Fi Monitors are presented to installers as a new internal wireless upgrade to its exclusive 2-wire SimpleBus system, alongside complementing Quadra and iKall metal external door entry solutions. Each solution will be present at IFSEC 2018 alongside Comelit’s state of the art CCTV and home automation systems. For more information on Comelit Group or its product range, please visit stand E120 at IFSEC 2018, taking place between 19 – 21 June 2018 at Excel, London.  Further details can be found at www.comelitgroup.com

Comelit Styles Out Security at IFSEC 2018 Read More »

International Fire Buyer placeholder image

Residents evacuated after volcano eruption in Hawaii

Exclusives, News Desk /

Residents evacuated after volcano eruption in Hawaii More than 1,700 residents are being evacuated after Kilauea volcano erupted near a residential area on Hawaii’s largest island. The eruption follows a series of strong earthquakes over recent days. A volcanic crater vent – known as Puu Oo – collapsed earlier this week, sending lava down the mountain’s slopes towards populated areas. Officials had been warning residents all week they should be prepared to evacuate as an eruption would give little warning. Community centres have been opened to provide shelter with dangerous levels of sulphur dioxide gas being detected in the area. Hawaii’s Governor David Ige says he has activated military reservists from the National Guard to help evacuate thousands of people. Television pictures showed a line of lava fountains from Kilauea bursting up under a road and adjoining gardens. Close-up footage shot by a drone showed lava emerging from a fissure in a wooded residential neighbourhood and oozing down a road.

Residents evacuated after volcano eruption in Hawaii Read More »

International Fire Buyer placeholder image

Industrial estate fire ‘accident waiting to happen’

Exclusives, News Desk /

Industrial estate fire ‘accident waiting to happen’ A huge fire which broke out at a recycling plant for the second time in two months was “an accident waiting to happen”, according to a councillor. David Wisinger, Flintshire county councillor for Sandycroft and Queensferry, said that had the wind been blowing in a different direction, it could have been a “potential nightmare”. Around 60 firefighters battled the blaze at 300 Recycling Ltd in Flintshire. The site lies next to CamGas, a company which supplies gas bottles and bulk tanks for domestic gas, commercial gas, holiday park gas and autogas. It burned into the night, sending huge plumes of black acrid smoke across residential areas and affecting motorists. The blaze came just over seven weeks after another huge inferno which took hold of the same plant earlier this year. Cllr Wisinger said following Tuesday’s fire: “It was an accident waiting to happen. “I’ve had complaints from people working in the area and residents phoning me up saying they could see the danger. “The site is right next to a gas storage facility, which is very worrying. “They’re concerned about the sheer amount of plastic and tyres, which are highly flammable. “If this fire would have happened on a hot summer’s day and the wind would have been blowing towards the gas cylinder company next door, it could have been a potential nightmare.” Council chief executive Colin Everett said: “This incident was dealt with effectively on a multi- agency basis. “The council has no specific controlling planning powers over the site, but North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has provided advice on the site owner’s requirements to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. “Our Streetscene Teams provided assistance as required to North Wales Fire and Rescue Service yesterday and today as they dealt with the incident. “Officers from the council’s Public Protection Service will provide any appropriate advice, if requested, to Natural Resources Wales as they undertake their investigations of the site. “As public sector partners, we will work with the company to help prevent future incidents in the interests of public safety.”

Industrial estate fire ‘accident waiting to happen’ Read More »

International Fire Buyer placeholder image

Commercial Truck Equipment Corporation Announces 5-Year Agreement with Ontario, Canada’s City of Mississauga

Exclusives, News Desk /

Commercial Truck Equipment Corporation Announces 5-Year Agreement with Ontario, Canada’s City of Mississauga Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) company, announced today that the City of Mississauga, Ontario has established a five-year, renewable and extendable agreement with Commercial Truck Equipment Corporation (Commercial). The City of Mississauga’s initial apparatus order includes seven Pierce pumper trucks and four Pierce aerial apparatus to support the needs of the community’s first responders. This contract is the first major supply agreement since Commercial expanded its Pierce territory to include the province of Ontario. “We are honored and thrilled to be selected by the City of Mississauga for an order of such scale and complexity,” said Morgan MacKay, general manager of Commercial’s emergency division. “Through our partnership with Pierce Manufacturing, we look forward to providing Mississauga’s Fire and Emergency Services with customized, state-of-the-art apparatus that will exceed critical demands for many years ahead.” Mississauga is Canada’s sixth largest city with the fire and emergency services providing aid to more than 700,000 residents from 20 active fire stations, with one additional station currently under construction. Situated on the shores of Lake Ontario and bordering Toronto, Mississauga is one of the most populous suburbs in the world, and home to a thriving business district and Canada’s busiest airport. “One of our municipality’s main priorities is to support the needs of our community’s first responders,” said Mississauga Assistant Fire Chief, Jamie Zimmerman. “The agreement we have established with Commercial Truck Equipment Corporation and Pierce Manufacturing will allow us to put the necessary apparatus into service to support response needs and amplify capabilities.” Commercial’s emergency equipment division is an exclusive Pierce dealer for Western Canada, Ontario, and the Northern Territories. Founded in 1947, Commercial is Canada’s largest truck equipment company. The organization offers five fire apparatus service facilities in Canada, focusing on sales, parts, service and customer support. The custom apparatus included in the city of Mississauga’s initial order will feature six pumpers and one rescue pumper – all built on the Pierce EnforcerÔ custom chassis. The four aerial apparatus included in the order are two 100’ aerial platforms, a 75’ quint, and a 107’ AscendantÒ tandem rear axle ladder. For a comprehensive review of Pierce pumpers, Enforcer custom chassis, and Ascendant aerials, visit www.piercemfg.com for complete specs, video, and images.

Commercial Truck Equipment Corporation Announces 5-Year Agreement with Ontario, Canada’s City of Mississauga Read More »

International Fire Buyer placeholder image

NFPA releases the world’s first active shooter/hostile event standard

Exclusives, News Desk /

NFPA releases the world’s first active shooter/hostile event standard The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) released NFPA 3000TM (PS), Standard for an Active Shooter / Hostile Event Response (ASHER) Program to help communities holistically deal with the fast-growing number of mass casualty incidents that continue to occur throughout the world. Serving as the first of its kind, NFPA 3000 provides unified planning, response and recovery guidance, as well as civilian and responder safety considerations. “The NFPA 3000 process, from start to finish, has been an exceptional example of emergency responders and other safety-focused practitioners swiftly coming together to provide invaluable perspective and address a significant threat in our world,” NFPA President and CEO Jim Pauley said. “The proactive, integrated strategies recommended and defined in NFPA 3000 will go a long way in helping communities plan, respond and recover from active shooter and hostile events.” This marks only the second time in NFPA’s 122-year history that they have issued a provisional standard. Provisional standards are developed in an expedited process to address an emergency situation or other special circumstance. After the Pulse Nightclub massacre in June of 2016, Chief Otto Drozd of Orange County Fire in Florida requested that NFPA develop a standard to help authorities come together and create a well-defined, cohesive plan that works to minimize harm and maximize resiliency. NFPA responded by establishing the NFPA Technical Committee on Cross Functional Emergency Preparedness and Response. In mid-April, NFPA 3000 was issued by the NFPA Standards Council, making it the first consensus document related to active shooter and hostile events. The 46-member Technical Committee responsible for NFPA 3000 is NFPA’s largest startup Committee, to date, with representation from law enforcement, the fire service, emergency medical services, hospitals, emergency management, private security, private business, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Justice, and many more. Committee members provided job-specific insight and real world observations from mass killings at Mandalay Bay Resort, Pulse Nightclub, Sandy Hook Elementary, the Sikh Temple, the Boston Marathon, and other less publicized events. NFPA 3000 helps entire communities organize, manage, communicate, and sustain an active shooter/hostile event preparedness, response, and recovery program. In addition to offering NFPA 3000 via a new digital subscription – which will be updated automatically when the next edition becomes available – NFPA is offering an Online Training Series (the first of three courses are available now); a downloadable checklist; a readiness assessment document; and fact sheet for authorities to learn more about establishing a proactive, collaborative active shooter/hostile event program. Some have asked why NFPA would be the organization to develop an active shooter standard. “For more than a century, NFPA has facilitated a respected consensus process that has produced some of the most widely used codes and standards in the world including more than 100 that impact first responders. Our purview goes far beyond our fire safety efforts as evidenced by our ongoing work to address new hazards with professionals in public safety, emergency management, community risk, electrical services, the energy sector, engineering, the chemical and industrial industries, healthcare, manufacturing, research, the government, and the built environment. The recent increase in active shooter incidents and the fire service involvement in them warranted NFPA’s standards development expertise, and the timely development of NFPA 3000,” Pauley said.

NFPA releases the world’s first active shooter/hostile event standard Read More »

International Fire Buyer placeholder image

Pierce Announces “CARE” Initiative and Partnership with Firefighter Cancer Support Network

Exclusives, News Desk /

Pierce Announces “CARE” Initiative and Partnership with Firefighter Cancer Support Network Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) company, announces the roll-out of clean cab features that support carcinogen awareness and reduction to exposure (CARE). CARE is the result of the guidance of the voice of customer research in conjunction with the Florida Firefighter Safety and Health Collaborative and the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. With firefighters’ growing awareness of the increased occupational risk of exposure to carcinogens, Pierce’s CARE-focused clean cab features offer custom fire truck design elements that can reduce immediate and lingering carcinogen exposure risks through easier-to-clean seats and interior surfaces, high-impact HVAC filtration for reduced particle circulation, warm water rinse availability, and more. “Research has shown that firefighters have a nine-percent higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher mortality rate than the general U.S. population,” said Keith Tyson, vice president, education and research for the Firefighter Cancer Support Network. “Sharing vital research and knowledge with the fire service community, partnering organizations, and apparatus manufacturers has helped in the development of tools and practices that can be put into place to create healthier workplaces and save lives.” To date, more than 250 Pierce dealer representatives have been trained on the aspects of the CARE initiative by members of the Florida Firefighter Safety & Health Collaborative, as well as the educational information and apparatus features available to support exposure reduction and elimination. “As conversations and research around the topic of carcinogen exposure have become more prevalent recently, we realized that protection goes beyond the truck – presenting a need to work closely with customers, and their specific departments, to offer various options that reduce exposure,” said John Schultz, director of pumper and custom chassis products, Pierce Manufacturing. “The CARE initiative, and our collaboration with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, has created a progressive platform for our dealers and customers to obtain access to educational information, clean-cab feature options and a community where new ideas can be shared.” In addition to education and clean cab options, Pierce is advocating for the implementation of gross decontamination by supplying buckets loaded with decontamination procedures and best practices provided by the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Florida Firefighter Safety and Health Collaborative, and the Firefighter Cancer Support Network. These buckets will be loaded onto 1,500 apparatus beginning this summer. Pierce remains committed to aligning with organizations and dealers that provide extensive occupational awareness and prevention training programs for those in fire service. For a comprehensive review of CARE-focused vehicle design options and descriptions, visit www.piercemfg.com for highlights and educational materials.

Pierce Announces “CARE” Initiative and Partnership with Firefighter Cancer Support Network Read More »

International Fire Buyer placeholder image

TOA Corporation UK takes to the stage at FIREX International 2018

Event News, Exclusives, News Desk /

TOA Corporation UK takes to the stage at FIREX International 2018 TOA Corporation UK, the leading global manufacturer of cutting edge commercial audio and security equipment, is celebrating its 41st year in the UK and, at FIREX International 2018, will be demonstrating why it is renowned as the provider of more solutions for more markets than any other company. Leading the way is Malcolm Crummey, sales manager UK & Ireland at TOA Corporation UK, who will present a seminar session on the subject of lockdowns in schools and explain how technology can be used to protect pupils, staff and visitors. A Lesson in Lockdown for Schools will take place on 21st June 12.15pm-12.40pm in the main FIREX theatre and will be of benefit to visitors who want to find out more about why it is so important to have a clear and effective communication system installed in schools in the event of emergencies. To complement Crummey’s presentation, Stand A365 will feature a range of solutions that can be used as part of a school lockdown system. This includes the IP-1000 IP network audio management system, which can support up to 1,000 IP addresses and consists of network amplifiers, speakers, microphones, and interface units. Management and operation software allows user to make instant and scheduled broadcasts through a single PC and its in-built flexibility allows easy system expansion beyond conventional system coverage. Another focal point will be the VX-3000 – winner of the InAVation Award 2017.  A cost effective, robust, reliable and energy efficient system, which combines all of the important functions for public address and voice alarm (PA/VA) in one unit, its limited number of components makes design and installation easier, saves space, reduces cable complexity, and enables rapid system configuration. A new wall-mounted version of this system – the VX-3000WM – will also be on display, which can be linked to the standard VX-3000 range but also used as a stand-alone unit in reception and building entrance areas. If used in a decentralised system, where the equipment is installed in electrical risers, its compact size is equally beneficial, as it takes up less space than a standard 19-inch equipment rack and saves on cabling back to a central location. TOA Corporation UK is renowned for the quality of its amplification and speaker systems and visitors will have the chance to see the company’s powerful new 20W IP horn speaker, which is designed for a variety of indoor and outdoor applications and can fully integrate with video management software (VMS) and IP CCTV systems. In addition, the SC-P620 powered horn and HA-1010-EB slim horn array speakers will be on display. The latter, with its extremely long range, can spread sound to over 600m and is perfect for outdoor applications including airports, skiing locations, sports events, public squares or leisure parks. Last but certainly not least, the N-8000 Series IP network intercom system remains a popular part of the TOA Corporation UK portfolio and it has now been augmented by the N-SP80 SIP video intercom system, which offers flexible audio and video communications using standard SIP protocols. It can integrate with external SIP compatible systems through a SIP server, while a peer-to-peer mode is also available for standalone system operations without a SIP server environment. Ahead of the event, Malcolm Crummey concluded, ‘FIREX International is one of the highlights of the year for TOA and we are looking forward to giving visitors to Stand A365 the opportunity to get hands-on with our latest innovations, speak to our team of experts and discover the many advantages of working with us.’   For further information please contact please contact Malcolm Crummey by emailing malcolm@toa.co.uk or visit www.toa.co.uk.  You can also connect with Malcolm through LinkedIn. 

TOA Corporation UK takes to the stage at FIREX International 2018 Read More »

International Fire Buyer placeholder image

Rugby tower block residents evacuated over fire safety fears

Exclusives, News Desk /

Rugby tower block residents evacuated over fire safety fears All tenants from two Warwickshire tower blocks are to be moved from their homes over serious fire safety concerns. More than 150 people living at Biart Place, Rugby, will be rehoused after a council approved the plan this week. Issues with fire resistance, poor quality concrete and corroding steel were highlighted in a survey commissioned by the borough council. No decision has been made about whether to spend £25m refurbishing the 50-year-old flats or demolish them. Tenants from Fairway and Green Court will receive compensation and found “similar accommodation that meets their needs”, the local authority said. Everyone is expected to have left the flats by March 2019, but some moves are beginning with immediate effect. Currently, 90 of the 124 flats are occupied. The authority commissioned a survey in 2016 which found the blocks had “been built to a poor standard and may not perform as expected in the event of a fire or explosion”, although they met British fire resistance standards. But, the council said, the risk of a fire had been substantially reduced because there was no gas supply and changes had been made to the evacuation policy.

Rugby tower block residents evacuated over fire safety fears Read More »

International Fire Buyer placeholder image

Landlord who ‘forced’ tenants to live in fire trip property fined

Exclusives, News Desk /

Landlord who ‘forced’ tenants to live in fire trip property fined A landlord who took advantage of a tenant by ‘forcing’ them to live in a nightmare property which had electrical faults, no fire alarms and insecure windows has been fined. Susan Elizabeth Jubb will have to put right a catalogue of issues at the house before she can allow anyone to live there – and will also have to pay fines and costs totalling almost £6,500. An improvement notice had already been handed to the landlord for the property in August 2016 after serious safety concerns had been raised by housing officers from the council’s Environmental Health Team. A total of 17 areas of concern meant Jubb had to take immediate action on 11 counts. Among the issues at the house were no fire alarms, fire damage to the rear of the building, no adequate fire escapes, concerns over the security of the property after the front door had been nailed shut, insecure windows, inadequate internal doors, electrical faults and loose cabling, missing floorboards, loose carpets on a steep staircase and concerns over the heating system and insulation of the property. She should have completed the work by October 27, 2016 but officers were denied entry to the property to make further inspections and were only able to fully inspect the property nearly a year later, on October 16, 2017. Since then the property has been shut down with a closure order imposed by Nottinghamshire Police after anti-social behaviour there, which expired in February this year. Cllr Julie Leigh, member for neighbourhoods at Bassetlaw District Council, said: “We welcome the court’s decision and a significant fine is justified after Jubb had taken advantage of a tenant and forced them to live in uninhabitable and unsafe conditions. “Thanks to the council’s prohibition order, Jubb must also bring her property up to the necessary standard before she will be allowed to rent out the property or allow anyone to live in the property. “We hope that this serves as a warning to other landlords whose properties are not up to the required standard or pose a danger to their tenants.”

Landlord who ‘forced’ tenants to live in fire trip property fined Read More »

Scroll to Top