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Advanced Insulation appoints new sales manager for Contraflex® insulation and PFP jackets business

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Gloucestershire-based Advanced Insulation, a leading manufacturer of specialist passive fire protection and thermal insulation for the upstream oil and gas industry, has appointed Richard Lane as Sales Manager for its Covertherm business unit. Richard’s UK-based role makes him responsible for the sales and development of Advanced Insulation’s ContraFlex® range of bespoke insulation and passive fire protection jackets, which are used to provide high-performance thermal insulation and protection from jet and/or hydrocarbon fire to equipment requiring frequent maintenance access. Commenting on his appointment, Richard says: “I have a proven track record of working for HVAC and Industrial Insulation based manufacturers, during which time I have developed new markets and established key working relationships. I am therefore looking forward to using my skills, experience and enthusiasm to champion the ContraFlex range in the UK.” Covertherm Managing Director Paul Kendrick says: “Richard is a welcome addition to the team and his experience will be fundamental in helping to bring ContraFlex to new UK and export markets. His appointment comes at a time when the company has been steadily reversing a trend that saw manufacturers looking abroad for low-cost production solutions for passive fire protection jackets.” Established in 2009 and acquired by Advanced Insulation in 2015, Covertherm’s range of bespoke thermal insulation jacket and cover solutions provide exceptional heat savings and are well aligned to complement the ContraFlex range of flexible fire protection jackets. These include high-temperature, acoustic, leak detection and thermal insulation solutions for numerous applications, with optional integral heat tracing insulation jackets also available.

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Chubb creates Learning and Development Academy to enhance employee skills

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Chubb Fire & Security Limited has created a dedicated learning and development academy to enhance the sales, technical and customer service skills of both new and existing employees. Chubb, a leading provider of security and fire-safety solutions, is a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX). The Chubb Sales Academy features a series of 18 bespoke learning modules delivered over a five-week period, and offered five times a year.  Each sales employee – whether new to Chubb or transferred from a sister business – will complete the rigorous learning and development programme.  Instruction ensures understanding of the business and its history, as well as a more in-depth analysis of specific product technologies and customer needs. “Throughout the Chubb Sales Academy we will encourage, develop and monitor each candidate to ensure they are reaching the high standards that we expect of our teams,” said Chris Parker, head of commercial transformation, Chubb. As well as the initial programme, sales managers have access to a calendar of additional modules to ensure their teams are fully aware of the brand’s latest innovations, or to refresh their existing knowledge.  “The academy is another example of Chubb’s commitment to nurturing and developing new talent,” said Parker. “We must ensure our employees have access to the latest techniques to match the high standards our customers expect.” For more information, visit www.chubb.co.uk.

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Westmorland and Notifier meet the university challenge at Damside

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For some lucky university students, gone are the days when they would reside in ramshackle accommodation in the less salubrious parts of towns and cities. Nowadays they have an opportunity to live in purpose built high-end residences that offer a wealth of innovative features providing everything they need for the best student experience. A leading example of this type of accommodation is Damside. A £3m five-storey studio development located in Lancaster city centre, its 79 apartments are designed to the highest specification with stylish, modern interiors. Each self-contained unit includes an en-suite shower room and an integrated kitchen area, as well as comfortable bedroom and study space. Communal facilities have been especially designed for students, including a lounge with pool tables and gaming zones, study areas, a lobby with laundry room and bicycle storage units, plus two large open plan kitchen areas for dinning and entertaining. Developed by Miaccom, the company has partnered with Lancaster University Student Union (LUSU) to manage and let the studios, with safety and security being built into every facet of the building. Prior to work beginning on the refurbishment of the building, Kendal based Westmorland Fire and Security was asked to tender for the design and build of a life safety system that combined state-of-the-art fire detection with minimal potential for unwanted alarms. Westmorland Fire and Security’s Sales Manager, Mark Johnson, says, ‘We have carved an enviable reputation across the north west of England for the quality of our work and we knew that we could provide the very best solution for Damside. For that reason we recommended using a Notifier by Honeywell system throughout, as we have been using their products for the last 20 years, and the system we chose is based around its innovative Pearl intelligent addressable control panel.’ The advanced Pearl system offers best in class performance, scalability and functionality including a host of programming options and loop devices that can be used by an experienced fire system designer to minimise the risk of unwanted alarms, even in challenging environments where there is a high likelihood of them occurring. One such option is ‘Type B Dependency. Asked to explain how this works, Hugh McQuaid, Business Manager – North West at Notifier, replies, ‘Type B Dependency allows a zone to be defined for each individual room, as if it were a separate system. On receipt of an unconfirmed fire signal from a room, only the local alarm within the room is given. If the alarm is confirmed by a second signal the system proceeds to the relevant evacuation stage. Alternatively, if the confirmation signal is not given, the system may reset automatically without attendance by the warden or maintenance engineer. Confirmations may be provided by a second device in the same zone, a second signal from the same device, a device in a different zone or manually through activation of a call-point.’ The Pearl control panel is linked to Notifier SMART2 multi-sensors located in each room that use a combination of heat and optical smoke sensing elements that are managed by embedded software. This provides the earliest warning of the broadest range of fire conditions, whilst minimising the expense and inconvenience of unwanted alarms and ensuring rapid response. In areas where the normal daytime activities may potentially create unwanted alarms, the detector can be programmed to operate in a heat only mode, automatically reverting to full photo-thermal operation during unoccupied periods. Perhaps the most innovative aspect of Westmorland Fire and Security’s work at Damside is the way that that it has integrated Pearl with an automatic opening vent (AOV) system. Mark Johnson explains, ‘AOV’s are designed to reduce smoke build-up, helping to provide a safer escape route for occupants and access for fire and rescue personnel. When a detector or call point is triggered, the AOV system will open actuators, windows or vents to create ventilation in the escape routes. This clears smoke for people leaving the building and vents smoke out of the area that has been triggered.’ With a ventilation shaft running through the middle of the building, each floor has a vent, which can be controlled by the Pearl system. All inputs and outputs go into the panel, with complex cause and effect options to give fully automated operation as well as status indication. Pearl has the capacity for 512 lines of cause and effect programming, so it can be used in even the most complex building layouts. Fire detection and AOV usually operate as two separate systems, but what is particularly innovative about the Damside installation is that they have been configured over a single wiring infrastructure. Not only did this save time and money, it means that in an emergency the fire and rescue service can see at a glance which vents and windows are open, as well as the source of the original activation. This clear indication can rapidly reduce search times in the event of a fire or fault, while pre-alarm warnings can also be provided, giving time to investigate prior to a full alarm situation being reached. The first students moved into Damside in early September 2015 and so far there have been no unwanted alarms, something that is especially pleasing to Miaccom’s Operations Manager, Andrew Stanyon, who concludes, ‘One of our main priorities was to keep our residents safe while in the building. I firmly believe that when it comes to life safety, having the very best fire detection system possible is a must, and thanks to Westmorland Fire and Security and Notifier’s skill and expertise, that’s exactly what we have.’ For further information please call 01444 230300 or visit www.notifierfiresystems.co.uk

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New tyre strategy pays off for Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

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Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is benefiting from improved tyre life, durability and traction for its frontline appliances after adopting the latest generation truck tyres. The brigade became the first emergency service in the UK to fit a set of 315/70 R 22.5 Michelin X MultiWay 3D XZE all-position (steer) tyres in 2011. Four years on, the fitments are still fitted after more than 58,000 km in service and are projected to achieve in excess of 71,000 km – an approximate 94 per cent increase in mileage performance over the previous fitment. Fleet Manager Scott Roberts pioneered the shift from 275/70 R 22.5 XZE2+ tyres – previously the favoured tyre size for an 18 tonne fire appliance – and says that the move to larger tyres, combined with the new Michelin tread pattern, ticks all of the boxes. Critically, the all-position X MultiWay 3D XZE tyres feature M+S (mud + snow) and 3PMSF (Thee Peak Mountain Snowflake) markings, highlighting their ability to deliver traction on snow and in mud. Previously, even urban-based appliances on all-position tyres could struggle for traction in challenging conditions. However, the new tyres’ credentials enable Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to specify all-position tyres as an all-round fitment on new heavy appliances – even those for rural areas, which previously required drive pattern tyres to ensure sufficient traction when road conditions deteriorate. Roberts says: “The change in tyre size and tread pattern have combined to offer our crews the best possible handling characteristics, with driver trainers and drivers reporting significantly less understeer when making progress under blue light conditions. This is no mean feat when you consider the weight of the crew cab and a full payload. “The increase in tyre life is also notable. Shoulder wear used to be one of the main reasons for premature removal, but the X MultiWay 3Ds have worn evenly. To be on target to get 71,000 km from a set of tyres on an 18 tonne fire appliance is remarkable.” As well as fitting the latest generation tyres on its 18 tonners, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is also fitting Michelin’s new X Multi range of tyres on its smaller 15 tonne trucks. 285/70 R 19.5 X Multi tyres have been specified as original equipment on 15 new Volvo appliances currently entering operation. Michelin says its new X Multi tyres stand out for being safer, more fuel-efficient, quieter and longer-lasting than the previous generation Michelin XZE2s they replace. Testing conducted by TÜV SÜD in Germany also revealed an average 13m difference in wet braking when two-thirds worn between a vehicle shod with Michelin X Multi tyres, and four premium competitor brands tested, when braking from 50 to 0km/h on a low friction surface. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service operates a fleet of more than 1,900 vehicles throughout Scotland, including 830 assets with a gross vehicle weight of 7.5 tonnes or more. The organisation was formed in April 2013, bringing together the collective skills and experience from across Scotland’s previous eight fire and rescue services. It encompasses more than 8,000 firefighters, protecting a population spread across bustling cities as well as some of the UK’s most remote areas. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has operated a Michelin tyre policy for three decades, procuring rubber for its fleet through the Crown Commercial Service framework agreement. Tyres are supplied and fitted by ATS Euromaster, which is described by Roberts as delivering “outstanding service”. For further information on the Michelin commercial vehicle tyre range visit http://trucks.michelin.co.uk/

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Tyco introduces Aquamist ULF for cable tunnel fire protection

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Tyco Fire Protection Products introduces AquaMist ULF (Ultra Low Flow) for cable tunnels. AquaMist ULF is a low pressure water mist system designed to deliver water droplets with a high cooling effect to quickly remove heat from a fire. It helps reduce water consumption and minimises damage to cables in the protected area. AquaMist ULF also provides the rapid suppression needed to avoid the potential cost and downtime associated with a cable tunnel fire. The complete system design comprises pipes, pumps, detection and approved valve sets. Other components include electrically operated valves with a pressure rating of 17.2 bar, the Nozzle AM4, which produces a range of water droplet sizes to reduce heat and penetrate the fire zone, and the Tyco AquaMist Mist Control Centre (MCC) Pump Skid Unit. This is a pre-assembled, self-contained control centre for the AquaMist ULF system, designed to meet the most stringent project requirements. The system can also be configured for zonal fire protection. “As a water mist system that combines low pressure with a high cooling effect, AquaMist ULF is an efficient solution to combat cable tunnel fires,” said Alex Palau Bosch, Product Manager at Tyco Fire Protection Products. “The impact of cable tunnel fires can seriously affect businesses. Our AquaMist system is designed to provide prompt and comprehensive protection of cable tunnels with minimal disruption and incurred cost.” Thanks to its compact design, AquaMist ULF reduces space requirements and facilitates more cost-effective installation compared to high pressure systems. The system also minimises post-discharge water treatment and clean-up costs. For additional information regarding Tyco’s AquaMist ULF for cable tunnels, please visit www.tycoaquamist.com.

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Amthal serves up security for Hawksmoor Restaurants

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Amthal is working with Hawksmoor through an ambitious growth plan throughout the UK, providing fire and security services for all new and inherited buildings. Hawksmoor, a British steakhouse and cocktail bar, which has been described as ‘flawless’ by The Times restaurant critic Giles Coren, and one of the best restaurant groups in the country by Tom Parker Bowles, is on the cusp of opening its tenth restaurant in quick succession. Growing with the company is Amthal Fire & Security; always ready to design, deliver and install security solutions including smart CCTV systems alongside all fire alarms for the ultimate safety of staff and customers. Says Alex McLauchlan, Finance Director at Hawksmoor Group: “Amthal Fire & Security has excelled in the delivery of innovative security solutions, even when the buildings we have purchased have existing systems and supply companies already in place. “The team works seamlessly around our timetables to ensure fire and security systems are planned into the design of the restaurant, installed with minimal disruption and maintained with a 24/7 priority response. Amthal is a company on which Hawskmoor has come to rely as we grow our restaurant portfolio for the safety and security of our staff and guests.” Phil Bryant, Service Accounts Manager at Amthal Fire & Security added: “ “What our long term relationship with Hawksmoor demonstrates is our preferred approach to working with clients, in true partnership.  Our aim is to grow with clients and become the first port of call to organise all fire and security services. “In Hawksmoor’s case, we are now asked to be involved with all areas of its operation from the planning of new site acquisitions and new site openings, through to a scheduled service and support package for the group’s portfolio.  We even recently travelled with Hawksmoor on its first venture outside of London, with Hawksmoor Manchester.  Overall, it shows how Amthal is Hawksmoor’s total security solution provider.” Independently owned, Amthal Fire & Security is dedicated to satisfying end user needs for security safety and convenience offering design, installation, service and remote monitoring of advanced electronic fire & security solutions, including intruder, Fire, Access and CCTV systems. Amthal Fire & Security is accredited by the Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board (SSAIB) United Kingdom Accreditation Services (UKAS) and British Approvals for Fire Equipment (BAFE.) For more information, please visit www.amthalsecurity.co.uk.

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DuPont Protection Technologies reaffirms commitment to defend aggressively against trademark infringement and counterfeiting

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DuPont Protection Technologies (DuPont) has reaffirmed its global efforts to defend against unauthorized and illegal use of its trademarks, especially when counterfeiters jeopardize the safety of end-users. As the owner of iconic brands such as DuPont™ Kevlar®, DuPont™ Nomex® and DuPont™ Tyvek®, DuPont has handled over 700 cases of trademark infringement in the last year, including 19 counterfeit cases. Most of the cases are resolved extra-judicially, however more than two-dozen cases around the world have already been closed through successful legal actions. In the same timeframe, more than a dozen companies have signed new licensing agreements with DuPont authorizing their use of the DuPont™ Kevlar® brand, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Many customers and licensees continue to innovate with the company’s world-renown advanced materials.                        “In order to protect the value of our brands and the safety and durability they represent, DuPont takes trademark infringement and fraudulent use of its brands very seriously,” said Giselle Ruiz-Arthur, DuPont corporate trademark and copyright counsel. “We have a very effective strategy to combat the problem through a global brand protection steering team that can quickly identify cases to be addressed and take action.”                     Some of the recent actions the company has taken include training customs officers to recognize illegitimate labeling to help seize counterfeits, working with appropriate authorities to conduct raids, and moving to take down websites that promote illegitimate products.  In one instance, the company reported identified counterfeiters selling fake protective apparel in the oil and gas industry to consumer protection agencies around the world.                       “Counterfeiting is not a victimless crime and can result in serious harm to consumers. It is critical that those companies whose products are related to health and safety take action to protect the public,” said Candice Li-Uzoigwe, International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC) vice president for global public affairs. “Counterfeiting is a global problem that requires a global solution. We applaud DuPont for its international efforts to address counterfeiting.”                        As part of its brand-strengthening activities, this year DuPont has entered new licensing agreements, aligning with other well-recognized brands that not only want to use the DuPont™ Kevlar® brand, but also innovate with the technology to launch new products, including: Reebok apparel and footwear; adidas footwear; Dewalt workwear; and Prestone cooling system products.          DuPont Protection Technologies is a leader in technologies and products that protect people, the environment and critical assets worldwide. DuPont™ Kevlar® fiber is best known for its use in ballistic and stab-resistant body armor, but the use of Kevlar® has been extended to everything from fire fighter and industrial protective clothing to vehicles, fiber optic cables, mining belts, commercial aircraft and city roads, in addition to consumer products such as mobile phones, tires, and high-performance sporting apparel and equipment. DuPont™ Nomex® fiber has offered trusted thermal protection around the world for decades, and DuPont™ Tyvek® uses include sterile medical packaging and personal protective apparel. For additional information, please visit DuPont Protection Technologies.

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Mercedes-Benz Sprinter fire engine is a hot prospect

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Business is heating up for a Lancashire-based body conversion specialist which has just launched a new concept in fire-fighting vehicles, based on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Pickup Systems, of Burnley, developed its prototype ‘Compac’ vehicle on a 5.0-tonne Sprinter 519 CDI chassis supplied by Dealer Ciceley Commercials, after spotting a gap in the market. Managing Director John McGauley explained: “Fire and rescue services, just like everyone else, are facing pressure on their budgets and looking for ways to operate as efficiently as possible – and that includes running the most cost-effective vehicles. “At the same time, largely thanks to the excellent work they do in spreading fire safety advice, fitting free smoke alarms, and generally raising awareness, the number of callouts is falling. Yet the standard size of a fire tender has remained the same. “We believe there’s a growing need for a smaller, lighter, more efficient vehicle, one that provides a high level of fire-fighting ability but with much lower running costs. Our Mercedes-Benz Sprinter conversion meets this requirement perfectly.” The Sprinter Compac is powered by a gutsy 190 hp Euro VI engine, which drives through an automatic or six-speed manual transmission, and has a factory-built steel crew cab with seating for up to five firefighters. Its body is constructed from high-strength polypropylene and includes lockers and slide-and-tilt drawers to carry tools and equipment safely and securely, as well as an 800-litre water tank and Godiva KP2 PTO-powered pump. A nine-metre ladder is stowed on the roof. “The vehicle is just like a standard fire tender, but downsized,” continued Mr McGauley. “It can easily cope with the majority of fire situations and is also well suited for responding to road traffic collisions and water rescues. It really comes into its own, though, when attending incidents in areas where access is restricted, such as tight inner-city streets or narrow country lanes. “At the same time its lower initial purchase price, and greatly improved maintenance costs and fuel economy, mean it can be as much as 60% cheaper to operate than a traditional truck-based fire engine.” He added: “The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis was the obvious choice when we decided to develop this concept. It’s the clear market leader in the emergency services sector, thanks to its well-deserved reputation for reliability and class-leading safety standards. The chassis was also very easy to work on and we had full technical support from both Mercedes-Benz and Ciceley Commercials – we’re now working closely with the Dealer to offer a ‘one-stop shop’ arrangement for customers.” Pickup Systems has already presented the Sprinter Compac at the Emergency Services Show, at the NEC in Birmingham, and is now touring the country carrying out demonstrations. “Our vehicle has generated a real buzz of interest and is in great demand from fire and rescue services all over Britain who want to take a closer look at it,” said Mr McGauley. www.pickup-systems.com

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Tyco introduces the next generation butterfly valve

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Tyco Fire Protection Products, a global leader in fire protection, detection and suppression technologies, introduces the next generation butterfly valve, the BFV-300. Offering a lighter, more compact design, the BFV-300 allows for more efficient installation, easier operation and long-term performance. New, unique features of the valve make it smaller, lighter and easier to install and service. For example, tapping bosses incorporated into the butterfly valve save time by enabling quick upstream direct connection to a deluge valve and downstream connection of additional components, or drainage for dry maintenance. The travelling nut gearbox features a single moving part, which allows for a smaller, more compact design that is easier to install and operate. On average, the gearbox is 50% smaller than conventional gearboxes and contributes to a 40% weight saving compared to traditional butterfly valves currently available. The BFV-300 also features a QR code printed on the gearbox cover. By scanning the code with a smart device, users can benefit from access to online product information. “The new BFV-300 Butterfly Valve was developed to meet users’ needs in a lighter, more compact package,” said Gerhard Jonkeren, Global Product Manager at Tyco Fire Protection Products. “We’ve improved the design of the gearbox to provide greater ease of installation and operation compared to conventional valves. The tapping bosses make it easier to operate and enhance long-term performance for a more efficient solution.” Globally, Tyco is the first company to offer grooved butterfly valves with two incorporated tapping bosses. This enables installers to make a fast connection to the deluge valve without the need for additional tapping saddles or drilling into the pipe. The tapping bosses also provide a simple, fast drainage system. Additional features of the BFV-300 include a grooved end or wafer style connection for installation on a range of systems and supervisory open and closed options – supervisory open to isolate the alarm valve, or supervisory closed for use in a by-pass system. Furthermore, the valve is 100% silicon free and available in sizes from 2” to 12” (DN50 – DN300). The BFV-300 is also fully approved globally for greater assurance. For more information regarding Tyco’s BFV-300 Butterfly Valve, please visit www.tfppemea.com.

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