IFSJ Fire & Safety Spotlight: Major fire safety upgrade for the UAE; Fire sector roundtable addresses Grenfell Tower Inquiry!
International Fire and Safety Journal (IFSJ)
Information, Analysis and Insights for Manufacturers, Fire Fighters and Senior Fire and Safety Professionals
Major fire safety upgrade for the UAE
Collaboration brings together AI and IoT for public safety
Du , the telecom and digital services provider, has announced a major upgrade to the UAE’s fire safety infrastructure.
In collaboration with Hassantuk , an offering by Core42 , du revealed plans to integrate 21 new technology features into the Hassantuk system, aiming to enhance public safety and fire prevention across the nation. The initiative was unveiled at GITEX 2024, under the theme “Global collaboration to forge the future AI economy”.
The enhancements include 13 hardware features, such as interactive touchscreens and AI-powered cameras, along with eight advanced application functionalities. These upgrades aim to bolster fire safety and support the UAE’s adoption of smart city technologies. Read more.
Fire sector roundtable addresses Grenfell Tower Inquiry
Competence and professional standards highlighted
a roundtable discussion took place recently at the IFE headquarters to examine the recommendations from Phase 2 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
The meeting brought together key fire sector organisations, including the Fire Industry Association , the Fire Sector Federation , The Fire Protection Association , National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) , and the Health and Safety Executive .
The discussion focused on how these organisations can work together to support the government’s response to the inquiry’s recommendations and address the broader implications for fire safety.
Attendees unanimously agreed that collaboration is essential to achieve meaningful change in fire safety regulations and building safety. Read more.
Leadership transition at the IFE
IFE names new International President
The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has appointed Trent Fearnley as the IFE’s new International President.
He takes over from Hayley Burgess CFIOSH EngTech MIFireE C.BuildE MCABE MSc , whose appointment last year made history as the first woman to hold the position in the organisation’s 105-year history. In a statement shared on LinkedIn, Fearnley expressed his gratitude: “Today I am honoured to be announced as the new International President of the Institution of Fire Engineers.
“The Institution is represented in 26 countries, and I am proud to represent the Institution on the world stage. I am also supported by the newly elected board member Angela Fearnley and newly elected International General Assembly Leader Jason Hill PGCert EM, MIFireE . NZ is leading the way in fire safety!” Read more.
How Ramtech North America is changing the course of construction
Joe Beecher, Vice President of Ramtech North America, highlights the future of wireless fire safety
Ramtech North America , based in Charlotte, North Carolina, plays a key role in advancing fire safety across the US construction industry. Joe Beecher, Vice President of Ramtech North America, brings a wealth of experience to the company, having grown up in a family-owned electrical distribution business.
His early exposure to electrical contractors and construction sites has come full circle, as many of those contractors now install Ramtech’s safety systems. Ramtech’s mission is to increase awareness of fire prevention in an industry where safety devices are often voluntary.
In this interview with FSJA, Joe B. shares insights into Ramtech’s operations, major projects, and his views on fire safety in the American construction industry. Read the interview here.
The role of Operational Competence Management Systems
Chris Thain, UK Business Development Manager at LearnPro Group, explores the role of Operational Competence Management Systems (OCMS) in UK Fire and Rescue Services
The UK Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) sector is dedicated to ensuring public safety through effective fire prevention, protection and emergency response. To meet these objectives, maintaining high levels of operational competence among fire personnel is crucial. Operational Competence Management Systems (OCMS) have emerged as an invaluable tool in achieving these goals.
This article delves into the various aspects of such systems, in particular LearnPro Groups pdrPro operational competence management system, highlighting its role in managing training and core skills maintenance, reporting organisational competence to senior managers, helping fire services deliver efficient and cost-effective training curriculums and helping to meet the regulatory inspection demands of Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS). Read the article here.
18% of global workers report workplace harm
Low rates of health and safety training remain a concern
As reported by Lloyd's Register Foundation , the latest World Risk Poll shows that 18% of workers worldwide have experienced harm at work.
This finding is based on data collected through 147,000 interviews across 142 countries, revealing a steady rate of workplace harm since 2019.
The findings are detailed in the foundation’s report Engineering safer workplaces: Global trends in occupational safety and health, which highlights varying harm rates across industries and regions.
Fishing was identified as the most hazardous occupation globally, followed by construction and mining.
Countries with lower income levels also reported higher workplace harm rates, with 19% of workers in low-income and 22% in lower-middle-income countries affected. Read more.
New York City rolls out pilot program to trade unsafe e-bikes
Mayor Adams announces rules for e-bikes trade-in program
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced final regulations for the city’s new e-bike and lithium-ion battery trade-in program, the first of its kind in the United States.
As reported by the City of New York, this initiative allows eligible food delivery workers to trade in their unsafe e-bikes and batteries for certified, high-quality alternatives.
The program is part of the city’s broader “Charge Safe, Ride Safe” plan to address the risks posed by uncertified lithium-ion batteries and enhance street safety.
The program, which aims to reduce the number of dangerous e-bike fires and illegal mopeds on city streets, has already shown promising results in reducing injuries and fatalities linked to lithium-ion battery fires. Read more.
NFCC urges government to consult on flooding response legislation
Inconsistent flood response across UK nations
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has renewed its call for the UK Government to consult on introducing a statutory duty for fire and rescue services in England to respond to flooding incidents.
This call coincides with recent flood warnings issued by the Met Office and marks one year since Storm Babet, which caused widespread flooding and damage across Europe, including the UK, where seven people lost their lives.
The NFCC has emphasised the need for an official mandate, accompanied by initial and sustained funding, to ensure that fire services can effectively respond to flooding incidents that pose a risk to life.
Fire and rescue services across the UK already respond to extreme weather events, but a statutory duty for flooding and inland water rescue exists only in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
This lack of uniformity has led to discrepancies in training, equipment, and overall preparedness across the four nations. Read more.
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Gear Wash acquires PPE service centres in Texas
New Texas locations support Gear Wash’s nationwide PPE services
Gear Wash , the largest Independent Service Provider (ISP) for PPE care and maintenance in the United States, has expanded into Texas. The company has acquired two new locations in San Antonio and Dallas from Gear Cleaning Solutions.
These facilities will begin operations on October 21, 2024, and will comply with the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 1851 standards.
This expansion enables Gear Wash to meet the needs of fire departments and first responders in a state where NFPA 1851 compliance is legally required.
Texas, along with California, is one of the only two states with mandatory compliance to NFPA 1851, making this expansion a strategic move for Gear Wash. Read more.
Luton Airport fire underlines need for enhanced car park fire safety measures
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service publishes report on London Luton Airport fire
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) has released a detailed report concerning the major fire that occurred at London Luton Airport’s Terminal Car Park 2. The report, published on 9 October 2024, provides an in-depth analysis of the fire that broke out on 10 October 2023.
The incident involved a rapidly escalating blaze that spread through multiple vehicles, resulting in the complete loss of the car park. At its height, over 100 firefighters were required to control the fire, which posed a significant threat to neighbouring structures, including the DART travel system and aircraft. Read more.
OSHA public hearing on Emergency Response Standard set for November
Public hearing dates for Emergency Response Standard begin on November 12th
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will hold a public hearing on its proposed Emergency Response Standard starting November 12.
As reported by the National Volunteer Fire Council , OSHA recently confirmed the receipt of Notices of Intention to Appear (NOITA) by email to individuals who had submitted their intention before the September 27 deadline.
Those who received confirmation will be notified of their specific time to testify within the coming weeks. OSHA expects the hearing to span 2-4 weeks due to the 500 NOITAs received, and it will occur on weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, with a scheduled break during the week of Thanksgiving. Read more.
Project spotlight: Printworks Belfast upgraded with advanced fire safety system from Hochiki
Historic Belfast building equipped with new Hochiki Europe fire detection technology
The Printworks Belfast, a Victorian warehouse dating back to 1890, has been fully renovated to meet the demands of modern office spaces while preserving its historic character.
As part of this transformation, a state-of-the-art fire safety system, powered by Hochiki devices, has been installed to protect both the building and its occupants.
The renovation, led by Angus Properties after acquiring the building in 2019, converted the structure into a flexible, open-plan office space. Read more.
Product focus: CFA launches world-first mixed reality fire aviation simulator
Groundbreaking aviation simulator launched at VEMTC
The Country Fire Authority (CFA) has introduced a world-first mixed reality fire aviation simulator designed to enhance the training of aviation personnel in Victoria.
The new simulator, which features advanced mixed reality goggles offering a 280-degree view of the landscape, provides a safe environment for pilots and aviation staff to hone their skills. The $640,000 project was co-funded by the CFA and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA). Read more.
Event news: Intersec Awards 2025 shortlist announced
New award categories to highlight cutting-edge achievements
The Intersec Awards 2025 are returning for the fourth year, recognising achievements in fire safety, security, and related industries.
According to Intersec Expo , this year’s competition attracted a total of 1,412 entries across 15 categories, spread over three main divisions: Fire and Safety, Security, and Industry.
Among the most popular categories were Excellence in Fire Safety, which saw 196 entries, Outstanding Safety Solutions with 156 entries, and Outstanding Commercial Security Solutions with 131 entries. Find the full list of finalists here.
Register for our Webinar: The Future of Automated and Connected Fire Protection
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Read the FREE digital copy of International Fire & Safety Journal's October 2024 edition!
In this month's Head to Head, IFSJ Managing Editor Duncan J. White sat down with Greg Young, Senior Vice President at Performance Advantage Company, a leading manufacturer known for their innovative tool mounting systems. Greg shares his thoughts on how the tools used by firefighters are changing and what PAC is doing to stay ahead of the curve.
Our Special Report, produced in partnership with LION protects (EMEA), explores how modern fire training systems are incorporating cutting-edge solutions like virtual reality (VR) and digital simulations. Martin Joosen, Managing Director of LION Protects EMEA, breaks down how traditional training methods are being transformed by these new digital tools.
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