In This Issue News
Tougher false alarms policy unveiled 27/08/2008
A new and tougher policy to combat false alarms from automatic fire systems was launched today at a gathering of senior fire and rescue officers.The CFOA Policy for the Reduction of False and Unwanted Alarms was unveiled at the first day of Fire & Rescue 2008 in Liverpool.
More than 400 pupils at St Felix Middle School, which was destroyed by fire earlier this month, will start the new term late and will be housed in neighbouring schools until temporary buildings have been erected in the school’s grounds.A National Risk Register which highlights the likelihood and potential impact of risks to the UK as a whole, has been published by the government.
Landlords slam new fire safety guide 14/08/2008
A new set of national guidelines for fire safety in rented property has been branded a fiasco by the Residential Landlords Association. While praising a well intentioned attempt to provide national standards in the guide, ‘Housing – Fire Safety’ produced by local government standards body LACORS, the association says many local authorities are already insisting on higher standards than those in the guide.
New guidance for rented properties 13/08/2008
New national guidance for private rented properties aimed at reducing the 300,000 fires in residential properties which kill more than 300 people a year, has been published.
Price warning over intumescent coatings 11/08/2008
Intumescent coatings may become more expensive after manufacturers have warmed of the severe impact they are experiencing of raw materials price increases or even shortages.The Fire Industry Association has repeated its call for the mandatory application of the revised CFOA policy on false alarms from automatic systems. The association is concerned that the policy will be introduced at the discretion of individual fire and rescues services, leading to inconsistency across the country.
New metal doorsets code of practice 05/08/2008
A new edition of a code of practice for fire resisting metal doorsets has been issued by the Door & Hardware Federation. The code aims to provide guidance to specifiers and approving authorities on best practice for - and a better understanding of - hinged and pivoted fire resisting metal doorsets.
In This Issue Features & Articles
The principle of compartmentation does not necessarily mean following prescriptive guidance, says Andy Passington. Using progressive horizontal evacuation can lead to creative designs, while maintaining fire safety.Compartmentation: First Line of Defence 11/08/2008
Compartmentation and appropriate fire stopping are still the main ways of stopping fires spreading and so limiting death and injury. Andy Kay reviews the measures that should be taken.Sight and Sound 11/08/2008
The choice of audible and visual alarms for use with fire detection systems has grown enormously in recent years. Rowland Davies explains the key drivers for this not-so-silent revolution.Fire Resistance and Reaction to Fire 11/08/2008
Dawn Simpkins and Malcolm Lewis explain the distinction between fire resistance and a material's, or system's, reaction to fire. They examine where we are in the transition period between UK and European Standards.Certification - the need to show more teeth 11/08/2008
There are concerns from some quarters of the building hardware industry about the lack of policing of certified products. Graham Orme concedes this may be the case and, in response, introduces a more robust approach.In This Issue Products & Services
Swiss IP Alarm Specialist sets up in UK 20/08/2008
Network communications and signalling specialist Ascom has launched a UK fire and security IP alarm and signalling business. The new venture will be headed up by James Winter and Graeme Lewington, who have both previously worked for BT.
Warrington buys German Test Laboratory 20/08/2008
Bodycote Testing has expanded its fire safety technology division, with the acquisition of Brandhaus Höchst, one of Germany’s top reaction to fire testing laboratories, from Siemens AG.
Slimline Extinguishers 18/08/2008
Fireblitz has announced its new Alpha 600 and Beta 95 aerosol dry powder fire extinguishers and says they provide affordable and easy-to-handle protection for automotive, marine, caravan and recreational vehicles, as well as in a household environment.Sounders and beacon gain VdS mark 18/08/2008
Cooper Fulleon has announced an expansion of VdS approvals on it core sounder, beacon and AV products. This, says the company, complements the fact that all its products meet the legislative requirements such as the Waste Electronic & Electrical Equipment and the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directives.Vesda claims 'first' on Euro approvals 18/08/2008
The Vesda range of aspirating smoke detectors have become the first to be CE marked under the Construction Products Directive, claims manufacturer Xtralis, following testing to EN-54-20, the new European standard for these products.
In This Issue Product Profile
Simon Shand-Brown, sales and marketing manager for smoke ventilation company Bilco, examines the way in which ventilation functions are being increasingly linked to smoke control systems.
Kentec Electronics' technical director, Robert Jeffreys, explains how the company's benchmark control solutions combine intellegence, versiatility and reliability for rapid installation and commissioning.
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