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Fire Safety and Security Industry set to change with new services standard

  The approval of new standard prEN 16763 has officially been announced by CEN/CENELEC, following on overwhelmingly positive votes cast by national standardisation bodies. Euralarm welcomes the adoption of a European standard which it has long supported and its members now prepare for the next stages in the diffusion of the standard. Services account for between 60% and 70% of the economic activity in the 28 Member States of the European Union. For this reason, the creation of a single market for services has become a top priority for Junker’s Commission. Standardisation is increasingly being used to support the development of the Single Market for services. Euralarm, as the association representing the Electronic Fire Safety and Security Sector, has put itself at the forefront of this trend by supporting the development of a standard set to become a benchmark for other service sectors. Euralarm sees in the adoption of the prEN 16763 standard the result of a long standing effort, initiated in 2009 with the creation of a dedicated Section within the association. The objective of the project, led by DIN, was to standardise Services for fire safety systems and security systems. This European standard lays out quality requirements for the service providers. It defines basic levels of competence of the employees entrusted with the planning, design, assembly, commissioning, verification, handover or maintenance of fire safety systems and security systems. It also describes minimum requirements on the service output and documentation. The association’s role was instrumental in the development of consensus among its Members. Paul Langer, a ZVEI delegate in Euralarm’s Services Section, has also played an essential part as the Chairman of the Technical Committee four (TC4) in European standardisation platform CEN-CENLEC, responsible for the development of the standard. “The adoption of the standard is a good result. It has been a long struggle and, even right before the voting period, I was not quite sure whether we would have an approval. In the end all major European countries have accepted it. This is a victory for the Single Market!” said Paul Langer. The prEN 16763 standard is considered to be the first step in reaching a high quality and equal service level for fire safety and security systems in all Europe. In the long run, Euralarm members hope for the standard to lead to a convergence of the existing landscape of national policies and procedures in Europe, notably through the expected development of pan-European application guidelines The Services Section of Euralarm is now willing to support and accompany such a development with further initiatives such as explaining the objectives of the standard as well as its quality requirements in order to foster acceptance and narrow the range of interpretations. Euralarm will also encourage the exchange of best practices to support the convergence of the certification requirements, in collaboration with all stakeholders involved: test houses, certification bodies and their clients.

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Nottingham based fire-fighter becomes UK worker of the year 2016 finalist

Nottingham based fire-fighter becomes UK worker of the year 2016 finalist Nottingham based fire-fighter, Samantha Lea, has been selected as one of the six finalists for this year’s UK Worker of the Year competition. As well as being a fire-fighter, Samantha is also a personal trainer and Traumatic Incident Reduction facilitator for mental health. The competition is the concept of Dickies, the world renowned workwear brand and with fellow sponsors Honda UK and ASDA aims to recognise hard work and commitment across all industry sectors. Judging day is on 14 October at the Mercure Dartford Brands Hatch Hotel, when the panel of judges will quiz Samantha on a variety of topics, as she bids to become the seventh UK Worker of the Year. A delighted Samantha commented: “I am so excited to have made the final six. I didn’t in my wildest dreams expect to get this far, and to be a finalist is a privilege. I’m looking to the time at Brands Hatch, and meeting and supporting the other finalists.” Competition organiser, Gary Barak said: “Year on year the standard of entries has improved and this year has been no exception. Samantha and the other finalists have been selected on merit from amongst the thousands of entries received, a selection process that in itself was no mean feat, and we look forward to the judging stage and Awards evening.”

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New article indicates that ‘ramp-up’ alert tones can reduce stress on fire-fighters

New article indicates that ‘ramp up’ alert tones can reduce stress New research published in the  Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (JOEH) suggests that fire departments can reduce stress on fire-fighters by signalling emergencies with alarms that gradually increase in intensity instead of sudden, full-volume alerts. The article, “Effect of Station-specific Alerting and Ramp-up Tones on Firefighters’ Alarm Time Heart Rates,” comes on the eve of the 35th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, Oct. 8–9. This study was conducted by Authors James J. MacNeal, David C. Cone, and Christopher L. Wistrom over three months and involved 42 fire-fighters at an urban three-station fire department. Fire-fighters participating in the study wore devices on their wrists that measured their heart rates. Researchers analysed participants’ heart-rate increases in response to standard alerting—the sudden, high-volume alarms—and to alerts that gradually ‘ramp up’ the audio volume. Study results showed that standard alerting caused a median increase in heart rate of 7 beats per minute (bpm), while the ramp-up tones caused a median increase of 5 bpm. In a post-study survey, participating fire-fighters indicated a strong preference for the ramp-up tones. “Ramp-up tones were also perceived as the best alerting method to reduce stress during both the day and overnight,” the authors write. “This study suggests that the manner in which fire-fighters are alerted does have an influence on their physiologic response to the alarm.” Read the full article online here: http://oeh.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15459624.2016.1183018

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Newest Euralarm member with strong fire protection expertise formally welcomed

Following a unanimous decision of its Board, Euralarm has now formally welcomed its newest member: The WAGNER Group. The company will join the Fire Section of Euralarm, which activities cover fire detection, notification, evacuation, extinguishing controls and smoke and heat ventilation. WAGNER will now benefit from Euralarm’s services in terms of representation towards European Institutions and Standardisation Organisations, the monitoring of relevant legislative and standardisation issues, and will have access to its extended network of national associations and major companies in the electronic fire safety and security sector. WAGNER is a leading provider of integrated fire protection, a market innovator and its products are often considered a benchmark in the sector. It is an experienced provider of comprehensive and individual services ranging from consulting and solution development to system installation and support. Over the years, WAGNER’s innovations have given the market significant impetus. As a logical consequence, the German-based company also brings its expertise and know-how into important standards committees including DIN, CEN and ISO. WAGNER is also actively involved in drafting national and international guidelines with for example VdS and BSI. WAGNER will be represented in the Euralarm Fire Section by Dr.-Ing. Oliver Linden, the company’s product manager. Following the completion of his doctorate in safety engineering and fire and explosion protection, Dr.-Ing. Linden spent several years working as a researcher, with special focus on development and testing of multi-criteria fire detectors before moving into product management. His responsibilities in terms of product portfolio and special tasks having increased steadily over a twelve years career at WAGNER. “WAGNER acknowledges Euralarm’s important role as the European fire and security industry’s representative and balancing partner to standardisation and testing bodies”, according to Dr.-Ing. Linden. “Having participated in its work for many years, WAGNER decided to permanently engage in Euralarm’s activities with special respect to matters of fire safety, contributing to reduce trade barriers and to enhance competitiveness and harmonisation of the European market. As WAGNER’s representative I would like to thank Euralarm very much for the warm welcome.” “We are happy to now count WAGNER amongst our members”, said Euralarm President Enzo Peduzzi. “Euralarm is now even more representative of the Electronic Fire Safety and Security sector, bringing in a strong expertise in innovation.”

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New gas detector launched by Tyco Gas & Flame

Tyco Gas & Flame Detection, one of the largest global manufacturers of gas and flame detection products, has launched its new portable gas detection device. The Gasurveyor 700 (GS700) is a high-performance IR detector with a user-friendly interface that is suitable for all gas utility applications.The GS700 boasts a number of novel features alongside its lightweight and rugged design. Through its natural gas discrimination application, the GS700 quickly determines if the source of gas leaks is from a utility pipeline, saving valuable time and reducing excavation costs. The GS700 also ensures compliance through intelligent data-logging and GPS mapping, simplifying data collection and allowing managers to make better decisions from tracking data reports. The portable functionality of the GS700, at only 1.4kg (3lbs), combined with its notable durability, enables workers to manoeuvre the device in demanding environments and harsh conditions. The GS700 promises flexible configuration as it can be customised to meet specific application and user requirements and can cater to multiple detection needs, without alienating performance. Application modes include: Gas Leak Outdoors, Gas Leak Indoors, Purge, Search, Barhole and Confined Space. Each application mode provides fast and accurate measurements and allows gas leaks to be located quickly, ensuring gas utilities are best equipped to protect life and safeguard property.

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Experts on fires in vehicles to meet in Baltimore this October

Experts on fires in vehicles to meet in Baltimore this October Fire safety in vehicles is an issue all over the world. Fires in vehicles pose a significant threat to life and property. At the same time new fuels and electrical vehicles are emerging in response to our need for sustainable transport alternatives. Such alternative vehicles introduce new fire challenges that need to be accounted for. In response to the pressing need for international dialogue, SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden is organising the conference: FIVE (Fires In Vehicles) to be held in Baltimore 5-6 October. FIVE will bring together scientists, regulators, test engineers, industry, suppliers, insurance companies and other organisations from the diverse field of transportation to discuss important fire issues. “We believe that this exchange of knowledge will significantly enhance economic and safe solutions – sustainable solutions – to problems in the vehicle fire area,” says Fredrik Rosén of SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden. “There will also be presentations about environmental effects from vehicle fires, the art of fire investigation and risk mitigation by using extinguishing and detections systems,” Fredrik Rosén continues.

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Edesix body worn cameras supplied to West Midlands Fire-fighters

Edesix, UK based market leaders in the provision of body worn cameras, have recently announced that it is to supply fire-fighters in the West Midlands with body worn cameras. Watch commander Gemma McSweeney said the cameras would help fire-fighters gather information to review their responses to incidents. The body worn cameras are now being rolled out after a successful trial at ten Birmingham fire stations earlier this year, during which a suspected gas explosion at a Birmingham home was filmed. The fire service said 80 Videobadges would be introduced in early 2017. Richie McBride, Managing Director of Edesix comments: “The use of body worn cameras for identifying best practice is fast becoming fundamental within our emergency services. We are pleased to be bringing these benefits to the West Midlands Fire Service, and will be supporting the roll-out of this very exciting deployment over the coming months.”

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Coxreels announces the expansion of its current UL-approved products

Coxreels announces the expansion of its current UL-approved products Coxreels, the industry leader in hose, cord, and cable reels, announced the addition of two models (PC19 and PC24) to their UL-Approved product line. UL’s (Underwriters Laboratories) standards and certifications are universally recognised as important indicators of product safety and reliability. The vigorous tests conducted by UL Laboratories are essential to helping ensure public safety and confidence, reduce costs, and improve the quality of market products and services. Millions of products and their components are tested to UL’s rigorous safety standards with the result that consumers live in a safer environment than they would have otherwise. The new additions to Coxreels’ UL-Approved product line demonstrate Coxreels’ dedication to ensuring that each one of our products has been built to standards only depicting the utmost levels of safety, performance, and customer satisfaction. Coxreels’ PC (Power Cord) Series reels are heavy duty, industrial-grade power sources. They replace tangled extension cords and self-retract to increase safety, productivity and efficiency. The PC Series are designed for long-lasting, hassle-free performance even under the most demanding conditions. The PC19 and PC24 models now proudly accompany the PC13 and PC17 models amongst the Coxreels’ products that currently maintain the UL stamp of approval. The new UL approvals represent Coxreels’ continued commitment to meet the needs of their customers. Coxreels® has remained steadfast and focused on manufacturing high quality, industrial grade hose, cord, and cable reels with leading industry innovation since 1923. Offering a full product line serving the industry in every channel and application, Coxreels® takes great pride in designing, building, and supporting each and every product made exclusively in the U.S.A.

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Exova BM TRADA offers free training on the importance of fire protection measures

Exova BM TRADA, industry training provider, offers free training on the importance of fire protection measures Expert industry training provider, Exova BM TRADA, will be holding its final ‘Fire Protection Measures – understanding your responsibilities’ training event of the year on 1 November at the Watershed, Bristol. This popular, free half-day event includes a number of short seminars, designed to provide participants with critical guidance on how to fulfil their obligations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO). Under the legislation, the ‘Responsible Person’ – which can include the building’s owner; the employer where they have control over the building; or the person who has control of the premises – has a legal requirement to comply with RRFSO. This course considers why the RRFSO matters and what it means in practice for the Responsible Person. It also covers key factors, such as the risk assessment; having a competent fire risk assessor; the role of third party certification and the enforcing officer; and the legal obligations of the fire risk assessor. The course takes place on 1 November at the Watershed, Bristol, with breakfast provided. The panel of experts delivering the training are from senior roles across the fire safety profession, all with first-hand knowledge and experience of fire protection measures: Simon Bailey has worked in the fire protection industry for almost 10 years and has extensive experience of product assessment, testing and site surveys Niall Rowan is the Association for Specialist Fire Protection’s Chief Operating Officer and has over 30 years’ experience Steve Skarratt heads the Fire Service College’s protection and prevention training Carl May-Smith is a barrister with in-depth legal experience on the RRFSO, having advised fire authorities and other public bodies on the order The Chief Fire Officers Association will also have one of its enforcement team leaders present, completing the panel of experts. The course is relevant for any individual who is responsible for a building’s fire protection measures, including those working in the following sectors: education, healthcare, housing associations, local authorities, care homes, housing associations and hotel and leisure. For more information on these and other courses, or to book a place, go to: http://www.exovabmtrada.com/en-gb/training or contact 01494 569 750 or courses@exova.com. Download the full Fire Protection Measures training programme here: http://www.exovabmtrada.com/Uploads/MediaLibrary/BMTrada/Training-Brochures/Fire_Protection_Measures_2016.pdf Exova BM TRADA Exova BM TRADA provides independent certification, inspection, technical and training services. It helps organisations to prove their business and product credentials and to improve performance and compliance. Exova BM TRADA has have a long history of technical excellence in management systems, supply chain and product certification. The organisation offers certification to businesses in over 70 countries to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 50001, BS OHSAS 18001, ISO 27001, FSC™ A000503, PEFC™, RSPO and UTZ. Exova BM TRADA is part of Exova group which is one of the world’s leading laboratory-based testing groups, trusted by organisations to test and advise on the safety, quality and performance of their products and operations. Headquartered in Edinburgh, UK, Exova operates 138 laboratories and offices in 33 countries and employs more than 4,300 people throughout Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Asia/Asia Pacific and Africa. Exova’s capabilities help to extend asset life, bring predictability to applications, and shorten the time to market for customers’ products, processes and materials. With over 90 years’ experience, Exova specialises in testing across a number of key sectors ranging from Aerospace to Fire & Building Products; Oil & Gas and Industrials; Infrastructure & Environment; Automotive; and Health Sciences.

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New Head of Marketing appointed by FFE

Fire detection company FFE has appointed Fiona Chan as its new Head of Marketing. Prior to joining FFE she was a Product Manager at fellow Halma company Keeler Limited, a leading manufacturer of medical diagnostic equipment.   Fiona originally joined the Halma Graduate Development Programme in 2013 and achieved significant success in placements with a number of Halma companies in China and the USA, working on market research and product development projects. She also had an assignment as Marketing Manager at Halma elevator safety specialist Avire as part of the programme.   “Fiona’s rise up the ranks in Halma has been meteoric and we’re delighted to have her join us as Head of Marketing. She is an outstanding candidate and I’m sure she will make an instant impact,” commented FFE’s Managing Director Mark Osborne.   Fiona has a B.A., MEng. and PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cambridge. Born and raised in Hong Kong, she moved to the UK when she was a teenager. As well as English and Cantonese, Fiona speaks fluent Mandarin and conversational Japanese.

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