Demonstrates the versatility of the company’s technology The Leadenhall Building in London has become the tallest construction project so far to benefit from Ramtech Electronics’ innovative wireless fire alarm system. Laing O’Rourke used the company’s proven wireless emergency system (WES) to protect workers and physical assets during construction of the 224 metre, 45 floor central London development. The Leadenhall Building demonstrates the versatility of the company’s technology – WES is suitable for all types of projects from small construction sites through to large commercial and civil engineering developments. Around 85 per cent of the Leadenhall Building was assembled off site for speed and efficiency. Being a wireless system meant that the WES units could be repositioned quickly and easily, which was key to keeping up with an unprecedented level of construction progress for a high rise structure in the UK. The WES technology also saved time by allowing mandatory weekly fire alarm tests to be carried out using the silent function, avoiding disruption to workers. To eliminate false alarms and lost hours on site, the system uses highest quality Category 1, Euro-harmonised radio in compliance with European standards covering the use of radio technology in emergency equipment (ETSI 300-220-1). Ramtech Electronics has been developing market leading wireless technology specifically for the construction sector for over a quarter of a century. It is the only wireless fire alarm system in the UK to be specifically engineered – and independently tested and approved – to comply with EN54, and therefore with the new Construction Products Regulation (CPR). In addition to helping save lives on construction sites by ensuring workers and visitors are alerted as quickly as possible and can evacuate to safety as soon as a fire is detected, the technology protects valuable assets. In the case of the Leadenhall project that included work in progress and neighbouring high value buildings. Paul Henson, Sales and Marketing Director at Ramtech Electronics said: “The relatively low investment required for our system compared to the protection it provides makes it a very straightforward business decision. Once the work on site is completed the units can simply be moved to the next construction project.” To ensure your site has the best possible protection for workers and assets, whilst complying with the new EN54 standard, call the WES+ helpline on: 00 44 (0) 115 822 3424, or visit: www.wesfire.co.uk

Swiveling 90 degree elbow with stationary flange adapts for many applications After successfully custom engineering a new suction and discharge elbow for use on New York Fire Department fireboats, Kochek Company has introduced the specialty product to broader markets. The Connecticut-based manufacturer of high quality water flow products and connections designed the product to FDNY specifications. Featuring a stationary flange, the 90° elbow incorporates a full-time swivel and locking knob. Such universal adaptability makes the new product well suited for applications beyond its prototype, such as front suction in fire pumpers, fixed assemblies in marinas or shipyards, oil rig platforms, and refinery fire protection inlet manifolds. The new adapter consists of a 6 inch storz head and 6 inch stainless steel flange and may also be ordered with threaded heads. It is available in Kochek’s exclusive Micralox® anodized coating which produces long-lasting resistance to abrasion, chemical and salt corrosion. Micralox is available in several vibrant color options.

At the Wyndham Orlando Resort in Orlando The Fire Protection Research Foundation, an affiliate of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), announced the 19th annual Suppression, Detection and Signaling Symposium (SupDet 2015) will be held March 3-6, 2015 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort in Orlando, Fla. SupDet 2015 addresses professionals in the fire alarm, suppression and emergency communications industries and offers the opportunity to exchange ideas and the latest research. There will be more than 30 presentations to choose from that will touch upon the latest developments in research, technology and applications for the fire protection community including: · detection and signaling research, including detection of cooking fires, carbon monoxide detection, nuisance alarms, notification and standard updates. · sprinkler and other suppression research, including dry systems, storage protection, hybrid systems, lithium ion protection, environment, special applications and sprinkler system design. In addition, a free half-day workshop, “Inspection, Testing and Maintenance (ITM) of Fire Protection Systems: Improving the Effectiveness of Systems” will be offered to all attendees on March 4. This workshop is a “bridge event” between the Suppression and Detection sessions, which all registrants can attend. While ITM activities are recognized for improving fire protection system effectiveness, a few questions have been raised about what constitutes proper ITM activities. Some questions that will be considered are: · How much do current ITM requirements improve the effectiveness of fire protection systems? · How are ITM programs being implemented currently? · Are additional activities, such as design evaluations or re-commissioning, warranted? · On the other side, what is the cost/benefit ratio of ITM activities? Is there a technical basis for the required frequencies? Register today for the full symposium or choose either the Suppression Program or the Detection and Signaling Program. For more information and to register online, contact Eric Peterson at + 1 617-984-7281.

With complete line of 6-inch strainers Kochek Company of Connecticut, manufacturers of high quality water flow products and fire connections, offers an extensive line of big water strainers ideal for maximum flow applications in the firefighting, power, irrigation, facilities and industrial fire protection markets. Company marketing director David Matthews said Kochek customers have recognized the brand as a trusted leader in the manufacture of big water movement products for over two and half decades, providing high quality ice strainers, self-leveling floating strainers, barrel strainers, low-level strainers, and barrel bottom guard strainers in 6-inch sizes recommended for pumps of 1500 to 2000 gpm capacity. Kochek’s strainers are compact and constructed of lightweight aluminum yet are durable to withstand harsh weather conditions while delivering maximum water flow. They come in sizes from 1 ½” to 6” and many are available with Kochek’s exclusive Quantum™ anodized hardcoat in a range of colors. Available in threaded, storz and camlock connections.

A freight train carrying crude oil derailed Source: BBC  Two West Virginia towns have been evacuated after a freight train carrying crude oil derailed and burst into flames. Local websites published images of large flames and a thick plume of black smoke near a partly frozen river. At least 14 cars were affected and one plunged into the Kanawha River, state officials said. There are also reports that a train car crashed into a house, but there were no initial reports of fatalities. Rail company CSX said in a statement that one person was being treated for potential inhalation, but no other injuries were reported. Residents of Adena Village and Boomer have been urged to evacuate after the accident happened at 13:30 (18:30 GMT). Darrin McGuffin, about a quarter-mile from the scene, told the BBC the fire was still out of control late in the afternoon. He estimated about half a mile of the river was burning. Lawrence Messina of the State Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety told the BBC the car that fell into the river is leaking oil. State emergency response and environmental officials headed to the scene – a rural, coal mining area near Montgomery. West Virginia American Water shut down a water treatment plant, located three miles away an hour after the derailment, spokeswoman Laura Jordan said. The plant serves about 2,000 customers. The state was under a winter storm warning and getting heavy snowfall at times, with as much as five inches in some places. It is unclear whether the snow contributed to the crash. The train consisted of two locomotives and 109 rail cars and was travelling from North Dakota to Yorktown, Virginia.

Fike Safety Technology’s new solution Introducing Fike Safety Technology’s new solution for the monitoring and management of remote fire alarm systems over the internet. At the heart of the system is a cloud-based database, which receives data from fire alarm systems via the GPRS mobile network. In addition to FST’s own TWINFLEXpro and Duonet fire alarm systems, Nimbus also works with the majority of analogue addressable control panels from all of the major manufacturers. The primary application of Nimbus is to log, manage and administrate the commissioning, servicing, maintenance, testing, performance and day-to-day use of the connected fire alarm systems. Data is stored in a secure database and accessed via a standard web browser on any internet enabled device. Event notifications are sent via email and/or SMS messaging. According to FST, Nimbus is the ideal management tool for service, building and estate managers who need to maintain a lifetime electronic log of their fire alarm systems. Fire alarm installers and service companies can also benefit from Nimbus, by offering it as a value-added service to their customers and using it help streamline their own service operation. Nimbus centralises all fire alarm system activity through a single cross-platform management tool and provides a detailed electronic history of the system throughout its use and life. The Nimbus database can provide an infinite log of all data, thereby overcoming the memory limits of fire alarm control panels. Fire alarm control panels are connected to Nimbus using a GRPS Gateway. This is a non-intrusive interface that connects to the panel’s serial or printer port and does not affect the function of the fire alarm system. Requiring no physical connection to telephone lines or clients IP network the GPRS Gateway provides the ideal communications path between the fire alarm system and Nimbus. Reports can be generated based on weekly testing, servicing and live activity. Users may also generate specific reports based on their own search criteria; e.g. date/time, mode, event, panel, loop, device and any protocol parameter. The common web interface simplifies the generation of reports and allows data to be exported to industry standard tools, such as an Excel spreadsheet, or simply printed.

3tc Software Chairman Phil Toase awarded Maurice Bean Memorial Award Phil Toase CBE QFSM DL, former chairman of BAFE, President of the Chief Fire Officers Association and Chief Fire Officer of West Yorkshire received ‘The Maurice Bean Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement within the Fire Safety Profession’. Phil gratefully accepted the award at the Annual Fire Industry Association Lunch in London. The current chairman of BAFE acknowledged Phil’s efforts and exceptional work: “In his many senior roles within the fire industry, Phil has always promoted the values of quality and competence, with a passion for the protection of life and property from the tragedy of fire” (Douglas Barnett, BAFE chairman). BAFE Chief Executive, Stephen Adams, agreed “Although BAFE faced many challenges during Phil’s nine years as chairman, his remarkable leadership skills enabled him to significantly influence the organisation’s growth and development.” Phil continuously pushed for new processes and innovation within the fire sector, particularly emphasising the importance of third party certification for products. Assuring quality, safety and reliability of services and products in the fire industry, Phil is convinced that third party certification is the way forward. In accepting the award Phil said that "whilst one never seeks awards such as this, it is always nice to be recognised and acknowledged by your fellow professionals and particularly by members of the Fire Industry Association whom I hold in the highest regard". Phil was born in Wakefield and attended Queen Elizabeth Grammar School. He is married to Lorraine and has three children and six grandchildren. He now lives in South Crosland, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. As the Chairman of 3tc Software, Phil promotes the use of innovative technology to enhance efficiency and maximise budgets within the fire industry. If you would like to find out more about the company and its products, visit www.3tcsoftware.com.