Issue 60 - January 2024

Jan 2024 • Issue 60

THE MAGAZINE FOR FIRE PREVENTION, FIREFIGHTING & RESCUE

ISSUE 60

PREVIEW PAGE 85

Your safety, our experience High and low pressure compressors for breathing air and technical gases

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Insider’s View

editor Wendy Otway +44 (0) 7971 700 643 editor@firemiddleeast.co.uk advertising sales worldwide commercial director Mike Dingle +44 (0) 1752 267 330 mike@firemiddleeast.co.uk sales Ryan Bickerton + 44(0)1752 265 802 ryan@firemiddleeast.co.uk Gareth Driscoll +44 (0) 1752 260 603 gareth@firemiddleeast.co.uk Rahul Vara +44 (0) 1752 604 352 rahul@firemiddleeast.co.uk Kyle Kennedy +44 (0)7867 641 955 kyle@firemiddleeast.co.uk production team Freya Tucker freya@firemiddleeast.co.uk marketing manager Paul Riglar +44 (0)7496 377 603 paul@firemiddleeast.co.uk designed by Paul Buckley paul@riasca.co This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the written consent of the publishers. © MDC Middle East Ltd. 2024 The Publisher and Editor do not necessarily agree with the content and opinions in editorial contained in Fire Middle East magazine.

For subscriptions and advertising enquires, or for further information on the magazine visit our website: firemiddleeastmag.com Follow us on LinkedIn Fire Middle East Magazine

fire middle east magazine is published by

15th May 2024, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

as w e g o to press, news is breaking of a suspected arson attack which has destroyed a hotel in Ireland which was being prepared to host 70 asylum seekers.

Fortunately no one was harmed but this is yet another argument for robust fire protection systems for all buildings where people sleep… whether they be luxury, modern high rise hotels or small historic inns or cheap and cheerful budget hotels or in the case of the Irish property, a place where the stateless and vulnerable may find refuge. In this issue, on p18 we look at the challenges and practicalities of detection and protection in remote tourist destinations and elsewhere in the magazine, how hotel guests, whatever their budget, should expect to have fire sprinklers protecting them whilst they sleep.

Fire suppression plays a vital role in the overall protection of people and property… Articles examining deluge systems, foam proportioning and nitrogen and water hybrid extinguishing systems all feature inside, alongside an informed piece on software solutions for optimising sprinklers.

I am proud to announce that the FME portfolio of contributions to the future safety and fire resilience of all communities will expand to the conference stage on 15th May 2024, with the opening of the inaugural FIRE Middle East Conference in Riyadh. Read more about this inspiring event on p70.

Of course we are delighted that the January issue of FME is once again the Official Regional Media Partner at Intersec 2024 and I hope that you will not only study the preview of this event on pages 85 – 103, but also visit us on our stand E16 in Hall 2.

I would like to wish all of our readers and subscribers a peaceful and prosperous new year.

MDC Middle East Ltd 6 Woodside Lane, Plymouth PL4 8QE Mike Dingle +44 (0)1752 267 330 Mike@firemiddleeast.co.uk

Wendy Otway editor@firemiddleeast.co.uk @firemiddleast firemiddleeastmag.com

Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024 01

Subscribe online to our magazine and e-newsletter: firemiddleeastmag.com

Contents

SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS 33 R E M OT E R E S O RTS 18

Balancing efficiency and safety

Blaine Hoyt explores the imperative of optimising automatic fire sprinkler systems.

Safeguarding paradise

Remote tourist destinations come with inherent risks, particularly when it comes to fire and emergency response reflect Peter Stephenson.

F I R E F I G H T E R H E A LT H & S A F E T Y

73

The FBU’s efforts to protect firefighters and their families from the risks of cancer.

Advice on the use of safety showers.

AU T O M AT I C F I R E S P R I N K L E R S

76

REGULARS 01

52

State of the art hotel fire protection includes sprinklers but too many European hotels are without them, writes Alan Brinson.

Insider’s View

News 04 Regional 09 International 13 Industry Talking about…

Solutions for tackling vehicle fires and supporting the reduction of damage to the environment caused by fire suppression chemicals

More European hotels should have sprinklers

DELUGE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS

24

An essential line of defense

Martin Gutzmann explores the fundamentals, components, applications and advantages of deluge systems in fire protection.

with Hanno Sartovuo

60

64

FIRE & THE ENVIRONMENT

In Focus A company which specialises in the development and production of innovative and reliable proportioning systems, extinguishing monitors, and trailers for firefighting.

81

Wildfires are not only having an impact on climate change, the emissions are also impacting on public health.

In case of fire Achieving compartmentation in a pharmaceutical facility Cabling protection in the Hong Kong Sports Institute

67

On the Market

104

Events Calendar

02 Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024

How wildfires are impacting on the environment

CABLES WILDFIRES 84 29

Managing fires from the sky

Dr Javad Hashempour Ph.D. explains how managing wildfire prevention and protection relies on data acquired by remote sensing techniques.

The Cable Value Chain

A new report from BASEC provides a review of the challenges surrounding the provision of cables for buildings and the risk of poor quality and unapproved cables entering the market.

Subscribe online to our magazine and e-newsletter: firemiddleeastmag.com

Contents

FME EXCLUSIVES

Passive protection 44 The crucial role of perimeter firestops in fire containment Sandy Dweik shares her expert understanding of the paramount significance of perimeter fire stops as critical elements of fire containment.

Fire Suppression 49 Alternative benefits of hybrid systems Len Swantek explores the alternative benefits afforded by hybrid fire extinguishing systems which uses nitrogen gas and water released through an emitter to produce very fine water droplets.

85 89 93

97

The Institution of Fire Engineers 55 The IFE has welcomed the Paul Trew as its new Technical Director.

99 101

INTERSEC SHOW PREVIEW Welcome to Intersec from Grant Tuchten, Portfolio Director, Messe Frankfurt 25-year milestone… a celebration of more than two decades of unmatched success and a record number of exhibitors The Fire & Rescue Conference will provide a well-structured platform for participants to to engage in thought-provoking discussions and gain valuable insights CONFERENCE PROGRAMME Day 1: 16th January Day 2: 17th January

INTERSEC PRODUCT SHOWCASES 86,90, 94, 102 Highlighting the best the global fire industry has to offer

Giving back – Life after the FRS 57 Incident Command System In his fifth article Bob Rea evaluates how the Incident Command System is taught, managed and implemented; and the difference in its scale of use.

IFSM 78 Building Log Books for managing fire safety Malcolm Thomas illustrates why some surveyors, architects and engineers have campaigned for ‘log books’ for each completed new building.

70

FIRE Middle East Conference

The FME team continues with its mission to making a positive contribution to the future safety and fire resilience of all communities in the Middle East region by launching a one day conference to be held on 15th May 2024 in Riyadh, KSA.

Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024 03

More news and updates at: @firemiddleast firemiddleeastmag.com

Regional News JORDAN

OMAN

Firefighting support for Greece Four firefighting planes from the Royal Jordanian Air Force have been sent from Jordan to assist fighting Greek forest fires according to an announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A crew of 47 will be accompanying the aircraft sent to aid in the rampant forest fires caused by the extreme rise in temperatures. Earlier this year Jordanian authorities also sent 3 aircraft, including two Super Puma helicopters and a Russianmade Mi26 helicopter, to Cyprus to help with a multinational wildfire quelling efforts there.

IRAN

TURKEY

Rehabilitation centre engulfed

10-storey building fire

At least 32 people have died, and 16 other injured in a huge fire at a drug rehabilitation centre in Langarud, northern Iran. The facility’s entire building was gutted to flames with windows shattered and walls blackened by smoke. The fire was eventually controlled and authorities launched an investigation into it to find the cause.

Riot police have been brough in to assist with security and traffic measures around a 10-storey apartment building in Bursa Metropolitan Municipality after a fire engulfed the building and then which spread to an adjacent complex.

The fire ripped through a café on the first floor before travelling up the Ahmet Taner Kışlalı Boulevard Business Centre.

The flames spread rapidly and engulfed the entire building, which reportedly has 99 offices. The cause of the blaze is not immediately clear.

KUWAIT

Fire injures 14 oil workers The Kuwait Oil Company reported a blaze on the Al-Shuala line, resulting in 14 workers being injured.

The situation was swiftly brought under control, and there was no impact on production operations.

According to a press statement, the minor blaze erupted during maintenance activities conducted by contractor’s employees.

This is the second the oil-related fire to break in Kuwait this year. In July, al-Zour refinery a blaze was extinguished without any reported injuries. Comprising of three mini refineries, Al-Zour is one of the biggest oil-processing facilities.

04 Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024

Student creates ‘Firebot’ An inventor from the University of Technology and Applied Sciences Shinas has created a smart robot. Khalid bin Mohammed al Kamzari’s ‘Firebot’ has attracted attention for its ability to remotely douse fires, heralding a new era in fire safety and automation.

The robot is made from heat-insulating materials and has three sensors, which help it detect fires. After locating the fire, it can release CO2 gas to extinguish the fire.

Bluetooth compatibility gives operators the opportunity to stay back from danger while controlling the robot, but it can also function automatically without a controller.

Trials of Firebot have been promising. It demonstrated precision in detecting smoke and fire swiftly.

Additionally, it exhibited an operational range of up to 10m via Bluetooth, adding to convenience and control. The inventor, Khalid bin Mohammed al Kamzari, hopes to find financial backing for commercial production.

ABU DHABI

Warnings of fire safety failures

DUBAI

Collaboration with the NFPA The Dubai Civil Defence has signed a collaboration agreement with the USheadquartered National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the world’s largest fire safety organisation. “The Dubai Civil Defence aims to be a global role model in the implementation of state-of-the-art systems designed to safeguard lives and property”, said Maj-Gen Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi, director-general of Dubai Civil Defence. Jim Pauley, President and CEO of the NFPA praised the Dubai Civil Defence for its exceptional security and safety protocols and innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) across its operations.

Over 21,000 warnings have been issued in Abu Dhabi for buildings which fail to adhere to fire safety regulations. Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority inspected 10,753 residential and commercial buildings and centres across the emirate between May and October this year. These included 6,994 entities in Abu Dhabi city, 3,494 in Al Ain and 265 in Al Dhafra.

An undisclosed grace period has been given to the owners of these buildings to bring them in line with appropriate safety measures, and the buildings will be closely monitored by the Civil Defence during this time. Data from previous years shows that there was a 3% increase in building fires, with numbers jumping from 2,090 in 2021 to 2,169 in 2022. Most fires took place in residential areas with 1,385 incidents in villas and apartments. Another 531 fires in commercial, farm or public service buildings.

More news and updates at: @firemiddleast firemiddleeastmag.com

BAHRAIN

Fire crews to use drones The Northern Municipal Council has voted to allow drones to be used to help fight fires after unanimously agreeing the proposal. Councillor Mohammed Al Dossary, who spearheaded the move, believes that drones could provide the much-needed help to get fires put out faster, reduce costs and use of resources, and keep firefighters out of harm’s way. While the proposal acknowledges the need for further assessment of technical firefighting needs and costs, the door is open for procuring custommade drones tailored to Bahrain’s specific requirements. By starting with a smaller scale implementation and conducting thorough testing, adjustments can be made to optimize the firefighting capabilities of the drones.

Regional News EGYPT

Police headquarters destroyed More than 38 people have been injured after a huge fire erupted at a security directorate in the Egyptian Suez Canal city of Ismailia. Parts of the building have collapsed, but the cause of the blaze, which broke out at the headquarters of the Directorate of Security before dawn, is not yet known.

The health ministry deployed 30 ambulances to the scene, according to state media. One individual trapped in the building was able to signal to rescuers outside the building by using the flashlight on their mobile phone. Two witnesses said that firefighters initially struggled to get the fire under control, local media says that after three hours they managed to contain it.

A model of the Ismailia city police station, created to commemorate Egyptian National Police Day and martyrs who sacrificed themselves against invaders, is now in the Cairo Citadel Museum.

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Protecting UAE School Buses for Emirates Transport Reacton® Fire Suppression and partners Tabra Trading recently won one of the world’s largest retrofit bus fire protection projects in history. Winning the Emirates Transport tender to fit over 2,300 school buses was monumental not only for Reacton, but for the future of Bus fire protection in the Middle East.

Having now successfully fitted over 2000 Reacton Fire Suppression systems, we are both at the forefront when it comes to safer transportation for Children in the UAE, making us an industry leader in safeguarding school buses and taxis with our cutting-edge fire suppression systems.

The deal came from the collaboration with Tabra and Emirates Transport, who recognised the increase in vehicle fires and the requirement to mitigate this risk.

Various avenues and options for protection were explored but the Reacton system, with its internationally recognised approvals, proved to be best suited to meet the demands of Emirates Transport.

Not only was the system fully compliant with low maintenance costs, but Reacton’s manufacturing responsiveness, quick lead times, field support and excellent customer service, set them aside from the competition.

IMPORTANCE OF APPROVALS It is extremely important for Reacton to have its innovation, performance, and exceptional quality verified by thirdparty approval & certification, meeting or exceeding international standards, and performing at the highest level in a controlled environment.

Our global certifications include: UAE.S. 5041:2021 (approval pending – Due December 2023) UL 2166 AS 5062:2016 P-MARK SPCR 183 (Reacton achieved the highest score possible) P-MARK SPCR 199 UNECE Regulation 107 ISO 9001:2015 - CE Mark LPCB LPS 1666 Reacton Fire Suppressions dedication and commitment to consistent product quality, independent testing and global approvals, gives you the peace of mind required to make Reacton your first choice when it comes to automatic fire suppression systems for vehicles.

06 Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024

UAE.S 5041: 2021 Fires in buses are well documented, often created through poor maintenance, electrical problems, fuel systems or engine problems, so when a fire does occur, often in a confined space, surrounded by combustible materials, the outcome can be disastrous. A common issue is insufficient time for passengers to exit the bus, so gaining valuable time is a top priority followed by protection of the asset.

Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA) and Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MOIAT) have considered and evaluated these real world events in creating UAE.S 5041, combining proven fire tests for buses & coaches, component testing, and detection, to bring them together under one comprehensive approval. Emirates Safety Laboratory (ESL) are perfectly set up and accredited to test this fantastic new standard.

The new standard evaluates fire suppression requirements for engine compartments of buses and coaches with the various tests requiring completion to achieve the high standard created, all of which Reacton passed.

REAL LIFE EVENTS A Reacton fire suppression system recently saved a school bus in Abu Dhabi from the devastating consequences of fire. Although in the maintenance area, the turbo outlet pipe clamp came apart and ignited oil residue on the engine, which caused the fire. Within seconds the Reacton system detected, activated, and suppressed the fire, preventing it from spreading to the whole vehicle and destroying it. Our highperformance fire suppression system helps to mitigate the risk of vehicle fires and save lives.

INSTALLATION & TRAINING We pride ourselves on the ease of use and quick installation of our systems, providing in-depth training to ensure our distributors have a comprehensive understanding of our systems. Our training includes various aspects such as: Full risk assessment Design and configuration of the system according to the risk assessment Installation and compliance with the system parameters Commissioning and maintenance Training is critical in ensuring the engineers understand the functionality of our systems and ensure that the system performs at the highest possible standard to effectively protect the bus.

IN CONCLUSION Reacton’s dedication to innovation and research and development ensures that school buses equipped with their fire suppression systems offer the highest level of protection giving parents, school authorities, and communities peace of mind. Reacton are proud to play a crucial role in providing our automatic fire suppression systems to school buses across the Emirates, addressing a huge issue and setting a precedent for the Middle East and fire protection.

Protecting Your Future Today For more information please contact us using one of the following: Tel: +971 483 572 23 Email info@reactonfire.com Web: www.reactonfire.com

THE SAFETY OF YOUR PASSENGERS IS OUR BUSINESS UAE MARKET LEADERS IN AUTOMATIC VEHICLE FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS SEE US AT INTERSEC 24 Hall 4 – F39

PROTECTING YOUR FUTURE, TODAY.

Enquires & Sales +971 4835 7223 sales@reactonfire.com reactonfire.com

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More news and updates at: @firemiddleast firemiddleeastmag.com

International News P A K I S TA N

USA

Hybrid car recall

Physical & economic suffering

Car manufacturer Stallantis have recalled over 32,000 SUVs from the market due to fears of fire in new plug-in hybrid Jeep Wranglers.

Eight of the vehicles have recently caught fire, most of them while connected to charge points, but all cars were parked and turned off at the time. It estimated that one percent of vehicles covered by the recall may have the defect, which can be remedied with a software update or a replacement battery pack. “The vehicles may be driven.

However, the Company is advising owners to refrain from recharging these hybrid vehicles, and to park them away from structures and other vehicles, until they are remedied,” Stellantis said. Tech company Lenovo is also recalling a USB-C laptop power bank due to a risk of it overheating and catching fire.

UK

Luton airport car park fire A car park at Luton Airport, is to be demolished after a huge fire destroyed 1200 cars.

A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage as a precaution but has now been released on bail as the police investigation so far suggests the fire started accidentally due to a vehicle fault.

The fire led to tens of thousands of passengers being disrupted, with flights diverted and cancelled and alternative transport and accommodation being sought. While it is thought the blaze was caused by a diesel vehicle, however it is believed that many of the cars in the fire had lithium ion batteries as part of either hybrid drive, or fully electric drive systems, which would have added to the intensity of the blaze.

Additionally, the fire service asserted that the car park at Luton airport did not appear to have sprinklers and the open sided design had aided the horizontal spread of the fire.

A symposium of urban planners and engineers in Karachi have said that about 90 percent of all structures in Karachi – residential, commercial and industrial – lacked fire prevention and firefighting systems and have agreed this amounts to “criminal negligence” on the part of regulatory bodies such as the Singh Building Control Authority (SBCA). Experts revealed that more than 15,000 people lose their lives and the economy suffered losses of over a trillion rupees each year because of fires across the country – mainly in urban areas where building codes are often ignored and expansion is out pacing city firefighting infrastructure.

Just days later, 11 people, 6 from the same family, lost their lives in a mall fire in Karachi due to a short circuit on a generator.

INDIA

Chemical fire kills six India’s National Disaster Response Force was alerted after a chemical fire in Bazarghat, Nampally of Hyderabad. Two teams to took part in the rescue operations.

“We brought the fire under control within an hour and rescued, in all, 21 persons trapped in the building and rushed them to the Osmania General Hospital,” the DCP Venkateshwar Rao said. The fire started when repair work to a car created sparks which spread to the chemical barrel kept in the godown and caused the fire which killed six.

Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024 09

More news and updates at: @firemiddleast firemiddleeastmag.com

International News EUROPE

USA

Unprecedented wildfire events The wildfire season in the EU has been the second worse on record. For a third year in a row unprecedented wildfire events caused large environmental and economic damage in the EU and, often, tragic loss of life.

While most of the fires (96%) are caused by human actions, they are aggravated by increased fire danger conditions driven by climate change. Data for 2023 shows that so far, wildfires have already burned about 500 000 ha of natural land in the EU. This includes the largest single wildfire (Alexandroupolis, Greece) recorded in the EU, with over 96 000 ha burnt. This year saw again rampant wildfires, difficult to contain by traditional firefighting for their high temperatures, intensity and speed.

They were only put under control only when meteorological conditions improved, allowing firefighters to tackle the blazes.

BRAZIL

Indigenous fire brigades Inefficiencies in public policy in Brazil have led to indigenous peoples forming their own self-defence groups and taking the role of preserving large areas which should be under the protection of the state.

The Paiter Suruí community in Rondônia state established the country’s third Indigenous brigade to tackle blazes during

the fire season, which typically lasts from July to November.

The indigenous communities feel they are ultimately responsible for safeguarding the forest, and work in collaboration with a federal agency, the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and renewable resources.

Firefighters support charity ban The Los Angeles County Fire Department Foundation is under investigation after it continued to raise funds after not submitting a routine annual financial form for 2021. The organisation was formed in 2016 and has its own volunteer board of directors. The charity aims to raise funds for equipment for firefighters, educational campaigns and bravery awards for firefighters. The charity will be investigated for any deliberate or unintentional wrongdoing, and an audit of the money the charity has received and spent since it was formed in the spring of 2016 will take place.

AUSTRALIA

Fireplane crash Three people have died after a small plane crashed while helping fight fires near Mount Isa, Queensland. police from Mount Isa and a rescue helicopter were initially sent to the crash site, which cops said was in a difficult terrain. The officers made it to the site in the evening and confirmed the three firefighters onboard the aircraft were dead. The paramedics said that the crash was “unsurvivable”. It is believed that those onboard were mapping areas of recent bushfire activity in western Queensland and gathering vital terrain data for use during bushfire emergencies.

TA N Z A N I A

Karanga Camp fire More than 300 personnel have been mobilised to fight a blaze on Mount Killimanjaro, including police, firefighters, university students and staff from tour operators.

The fire was burning near the camp Karanga site used by climbers ascending the mountain, at about 4,000 metres altitude on the south side of mountain. Officials have not yet established how the fire started, but it comes exactly two years after another blaze, which raged for a week in October 2020 across 95 square kilometres (37 square miles).

The fire started on a Friday evening and was spread by strong winds over the weekend, said regional officials. They could not yet say how much ground it covered. A plane transporting local officials and leading members of the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) for a visit to evaluate the situation was unable to land on Saturday. By Sunday the fire was under control after burning for more than 24 hours.

10 Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024

INTERSEC

16-18 January 2024

Hall 3 Stand 3G30

Synthetic fluorine free foam systems

The environmentally responsible alternative Viking EMEA is offering a comprehensive line of FM Approved fluorine free fixed foam systems for Hydrocarbon and Polar Solvent applications. The product line now has an extensive range of non-aspirated sprinklers, proportioning equipment and other discharge devices for use in ignitable liquid risks such as warehouses, chemical manufacturing areas, loading racks or aircraft hangars.

Viking and its partners have worked hard to develop a range of SFFF foam concentrates and compatible hardware for use in fire protection systems. Viking, along with international approval and certification bodies, has carried out extensive fire and performance tests to recognised test standards, demonstrating real life performance of the complete system.

Our commitment to demonstrating product performance will continue as new third-party certifications continue to be added.

For more information visit: viking-emea.com/Fluorine-Free-Foam-Sprinkler-Systems/

SFFF Compatible Products

VFT Bladder Tanks

Bladder Tank Proportioning Devices

Extensive Range of NonAspirated Sprinkler Heads

Other Discharge Devices

Nov. 2023

Hydrocarbon and Alcohol Resistant Foam Concentrates

Viking S.A. | 21, Z.I. Haneboesch, L-4562 Differdange / Niederkorn, Luxembourg | Tel.: +352 58 37 37 1 | viking-emea.com

More news and updates at: @firemiddleast firemiddleeastmag.com

Industry News

Extraordinary action based on environmental concerns Viking EMEA has announced, with immediate effect, that the company will no longer offer or distribute fluorinated foam concentrates.

This decision is based on environmental concerns. Viking EMEA places good stewardship of the natural environment as a top priority, dedicating significant time and effort to ensure compliance with all current and pending regulations. The company has and will continue to take proactive steps that align with this philosophy.

“Fluorine-free foam concentrates (SFFF) are more sustainable and environmentally responsible. We have a market-leading range of fixed foam

system components and approvals using said SFFF which have been refined in several years of development and testing,” says Simon Barratt, Foam Product Manager at Viking EMEA. “Coupled with our FM Approvals and UL Listings, our portfolio of foam concentrates, proportioning devices and discharge device options puts us in a position similar to what we have with our outgoing fluorinated range of products. The time is, therefore, right to make this move and provide clarity for both our customers and end-users alike.”

Alan Arelli, Managing Director of Viking EMEA, adds: “We help protecting

lives and assets, and we must do so in a manner that is dependable and responsible at the same time.

That is why it is important to us to make a vital contribution to a sustainable treatment of the environment and our planet. We will continue to focus on moving further towards centring Viking’s philosophy on ESG matters”.

To facilitate supplies to ongoing projects involving fluorinated foams, Viking will address each case in turn and work with its customers to provide the best suitable outcome. For more information, please contact your local Viking EMEA sales or customer service representative.

Wood pellet cargoes

Vehicle fire blanket donation

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has published a safety alert about an incident involving two hopper barges, in the MIssissippi loaded with wood pellets containing binders. These caught fire causing $355,000 in damage including total cargo loss and vessel damage.

It was reported that each fire caused approximately $355,000 in damage, including total cargo loss and significant vessel damage. The ignition source for both fires was spontaneous combustion, which is not common, but also not unprecedented. The International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code notes that “wood pellets containing additives or binders may ferment over time if moisture content is over 15% leading to generation of asphyxiating and flammable gases which may cause spontaneous combustion”.

The US Coast Guard strongly recommends that shippers of wood pellet cargoes and owners and operators of hopper barges carrying wood pellet cargo: • Take steps to isolate cargo from external moisture sources, including ceasing cargo operations during inclement weather and maintaining hopper covers to prevent rain ingress during transport.

• Plan deliveries to minimise long term storage, particularly on board barges.

• Conduct routine temperature readings to detect early-stage cargo decomposition.

• Ensure personnel conduct frequent rounds to identify signs of smouldering.

JohnDow Industries (JDI), supplier and distributor of automotive aftermarket equipment recently donated a Vehicle Fire Blanket to the Las Vegas Fire & Rescue (LVFR) department during the 2023 AAPEX Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“When we were introducing our new line of EV & Hybrid Service and Safety products, we soon realised the first hands we wanted to get our Vehicle Fire Blanket into were those of first responders. It made sense to provide LVFR with the first one when we launched our new product line” said Robert Christy, President of JDI. With increased usage and presence of electric and hybrid vehicles in the Las Vegas area, JDI’s Vehicle Fire Blanket will assist LVFR in suppressing an EV and Hybrid vehicle fire in an emergency situation.

Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024 13

More news and updates at: @firemiddleast firemiddleeastmag.com

Industry News

External cladding systems testing Following an extensive research project involving insurers, the University of Central Lancashire, and external consultants, the FPA has developed RISC 501: Fire Test and Assessment Method for External Cladding Systems through RISCAuthority.

The occurrence of large cladding system fires has been increasing since 1990, which is of particular concern as a building’s cladding system has the potential to spread fire around a building, bypassing the internal fire compartments.

Combustible cladding systems are approved on high-rise buildings in the UK by the performance-based route to compliance, using the BS 8414 test method and BR 135 assessment criteria. However, several limitations have been identified with this route in relation to the appropriateness of the fuel source, test construction, construction detailing, assessment criteria, and availability of test results.

RISC 501 has been developed to address these limitations and evaluates the fire safety performance of non-loadbearing external cladding systems, going beyond the basic life safety standards with the aim of ensuring resilient systems that can effectively prevent vertical spread.

This new test method is intended to be conducted either alongside BS 8414 so that the results can confer compliance with

BR 135 and RISC 501, or as a standalone assessment.

Enhancing cladding system fire safety Assessing a system against RISC 501 produces vital evidence of its robustness, providing a classification that protects both occupants and property to demonstrate systems on buildings replicate those tested, thereby reducing the insurance risk.

The FPA and RISCAuthority recommend that systems are assessed against RISC 501 in addition to BS 8414 to wholly demonstrate their ability to prevent fire spread to multiple floors.

100 aerial ladders The one thousandth L32A-XS aerial ladder has left the Rosenbauer production line and has been delivered to the Karlsruhe Fire Department yesterday. The formal handover at the city’s main fire station was attended by Florian Geldner, commander of the Karlsruhe fire department. The anniversary aerial ladder is the third L32A-XS in the fire department’s fleet. Thanks to this new addition, two firefighting units at the professional fire department and one at the volunteer fire service are now fitted with these high-rise aerial appliances.

Innovative new website launched Carrington Textiles have launched a brand-new website which not only showcases fabric photos for each product but also has an improved search functionality enabling users to search by industry and colour, making it easier to find the perfect fabric for their specific needs. This new website will also offer the highly popular advanced search and language options, as well as the members area for visitors to access products’ technical data, downloadable marketing information and more.

14 Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024

New membership structure The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has made changes to its membership structure with the intention that the changes will help its membership be the “gold standard” of the profession, and are the culmination of a process which has involved IOSH consulting with its members, other professional bodies, recruiters, and global organisations.

The new structure is designed to provide its members with a clear pathway from the beginning of their career to progress to the higher levels of chartered member and chartered fellow, and to make it clearer for businesses and recruiters to know what each level of membership means.

There is a direct link between the new grades structure and IOSH’s competency framework, which sets the requirements for occupational safety and health (OSH) knowledge and experience at all levels of the profession.

IWMA award renamed The International Water Mist Association (IWMA) has decided to rename the “IWMA Young Talent Award” and it will now be known as the “Ragnar Wighus Award”.

Ragnar Wighus, who passed away in 2021, was IWMA president from 2002 to 2018 when he handed over the baton to Are Wendelborg Brandt (Norwegian University of Science and Technology).

The award will – as before – go to the author of the best master or Ph.D. thesis dealing with water mist. The award, launched in 2016 has been given to five young scientists so far.

All submissions will be evaluated by the IWMA Scientific Council chaired by Max Lakkonen (IFAB). The deadline to hand in applications is 29th March 2024.

The details of how to apply have been published on the IWMA webpage.

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We go to great lengths to bring you fire detection you can depend on

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The Patol Non-Resettable Digital Linear Heat Detection Cable (LHDC) is designed to provide early detection of fire conditions and overheating in circumstances where other forms of detection would not be viable, either due to an inability to sustain the environment requirements or through prohibitive costs.

Thousands of kilometres are in use in projects throughout the world, with cable cut to length to meet the exact requirements of a given project.

The Digital (Non-Resettable) option is now approved to EN54-28 which, along with the associated functional units and junction boxes, means there is a system with complete EN approval.

When other detection systems - just won’t do.

Providing protection for...

Escalators

Power Generation Facilities

Conveyor Systems

Tunnels

Warehouses

Car Parks

Visit our website to see the full list of approved products and to see how over 50 years of experience can help ensure you get your fire protection right.

Tel: +44 (0)1189 701 701 Email: info@patol.uk.com www.patol.co.uk

Promotional Feature

Robust Wireless Fire Alarm Systems Gain Ground in Middle East Sasi Kumar, Commercial Manager for the Middle East and Africa at Advanced, explains how wireless fire alarm technology is experiencing real growth in the Middle East with customers recognising its benefits including its robust performance.

Wireless fire alarm technology is gaining ground in the Middle East region. This growth follows a similar trend in Europe where it is estimated the wireless fire alarm sector will increase by 10% from 2023 to 2032 as infrastructures are constructed to support growth, as well as ongoing Government investment. With wireless technology now tried and tested in Europe, the Middle East region is opting for wireless solutions too, especially following the development of the robust, reliable mesh technology. As a result, wireless fire alarm systems are now taking market share from wired variants.

REGULATION This confidence in wireless fire alarm technology was recently witnessed in Dubai on 24th April 2023, with the Dubai Civil Defense announcing that wireless technology could be used for both residential and commercial projects. Other countries in the Middle East look set to follow Dubai’s example. As fire safety regulation tightens across the Middle East, wireless fire alarm systems are becoming an attractive solution to retrofit, since buildings do not have to undergo the disruption of running cables which comes with installing a wired system. Some wireless systems, such as Advanced’s Axis EN, also have the advantage of being able to integrate with existing fire alarm systems too when an upgrade is required, offering a hybrid system. Hybrid systems currently account for the largest system type in the wireless fire alarm sector owing to the availability and cost-viability of this technology.

AXIS EN Harnessing the power of proven technology, Advanced wireless systems are scalable, adaptable and reliable offering

16 Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024

complete fire safety peace of mind. With Advanced’s versatile Axis EN wireless range, it’s easy to install robust fire alarm systems whilst saving crucial time and disruption. Offering a wireless fire safety system customers can trust, Advanced’s Axis EN wireless devices are powerful, reliable and fast to install and configure.

Rigorously tested and approved to EN 54 Parts 2 and 4, Axis EN wireless fire systems carry the prestigious FM Approved mark. Axis EN devices operate seamlessly with Advanced’s Axis EN range of highperformance addressable panels and can be used as part of completely wireless or hybrid systems. So, whether a customer is extending wired systems on sites where downtime’s not an option, protecting sensitive sites where re-wiring would be too disruptive or simply requiring a fast-fit temporary install, Advanced can offer a solution.

MESH TECHNOLOGY Wireless fire alarms are also increasing in popularity following the development of reliable mesh technology. With the Axis EN fire system from Advanced, its mesh expander technology delivers unprecedented system reliability and performance. If any expander in the chain fails, the transmission path finds an alternative route, ensuring communication continuity, creating an ultra-resilient wireless infrastructure. Every Axis EN wireless translator supports up to 15 network expander modules, and the best possible redundant communication paths are identified and tested from the beginning, during system commissioning.

This provides the most reliable and robust communication pathway possible, reassuring customers that their network can be trusted.

DUAL-CHANNEL REDUNDANT TECHNOLOGY Other features that add to the reliability of Axis EN’s wireless technology include a dual battery, which boasts a 10-year battery life, and built-in redundancy and battery redundancy. Advanced’s dualchannel redundant technology is applied to every Axis EN wireless device, translator and expander, ensuring superior system

reliability. If one channel is blocked, the other automatically takes over so that every message is correctly delivered when and where required. The Axis EN’s wireless translators and expanders are all backup powered, further enforcing the system’s reliability.

Advanced’s team of technical experts are also there to help, whether customers are planning, installing or servicing an Advanced wireless system. Advanced offers free training and support throughout the lifetime of an Advanced product.

Axis EN is designed to go anywhere customers need high quality, reliable and easy-to-use fire detection and control, from residential and commercial buildings, mass transportation and industrial complexes to landmark developments, historic buildings and public services. Boasting intuitive programming, powerful networking, comprehensive cause and effect and unique diagnostic features the Axis EN puts customers in complete control of building fire protection.

All in all, the Axis EN redefines what is possible with wireless technology today and is the ideal solution for the Middle East region. With robust tried and tested reliable technology it offers a simple answer to complying with fire safety regulation and protecting building inhabitants.

To find out more about Advanced’s full range of solutions, visit us at Intersec, 16-18 January 2024 on stand F22, Hall 4 or visit www.advancedco.com.

Discover why AxisGo is ideal for protecting smaller sites

The powerful, flexible, single-loop fire panel Designed to be fast to fit, quick to configure and easy to use, AxisGo saves install time whilst bringing you complete peace of mind that your singlepanel site has the highest levels of fire protection.

Offering cost-effective access to popular premium features from our Axis EN range in a simpler, nonnetworkable format, AxisGo provides powerful protection for a wide range of smaller sites.

Packed with future-proof technology and flexible features – including false alarm management, built-in zonal LEDs and a handy service tool – AxisGo’s ready to become your Go-to!

Creating a safer future Advanced – made in the UK. Trusted around the world.

Discover more: advancedco.com | enquiries@advancedco.com | +44 (0)345 894 7000

Hotels & resorts

Safeguarding paradise Remote resorts and hotel destinations offer unique tourism experiences providing a haven of tranquillity away from the vigour’s of urban living, but they also come with inherent risks, particularly when it comes to fire and emergency response reflects p et er s t ep h en s o n BEng (Hons) Fire Engineering, FIFireE, Director, Fire Safety Division ME, Hydrock.

the se o nsho r e an d off-shore retreats with natures beauty and serene landscapes make them desirable as tourist destinations but also pose unique challenges when it comes to ensuring the safety of guests and the protection of these idyllic locations.

There are major challenges that remote resorts face in developing robust fire and emergency response strategies including: 1. Geographical isolation: The allure of remote resorts often lies in their isolated and picturesque settings. Yet, this very isolation presents a challenge during emergencies, making it difficult for firefighting and emergency services to reach the location promptly. Evacuation plans must account for limited access routes, potentially requiring alternative transportation methods such as boats or helicopters.

2. Limited firefighting resources: Unlike urban areas, remote resorts may lack immediate access to firefighting resources. Traditional infrastructure like fire hydrants and nearby fire stations may be absent, necessitating on-site firefighting equipment and welltrained personnel. Resorts often need to invest in water storage tanks and explore innovative firefighting methods tailored to their unique surroundings.

18 Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024

3. Communication challenges: Remote locations frequently struggle with poor or non-existent network coverage. Effective communication during emergencies becomes a critical challenge, requiring resorts to establish reliable communication systems that can operate in adverse conditions. Satellite communication and other alternative methods become essential to maintain connectivity during emergencies.

4. Wildfire vulnerability: Resorts situated in nature-rich environments face an increased risk of wildfires. This threat demands specialized training for staff, comprehensive preventive measures, and early detection systems to mitigate potential damages. Investing in firebreaks, defensible zones, and collaborating with local firefighting agencies become integral components of a resort’s wildfire preparedness.

5. Local expertise and community collaboration: Remote communities may lack specialized training in firefighting and emergency response. Resorts must proactively invest in training programs for both their staff and local residents.

Establishing collaborative partnerships with local authorities and neighbouring communities can enhance overall emergency response capabilities.

6. Sustainable emergency response: Many remote resorts emphasise sustainability in their operations. Balancing effective emergency response with eco-friendly practices poses a unique challenge, requiring resorts to explore sustainable firefighting materials and methods. The adoption of green technologies and practices ensures that emergency response efforts align with the resort’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Hotels & resorts

Understanding the current and future risk profile of a resort will help establish the fire and emergency response requirements focusing on the equipment, personnel, vehicles (type and number) and the optimum location of emergency response centres (fire & medical) to deal with any potential incidents. An established methodology for the assessment of the resort risk profile can be found int NFPA 1300, titled “Standard on Community Risk Assessment and Community Risk Reduction Plan Development,” which outlines a comprehensive approach to assessing and mitigating risks within a community. The key components include: 1. Community Risk Assessment (CRA): A process for the identification of risks, analysing potential hazards and threats in the community, considering factors such as geography, demographics, and infrastructure.

2. Data collection: Gathering relevant data on historical incidents, community demographics, and existing resources or assessing the vulnerabilities likely to be found within the resort area.

3. Stakeholder involvement: Collaboration involving key stakeholders, including residents, local government officials, emergency services, and community organisations, in the risk assessment process. Seeking input from various perspectives to ensure a comprehensive understanding of community risks.

4. Risk prioritisation: Establishing criteria to prioritize identified risks based on factors like severity, frequency, and potential impact. Systematically ranking and categorizing risks to focus on the most critical concerns.

5. Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Plan: Developing clear and measurable goals for risk reduction based on the identified priorities. Outlining specific strategies and actions to mitigate and manage the identified risks effectively.

6. Resource allocation: Determining the resources required to implement the risk reduction strategies outlined in the CRR plan and ensuring an effective coordination of available resources, both within the community and through external partnerships.

7. Implementation and monitoring: Executing the CRR plan by implementing identified strategies and actions.

Regularly assessing the effectiveness of implemented measures, adjusting strategies as needed, and staying attuned to evolving community risks.

8. Evaluation and feedback loop: It is important to periodically reassess community risks to ensure the relevance of the CRR plan. Continuous improvement is achieved by establishing a feedback loop for ongoing evaluation, learning from experiences, and refining strategies for future risk reduction efforts.

9. Documentation and reporting: Adhering to standardized documentation practices to maintain a record of the risk assessment process and CRR plan and reporting the outcomes and communicating the results of the risk assessment, progress in risk reduction, and any lessons learned to stakeholders and the community is an important aspect within the process.

NFPA 1300 provides a systematic framework for communities to assess, prioritise, and reduce risks effectively, fostering a safer and more resilient environment. It’s crucial for remote hotels and resorts to carefully consider and address these risks to provide a safe and aesthetically pleasing experience for their guests. The aesthetics and guest experience play an important part of the overall resort design considerations. Consideration of the impact on the environment should feature highly in the overall master planning phase as building and maintaining remote resorts can have often have a negative impact on the natural surroundings, potentially harming local ecosystems and landscapes. Striking a

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Hotels & resorts balance between creating a luxurious atmosphere and preserving the authenticity of the remote location can be challenging.

When assessing overall safety factors, the accessibility to remote resorts may be prove challenging as they may be difficult to reach, making it challenging for guests to get assistance in case of emergencies. Limited access to healthcare facilities in remote areas can pose a risk to guests’ well-being, especially in the event of medical emergencies and isolated resorts can be more susceptible to security risks such as theft, and assistance from local authorities may be delayed. The impact of natural disasters in remote locations can have a greater impact as the remoteness may increase the vulnerability and weight of response required, which may pose a significant safety risk to guests. It’s crucial for remote hotels and resorts to carefully consider and address these risks to provide a safe and aesthetically pleasing experience for their guests.

FIRE & EMERGENCY RESPONSE To determine the fire and emergency response requirements for a project the CRA should assess the probability (likelihood) and consequences (impact) of the fire scenarios/hazards that have been identified through engaging with all stakeholders. The risk assessment estimates the chances (likelihood) of an incident happening, and if it does occur what are the likely impact to the people, property/assets, the environment, business continuity and brand of the resort.

As highlighted above the CRR is as a process to identify and prioritize local risks, followed by the integrated and strategic investment of resources (emergency response and prevention) to reduce their occurrence and impact. NFPA 1300 recommends that a CRR program uses a six-step approach towards development. In the risk assessment process, it is important to identify the various risks to the resort and/or surrounding area. For new developments this may require comparison of data from similar developments from around the world if local data is not available. The data will be used to identify both current risks and trends based on historical information. A security vulnerability assessment can also provide key information for consideration in emergency response planning.

There are a number of data elements that should be considered, these might include: incident dates and times incident types incident locations (address & any other location data; preferably, latitude and longitude) causes of ignition of fires; heat sources; areas of origin. mortality rates (fire-related; trauma; other medically-related).

EMS mechanisms of injury and causes of illness; and EMS provider “impressions” (i.e., diagnosis). occupancy information. response times of all units involved rate of financial loss to value.

Established fire departments document their emergency incidents electronically using computerised records management systems (RMS). International fire statistics identifying trends in building fires can be referenced in the development of the resort CRA. The risk assessment should also include obtaining information on the people who are impacted by, or a part of, a scenario. Therefore, where data is not available assumptions on the community demographic profile should be made. Risk is often influenced by economic and social issues. Therefore, the community riskreduction process must address socioeconomic issues. The demographic composition of a community typically includes the statistical data of its population.

Based on the vision for the resort the typical client profile should be noted along with staff profiles and accommodation locations. Understanding the causal factors and populations at greatest risk will contribute to developing programmes to address these problems.

One component of conducting a community risk assessment is to identify specific target hazards within the resort service area. These

are sometimes referred to as “critical facilities.” Examples of critical facilities might include: Hospitals Schools Emergency operations centers Water/sewage treatment facilities Airports Communications systems Roadways and critical infrastructure etc.

In addition, buildings with substantial value to the community (economic, historic, other), and other facilities that, if damaged or destroyed, would have a significant negative impact on the community.

Once all relevant information has been gathered and analysed, it will be necessary to evaluate, quantify, and determine the consequences; then prioritise the risks. The overall level of risk is dependent on the exposure to the hazard and the probability and consequences of an event occurring. The operational emergency response, the weight of response and associated firefighting personnel and equipment are a major factor in controlling and mitigating the risk.

Within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remote resort areas may be covered by the Saudi Civil Defense Regulations of Special Fire and Rescue Brigades, issued by Ministerial Resolution No. 8015 dated 08/03/1435 AH, to specify the controls and procedures for the establishment and formation of special fire and rescue brigades in both public and private facilities. The regulations detail the requirements for personnel, firefighting vehicles, fire stations and risk classification.

A major incident is an event or situation with a range of serious consequences which requires special arrangements to be implemented by one or more emergency responder agencies.

The escalation of a small incident into a major incident should also form part of the remote resort preplanning phase. A major incident would generally be beyond the scope of business-as-usual operations and is likely to involve serious harm, damage, disruption or risk to human life or welfare, essential services, the environment or security at local, regional and potentially national levels. Major incidents can be natural (floods, earthquakes, hurricanes and volcano eruptions) or human related (large scale fires, explosions, building collapse, transportation incidents, active shooter incidents and release of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear agents) which can be either accidental, deliberate or overtly terrorist in nature. Such an incident would be outside the resources located at, or near to a remote resort, therefore it is vital that the resort is represented on the appropriate local, regional and national emergency planning forums to ensure a co-ordinated approach to the planning for and response to all potential major incidents within or near to the resort area.

In conclusion, determining fire and emergency response capabilities for remote resorts is a dynamic process. It involves continuous risk assessment, strategic resource allocation, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of emergency response.

The delicate balance between the allure of these paradises and the need for safety requires a nuanced and adaptive approach. Remote resorts, by embracing comprehensive safety measures, not only safeguard their guests but also contribute to the preservation of the pristine environments that make them destinations of choice.

Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024 21

Promotional Feature

Hussam Al Haddad, CEO of ATEIS Middle East & VELOX life safety on Open Protocols, IoT and the latest innovations from ATEIS and VELOX. What is Open Protocol policy, and how will it benefit the Life Safety Industry?

VELOX introduced our OPEN protocol products in 2011. The protocol is the language that fire alarm devices, like detectors, use to talk to each other and to the Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) which they are connected-to. The “FACP”s also use protocol to talk to other panels in the network and additionally to a Graphic Command System if required.

Many manufacturers keep this language confidential as a ‘Closed Protocol’, which means they don’t share it with other manufacturers. In this case, a Closed Protocol device X will talk only to a panel X with the same Closed Protocol, and they don’t allow interchange with other manufacturers. This is precisely why VELOX chose to do it differently with our Open Protocol strategy. We only promote and manufacture OPEN protocol products, which means you can exchange our devices with other compatible manufacturers and everything will work seamlessly.

To date, VELOX has successfully installed thousands of installations with our OPEN protocol systems, giving peace of mind to the end-user that his system can’t be outdated. For example, an end-user with a system installed for more than 20 years can replace only the panels with brand new technology that is OPEN protocol certified seamlessly without replacing all the devices or vice versa; devices can be replaced with new technology with OPEN protocol compatible with existing panels.

What are the latest innovations and integrations between voice alarm, fire alarm, and emergency lighting?

Starting in 2024, VELOX will begin to ship from our new factory in Canada. The new products will be loaded with new advanced firmware from VELOX. Significant updates

22 Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024

on the latest firmware with automatic addressing, allowing the new panels to be addressed automatically, fully synchronised sounder bases, with less than 1 second of reset speed even on a fully loaded panel, new device maps, allowing the accurate trace of devices on the map with their type and many other great new features. On the Voice Evacuation, we are proud to introduce two new developments: the approval of Boutique, the next generation of PAVA from ATEIS. The new generation Boutique will be shipped from the Netherlands, loaded with impressive technologies such as selfhealing, 20KHz tone control and monitoring for hospitals, and many other unique features and in addition, ATEIS Netherlands is launching our new PRIMA with an inbuilt power supply and battery charger, a fantastic feature and development towards PAVA technology; PRIMA will not require a separate battery charger. DynamicPro Emergency Lighting keeps securing more exciting projects in the Middle East utilising unique technology in Emergency Lighting.

What does the future hold for IoT & cloud technologies in life safety?

Smart connectivity will undoubtedly play a significant role in fire detection and life safety. Connectivity will allow life safety devices to have access to more AI capability, which only means making Fire Detection safer.

VELOX launched the VELOX CLOUD in 2015, and we achieved our EN standards approvals by 2018. Today, the VELOX CLOUD is the trusted HASSUNTUK partner, indeed the world’s largest project of fire detection connectivity. VELOX will continue investing in connectivity, and we are confident that new features will be launched shortly that will undoubtedly improve life safety decisions in the field utilising AI technologies.

How are you adapting your product line to keep up with technological advancements?

Innovation is part of our group’s DNA. Whether the world’s first patented 3mA Sounder Flasher, the Bakhoor feature in fire detection, which is now becoming an industry trend in the Middle East, or the self-healing PAVA concept. These and many more innovations are part of ATEIS Group of Companies’ drive to succeed. We have always valued innovation for the past 18 years since the introduction of ATEIS Middle East. The company is committed to more than 30% of its revenue as a yearly research and development budget. For us, there is no finish line when it comes to innovation, as we are committed to providing the latest technology in life safety. This sets our brand apart from the plethora of options available in the marketplace. With the continuous pursuit of innovation excellence, we have gained our customer’s trust in what we deliver.

The quality of production and 10-year warranty on our VELOX range of products are testimonials to our drive for perfection and innovation.

Finally, what exciting plans are on the horizon for ATEIS? The ATEIS Group of Company’s future is bright; at Intersec 2024, we will be showcasing some of the future innovations that the group is interested in launching.

The company have a long roadmap of exciting plans for innovations in life safety.

Indeed, the drive to innovate is neverending. Our pursuit of perfection drives us every day as a team to achieve. Keep tuned to our newsletters on the website and social media as we engage with our customers continuously to update them with what is new.

Deluge suppression system

An essential line of defense Fire is a powerful adversary that can wreak havoc on life, property, and the environment. In industrial and highhazard facilities, the risk of a fast-growing and potentially very large fire is ever-present; consequently, the need for quick, effective fire protection systems is of paramount importance. To prevent these risks, the deluge system stands out as a crucial line of defense. In this article, Martin Gutzmann, Water Product Specialist, Viking S.A will explore the fundamentals, components, applications, and advantages of deluge systems in fire protection.

UN D ER STANDING THE DELU GE SYST EM Deluge systems are designed to quickly and efficiently suppress fires in high-risk areas or to protect structures from heat generated by nearby fires. Its primary objective is to rapidly flood an area with water to control or extinguish fires, making it highly suitable for environments where rapid fire spread is a significant concern.

In comparison to conventional sprinkler systems that use closed, heat-sensitive sprinkler heads, a deluge system uses open nozzles connected to a water supply that releases water upon the activation of a fire detection system or upon manual operation. In other words, when the system activates, water is discharged from all the nozzles at once – which is not what happens in a standard sprinkler system where each nozzle has to be heated up by the fire before it opens.

This combination of fast operation and open water nozzles results in a ‘deluge’ of water being applied over the area at risk which either controls the fire or cools an area being threatened by a fire.

24 Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024

CO MPO N E N TS O F A D E LU G E S YS TE M A typical deluge system comprises several key components: 1. Deluge Valve: The deluge valve is the central control device that regulates the flow of water into the system. It remains closed under normal conditions but opens when a fire detection system or manual control signals the need for water discharge. Deluge valves are equipped with a release system that can function manually, electrically, pneumatically, or hydraulically, thus, allowing for flexibility in activation.

2. Nozzles: Unlike conventional sprinkler heads, deluge system nozzles are open and unobstructed until the system is activated.

They are strategically positioned to ensure efficient coverage of the area to be protected. These type of nozzles are designed to release a high volume of water rapidly over a specified area, helping control a fire’s growth.

3. Piping and Fittings: The piping network in a deluge system carries water from the source to the nozzles. The pipes and fittings are, thus, sized and designed to provide adequate water flow and pressure for effective fire suppression.

Deluge suppression system

4. Fire Detection System: The majority of deluge systems are controlled by fire detection systems constantly monitoring the area of concern and which activate when a fire is detected. This detection system will then activate the deluge valve if a fire is detected through heat, smoke or other means. To reduce the risk of accidental discharge of water, the release of the valve can be configured to only occur under strict conditions. For example, both a detection alarm plus a manual push-button need to occur before water will flow.

APPL ICATIO NS O F DELU GE SYST EM S Deluge systems are compatible for applications in various settings, particularly where high-hazard conditions exist. These can include: 1. Power Plants: Power generation facilities, especially those that use flammable fuels such as transformers, where the respective cooling fluid is often flammable, rely on deluge systems to safeguard critical equipment and infrastructure.

2. Aircraft Hangars: Airports and military installations use deluge systems to protect aircraft and facilities where jet fuel is present.

3. Chemical Processing Plants: Deluge systems are essential in chemical facilities to mitigate fires and chemical releases.

4. Warehouses: High-value goods, including flammable materials, are safeguarded by deluge systems in storage and warehousing facilities.

5. Naval Applications: Deluge systems are used on ships, including cargo vessels and offshore drilling platforms, to provide fire protection in hazardous marine environments.

In addition, some deluge systems are designed and installed to provide cooling, which protects equipment or a building in one area, should a fire occur nearby. Typically, these are in oil and gas facilities where a fire in one fuel storage vessel may generate

enough heat to cause structural damage to neighboring tanks. In these situations, the deluge systems on those neighboring tanks would be activated to keep them cooled.

In many cases, water alone is not enough to combat fire and in worst case, may even serve to spread ‘liquid fire’. In areas of concern, foam concentrate may be automatically mixed into the water flow during system activation. This procedure starves the fire of oxygen to suppress it and in many cases even extinguishes it. As the storage, proportioning and mixing of the foam concentrate is a complex process, only equipment and foam concentrate should be used that are approved in its combination.

Deluge systems are designed for rapid response, with the prompt opening of the deluge valve of paramount importance to ensure swift water discharge for fire control or extinguishment. The systems can be flexible in operation with many different modes of activation and can even be designed to close after the fire has been controlled – this can be done manually or automatically. This can be particularly desirable where water discharge must be minimized for environmental reasons or where water is not readily available.

As the release of a standard deluge system may discharge large amounts of water, it is understandable that some end-users want additional assurance that there really is a fire situation before opening the valve. In such cases, the system activation can be limited via so-called interlocks showing multiple indications of a fire. Examples for interlocks can be a system requiring two independent detection alarms or that in addition to a detection alarm, someone onsite visually confirms the fire and pushes a release button before water flow starts. Whilst interlocks do provide more security that there really is a fire, they can add delays in releasing the water, which could result in larger damage –a careful balance is required. Regardless of interlocks, it is recommended that all deluge systems should have a manual release at the valve – so even if the detection system fails, the valve can still be opened.

CO N CLU S I O N Deluge systems for fire protection present a vital safeguarding method in surroundings where rapid fire control or cooling is of utmost importance. Their fast activation, comprehensive coverage, and compatibility with high-hazard settings make them indispensable in the protection of life, property, and the environment. While deluge systems may be a significant investment, their proven effectiveness and reliability are well worth the cost. As we continue to advance in fire protection technology, deluge systems will remain a critical component in our fight against the destructive force of fire.

Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024 25

Promotional Feature

VIMAL FIRE CONTROLS: THE FIRE EXPERT - Safeguarding Lives and Assets Globally through Innovative Fire Safety Solutions Vimal Fire Controls is a 42 year old leading fire safety company, commanding a global presence and epitomizing commitment to deploying cutting-edge technologies and ultra-modern innovative solutions. Vimal Fire Controls is India’s only company to provide conceptual designing, integrated R&D, manufacturing, installation, live demos, and commissioning. We are the only Asian Company that provides emergency response service during catastrophic fire disasters in India and abroad through chartered cargo flights with professionally trained workforce.

Vimal Fire is a beacon of assurance, dedicated to preserving lives, safeguarding assets, and securing businesses and products collectively valued at billions of dollars. Vimal Fire Controls was established in 1982 is an ISO 9001:2015, 14001:2015, 45001:2018 certified company. SHOOTFIRE from Vimal Fire Controls has a passionate team of over 300 employees and products developed at a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant and Asia’s largest R&D facility in Vadodara, Gujarat (India).

Vimal Fire Controls has serviced innumerable global companies across all the continents of the Globe through products which have international approvals like UL, FM, VdS, LPCB, CE, BIS, EIL, etc. We cater to industries in Oil & Gas, Power, Renewable Energy, Chemicals, Petrochemicals, Fertilizers, Railways, Defence, Coal Mines, Aviation, Automotive Industry, Ports, MNCs, banking, Information Technology, Data centres and many more.

In our unwavering endeavor to develop new products, SHOOTFIRE has made several groundbreaking innovations including: • HVLR (High Volume Long Range Monitors) from 250 to 10500 US GPM capacity - In our unwavering endeavor to develop new products, SHOOTFIRE has made groundbreaking innovation: the world’s first 10500 US GPM UL Listed Corrosion Resistant, High-Performance Fire Foam Monitor. It excels in suppressing large fires across extensive distances and is ideal for protecting critical installations in sectors like oil and gas, chemicals, ports, defense etc.

• Rim Seal - The SHOOTFIRE brand Rim Seal Fire Protection System for Floating Roof Fuel Storage Tank is an fully automatic Fire Detection cum Suppression System. Specially designed for quick detection and extinguishing of any Rim Seal fires during the incipient stage. Today we are protecting more than 1000 storage tanks across the globe.

• Aluminium Monitors – We developed the World’s First UL Listed manually operated Self-inducting SHOOTFIRE brand Water cum foam Monitor made of Aluminium Alloy, capable of attaining a discharging range from 250 to 1000 USGPM. These monitors are light in weight, economical and suitable for all types of water.

• Clean Agent System – We provide Environment friendly Inert Gas based Fire Suppression System with options of Inert Gas, FM 200, Novec 1230 and CO2 as the extinguishing agent. The inert clean

26 Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024

World’s First Rim Seal Fire Protection System.

World’s First UL Listed 10500 US GPM Foam Monitor.

agent system is UL Lised and the calculation is based on the volume of the hazard area considering the design concentration as per NFPA 2001.

• And many more …………

Looking ahead, Vimal Fire Controls continues its journey propelled by technology’s rapid evolution, embracing advancements such as Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The company envisions the creation of superior-quality products, prioritizing uninhabited areas as a prime focus, thus solidifying its commitment to innovation and adaptability in the ever-evolving landscape of fire safety.

Saving Lives, Assets & Businesses Globally worth Billions of Dollars.

Previdia The fire-fighting range for complete protection of buildings The analog addressable control panels of the Previdia range are designed to create a scalable, intuitive and extremely reliable fire detection system. The latest generation connection technologies allow the supervision and complete control of the fire prevention system remotely.

Wildfires

Managing fires from the sky Climate change’s adverse effects are increasingly noticeable in our daily lives, particularly with abrupt changes in ecosystems and the magnitude of catastrophic events. Wildfires have been one of these events that have experienced a significant growth in frequency and size, burning hectares of forest lands around the world writes dr. javad hashempour Ph.D. Assistant Professor in Fire Safety Engineering, University of Central Lancashire.

as hot seasons are becoming longer with record high temperatures, the severity and duration of fires proportionally increment with these climatic changes, making the fires hard to contain and more unpredictable. As a result, the fires lead to massive wildfires with disastrous outcomes, such as the ones experienced in recent years in California or Greece and Portugal in Europe.

Other than burning hectares of bushlands and forests, disastrous fires could have overwhelming financial and social repercussions when they occur in the interface of urban settlements or areas, known as Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) fires. The fires rapidly spread in neighborhoods and towns, injuring or killing citizens and rendering many houses partially or fully destroyed. Emotional impacts aside, the damages of fires on local economies and the livelihoods of citizens could take years to recover. Fires in North America, Europe, and Australia sometimes take months to come under control, with the capacity to entirely wipe out neighborhoods and towns.

At a glance, one may think this is a problem in areas with dense forests, such as the American continent or Australia; however, fires have become widespread, burning even in countries with predominantly dry lands. In recent years, especially since 2020, the frequency and sizes of wildfires in the Middle East region have reached an unprecedented level, which was hard to imagine two decades ago. Fires in Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Turkey, and Iran caused significant damage to the economies and overwhelmed the authorities in fighting the fires. Three days of fires in 2020 in the southern part of Saudi Arabia and in the Taif region injured five firefighters, perhaps stimulated Saudi authorities to announce the launch of a wildfire prevention programme and invest in managing fires in their green south and southwestern regions of the country.

Managing wildfire prevention and protection plans requires a comprehensive collection of information about fire behaviours in different weather and vegetation fuel conditions of fireprone areas. As computers have advanced, fire managers have increasingly relied on fire spread software to study fire behaviours and implement measures to reduce the chances of those events, mostly through prescribed burns. The structure of these models

Figure 1. A picture of pine forest burnt in fires of 2023 in Mediterranean region of Syria.

Source: Reuters

is based on sets of simplified mathematical correlations and assumptions. The mathematical algorithms are compiled in software supported by Geographic Information System (GIS) spatial and vegetation data, and environmental data inputs. Examples include FARSITE, which has been used by the US Forest Service, or Phoenix RapidFire, developed by the Bushfire CRC and the University of Melbourne in Australia. Therefore, decision-making by fire managers is highly related to the accuracy and quality of GISbased vegetation and spatial data acquired by satellite images and remote sensing techniques.

Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024 29

Wildfires

Figure 2. An exemplary case by using remote sensing technology, coupled with advanced data analytics to forecast forest fire risks and their probability for southern region of Turkey.

However, the application of remote sensing these days goes beyond just collecting spatial data for fire spread software; the technology now has various uses before, during, and after fire incidents. The acquisition of data by remote sensing techniques is typically through the use of sensors mounted on aircraft or satellites, providing a unique opportunity to gather information over vast and inaccessible areas, facilitating environmental monitoring, disaster management, and resource assessment. In terms of wildfires, impacted areas can spread over acres of land that only remote sensing can collect data on such a scale to be later processed for pre or post-fire assessments.

The technology has enhanced the efficiency of risk assessment in fire-prone areas prior to major fire incidents. With advances in artificial intelligence, remote sensing data can now be integrated with machine learning algorithms to predict the future susceptibility of an area to wildfires based on its historical data.

Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary case where remote sensing technology, coupled with advanced data analytics, is employed to forecast wildfire risks in the southern region of Turkey, which was impacted by massive fires a few years ago. By analysing various factors such as vegetation health, temperature patterns, and historical fire data, the system can predict areas prone to ignition with high accuracy and present overall risk maps of key areas with high vulnerability. As a result, careful attention can be paid to those susceptible areas, and preventive plans (e.g., reducing vegetation loads) can be advised to minimise the likelihood of fire ignition, or better planning for buffer zones in new communities—adjacent or intermingled with wildland areas—to reduce the impact of future wildland-urban interface fires spreading into the communities.

Remote sensing plays a crucial role in the efficient management of fire events, offering valuable tools for early detection, monitoring, and planning for mitigation. Satellites equipped with thermal infrared sensors are capable of identifying heat signatures indicative of wildfires, enabling a swift response and the deployment of firefighting resources to contain the blaze before it evolves into uncontrolled mass fires. Aerial and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery delivers high-resolution views of the fire’s extent, contributing to precise mapping and assessment of the affected areas. Leveraging accurate real-time information from the sensors, authorities can optimise the allocation of firefighting resources based on the severity of fires, thereby enhancing the efficiency of firefighting efforts and resource utilisation.

The technology significantly contributes to mapping burnt severity in post-incident assessments, as depicted in Figure 3.

This mapping allows for a comprehensive understanding of the level of severity and risk, aiding in the development of strategies to reduce fire risks in areas where human activities interface with natural vegetation and managing post-fire recovery programs. The assessments also assist in tracking fire progression, assessing burn severity, evaluating the effectiveness of firefighting strategies, and enabling authorities to assess ecological damage, plan for

30 Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024

Figure 3. The top section presenting the Landsat 8 satellite image gathered in 17 August 2022. The bottom section showing the Burn Severity map computed from the Landsat satellite image for a part of Mediterranean region in south of turkey affected by widespread wildfires.

habitat restoration, and implement preventive measures for future fire risks. All this information helps fire authorities continuously improve decisions and plans in various aspects of combating fires and their impacts.

Integrating remote sensing in forest fire management has enhanced decision-making capabilities, ensuring a more proactive and efficient approach to wildfire prevention and control. Further development of remote sensing technologies in the near future allows higher resolution images and data to become available to fire managers, improving the chances of effective decision-making and their expected outcomes. In recent years, advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning, combined with enhanced remote sensing data, have boosted the capability of the technique in accurately predicting future fire patterns. This echoes a bright future for remote sensing, making the idea of managing forest fires from the sky more realistic than ever.

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Software solutions

Balancing efficiency and safety bl a in e h oyt, HRS Systems, Inc. explores the imperative of optimising automatic fire sprinkler systems

WATER-BASED SU P P RESSI O N and control mode systems are vital in fire safety, significantly reducing loss of life and property damage. However, their effectiveness depends on the precision of their design. In designing water-based suppression systems, fire protection professionals face a paradox: the dilemma of overdesign versus under-design. Over-designed systems with larger than necessary pipes lead to inflated costs, wasted materials, and complicated maintenance, straying from sustainability and costeffectiveness. Conversely, under-designed systems fail to manage fire emergencies effectively, compromising safety and failing to meet standards. Here we explore the crucial balance between efficiency and safety in water-based suppression system design. It emphasises the importance of precision in avoiding over-design, ensuring sustainability, maintaining cost-effectiveness, and adhering to current and evolving fire safety standards.

SAFETY, COST SAVINGS, AND SUSTAINABILITY GO HAND-IN-HAND The over-design of water-based systems involves installing systems with components, particularly pipes, that are larger than necessary for the building’s specific fire safety requirements. This

might appear to be a cautious approach, but in reality it leads to many inefficiencies and unnecessary expenditures. Over-design can stem from a conservative mindset, often driven by a fear of underperformance in critical situations. However, the ramifications of such an approach are multifaceted. First, it significantly elevates the cost of materials. Larger pipes and additional sprinklers and/ or nozzles translate to higher expenses in both procurement and installation. Additionally, oversizing a system could potentially require the structure supporting the system to be more robust than typically required for the space being protected. This increase in material usage impacts not only the project’s budget, but also its timeline, as larger components can be more challenging to install, configure and obtain. Beyond the direct financial implications, overdesigned systems also bear a substantial environmental cost. The production and transportation of additional materials contribute to increased carbon emissions. Moreover, the use of more metal and plastic, often involved in these systems, intensifies the demand on natural resources, thereby amplifying the ecological footprint of construction projects. In an era where sustainability is increasingly becoming a priority, such over-design is at odds with environmental stewardship.

From a regulatory perspective, while standards like NFPA 13 set forth requirements for water-based systems, they also emphasise the importance of efficient design with appropriate safety factors.

These standards encourage the optimisation of resources to achieve the desired safety outcomes without unnecessary excess. Adhering to these guidelines ensures compliance and fosters a more balanced approach to fire safety system design.

Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024 33

Software solutions KEY TAKEAWAYS RISKS OF UNDER-DESIGNED, WATER-BASED SYSTEMS Under-designed water-based systems represent a significant concern in fire safety, carrying risks that can have far reaching consequences. These systems, characterised by insufficient design or inadequate capacity, fail to meet the critical requirements necessary for effective fire control, posing a grave threat to both property and lives. One of the primary risks associated with underperforming systems is their inability to deliver the requisite water flow and pressure during a fire. This deficiency can arise from several factors. These include under-sized pipes, improper placement of sprinklers, insufficient number of nozzles, inadequate water supply, or pumps that are not sized correctly. In the event of a fire, these shortcomings can lead to a system’s failure to control the flames, allowing the fire to spread rapidly and cause extensive damage. From an engineering perspective, the under-performance of a water-based system often stems from inadequate design and planning. This can be due to a lack of understanding of the specific fire safety needs of a building, hazard, or process, errors in hydraulic calculations, or the use of substandard or inappropriate materials.

Such oversights underscore the importance of rigorous design processes, thorough testing, and regular maintenance to ensure systems remain functional and effective over time.

OPTIMISING FOR EFFICIENCY AND SAFETY The optimisation of water-based systems for efficiency is a critical task that requires a meticulous approach, blending engineering acumen with a deep understanding of fire safety standards. At its core, optimisation involves refining the design to meet safety requirements without excess, thereby achieving operational and cost efficiency. A pivotal aspect of this process is conducting a thorough hydraulic analysis. This analysis centers around calculating the friction loss in the system’s pipes, which is crucial in determining the appropriate pipe sizes and layouts. The friction loss can be quantified using the Hazen-Williams equation:

Qm1.85 4.87

C1.85 dm

(

pm = 6.05 (

x 105

where: pm = frictional resistance (bar/m of pipe) Qm = flow (L/min) C = friction loss coefficient dm = actual internal diameter (mm) By applying this equation, professionals can identify where optimal pipe sizing will reduce costs and material use without compromising the system’s ability to control fires effectively.

Optimisation also involves a comprehensive review of the layout of the suppression or control mode system. This includes assessing the placement and spacing of sprinklers to ensure adequate coverage while avoiding redundancies. An optimal layout not only contributes to material efficiency but also enhances the system’s overall performance during a fire event.

Another key factor in optimising water-based systems is the selection of materials. Advances in materials technology have introduced more efficient options, such as lighter and more durable pipe materials, which can reduce costs and facilitate easier installation without sacrificing safety or performance. In addition to these technical aspects, software tools play an indispensable role in system optimisation. Advanced hydraulic software like HASS allows for detailed simulations and modeling of water-based systems, providing engineers with valuable insights into how different design choices impact efficiency and effectiveness. Hydraulic calculation software can be integrated with fire modeling packages like PyroSIM. This combination enhances our understanding of how design choices can influence fire control. These tools enable the testing of various scenarios, helping to identify the most efficient design solution that meets all safety

34 Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024

Fire protection design must be accurate, cost-effective, and sustainable.

Balancing these considerations can be very complex and time-consuming.

Today’s advanced software tools, like HASS, feature sophisticated algorithms and other techniques, and are key to achieving this balance.

requirements. A well-optimised water-based system not only reduces initial installation costs but also offers long-term economic benefits. These include lower maintenance costs and potential savings in water usage during fire suppression activities. For example, increasing the branchlines and mains by one size could potentially remove the need for a pump. This may increase the cost of the piping; but will be offset by savings from eliminating the pump and greatly reducing maintenance costs over the life of the system. If the water-based system is more effective during a fire event it will reduce the water used during firefighting activities as well as provide additional safety for firefighters during rescue and cleanup activities. Moreover, by optimising systems to use only the necessary materials, the environmental impact of construction and operation is significantly lessened, contributing to more sustainable building practices.

ADVANCEMENTS IN FIRE PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY The fire protection industry is continuously evolving, driven by advancements in technology that enhance the design, efficiency, and effectiveness of water-based systems. These technological innovations not only provide new solutions to traditional challenges but also open doors to more sophisticated and adaptable fire protection strategies. One of the most significant advancements in recent years is the development of sophisticated simulation and modelling software. Hydraulic calculation and system design tools like HASS represent a leap forward in waterbased suppression system design. These software solutions allow engineers to run complex hydraulic calculations and create detailed models of water-based systems, simulating various scenarios and conditions to determine the most effective designs.

They enable precise calculations of water flow, pressure requirements, and pipe sizing, ensuring that systems are optimised for both efficiency and performance. The use of these tools significantly reduces the time it takes to complete hydraulic calculations and allows designers to calculate hydraulically complicated systems, leading to more accurate and reliable outcomes. Automated and intelligent design tools like HASS are specifically engineered to optimise safety and cost-efficiency, setting a new standard in the industry. HASS’s optimisation, powered by advanced algorithms, analyses key design parameters.

It intelligently balances safety with cost efficiency, offering design options that optimise safety at minimal costs. Cutting-edge design tools, such as the HASS Optimizer, dramatically reduce the time required for system design and analysis, allowing engineers and designers to focus on other critical aspects of their projects.

BALANCING EFFICIENCY, SAFETY, AND SUSTAINABILITY IN SYSTEM DESIGN The design and optimisation of water-based systems stands at a critical juncture, balancing efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability. As we navigate through evolving technologies, regulatory landscapes, and global standards, the imperative is clear: to develop systems that are not only effective in mitigating fire hazards but also economical and eco-conscious. The future trends in fire safety promise advancements that will further enhance this balance. Embracing these changes, while adhering to proven standards, will ensure that fire protection systems continue to safeguard lives and properties effectively in an increasingly complex and dynamic world.

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IWMA

Looking ahead towards IWMC2024 The 23rd International Water Mist Conference will take place in Antwerp, Belgium, on 18th and 19th September 2024. The conference venue will be The Radisson Blu Astrid Hotel in the centre of the Belgian capital. Organizer of the event is – as always – the International Water Mist Association (IWMA).

Bettina McDowell, IWMA general manager, says: “This is the first time we will be in Belgium with our event, and we are very excited.”

The schedule, thus the most important key dates, has been published. The call for papers will be published on 15th January.

The deadline to hand in abstracts is 15th May. Exhibition space can be booked from 15th January onwards. The conference webpage will go live on 15th May. IWMA will publish the conference programme on 1st August and the early bird period will end on 14th August.

Bettina McDowell comments: “We expect over 100 delegates especially from the Benelux countries but also from much further away. And we plan to set up an interesting and informative agenda for them, again with some out of the box presentations and – if it makes sense – a panel discussion.”

The submitted abstracts will be evaluated by the IWMA Scientific Council under the auspices of the new council chair Max Lakkonen (IFAB). The IWMA Scientific Council will also assess the applications for the “Ragnar Wighus Award”. In 2024, this award will go to the author of the best master thesis dealing with water mist. The winner will be invited to the conference to introduce the winning thesis. The award also entails a prize money of 1,000.00 Euros.

Deadline to hand in synopses is 29th March 2024. The rules to enter the competition can be downloaded from the IWMA webpage.

On the day before the conference, the members of the association will come together to elect a new chairman. Are Wendelborg Brandt, who currently holds this position, will have to step down after two terms. He was elected in 2018, then re-lected in 2021. This means that a new chairwoman or chairman will open and close the event.

4

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23rd International Water Mist Conference Antwerp, Belgium 18th and 19th September 2024 Radisson Blu Astrid Hotel Call for papers to be published on 15th January 2024!

www.iwma.net

THE MAGAZINE FOR FIRE PREVENTION, FIREFIGHTING & RESCUE

Potter Global Technologies Commits to Regional Expansion.

“Strong demand for Potter Global Technologies’ life safety products has accelerated our expansion plans in the Middle East.” Gerry Connolly, CEO of Potter Global Technologies adds, “Potter is committed to providing improved support to our area partners with localised product inventories and professional in-region representation.”

Life Safety & Emergency Communication Systems

Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024 37

Promotional Feature

Potter Global Technologies is a group of businesses driven by a shared mission: life safety.

Our portfolio of brands offers a comprehensive selection of fire alarms, fire sprinkler monitoring, critical communication and notification systems, and power solutions to customers around the globe.

We are the ideal partner with a commitment to innovation, unwavering support, and access to topindustry solutions.

Discover the Potter difference - where expertise meets empathy. While we may be recognized as leaders in the global market, our sincere engagement is what sets us apart. Experience our advanced, user-friendly products that prioritize safety. However, choosing Potter means more than just products it means teaming up with professionals who truly understand your needs in fire protection, life safety, and communication systems.

Join us as we establish new standards for a safer future. We firmly believe that cutting-edge technology should be utilized to save lives. That is why our life safety solutions continually push quality, connectivity, and data boundaries.

If you seek more from your life safety systems partnerships, allow us to demonstrate our dedication to product quality and exceptional support. With over 125 years of experience providing life safety solutions, Potter Global Technologies is here to help create a safer, interconnected world.

Together, we can transform the challenges of today into landmarks of success tomorrow.

Regional Logistics Hubs Potter Global Technologies is rapidly growing and innovating with new regional business hubs to enhance the inventory and distribution of our top-quality products, such as Potter Sprinkler, Safe Signal, Potter Fire Alarm, TowerIQ, Valcom, and Elmdene. These hubs provide local sales and support, boost supply chain efficiency, and reduce shipping costs. Our latest addition in Dubai, located near Al Maktoum Airport, ensures optimal regional distribution.

The success of our hub will closely link to the region’s economic transformation as it shifts from oil reliance to non-oil investments. The GCC states are directing their resources towards energy transition and hospitality projects, making this the perfect time for us to establish our presence.

Our primary focus is delivering exceptional customer benefits. By including freight costs from our global factories, we can offer competitive prices, potentially lower than what regional customers are currently paying. Additionally, customers will have access to readily available stock in the region, minimizing lead times and eliminating the need to hold inventory. We aim to provide next-day availability for core products.

Leading our team is a highly experienced general manager based in the region, supported by dedicated regional business development managers. As our team expands, we will also bring in local technical support and administration to ensure the highest level of customer service.

We are dedicated to being responsive and forward-thinking in our support for customers and the growth of Potter Global Technologies. Get ready to experience exceptional service and value with our new regional business in Dubai.

38 Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024

Promotional Feature

Meet the Group FIRE SAFETY Whether embarking on a small-scale project or overseeing a vast campus, Potter fire alarm solutions are tailored to suit your unique needs. By prioritizing combined cutting-edge technology with dependability and user-friendliness we provide customers a unique experience.

Potter fire alarm systems are adaptable for any project size and merge modern technology with reliability and simplicity.

Our systems, focusing on clear emergency communication, are user-friendly and meet today’s needs.

Products include: . Addressable Fire Alarm Systems . Integrated Voice Systems . Networking and Integration . Conventional Fire Alarm Systems . Power Supplies . Notification Appliances . Security Contacts/Switches

TowerIQ is dedicated to providing reliable in-building communication systems for first responders, ensuring seamless connectivity in emergencies. Our services, from design to deployment, focus on your goals and local code compliance and enhance life-saving communications with expert support at every step.

Products include: . Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems . Auxiliary Radio Communication Systems

Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024 39

Promotional Feature

SPRINKLER MONITORING With over 125 years of expertise, Potter provides expert support and quality device solutions for your fire sprinkler system, ensuring its longevity and effectiveness.

Committed to life safety and system performance, Potter is dedicated to being your reliable long-term partner for optimal fire sprinkler system monitoring. We care about protecting your property, its occupants, and the continuity of your business.

Our products are designed and carefully manufactured to be robust, durable life-saving devices. Our passion for life safety drives product innovation and high-touch, longterm relationships. Our goal is to be your trusted partner, responding when you need us to keep your fire sprinkler system operating optimally for years to come.

Products include: . Flow, Pressure, & Supervisory Switches . Nitrogen/Corrosion Solutions . Special Hazard/Releasing Systems . Explosion Proof Devices . Industrial Controls

Safe Signal is committed to engineering top-quality monitoring devices for fire sprinkler systems, combining precision, rigorous quality control, and a focus on protection. We are committed to serving communities and individuals, continuously engaging with partners and value feedback to exceed expectations in fire safety.

Products include: . Flow Switches . Pressure Switches . Supervisory Switches . Explosion Proof Devices

40 Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024

Promotional Feature

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Valcom specializes in technology-driven communication solutions for everyday and emergency needs, offering a range of systems from paging to emergency notifications.

Our expertise spans multiple sectors, ensuring effective,tailored solutions for informed, connected, and safe communities.

The depth of Valcom’s expertise in educational, commercial/industrial, corporate, healthcare, and transportation markets ensures everyone is informed, connected, and safe.

Products include: . Paging/Public Address Systems . Intercom Systems . Clocks/Time Management . Emergency Communication Systems . K12 Intercom-Bell-Clock Systems . Audio Visual Notification . Sound Masking . Earthquake Early Warning . IP Endpoints . Airport Crash Intercom Systems

Elmdene prioritizes safety with reliable, customized security and fire safety power solutions backed by years of experience and rigorous testing.

We are committed to understanding your needs. We offer specialized, tailored backup power solutions with exceptional support, ensuring trust and performance in critical safety environments.

Products include: . Fire System Power Supplies . Access Control System Power Supplies . Intruder System Power Supplies . Approved Power Supplies for Specialist Applications . General Purpose 12V/24V Power Supplies . Ancillary Products & Accessories . Lithium Power Supplies . Universal Enclosures

Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024 41

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Introducing Potter Global Technologies.

Potter Global Technologies is a group of businesses with a common life safety focus. Our brands provide an extensive range of fire alarm, fire sprinkler monitoring, critical communication and notification, and system power solutions worldwide.

What Makes Us Unique Continuous product innovation, unmatched personal support, and a singular connection to the industry’s best life safety solutions are core competitive advantages and compelling reasons for partnering with our businesses. We connect you with the solutions you need to deliver a strong protection network for the environments you build, create, and maintain while helping you make better decisions through actionable data.

Let us show you a better way to deliver life safety through a partnership with Potter.

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Life Safety & Emergency Communication Systems

Passive protection

The crucial role of perimeter fire stops in fire containment Drawing from the company’s extensive expertise in façade assessment and inspections, sandy dweik, Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Bell-Wright shares her expert understanding of the paramount significance of perimeter fire stops as critical elements of fire containment.

perimeter firestops act as a barrier to prevent flames and hot gases from entering the room above via the void created at the intersection of the floor slab and the interior of the exterior wall assembly. This crucial aspect of fire containment is often overlooked but remains essential in mitigating the rapid spread of fires within a building.

Regional regulations such as the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code (FLSC) and the Saudi Building Code (SBC) comprise specific requirements for perimeter fire stops. Throughout various project phases, these requisites should be addressed, encompassing design considerations, certification and testing procedures, as well as installation and inspection processes. There are several overarching procedures these systems can undertake to guarantee compliance and increase building safety, spanning from manufacturing to meticulous installation: SYST EM DESIGN Designing the perimeter fire barrier involves creating an integrated system placed between the back surface of the external façade or curtain wall spandrel and the slab edge. This system primarily comprises two elements: a firestop material and a smoke barrier.

Despite its apparent simplicity, ensuring effective design involves

Figure 1: Perimeter Fire Stop

44 Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024

critical steps in integrating these longitudinal joints with the curtain wall and the slab sides. Below are crucial considerations to account for when crafting such systems.

The initial aspect pertains to the design of the curtain wall spandrel and its interaction with the system. Spandrels, part of the curtain wall, horizontally conceal slab elements by concealing bracket fixations and floor-to-floor separations. Various codes mandate specific spandrel heights and fire ratings. The composition of spandrels—whether back pans, insulation boards, or other materials—significantly influences the overall performance of the containment system. These elements constitute the system’s outer side and must be accurately represented in a test assembly to ensure seamless integration and continuous support for the firestop system during testing.

On the opposite side of the system attachment lies the concrete slab. Considerations include the fixation method, spacing between supports, primer application, and the design of the smoke seal.

Another crucial factor is joint width and tolerance. Systems have specified maximum gap allowances. Construction sites involve multiple packages managed by different parties, resulting in built elements possessing allowable deviations in alignment, known as tolerances. While slab edges may have tolerances of ±25mm, external façade systems often adhere to a tolerance of ±3mm.

A successful firestop system must flexibly accommodate such tolerances while functioning optimally.

Joint movement stands as another critical consideration.

External facades and curtain walls endure external forces like wind loads and building movements, rendering perimeter gaps between slabs and facades as active joints. Therefore, perimeter fire stops necessitate design considerations that accommodate these cyclic movements effectively throughout the project’s life.

A sample representing the system should be consciously chosen, considering all the aforementioned factors, to demonstrate its performance effectively.

MA N U FAC TU R I N G A N D CE RTI F I C ATI O N The certification process ensures that the materials and components of the system were produced under a quality control framework, ensuring uniformity and consistency in the final product. Within this process, components undergo controlled sampling and subsequent testing using representative assemblies to showcase their capability as a complete system.

Following successful test completion, the system attains listing as an assembly in a certification directory. Ongoing surveillance audits are carried out to ensure manufacturing is conducted in a consistent manner. An instance of this is the Siderise CW-FS120 system, featured on TBWCERT.com, showcasing its performance and specifications to assist architects and consultants in selecting the suitable system. Ratings enumerated in certificates are derived from test outcomes.

When tested as per ASTM E2307, the F rating and T rating are critical measurements used to evaluate the performance of perimeter fire stop systems. These ratings assess the system’s ability to resist the passage of flames and limit the transfer of excessive heat during a fire.

Passive protection

These ratings are determined through specific testing procedures outlined in ASTM E2307. The test involves subjecting the perimeter fire barrier system and the adjacent curtain wall system to fire conditions that simulate a real-world scenario, evaluating its ability to contain flames and restrict heat transmission across the barrier.

Understanding these ratings is crucial for builders, designers, and regulatory authorities to ensure that perimeter firestop systems comply with safety standards. It helps in selecting and installing systems that effectively contain fires, safeguard occupants, and minimise property damage during fire incidents.

Installation: The installation of these systems must adhere to regulations that mandate certified contractors to perform the task.

Moreover, prudent companies with certified and listed systems exclusively permit licensed contractors for installation, ensuring they undergo extensive comprehensive training to understand the crucial steps involved in the installation process.

The contractor must closely follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding cutting, fitting, compression ratio, anchoring, and maintaining smoke seal integrity. This strict adherence is crucial to have a proper perimeter firestop system at the intersection between the facade and the slab.

Moreover, details specified in the certification report, encompassing the description of curtain wall design, spandrel design, mullion protection cover, as well as dimensions and materials, necessitate thorough scrutiny by the Consultant to ensure compliance.

IN SPECTIO N BY A T H I RD PART Y Inspection by a Third Party accredited to ISO 17020 plays a pivotal role in the procedure. It involves documenting the installation of these pivotal joints and serves as evidence of rigorous quality control throughout all phases. ASTM E 2393, titled “Standard

Figure 2: the ASTM E2307 Test Apparatus

Practice for On-Site Inspection of Installed Fire Resistive Joint Systems and Perimeter Fire Barriers,” stands as the referenced inspection standard in both the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code and the Saudi Building Code. Scheduling inspections from the onset, considering these hold points are deemed significant in construction, occurring before concealment by finishes.

Every project involves a collaboration among numerous stakeholders. The dedication of all involved parties—including the manufacturer, consultant, contractor, and inspection team— to quality assurance and effective collaboration is pivotal for successful outcomes. Additionally, comprehensive documentation holds significant importance in showcasing adherence to project specifications and local codes.

Preconstruction meetings should be utilised to set expectations and foster collaboration and mutual understanding among all project stakeholders. This safeguards clear communication channels and a consistent vision for the project.

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The fire protection effect of RENITHERM® is provided by a robust, heat-resistant carbon foam layer, that forms in case of fire from 30 up to 50 times higher than its original low layer thickness. The coated components are protected against overheating, combustion and loss of their structural properties for a period defined in the product approvals. This period can be used to rescue persons and retrieve material assets. For further information about our fire protection coating systems, please visit our website www.renitherm.com ■ Tested according to British Standard BS476 : Part 21 ■ Water-based and environmentally friendly ■ Non-VOC, free of halogens, APEO, borates, fibres and plasticizers ■ Made in Germany – developed and manufactured in keeping with the highest standards Also available: Fire protection systems for concrete, wood and fire penetration seals

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Fire suppression

Alternative benefits of hybrid systems For centuries, building owners have relied on traditional fire sprinklers and their supporting systems for the protection of the structure, its occupants, as well as a wide range of materials and flammable contents. Fire sprinklers continue to protect property and save countless lives each year throughout the world and are recognised for their longstanding performance capabilities and long-term reliability.

These systems have certainly earned their place in both new construction as well as renovations and real estate re-purposing projects where the hazard classifications can vary significantly. However, while fire sprinkler systems can control many fire scenarios, they also often result in unwanted ancillary damage from the resultant water discharge. In this article, LEN SWANTEK , Victaulic’s Director of Global Regulatory Compliance, explores the alternative benefits afforded by Hybrid fire extinguishing systems.

the histo ry o f hybrid fire extinguishing technology dates back more than ten years and originated as a pioneering idea to combine two previously distinct systems into one: water mist and an inert gas, typically nitrogen. The hybrid fire extinguishing system uses nitrogen gas and water released through an emitter to produce

very fine water droplets (typically around 10 microns in diameter) as compared with that of a standard sprinkler (1000+ microns) or standard water mist nozzle (100+ microns). The water droplets are so small that they remain buoyant within the inert gas as a kind of ‘micro fog’, which allows these droplets to fill a volumetric space more uniformly and absorb heat more effectively, without the need to maintain room integrity or provide additional room venting.

This combined use of water and inert gas has a cumulative effect and not only controls or suppresses a fire but has the capability to fully extinguish a fire by reducing the heat as the water droplets flash to steam and displacing oxygen via the use of nitrogen. The small 10-micron water droplet size of hybrid systems provide an exponentially larger relative total surface area available for the rapid cooling of a fire as compared to traditional water mist droplets or fire sprinkler water droplets. The nitrogen gas also allows the hybrid system to extinguish fires that are not in direct line of the system’s nozzles in a total flooding-type application.

Due to these unique properties, hybrid fire extinguishing systems are used to protect a wide range of hazards. They are commonly specified in the protection of high hazard applications such as industrial machinery spaces including power generation plants, turbine enclosures, automotive manufacturing, steel production, as well as flammable and combustible liquids storage, steel mill pickling lines, recycling facilities and mining installations.

These types of high hazard applications require a fire protection system that not only releases quickly in the event of a fire, but also minimises the impact to property and equipment from fire and water damage, allowing the business to minimise downtime and continue operating. While hybrid fire extinguishing systems can Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024 49

Fire suppression

be used in virtually any commercial or industrial application, these systems have been specifically designed to minimise water usage making them ideal for the protection of sensitive and irreplaceable materials such as libraries, museums, information technology data centres, server rooms, data storage and large archive facilities.

The fine droplets and minimal use of water combined with the inerting properties of nitrogen affords an advantage for hybrid extinguishing systems in these highly sensitive applications.

The development of hybrid fire extinguishing systems was quickly recognised by global leading fire protection organisations as being distinct from other competing fire suppression technologies, thereby requiring the creation of new governing codes and standards. Initially drafted in 2009 and first published in 2012, FM Approvals, LLC created the first hybrid system approval standard, FM 5580 – Approval Standard for hybrid (Water and Inert Gas) Fire Extinguishing Systems. Nearing 200-total pages, this standard contains dozens of technical requirements, including system performance testing for corrosion resistance, leakage, discharge characteristics, cylinder and water tank requirements, operational and actuation testing, as well as at least eight dedicated sections for different full-scale fire test scenarios. The fire scenarios include 1 and 2 MW shielded spray fires using both diesel and heptane fuels, which simulates the protection of machinery spaces and turbine enclosures. And, for data centre applications, there are fire test protocols that simulate cable tray fires in raised subfloors.

In all tested fire scenarios, the hybrid system extinguishes the fire completely.

Several years later in 2014, the National Fire Protection Association’s Standards Council voted to approve the establishment of a new NFPA committee to begin drafting a new NFPA installation standard for hybrid fire extinguishing systems. This was largely driven by the fact that two related NFPA installation standards did not fully cover and apply to the unique features of a hybrid system.

NFPA 750 – Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems could not be referenced for hybrid systems since inert gas is a defining feature of the system not included within the scope. Similarly, NFPA 2001 – Standard on Clean Agent Extinguishing Systems could not be used for hybrid systems since water is used as an extinguishing media, again not covered within the scope of this standard. As a result of NFPA’s efforts and their dedicated, world-class technical experts, NFPA 770 – Standard on hybrid (Inert Gas and Water) FireExtinguishing Systems was first published in 2021. This installation standard has been quickly adopted by the fire protection industry and has been incorporated by direct reference in 13 NFPA Standards, 3 NFPA Codes and 2 Codes under the jurisdiction of the International Code Council (The International Building Code and The International Fire code).

There are 20 additional NFPA Standards that are currently in revision cycle which are reviewing proposals and comments to add language to recognise hybrid fire extinguishing systems. Many of

Nitrogen and water create a cooling micro-fog

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Nitrogen is a key component in creating a water droplet size of 10 microns

these standards that are in revision cycle, have already accepted the hybrid technology and are awaiting their official release. There are over 25 additional NFPA Standards that will receive proposals to recognise hybrid systems when they are in their revision cycle.

The NFPA 770 technical committee continues its work today and is currently drafting the 2026 edition, which will include a number of new service applications.

Hybrid fire extinguishing systems have multiple benefits compared to other fire protection systems. Unlike other suppression technologies that use chemicals or other agents, hybrid systems are clean. By using water and nitrogen, there is no environmental impact and no negative affect to human health from discharging these clean agents. In fact, at least one hybrid extinguishing system is recognised by the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Significant New Alternative Program (SNAP) as an acceptable total flooding fire suppression substitute, having zero global warming potential and zero ozone depletion potential. Additionally, the hybrid system is designed to fully extinguish a fire where other types of systems typically are designed for the purpose of only suppressing or controlling the spread of a fire. Hybrid systems optimise the use of water, typically using only gallons of water during a full discharge during a fire event. This means the water and nitrogen can easily dissipate after the fire is extinguished with very little clean up required afterwards, thereby minimising any impact on property or otherwise sensitive equipment.

Hybrid fire extinguishing systems play a vital role in almost any application where both the risk of fire spread, and water damage are of significant concern. The functional characteristics of these systems are recognised by specification engineers, facility owners, insurance underwriters, local fire authorities (AHJ’s) and the fire equipment certification bodies. Through rigorous testing and qualification by such agencies as UL LLC and FM Approvals, these systems have demonstrated their extensive capability in controlling and extinguishing fires in complex applications. Displacing oxygen in shielded fires is one of the most beneficial characteristics as compared with traditional water mist systems. Left unaddressed, shielded fires can spread inconspicuously resulting in further damage and present unexpected safety risks for the responding firefighters.

As technology and fire hazards evolve over time, advances in fire suppression technology must also keep pace and rise to the challenge of protecting highly hazardous and sensitive materials and occupancies, while minimising the impact on the environment and business operations. Hybrid fire extinguishing systems have been specifically developed, tested, and proven to meet these growing challenges while providing unique advantages over competing fire suppression technologies. As such, these systems will continue to be specified and installed in a growing number of industries and applications as they stand ready to provide their fire extinguishing capabilities and advantages in virtually any fire scenario. For more information specific to the Victaulic Vortex™ Hybrid Fire Extinguishing System, please visit our website at www. victaulic.com.

Talking about ...

with h a n n u sa r tovu o, Vice President Sales & Marketing of Dafo Vehicle Fire Protection

Could you tell us about Dafo, its beginnings and how it has developed in the past 100 years?

Dafo provides vehicle fire protection solutions for high-risk industries, established over a century ago, however it was in the late 1970s that we focused on developing fire protection solutions for vehicles. This was spurred on by the rise in forestry machinery fires and the demand from insurance companies, especially in Scandinavia, for heavy vehicle’s to be equipped with fire protection solutions.

As we were already established in the fire protection industry, we were well known and positioned to step up to the challenge and became the first European manufacturer of vehicle fire protection.

Since the late 1970s and entering the vehicle fire protection industry, product solutions were initially developed for use in the forestry industry and recognising the high-risk of fires in underground operations,

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Solutions for tackling vehicle fires and supporting the reduction of damage to the environment caused by fire suppression chemicals

the mining industry was quick to adopt fire protection solutions. Safety awareness activities began to grow in the early 1980s triggering emphasis on fire safety.

Over the past 50 years, Dafo has gone on to deliver continuous improvement, research and development to offer cuttingedge vehicle fire protection solutions to a growing audience, including construction, public transport, port handling, waste and recycling, and battery storage.

As the combustion engine developed and the whole of society came to rely on personal and public motorised transport, logistics and plant how did Dafo respond to assist the fire and rescue services faced with vehicle fires.

Our success as a company, and in order to provide the best solutions to tackle vehicle fires, is our ability to continuously innovate, having implemented a rigorous research and development (R&D) process from inception to today.

The automotive industry has seen a number of changes since vehicles were introduced into society and continues to roll out new and updated models, meaning we must keep up with the industry.

Especially with the introduction of electric vehicles (EV), which pose different risks to internal combustion engines (ICE). We work with fire and rescue services and OEMs to make sure we are ahead of the trend and on the frontline of what is coming next in the auto industry.

What did Dafo initially develop in vehicle fire suppression systems?

When developing a fire suppression solution for vehicle fires, we launched a wet chemical suppression system that, to today, is most commonly used in all applications. Following this and adapting to the changes in the auto industry we were first to launch combust connections, and as EVs entered the market we released

Talking about ...

SafeEv, a specific vehicle design for carbon dioxide sensors to offer a complete detection solution.

We continue to develop new suppression and cooling systems as the markets demand, recently this has included the marketing of wireless connections for autonomous vehicles, which are becoming increasingly popular in the mining and port handling industries.

Coming right up to date, how have you responded to the European UNECE Regulation 107 became mandatory, requiring the installation and testing of fire suppression systems in engine compartments of new buses and coaches.

It was encouraging to see the European UNECE Regulation 107 come into practice across Europe in 2019, providing standard fire safety across all combustion engine buses and coaches. Prior to the legislation we had been working with vehicle manufacturers and standardisation agencies bringing our expertise in fire risk safety and awareness, and providing fire suppression solutions which also gave us the advantage once the regulation was implemented.

As only a safety measure for combustion engine buses, the next step for the industry and in order to guarantee further fire safety is regulation for solutions for hybrid and fully electric buses and coaches, which are becoming more popular in public transport across Europe, and looking at the trends in the auto industry and government net zero ambitions the use of EVs will only increase.

Combustion engine vehicles and EVs pose very different fire risks and therefore require their own tailored solutions.

Lithium-ion batteries, most commonly used in EVs are suspectable to thermal runaway which occurs when a battery’s cell malfunctions, resulting in rapid temperature increases, fire, toxic emissions and sometimes explosions. These fires are harder to extinguish, taking days to fully supress, requiring a unique early warning system to detect thermal runaway and spot cooling.

Following the 107 regulation, governments need to go that step further in securing fire safety on public transport and enforce a fire suppression solution on all vehicles including hybrid and fully electric.

Society now faces new transport risks with the increasing number of EV’s on the roads…

A) How is Dafo facing up to the challenges of suppressing Lithium-Ion battery fires.

Lithium-ion batteries used in EVs bring a new set of fire risks and challenges in developing a suppression solution. Due to the nature of lithium-ion batteries, once a fire has started it begins to generate its

oxygen source which fuels the fire once it enters thermal runaway. However, working with many battery manufacturers and OEMs and our dedicated R&D process has helped us develop unique detection and cooling systems to suppress these risks, which we have been rolling out since 2019.

B) How is Dafo assisting emergency responders when fighting Lithium-Ion battery fires.

Dafo supports first and second responders with training and education. We have trained over 40 fire brigades over the world. We are providing different training for firefighters, EMS, police and towing companies. The goal with this theoretical and practical training is to give the responder sufficient information so they can handle accidents and fires involving EVs and hybrids. We also provide training in all segments and sizes of vehicle and other applications that involves lithiumion batteries.

Charging stations in underground/ covered car parks are evidently high fire risk points, has Dafo developed / is Dafo looking to develop a fire suppression unit for these areas?

At the moment we are working together with buildings owners and developers, among others who are involved in car parks, sharing our expertise in risk assessment and what can be done to make the areas safer and more suitable for EV charging.

We are also working together with vehicle manufacturers, mainly buses and trucks, to monitor the battery. We have developed a system that works together with the Battery Management System for higher safety. We are also in the process of developing a system that is connected to the security of the building that will enable people to see if there is a problem with the battery in real time.

And looking to the future, autonomous personal vehicles and commercial plant are both being developed on land and at sea, what will Dafo’s role be in minimising loss of life and damage to structures?

Autonomous vehicles are already in use in certain industries, such as mining, where we have already developed wireless connections to help manage fire risks. We continue to develop further suppression solutions for autonomous vehicles on both land and at sea as popularity of use grows.

At Dafo we will also focus on providing training education on safety awareness procedure throughout our fire assessment and follow-up our findings from this assessment.

Ominpresent in all our minds is the preservation of life and the environment…

What contribution is legislation making to support the reduction of damage to the

environment caused by fire suppression chemicals.

It is important that the environment not suffer from the use of fire suppression solutions, and we work hard to develop and use environmentally friendly agents, such as agents we use nowadays, and welcome legislation that supports this. Over the years many countries have made fluorine free foam mandatory. This is inline with the UN’s new legislation that has put restrictions on the level of fluorine content in fire fighting foams, and the European Chemical Agency who passed a new law a couple of years ago to reduce fluorine content.

There is a big effort from those in the industry and other bodies to prevent and clean up waste water that holds toxic chemicals. At Dafo, as part of our continuous R&D we provide environmentally friendly solutions.

And besides legislative controls, what contribution is Dafo making to protect the environment?

Sustainability is an important part of our company values and goals, and we make sure our actions and activities reflect this - protecting the environment. We are aware of and continue to minimise our carbon footprint in all our operations, production of goods as well as travel.

Additionally, we have developed products that are recyclable and align ourselves with our customers sustainability philosophy.

2023 saw Dafo celebrate 5 years as Dafo Vehicle Fire Protection after transitioning in 2018, what has been the highlight of this period and what does the future have in hold for the company?

Over the past years we have witnessed rapid changes across all industries with the advancement of technology, which has presented new challenges for us to focus on and develop new suppression, detection and cooling systems.

I would say, since 2018, we have been on an educational journey following and developing new solutions as the automotive industry evolves to electric and autonomous vehicles. I don’t think we have seen the end of this evolution either, I predict that we are halfway through developing fire safety solutions and raising awareness of fire safety, especially as alternative energy sources and fuels come to fruition.

We are excited to see what the upcoming years have install. We expect to see continued R&D development in line with movements in the auto market.

I would also anticipate as conversations continue on safeguarding hybrids and EVs from fires we will see increased introduction of legislation.

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Demonstrate your commitment to providing quality training Attract new delegates and enhance your brand If you or your organisation provides training, you could apply for IFE recognition status. Our Recognitions Team benchmark courses, providers and educational programmes to the highest standard, ensuring a competent workforce across the fire industry.

Prospective students can be more confident that an IFE recognised course, provider or educational programme ticks all the boxes for their learning and future careers in the fire sector.

Learn more about the benefits gained with IFE recognitions at www.ife.org.uk/recognition-of-training

IFE appoints new Technical Director The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has welcomed Paul Trew as its new Technical Director.

i n his r o l e, Paul will assume responsibility for developing the IFE’s position on wider issues within the sector, as well as informing members of the Institution’s involvement in the various working groups and industry forums. His remit will involve working closely with similar organisations and institutions worldwide, whilst also acting as liaison for global professional registration. Working closely alongside the IFE’s Technical Committee Chair, Paul will support the group and the Special Interest Groups (SIGs) to develop the Institution’s involvement and views on contemporary issues in the sector, as well as working closely with IFE headquarters staff to ensure the improvement of technical resources for members.

Paul retired from the London Fire Brigade in October 2021, capping off a career as the Deputy Assistant Commissioner and Head of Fire Safety. Most recently, Paul has been serving as a Technical Advisor for the IFE since February 2022, coordinating efforts in its emerging technologies working group alongside a varied range of technical input to other projects on behalf of the institution.

CEO of the IFE, Steve Hamm, congratulated Paul on his appointment: “Navigating the risks associated with emerging technologies has become a top priority for the IFE, and Paul has been instrumental in addressing these challenges and supporting our green agenda.

“I’m delighted that Paul now takes up the role of Technical Director. He’ll bring fresh perspectives and his breadth of knowledge will be an asset to the institution.”

Paul’s appointment comes at a significant time and the role will remain critical in navigating the dynamic landscape of fire engineering across the built environment.

Commenting on his new appointment, Paul said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as Technical Advisor at the IFE, and this seems like an organic step up, fulfilling the role as Technical Director. I look forward to becoming part of the leadership team and working with the membership to continue our dedication in creating a future safer from fire.”

“Navigating the risks associated with emerging technologies has become a top priority for the IFE, and Paul has been instrumental in addressing these challenges and supporting our green agenda.”

Steve Hamm CEO IFE

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Dynax remains committed to...

Responsible use of C6 Fluorine Chemistry and to providing its products to firefighting foam manufacturers.

Good practices, Life Safety, and Flammable Liquid Protection remain Dynax’s North Star.

As high hazard, flammable liquid emergencies are occurring world-wide, a recap is needed: C6 AFFFs and AR-AFFFs remain the highest performing firefighting products for flammable liquids.

C6 Foam Concentrates are required for critical uses and major fire events.

C6 Foam Concentrates are proven and effective with decades of successful extinguishments.

Reminder of Best Practice:

Best Practice Guidance for Use of Class B Fire Fighting Foams

C6 Foam Concentrates should not be used for testing or training. In cases of fire events or accidental release, C6 Foam Concentrate run-off should be controlled and captured. Refer to Dynax SDSs for region specific product use and disposal information.

Recent Specific Updates: Universal EU PFAS ban proposal does not cover PFAS in Firefighting Foams.

The proposal for PFAS in Firefighting Foam includes a 10 year derogation for Seveso III sites.

Giving back

In his fifth article for FME, b o b r ea QFSM reflects and evaluates how the Incident Command System is taught, managed, implemented and the difference in scale of its use.

as i begin to compile this latest article in my article in my FME series ‘Giving Back’ examining my journey through Incident Command (ICS) development and training, reflecting on the past, present and future of this training. I recognise that I have been very fortunate to become familiar with the use and terminologies used to implement ICS on both sides of the Atlantic. I intend to concentrate mainly on my learning journey during my UK Fire Service career.

Firstly let us consider the question, What is the purpose of the Incident Command System?

The Incident Command System (ICS) provides a recognised framework for operational management, leadership and functional command and control processes. It is designed to provide a common approach, a common language and an effective, scalable and safe system of work. It covers: Organisation on the Incident Ground – giving the Incident Commander a recognised system from which to work when organising and using resources on the incident ground.

Incident Risk Management – giving the Incident Commander the principles safety to consider the exposures of their personnel.

Supporting planning and decision making on how to resolve an incident.

Command Competence – identifies the key knowledge, skills and understanding required by an Incident Commander.

Imagine the chaos at an already stressful event if there was no control!

November is a very emotive month for me and always make me think of people who have influenced me in my development.

At the age of 57 I decided that I needed to undertake some personal development and embarked on an MBA in Leadership and Sustainability, what was I thinking? One of the modules, as you would expect was on Leadership and Sustainability and the ‘Interim Paper’ asked you to identify a leader who has influenced you. I chose to use someone I had worked with in my formative years in the Fire Service one of my Sub Officers/Watch Managers. We were asked to: analyse the type of leader they are/were, analyse the leadership style they adopted, fitting this to theories of leadership, identify elements of learning from this leader that you might adopt in your own practice” (Cumbria University 2018).

This individual significantly influenced me and my leadership style development by: his incident command prowess – remaining calm and collected throughout, his emotional intelligence, which allowed him to connect with and support his watch, his personal resilience – managing stressful situations calmly, transferring leadership style according to the situation.

I openly acknowledge how this person aided me in my development, especially in his approach to operational incidents, where authoritative command presence and decisiveness is essential for the safe resolution of the incident.

You will be asking what this has to do with ICS? Well, after a challenging period, managing a development programme in the

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Giving back

Middle East, which incorporated Incident Command in the suite of modules. I considered the fact that for most of the learners this was their first exposure to the concepts of the ICS and I thought back to when my development started. During my research for this article, I reread my interim paper and realised that my development in ICS started at Training School (Reigate in Surrey 1982).

My training school development was mainly delivered by lectures and concentrated around the duties and responsibilities conveyed on the Fire Service by the Fire Services Act 1947, which was superseded by the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004. Within these acts are the requirements to respond to fires and other emergencies efficiently and effectively. I was made aware of my role and the hierarchy of the Fire Service and who my reporting lines would be, especially operationally. The Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 played a significant role in shaping incident command training by emphasising the importance of training and development for personnel in fire and rescue services. My development and training after training school was then vicariously continued by my exposure to watch management teams and senior officers before I embarked on my formal ICS development alongside my career progression.

My ICS development as was customary at the time, was formally delivered during my attendance on the Junior Officer (JO) and Junior Officer Advancement (JOA) and Area Commander programmes at the Fire Service College (FSC), where specific incident types were discussed, supported by management training, which developed key skills like decision making, planning and briefing. These were then tested by exposure to realistic simulated scenarios, where I experienced the roles of Incident Commander and Functional Support Roles. These scenarios exposed me to the additional stresses of a ‘Real’ incident, whilst controlled and monitored for safety by FSC Staff and Tutors. After each scenario formal debriefing was given on performance and areas of improvement. The scenarios in the JO and JOA were sequentially developed from simple singe appliance scenarios to the more complex multi-appliance scenarios, which gave experiential learning of the role requirements on the incident ground. It is my belief that this training was beneficial to my operational performance. Another benefit of these programmes was the bringing together of fire offices from differing brigades, where the different approaches to incidents were discussed both formally and informally, developing my knowledge and understanding of other approaches. As I progressed through the service, ICS became more formalised, accepted and adopted by services.

The Area Manager programme provided level 4 ICS training and qualification, where learners were exposed to the multi-agency requirements. Each learner was given the opportunity to act as the Incident Commander and Functional roles, including the essential role of Command Support. This development served me well at incidents as I was able to examine the wider impact of an incident, especially those of long duration.

ICS development was and is continued by all services as they provide the valuable experiential learning by exposing officer to realistic scenario training (exercises), which provides developmental and established officers with opportunities to implement ICS and improve their knowledge, skills and understanding of both the commanding of incidents and the enacting of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Another very valuable tool used in the tool kit of ICS development training, are Tactical Decision Making exercises, which I have used extensively with UK and International learners, to establish common understanding and application of SOPs. These require minimal resources and by facilitation, stimulate discussion to provide consensus of application. These exercises are not restricted to emergency services and can be used by any organisation to train and test SOPs. As technology advanced and I had served several more years operationally, the first fire simulator training solution was

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established. This offered a computer generated incident, where a facilitator enacted the Incident Commander’s decisions. This was a good tool for decision making, but by its nature lacked the additional stressors of the incident ground, where ensuring good communication lines and a suitable command structure were an essential part of the learning process. This system was the fore runner to several more interactive systems, where role players would present themselves in person or on screens with key information or requests from other organisations. This component did add additional stressors akin to those at an incident where multiple agencies were in attendance.

Other incident simulators have been developed and have gained different levels of support from the fire community, but many of them rely heavily on the designer, developer and facilitator to present a realistic impression of and incident. Whilst it is my opinion that these tools are useful, they do not fully replicate the stressors of the Incident Ground.

It is my opinion that one of the most valuable ways to learn and consider the wider elements of an incident, is to be coached and mentored on the incident ground. I acted as a coach and mentor to many new and developing officers, where I was able to guide and support the officer in the successful resolution of the incident, providing them security and comfort in making decisions, communicating with differing agencies and seeing the bigger picture. One occasion was at a particularly large house fire, where the new officer was showing signs of being overwhelmed. I said to him “You have two choices, I believe this incident is at the limits of your capabilities. You can stay in charge and I can mentor you or I am going to take charge. The choice is yours, but I believe you will learn more from being mentored than me taking charge!”

He replied, “Bob will you mentor me please?” “Of course, I will” I replied and I guided him to consider the wider implications of the incident and the need to preserve the evidence as it was likely to be a criminal investigation, something that he had not considered as he was so focused on the immediate operational needs.

Future development of ICS training will likely see more use of Virtual Reality (VR) as it has given an additional element to the development of Incident Commanders. Incident command training in the UK and globally is likely to be influenced by ongoing technological advancements, changes in emergency response strategies, and the lessons learned from real-world incidents. Here are some potential trends and considerations: Technology integration: will see virtual reality simulations and advanced communication tools becoming more prevalent in incident command training.

Inter-Agency collaboration: with the need for a cohesive approach to incident, Inter-Agency collaboration is essential and joint training will enhance collaboration and interoperability among different response agencies. The UK has the JESIP models and principles which have become the standard for interoperability and training in the UK. Adaptation to emerging threats: Training programmes will need to adapt to new and emerging threats, such as cyberattacks, pandemics, and climate-related disasters.

Continuous improvement: The importance of continuous improvement and learning from past incidents is essential. Afteraction reviews and feedback mechanisms play a crucial role in developing training programmes, both locally and nationally.

The Incident Commander needs to instil confidence in their team and that is achieved through their leadership and presence. To me one of the most important elements for an Incident Commander is that of command presence, where the best analogy is for the Incident Commander to be characterised as a ‘Swan’ on the incident ground “Graceful and calm above the surface but paddling hard to maintain this beneath the surface”. Maintaining this impression showing great command presence meant others gained confidence and remained calm in the face of challenging situations. Command Presence is another whole article.

Proportioning in excellence Founded in 1979, FireDos has over 100 employees working at the company’s headquarters in Woelfersheim, Germany, as well as two production facilities in Germany and Poland, all of which specialise in the development and production of innovative and reliable proportioning systems, extinguishing monitors, and trailers for firefighting.

Every single FireDos product is designed, built, and tested to meet the most challenging conditions. The proportioning systems, extinguishing monitors, and trailers fulfil an elementary task: they protect people, buildings, plants, and equipment.

Enhancing Firefighting Capabilities In the realm of fire safety and emergency response, the need for cutting-edge equipment is paramount. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Civil Defense, and municipal fire brigades face a spectrum of challenges, from minor fuel spills in road traffic accidents to major conflagrations, especially in high-hazard scenarios like oil tank fires. Extinguishing tank farm fires is one of the most challenging scenarios for which firefighters and emergency services must prepare. The number and size of tank farms worldwide is ever-increasing, so risk mitigation and asset protection must be adaptable.

Stationary extinguishing systems in tank farms are often supplemented by mobile extinguishing technology to provide additional safety and flexibility.

Fire protection products for the oil and gas industry are classified as fire Class B. This means they require special extinguishing systems, i.e., foam extinguishing systems, as foam is considered the best extinguishing agent for liquid fires. Water is also used as an extinguishing agent for tank wall cooling and gas mitigation applications.

From the perspective of fire protection, there are two other areas at petrochemical plants which require special protection: • Production areas Along with deluge systems, permanently installed monitors are used that are supplied from stationary foam proportioners.

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• Material / bulk goods / high-rack storage In warehousing, deluge systems are used besides sprinkler systems, flooding the halls with extinguishing foam in conjunction with stationary proportioners.

On the site of petrochemical plants, pump rooms are often located close to water tanks storing extinguishing water for emergencies. The operating principle of the stationary FireDos proportioners is purely mechanical as they are driven solely by the flow of extinguishing water.

This allows installing the equipment at a safe distance from risk areas, i.e., in the vicinity of the extinguishing water tanks.

Furthermore, FireDos proportioners can deliver premix over large distances with high flow rates.

In Petrochemical production areas, fixed monitors or deluge systems are often used. Monitors provide advantages as they can be more cost-effective as pipework is minimised. A monitor’s nozzle is decisive in the success of extinguishing regardless of wind conditions.

In high-risk areas, integrating the monitors into automated fire extinguishing systems is recommended. All FireDos monitors can be manually operated or using remote control.

FireDos manufacture highly reliable stationary proportioners ideal for overcoming complex firefighting scenarios with a simple solution reliant only on the extinguishing water flow. This minimises

in focus the additional power requirements of electric motors and standby backup diesel generators, as the concept is purely mechanical.

Many oil & gas industry applications require a high level of certification relying on the third-party certification of VdS or FM to ensure a high operating and certification standard. Where applicable, FireDos equipment meets this standard, ensuring peace of mind for the end user.

The purely mechanical concept lends itself ideally to mobile equipment such as trailers where the foam proportioning pump is powered solely by the extinguishing water from the hose connections.

Additionally, the wide flow range and pressure independence mean a trailer can be located and positioned almost anywhere for convenience and safety.

The increasing trend for smart extinguishing technology provides safe, remote operation from a distance and remote maintenance enables our proportioning units and monitors to be remotely tested and controlled.

Factory fire brigades at petrochemical plants increasingly use mobile extinguishing units such as fire trailers that are versatile and flexible in use as back up to fixed systems.

Fire trailers are designed for rapid deployment and are simple to operate.

Equipped with a proportioner, monitor or a combination of both, fire trailers help to reduce the demand for personnel in a risk area.

The utilisation of backup mobile firefighting foam devices has become an essential component of a robust firefighting strategy.

Understanding the Need Effective firefighting demands a comprehensive approach that includes not only rapid response but also the use of advanced equipment capable of handling diverse scenarios.

Traditional firefighting methods often fall short in dealing with incidents involving flammable liquids, where the use of foam is crucial. Backing up these operations with mobile firefighting foam devices becomes imperative for mitigating risks effectively.

FireDos’ Unique Contribution FireDos has emerged as a pioneer in the field of mobile firefighting foam devices, offering a range of vehicle-mounted foam proportioning equipment and firefighting monitors designed to address the challenges encountered by OEMs, Civil Defense, and municipal fire brigades.

Accurate and Small Foam or Water Footprint Engineered with precision, FireDos’ equipment ensures accurate foam proportioning. This accuracy is vital, especially in scenarios where the right balance of foam and water is critical for effective firefighting as well as resource conserving usage of foam concentrate. The ability to generate a small foam or water footprint optimizes resource utilization and minimizes environmental impact.

Longer Throw and Reach with Oval-Flat Design FireDos monitors are fit for firefighting with water or foam and deliver thousands of litres of water per minute, reaching 150 metres and more. The novel Oval-Flat design of firefighting monitors employed

by FireDos significantly enhances the throw and reach of the firefighting foam.

This design minimizes pressure loss through the monitor, allowing for a more efficient and effective distribution of foam over greater distances. This capability is particularly advantageous in high-hazard scenarios where reaching the source of the fire promptly and keeping personnel and equipment as far away from the danger zone as possible is of utmost importance.

Unlike many competitors’ systems that require the monitor to be stopped and drained to adjust the flow rate, FireDos’ equipment allows for real-time adjustments during operation. This flexibility is a game-changer, enabling firefighting teams to adapt swiftly to evolving situations without compromising the efficiency of their response.

Ease of Use and Proportioning Accuracy Across Flow Rates The user-friendly interface of FireDos’ proportioning systems ensures ease of operation, making them accessible even to personnel with varying levels of expertise.

Moreover, the equipment maintains proportioning accuracy across a wide flow rate range, accommodating the dynamic nature of firefighting scenarios. This reliability is crucial for achieving consistent results in the face of unpredictable challenges.

Handling a Spectrum of Foams, Including Fluorine-Free Alternatives FireDos’ water-driven foam proportioners are designed to handle all types of foams, including the newer fluorinefree alternatives. Many existing systems struggle with the higher viscosity of these foams, but FireDos’ equipment rises to the challenge, showcasing adaptability to emerging trends in firefighting technology.

Success in Stationary Applications Worldwide FireDos has achieved significant success in stationary applications with its waterdriven foam proportioners. With over 15,000 units installed globally, FireDos has demonstrated its prowess in providing reliable and effective solutions for fixed firefighting systems. The success in stationary applications underscores the importance of proportioning accuracy, where precise control of the foam-to-water ratio is critical for the success of a foam

Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024 61

Adoption into Vehicles and Trailers for Emergency Response: Building on its success in stationary applications, FireDos has seamlessly translated its expertise into mobile solutions for emergency response.

Recognising that many emergency situations may lack a pre-installed stationary system or have one damaged due to the fire itself, FireDos’ mobile equipment in vehicles and trailers fills a crucial gap.

The adaptability and reliability that FireDos brings to the table ensure that emergency response teams have access to the same level of precision and effectiveness, regardless of the firefighting scenario they face.

firefighting event. Beside the advantage of utilizing a system that does not require any external power, once the extinguishing water flow is established, foam proportioning is achieved, and the system allows a testing of the proportioning rate without consuming foam concentrate and generating foam or premix.

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Conclusion In the ever-evolving landscape of fire safety and emergency response, the role of backup mobile firefighting foam devices cannot be overstated.

No matter the industry or fire brigade: More than 15,000 FireDos proportioners and more than 1,000 monitors are installed successfully worldwide.

FireDos has emerged as a leader in this domain, providing OEMs, Civil Defense, and municipal fire brigades with state-of-the-art equipment that not only meets but exceeds the demands of high-hazard fire scenarios. The accurate foam proportioning, longer throw and reach, real-time flow rate adjustments, ease of use, and compatibility with a spectrum of foams make FireDos’ offerings indispensable for modern firefighting.

As the firefighting landscape continues to advance, investing in such cutting-edge solutions becomes not just a preference but a necessity for those dedicated to safeguarding lives and property in the face of fire emergencies.

DOES YOUR FOAM PROPORTIONING SYSTEM WORK? All foam concentrates behave differently. Proportioning at the correct ratio can be a challenge. FireDos have been working for over 30 years with end-users, contractors and OEM`s to overcome their foam proportioning issues.

You want the peace of mind & knowledge your system will operate whatever the circumstances. Rely on the foam proportioning system GEN III from FireDos.

■ ASSISTANCE in verifying your suction line calculation

■ WIDE RANGE of viscosity parameters tested and approved by FM ■ FireDos can physically test and confirm your foam concentrate compatibility with GEN III

Available NOW +49 6036 9796-0 www.firedos.com/nextgen3

REDUCE RISKS

IMPROVE PERFORMANCE

REDUCE COSTS

Purely mechanical – maximum reliability

Consistant proportioning rate over a wide operating range

Cost-effective and eco-friendly – proportioning rate testing without foam

www.firedos.com/nextgen3

In Case of Fire

Protecting concealed spaces … Firetech achieves compartmentation with Phoenix smoke and flame barriers within a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility versatile Phoenix Smoke & Flame barriers – to achieve the compartmentation of concealed spaces within the new Macclesfield manufacturing facility of a world-leading pharmaceutical giant. In the case of the Macclesfield project, Firetech purchased the FIREFLY® products via national distributor Encon.

Firetech UK Ltd. is a key sub-contractor to DES for the construction of the extensive new laboratories and production plant for AstraZeneca, part of the FTSE 100 company’s continuing investment at its East Cheshire site for the distribution of drugs to markets around the world.

Early on in the contract Firetech installed a large quantity of Titan Lite™ 120:60 fire barriers in the ‘Amenities Area’ of the building and then when tasked with installing a series of smoke and flame barriers in the ceiling voids over the laboratories, they proposed the Phoenix product as being the most cost-

A UK based passive fire protection specialist has utilised products from the range of FIREFLY® – including the

effective solution. The work consumed approximately 540 square metres of the Phoenix to create a series of vertical barriers valued at some £50K. Although able to employ standard details for the installation of the Phoenix barriers and the Collaroll which wraps some of the beams and other features, FIREFLY® has been involved from the earliest stages, providing general guidance and carrying out inspections.

FIREFLY® Phoenix is a lightweight smoke and flame barrier which facilitates compartmentation within buildings to provide up to 120 minutes’ integrity under BS476 Parts 20 & 22. Certified by IFCC, the flexible and straightforward to install material is suitable for both new-build and retrofit situations.

FIRETECH firetech.co.uk

Prestige sports project … AEI Cables supplies fire performance cables for an extension of the Hong Kong Sports Institute AEI Cables has supplied low voltage power, control and fire performance cables to an extension of the Hong Kong Sports Institute.

The Hong Kong Sports Institute is a vital sports complex located in Sha Tin, New Territories offering training to athletes and academic qualifications in the field of sports training.

Working with its partners, Cornwall Contracting Co.Ltd, AEI Cables supplied the cables to the existing sports complex back in 2013. This major extension involves the facilities development building which is located in front of the indoor swimming pool and rowing boathouse comprising a three-storey building area.

This will feature a multi-purpose training hall, scientific conditioning facilities, sports medicine centre, sport psychology, sport biomechanics, sport nutrition and monitoring centre, and sports residence area.

64 Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024

Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said: “This is a major development of the institute and we’re thrilled to be working on such a prestige project with our partner to ensure the highest quality of cabling is installed.” The consultant engineer was WSP Hong Kong Ltd and the electrical sub-contractor is Cornwall Contracting Co. Ltd. Using the very latest in technology and science, AEI Cables’ specialist Firetec Total Fire Solutions range offers enhanced fire performance cabling, accessories and technical support from its distribution facility at Washington, Tyne and Wear.

Applications for Firetec include residential and commercial buildings, shopping malls, airports and protected buildings ensuring that fire alarms, sprinkler systems, building monitoring and security systems can continue to operate in a fire.

All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies

including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world.

AEI CABLES aeicables.co.uk

ON THE MARKET

Save time, save lives When emergency responders are involved in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear, (CBRN) operations, equipment that enables them to make rapid, data driven decisions, keeping everyone safe is essential.

The ATEX approved for hazardous area use Draeger X-AM® 8000, was designed with these hostile use cases in mind.

This portable gas detection device is the number one choice for clearance measurements.

It can measure up to seven gases simultaneously in pump or diffusion mode with a library of over 120 substances including: oxygen, methane, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide and hard to detect hydrocarbons and there is an optional pre-tube which can be fitted for the detection of benzine.

Once clearance and area monitoring operations are underway, the powerful pump has a hose range of up to 45 metres keeping the responder at a safer distance.

During clearance measurements, the built in, smart assistant, calculates the necessary flooding time for the device and probe, removing any guesswork.

Crucial data logs can be stored within the device, accessible through Draeger GasVision software allowing informed decisions to be made for rapid casualty treatment by understanding exposure types and peak values, reducing the risk of fatalities.

Servicing is straightforward utilising the Draeger X-Dock® for simple, fast and costeffective calibrations. Draeger also offers a ‘TotalCare’ servicing agreement.

DRAEGER draeger.com

Transforming communications in high-risk areas Hytera Communications has launched its latest and most advanced range of intrinsically safe (IS) portable two-way radios and smartphone. Featuring an extensive product lineup that includes PNC460U Rugged Explosion-proof Smartphone with Push-to-talk as well as PT890Ex and HP79XEx Intrinsically Safe Portable Radios.

Hytera’s innovative devices are poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing safety and connectivity standards across high-risk work environments such as fire rescue, oil and gas, refinery, chemical and mining.

The latest devices adopt powerful IS circuits, explosion-proof batteries, antistatic technology and dual antimagnetic mechanisms to minimise the potential risk of explosion caused by overheating and electronic sparks in highly hazardous environments with explosive gas and combustible dust.

PNC460U Rugged Explosion-proof Smartphone with Push-to-talk The PNC460U, Hytera’s first UL913certified ruggedized IS smartphone, is designed to facilitate instant group communications, i.e. push-to-talk (PTT) calls, mobile office APPs and data transmission in hazardous environments.

It complies with explosion-proof

Hydrocarbon and hydrogen detector The FS24X Plus is the newest member of Honeywell’s FSX series of advanced, multispectrum, electro-optical flame detectors, providing high performance in challenging conditions. The Honeywell FS24X Plus uses the company’s WideBand IR infrared technology to detect hydrocarbon and hydrogen fires quickly and reliably — before they grow — even in the presence of environmental inhibitors like rain, fog, and smoke.

A layered system that integrates a variety of gas and flame detection technologies ensures optimal protection against flammable gas risks and help achieve total site protection. FS24X Plus Triple IR flame detectors add a critical layer in your fixed gas detection system.

HONEYWELL honeywell.com

Engineered for the fireground requirements for use in Class I, II, III, Division 1, Groups C-G and T4 and -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F) areas.

PT890Ex and HP79XEx Intrinsically Safe Portable Radios The PT890Ex, a TETRA portable radio, and its counterpart, the HP79XEx, a DMR variant, are both IECEx certified. Crafted with advanced explosion-proof materials, the new radios are engineered to withstand intense temperatures ranging from -25°C to 60°C (-13°F to 140°F) in hazardous environments without the risk of triggering explosions.

HYTERA hytera.com

Nightstick lights Forge™ (XPP-5466R) & Fortem® (XPP-5465R) helmet lighting for the Fire & Rescue Services are designed for the first responder who refuses to compromise according to the manufacturer.

Engineered for the rigour of the fireground, the lights perform when it counts. The Forge and Fortem aren’t just built differently; they embrace the flexibility, durability, safety, and Dual-Light technology unique to Nightstick products.

NIGHTSTICK nightstick.com

Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024 67

ON THE MARKET

Created to suppress vehicle fires A Vehicle Fire Blanket is part of JohnDow Industries’ (JDI) new product line of Electric Vehicle (EV) & Hybrid Service & Safety products.

It is globally accepted that lithium-ion battery fires are extremely dangerous and cannot be extinguished using traditional fire extinguishing methods. JDI’s Vehicle Fire Blanket suppresses vehicle fires and prevents fire from spreading and damaging nearby property while containing toxic fumes and smoke from releasing into surrounding areas.

The Vehicle Fire Blanket is ideal for parking lots, auto repair shops, firefighters, underground parking lots, parking

structures, service stations, and charging stations. The approximate value of the blanket is around $3,000.

JOHN DOW INDUSTRIES JohnDow.com

Stopping thermal runaway Thermal runaway is an unpredictable fire hazard experienced by lithium batteries within energy storage systems. The elevated temperatures of a malfunctioning battery cell often cause adjacent cells to also undergo thermal runaway, creating an extremely dangerous fire and explosion hazard.

Now the Fike Corporation has announced the discovery and development of the world’s first patented and third-party tested solution to stop thermal runaway…

Fike Blue.

Fike’s years of testing and collaboration have proven that the various protection methods currently used in these applications such as water and chemical agents may indeed suppress lithium battery fires but they do little to stop the root cause of the fire itself, thermal runaway. This results in battery cells that continue to produce dangerous offgas and may continue to burn and even reignite the explosive atmosphere.

Fike Blue has been successfully tested internally at Fike’s Remote Testing Facility in Blue Springs, Missouri and by thirdparty testing organisations, including CSA (Canadian Standards Association) in a UL9540A test.

Fike Blue is proven to: • Fully submerse the cells and absorbs the intense exothermic heat without breaking down due to a boiling point of more than 400°C.

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• Use exponentially less liquid than the water required by sprinklers and especially by firefighters, resulting in far less runoff into the surrounding environment.

• Not fall under the family of PFAS, many of which are currently under investigation around the world.

• Be stored as a pressurised liquid and discharged as a liquid.

• Be far less conductive than water and has never shorted the cells.

• Be stored for at least five years at 25°C without formation of precipitates or sediment.

FIKE fike.com

A unique biodegradable wetting agent Fire safety solutions company, Mosmart UK, is revolutionising Class A firefighting with the introduction of a mineral-based wetting agent which uses less water to extinguish fires up to 80% faster.

Marine3 Fire is a saline-based solution, free of harmful chemicals, which contains a unique blend of biodegradable surfactants. When added to water, it reduces the water’s surface tension, enabling greater penetration and saturation of combustible materials. As a result, Marine3 Fire extinguishes fires significantly faster than water alone, reducing smoke and toxic emissions, and helping to prevent reignition.

Independently tested and CE marked for use on all Class A firesand is suitable for a wide range of firefighting scenarios, and the industry is showing particular interest in its ability to suppress and prevent wildfires and waste fires ensure fires are suppressed quickly and safely. The deeper water penetration and faster suppression offered by Marine3 Fire helps to contain wildfires quickly and prevent reignition.

It can also be used preventatively to create protective barriers, firebreaks and escape routes. Similarly, Marine3 Fire is particularly effective for fighting and preventing fires at waste and recycling centres, as it can be used to deeply saturate high volumes of combustible materials.

Easy to use, Marine3 Fire can be added directly to the main fire engine water tank or portable pump system and delivered through the hose in the same way as water alone.

MOSMART UK mosmart.uk/fire/

On the 15th May 2024, in Riyadh, Fire Middle East magazine will host the inaugural Fire Middle East Conference, utilising a network of over 20 years in the making, with input from industry veterans in the form of an advisory board, guidance and backing from fire and safety company sponsorships, and finally the top level of information from thought-leaders from across Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East region.

We are determined that our conference will be a thought-provoking and informative one with a considered agenda to support the region’s fire professionals in their own ambitions. Key themes will be discussed, including sustainability and how the evolution of smart cities is shaping the future of fire safe communities. There will be a mix of panel sessions, chaired by experts and keynote speakers who will be sharing their expertise and best practice examples with our audience of c-level decision-makers associated with fire safety and resilience. In addition, leading keynote speakers will join us up on the stage for informative sessions.

MISSION To deliver exciting product showcases, engaging presentations from various industry experts and extensive networking opportunities. We will address the challenges facing individuals whose daily

professional role encompasses the protection of life, property, business and investment from the destructive forces of fire from design concept through to delivery and occupation encompassing: Fire engineering and construction Passive and active fire protection People movement and evacuation Emergency response Accountability Innovation & technology Standards, testing and compliance The working agenda will allow for ample time devoted to networking and making connections. Keynotes and panel sessions will take place before lunch, freeing up the afternoon for more relaxed and informative networking without time constraints.

Feedback from our inaugural Security event in 2023 advised that participants enjoyed the chance to make new connections and strengthen existing relationships and so for the Fire conference we will open up this opportunity to make sure we offer an agenda which meets the needs of our delegates.

With our c-suite level audience and representatives from high-profile companies in attendance, we can help to ensure meaningful connections come to fruition and support the advancement of fire protection and prevention in the Middle East region.

“The FME team, through the Middle East conference in May, is committed to making a positive contribution to the future safety and fire resilience of all communities in the Middle East region through the provision of valuable information in the written word and on the conference stage” Wendy Otway, Editor, Fire Middle East magazine

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Advisory board members include: Mezher Al-Qahtani, CFO, CTR, MBA, Fire Protection Specialist, Saudi Aramco Abdulbaset Alsalafi, National Security Services Company (SAFE) Chris Jelenewicz, PE, FSFPE, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Society of Fire Protection Engineers SFPE Vinay Deshpande, Technical Director at Fire & Life Safety, WSP Middle East Limited Wendy Otway, Editor, Fire Middle East

We are committed to facilitating extensive networking opportunities, more specialised knowledge sharing and opportunities to forge new relationships whilst connecting with past contacts and old colleagues. We will work with our advisory board to help shape the look and feel of the event, and determine the topics that matter to our audience and the most suitable speakers and panellists.

THE VENUE We will deliver the Fire Middle East conference at The InterContinental, Riyadh, a prestigious five-star hotel with space to host all of the exciting conference elements planned for our delegates, exhibitors and VIPs. The central location of this hotel ensures ease of access and its superior facilities – including its modern and spacious function facilities will enable the Fire Middle East Conference to grow year on and ensure we can continue to bring you an exceptional day of knowledge sharing and networking.

Our guests will have the opportunity to sample for themselves the five-star menu at the hotel, while our sponsors and exhibitors will have ample space to meet and greet our delegates and expand on the conference topics in between presentations.

Fire Middle East Conference 2024

HEADLINE SPONSOR REACTON

THE SAUDI VISION 2030 INITIATIVE The Saudi Vision 2030 initiative, first unveiled in 2016 represents Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the diversification of its economy.

Several proposed multi-trillion-dollar projects are under development, redefining the country as a tourism haven.

Vision 2030 sets out its targets for planned diversification and to improve its competitiveness. The three key themes are: To create a vibrant society To build a thriving economy To become an ambitious nation The strategic framework aims to reduce Saudi’s dependence on oil and to develop key public sector services.

This includes health, education, infrastructure, and tourism.

Several projects have been launched as part of Saudi Vision 2030, including The Red Sea Project, AlUla Vision, Neom, Mall of Saudi and the Renewable Energy Project.

The multi-trillion-dollar project allows for businesses from all sectors to invest and stand out on the world stage, with hundreds of investors worldwide currently flocking to Saudi Arabia.

The value of the Vision 2030 initiative is estimated to be around $1 trillion U.S. dollars.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is valued at $700bn, whilst its tourism drive is valued at $800bn.

Innovators in fire suppression technology, Reacton, manufacture safety-critical automatic fire suppression systems for a complete range of assets and industries.

Reacton Fire Suppression seeks to raise the standard of safety in the industry through innovative products verified by third-party sources with appropriate accreditation and certification. Find out more about Reacton and what they are offering the fIre suppression market by checking out their full product range at reactonfire.com

“The Fire Middle East Conference will unify thought leaders and industry heads in an exciting new conference that promotes the turbulent nature of the marketplace and allows companies to align themselves with the multi-billion dollar projects that make up the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative” Mike Dingle, Managing Director

Attending a conference is a strategic investment in your professional growth and success and can provide a unique platform to connect, learn, and thrive in the fire industry related disciplines. The Fire Middle East conference offers potential delegates five key reasons to attend: Networking Opportunities Learning and Education Career Advancement Access to Resources and Tools Access to Industry Trends and Forecasts

If you haven’t already, sign up to the Fire Middle East Conference now!

firemiddleeastconference.com

Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024 71

Firefighter health & safety

Firefighters deserve a healthier outcome The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) in the UK is promoting everyday DECON habits helping to protect firefighters against contaminants making these eleven simple changes at home and at work: BEFORE THE INCIDENT

AT THE STATION

1. CLEAN KIT REGULARLY Your PPE should be cleaned regularly and after fire incidents. If you are cleaning it, always cover exposed skin, use disposable gloves, and wear a face mask.

Even if firefighting gloves are clean, never store them in boots or helmets.

5. SHOWER WITHIN AN HOUR Back at station, shower within an hour of returning to station after attending a fire. Use soap and scrub your skin, and wash and dry your hair. If you need to go straight from a fire to another incident, use wipes or soap and water to clean your face, neck, hands, and forearms.

2. HANDLE DIRTY KIT WITH CARE Make sure your kit is clean before carrying it. If you have to touch dirty kit, use disposable gloves.

AT THE INCIDENT 3.BA ON UNTIL THE JOB IS DONE Wear BA at all stages of firefighting and keep it on during salvage, turning over and damping down.

Don’t put it on too late or take it off too early.

4. CONTAIN YOUR DIRTY KIT Seal any clothing or PPE exposed to fire in an airtight bag or box before taking it into the appliance.

6. SCRUB BEFORE GRUB Only eat or drink at the station once you and your clothes are clean. Don’t get water from a cooler or go into clean zones such as the mess until you’ve washed and changed.

they are sealed in an airtight bag or box. Wipe down your steering wheel, handles and dashboard regularly.

9. CLEAN WHAT YOU CARRY Regularly wipe down your phone, wallet, and other belongings you take to work, using one wipe for each item. Put bags that you take to the station through the wash regularly. Wash the bags alone then run the ‘rinse and spin’ cycle after.

10. STRAIGHT TO THE SHOWER If you couldn’t shower and change at station after the last fire you attended, get straight in the shower once you get home. Don’t hug, kiss, or touch anyone until you’ve washed and changed.

7. WATCH OUT FOR WEAR AND TEAR Check your kit for visible damage every shift, and make sure your brigade gets it checked at least every three months by someone who is trained to find damage.

GOING HOME 8. DECON BEFORE YOU DRIVE If you have attended a fire, shower and change your clothes before you drive. If you’re carrying clothes exposed to fire in your car, make sure

11. DIRTY CLOTHES IN THE MACHINE If you have taken home clothes that have been near a fire, put them straight into the washing machine from the bag or box they are sealed in.

Don’t touch these clothes with bare hands, let them mix with other laundry, or leave them lying out. After washing them, run the ‘rinse and spin’ cycle. Facilities should be made available to wash work clothes at work, away from home. Not all fire and rescue services have this in place yet.

To learn more about this campaign go to: fbu.org.uk/campaigns/decon-fire-contaminants

Safety Shower advice Experts in decontamination, Aqua Safety Showers, have produced an accessible and handy guide to using and maintaining a safety shower (also known as an emergency shower) and an essential piece of safety equipment in laboratories, industrial settings, and other environments where exposure to hazardous chemicals or materials is a possibility.

1. Assess the Situation • If you come into contact with a hazardous substance or chemical, immediately assess the situation to determine if using the safety shower is necessary. If you have any doubt about your safety, it’s better to use the shower as a precaution.

2. Activate the Shower • Locate the safety shower and either pull the handle or push the panic bar to activate the shower, or if fitted step onto the shower platform.

• Quickly remove contaminated clothing and accessories, including shoes. Do this as rapidly as possible, as it can help prevent the chemical or substance from soaking through the clothing • Position yourself directly under the flow of water from the safety shower. Ensure that the water is covering your entire body. Hold your arms away from your body to make sure water reaches all areas.

3. Activate the Eye Wash (if available) • If the safety shower also has an integrated eye wash station, use it to rinse your eyes. Lift the eyewash lid to activate the eyewash, and position your eyes in front of the flow of water.

4. Rinse for at Least 15 Minutes • Flush the affected area with water for a minimum of 15 minutes. It’s important to rinse for this duration to thoroughly remove the hazardous substance from your skin or eyes. If you’re unsure of the chemical, continue rinsing until medical professionals arrive.

5. Seek Medical Assistance • After rinsing, seek medical attention even if you feel fine.

Hazardous chemicals may have soaked into your skin, and you could still experience delayed effects.

6. Report the Incident • After using the safety shower, report the incident to your supervisor or safety officer. This is crucial for documenting and investigating the incident, as well as improving safety measures.

7. Shower Inspection and Maintenance • Weekly, inspect and operate the safety showers to ensure they are in a working condition and the water is flushed through the unit. This will also verify the correct operation.

Report any malfunctions and repair promptly. These showers should also be maintained and sterilised every six months or sooner if required.

Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024 73

Promotional Feature

Carrington Textiles: Exhibiting stretch flame resistant textile innovations in the Middle East Adlington, United Kingdom: Global manufacturer of flame resistant fabrics, Carrington Textiles, is exhibiting its latest developments in stretch FR and sustainable workwear products, at Intersec in Dubai in January 2024.

The company’s latest innovation, Flametougher 290AS Flex, represents a significant advancement in electrical arc flash protection with a composition of CORDURA® nylon 6,6 to ensure certified strength as well as EOL fibres by XLANCE® for elasticity and comfort. This innovative stretch flame resistant fabric is designed to provide enhanced safety for professionals working in environments where electrical arc flashes pose a significant risk.

Additionally, Carrington Textiles is showcasing a range of new flame resistant products, including Flameflex 300AS, Flametuff Satin 250 AS, as well as Flameshield Satin 425 developed to achieve an impressive class 2 rating for welding protection. These products offer superior protection against flames and heat, ensuring the safety of workers in high-risk industries.

Furthermore, the textile manufacturer is extending its range of lightweight inherent FR fabrics from the Flameban family incorporating Lenzing fibres, an ecofriendly alternative containing a cellulosic base generating moisture management properties. This blend not only enhances comfort but also provides exceptional flame resistance, making it an ideal choice for professionals seeking both protection and comfort.

Continuing Carrington Textiles’ commitment to sustainability, the company is exhibiting at Intersec 2024 its new Tahoe as part of the stretch workwear fabric range containing 29% REPREVE® recycled polyester. Tahoe boasts a remarkable 20% stretch due to the inclusion of 4% EOL fibres by XLANCE®. This eco-friendly

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Flametougher 290AS Flex

workwear textile not only reduces environmental impact but also offers the flexibility and durability needed for demanding work environments. With these innovations, Carrington Textiles continues to prioritise safety, comfort, and sustainability in its product offerings.

Carrington Textiles’ Sales Director, Paul Farrell, says: “Attending Intersec presents an excellent opportunity for us to showcase our extensive range of products in the market, including textiles from our workwear and flame-resistant collections,

as well as our NFPA2112 fabrics. Our participation in the event enables us to strengthen existing relationships with customers and partners while also exploring new business prospects in this exciting region.”

To find out more about Carrington Textiles’ new developments, visit their stand at Intersec in the Dubai World Trade Centre, from the 16th until 18th January in hall 7, stand G12, or visit carrington.co.uk.

Hotels

More European hotels should have sprinklers State of the art hotel fire protection includes sprinklers but too many European hotels are without them, writes ALAN BRINSON, Executive Director, European Fire Sprinkler Network

WHY TALK ABOUT THIS NOW? Emerging from Covid Europe has rediscovered that it is still the world’s number one tourist destination. Its major cities are packed once again with visitors but many are staying in hotels with lower fire safety standards than in their home countries. Europe is risking its reputation and it is time to say that when it comes to hotel fire safety, we can and should do better. Sprinklers should become a core fire safety measure for European hotels.

When we travel we can select a hotel based on many criteria but the level of fire safety is not one of them. While we can assume that hotels meet local fire safety regulations what does that mean in practice? Few countries have fire safety regulations specific to hotels and those that do exist are old, often reflecting thinking from more than 50 years ago. Yet hotel guests can be more vulnerable to fire than occupants of other apparently similar buildings, such as offices and apartment buildings. Firstly they are unfamiliar with the building, so may not know where to find alternative escape routes; secondly unlike in an office they may be asleep, so respond more slowly to an alarm; and thirdly they cannot assume other guests will help them to evacuate. In an office periodic fire drills clarify who needs assistance to evacuate and plans can be made. In an apartment building this may not be formalised but neighbours will know who needs help.

Not so in a hotel. Moreover, as our populations age and obesity becomes more common, the proportion of occupants who may need assistance to evacuate from a fire is increasing. The Grenfell Tower Inquiry revealed that a quarter of the residents needed assistance to evacuate. This may also apply to hotels, particularly if they host a party of elderly guests or other group with disabilities. If the fire safety design makes allowances for them at all, it expects them to stay in refuges until assistance arrives, yet there is typically only one refuge space for a wheelchair user per storey, on the escape stair landing.

Hotel fires are not only a danger for guests who are asleep.

Larger hotels host events at which hundreds of people may be present. Some of the worst hotel fire disasters have involved groups of guests who were awake and trapped in the building.

High-rise fires are especially dangerous. Firefighters say that above about 20m they cannot fight a fire externally. To fight a fire inside a building they first establish a bridgehead, typically two storeys below the fire, with spare breathing apparatus cylinders and a backup crew. This takes time, during which the fire grows and people above it can be trapped. This means that in hotels higher

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than the height threshold for external firefighting there is a step increase in risk. Many codes recognise this and impose sprinklers in high-rise hotels to prevent fire and smoke spread, reducing the risk to an acceptable level.

BENEFITS OF SPRINKLERS Fire safety professionals will be well aware of the benefits of sprinklers but it is worth emphasising how they are particularly relevant to hotels.

Sprinklers operate early, while the fire is still small. They control the fire, preventing its growth and spread, or extinguish it. Where sprinklers do not extinguish the fire they cool the hot smoke and fire gases, causing them to contract and reducing room overpressure. It is pressure that causes smoke to spread, forcing its way through the gaps around closed doors and through inadequately sealed compartment penetrations for plumbing, wiring and ventilation. Not only do sprinklers reduce the amount of smoke produced, they also reduce its tendency to spread.

This has been demonstrated with fire tests in Belgium1 and The Netherlands2. As it is smoke that kills most fire victims, this ability of sprinklers to limit smoke propagation is a major contribution to life safety outside the room where the fire starts. Guests unable to self-evacuate can safely wait for assistance in their rooms or in refuges.

Recently in France 11 guests with disabilities died in a fire in a three-storey hostel3. None of those who died was sleeping on the ground floor. Although it has been reported that the building was unlicensed and did not comply with regulations, French authorities increasingly accept sprinklers as a compensatory measure and we know that such loss of life has never occurred in a sprinklered hotel.

By limiting fire size and smoke evolution, sprinklers also improve the chances of those unable to leave the room of fire origin. Testing 20 years ago in the UK4, supported by many anecdotal examples, show that in most cases those who remain in the room with the fire can survive when sprinklers are fitted.

Sprinklers are an important part of fire safety redundancy, a safety net making up for errors in other measures, including façades. Even where hotels have experienced major façade fires, such as the Address Downtown Hotel in Dubai5, sprinklers have prevented fire deaths. To be clear, we are not suggesting that substandard facades are acceptable if sprinklers are fitted.

NFPA is the only source of data on the effectiveness of sprinklers in hotels. NFPA found that wet pipe sprinklers eliminated hotel fire deaths.6 Another benefit of sprinklers is the reduction in fire damage, which NFPA found to average 70% for direct property damage in hotels and insurers say is over 80% for all buildings once other losses such as business interruption are included.

For a major hotel brand, a serious fire would be the worst possible publicity. For a single hotel, a major fire could lead to bankruptcy.

Hotels

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Figure 1. Sprinkler threshold heights for hotels in Europe

LEGISLATION Most European countries require sprinklers in high-rise hotels and it is noticeable that there are very few major high-rise hotel fires in Europe. High-rise hotels also tend to be large and are often upmarket, so their fire safety measures extend beyond the minimum imposed by regulations. It is still unfortunate that in some countries those regulations do not require sprinklers in high-rise hotels, while in others the sprinkler threshold height is too high, well beyond the approximately 20m height limit at which firefighters can externally attack the fire, with implications as discussed above. Figure 1 shows a selection of sprinkler threshold heights for hotels in European countries. Norway is the only country to require sprinklers in all new hotels, while Italy does not have a threshold height. Surprisingly, nor does the UK, although it does have a height threshold for apartments (0-11 m depending on jurisdiction) and offices (30 m).

Sadly, Europe does still experience major hotel fires. Generally, they occur in cheaper hotels. Expense is the main reason that more European hotels are not sprinklered. That said, the cost per night over the lifetime of a sprinkler system is less than €0.50. Nevertheless, we have responded to this concern with the introduction in 2019 of EN 16925, the European Residential Sprinkler Design, Installation and Maintenance standard7. Using this standard, smaller European hotels of up to four storeys or 18m in height can fit sprinklers at considerably lower cost than in the past, while complying with a national standard. Hotels are periodically refurbished and that would be an ideal time to fit sprinklers.

I have often been asked why I do not go to Brussels and get European legislation passed to force or at least encourage hotels to fit sprinklers. Some years ago I tried and learned that fire safety is a national legislative competency, meaning that Member States (national governments) within the EU are responsible for their fire safety regulations. European legislation would only be possible if they agree to it. About 50% of hotel nights in the EU are taken by guests from a foreign country, so there is some justification for a common European approach and I found support among some MEPs and officials. However, when the European Commission put the question to Member States, only a minority were in favour.

This division of powers is mirrored in the US where it is the States rather than the Federal Government which have jurisdiction over fire safety. Nevertheless the Federal Government is responsible for

the safety of its own employees and in passing the Hotel and Motel Fire Safety Act8, obtained authority to specify which hotels it would approve for their travel. To get on the list, hotels generally must be fitted with sprinklers. Many hotels then voluntarily fitted sprinklers to retain business. Unlike the US Federal Government, European bodies do not employ millions of people so such a law would have little impact here. Europe did produce a Recommendation on hotel fire safety in 19869 but it confined itself to passive fire protection and was ignored by some Member States.

EUROPEAN SPRINKLERED HOTELS There are more sprinklered hotels in Europe than many of us realise. As those who have attended EFSN conferences know, we only hold them in sprinklered venues. I urge you to do the same, using the soft power we hold, by staying and holding events in sprinklered hotels. To make them easier to find the EFSN maintains a list on eurosprinkler.org of over 700 sprinklered European hotels.

This list needs an update. If you are aware of any hotels that have been fitted with sprinklers over the past five years please send the hotel details to me at brinson@eurosprinkler.org This article was first published in the October Issue of Sprinkler Outlook.

1 Brandveiligheid in ouderenvoorzieningen, Exova Warrington Fire Gent & Universiteit Gent, Belgium 2016 2 Rookverspreiding in woongebouwen, J. Ebus et al, Instituut Fysieke Veiligheid, Arnhem, Netherlands, 2021 3 La Forge, Witzenheim, France, 9 August 2023 4 Effectiveness of sprinklers in residential premises, C. Williams et al, BRE, UK, 2004 5 Address Downtown Hotel, Dubai, UAE, 31 December 2015 6 U.S. Experience with Sprinklers, M. Ahrens, National Fire Protection Association, USA, 2017 7 EN 16925 Fixed firefighting systems – Automatic residential sprinkler systems – Design, installation and maintenance, CEN, Brussels, Belgium, December 2018 8 Hotel and Motel Fire Safety Act of 1990, Public Law 101-391, 101st Congress, Washington, DC, USA 9 86/666/EEC: Council Recommendation of 22 December 1986 on fire safety in existing hotels, Official Journal of the European Communities, Brussels, Belgium

Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024 77

IFSM

Building Log Books for managing fire safety Here Malcolm Thomas, Building Surveyor & Council Member of IFSM illustrates why some surveyors, architects and engineers have for many years campaigned for ‘log books’ to be lodged for each completed new building, recording all the information used in the design and construction, with the intention that it be continually updated and passed on with a change in ownership.

One of the biggest and most unfathomable frustrations in managing the maintenance and retrofitting of all types of existing buildings, is the unavailability of as-built plans, specifications and construction records generally. Such information is vitally useful for asset management during the life of the building, not least of which is managing fire safety. Experience tells us that there has to be a mandatory system in place at a national level to produce these log books and to keep them refreshed.

Following a series of serious fires in residential blocks in many parts of the world over recent years, building owners have faced regulatory changes requiring them to re-evaluate the risks posed by the construction of external walls and cladding in particular. Government agencies in some countries have developed and published methodologies aimed at helping owners and their agents achieve consistency in adopting a rigorous approach to appraising the fire safety risks posed in external walls. Whilst this applies primarily to residential buildings - where safety to life is paramount - similar principles can be applied to other building types, such as those in healthcare, education, workplaces and buildings with public access in particular.

A key part of this process involves gathering relevant historic information on the construction and subsequent retrofitting of the building as part of the holistic approach to the risk appraisal.

But this is where fire engineers and building professionals hit the buffers. More often than not, and surprisingly even for relatively new buildings, there is little if any useful information available from the

78 Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024

owners and property managers. Inevitably consultants have to resort to recommending the costly investigative opening up of external walls in order to determine the materials and components used and to assess their likely fire performance.

Admittedly the opening up also reveals the adequacy of the design and the quality of the workmanship applied to the construction assembly; as built documentation can only ever show what the intended specification was to be.

What would a log book comprise?

The online ‘log book’ would contain all the design team information required for the assembly of the structure, fabric and building service installations, including compliance with building codes, standards and guidance. As far as the fire safety engineering in concerned, it would include the original fire strategy and subsequent modifications, together with technical details of the services installed, their maintenance and servicing. Typically this would include protection to structure, compartmentation, fire stopping, means of escape, warning and suppression systems, smoke control, emergency lighting and fire service support.

This documentation would be complemented by details of the composition of external walls, manufacturers product literature, fire performance test results and classification.

Detailed construction drawings and specifications would include critical dimensions and they should record variations to the design during construction, reflecting for example availability of materials and components and changes where clashing of structure and building envelope were not foreseen at design stage.

The technology for digitally recording the information has been available since the 1980s. The industry has been using computer aided design and databases since that time and latterly we have been designing large buildings using Building Information Modelling (BIM) technologies.

Virtual modelling offers opportunities for improved understanding of the entire life cycle of a building and increases the predictability of asset performance. BIM will be of immense value in the care and maintenance of buildings.

BIM enables the design and build team to construct a virtual building where the designs are in 3D and integrated with the mechanical and electrical design, civil and structural engineering and cost control, so that every member of the team are working in one model. The BIM model of course is only as good as the design, specification and cost information put into it.

BIM which links with an asset management software can retrieve information quickly on equipment data, service manuals, equipment performance, warranties, manufacturer contacts, and video footage demonstrating installation and maintenance procedures of plant and equipment.

The information that is developed and collected during the design and the construction of a building is uniquely important to the team that is responsible for maintenance and operation.

This data, however, is frequently inadequately stored and this creates an ineffective, costly, and disorganized information system. BIM facilitates the exchange of information with building managers throughout the life of a building to overcome this problem. Software as a Service’ (SAAS) cloud-based solutions are now available which seek to extend the value of BIM throughout the lifecycle of the building, by integrating information and making it instantly available in the form of data-rich online models.

The primary objective of property maintenance is to maximise the physical life of existing buildings. This is achieved through a maintenance practice designed to anticipate all of the maintenance requirements through the whole of the extended physical life of a building.

Accessible, current and comprehensive information is essential for operational and strategic management of a property estate.

The need to predict events in the future life of a property – rather than simply wait for them to happen – was a key driver in the development of property asset information systems, which are capable of providing detailed analysis of the property portfolio. The widespread adoption of BIM now provides the opportunity for building owners to take property care including managing fire safety to a much higher level.

The environment

How wildfires are impacting on the environment the wildfire headlines of 2023 were largely dominated by the deadliest wildfire in US history, on Maui Island, Hawaii.

It’s estimated that around 100 people died, with 338 people missing. The fires on the island spread quickly because of high winds from a passing hurricane, and by night fall the fire was spreading to quickly to escape by car. When the fires were eventually extinguished, entire towns had been lost, and hospitals where overrun with patients suffering from effect of smoke inhalation. Wildfire smoke is a mixture of toxic pollutants such as fine particles measured as PM2.5, ozone, aromatic hydrocarbons and lead, as well as large quantities of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses. As well as having a potential impact on climate change, and therefore creating a feedback loop, the emissions can also have a huge impact on public health for the surrounding areas in the immediate aftermath.

Getting the most accurate information on how wildfires effect pollution levels annually is difficult. For instance, the 2019-2020 Australian bushfire season was exceptionally severe and resulted in significant emissions of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2). The estimates regarding the exact increase in parts per million (ppm) of greenhouse gases specifically attributed to this wildfire season can vary based on different analyses and methodologies used for calculations. A study published in the Nature Climate Change journal estimated that the Australian wildfires released around 830 million tons of CO2 during the 20192020 season. This amount of CO2 emissions alone contributed up to 3% of the total global CO2 emissions for that year. As for the specific increase in ppm of CO2 in the atmosphere due to

these wildfires, it’s a bit more complex. The annual increase in CO2 concentrations is usually measured globally and is affected by various natural and human-induced factors, not solely wildfires.

Therefore, while the Australian wildfires were a significant contributor to the overall increase in CO2 levels for that specific year, pinpointing the exact rise in ppm attributed only to those fires might be challenging. Additionally, the ppm levels of CO2 have been rising steadily on average by approximately 3ppm every year for the last 10 years.

The years between 2018 and 2021 conform to that trend, but other factors need to be taken into consideration when looking at the data. While it might appear that there was no significant change to the rise in CO2 levels in the atmosphere by the end of this particular wildfire season, it also coincides with the Covid-19 pandemic, which caused massive reductions in air travel. In 2019 the air travel industry was estimated to be responsible for 915 million metric tons of CO2 emission – around 3% of global CO2 emission. In 2020 the industry produced less than one third of that, meaning that without the pandemic the Australian wildfires that season could be said to have caused a spike in the data that year.

By combining field measurements, satellite data and modelling techniques scientists are able to create carbon accounting models to give an estimate of CO2 emissions from wildfires. These models consider factors such as the type of vegetation burned, fire behaviour, fuel loads, combustion efficiency, and environmental conditions. By integrating various data inputs, these models can provide estimates of CO2 emissions from wildfires. This give us an understanding of how these burnings negatively impact air quality.

Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024 81

The environment

World map on NASA FIRMS satellite wildfire detection service showing wildfires as red dots

Once a wildfire has been contained, scientists can also conduct post-fire assessments to measure the extent of damage, collect samples, and estimate the carbon content of the burned biomass.

This data helps refine emission estimates and validate models used to calculate CO2 emissions. Likewise, national and international agencies such as NOAA and Copernicus, compile data from various sources to create inventories of CO2 emissions from wildfires and combinations of these data can give us a better understanding of the impact on air quality from wildfires.

When vegetation and other organic matter burn, they release tiny particles into the air. These particles, known as particulate matter (PM), include ash, soot, and other substances. PM can be of varying sizes; the smaller particles, particularly PM2.5 (particles smaller than 2.5 micrometres), can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause respiratory issues. Increased PM levels during wildfires lead to decreased air quality and health problems for people in affected areas. A 2021 study of observational evidence from Southern California looked at the how wildfire smoke impacts public health more than PM2.5 from than other sources, and in its conclusion pointed to the need for air quality policies to take into consideration the differences in PM2.5 impacts on human health according to the sources of emission. These particles are so small that once inhaled they can enter the bloodstream and effect vital organs around the body, including the lungs, leading to long term health issues.

The differences in toxicity of wildfire PM2.5 is still being researched, but initial findings from animal toxicology reports point to wildfire specific PM2.5 being having a higher toxicity and create more free radicals that ambient PM2.5 from other sources. This is a big problem for fire workers, a study of a “mop up crew” at a forest fire showed the 14% of exposures to total particulate matter exceeded the OSHA ceiling limit. Additionally, studies suggest that fire workers may be exposed to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. For instance, a study of carbon monoxide concentrations near fire workers downwind from a North Carolina fire measured peak levels of carbon monoxide at 500 ppm with average exposures at 75 ppm. If this is how wildfire smoke effect those with PPE to deal with it, we can only imagine what effect it has on civilians and animals trying to flee.

Another study looking at the boreal fires in North America and Eurasia during 2021 shows that these fires are even more damaging than mega-fires see in Australia in 2019 and 2020. Many of these fires go unnoticed by the rest of the world as they are largely in unpopulated areas on unmanaged lands. Normally these fire account for 10% of global fire CO2 emissions, but in 2021 they contributed 23%, approximately 0.48 billion metric tons or, almost half a gigaton of carbon - twice as much as global air travel that year. According to Copernicus, data from the region in 2023 is

82 Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024

already showing us a record-breaking year. At COP 28 in Dubai, King Charles III used his opening speech to highlight that Canada alone had suffered a record-breaking year regarding wildfires, with over 18.5 million hectares burnt. Burning on such scale means the loss of hundreds of thousands of animals in the region. But CO2 isn’t the only greenhouse gas released from Boreal fires which are particularly bad for methane (CH4) levels.

A study published in 2018 in the journal Nature Geoscience estimated that globally, wildfires, including boreal fires, contribute around 5-10 teragrams (Tg) of methane per year. However, it’s important to note that this estimate includes wildfires from various regions worldwide and not solely from boreal forests. The significance of methane in boreal fires though is that approximately 30% of these forests are on peatland, and when peatlands burn, the combustion of the organic matter, particularly in deeper layers of peat, can lead to the release of methane as part of the decomposition process. Compared to fires burning on other types of vegetation or forest floors without peat, peat fires have the potential to release more methane due to the decomposition of the carbon-rich peat layers. The depth and extent of burning into the peat layers can significantly influence the amount of methane emitted during and after the fire.

While CO2 is the primary greenhouse gas from fires, the release of methane from peat fires is of particular concern due to its higher heat-trapping potential compared to CO2 over shorter timescales.

Another problem with peat fire is that they have the ability to burn underground in so called “zombie fires” during the winter months and pop up again in the spring, with how knows how much burning under the land.

Wildfires have significant impacts on both local and global air quality, contributing to various pollutants and affecting human health, ecosystems, and the environment. As well as contributing to their own feedback loop, adding greenhouse gases into the atmosphere which worsen conditions attributed to causing wildfires, they can also cause respiratory issues, and worsen existing health conditions, posing risks to people’s health in nearby communities, and for those working on the front line to manage and extinguish them. Wildfires have a wider impact on air quality beyond the immediate vicinity. Smoke and pollutants from large wildfires can be carried by winds over long distances, affecting air quality in distant regions and crossing national borders. These pollutants, when transported globally, contribute to regional and global air quality degradation, effecting the health of people globally. Efforts to manage and mitigate wildfires, monitor air quality, and reduce emissions from these events are essential for protecting public health, but more analysis or their impact on public health, as well as climate change, is much needed.

SKY TRADING Your Trusted Partner in Fire Safety

FIRE VALVES FIRE HOSE

In an era where advanced technology and sustainability define the future, Sky Trading is a trusted partner in fire safety. We bring cutting-edge firefighting products designed to prevent and manage fire incidents efficiently.

With a dedicated team of experienced engineers, we manufacture high-quality products, including fire valves, pipes, fire cabinets, sprinklers and fitting, ensuring unmatched quality and control over our supply chain. This dedication makes us one of the few brand owners who can guarantee the best for our customers.

Our strategic partnerships across local distributors, contractors, and government entities enhance our brand visibility and fortify our market presence through valuable insights and joint ventures. We ensure the safety and satisfaction of our customers.

Our commitment to sustainability isn't just a promise – it's a practice. Our environmentally friendly and energy-efficient products are tailored to meet the growing needs of a market that values eco-consciousness.

Choose Sky Trading, and join us in our journey towards a safer, more technologically advanced future in fire protection.

FZJOBB2003, Jafza 1, Jebel Ali, Dubai, UAE TEL: (+971) 501775536

E-MAIL: info@dks-grp.com

5 ANWAR EL-MOFTI STREET, NASR CITY, CAIRO 11371, EG TEL: (+20) 22 0750 366 - (+20) 100 611 33 16 E-MAIL: INFO@SKY-ICT.COM WWW.SKYTRADING-EG.COM

FIRE HYDRANTS HOSE REEL

STEEL PIPES

BEST SELLER

High performance cables

The Cable Value Chain A new report on the Cable Value Chain has been published by the BASEC Cable Quality Assurance Forum. It provides a review of the challenges surrounding the manufacture, supply, design, specification, procurement and installation of cables in buildings and the risk of poor quality, substandard and unapproved cables entering the market.

This valuable report can be downloaded here http://bit.ly/48gQYp0.

The report provides a series of practical recommendations that the construction and cable industries and government can take to drive best practice. These recommendations are presented in the Executive Summary…

The BASEC Cable Quality Assurance Forum was convened in April 2023 to review the challenges surrounding the manufacture, supply, design, specification, procurement and installation of cables in buildings and the risk of poor quality, substandard and unapproved cables entering the UK market. The Forum has made a series of practical recommendations and this report sets out actions that the construction and cable industries, relevant institutions and associations, and government can take to drive best practice.

Key recommendations: 1. Encourage cable products to meet standards higher than the minimum building and wiring regulations requirements in the UK. This can be achieved through higher standards, certification, quality assurance, innovation, and responsibility.

2. Improve the safety and quality of cables, through greater transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain, increased testing and certification compliance, and more rigorous enforcement of existing regulations and standards. To achieve this, a collaborative effort is required from stakeholders across the cable supply chain, alongside increased government oversight and enforcement.

84 Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024

3. The UK government should continue to support and enhance the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) to highlight its importance in improving fire safety and ensuring buildings are safe and fit for purpose. Further guidance is needed on the application of CPR for cables, possibly informed by market research to determine the level of understanding of cable CPR requirements.

4. AVCP System 1+ category cables should be used in highrisk and high-rise residential buildings with a higher fire risk. The Forum also recommends that ‘fire survival cables’ used in emergency systems should be considered under CPR and their flame retardance assessed to reduce the risk of these cables contributing to fire spread.

5. Government and industry should seek to mandate independent thirdparty certification of cables where appropriate and adds clear value to the supply chain. This is crucial to minimising the risk of latent defects in cables.

6. Comprehensive action is needed to ensure cable specifications are not changed or compromised. This should include clear documentation, defined responsibilities, regular inspections, quality assurance, training and education, and clear communication protocols.

7. A rigorous approach is needed to prevent approved and certified cables specified at the design stage from being changed or substituted for cheaper or uncertified products. This will include regular inspections, quality control processes, monitoring the supply chain, using tamper-proof labelling and packaging, providing training and education, and establishing penalties for non-compliance.

8. Quality assurance should be implemented by increasing transparency in the supply chain and developing a more robust testing and certification regime. This includes improving the competency of those involved in the design, installation, and maintenance of cable systems.

9. A thorough process is required to improve the traceability of cables and verify that authentic cables installed on site were specified at the design stage. This may include sample selection, documentation review, label verification, physical inspection, electrical testing, and documentation of results.

10. Clients, designers and main contractors should take comprehensive action to address the risk of sub-contractors and electricians installing nonapproved and uncertified cables. This may include setting specification requirements, supplier approval and procurement, quality control processes, training and education, site inspections, documentation and record-keeping, and imposing of penalties and consequences. By implementing these recommendations and stepping up activities in areas including training and education, the cable and construction industries can continuously raise their performance and drive customer benefits.

For the UK cable industry, these recommendations can promote improved product standards, working practices and innovation, paving the way for cable quality and value to gain greater recognition in the construction industry.

For the construction industry clients, and end users; these recommendations can enable greater quality assurance and project delivery, cost efficiency, performance and safety improvements.

They can enhance consumer confidence and enable specifiers and purchasers to make more informed decisions, ultimately helping to drive higher standards and quality assurance throughout the cable value chain.

Show Preview

Dubai World Trade Centre • 16 – 19 January 2024 85

PRODUCT SHOWCASES

SKY TRADING

STAND 3-G40

State-of-the-art firefighting products

STAND 3-D27

Smart rescue equipment and digital solutions

Get hands-on with our stateof-the-art firefighting products, showcasing how we integrate advanced technology and sustainability to meet the challenges of modern fire safety.

Our custom-made products are tailored to the unique demands of the GCC market. Crafted from premium materials, offering exceptional durability and ease of use, suitable for various firefighting environments.

Dive into a world of advanced fire safety with our top-tier fire cabinets, fire hoses, hose reels, fire valves, and steel pipes.

Aligning with international standards, from ISO, LPCB, FM Approvals, and UL Solutions. Understand our commitment to quality, customer satisfaction and safer infrastructures.

Engage with our expert team and get insights into our innovative technologies, including AI and VR integration.

Experience how these advancements enhance efficiency, speed, and safety in firefighting.

Join Sky Trading at Intersec to see how we shape the future of fire safety. Stand number 3-G40 skytrading-eg.com info@sky-ict.com

WEBER RESCUE SYSTEMS

WEBER RESCUE SYSTEMS is showcasing modern rescue equipment and digital solutions at Intersec 2024 in Dubai. “With over 40 years of expertise in the field, we have established ourselves as specialists in developing innovative and powerful rescue tools. Our guiding principle is providing “the right tool for the right situation,” and we are dedicated to offering a comprehensive one-stop shop for rescue systems”, states Head of Sales Rene Brandecker.

Among the special highlights are the SMART-FORCE batterypowered rescue devices, which offer a wide range of additional digital functions, and the innovative RSC cutter series, which can effortlessly cut through even extremely hard materials info@weber-rescue.com weber-rescue.com

(+20) 22 0750 366

VIKING

STAND 3-B22

Suppression systems plus detection & control systems

Come visit us at our booth 3-B22 in hall 3, within the German Pavillion or, if you prefer to engage in a detailed discussion with our experts... join us upstairs in the meeting rooms Hatta G & H. New in 2024: your opportunity to earn CPD points through attending one of our daily seminars! Viking will host two sessions per day, highlighting different aspects of our product portfolio and our take on industry insights across the Intersec showdays.

Speak to your local Viking contact to secure your attendance or schedule an individual meeting.

At the booth, we will highlight our broad product portfolio, ranging from sprinkler & deluge, water mist, foam and gas suppression systems to detection & control systems.

Our focus: Providing you with the finest products and highest level of support.

Viking is looking forward to welcoming you! viking-emea.com

86 Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024

TLX FIRE & SECURITY

STAND 4-G10

Actuation solutions for fire suppression systems TLX Fire & Security is a pioneer in the design and production of actuation solutions and integrated technologies for the global fire suppression market. All TLX actuators, solenoids, and valves for fire suppression feature an integrated supervisory component to meet regulatory standards for supervision, are resettable for future use, and can be configured to fit your individual system.

Stop by our booth to speak with a member of our team about our fire suppression actuators and our range of continuous weight monitoring solutions, which monitor the weight of the extinguishing agent in the system’s cylinders in real time. tlxfire.com sales@tlxtech.com

+1 262.372.2165

PRODUCT SHOWCASES

POTTER GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES

STAND 3-H22

A group with a common life safety focus

What Makes Us Unique Continuous product innovation, unmatched personal support, and a singular connection to the industry’s best life safety solutions are core competitive advantages and compelling reasons for partnering with our businesses. We connect you with the solutions you need to deliver a strong protection network for the environments you build, create, and maintain while helping you make better decisions through actionable data.

Let us show you a better way to deliver life safety through a partnership with Potter Global Technologies. potterglobaltech.com

STAND 3-G30

Firefighting foam concentrates Our full range of superior quality and environment friendly foams include FluoroProtein, Film forming (AFFF & FFFP), Synthetic F3 (Fluorine Free Foams) and Alcohol Resistant.

Large production capacity (200,000 litres daily), quality products, know-how and reliability distinguish PROFOAM as the universal leader of the foam manufacturers, giving the professional end users the quality assurance, they need where matters of safety are paramount.

PROFOAM is well-known for its : • Environmentally green products (Fluorine Free or C6 based) • Extremely short delivery terms • Expertise and availability in customers’ assistance The production plant is situated in Novara (near Milan in Italy) and the international sales office is located in Paris (France) where a professional team assists and advises the end users in the correct choice of the foam compound. profoam@profoam.fr profoam.fr

+33 144 086 656

STAND 5-A21

Piping components with European quality standards

Who We Are Potter Global Technologies is a group of businesses with a common life safety focus. Our brands provide an extensive range of fire alarm, fire sprinkler monitoring, critical communication and notification, and system power solutions worldwide.

PROFOAM

PIPING LOGISTICS

Piping Logistics produces and supplies piping components for fire sprinkler & HVAC installations including a wide range of grooved fittings, couplings and accessories combined with a growing range of valves and hoses. We strive for fast deliveries directly to your construction site. The R&D department focuses on design and development of Profit branded products to make fire protection and life easier, and above all safer.

“We know each of our customers and they count on us for flexible solutions and technical knowledge” The “PROFIT” brand has been established in the fire protection industry market for 15 years and more recently making a name in the HVAC industry as well.

The strategy of Piping Logistics is to provide our customers the best possible products for their installations. pipinglogistics.eu info@pipinglogistics.eu

+32 53 64 51 00

PATOL

Linear heat detection cables and infrared transit heat & flame sensors Patol will be showcasing its range of Firesense Linear Heat Detection Cables (LHDC), along with the Infrared Transit Heat and Flame Sensors at Intersec 2024.

Available in both analogue (resettable) and digital (non-resettable) options, Firesense cables are available in temperature ratings from 70°C to 240°C and cut to length.

While Firesense can be employed in many varied applications, it is particularly suited to situations characterised by harsh environmental conditions, where there is a physical or hazardous maintenance access constraint to protect the area, or where installation of the detection is required close to the risk.

The IR temperature sensors are designed to monitor and detect hot spots and embers from materials such as coal, biomass or recycled waste (which have the potential to self-ignite) as they are transported on conveyors. This enables prompt intervention to prevent potentially serious fires and substantial consequential losses. patol.co.uk

Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024 87

WELCOME

Dear fire professional Welcome to a special edition of Fire Middle East Magazine - Intersec 2024 It is with immense pleasure and excitement that I extend a warm welcome to all readers of Fire Middle East Magazine, especially for this special edition dedicated to Intersec 2024, the region’s premier international exhibition for fire, security, emergency services, safety, policing and cybersecurity.

As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Intersec, it brings me great pride to witness the evolution and growth of this event over the years. On behalf of our entire team, I am thrilled to have you join us on this extraordinary journey.

Intersec has become more than just an exhibition; it’s a testament to the collaborative efforts of the global fire safety community. Over the past 25 years, it has not only reflected the advancements in security technology but has also set the stage for innovation, knowledge-sharing, and industry connections. This special edition of Fire Middle East Magazine aims to capture the essence of Intersec 2024,

showcasing the vibrant landscape of the fire safety sector.

Intersec 2024 promises to be the largest edition yet, featuring over 1,000 exhibitors from more than 60 nations.

With a theme centered around ‘Innovating security tech for a quarter century,’ this landmark event is poised to bring together industry leaders, professionals, and enthusiasts to explore cutting-edge solutions and discuss the latest trends shaping the fire safety landscape.

Over 400 dedicated fire and safety exhibitors will occupy five halls at Intersec 2024, showcasing the international panorama of the fire and safety sector and establishing it as the second-largest sector of the event. An impressive 70% of the industry’s global market leaders are set to converge, offering unparalleled opportunities for industry professionals to engage and conduct business in the Middle East.

In addition to the bustling exhibition floors, Intersec 2024 offers an extensive conference programme addressing the

“Over 400 dedicated fire and safety exhibitors will occupy five halls at Intersec 2024, showcasing the international panorama of the fire and safety sector”

dynamic challenges and advancements in the fire safety sector. The conference provides a unique platform for industry experts, thought leaders, and practitioners to share their insights, engage in discussions, and explore collaborative solutions to evolving security issues.

The Fire & Rescue Conference at Intersec 2024, hosted by Dubai Civil Defense, is a knowledge-sharing platform addressing critical industry topics. Industry leaders, experts, and innovators will discuss Emergency Response Planning, Industrial Firefighting, Fire Safety in HighRise Structures, and more. Key speakers include Gary Barthram, Chief Fire Officer at Heathrow Airport, and Mohammed Saeefan from Saudi Aramco.

Intersec Awards 2024, a celebration of industry success, recognises excellence in the fire industry with categories like ‘Excellence in Fire Prevention’ and ‘Outstanding Safety Solutions.’ The gala ceremony brings together over 300 nominees, key players, and government representatives, strengthening industry relationships.

As Intersec 2024 unfolds, the fire and safety sector anticipates a convergence of innovation, excellence, and dedication. With live demonstrations, diverse exhibitors, and networking opportunities, Intersec remains the premier platform for professionals shaping the future of fire safety.

This edition of Fire Middle East Magazine aims to provide an insightful preview of the conference program, offering a glimpse into the invaluable knowledge that awaits our attendees.

Join us in celebrating this milestone edition of Intersec, where innovation, collaboration, and excellence converge to shape the future of fire safety.

Warm regards, Grant Tuchten Portfolio Director Messe Frankfurt Middle East

Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024 89

PRODUCT SHOWCASES

HOSEMONSTER

STAND 6-H10

Flow testing for the 21st century

(888) 202-9987

MSA SAFETY

STAND 7-D12

Established in 1914, MSA Safety is a global leader in the development, manufacture, and supply of safety products.

MSA Safety’s resources and technical expertise are dedicated to designing products that are versatile in their applications, comfortable, ergonomic, and easy to use and maintain. Discover our latest solutions for first responders, industrial workers, and law enforcement, including: • Connected Firefighter Suite, including the M1 SCBA • MSA Bristol Firefighter protective clothing • Head protection for fire and rescue operations • Industrial Head and Fall Protection PPE • Industrial Connected Work platform, and much more.

90 Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024

Inim designs, produces and markets a comprehensive range of fire & safety, security & comfort systems for residential, commercial and institutional buildings.

Our high-performance product line-up delivers advanced technology, extreme flexibility and, at the same time, ease of use.

This winning combination presents important advantages for installers and end users alike.

Inim is the Italian company. From design to production, from testing to marketing, every Inim product is made in Italy. Inim is present in Italy and abroad through authorised distributors.

Our desire is to create products which protect lives and futures. This is the rentless driving force behind Inim. Inim, the italian brand born for your total protection. inim.biz

Latest solutions for first responders

msasafety.com/contact-us

STAND 4-D12

Products which protect lives and futures

The Hose Monster Company is dedicated to elevating the fire protection industry to its absolute safest levels.

Since our founding in 1993, we have been proprietors of the best equipment in our field, including our patented Pitotless Nozzle technology: the safest, most efficient, and accurate way to test the flow of your water supply without the downtime of damaged pitot-tubes. Our equipment, software, and solutions are designed to save you time and manpower, giving you accurate information about the water supply available to fight fires at any given moment. Our FM approved flow measurement devices accurately read up to 11,724 LPM per line or as low as 213.6 LPM per line. Our fire pump tester software collects and stores your pump data, calculates flow rates, graphs test curves, and generates customized reports. The most advanced flow testing equipment in the industry comes from Hose Monster. service@hosemonster.com hosemonster.com

INIM

GMBH BRANDSCHUTZTECHNIK MÜLLER

STAND 3-B34

Revolutionary fire safety innovations We make your job faster and more effective. Our success story began in 1980 as a traditional family business. Since then, we have known that only close and long-term cooperation can bring success.

Our employees as well as our suppliers are part of our very own Made in Germany plan. If you are a testing service in the field of fire protection, a waste disposal company, a shipping company, run a production facility or work in a safety-relevant area, then you are our focus. We produce machines developed entirely for effective prevention of fire hazards. These include machines for suctioning and filling fire extinguishers of all sizes, testing and service devices for fire protection equipment and also units for filling carbon dioxide, which we have already supplied to more than 90 countries. In all our innovations, we attach great importance to cost-effectiveness, sustainability, ergonomics and a high degree of automation. High quality standards in the selection of materials make our systems and machines very robust, very durable and repairable.

Visit our virtual showroom or arrange an appointment at our German production facility. muellergermany.com/virtueller-showroom

PRODUCT SHOWCASES

ADVANCED

STAND 4-F22

Intelligent fire safety solutions

Fire protection coating systems for structural steel

A trusted UK manufacturer for more than 25 years, global fire systems specialist Advanced invites you to explore its extensive range of UL and EN-approved intelligent fire safety solutions.

Whether you’re protecting large, networked complexes or small, standalone premises, Advanced products offer power, performance and ease of use that put you in complete control of your fire protection.

Visitors to our stand can find out about the flexibility and versatility of Advanced solutions, including our UL-approved Axis AX fire system that makes light work of integrating smoke control and audio options, and Axis EN, the EN54-approved system that offers ease of programming and configuration – even when dealing with complicated cause and effect. There will also be the chance to see our range of wireless devices and learn why wireless and hybrid systems offer a robust and reliable solution for upgrade and retrofit projects. Delivering fire safety peace of mind for over 25 years. advancedco.com

GLOBAL FIRE EQUIPMENT

STAND 3-F10

Advanced addressable fire alarm control panels and detectors European manufacturer of complete fire safety systems, Global Fire Equipment (GFE), will showcase the latest additions to its product portfolio at INTERSEC 2024 on Stand F10 in Hall 3.

GFE’s experts will be on hand to showcase the company’s range of advanced addressable fire alarm control panels and detectors. Visitors to the stand will also hear about the benefits of working with a complete systems provider that has the latest approval – EN 54-13:2017+A1:2019.

Visitors will also hear about GFE’s latest product innovation across its industry-leading detectors, emergency lighting and graphical fire alarm monitoring, control and communications software. info@globalfire-equipment.com globalfire-equipment.com

HALL 3 – GERMAN PAVILION

AUDAX

+351 289 896 560

RENITHERM® fire protection coating systems for structural steel save buildings, properties and lives! – We are exhibiting at Intersec 2024. In 2016 AUDAX-Keck GmbH merged with Rudolf Hensel GmbH. The aim of the merger is to use current synergies to the benefit of their customers. Under the brand name RENITHERM® innovative fire protection coatings for indoor and outdoor use on structural steel, tested according to British Standard BS476 : Part 21 are offered.

The merger with Hensel provides access to RENITHERM®, HENSOTHERM® and HENSOMASTIK® fire protection coating systems for steel, concrete, wood and fire penetration seals and will therefore benefit from both companies’ decades of experience and in full compliance of EN ISO 9001 standard.

RENITHERM® is a brand of the Rudolf Hensel GmbH. – Fire protection solutions to suit your individual requirements.

RENITHERM® saves buildings and lives. werbeform.de contact-rh@rudolf-hensel.de

+49 40 72 10 62-48

HOCHIKI

STAND 4-B22

Intelligent & reliable life safety solutions

Hochiki is a leading provider of innovative, Japanese designed life safety solutions, specialising in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of state-of-the-art fire detection and emergency lighting systems. With a rich heritage spanning over 100 years, Hochiki has established itself as a trusted name in the fire safety industry.

Its regional office located in Dubai, UAE, provides advanced fire detection and emergency lighting systems across the Middle Eastern region, serving diverse sectors including commercial, industrial, healthcare, education, and transportation. The Dubai team also provide customer product training and on-site consultation for a range of project types, across the region.

With a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction, Hochiki works closely with clients to understand their unique requirements and develop tailored solutions that ensure optimal fire safety for their premises.

Visit us at Intersec 2024, stand 4-B22. Our team will be displaying a selection of UL, FM, and EN approved equipment, including our latest Emergency Lighting System, FIREscape Nepto. hochiki.ae

Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024 91

Delivering fire safety peace of mind for over 25 years.

Discover our range at

Hall 4 | Stand F22 – Dubai World Trade Centre – 16-18 January 2024

Our products are approved by one or more of these approval bodies.

Advanced – made in the UK. Trusted around the world.

Contact us to discuss your fire safety requirements: advancedco.com | enquiries@advancedco.com | +44 (0)345 894 7000

WELCOME

25-year milestone … a celebration of more than two decades of unmatched success and a record number of exhibitors

With Exhibitor numbers 20% higher than 2023, and more than 45,000 trade visitors from around the world, the 2024 edition of Intersec 2024 will be the largest ever, with increased support from key UAE Government bodies reinforcing the importance of safety, security and fire safety technology in the MENA region.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the silver jubilee edition of Intersec will host 1,000 exhibitors from more than 60 nations, with around a quarter of these appearing for the first time. Occupying 13 halls at DWTC, the exhibition signifies a 20 per cent growth compared to 2023, reaffirming its status as a critical hub for global safety, fire protection and security industries.

Uniting buyers, sellers, and decisionmakers under one roof in Dubai, Intersec provides a dynamic forum for networking, deal-making, and unveiling of cutting-edge technology and innovations.

Every aspect of Intersec is affiliated with the relevant UAE government entities,

demonstrating the commitment of the UAE Government to these important industries with the Dubai Civil Defence actively participating in the Fire & Rescue element of Intersec and the Dubai Municipality supporting the safety sector.

Event features will place innovation and digital security under the spotlight and encompass five broad product sections: Fire & Rescue, Safety & Health, Commercial & Perimeter Security, Homeland Security & Policing, and Cyber Security, offering tailored solutions for each industry segment under one roof. This year’s theme of ‘Innovating security tech for a quarter century’ will organically be evident in the Fire and Safety & Health Halls where those industry specialists will be exhibiting their latest technology and innovative advances.

Alex Nicholl, Group Commercial Director at Intersec organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “We look forward to providing a platform for bringing the leading industry players together for three days of discovery, networking, knowledge sharing and most of all, driving the industry forward.”

“The conferences and workshops serve as the intellectual heartbeat of Intersec, providing a platform where pressing issues are dissected, innovative solutions are unveiled, and the seeds of progress are sown,” Alex Nicholl, Group Commercial Director, Messe Frankfurt Middle East

1,000+ exhibitors

60+ nations

+20% growth from 2023

The Fire & Rescue Conference, hosted

by Dubai Civil Defence, will discuss strategies and best practices across topics such as emergency response planning, fire safety and compliance and community engagement.

In addition there will be high-impact security focussed conference programmes and the Safety & Health Conference emphasising workplace safety and wellbeing.

“These conferences and workshops serve as the intellectual heartbeat of Intersec, providing a platform where pressing issues are dissected, innovative solutions are unveiled, and the seeds of progress are sown,” added Nicholl.

“Moreover, the Intersec Awards will recognise outstanding achievements across key sectors, and The Premium Club will provide a key networking programme for industry professionals”.

Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024 93

PRODUCT SHOWCASES

EVERLUX

STAND 4-H12

Photoluminescent safety signage solutions!

Everlux is back at Dubai to exhibit at Intersec 2024!

From the 16th to the 18th of January, our team and our brandnew and attractive stand will be welcoming visitors to learn more about the Everlux extensive range of photoluminescent safety signage solutions.

In our innovative stand, visitors will find: Signs in Compliance with the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice; UL Listed Exit Signs and Egress Path Marking Systems; Low Location Lighting (LLL) Systems; Everlux AL – for tunnels and the Excellence by Everlux – Safety Signage for Luxury and Prestigious Environments.

Everlux will be located at stand 4-H12 and includes thealready iconic, luminance simulation tunnel, where you can have a safe evacuation experience!

We are looking forward to, once again, meeting all our customers, friends and make new acquaintances from the Middle East market in our first major event of 2024. commercial@everlux.com everlux.com

+351 233 407 407

SHOOTFIRE BY VIMAL CONTROLS

STAND 4-G30

Vimal Fire Controls is a 42 year old leading fire safety company, commanding a global presence and epitomizing commitment to deploying cutting-edge technologies and ultramodern innovative solutions. We are an ISO certified company with capabilities including concept design, manufacturing, installation and commissioning upto after sales services.

We also provide Emergency Fire Services by Charter Air cargo flight during Fire disasters.

In our unwavering endeavor to develop new products, SHOOTFIRE has made several groundbreaking innovations including: • World’s First 10500 US GPM UL Listed Fire Foam Monitor • UL Listed Fire Foam Monitors from 250 gpm to 10500 gpm capacity • Automatic Hollow Metallic tube type linear heat detection with foam suppression system suitable for protection of Rim Seal area of floating roof storage tanks.

• UL Listed Inert Gas based Clean Agent System • And many more…………..

Saving Lives, Assets & Businesses globally worth Billions of Dollars. falgun@vimalfire.com +91 9821089265

STAND 2-D20

Air & Gas Compressors Since 1994, Nils & Abbas has been known for reliability. From sizing equipment, design rooms layouts and supplying air and gas compressors, vacuum pumps, steam boilers, cold water (cooling towers & chillers), and pneumatic automation.

In 2022, Nils & Abbas signed an agreement with Coltri to offer compressors and services in the whole Gulf.

Offering a full workshop facility and overhauling service in Dubai, Rusayl (Oman) and Riyadh.

Breathing air from Coltri in Italy and J. P Sauer in Germany are installed globally in firefighting applications as well as oil field and diving.

PET blowing compressors from SIAD and industrial air from CompAir, Nils & Abbas is the one stop for all pressure ranges from 1 to 400 bar.

An ISO 9001: 2008 Company highpressure@nilsabbas.com nilsabbas.com

VIMAL FIRE CONTROLS : THE FIRE EXPERTS

94 Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024

NILS & ABBAS

+971 4 339 0044

REACTON FIRE SUPPRESSION LTD

STAND 4-F39

Protecting UAE’s vehicles

Reacton is a leading global manufacturer of critical fire suppression systems. Dedication and commitment to consistent product quality, independent testing and global approvals, provides the peace of mind required to make Reacton your first choice for automatic fire suppression systems for vehicles, heavy plant, electrical panels and ground support equipment.

Our third-party accreditations give our customers the confidence in our systems that we have always had. We take pride in having the most reliable systems in the world with the service and support to back them up. reactonfire.com

PRODUCT SHOWCASES

HYTRANS

STAND 3-G41

Market leader in mobile water transport systems

Hytrans® is the global market leader in mobile water transport systems used for disaster relief. For 35+ years Hytrans® has been developing these systems, featuring hydraulically driven submersible pumps. The systems can be deployed within minutes and pump high volumes of water over long distances under high pressure.

With capacities up to 45.000 lpm at 12 bar, it enables fire brigades, civil defense, (petro-) chemical and nuclear industries all over the world to extinguish the largest fires effectively, reduce the impact of floods, or supply cooling water. With more than 1250 systems installed in over 50 countries, Hytrans® is proud to support the most demanding emergency response teams, together with their worldwide network of distributors.

Visit Hytrans® at the Intersec exhibition, booth 3-G41.

STAND 4-D24

Generate Confidence with products from Mavili Established in 1987, Mavili manufactures products in the field of Fire and Gas Detection. With 2 manufacturing facilities and 7 regional offices in Turkey, Mavili has products in over 70 countries worldwide that are produced in accordance with international standards and are approved by accredited organizations like LPCB. Thanks to our innovative and user-friendly solutions developed for integration with smart building technologies, we are the solution partner of many leading brands in the fields of CCTV, IP Camera, VMS/PSIM, Access Control, and BMS. Our Maxlogic & Mavigard brand fire alarm systems are ideal for many different types of spaces; from shopping centers to airports, from cargo ships to passenger ships, from large hotel chains to complex living spaces, hospitals, universities, and risky structures such as industrial facilities.

With a workforce of approximately 250 experts in their fields (Engineers, technicians and production staff), we continue to “Generate Confidence” in ensuring the safety of life and property. mavili.com.tr/en mavili@mavili.com.tr

STAND EP-A16 6-A12

Innovative Firefighting Solutions Since 1974

Bristol Fire Engineering, a key player in firefighting solutions since 1974, is a leading manufacturer in the Middle East. Part of the CCG, Bristol excels in innovative and dependable fire protection, offering a diverse range of products such as fire pumps, fire-rated doors, and firefighting systems.

The Bristol Vehicle Manufacturing Division specializes in crafting commercial vehicles, including rescue, firefighting, and ambulances, adapting to market needs for long-term customer satisfaction. Bristol’s Petrochemical and Oil & Gas emergency solutions encompass a variety of vehicles like Pumpers, Tankers, Rescue Trucks, and specialized units, ensuring comprehensive emergency response capabilities. bristol-fire.com

hytrans.com

MAVILI

BRISTOL FIRE ENGINEERING

BLOWHARD FANS

STAND 3-A40

Unleashing BlowHard Fans: Compact Power for Firefighters BlowHard fans redefine firefighting tools with a compact yet powerful solution.

Their revolutionary dual-powered PPV fans prioritize size, weight, and performance. Quickee, the 510mm-propeller marvel yet smallest in its class, outperforms larger competitors, ensuring efficiency without compromise.

Commando, our 610mm-propeller powerhouse, exceeds the performance of some gas-powered fans, providing unmatched versatility with extended runtime options.

Engineered to be “firefighter tough,” BlowHard fans boast over a decade of proven reliability, with an IP-67 rating for water damage protection. Despite heightened performance, reduced weight, and size, our fans remain competitively priced and are low-maintenance. Every interaction point is designed for ease, empowering firefighters with total value. From infinite attack angles to simple knob control, BlowHard fans simplify ventilation, allowing firefighters to focus on the complexities of their crucial work. Experience the future of firefighting tools with BlowHard— compact, powerful, and designed for unmatched performance. info@blowhardfans.com

Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024 95

Visit us at INTERSEC 2024 Hall 3 - E24

PROTECTING ICONIC LANDMARKS ACROSS THE MIDDLE EAST

www.firepro.com

FIRE & RESCUE CONFERENCE

The Fire & Rescue Conference At its core, the Fire & Rescue Conference during Intersec 2024 is a two day, dynamic programme of diverse presentations presented by an array of international fire safety professionals and practitioners.

Embracing the UAE’s unique market status, the conference will provide a wellstructured platform for participants to engage in thought-provoking discussions and gain valuable insights from industry experts.

KEY THEMES

Emergency response planning and management: Effective emergency response planning, coordination, and incident command

Building fire safety and compliance: Building design, construction, and retrofitting to meet and exceed fire safety standards and regulations

Fire safety in highrise and complex structures: Fire safety in tall buildings, skyscrapers, and complex architectural designs

Industrial firefighting and Hazmat response: Industrial fires, hazardous materials incidents, and chemical safety

Fire safety in critical infrastructure: Fire safety measures and emergency response plans for critical infrastructure, such as airports, hospitals, and power plants

Innovations in fire prevention and detection: Latest technology in fire prevention systems, early detection, and alarm systems to improve safety in various environments

Advanced firefighting technologies: Innovation in firefighting equipment, technology, and tactics to improve response and safety

Climate change and fire preparedness: The impact of climate change on wildfires and discuss strategies for preparedness, mitigation, and response

Community engagement and fire education: Essential community involvement in fire prevention, safety education, and building resilient communities

Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024 97

Meet us in Hall 5 Booth 11 16 – 18 January

FIRE & RESCUE CONFERENCE

DAY 1 16 JANUARY 2024

Time

Session

12:00 – 12:05

Opening remarks from the Chairperson

12:05 – 12:20

Keynote Address by the Patron

12:20 - 12:40

Revolutionising Fire Prevention with Data Analytics & Technology

12:40 – 13:00

Crafting Effective Crisis Response Plans: Collaboration and coordination of government authorities involved

13:00 – 13:20

Case study representation: Disaster and Emergency Planning in Ukraine

13:20 – 14:10

Panel Discussion: Advancing Safety in Energy Storage: Addressing Thermal Runaway Challenges

14:10 – 14:30

Case study presentation - Grenfell Tower Tragedy: Learning from the Past to Shape a Safer Future

14:30 – 15:20

Panel Discussion: Challenges in Safeguarding High-Rise Structures

15:20 – 15:40

Innovations in Building Design focusing on Green Buildings for Enhanced Fire Safety

15:40 – 16:00

Securing new tech: A focus on EV fires

16:00 – 16:20

Minimising the Operational Response Time and Strategizing Emergency Evacuation

16:20 – 16:40

Prioritizing Firefighter Safety and Health in a Dynamic Landscape

16:40 – 17:00

Advancements in Fire Safety: Pioneering Innovations and Cutting-Edge Technologies

16:15 – 16:20

Closing Remarks

Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024 99

FIRE & RESCUE CONFERENCE

DAY 2 17 JANUARY 2024

Time

Session

11:30 – 11:40

Opening Remarks from the Chairperson

11:40 – 12:00

The Future of Fire Safety in Smart Buildings

12:00 – 12:20

BIM in Fire Safety: Transforming Design, Response, and Resilience

12:20 – 12:40

Codes & Regulations: Keeping up with the speed of innovations

12:40 – 13:00

Thought Leadership Chat on Safeguarding Critical Facilities: Focus on the busiest airports in the world

13:00 – 13:50

Panel discussion: Ticking explosives in your plant - Organic Powder Hazard

13:50 – 14:10

Legislative Control and Firefighting Strategy to Ensure the Safety Standard of Super High-rise Buildings under Construction

14:10 – 14:30

AI, Robotics, Machine Learning, Sensors and more…

How are the emergency response services evolving with the tech evolution

14:30 – 14:50

NFCC focus: International Collaboration in Fire Safety

14:50 – 15:10

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Fire Safety

15:10 – 15:30

Training for Success - Best Practices in Fire Safety Education

15:30 – 15:50

Empowering Communities for Fire Prevention

15:50 – 16:10

Navigating the Impact of Global Warming on Firefighting Strategies and Operations

16:10 – 16:30

Leveraging Drones for Enhanced Fire Safety Management

16:30 – 16:40

Closing Remarks

Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024 101

PRODUCT SHOWCASES

OLYMPIA ELECTRONICS SA

STAND 3-H12

New & innovative safety electronics OLYMPIA ELECTRONICS SA., the largest Greek safety electronics manufacturer with many distinctions & participations in international exhibitions, will participate once again in the international exhibition INTERSEC 2024, which will take place from 16 – 18 January 2024 in Dubai. INTERSEC, the leading and most important global exhibition of security and emergency services returns with a resounding impact and the largest and most comprehensive world-class conference program ever experienced.

OLYMPIA ELECTRONICS SA will be represented by the Export Manager, Mr. Pantelis Adar and the Assistant Export Manager Mr. Nikolaos Adar - Mavridis. They will introduce you the new innovative products of our rich range, such as a new addressable emergency luminaires system, fire detection, wireless emergency luminaires system, remote monitoring solutions, etc. and the company’s new product solutions for the safety electronics industry.

OLYMPIA ELECTRONICS SA’s presence at INTERSEC 2024 will highlight our leading role in the security industry, and successfully continues our extroversion strategy.

STAND 4-E12

Leading innovation in life-safety industry

ATEIS Middle East is a pioneering manufacturer of public address, voice alarm, fire detection and alarm systems, based in the UAE with R&D in DSO offices.

In 2024, VELOX products will ship from a new Canadian factory, featuring cutting-edge firmware. ATEIS Middle East, guided by a vision to lead, revolutionizes life safety detection through VELOX fire alarm & detection.

VELOX CLOUD & VELOX Vita Synergy, dominates a growing market, positioning Velox Life Safety at the forefront of the Internet of Things (IoT) evolution, exemplifying innovation and commitment across 30+ countries globally. ateis.ae velox.ca

export@olympia-electronics.com olympia-electronics.com

CARRINGTON TEXTILES

ATEIS MIDDLE EAST & VELOX LIFE SAFETY

STAND 7-G12

AVENGER SYSTEMS

STAND 5-B11

New FR and sustainable textile developments

Learn what Avenger Systems can offer you

Carrington Textiles, a global flame resistant fabric manufacturer, is showcasing its latest textile innovations at Intersec 2024 in Dubai. Highlighting the Flametougher 290AS Flex, this product advances electrical arc flash protection, combining CORDURA® nylon for strength and XLANCE® EOL fibres for elasticity and comfort.

The company is also presenting its new flame resistant fabrics, including Flameflex 300AS, Flametuff Satin 250 AS, Flameshield Satin 425, as well as an inherent FR collection with Lenzing. In terms of sustainable workwear fabrics the textile manufacturing is introducing Tahoe, a stretch workwear fabric with REPREVE® recycled polyester.

These innovations underscore Carrington Textiles’ commitment to safety, comfort, and environmental responsibility.

Find out more on page 74.

Avenger Systems is an independently-owned Fire Detection and Suppression company operating in most regions around the world.

Our company was founded with the passion, vision, and determination to provide our customers with complete, cost-effective, and high-quality fire detection and suppression system solutions.

Based in the United States, our mission is a simple one – to exceed the expectations of our clients with world-class products, service, and support. Our state-of-the-art technologies enable our customers to compete in projects of any size with easy-touse software.

As a progressive and reliable alternative to standard systems, Avenger Systems offers an overall superior fire detection and suppression system - accompanied by superior local support.

Visit us at Intersec in Hall 5 – Stand B11 to speak with our team and learn what Avenger Systems can offer you.

carrington.co.uk/en/

avengersystems.com

102 Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024

PRODUCT SHOWCASES

FIREPRO

STAND 3-E24

Condensed Aerosol Fire Suppression Systems FirePro designs, manufactures, and distributes worldwide, the latest generation of efficient, effective, and modular condensed aerosol fire suppression generators and solutions. At the core of our technology is its patented condensed aerosol generating solid chemical compound (FPC) consisting of ecofriendly potassium salts.

FirePro systems can be used to protect a multitude of applications. The worldwide network of FirePro distributors serves more than 110 countries and currently protects lives and key assets throughout industrial and other sectors. FirePro suppression systems are endorsed by a long list of European, American and International Certificates, Listings and Approvals. mail@firepro.com firepro.com

+357 25 379999

FIRE MIDDLE EAST MAGAZINE

STAND 2-E16

Fire Middle East Magazine

Join us at Intersec Dubai 2024 and ignite your passion for fire safety! Visit the Fire Middle East Magazine stand, where a world of knowledge awaits you. Grab your complimentary subscription to our cutting-edge magazine, delivering the latest in fire safety technologies, industry trends, and expert insights.

Discover the future of fire safety at our stand and dive into the exciting details of the upcoming Fire Middle East Conference 2024 in Riyadh. Uncover groundbreaking innovations, connect with industry leaders, and explore the dynamic landscape of fire safety in the Middle East. Our team will be delighted to guide you through the wealth of information and opportunities that await you. firemiddleeastmag.com

If you are looking to engage and present your products to senior decision makers across the Middle East region and generate business leads for your organisation, a Fire Middle East hosted Webinar is the perfect platform to bring your products, services or ideas to market

firemiddleeastmag.com/webinars

Contact Ryan Bickerton for more information Ryan@firemiddleeast.co.uk +44 (0)1752 265802

More events and updates at: @firemiddleast firemiddleeastmag.com

Events Calendar

15 – 16 May 2024

16 – 18 January 2024

SICUR International Security, Safety & Fire Exhibition Dubai registration.infosalons.ae/INTERSEC24DU/Visitor/MesseFrankfurt

5 – 6 March 2024

30 April – 2 May 2024

The Fire Safety Event

Fire Protection of Rolling Stock Germany arena-international.com/fprs

UK firesafetyevent.com/why-visit

Virtual from Messe Frankfurt GmbH disasterexpoeurope.com

27 February – 1 March 2024

SICUR International Security, Safety & Fire Exhibition Spain en.milipol.com

12 – 14 March 2024

STOCEXPO The Netherlands stocexpo.com

13 – 15 April 2023

SECUREX KAZAKHSTAN Kazakhstan securika–almaty.kz

15 May 2024

24 – 25 April 2024 13 – 14 February 2024

New York Build 2024 USA newyorkbuildexpo.com

Fire Sprinkler International Ireland firesprinklerinternational.com

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia firemiddleeastconference.com

13-15 May 2024

TANKCONEX Kingdom of Saudi Arabia tankconex.com

104 Fire Middle East Magazine • January 2024

Visit us on Stand F10/Hall 3 at Intersec 2024 in Dubai

Your Complete Fire Systems Provider Manufactured in Europe, sold in more than 90 countries worldwide

Full system compatibility tested and certified to EN54-13:2017+A1:2019.

Global Fire Equipment Email: info@globalfire-equipment.com Web: www.globalfire-equipment.com