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Baldwin Boxall unveils new alarm at Firex

Baldwin Boxall is pleased to announce the introduction of a new toilet alarm system which will be available in October this year. The control panel certainly looks stylish and is packed with some great features. Baldwin Boxall staff at Firex reported that this system received a lot of interest from visitors to their stand at this year’s International Firex. Users of the system will like the fact that a quick glance will show the location of an incoming call. It is then a simple matter of pressing the relevant ‘call accept’ button (there is one for each toilet alarm connected) and then providing the assistance required. The person waiting for help will immediately know that someone is on the way, due to a change in both the visible and audible alarms – a true method of reassurance (and therefore fully BS8300 compliant). Electricians and engineers will like the simplicity of installation as only one mains connection is required – there is no need of additional power supply boxes or inputs. Furthermore, a single power connection to one panel will feed up to nine other control panels and all corresponding toilet alarms (additional panels are simply ‘daisy-chained’ from the first one). Each control panel has the ability to control to up to four toilet alarms, represented at the panel independently with space for zone labelling. There are four ‘call accept’ buttons and ‘call incoming’ LEDs, making the location of any incoming call immediately obvious. If more than one call for help is received at the same time these will also show on the panel; responder(s) are able to independently accept the call they are answering. The programmable alarm ‘re-sound’ feature will operate if a call, which has been acknowledged, is not reset at the point of call within the specified period of time. The design team at Baldwin Boxall has also considered the possibility that the panel may be installed in an area which is not constantly manned. This is resolved by connection of a separate indicator/sounder to the output provided on the panel. The remote indicator/sounder can be installed in an area such as a reception and will alert staff to an unanswered call. Another benefit of the system is that it is self-monitoring and will alert staff to a problem (‘short’ or ‘open’ circuit). It does this by the illumination of two LEDs on the panel (‘Fault’ and the ‘Call Indicator’ for the affected toilet alarm).

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Soaring Use of Drones Inspires New Feature at The Emergency Services Show

There will be a buzz in the air at this year’s Emergency Services Show thanks to a new feature dedicated to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs or ‘drones’). Organisers of the event, which takes place at the NEC in Birmingham from 21-22 September, have partnered with UAV professionals network, SUAS Global, to launch The Drone Zone. As well as showcasing suppliers of UAV technology, The Drone Zone will bring together industry specialists and end-users who will share their knowledge and experience. Risk management, operational safety in both civil and commercial airspace, privacy, security and legislation will all be covered in the free seminar programme. A recent Sky News report found that two thirds of fire services in the UK and half of police forces are now using – or planning to use – drones. Specialist ambulance crews, or Hazard Area Response Teams (HART), are also expected to be equipped with UAVs this year.* Among the speakers in The Drone Zone’s seminar theatre will be James Grove, Watch Manager, West Midlands Fire Service which has been using drones since 2007. Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service (which has joint use of a drone with Lancashire Police) will also share its experience. Meanwhile the potential of UAVs for aiding situational awareness during fire incidents, missing person searches and flooding will be covered by Séamus Kearns, Head of Operations, Surrey Search & Rescue, and Lee Renwick, Director, HAIS Group who will talk about the application of UAVs in law enforcement and counter terrorism. The Department for Transport and NATS (UK’s leading provider of air traffic control services) will also be presenting sessions. Other speakers include: Steve Coulson, Director, Martek Marine who will explore how drones are going to change emergency service teams of the future and ask whether they will be seen as an enhancement or a threat to the jobs of already stretched teams; John Tansley, Managing Director, NoFlyZone who will cover privacy and security issues surrounding the legal and illegal use of UAVs, and examine public perceptions; Ricky Huntley, Regional RPAS Advisor, SGS Hart Aviation who will highlight the importance of corporate responsibility and due diligence and demonstrate how human factors considerations are centric to successful drone deployment; John Hanslip, Marsh, who will advise delegates on risk transfer and insurance cover.

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Battersea Power Station selects Bull product's Cygnus alarm system

Bull Products’ Cygnus wireless fire alarm system has been selected for use during the re-development of one of London’s major landmarks, Battersea Power Station. The Grade II listed building designed in the 1930s by Sir Giles Gilbert-Scott was decommissioned in 1983 and is now subject to an £8 billion re-development within 42 acres of former industrial land. Phase 2 of the development involves the iconic power station building itself, where no less than 150 Cygnus wireless alarm systems are installed to ensure a safe environment for construction workers on site.  With the project at groundwork stage and nearly all of the internals demolished, the Cygnus wireless alarm system is there to protect workers in the old wash towers, on ground levels and around all the pedestrian walkways. The Bull Products’ Cygnus system provides a comprehensive network of fire alarm call points, first aid alerts, combined call points and first aid alerts, smoke detectors and heat detectors which are linked together in different zones on a construction site.  As many as 480 alarm and detector units can be linked in this way in different zones. Darren O’Brien, Security and Fire Systems Manager for Woodlands Site Services, which is working for Skanska UK on the project, was keen to specify the Cygnus wireless alarm system commenting: “We have had much experience of using the Cygnus system on other projects and had no hesitation in using this for Battersea Power Station.  It is absolutely perfect, is very solid and robust and does the job extremely well”. Intended purely for use on construction sites, the CE marked Cygnus system has been specifically designed for use in dense concrete and steel structured buildings and areas where there are many other radio frequencies in operation, and so particular attention has been given to achieving an impressive connection range.  Where there are multiple sites within range of each other, the Cygnus system has been designed to operate on different site addresses in order to keep each system separate and free from interference. A major feature of the Cygnus system is the optional control panel which provides a very sophisticated capability with an event log function which records any events such as an alarm activation, low battery warning, and signal faults, all of which can be viewed if necessary in the history folder held on the panel.  The system also has the ability to test all units and has an evacuate function which will act as a call point to the rest of the alarm units.  

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Tyco extends new protection for offices with AquaMist Ultra Low Flow (ULF) approved solutions

Tyco Fire Protection Products has developed a new AquaMist Ultra Low Flow (ULF) fire suppression solution specifically designed to protect offices. AquaMist ULF for offices provides rapid, dependable fire suppression for working environments with limited and concealed spaces, including above-ceiling and below-floor void areas, containing electrical and data cables. AquaMist ULF for offices is an FM Approved system offering a robust and reliable fire suppression system. The integrated system includes other fire protection products and components from Tyco, such as fire valves, G-Press pipes and the Tyco AquaMist Control Center (MCC) pump set, which comes pre-assembled and factory-tested for ease of installation. The system is further supported by components, which are FM and VdS Approved, including customised low-pressure nozzles producing a range of water droplet sizes, which are best-suited for the control of Class A fires. Providing rapid suppression and a high cooling effect, the FM Approved AM-27 and AM-29 closed automatic nozzles and VdS Approved AM-28 and AM-30 nozzles give protection for high coverage areas. The system’s low-pressure discharge and low water consumption help to minimise damage to property and reduce clean-up costs and operational downtime. “Our solution is suitable for complex office spaces, including voids, for which the AM-30 Ultra Low Flow AquaMist nozzle is specifically designed,” comments Alex Palau Bosch, Product Manager Water Mist. In addition, smaller water storage tanks, pumps, pipes and fittings help to reduce space demand and installation costs.

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Lake Assault fire boat helps combat Foss Lake Wildfire

A Lake Assault fireboat, owned and operated by the Lake Vermilion Fire Brigade, provided support for wild land fire-fighting efforts during the Foss Lake wildfire near Ely, Minn. earlier this spring. The 33-foot craft was used to haul up to 20-person crews, and their canoes and equipment to staging areas to fight the blaze. The fire, located approximately 10 miles west of Ely, Minnesota in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), consumed a total of 936 acres and was contained and controlled on 2 June. “Providing support to wild-land fire-fighting efforts on shore is an important role for the fireboats we build,” said Chad DuMars, Lake Assault Boats Vice President of Operations. “We are very proud that organisations like the Lake Vermilion Fire Brigade are here to help protect structures and vital natural resources such as the BWCAW, and that our boats play an important role in the brigade’s mission.” Don Potter is the Lake Vermilion Fire Brigade President and Operations Chief. “We often assist the Forest Service, DNR, County Rescue Squads, and municipalities and go wherever we’re needed; we’re extremely reasonable and have state-of-the-art equipment. Last year, in the same area, we were responsible for structure protection during a prescribed burn. We did a lot of pretreating of fuels, using our boat’s large roof monitor and spraying the shoreline. We also quickly extinguished a spot fire that was caused by firebrands flying across the lake.” The landing craft style boat – with a ten-and-a-half foot beam – features twin 300 hp outboards that can reach speeds of up to 50 mph. The fireboat is equipped with a 1600 gpm water pump, a 300 hp V8 pump engine, and three discharges – including a high flow monitor and water cannon. When supporting wild-land fire-fighting operations, the Lake Assault fireboat can fill up tanker apparatus that are stationed on shore. “We serve as a water supply resource, and that’s a tremendous benefit to fire-fighters because we can fill a tanker in a hurry,” added Potter. “We’re like a floating fire hydrant.” Lake Vermilion Fire Brigade has two Lake Assault Boats in its fleet, and also owns a 25-foot airboat used primarily for ice rescues. “Both of our boats were designed over the course of many meetings with an expert team from Lake Assault; their people are fantastic,” said Potter. “They’re a very talented group and it’s a quality product. The thing about Lake Assault is that they can make just about anything.”

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Annual commemoration of the anniversary of 11 September attacks to be expanded

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company, hosts the fourth annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at historic Lambeau Field, 10 September 2016. All funds raised will benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) to assist the families of fallen firefighters.  The 2016 Memorial Stair Climb is co-sponsored by the Green Bay Metro Fire Department. Organisers are hoping that 1,000 participants will come together this year to honour the firefighters who perished in the World Trade Center attacks fifteen years ago. “We expect the emotions will be perceptible inside Lambeau Field,” said Jim Johnson, Oshkosh Corporation Executive Vice President and President of the Fire & Emergency segment and Pierce Manufacturing. “We invite all of northeast Wisconsin to join Pierce, the Green Bay Metro Fire Department, and the NFFF in paying tribute to the courage and sacrifice displayed by 343 firefighters on a dark day that forever changed our lives.” Since forming a partnership with the NFFF, Pierce has raised more than $325,000 (£244,000) to assist the NFFF’s mission to help the families of fallen firefighters rebuild their lives through support networks, conferences, workshops and scholarships. Stair climb participants are invited to climb the equivalent of 110 stories – the height of the fallen World Trade Center towers – on the steps of Lambeau Field. This year the climb will span the entire bowl inside the stadium to accommodate an anticipated increased number of climbers who come to pay tribute to the firefighters who gave their lives at the World Trade Center on 11 September, 2001. Each climber will be given a badge with the name and photograph of one of the fallen fire-fighters, to symbolically complete the climb with one of the fallen. “As participants in previous 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs – as well as those who have come out to support them – can attest, they leave Lambeau Field with lasting memories,” added Johnson. The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is not a timed race and participants can climb to any desired level. (Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult/guardian.) The cost is $35 (£26) and all funds raised will benefit the NFFF. Pre-registered participants will receive an official event T-shirt.  Event times on 10 September include on-site registration beginning at 8:00 a.m., an Opening Ceremony at 9:00 a.m., and the stair climb at 9:30 a.m. Visit www.piercemfg.com/climb for more information and to pre-register for the 2016 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. (Pictured is Pierce employee, Sam Boucher, as he rings a symbolic bell and raises a badge representing the fallen firefighter for whom he climbed at last year’s event.)

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E2S to showcase new premium STEx warning devices at ONS Norway 2016

E2S Warning Signals is showcasing its new STEx premium stainless steel flameproof warning device family for use in aggressive onshore and offshore environments on Stand 5250, Hall 5 at ONS, held from 29 August – 01 September in Stavanger, Norway. E2S, the world’s leading manufacturer of audible and visual warning devices, has developed the STEx family specifically for use in environments where corrosion is a particular issue. The family is launched with ATEX and IEC IECEx approvals; testing to other relevant global standards is currently under way. The STEx family consists of 117 and 123 dB(A) alarm horn sounders with either flared or omni-directional radial horns, 15 and 25 Watt PA loudspeakers, 21, 15 and 10 Joule Xenon strobe beacons, rotating halogen beacons, LED beacons and combined units. Also immediately available are stainless steel junction boxes. All sounder and strobe enclosure bodies are manufactured from 316L stainless steel with ancillary components such as dome guards, mounting brackets and stopping plugs in 316, giving enhanced corrosion resistance over other widely used materials such as 304. Beacons and junction boxes have four M20 entries; sounders and combined units have three M20 entries. ½” and ¾” NPT and M25 adaptors are available. The E2S stand will be manned by personnel from Marin Supply, E2S’s long established Norwegian distribution partner, who will be supported by international sales manager Darren Mann and central Europe sales manager Joachim Ebert from E2S.

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New auto-aligning beam detector announced by Apollo

  Apollo Fire Detectors is pleased to announce the introduction of its new Intelligent Auto-Aligning Beam Detector, designed for detecting smoke in large open areas such as warehouses, churches and sports centres. The new Intelligent Beam Detector is compatible with CoreProtocol®, the new Apollo digital communication protocol.  Additionally, the device is backwards compatible with existing Apollo XP95 and Discovery protocols and can be installed with up to two detector heads per controller, thus saving on installation time and costs. The device comprises of a ground level Loop-Powered Controller and detector head with an operating range of 8m-50m with a receiver and an alignment motor in the same housing for quick and simple installation, an optional additional detector head can be connected to the controller.  The detector automatically compensates for environmental effects on the beam signal by a combination of drift compensation and motorised realignment of the beam. In addition, the operating range of each detector head can be increased up to 100m by using the Extension Kit, which comprises of three additional reflective prisms. Each head has a loop address and the device has a built-in 20T negative bi-directional short circuit isolator. Head of Product Management Charles Smith said: “Our Intelligent Auto-aligning Beam Detector will utilise the higher addressing capability of CoreProtocol®, whist maintaining compatibility with XP95 and Discovery systems offering our customers a product for the present and the future. The new ground level controller will save our customers time and money upon installation.”  

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Coxreels 'Exhaust' series of reels released

Coxreels 300 Series ‘Exhaust’ hose reels are designed to enable the extraction of exhaust fumes directly from the source of their emission and maintain the safest workplace air quality. Coxreels exhaust reels conveniently store lengths of large diameter exhaust hose and mount to any wall, overhead, and floor position. The heavy duty frame on Coxreels exhaust reels is built to provide strength, durability, and stability. The components of this reel are individually powder coated providing excellent resistance in any environment. These reels also feature a panel to easily access the main drum, where the internal ducting is included. The 300 Series Exhaust reels are ideal for indoor vehicle exhaust removal, vehicle manufacturing facilities, automotive dealerships, fleet service centers, garage settings, and fire stations. Coxreels® has remained steadfast and focused on manufacturing high quality, industrial grade hose, cord, and cable reels with leading industry innovation since 1923.

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