Trades : Fire Prevention News

BSA HIGHLIGHTS SPRINKLER KNOWLEDGE GAPS AT UKREIFF

BSA highlights sprinkler knowledge gaps at UKREIFF

The Business Sprinkler Alliance (BSA) was delighted to attend and host a stand at the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) on the 20-22nd May.  While the event provided an opportunity to engage with a diverse group of attendees, it also revealed continued gaps in knowledge about sprinkler

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Warringtonfire’s $30m Birchwood Park Site Awarded Perfect Score by the Considerate Constructors Scheme

Warringtonfire’s $30m Birchwood Park Site Awarded Perfect Score by the Considerate Constructors Scheme

Warringtonfire’s upcoming laboratory at Birchwood Park has been recognised with a Considerate Constructors Bronze Award in partnership with main contractor Tilbury Douglas. Issued by the Considerate Constructors Scheme, the award recognises the efforts of construction sites, organisations, and suppliers who commit to raising both environmental and community social value standards.

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The Fire Standards Board reveals new internal governance and assurance standard

The Fire Standards Board reveals new internal governance and assurance standard

The Fire Standards Board (FSB) has announced the launch of the seventeenth professional Fire Standard; Internal Governance and Assurance. The Internal Governance and Assurance Fire Standard focuses on ensuring that fire and rescue services have internal governance structures and business planning processes which enable senior leaders to maintain comprehensive oversight of

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Hochiki Europe continues commitment to fire safety education with renewed equipment donation to Banham Academy

Hochiki Europe continues commitment to fire safety education with renewed equipment donation to Banham Academy

Hochiki Europe, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of life safety products, today announced the continuation of its partnership with Banham Academy, the UK’s premier provider of fire safety engineering apprenticeships. This renewed commitment comes in the form of a significant donation of additional fire safety equipment, further enhancing the

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Chubb Fire & Security Gains Formal Approval from Canadian ULC for its UK Accreditation

Chubb Fire & Security Gains Formal Approval from Canadian ULC for its UK Accreditation

Chubb, proudly announces the successful accreditation of its signal receiving centre, operated by Chubb Fire & Security Canada Corporation, located at Crocus Street, The Meadows, NG2 3EJ, Nottingham, United Kingdom. This significant milestone follows the formal approval from the Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC), enhancing Chubb’s monitoring standards and compliance

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UK's Leading Site Fire Safety Experts Release Whitepaper On Temporary Change to Simultaneous Evacuation in Flats

UK’s Leading Site Fire Safety Experts Release Whitepaper On Temporary Change to Simultaneous Evacuation in Flats

Howler, the UK’s leading site fire safety experts, have just released an important whitepaper, NFCC Guidance: Temporary Change to Simultaneous Evacuation in Flats. Managing Director, Gary Askew (pictured), explains ‘Following the unprecedented national tragedy at Grenfell Tower in June 2017, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) issued guidance to property

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Latest Issue

BDC 322 : Nov 2024

Trades : Fire Prevention News

BSA HIGHLIGHTS SPRINKLER KNOWLEDGE GAPS AT UKREIFF

BSA highlights sprinkler knowledge gaps at UKREIFF

The Business Sprinkler Alliance (BSA) was delighted to attend and host a stand at the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) on the 20-22nd May.  While the event provided an opportunity to engage with a diverse group of attendees, it also revealed continued gaps in knowledge about sprinkler systems among real estate professionals. The conference held at the Royal Armouries Leeds & Leeds Dock featured expert panels discussing sustainable and transformational investment in the built environment. Tom Roche, Secretary of the Business Sprinkler Alliance, was one of over 12,000 built environment professionals attending and lent his insight into the discussions, stressing the importance of business resilience and safeguarding commercial premises from the outset. The forum featured a series of sessions on a range of topics including the Building Safety Act, with Dame Judith Hackitt as a panellist in one. It was evident that significant effort and interest is still being directed towards remediation work. It was interesting to note the role that sprinklers were viewed as a tool to mitigate risk. Like so much of the changing regulatory environment there were repeated concerns raised by developers about the lack of clarity in the new regulatory regime. The obvious outcome being delays in programme approvals with consequent deadline and project financing cost. A surprising element was the undercurrent of struggles with true collaboration among stakeholders.  The wrapper to this appeared to be the sharing of knowledge and the need to foster and grow trust between all parties; developers, consultants, financiers, lawyers and insurers. On that topic one of the most surprising findings was the number of visitors to the stand across these stakeholder groups who admitted to discussing or making decisions about sprinklers without truly comprehending their benefits or how they operate. “We have known for a while that the knowledge gap surrounding sprinklers existed. What was surprising was that this gap persisted with those who  actively claimed to be involved in decisions about their provision,” said Tom Roche. “It’s concerning that such critical safety measures are being debated without a fundamental understanding of their capabilities and effectiveness.” The BSA also noted a lack of awareness regarding the provision of sprinklers under regulatory guidance. Many attendees naturally expected the hotels they stayed in and even the large exhibition spaces would be provided with sprinklers. They expressed shock upon learning that they often lack sprinkler systems, despite the number of people within them. Another strong stream within the forum was on sustainability. A lot of focus and attention was focused towards schemes that measure the sustainability of projects.  It sounded like a new form of accounting where all elements of carbon involved in the construction, operation and decommissioning of a project were weighed and measured. Given the need to address the sustainability challenge it was striking to see this attention and the number of people with a passion for this subject. The case for the re-use of buildings and materials was very strong.  What was striking to the BSA was again that that “shock” events like fire and damage to projects were not part of the thinking. Unfortunately, the potential for damage from a fire during the 50 year life of a building was not something that could be found in these programmes. One wonders if we are missing an opportunity or whether the “accounting” has a gap. On this note another element that came as a surprise was the discussion on  compartmentalising large warehouses to avoid sprinkler requirements. According to consultants at the forum, some clients are still pursuing this approach to avoid installing sprinklers in new warehouses, despite the obvious fire risks associated with such massive buildings. “After the recent large fire in Cannock, it was troubling to learn that some developers may be actively seeking ways to engineer out sprinklers,” added Tom Roche. “The scale of these buildings means that they are outside the scope of regulatory guidance and need real fire engineering solutions to ensure they are truly sustainable and do not endanger lives but also preserve valuable assets and investments at risk.” Despite these concerning findings, the three-day event provided an opportunity for the BSA to educate attendees on the multitude of benefits sprinklers provide for life safety, asset protection and environmental protection, and address misconceptions. By exposing the gaps in regulatory guidance and highlighting the consequences of neglecting fire safety measures, the BSA hopes to inspire a more informed and responsible approach to sprinkler installation across UK business buildings. For more information about the Business Sprinkler Alliance visit www.business-sprinkler-alliance.org Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Warringtonfire’s $30m Birchwood Park Site Awarded Perfect Score by the Considerate Constructors Scheme

Warringtonfire’s $30m Birchwood Park Site Awarded Perfect Score by the Considerate Constructors Scheme

Warringtonfire’s upcoming laboratory at Birchwood Park has been recognised with a Considerate Constructors Bronze Award in partnership with main contractor Tilbury Douglas. Issued by the Considerate Constructors Scheme, the award recognises the efforts of construction sites, organisations, and suppliers who commit to raising both environmental and community social value standards. The Birchwood Park site, which is nearing completion, achieved a perfect 45 out of 45 score. The report judged the site on three different pillars: Respect for the Community, Care for the Environment, and Value for their Workforce. The site received top marks in all categories, earning an ‘excellent’ rating for each and individual praise for its environmental and social policies. Warringtonfire and Tilbury Douglas implemented a series of measures to demonstrate the social value of the site, including an open doors week and hosting a Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity site presentation on mental health, promoting health and wellbeing conversations. The teams also made further charitable donations to Warrington Youth Zone and the Trussell Trust Food Bank, and purchased sanitary products for the workplace via the Hey Girls social enterprise. The report highly commended Warringtonfire and Tilbury Douglas for the project’s environmental pledges, which included a Net Zero 2050 carbon reduction plan, avoiding diesel-powered plant and equipment during the construction, promoting the use of HVO fuel, and planting over 50 trees. Tilbury Douglas’ ISO 14001 accreditation, the international standard for environmental management systems, further reinforces the project’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. Local students from Warrington Vale and Royal College were also welcomed to the site throughout National Apprenticeship Week, with several offered future work experience placements. Iwan Lewis, Project Manager of the site for Tilbury Douglas, said: “Investing in the next generation of construction professionals is a key priority for my team and together with Warringtonfire we have actively engaged in educational outreach activities with Warrington and Vale Royal College to address the skills shortage in the construction and fire stopping industries.” Martin Horne, Regional Director at Tilbury Douglas, said: “We are proud of the value created through our partnership, the successful outcomes achieved, and the alignment of goals and values between our organisations.” Phil Shaw, Managing Director at Tilbury Douglas, said: “It’s a great result and evidences the team’s inherent culture on site driving our sustainability strategy, ‘People, Planet, and Performance’, or PPP, which sets out to deliver improved social and environmental outcomes for our business, customers, and supply chain.” The 101,000sqft Birchwood Park site is set to be the new hub for Warringtonfire’s fire testing services. Due to open its doors in January 2025, it will triple the company’s testing capacity. The laboratory will have two vertical furnaces, two horizontal furnaces, and one indicative furnace ready for test specimens when it launches, with two more furnaces to be added by the end of 2026. Dafydd Llewelyn-Jones, Project Manager for Element Materials Technology, said: “This award recognises all the hard work put into the project, both from our team and Tilbury Douglas. We’re particularly proud of our social value scores, especially our outreach with the local community. Warrington has always been our home, so it is important that we continue to make valuable contributions to both the next generation and the environment.” To learn more about the new site at Birchwood Park, visit https://www.warringtonfire.com/about-warringtonfire/warrington-site-relocation-and-expansion Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Sika announces new CPD: Fire Safety in Buildings – fire regulation and test methods for roofs

Sika announces new CPD: Fire Safety in Buildings – fire regulation and test methods for roofs

Sika, a leading provider of high-quality roofing solutions, is pleased to announce the launch of its latest Continuing Professional Development (CPD), “Fire Safety in Buildings – Fire Regulation and Test Methods for Roofs.” In today’s built environment, the ever-increasing focus on fire safety in buildings has become a critical concern for specifiers, contractors and building owners. Understanding the relevant regulations, testing methods and certification to enable navigation of the wealth of product information available is therefore essential to ensure the safety and compliance of roofing systems. Sika’s new CPD presentation addresses this need by providing comprehensive coverage of the standards, fire testing and certification for roofing applications, the types of roofing systems and insulation available, the Construction Products Regulation (CPR), and the Building Regulations that apply. This CPD aims to equip attendees with the knowledge and understanding needed to make informed decisions when specifying roofing solutions that prioritise fire safety. “At Sika, we understand the critical importance of fire safety in buildings, and we are committed to equipping our customers with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions,” said Mark Harris, Head of Sustainability at Sika Limited. “Our new ‘Fire Safety in Buildings – Fire Regulation and Test Methods for Roofs’ CPD is a testament to our dedication to supporting the industry and ensuring the safety and well-being of occupants.” In addition to the “Fire Regulation and Test Methods for Roofs” CPD, Sika’s Roofing Division offers a range of other CPD topics, including: These CPD sessions are designed to provide industry professionals with the necessary knowledge and insights to navigate the evolving roofing landscape and make informed decisions that prioritise safety, sustainability, and performance. To learn more about Sika’s CPD offerings or to schedule a session, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Recent Innovation Satisfies Fire Safety Assessors Where Cavity Fire Barrier Remediation is Required

Recent Innovation Satisfies Fire Safety Assessors Where Cavity Fire Barrier Remediation is Required

Recent developments in fire safety technology are enabling buildings to meet regulations and keep occupants safe without the need to replace the existing façade. Instead of removing external façades deemed unsafe by recent legislation, buildings are now receiving approval from fire safety assessors to install new, cost-effective cavity fire barrier solutions. Developments in acrylic-graphite based fire sealants, provided and installed by Injecta Fire Barrier, offer a simple yet effective way to keep residents safe by isolating potential emerging fires and preventing the spread of flames between structural voids in cavities. “As awareness in this new product increases, Fire Engineers and Building Control Officers are approving use of the Injectaclad patented solution to ensure that both new and existing structures are safe, protected, and meet the latest building safety regulations. This method of passive fire protection offers minimal disruption for building occupants, reduces remediation costs, and provides long-lasting security,” states Shaun Tasker, Managing Director at Injecta Fire Barrier. With the introduction of the Fire Safety Regulations (2021) and the Building Safety Act (2022) following the Grenfell disaster, many existing high-rise residential properties across the UK were deemed unsafe. In particular, challenges arose due to the fire risk created by cavity constructions. With recent fire safety innovations, property developers are opting to use acrylic-graphite based fire sealants designed to meet rigorous fire safety regulations while enhancing the overall safety of buildings. “Customers are readily accepting the Injectaclad patented solution to ensure that both new and existing structures are safe, protected, and compliant with the law. The method of fireproofing has minimal disruption for building occupants, comes at a cheaper installation cost, and provides long-lasting security,” adds Shaun. The material is injected into a specially designed mesh ‘sock’ installed into a wall’s cavity, dividing each floor or party wall. In the event of a fire, when heat breaches the cavity, the Injectaclad material expands, preventing the spread of smoke and fire. Once activated, the cavity fire barrier delivers up to two hours of certified protection, allowing occupants time to evacuate the building and for the fire to be extinguished. “We aim to continue installing the life-saving Injectaclad system within UK structures in the years to come, to not only help building owners satisfy fire safety and building regulations, but also keep occupants safe from future fire disasters,” concludes Shaun. Injecta Fire Barrier is the UK’s first independent approved installer of the patented Injectaclad system. With years of experience in passive fire protection, the company offers their services to help property managers and building owners reduce costs, protect their buildings and occupants, and seamlessly install protective cavity fire barriers. More information about Injecta Fire Barrier can be found at https://injectafirebarrier.com/

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The Fire Standards Board reveals new internal governance and assurance standard

The Fire Standards Board reveals new internal governance and assurance standard

The Fire Standards Board (FSB) has announced the launch of the seventeenth professional Fire Standard; Internal Governance and Assurance. The Internal Governance and Assurance Fire Standard focuses on ensuring that fire and rescue services have internal governance structures and business planning processes which enable senior leaders to maintain comprehensive oversight of internal activities, assuring them that the service is operating effectively. One of the desired outcomes of the Fire Standard is that services’ internal change and improvement projects are managed through robust development, approval and initiation processes. This will ensure that such projects are aligned to the vision and strategic objectives of the service, and that delivery and organisational development plans are clear and understood by all within the service. An expected benefit of achieving the Internal Governance and Assurance Fire Standard is that fire and rescue services will improve governance, internal culture and increase transparency. As with all Fire Standards, there’s a corresponding Fire Standards Implementation Tool to support services with the implementation. The tool was designed to support services understanding how well they meet the standard; helping them to embed the standard into existing and new action plans and address any gaps. Chair of the Fire Standards Board, Suzanne McCarthy said: “The Board welcomes the launch of the new Internal Governance and Assurance Fire Standard and recognises the contribution it will bring to fire and rescue services and the communities they serve. “The standard builds on our portfolio of comprehensive and professional Fire Standards which ultimately help support the safety, health and well-being of the public via English fire and rescue services.” Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, CFO of West Sussex FRS and Chair of NFCC’s Improvement Committee, said: “I’m proud to have led the development of this new Fire Standard which will support all fire and rescue services to follow a consistent and robust process when developing internal governance and assurance procedures. “I also hope that working towards achieving this standard will create internal cultures and a positive working environments that are open to learning, self-evaluation and receiving feedback, creating a more productive, motivated and efficient workforce.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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After 28 Years, Fire Safety Leader Graham Lowe Retires: An Industry Retrospective

After 28 Years, Fire Safety Leader Graham Lowe Retires: An Industry Retrospective

For nearly three decades, Graham Lowe has been a guiding force in fire safety, serving as Managing Director of Hochiki Europe. Now, as he steps into retirement, Lowe offers a unique perspective on the remarkable transformations within the fire detection industry and how Hochiki Europe has strategically adapted to stay at the forefront. In this interview, Lowe shares his insights and thoughts for the future not only for the team at Hochiki but also the broader industry. Over your tenure at Hochiki Europe, what are some of the most significant changes you have witnessed in the fire safety industry? For those in the UK fire safety industry, the single most impactful change in recent years was undoubtedly the introduction of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, or simply, the Fire Safety Order. Implemented on October 1st, 2005, this legislation established a robust framework for fire safety regulation across all non-domestic premises in England and Wales. This includes workplaces and the shared areas of multi-occupied residential buildings. The Order places the onus squarely on the “responsible person” – typically the building owner, employer, or whoever has control of the premises – to ensure fire safety compliance. This marked a significant shift from the previous reliance on annual inspections by the local fire brigade. Responsible persons now have full legal accountability for fire safety within their buildings. The impact on the fire industry was immediate, and at the time we saw a surge in demand from customers during the year of implementation. Notably, there was a noticeable move away from fire detection products being sold directly over the counter. Instead, the focus shifted towards specialist fire alarm installers and integrators who possess the expertise to design and implement compliant fire safety systems. This reform transformed the industry, placing a greater emphasis on professional fire safety solutions and risk management strategies. What are you most proud of accomplishing during your time as MD at Hochiki Europe? During my tenure as Managing Director, I’m most proud of building a strong Senior Management Team. This team brings together the experience, expertise, and skills needed to propel Hochiki Europe forward. The team has an exceptional sense of teamwork, which is crucial for the company’s continued development and success. Strong communication is central to our team’s operations, and it’s reinforced by a clear mission statement and four key pillars that guide our growth: Expansion: Strategically growing our market reach and influence.Efficiency: Continuously improving our operations to optimise performance.Value Addition: Delivering exceptional value to our customers and partners.Employee Engagement: Fostering a positive and motivating work environment for our team. One of the most important things we’ve done and will continue to do as a senior team is to invest in the company’s future. The acquisition of Apex House was a goal I’d been working towards for several years, and it facilitates further investment in our Gillingham production infrastructure. This will allow us to even better serve our customers in the UK, Europe, Middle East, India and Africa delivering innovative fire safety solutions. What challenges have you faced leading Hochiki Europe over the years, and how did you and the team overcome them? My tenure as MD hasn’t been without its challenges, but two major events stand out. The first was Brexit. Leaving the European Union ushered in a period of uncertainty, with new procedures and legal issues that continue to evolve. While Brexit presented its own set of hurdles, nothing could have prepared us for the unprecedented global crisis that followed: the COVID-19 pandemic. This pandemic had a profound impact on every aspect of our lives, with staff facing personal and professional difficulties. As a business, the most immediate challenge was the complete disruption of supply chains globally. Manufacturers around the world faced issues sourcing third-party products and group-manufactured goods to securing essential electronic components, everything was affected. Shipping delays became the norm, further complicating business’ ability to meet production demands. For Hochiki, overcoming these obstacles required a collective effort. Strong teamwork and clear communication were essential between the management team and staff. Our HR department played a pivotal role in ensuring the health and safety of all employees during the pandemic. However, our focus wasn’t solely internal. We understood the importance of transparency with our customers. We kept them informed of the ever-changing situation, the actions we were taking to mitigate disruptions, and when they could expect resolutions. This open communication fostered trust and helped us maintain strong relationships throughout this challenging period and indeed has established a way of working that we continue to foster today. How has Hochiki Europe adapted to meet the evolving needs of its customers across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa? Hochiki Europe is committed to providing exceptional support to our customers around the world. That’s why we made strategic investments years ago in establishing Hochiki Middle East, Hochiki India Branch Office, and Hochiki Italia. These entities allow us to deliver enhanced local support, expand our reach to new customers, and ultimately, fuel global growth. This revision highlights the positive outcomes of the investments for Hochiki Europe’s customers. It emphasises the company’s proactive approach to international support and the resulting growth opportunities. Do you have any plans to stay involved in the fire safety industry in any capacity? I have no doubt that I will retain my interest in the fire safety industry as it will be difficultafter forty years in the industry to let that association go. What advice would you give to young professionals interested in a career in fire safety? My advice to young professionals entering the fire industry is this: it’s a secure and standards-driven field with consistent demand. However, to truly thrive, staying updated on the latest developments is crucial. Consider specialising in a specific area to become an expert. That’s why Hochiki Europe is heavily invested in the future of the fire industry through the Hochiki Training Academy. The Academy provides ongoing education and training opportunities, ensuring our industry colleagues

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Hochiki Europe continues commitment to fire safety education with renewed equipment donation to Banham Academy

Hochiki Europe continues commitment to fire safety education with renewed equipment donation to Banham Academy

Hochiki Europe, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of life safety products, today announced the continuation of its partnership with Banham Academy, the UK’s premier provider of fire safety engineering apprenticeships. This renewed commitment comes in the form of a significant donation of additional fire safety equipment, further enhancing the Academy’s ability to train the next generation of fire safety specialists. Building on a successful initial donation in 2023 to the then newly established Derby-based training facility, Hochiki Europe’s latest contribution includes a selection of ESP intelligent and CDX conventional devices for Banham’s London-based academy. This donation of industry-standard equipment will now allow apprentices at Banham to gain practical experience with innovative life safety technologies, ensuring they graduate with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their careers. “We are delighted to continue our support of Banham Academy,” said Shinsuke Kubo, Managing Director at Hochiki Europe. “Equipping future fire safety engineers with the tools and expertise they need is essential for maintaining the highest standards of life safety. By providing apprentices with hands-on training on our industry-leading products, we are confident that they will be well-prepared to make a positive impact on the communities they serve.” Kevin Faulkner, Operations Director at Banham Academy expressed his appreciation for the donation “Last year Hochiki were able to donate a vast range of equipment, this gave our Derby students invaluable real-world experiences. Hochiki manufacture some great products and of course we want to offer the best education to our students, so we were thrilled when they said yes to providing more equipment again this year for our London academy.” Hochiki Europe’s ongoing partnership with Banham Academy underscores the company’s dedication to fostering a new generation of fire safety professionals. With a commitment to innovation and education, Hochiki Europe plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of buildings and occupants across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, India, and Africa. To learn more about this relationship please visit our website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Chubb Fire & Security Gains Formal Approval from Canadian ULC for its UK Accreditation

Chubb Fire & Security Gains Formal Approval from Canadian ULC for its UK Accreditation

Chubb, proudly announces the successful accreditation of its signal receiving centre, operated by Chubb Fire & Security Canada Corporation, located at Crocus Street, The Meadows, NG2 3EJ, Nottingham, United Kingdom. This significant milestone follows the formal approval from the Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC), enhancing Chubb’s monitoring standards and compliance across international borders. This accreditation encompasses three critical standards under the ULC’s Certificate Service Procedures: Commercial Type Full Service Receiving Centres (CPVXC), Financial Type Full Service Signal Receiving Centres (CRXXC), and Fire Protective Signalling Type Full Service Fire Signal Receiving Centres (DAYIC). Each certification marks Chubb’s commitment to providing superior security monitoring services that meet rigorous international safety and security requirements. Chubb encourages all stakeholders to review the detailed standards and procedures outlined by the ULC for its accredited services, available online at http://www.ulc.ca under the Fire and Security Alarm Certificate Programs section. ULC Certificates for Chubb’s UK signal-receiving centre have been issued through the innovative online portal, CertsView, confirming its adherence to the highest standards set forth by the ULC. Colin Walters, Global Monitoring Transformation Director at Chubb Fire & Security, commented on this exciting development: “We at Chubb are thrilled to embark on this new chapter with our ULC accreditation, reinforcing our unwavering dedication to excellence in security and safety standards across all operational territories. Our commitment to continuous improvement is a testament to the trust that our clients place in our services, ensuring a confident future for our potential clients.” For more information on the range of monitoring services provided by Chubb, visit www.chubb.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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UK's Leading Site Fire Safety Experts Release Whitepaper On Temporary Change to Simultaneous Evacuation in Flats

UK’s Leading Site Fire Safety Experts Release Whitepaper On Temporary Change to Simultaneous Evacuation in Flats

Howler, the UK’s leading site fire safety experts, have just released an important whitepaper, NFCC Guidance: Temporary Change to Simultaneous Evacuation in Flats. Managing Director, Gary Askew (pictured), explains ‘Following the unprecedented national tragedy at Grenfell Tower in June 2017, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) issued guidance to property managers about steps to be taken where there were concerns around cladding issues. As time went by and more information became available, the guidance was updated and refined. Our whitepaper takes a good look at that guidance examining the problem and the solutions available.’ With the news reporting on various councils up and down the country failing to meet fire safety standards, the whitepaper comes at an important time. ‘Thousands of blocks of residential flats in the UK still have a ‘stay-put’ policy in the event of fire. This simply means that residents are safely able to ‘stay-put’ in their flat in the event of a fire in another flat in the same block. This policy is only possible if the building has been designed and constructed in such a way that each flat is a separate fire compartment with fire separation being provided in accordance with the Building Regulations. ‘What occurred at Grenfell was that fire separation failed completely and there is now an awareness amongst Fire Risk Assessors that there may be times when a stay-put is not adequate, and instead a building must be immediately, or ‘simultaneously’, evacuated in the event of a fire.’ Howler’s whitepaper shares the NFCC’s guidance that recommends “The safest and most effective way of ensuring [that residents can escape safely] is by installing a suitable common fire detection and alarm system conforming to British Standard 5839 Part 1 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings – Code of practice for design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of systems in non-domestic premises (BS 5839-1).” ‘We’ve been installing fire safety solutions for over 30 years’ continues Gary, ‘and in response to the NFCC’s guidance, we’ve just launched Howler Special Services which has been designed to include the installation of radio linked Fire Alarm systems specifically to facilitate the change in the evacuation strategy of large residential buildings. The systems typically replace a Waking Watch service and can either be removed once the remedial works are complete or be upgraded to a permanent BS8629 evacuation system.’ ‘Howler is all about protecting lives and livelihoods. It’s our job to stay abreast of legislation and help councils, businesses, property managers, and landlords protect the lives and livelihoods they look after. This is why we’ve released this new whitepaper and this new service, to help prevent any further tragedies.’ To request your copy of Howler’s whitepaper on NFCC Guidance: Temporary Change to Simultaneous Evacuation in Flats, visit https://howleruk.com/app/uploads/2024/04/NFCC-Guidance-Howler-Whitepaper.pdf. For more information about Howler Special Services Fire Alarm Installation, visit https://howleruk.com/special-services. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Honeywell showcases latest security, fire and life safety technologies at The Security Event 2024

Honeywell Showcases latest Security, Fire and Life Safety Technologies at The Security Event 2024

Honeywell security, fire and life safety technologies will be on interactive display at The Security Event on April 30 – May 2 in Birmingham at Stand 5/F20. The showcased Honeywell technologies help building (or facility) decision makers and operators manage threats while improving uptimes and driving operational efficiencies all delivered within an optimal occupant experience.   In line with Honeywell’s focus on delivering robust, digitalised automation solutions, Honeywell security technologies on display include:   Honeywell’s fire and life safety technologies on display include:  For more information about Honeywell’s latest security and fire and life safety products, stop by stand 5/F20 at The Security Event or visit Buildings.Honeywell.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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