Annual report 2018 - The development group of fire prevention technology

Annual Report 2018

FIRE PREVENTION TECHNOLOGY Development Group

Annual Report 2018 The development group of fire prevention technology is a group of experts coordinated by SPEK (Finnish National Rescue Association), whose members’ common objectives are to promote fire safety and to develop fire safety practices, quality and new technical possibilities. The development group acts as a party supporting current guidelines and regulations.

The group takes into account the factors influencing the lifecycle of equipment that affect fire protection, and the needs for the development of fire extinguishing equipment, as well as the future technical orientation and equipment interface merging of the technology in use. In addition to automatic water extinguishing equipment and fire alarm equipment, other systems and equipment components are handled on a case-by-case basis. As a general rule, presentations are formed in the designated working or expert group for each interface.

2018 was the first full year of the fire prevention development group since the objectives and members of the group’s activities had been confirmed during the previous year. During its first full year of operation, the development group has already produced plenty of freely available informative material for those who work with fire safety and fire prevention technology. As technology advances, we must also be able to assess the change in the operating environment. The aim is to combine knowledge and develop cooperation in the sector. The exchange of information enables development and responses to new challenges in the best way.

Participants in 2018 activities include: SPEK: Lauri Lehto and Ilpo Leino Finance Finland (FFI): Petri Mero Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes): Björn Johansson and Karoliina Meurman Partnership network (Rescue Departments): Esko Rantanen Palonilmaisualan yhdistys (Association of Fire Alarm Sector): Matti Helkamo SPRITY (Association for Fire Sprinkler Technology): Arja Rantala Inspection bodies (alternate representation): Marko Mettälä and Antero Peltomaa Systems design: Timo Nevalainen Consulting: Jarmo Alaoja

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The Finnish National Rescue Association thanks all those involved in the group’s activities.

The work has had an excellent start, and the operations continue to be active.

Future visions Our operating environment and circumstances are constantly changing. With the evolving environment and technology, people working and living must be able to observe the changing environment in new ways.

Change always happens, but can be prepared for. Even if we try to predict the future, the problem is that tomorrow’s future will no longer be the same as it was before. We think we are anticipating the future, but it is following our actions and has taken another step forward. Anticipating the operating environment is the key to use. Through our behaviour, we can try to influence what kind of future we might be facing, for example, in the next decade. This in turn requires strong cooperation and efforts to develop the sector so that we all have a parallel vision of the future.

It is advisable to think about how we can develop activities together between various actors in order to focus on the present and the future, and where we can find answers, rather than the existing problems.

Construction and technology, which are both linked to fire prevention technology, are also in constant development. Even here in Finland. We inevitably face new challenges and problems that need to be solved. Hopefully the various actors can conduct a dialogue on the solutions that have been found and the stumbling blocks that preceded them, as joint learning and exchange of information also open the way for joint development. Over the past year, the development group has supported the work of study projects with its expert activities, and will continue to be fully involved in similar projects.

It has already been strongly highlighted at this stage that fire safety is seen as an evolving factor in general, but the challenge lies in attitudes rather than technical solutions. In domestic construction, there are many old-fashioned attitudes to fire prevention. New options are seen as enablers in the construction industry, but at the same time new technology is being shunned. The often repeated arguments are based on the operational uncertainty of new technologies and the lack of common practices. This is where the development group has the potential to have an impact.

Lauri Lehto Security Specialist SPEK

Visit to Tripla In connection with its autumn meeting on 31 August 2018, the development group of fire prevention technology familiarised itself with the implementation and challenges of safety during on-site work at Tripla in Pasila. SPEK thanks the organisers, including Erno Martin and Mari Lybeck from YIT, for the introduction to and familiarisation with the site.

As a result of its varied nature and environment, the Tripla site has been forced to pave the way, facing new challenges, and has acted as a trendsetter for future construction. The scale of the site alone has required new thinking.

The international site has had to focus, in particular, on the prevention of accidents. In addition to the large area, the wide range of nationalities working on site also poses challenges. This has also certainly been, and still is, a challenge for other major implementations.

Although new technology and applications have brought the necessary assistance to manage site supervision and monitoring, they also require human resources. In the case of anticipation, the prevention of accidents and the maintenance of employees’ wellbeing and team spirit have also required resources.

Accidents have not been completely avoided, but in light of the circumstances, the result is very positive. For example, there have been no hot work accidents by the autumn of 2018. The recording of hot work information on site and real-time monitoring have made control immensely easier.

At the time of the development group’s visit, fire prevention technology had not yet been installed in the Tripla buildings. During the autumn, the situation has progressed well; after all, there is lot of work to be finished on site at the end of 2019.

For example, the sprinkler installations were under way at the turn of the year.

The latest security technology systems are used in Tripla. The height of the buildings also sets high standards. For example, securing fire stops and access to water for the rescue service has demanded more attention than in lower construction. Access control procedures have also been considered for fire safety.

During the construction of Tripla, cooperation has naturally also been carried out with the rescue service.

According to YIT’s representatives, the exchange of information between the parties has taken place smoothly. The rescue service can be commended for becoming actively acquainted with the site, and both the site and the rescue service have learnt a great deal from each other.

In addition to on-site challenges, construction will certainly not be facilitated by the scope of fire prevention technology and the coordination of different environmental requirements.

In addition to high-construction fire safety standards, Tripla’s specific feature and challenge is the scope of the site, 363,500 gross square metres. It is also a hybrid site, which includes the premises of real estate companies, Pasila railway station and a public transport terminal.

Fire prevention technology is to be implemented as centrally as possible, despite the multidimensional nature of the site. The fire alarm and extinguishing equipment as well as the smoke exhaust and voice alert systems are connected to each other, and these systems are managed from a shared control room.

Fire prevention technology in figures: Scope approx. 330 gross square metres Fire alarm systems: 20,000 detectors and 500 fire controls Automatic water extinguishing systems: one centralised equipment package Smoke exhaust control system: over 3,000 points Exit alarm and safety alert system: approx. 10,000 speakers In 2019, the development group will follow with interest the completion of the site and is looking forward to a more detailed familiarisation with the fire prevention technology. There will most certainly be some challenges.

Communication The communication of the development group related to various fire prevention systems. The communication has sought to develop attitudes towards fire prevention and to develop a common safety culture. Fire safety systems are not only a one-time investment, but they are a part of continuous preparedness and ensure continuity of operations, as well as providing safety each second when operational.

The palontorjuntatekniikka.fi website was opened. The site offers a wide range of free-to-use materials designed to improve attitudes towards fire safety systems, the lifecycle thinking related to equipment and the quality of equipment maintenance.

The communication was implemented through SPEK.

Fire prevention technology works and saves lives

Read about fire safety

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The themes of the four bulletins in 2018 were as follows: Compatibility of fire safety devices is an important part of safety 4 December 2018 Fire prevention technology can significantly improve the safety of buildings. There are many good systems packages available that communicate with each other. The competence of users and service men is also important to the operation and safety maintenance of fire safety systems. Experts in fire prevention technology remind us that systems require regular maintenance and coordination to maintain safety.

IoT and new opportunities – Better fire safety or a safety risk 21 June 2018 New technologies and system connectivity through the network open up new opportunities for the development of everyday and housing safety. IoT, the Internet of Things, gives opportunities to improve safety but can also pose safety risks. In particular, information security is often neglected as we are reminded by the development group of fire prevention technology.

Fire extinguishing systems effectively halt the development of fires 4 June 2018 Automatic water extinguishing systems are reliable protectors of human lives and assets. The systems play a particularly important role in improving housing safety. The development group of fire safety technology stresses that water mist and sprinkler protection is the most effective way of preventing fire deaths, especially for people with disabilities.

A well-maintained fire alarm reduces fire damages 27 April 2018 The purpose of fire safety technology is to help people to prevent fires and to minimise the damage caused by fires. Automatic fire alarms are designed to detect a fire as early as possible and inform the emergency centre or other body that can react quickly to an alarm. The development group of fire safety technology reminds us that human competence plays a significant role in the proper functioning of the systems.

Cooperation in communication on fire prevention technology relating to smoke exhaust was also carried out with the Real Estate magazine.

A smoky stairway is a death trap Real Estate magazine 9/2018 Stairways are the highways of blocks of flats, and their safety must be well taken care of. The basic issue is to keep stairways constantly accessible for emergency situations. Smoke exhaust is an important part of stairway safety. Smoke exhaust is handled by the fire brigade, as necessary. The Finnish National Rescue Association recommends door pumps for the exterior doors of dwellings, so that the smoke of an indoor fire will not spread to the stairway.

Fire prevention technology operating models

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The operating models published by the group are informative models of fire protection technology. The content is intended to be advisory.

The starting point for the operating models is to provide additional information on the importance of the subject and the circumstances in support of own work. The models are concise, simplified dossiers that we can use together to ensure the quality of fire protection technology. The operating models seek to increase the common practices for fire prevention equipment, in particular in maintenance, where common information exchange can develop the reliability of operations throughout the lifecycle of the system.

The operating model is divided into three elements: human activity, primary fire extinguishing, and fire prevention technology.

Maintenance of smoke exhaust The content of the operating model is intended to be an advisory support, not to replace the existing standards and regulations or other legislation published in the field, the requirements of which must be met in equipment implementations and maintenance. The model assists in the handling of smoke exhaust equipment and, in particular, connections with other fire prevention systems.

Developing school fire safety The events that have endangered personal safety in educational institutions in recent years have highlighted the need to develop the risk management of schools, improve their safety and, at the same time, create a good safety culture for them. Principals and teachers, who are a very important factor in the implementation of fire safety in schools, must be able to provide the necessary support. Fire safety is never a one-time implementation but must be continually developed and upgraded. The safety of schools can never be outsourced to outsiders, but the responsibility for ensuring safety lies always with the holder and the owner.

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Every common act for safety is an act for all of us.

Learning material for fire prevention technology

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The environments of human and fire safety devices are evolving and pose new challenges, especially in the maintenance of equipment. Fire prevention must, however, remain up-to-date. The systems need people in many different roles, especially in maintenance. The development group aims to provide support for those working in various tasks with the systems, so that the maintenance and the durability of the equipment lifecycle can be improved together.

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Proactive guidance and dissemination of information are important resources in fire prevention, now and in the future. Common knowledge is everyone’s skill!

Other materials Insurance Europe

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What is a so-called smart system, and how do you explore the current generation of smart systems? Such systems have a wide range of roles but this development group article only considers smart systems in the context of premises security applications.

Products and services belonging to smart systems have been developed in the field of Internet of Things (IoT).

It would be difficult for the products to enter the market through traditional fire prevention and safety systems.

Although their designers appear to have highly developed skills in designing “trendy” systems, their skills do not always seem to extend to security aspects.

Original text: Insurance Europe, Prevention Forum Information for insurers, Smart Systems. Translation: The Finnish National Rescue Association.

IoT Study (Spek Statements 4) Using IoT (Internet of Things) technology in the development of fire safety in buildings and in an integrated smart environment Summary of Lappeenranta University of Technology thesis, Tuomas Pylkkänen The built environment faces new challenges from emerging technologies and human behaviour in Finland. The challenges of the changing technological environment apply in different ways to all citizens. In the context of demographic and environmental changes, however, man and safety remain at the centre. The world is changing, and this will always happen. The change is also reflected in fire prevention, and there are opportunities in the ongoing development. In any case, progress must be able to be monitored, so that expert activities can also continue to respond to new challenges. For this reason, we must look to the future.

Tuomas Pylkkänen’s thesis “Using IoT (Internet of Things) technology in the development of fire safety in buildings and in an integrated smart environment” has already highlighted the need to develop the attitudes of the various parties. In addition to the constructor, the parties include experts, designers and consultants in the field. One of the most important parts is to develop the interaction between the constructor and the client, so that fire safety during the lifecycle of the site is identified.

It is important to assess the evolving environment and anticipate its challenges. The use of smart and IoT technology has good potential for promoting housing safety in many ways. In the fire prevention transformation, proactive action, new technologies, automation equipment connectivity and IoT are key.

It is about new opportunities. In the near future, we need to be more and more able to assess how the necessary information can be made accessible to the necessary parties. Now is a good time to see to what extent the technology already in place is in line with our perception of the future.

FIRE INTELLIGENCE: Fire safety consideration and attitudes in smart construction The smart construction project workshops talk about the vast amount of available information and how to use it as an enabler for new activities in business and services, for example. Why not extend smart thinking to fire safety? The new types of specifications in the built environment, such as multi-functional spaces, energy efficiency, lifecycle thinking and the situation of the social and health sector, are challenging us to deal with problems and opportunities from the perspective of fire safety and its experts. There are smart fire safety solutions, but a more extensive implementation of them often stumbles into flaws in knowledge, attitudes, economic resources or technical usefulness – often at the same time.

The Finnish National Rescue Association and the Fire Laboratory of the University of Tampere explore opportunities for integrating fire safety solutions into smart construction technologies. The results will be used to guide future research and training activities. In the first phase of the research project, a few key persons from the real estate development and rescue services of major cities were interviewed. This online survey, aimed at a broader group of experts, has been compiled based on the issues raised in the interviews.

Lauri Lehto Turvallisuusasiantuntija SPEK

Further information: The development group of fire prevention technology is a specialist group, the members of which share the common goal of promoting safety and developing the maintenance, quality, and technical potential of fire prevention technology. The group consists of experts from technical associations and fire safety organisations involved in fire prevention.

http://www.spek.fi/palontorjuntatekniikka, tekniikka@spek.fi

Lauri Lehto

Finnish National Rescue Association

+358 40 358 3810

Ilpo Leino

Finnish National Rescue Association

+358 45 657 7290

Karoliina Meurman +358 29 5052 651

Petri Puttonen

Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency

Inspection bodies

+358 50 528 1491

Antero Peltomaa Inspection bodies +358 50Â 421 1040

Timo Nevalainen +358 50Â 3232908

Esko Rantanen +358 9 310 1651

Arja Rantala

+358 400 811 734

Petri Mero

Systems design Partnership network (Rescue Departments)

Sprinkleritekninen yhdistys (Sprinkler Technical Association)

Finance Finland

+358 20 793 4232

Matti Helkamo Palonilmaisualan yhdistys +358 50 469 5051

(Association of Fire Alarm Sector)

Jarmo Alaoja Consulting +358 40 7504 828