An innovative combination of GORE TEX with a WINDSTOPPER membrane In the middle of January, the LHD Group Hong Kong Ltd., a subsidiary of the LHD Group, won the award of a further tender for the Hong Kong Fire Services Department. The order encompasses the supply of a total of 1,780 First Responder (FR) soft shell jackets for the Hong Kong Fire Service. The FR soft shell jacket consists of an innovative combination of GORE TEX® with a WINDSTOPPER™ membrane and is equipped with 3M reflective strips. The membrane is laminated between a sturdy, high quality outer material and a warming, quick drying polyester fleece. It consists of a very thin protective layer which is combined with a lightweight textile protective layer. As a result, the textile part is absolutely windproof. Nevertheless, sweat in the form of water vapor can escape unhindered as the WINDSTOPPER™ membrane consists of a microscopically porous PTFE polymer (polytetrafluorethylene). Through this so-called wind chill effect the wearer is protected in an optimum manner from body heat loss. The material is pleasant to the touch, dries rapidly and is breathable. The body remains capable of performance for a longer period as less energy is required for maintaining the micro climate. All of the materials comply with Öko Tex Standard 100. Within the scope of the TotalCare® contract with the Hong Kong Fire Service, the LHD is responsible for the supply, cleaning and maintenance of more than 13,000 sets of protective clothing for firemen for the ca. 6,500 members of the fire service together with the corresponding logistics.

A landmark office building in Paddington 5 Merchant Square is a landmark office building arranged over 15 floors in Paddington’s prestigious waterside setting, with spectacular views over the West End and City. Designed by award-winning international architects Mossession & Partners, it has a dynamic façade and a stunning full height glass atrium. The unique shape of the atrium creates a flood of natural light throughout the building but this presented challenges when it came to fitting fire detection equipment, as Chris Onions, Project Manager at Leader Systems explains: “We were tasked to fit out the shell and core of the 15 floor building to give unparalleled fire detection across the whole site. There were a number of features in the building that meant a complete fire detection system – such as that offered by Apollo– was absolutely vital.” Chris continues, “The first challenge was the Atrium. As a full glass structure, with no access, it was impossible to fit any smoke or multi-sensor detectors at the top. However, because it was 100% glass, the only place a fire could start would be on the ground and so we chose to fit eight fire beam detectors.” The open protocol, reflective smoke beam detectors incorporate a motorised head able to align itself during commissioning to continually correct against building movement and ensure maximum protection at all times. “The next challenge came in the loading bay areas. As with any environment like this, the high ceilings allowing for lorry movement meant traditional detectors wouldn’t give the level of protection required, so we used Apollo’s Flame Detector,” Chris said. Flame Detector is designed to protect enclosed indoor areas where open fires may occur and has a fast acting response to flames up to 25m away. Critically, it is able to discriminate between flames and other, non-threatening sources of radiation. Leader Systems finished the initial installation in 2010 and then revisited to install detectors for a major retailer’s head offices which occupied the first seven floors of the building. In total, Leader Systems installed more than 4,500 devices and expanded on the fire alarm panels installed during the shell and core fit out. Chris explains: “We were already familiar with the site and its challenges so this installation was more straightforward. We used Discovery devices again and fitted optical devices in the voids above all ceilings.” In any new build there are numerous demands on the devices and Leader Systems linked to Apollo’s XP95 interfaces with a number of other safety measures. For example, when an alarm is raised, smoke curtains descend in designated locations, lifts return to the ground/first floor and escalators stop. Chris concludes: “The open protocol approach combined with Apollo detectors allowed us to complete both installations effectively and provide the most suitable level of cover for this striking new building in the heart of London.” For further information, visit www.apollo-fire.co.uk

Provides complete compliance and certification Tyco Fire Protection Products is pleased to announce EN54-13 approval of its FireClass range of addressable fire detection technology. Together with a full range of detectors, callpoints, modules and sounders, the FireClass Addressable System provides complete compliance and certification for the compatibility and integrity of system components. Compliance with the EN54-13 standard is at the heart of the drive for enhanced fire protection and a reduction in false alarms. The standard calls for testing of a complete system to ensure fully functional compatibility of the various components regardless of the manufacturer or brand. As such it is the standard for system performance rather than a product standard. In response to these requirements, FireClass provides a system, rather than components-based approach to fire detection, monitoring the whole building and offering a total solution. Eric Tassé, Global Director, Zettler, ThornSecurity and FireClass Product Management, explains the impact of EN54-13 on customers looking to specify a fire detection system. “Customers have become used to the EN54 family of product standards for fire detection as a benchmark for product performance. EN54-13 introduces an equally important measure of system performance so customers can be confident that individual components work together as a system”. As part of its ongoing commitment to developing advanced, innovative and robust technology, Tyco Fire Protection Products has pushed the capability of the FireClass system beyond the minimum requirements for EN54-13. “We believe in offering both the installer and end user maximum choice and certification,” adds Eric. “As an Open Protocol system FireClass has accomplished a rare achievement as most solutions of this type are made up of a group of components from different manufacturers and then brought together during installation. By offering a complete fire detection solution, we provide installers and fire system integrators with advanced fire detection products designed with ease of installation and simplicity in mind all from one single supplier. “System compatibility approval is already used in Belgium, Germany and The Netherlands as part of the requirement for approval of a commercial fire detection solution. We’re also beginning to see other regions require fire alarm components to be third party tested for compatibility and certified to EN54-13. We would recommend to any installer and end user they consider EN54-13 compliance as a key requirement when specifying a fire detection solution in order to provide complete peace of mind.” For more details on EN54-13 compliance and the FireClass fire detection system, visit www.fireclass.net.

Provide the earliest warning detection with false alarm immunity Honeywell will be demonstrating the latest FAAST next generation aspiration detection technologies at this year’s Firex on 17-19 June (Stand N625) at the Excel Centre in London. Live product demonstrations will showcase the ultra sensitive EN54-20 approved FAAST XM device achieving false alarm immunity via unique patented technologies. FAAST LT will be demonstrated as a flexible solution for challenging applications. The latest new addition to the FAAST aspiration detection technology range being introduced at the show is FAAST XL, a high sensitivity four channel device offering class-leading leading levels of false alarm immunity, extensive coverage and integrated communications. FAAST next generation aspiration detectors were launched in Europe two years ago and are increasing their market share due to their ability to provide the earliest warning detection with false alarm immunity in the most challenging environments. Tim Checketts, EMEA Sales Manager, Speciality Products, will be giving a presentation on latest aspiration technologies during the show. He commented: “We exhibited FAAST at last year’s Firex and since then have won a significant number of high profile projects in applications demanding the earliest and most accurate smoke detection. This year the focus is on range extension and integration and the unique features within FAAST such dual optics and multi stage filtration which make it 65% more effective for false alarm immunity*. “What is clear is that aspiration detection is fast becoming the detection method of choice for a far wider range of applications now such as airports, shopping developments, manufacturing facilities, pharmaceutical sites and high end property development. It’s no longer the remit of clean rooms and data centres. We expect this year’s Firex to be a great success and are looking forward to introducing another new product in the FAAST range.” *FAAST delivers a 65%+ improvement in false alarm immunity compared with traditional aspiration detectors. For more details and to register for the show go to www.firex.co.uk/

For the supply of new Bristol Xflex garments The signing of a 5-year lease agreement with Birmingham International Airport will see the airport’s 64 firefighters being equipped with new, state-of-the-art, head-to-toe protective clothing from July this year. Following an extensive trial period, during which alternative firefighter PPE options were put through a range of tests, BHX Fire & Rescue Ltd, which provides fire cover for the airport, selected Bristol Uniforms XFlex structural fire kit to meet their needs for the period to 2019. Recently a sizing process has been undertaken during which every firefighter has been measured to make sure that their new garments, allocated individually, fit exactly to ensure maximum protection. The process also ensures that there is full compatibility with the other head-to-toe garments, which will include flashoods, helmets, boots and gloves. The outer layer of the new kit is a Hainsworth TITAN 1260 fabric which is a PBI/Meta and Para-Aramid blend combining the benefits of both fibres. The PBI Gold fibres combine with the blue Meta-Aramid threads to give the garment a unique visual impact. The moisture barrier is Gore‘s CROSSTECH Fireblocker. Hainsworth’s ECO-dry Active thermal barrier,a combination of Nomex with wool, provides a natural antibacterial moisture management system and enhanced wearer comfort. Underlining the flexibility of the procurement options available from Bristol, BHX have chosen to take the complete PPE package under a 5-year lease contract during which time Bristol will provide managed services to fully maintain all the garments. This will include washing, repair and, where required, decontamination. At the end of the contract period ownership of the PPE will pass to BHX. Paul Ankrett, Birmingham’s Airport Fire Manager, said: ‘For aviation firefighting you cannot underestimate the importance of quality PPE for firefighters; it is an area that we will never compromise on. After meeting with other fire clothing manufacturers it is apparent that this area of industry has come on leaps and bounds over the years and there is much on offer with regard to fire fighter protection. However we chose Bristol firefighting PPE both for its superior ergonomic quality and the support service that goes along with their products. We also know that Bristol have a track record for their quality and support service within this industry and so we look forward to working with them over the next five years.’ Philip Tasker, Bristol’s UK Sales Manager, added: ‘We believe that to maintain our position as a leading global manufacturer of firefighter PPE we need to offer both flexibility in the range of products we offer as well as the means by which our customers can acquire their PPE. By offering different finance options, customers can, as BHX has shown, opt to lease as an alternative to outright purchase, but through a scheme which will provide for ownership at the end of the contract. This flexibility also adds to the ease of either extending contracts, or setting up new ones, at a time when procurement environments may have changed and a different option may be preferred.’

Drought is worsening fire risks The U.S. government expects to spend $470 million more than it has on hand to fight wildfires in a season that has already brought large blazes to California and Western states, where drought is worsening fire risks, federal officials said on Friday. Predicted high temperatures and less moisture for much of the U.S. West are expected to boost firefighting costs to nearly$1.87 billion this year for agencies that only have $1.4 billion budgeted, according to the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. A provision in President Barack Obama’s 2015 budget proposal and legislation pending in Congress would use federal disaster funds for expenses tied to catastrophic wildfires, which represent 1 percent of blazes but which cost roughly $400 million a year to contain, according to fire managers. Budget gaps come as federal agencies adjust to a "new normal" of wildfire seasons that start earlier and last longer, said Randy Eardley, spokesman for the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise. For instance, a blaze in southern California broke out on Wednesday, driven by Santa Ana winds, which sweep hot air from California’s desert through mountain passes and river canyons. "The big fires in California tend to be in the fall with Santa Ana winds," Eardley said. The 2,200-acre fire north of the affluent community of Rancho Cucamonga in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains was 53 percent contained on Friday, and evacuation orders were lifted for hundreds forced to flee their homes, fire information officer Carol Underhill said. Fire risks are to remain high in May for drought-stricken states like California, Arizona, New Mexico and Alaska, and hazards will intensify in June for Nevada and Oregon, according to forecasts by the National Interagency Fire Center. Snowfall and rain have reduced the threat of wildfires in the Northern Rockies for the moment, but continued drought in southwest Idaho will worsen the fire outlook there July through August, federal forecasts show. Wildfires in the western United States have been growing larger and more frequent for the past 30 years, increasing by seven fires a year and expanding at a rate of 90,000 acres annually, according to a study by the University of Utah and University of California-Berkeley. The uptick in fires mostly affected areas with more severe drought, researchers said. (Thompson Reuters, 2014)

Fibreglass-reinforced plastic shelters to protect vital control electronics Canada-based Intertec has developed fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) shelters to protect vital control electronics used during an emergency shutdown on an offshore gas production platform in the Arabian Gulf. Outdoor enclosure specialist Intertec (Sarnia, Ontario, Canada) reports that it has supplied three passive fire shelters designed to protect the vital control electronics of automatic emergency shutdown and fire suppression systems on offshore gas production platforms in the Arabian Gulf. Fabricated using fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) materials, the shelters employ patented techniques to resist fire for two hours – allowing critical electronic safety equipment to remain operational. Although there are currently no standards for this application area that cover containment temperatures, Intertec designs, manufactures and tests its fire shelters to a proprietary specification that demands that their internal temperature must remain below 60°C/140°F throughout the rated protection time. The shelters are also capable of withstanding conventional and more severe hydrocarbon fires. All three fire shelters are floor-mounted walk-in models and are the largest that Intertec has produced to date. Intertec says these shelters represent a major advance over many current fire protection technologies used in this area, such as fire-safe buildings constructed from concrete or steel and covered with fire resistant ceramic tiles, or conventional shelters covered with intumescent materials, which can hinder access. The weight of the composite GRP materials that Intertec uses is about 25 percent that of steel – for a similar strength – and only 10 percent that of concrete, making it especially suitable for offshore applications. Until now, almost all of the fire-resistant enclosures Intertec has produced have been in the form of smaller cabinets designed to protect specific critical process control elements of refineries, petrochemical plants and offshore platforms – typically electromechanical emergency shutdown (ESD) valves and actuators. This is the first time that fire shelters have been specified for the even more demanding role of protecting heat-sensitive control system electronics from the direct and indirect effects of fire. Intertec produces all its fire shelters using a proprietary composite construction technique, comprising one or more layers of fire-resistant mineral wool insulation sandwiched between sheets of special-grade FRP. By changing manufacturing parameters such as the thickness of the FRP walls and the number and type of insulation layers that they contain, the company is able to tailor the material’s composition to provide specific levels of fire resistance. The fire shelters that Intertec is supplying for this Middle East offshore gas project are designed to withstand fire for 120 minutes, to afford maximum protection to the control electronics of a platform’s ESD and fire suppression systems under all foreseeable circumstances. A large outward-opening door provides personnel with unfettered access for routine equipment inspection and maintenance. For air conditioning and ventilation purposes, the shelters are equipped with special fire-resistant air transfer grilles containing intumescent damper slats that are expressly designed for use in harsh environments. Under normal conditions the grilles allow an unrestricted flow of air into and out of the shelter. However, in the event of a fire, the heat activates the intumescent material, which then creates a durable and insulating barrier against the ingress of flames and hot gases. Designers of safety systems for offshore platforms face conflicting requirements when choosing the best form of fire protection. The systems’ control electronics need to be adequately insulated, but must also be readily accessible for routine testing and maintenance. The shelter itself needs to have a long service life, demanding structural robustness and high corrosion resistance, yet it must weigh as little as possible. Ideally the shelter should also be entirely passive and require no electrical power or other services for its fire protection capabilities. Intertec’s range of fire shelters includes two product families that are designed to keep contained equipment below a specific temperature – usually 60°C – for a defined amount of time in the event of an external fire. The company’s standard fire shelters are designed to withstand the type of relatively slow-burning fires that can occur in business buildings, which typically take about 30 minutes to reach 800°C/1,472°F and about three hours to attain their maximum of 1,100°C/2,012°F. The designs are verified against the time-temperature curve defined in ISO 834 – which is used in many fire protection standards – and are available with protection times from 30 to 120 minutes. For more demanding applications, Intertec’s 1709 fire shelters are designed to withstand hydrocarbon fires that can reach 1,103°C/2,000°F within the first five minutes. The design of the shelters is verified against the rapid- rise time-temperature curve that is used in the ANSI/UL 1709 standard, but with a much more stringent requirement that the internal temperature must not exceed 60°C. This design criterion affords considerably greater protection against severe fires than the 1709 standard, which only covers the protection of structural steel and has a permissible temperature of 550°C/1,022°F for the specified protection time.

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Davis was Director of TEEX’s National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center Al Davis has been appointed Deputy Director of the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX). His appointment was approved by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. Davis has been serving as Interim Deputy Director of the agency, following the retirement of Sue Shahan on March 31. Previously, Davis served as Director of TEEX’s National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center, where he oversaw the Agency’s Homeland Security National Training Program Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In nominating Davis for the position of Deputy Director, TEEX Director Gary Sera praised his operational expertise, adding: ‘Al has been very effective in demonstrating the importance of this project to protect our citizens. As our Deputy Director, we will leverage his expertise to identify additional opportunities within the various federal agencies.’ Davis, who has been affiliated with TEEX since 2004, serves as TEEX’s principal representative to two national training consortiums, the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC) and the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium (NCPC). He also serves on the advisory board for the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) at the University of Southern Mississippi. A 27-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Davis holds a bachelor’s degree from Southern University, an MBA from Averett University and a Master of Science degree from the National Defense University, Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

Calls for citizen preparedness against natural disasters From earthquakes and hurricanes to wildfires and flooding, natural disasters can strike anywhere and at any time, costing millions of dollars of property loss and human suffering. In light of this reality, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has co-sponsored the National Building Museum’s multi-media exhibition titled, Designing for Disaster. The exhibit is a call-to-action for citizen preparedness—from design professionals and local decision-makers to homeowners and school kids—investigating how and where to build communities that are safer and more disaster-resilient.   NFPA’s Wildland Fire Operations Division has long conducted advocacy and outreach in the name of wildfire risk reduction throughout the U.S. and internationally. As a co-sponsor of the exhibit, NFPA is able to share resources and information with the public about its Firewise Communities and Fire Adapted Communities (FAC) programs that encourage local solutions to wildfire. In line with the Designing for Disaster theme, Firewise and FAC focus on a collaborative approach; the idea that everyone, including homeowners, civic leaders, first responders, planners and other community members, has a role to play in creating safer places to live.   “The National Building Museum and NFPA share a common goal around preparedness and safety,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of outreach and advocacy. “We are proud to support the Museum’s Designing for Disaster exhibit that will no doubt influence and empower residents to take the steps necessary to work together to build safer communities against all natural disasters, including wildfire.”   Visitors to Designing for Disaster will explore new solutions for, and historical responses to, a range of natural hazards including wildfire. The exhibit will include case studies that explore a range of flexible design and planning schemes, public policies and new forecasting technologies. From engineering advancements to hands-on lessons, models, animated drawings and interactive displays, the exhibit helps demonstrate how to strengthen homes, hospitals, schools and landscapes before a disaster strikes an area.   The exhibition opens May 11, 2014 and runs through August 2, 2015. NFPA joins several other co-sponsors including the Home Depot Foundation, American Red Cross, and The Nature Conservancy.   Members of the press are invited to preview the exhibition before the public opening, on Thursday, May 8, 10 am–Noon. Register here or RSVP to Emma Filar, efilar@nbm.org, 202-272-2448, ext. 3458.   Mitigation Nation, the Designing for Disaster exhibition companion blog and outreach campaign, can be accessed at go.nbm.org/MitigationNation. More information about the National Building Museum’s Designing for Disaster exhibition and NFPA’s role in the campaign can be found on NFPA’s wildland fire web page.   About the National Building Museum The National Building Museum is America’s leading cultural institution dedicated to advancing the quality of the built environment by educating people about its impact on their lives. Through its exhibitions, educational programs, online content, and publications, the Museum has become a vital forum for the exchange of ideas and information about the world we build for ourselves. About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. NFPA develops more than 300 codes and standards to minimize the possibility and effects of fire and other hazards. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed at no cost at www.nfpa.org/freeaccess.