IFSJ Fire & Safety Spotlight: New global training network for fire and safety professionals launches; Highlights from Fire Door Safety Week!
International Fire and Safety Journal (IFSJ)
Information, Analysis and Insights for Manufacturers, Fire Fighters and Senior Fire and Safety Professionals
New global training network for fire and safety professionals unveiled
The NFPA has announced a new initiative to expand access to safety training
In a move that CEO Jim Pauley called 'a major step forward in expanding access to the world-class training that NFPA is known for,' the NFPA has introduced the Authorised Education Network (AEN), a new global initiative aimed at addressing the increasing demand for safety training.
The AEN will allow NFPA-approved instructors to deliver training via a network of authorised providers, ensuring global access to industry-recognised safety courses.
The AEN is set to offer professionals access to expert-led instruction in safety-critical areas like fire protection, building safety, and life safety. Find out more.
Highlights from Fire Door Safety Week 2024
Industry Experts Share Key Insights on Fire Door Compliance and Safety
Fire Door Safety Week is an annual campaign aimed at raising awareness about the critical role fire doors play in saving lives and protecting property.
Since its inception in 2013, the initiative has grown substantially, engaging professionals across the fire protection industry, building owners, and the general public.
Read insights from industry experts like Howarth Timber and Building Supplies Ltd , ABLOY UK and Allegion (UK) Ltd who have highlighted common faults, the need for education on compliance, and the shared responsibility in ensuring fire door safety. Read more.
Fire industry responds to Grenfell Tower Phase 2 report
Organisations recognise the global significance of the report and pledged to engage fire safety leaders in implementing the recommendations
The Grenfell Tower Phase 2 report has prompted reactions from key fire safety organisations, with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) reiterating its commitment to learning from the tragedy and improving fire safety practices, The Institution of Fire Engineers highlighting the global significance of the report and the Fire Brigades Union calling for regulatory reform, blaming decades of government failures for the disaster.
Matt Wrack said: “The fire was the result of decades of failure by central government to regulate the building industry – the prioritisation of private profit over human life." Read more.
How to handle off-airport aircraft incidents
Paul Calderwood discusses the critical importance of fire response training for off-airport aircraft incidents
Since the Wright Brothers started with flying aircraft there have been many times when those aircraft have come down not where the pilot intended and crashed.
In recent years we have seen how some people will use aircraft as a weapon and intentionally crash them into buildings like 9/11.
There are many fire departments that do not have an airport in their jurisdiction but could still suffer from the horrible effects of having an aircraft land in their backyard. Continue reading.
The safety management revolution
Damian Linley , CEO of QDOS, introduces dynamicZM, a product bridging aesthetics and functionality in fire safety management
The fire safety landscape is constantly evolving, demanding innovative solutions to meet the ever-changing needs of building occupants and emergency responders.
?QDOS, a provider of fire safety solutions, has taken a bold step forward with the introduction of dynamicZM, a revolutionary product designed to transform fire safety management. Continue reading.
Are Mobile Command Centres the future of on-site emergency management?
Kevin Ruef , Co-Founder and Director at 10-8 Systems , offers insights into how Mobile Command Centres
In the public safety sector, being able to provide citizens with fast and effective emergency response services rests on the ability of first responders to execute accurate decision making and coordinated actions.
But this is hard to do without the right tools and resources at their disposal.
Mobile common centres (MCCs) are becoming more common around the country and are acting as a critical solution for providing on-site incident management – effectively reinventing how emergency responders approach crisis intervention. Continue reading.
Empowering engineers through tailored training
TOA UK’s Managing Director, Ian Bridgewater MInstSCVE , highlights the importance of tailored training sessions
After 30 years with the company, Ian Bridgewater was promoted to Managing Director of TOA Corporation (UK) Ltd in 2024.
In this interview, Ian discusses TOA’s diverse training options, which include both online and face-to-face sessions.
These programs are designed to be accessible and flexible for all participants, catering to the specific needs of various roles—from product sales to installation engineers—making them an invaluable resource for any team. Read the interview here.
Beyond the limits of standard testing
Jan-Erik J?nsson , Chief Chemist at Dafo Fomtec AB , discusses the complexities of developing SFFF foams and the importance of real-world testing
The development of new, high-performance SFFF foam concentrates has challenged many long-standing assumptions in the industry.
In the past, fuels were categorised into different groups, and application densities were determined accordingly.
Simply passing a fire test and securing approval was often considered sufficient for most applications, regardless of how closely the test conditions mirrored real-world scenarios.
During the transition to SFFF products, the need for foam testing is growing. Continue reading.
The power of perseverance
Antarctic Fire Angels Georgina Gilbert and Rebecca Openshaw-Rowe are changing the narrative of what it means to be a girl
Georgina Gilbert and Rebecca “Bex” Openshaw-Rowe, two trailblazing female firefighters and athletes, undertook a monumental expedition last year across Antarctica, skiing 1,230 kilometres to the South Pole.
Driven by a passion for inspiring women and girls, they completed their journey unassisted, unpowered, and unsupported, all while challenging gender stereotypes.
Now, they are preparing for their next adventure—the Great World Race, where they will run seven marathons across seven continents in just seven days.
In this interview, they discuss their extraordinary mission, the challenges they’ve faced and their ongoing commitment to changing the narrative around what it means to be a girl.
领英推荐
Understanding the Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse
William Peterson explores the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, revealing how structural vulnerability and shipping collisions impact public safety and marine transportation
In the early hours of March 26, 2024, in a matter of seconds, a structure that had taken four years to build and initially cost US$141 million, vanished.
The disappearance occurred because of a collision between the container ship Motor Vessel (M/V) Dali and the Francis Scott Key Bridge on Interstate 695, southeast of Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
The M/V Dali had only travelled approximately four miles from its loading and unloading location in the Port of Baltimore, moving at a speed of about eight knots (9.2 miles per hour), when it struck an unprotected main support column of the Francis Scott Key bridge over the Patapsco River, southeast of Baltimore City Centre.
This collision caused a complete collapse of the bridge and highway structure, resulting in six confirmed deaths and injuries to highway maintenance personnel who were working on the bridge at the time. Continue reading.
Women in Fire Safety Awards 2024: Winners list in full
Event highlights international participation and record nominations
The fourth annual Women in Fire Safety Awards took place on 12th September 2024 at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in London, celebrating excellence across the fire safety industry.
This year’s event drew a record number of nominations across diverse categories, reflecting the growing recognition of female talent within the sector.
Attendees represented a range of countries including the UK, USA, Ireland, Poland, and the UAE, demonstrating increased international participation in 2024. Find out who all the winners were here.
People news: Adrian Hurley appointed president of BESA
Hurley takes leadership of BESA Group for 2024-25
Adrian Hurley C. Eng has been elected as the President of the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) for 2024-25.
Hurley is the managing director of FP Hurley & Sons, a contractor founded by his grandfather 75 years ago. He has been an active member of BESA since 2019 and previously served as Vice President.
On his appointment, Hurley emphasised: “The Association will once again provide leadership, guidance, and expertise to ensure members seize the opportunities for growth and diversification that are essential to the future of our businesses and the people we employ.”
Project focus: Hochiki Ekho fire detection system enhances safety at Qatar’s Outpost Al Barari
Installation tackles fire safety challenges at Outpost Al Barari
Outpost Al Barari, a luxury desert resort in Qatar, faced unique fire safety challenges due to its ever-changing layout and harsh desert conditions.
Traditional wired fire alarm systems were unsuitable for the resort’s environment, where shifting sand dunes and temporary structures required a more adaptable solution.
To address these challenges, Fire Cloud Qatar was tasked with implementing a fire detection system that could be rapidly deployed without extensive cabling. They chose the Hochiki Ekho hybrid wireless system due to its flexibility and reliability in demanding environments. Read more.
Product focus: CheckFire prepares for EU-wide PFAS ban with new fluorine-free fire extinguisher range
New Green Crosshair range introduced to replace PFAS products
CheckFire Ltd is taking action to align its operations with upcoming EU restrictions on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs).
These chemicals, often referred to as ‘forever chemicals,’ will be regulated under new rules set by the European Chemicals Agency, which will come into effect in December 2030.
In anticipation of this, CheckFire will begin phasing out select fire extinguishers in its Commander and CommanderEDGE ranges that contain PFHxA, a type of PFAS. Read more.
IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Podcast Episode 8: In conversation with Lance Harry
Don't miss Episode 8 of the IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Podcast, hosted by IFSJ Managing Editor Duncan J. White
Duncan sits down with Lance D. Harry, P.E., the Chief Executive Officer & President of Fireaway Inc., the company behind Stat-X? Fire Suppression, the condensed aerosol fire suppression product line
Register for our Webinar: The Future of Automated and Connected Fire Protection
Hear from industry leaders at the upcoming International Fire and Safety Journal (IFSJ) webinar! ???
When: November 6th, 11am-12pm BST
Join Ben Wolf, Offering Leader, Honeywell, Europe, and Mike Hobbs, Business Manager, Notifier by Honeywell, as they dive into the future of fire protection. Gain valuable insights into how automation, digital solutions, and connected technologies are reshaping fire and life safety systems.
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.
Get in touch with the IFSJ Team!
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