www.ifpmag.com Issue 68 • December 2016

THE GLOBAL VOICE FOR PASSIVE AND ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION www.ifpmag.com INTERNATIONAL Issue 68 • December 2016 FIRE PROTECTION THE GLOBAL VOICE FOR PASSIVE AND ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION Contents DECEMBER 2016

REGULARS. 2 IFP Comment

4 NFPA Comment

6 ASFP Comment

DECEMBER 2016 • ISSUE 68 8 News and Profiles

Cover image: Victaulic Vortex™ installed in the premises of a packaging manufacturer. FEATURES. Image courtesy of Victaulic.

Publishers 18 Safety for warehouses David Staddon & Mark Seton 18 [email protected] – video fights fire [email protected]

Group Editor 22 UL’s iconic Steiner tunnel Duncan J. White withstands the test of time [email protected] Advertising Enquiries 25 In with the new... Greater David Staddon [email protected] certainty for specifiers

Contributing Editors Donald P. Bliss, Steve Bonino, Aston Bowles, 28 Smoke without fire Wilf Butcher, Jamie Groves, Dr Jeremy Hodge, Jimmy Jonsson, Stewart Kidd, Simon May, Rob Neale, Ross Newman, Jean-Philippe 32 Drive down false alarms Roisin, Aaron Saak, Thomas Savage, Graham Simons, Dwayne Sloan, Sören Wittmann – consider new technology Design Manager 35 Intersec 2017 Richard Parsons [email protected] Profile & Showcase 60 Web and IT Manager Safe, Neil Spinney 46 Time to build life safety into [email protected] the fabric of smart city design? IFP is published quarterly by: MDM Publishing Ltd Secure, The Abbey Manor Business Centre, 50 Maximising fire system The Abbey, Preston Road, Yeovil, Somerset. BA20 2EN. UK effectiveness in historic buildings Tel: +44 (0) 1935 426 428 Fax: +44 (0) 1935 426 926 54 A ‘flexible’ solution to Email: [email protected] Flexible Website: www.mdmpublishing.com fire sprinkler safety

©All rights reserved 57 Turning the building envelope lSSN – 1468-3873 into a fire prevention shield DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION are not necessarily those of 60 Mass notification MDM Publishing Ltd. The magazine and publishers are in no way responsible or legally systems: the basics 70 An Advanced Fire Protection System liable for any errors or anomalies made within the editorial by our authors. All articles are 64 Protecting critical assets protected by copyright and written permission Using innovative technology, the iFLOW Fire Suppression must be sought from the publishers for at Kuwait University System is designed to provide a high performance delivery reprinting or any form of duplication of any of the magazines content. Any queries should method that results in a regulated and effective prolonged be addressed in writing to the publishers. 66 Fire alarms and sprinklers: discharge of inert gas clean agent. Reprints of articles are available on request. Verifying technical competency Prices on application to the Publishers. • 300 bar Fire Suppression delivery system Designed, Edited and Printed in the UK. 70 Fixed gas detection systems assist in • Improved safety enhanced suppression FREE Subscription emergency response and evacuations • Flexibility in design to adapt to architectural needs To subscribe to IFP Magazine and for unlimited access to our digital 75 The role of the passive resources, please register at • VdS approved www.ifpmag.com fire protection installer

For more information please visit: 78 Fire engineering vs. www.hygood.com/iflow 78 Proud to be a Key Media Partner prescribed fire protection

©2016 Tyco Fire Products LP. All Rights Reserved. 22-24 January 2017 • Dubai, UAE IFP COMMENT The law of unintended consequences

■ Toxicity of early fire fighting gases local utility found that some roof cladding (such as CTC) was ‘live’. Current of more than 200 amps/50v ■ Phasing out of polychorinated biphenyls DC was recorded . as a dielectric fluid for transformers and When the roof trusses partially collapsed WHATEVER THE HAZARD, capacitors due to neurotoxicity this caused a fracture in the dry sprinkler ■ Banning of BCF and BTM because of range pipes resulting in significant loss of ozone depletion water pressure from the mains fed sprinkler WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED ■ Fires during construction of timber system.This loss plus firefighting demand framed buildings and increased drained all of the municipal water supply combustibility of structures (101,000 US gallons) resulting in the need ■ Combustibility of composite panels for a water shuttle using six tankers from with polyurethane cores a nearby river. ■ Impact of new building materials – La Farge has an all-volunteer FD and Stewart Kidd especially combustible insulation was forced to call for aid from 10 other ■ Poor fire stopping in ‘green buildings’ FD’s.116 fire fighters and 31 appliances ■ Presence of photovoltaic panels responded for a fire which took 18 hours t’s a well-established phenomenon to bring under control. I that legislation, technical advances Other areas of concern and major decisions are often This list could be expanded to include an Key issues of interest: found to produce negative, unforeseen assessment of threats of fire from a number ■ Impact of PV panels on firefighting consequences. The best examples are often of newer products including Lithium-ion operations found in decisions taken without studying all batteries, 2D electric bulbs. Consider also ■ Early failure of lightweight roof trusses the facts. For example, during China’s Cultural the Economy 7 electricity supply tariff which ■ Combustibility of cotton insulation Revolution, the Party promoted a campaign encourages the use of washing machines, ■ Untreated timber contribution to fire load to kill sparrows to protect the rice harvest. No tumble dryers and dishwashers overnight and spread and its early failure. one had considered the job the sparrows do in resulting in several fire deaths. ■ Fire demand emptied the town’s only eating insect pests which then ate or spoiled Lithium battery problems in mobile phones water tank considerably more rice than the sparrows had are known to have had a severe impact on ever done. An estimated 45 million people the financial status of one manufacturer, The fire was fully investigated by the NFPA PRE-ENGINEERED SYSTEMS ENGINEERED SYSTEMS died as a result. Samsung. One estimate put the direct losses and among their conclusions were two In the fire safety world there are some at more than US$4 billion and the decline in warnings which bring together some of FOR SMALL SPACES: FOR LARGE SPACES: devastating examples of this law, perhaps the company’s share price at US$11 billion. the threads in this article. Detect and suppress fires automatically Both UL listed and FM approved systems available the most notable being the effects of “The use of natural fiber insulating asbestos fibres on human lungs. Asbestos Bringing it all together: materials is becoming more common Reacts 10x faster than conventional systems High-pressure performance in a low pressure system was originally perceived as an incredibly fire in La Farge, Wisconsin as a means of meeting “green building” Compatible with most extinguishing agents Unparalleled flexibility in system design and placement useful building material, fire resistant, a great On 14 May 2013 there was a fire in a 9-year- requirements. The fire service needs to be insulator, lightweight and easy to work into old building occupied by La Farge’s largest aware when this type of insulation is used Cylinder sizes ranging from 35lbs to an industry leading different types of structural element. Sadly, employer. The fire started in a concealed within a building, because potential fire travel 1300lbs using 3M™ Novec™1230 around 80 years after its introduction in 1930, roof spaces. The roof was supported by light in vertical and horizontal spaces will have to research showed that its fibres when inhaled wooden trusses and the whole space was be accounted for”. Listings and approvals vary by agent and system type caused serious lung damage. Despite this insulated with recycled cotton/denim material. The report also noted that: awareness, asbestos was in widespread use The building was protected by sprinklers “Roof access amid PV panels can be for a further 40 years and asbestos cement – dry in attics and wet in remainder (0.10gpm difficult, with conduit and other PV system was still available in the UK until 1999. No over 1950 square feet). Fire fighter access components being located throughout the one knows how many hundreds thousands of to the roof cladding was impaired by the roof area. PV panels cannot simply be “shut LEARN MORE AT: www.firetrace.com people were killed or had their lives impaired presence of 130 photovoltaic (PV) panels off” during firefighting operations, since they by the fibres but it’s no exaggeration to say and only became possible when the fire are always producing electrical current”. that millions were (and are still) affected. self-vented after partial collapse of the FIRETRACE INTERNATIONAL - WORLD HEADQUARTERS FIRETRACE INTERNATIONAL LTD - EMEA OFFICE There have been less dramatic but no roof structure. ww.nfpa.org/news-and-research/publications/ 8435 N. 90th St., Suite 2, Scottsdale, AZ 85258, USA. Unit 11, IO Centre, Salbrook Road, Salfords, Surrey, RH1 5DY, UK. less problematic issues in other areas of Metal cladding of the roof beneath the PV nfpa-journal/2014/january-february-2014/ Tel: +1 480 607 1218 • Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 1293 780 390 • Email: [email protected] fire protection: panels deformed as a result of the fire and the features/perfect-storm

2 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DECEMBER 2016 www.ifpmag.com NFPA COMMENT Security balance Why security safety in public places Are F3 Foams needs to be synonymous with life safety an alternative NO! less attractive to attackers. Methods that included stakeholders from to C6 AFFFs? include barriers or setbacks that restrict code enforcement, fire service, law or prohibit vehicle access; gates, metal enforcement, school administration, detectors, and X-ray machines at building and government to discuss challenges entry points; and reinforced bars or and identify solutions for effective shutters on egress doors and windows. school safety and security. The forum If not designed or installed properly, highlighted the importance of integrating US Air Force leads the way converting to all however, such security measures can life safety and security priorities. The C6 AFFF foams replacing PFOS, PFOA and severely restrict or prevent the ability output from that workshop is being of people to evacuate in the event of blended into NFPA codes and standards long chain AFFFs with 418,300 gallons of 3% a fire or other emergency, and interfere that are currently being updated. A C6-based environmentally friendly AFFF, with fire department access. I’ve seen related effort between NFPA and ASIS plenty of examples in my travels in the International has been underway this year meeting 3% Mil Spec Mil-F-24385 Donald P. Bliss U.S. and abroad: large concrete urns to make security a seamless part of the Vice President of Field with vegetation placed directly against built environment, equal to fire and other Operations for NFPA exit doors; barricades that prevent fire hazards our codes must deal with. apparatus from getting close to a building Authorities having jurisdiction have “One of the most and take time and effort to remove; and a responsibility to work proactively with signs and barriers that make it difficult building owners, facility managers, law far-reaching benefits to to understand how to exit the building. enforcement, and security professionals worldwide aviation safety” Security concerns sometimes dictate to overcome any perceived conflicts AFFF Firefighting Foams – that an emphasis is placed on using between fire code requirements and only one way in and out of a building, security needs. With the increased containing C6 Telomer which may create confusion and delays focus on security due to recent Fluorosurfactants since 1976. during an emergency. While this design worldwide events, fire officials must russels, Paris, Orlando, and is code compliant, the occupants may be even more vigilant so that a tragedy * US Naval Research Labratories B Istanbul are all beautiful cities, not realize that they can and should does not occur because occupants are (NRL) website – 90 years of Innovation centers of commerce, and use the closest exit. trapped in a building by the very systems cultural hubs. Sadly, they are also the There is no reason why fire protection intended to protect them from harm. targets of recent horrific terrorist attacks. measures, egress requirements, and Terrorists continue to refine their security methods and procedures can’t For more information, go to ability to zero in on so-called “soft complement one another to create a safe  www.nfpa.org “SEAC considers that fluorine-free foams targets” such as shopping malls, hotels, and protected environment for building can be taken into account on a long-term clubs, and schools. Even locations occupants. After all, security safety is basis but cannot be relied on for the thought to have high-security capabilities life safety – a primary goal of NFPA 1, are not immune, as evidenced by Fire Code, and NFPA 101®, Life Safety This article originally appeared in the coming years for such a critical use.” attacks on passenger airport terminals. Code®, both of which offer cost-effective, September/October 2016 issue of NFPA Journal® Committee for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC), What these targets have in common practical, and reliable guidance for and is reprinted here with permission. Copyright © Draft Opinion, on an Annex XV dossier proposing are the large numbers of civilians that buildings large and small. 2016 NFPA. All rights reserved. ® NFPA Journal is a restriction on PFOA, its salts and PFOA-related congregate in or around them, which In 2014, NFPA sponsored a national registered trademark of the National Fire Protection substances, 10 September 2015, p14. make it easy to cause multiple casualties workshop on school safety and security Association, Quincy, MA, USA. with comparatively low-tech methods. Facility managers and government officials are under great pressure to protect these environments from lone attackers and more coordinated efforts. If not designed or installed properly, security Security experts promote a range of measures can restrict or prevent people from solutions intended to make a potential target less vulnerable and therefore evacuating a building in an emergency.

4 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DECEMBER 2016 www.ifpmag.com ASFP COMMENT YOUR PATH TO A plan of action SAFER BUILDINGS

In the early part of the last decade, the secured. In particular, the group identified that ASFP completed a detailed three-year there is an urgent need to: ‘Partners in Innovation’ (PiI) project, partly funded by the then Office of the Deputy ■ Develop a ‘Plan of Works’ process which Prime Minister and the Department of Trade incorporates fire at the design stage, to & Industry, where independent research on ensure that there is a detailed specification fire safety provisions in a wide variety of for fire protection in the initial design, nominated types of buildings was collected. and a schedule for fire throughout the The research repeatedly showed that a high construction process percentage of compartment walls were either ■ Ensure all professional bodies involved in defective, through poorly installed fire stopping design and build ‘buy in’ to this process of penetrating service systems, or invalidated ■ Develop a supporting guidance document by incompetent maintenance. which will provide consistent and simple Wilf Butcher In some complex buildings, detailed information to highlight what needs to be CEO of the Association for drawings were missing and occupants had done at each stage of the process Specialist Fire Protection no knowledge of the location of essential ■ Investigate the possibilities for introducing defences such as compartment walls. a sign off process as construction The findings of this project identified that progresses, with all information n the September issue of IFP, the some 80% of buildings in the study (which reaching the end-user to support I ASFP outlined the lessons learned considered buildings of 2 years old and adequate risk assessment from its interactive question time upwards) were not fit for purpose. ■ Integrate the process with Business event, held during Firex International in The ASFP question time event in June laid Information Modelling (BIM) London earlier this year. This well-attended bare the reality that over a decade after this PiI ■ Educate all in the built environment event, entitled ‘A Question of Safety’, consisted project was produced, fragmentation within the including the end user, inspectors, of a panel of specialists; each representing construction industry remains a key concern, insurers, contractors and designers a different industry discipline, from the architect and continues to result in the frequent incorrect through to the building owner including; a specification and installation of fire protection Having now identified the objectives, work is criminal regulatory lawyer, a fire engineer, a Tier materials and systems. An issue also brought now in hand to develop ‘Plan of Works’ metrics 1 contractor and specialist subcontractor, as to light in no small way by the recent failings that can encompass the entire design, build, well as passive fire protection manufacturers, identified in several high profile PFI projects. inspection and management process in relation an insurer, and representatives from building All the assembled experts at the question to the fire performance of a building. control, the fire service and a test house/ time event agreed that collaborative working At its heart, there lies a fundamental need to certification body. across the whole design and build process educate all those within the Built Environment The breadth of debate identified several key is now of vital importance, and to this end of the importance of fire protection within any issues influencing the quality and suitability of agreed to regroup in early September for a building design. The ASFP is now in process fire safety within the built environment, namely: ‘Roundtable’ event to look in further detail of developing an appropriate training and Testing and Certification for Market Access to Europe, VISIT UL at ways in which such a collective industry education strategy to meet this objective. Middle East and North America ■ Fragmentation within the construction approach could be considered. The panel will come together again in IFSEC, Lonion The agreed objectives were clear, the New Year to review progress, with the design and build process Delivering a vast portfolio of global market access solutions, UL proviies the ■ The need to ensure adequate i.e. to develop structures, processes and goal of offering the construction sector clear Stani B 625 understanding and training for specifiers best practice guidance to enable earlier guidance, tailored to suit each stage of the highest level of regulatory acceptance ani market recognition for the builiing ■ Improving standards of fire protection engagement of fire safety professionals in process, from strategic definition through ani life safety sectors. UL offers a wiie range of testing ani certification installation the construction, design and build process, design concept and development, into the ■ Ensuring competency in fire risk and aid better communication across construction phase, handover and inspection services to meet your global certification requirements for fire safety, builiing assessment the industry, in particular in relation to the and finally the on-going ‘in use’ of the building. materials, life safety ani security, fire suppression, personal protection ■ Improving building resilience inspection and management of buildings It is anticipated that the development of such throughout their working life. an overarching Construction Strategy can equipment ani many more. The question time event clearly demonstrated The wide-ranging discussions emanating be achieved by the mid-2017, with work to a recognition from across the construction from this ASFP ‘Roundtable’ event concluded raise awareness and implement the strategy industry that fire protection is frequently that an overarching Construction Strategy continuing throughout the year. specified and installed incorrectly leading was required and that agreement and support to buildings that are not fit for purpose in from all the professional organisations involved For more information, go to relation to their intended fire performance. in the design and build process should be  www.asfp.org.uk For additional information, please visit www.ul.com or email [email protected]. 6 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DECEMBER 2016 www.ifpmag.com UL and the UL logo are trademarks of UL LLC © 2015 News News Dr. Sthamer and H2K set to EN54 part 13: does your deliver second Foam School fire system measure up?

Following the success of their first including storage tank and tank bund New infographic from Advanced helps The standard involves rigorous third party foam school held in France in April, 2016 fires. The foam school attracted twenty ensure system performance and testing to prove that individual component Dr. Sthamer and H2K are looking forward delegates from six different coutries integrity. EN54 Part 13 is a real indicator parts will work together when combined to their second foam school being just with training being a blend of theory of fire system performance but is into one system. EN54-13 is currently as successful. including tactics and strategy, workshops, widely misunderstood and sometimes mandatory in several European countries, The first event took place at the CNPP demonstrations, new developments and misrepresented. To ensure everyone can but even where not mandated, it is a mark training centre in Vernon, a former refinery practical training. check their fire system measures up, of system performance and reliability. Image courtesy of Peter De Roos

site which has been transformed into a The second foam school is taking Advanced, one of the first companies in The infographic explains five things well equiped centre for realsitic hands place from 27th – 31st March 2017 and 7 Europe to achieve Part 13, has produced you need to know about EN54-13: on training. The centre has various props will again be returning to the CNPP Please register on the H2K website a new infographic and 1.5m wall chart that which create credible industrial incidents, Training Centre in Vernon, France.  www.h2k.nl sets out the Part 13 related issues you need 1 Approved systems are rigorously Each of these five features are expanded to be aware of. EN54-13 is a European tested for compatibility upon and clearly explained in the standard that ensures: 2 Approved systems continuously infographic, helping to ensure system check for faults performance and integrity – and therefore ■ Optimal fire system performance 3 ‘Designed to’ is not the same as peace of mind. It can be downloaded or Haes protect university campus at all times ‘Approved to’ ordered from Advanced’s website. ■ Lives are properly protected in a 4 Approved panels can save you Leading fire control panel manufacturer two Esento-32 control panels have been in Hong Kong. With the simple addition real fire situation time and money For more information, go to Haes are proud of their growing reputation networked together to provide a 64 of a standard comms card, up-to eight ■ Complete peace of mind for specifiers, 5 Approved systems bring ultimate  www.advancedco.com/fire- for delivering innovative solutions to zone system to protect part of their main Esento control panels can be networked installers and end-users peace of mind systems/axis/axis-en/en54-part-13/ combat issues in different situations. This campus. Offering composite and highly in a daisy chain loop using RS485 order-infographic.asp flexibility and forward thinking recently flexible zonal programming features, communications. This provides the led to the development of the Esento the networking capabilities provided the potential to protect up-to 256 zones range of networkable conventional control ideal solution to what was looking like a at one time. The network is fail safe, a panels which are now being used to tackle complex and costly situation to resolve. single open or short circuit in a network projects across the globe. As networking features are included link will not stop the communications. INTUMESCENT FIRESTOP SYSTEMS One example of where this solution across the range of Esento 8 to 32 zone has been used to great effect is at the panels, these were able to be supplied For more information, go to Mixed-, cable- and pipe penetration sealings  Chinese University of Hong Kong where off the shelf by Henry Engineering based www.haes-systems.com/int Joint seals with movement capability Next generation fire door technology

Innovators of fire technology Geofire will skills, it is a product that is easy to install, showcase its Agrippa acoustic, digital fire only requires C cell batteries, can be door holder and closer at Intersec 2017. programmed for daily release and has The Agrippa products ‘listen and learn’ adjustable closing speeds. the sound of a building’s specific fire alarm, “The Agrippa range is perfect for releasing the door in the event of a fire. environments such as care homes, This new innovation in the industry is also schools, hotels and hospitals where it is battery-powered and wire free, so it can essential to have doors in an open position easily be retrofitted to any door. at certain times of the day to aid access, Designed and manufactured at its factory but equally as important to ensure the in the UK, the team at Geofire designed the doors are closed in the event of a fire to www.z-z.eu products to ensure they offer a practical, protect the building and its inhabitants.” easily installed solution that does not Geofire manufactures a wide range Visit our booth at Intersec 2017, Dubai Image courtesy of Geofire courtesy of Image

damage flooring or expensive fire doors. of electromagnetic fire door holders and 22.-24.01.2017 Andy Collinson, CEO at Geofire said: closers ranging from hard-wired solutions 7 Fire & Rescue, German Pavilion “The team at Geofire is very proud of this for new builds, to wire-free devices that For more information, go to APPROVED BY CIVIL DEFENCE Hall 2 / 3, booth 3-B15 UAE QATAR product; aside from its listening and learning take just ten minutes to install.  www.geofire.co.uk

8 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DECEMBER 2016 www.ifpmag.com Subscribe at www.ifpmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe DECEMBER 2016 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 9 News News New range of explosion proof heat UL recognised component

detectors from LGM Products for TLX Technologies Image courtesy of TLX Technologies 7

Finding the right cost-effective detector for Products also supplies a marine standard TLX Technologies is excited to announce hazardous areas in offshore environments box for offshore and onshore applications. that our next generation supervised fire is not always straightforward, but LGM LGM Products’ Sales Director, Nic suppression actuator is now a UL recognized Products’ HDL probe heat detectors offer Mogford-Revess said: “The versatility and component to UL 864 for not only indoor dry an excellent new detection solution. durability of these heat detectors means they but outdoor wet applications. TLX’s supervised These ATEx and IECEx approved are particularly suitable for a range of on and latching electric actuator meets required UL explosion proof detectors can be used in offshore applications from drillships to wind and NFPA wiring codes and standards and a range of settings including fire alarm, turbines as well as oil and gas platforms. includes an internal supervisory mechanism fire suppression or fire and gas detection “The addition of these units to our that ensures the actuator is properly installed systems. They can also be installed on product offering complements LGM on the discharge valve of the extinguishing a conventional line or on an addressable Products already extensive range for agent storage container. Integration of the loop via a switch monitor module. specialist fire detection.” supervision mechanism eliminates the need for IP66 rated, the detectors are particularly LGM Products has more than 25 years’ any additional components, connections and designed for hazardous areas in harsh experience supplying heat detection wire paths; resulting in a streamlined, NFPA environmental and corrosive conditions equipment to the marine industry. compliant solution. as well as tough industrial settings. Please visit LGM Products’ website The supervised latching solenoid actuator

The detectors are able to meet most or contact their sales team. Image courtesy of LGM Products comes standard with six wires. Two wires

specifications with a range of alarm 7 are used for activation and four are used for temperatures available and several box For more information, go to supervision of both the actuator placement as sizes for increased terminal capacity. LGM  www.lgmproducts.com well as connection to the fire panel. Factory- wired leads fed through an integrated conduit port in the housing have been added to meet the UL and NFPA wire codes required on all fire FOAM suppression actuators. Advanced adds more zones The supervision on the actuator allows for fully engaged installation detection to be configured to your exact needs. Rugged FIGHTS to its QuickZone fire panels construction, ultra-fast response and the ability to be reset ensures reliable and outstanding FIRE Global fire systems leader Advanced QuickZone offers a choice of three now 16-32) has a rich array of features performance over the actuator’s entire 15-year has extended the range of its control panels, allowing installers that can support passive or fully- life span. TLX’s complete family of actuators QuickZone range of conventional to specify the system that best functional repeaters; it is ideal for larger and direct-acting solenoids for fire suppression and twin-wire fire panels by adding a matches their performance and price conventional or twin-wire installations systems meet the requirements of NFPA 2001 16-32 zone option. This complements requirements. QuickZone (2-4 zones) with more involved programming and (Sec. 4.3.4.1), UL 2166, UL 2127 and FM 5600. the existing 2-4 and 4-12 zone is the most straightforward of the two configuration requirements. QuickZone For over 16 years, TLX Technologies has options and significantly enhances and is appropriate for quick, simple XL also offers zone expansion cards worked with manufacturers to develop and the versatility of the panel range. installations. QuickZone XL (4-12 and and a range of installation features manufacture custom actuators and valves to including earth bars. meet the challenging demands of active fire Both product lines are approved to suppression systems. EN54-2&4 and are quick to install, quick For more information, go to to configure and quick to maintain.  Both also feature false alarm www.tlxtech.com We offer a full range of Internationally Approved, management functions according High Performance, Environmentally Compatible Fire to one of three different modes, as Fighting Foams. described in EN54-2. QuickZone All STHAMEX® AFFF and MOUSSOL® APS AR-AFFF, supports mode A while QuickZone NEW have been re-formulated with latest Generation C6 based XL supports modes A, B and C. False Fluorosurfactants. alarm management can be selected for 24h Emergency Service +49 40 7361680 www.sthamer.com individual zones on both panels.

www.facebook.com/Dr.Sthamer For more information, go to Image courtesy of Advanced courtesy of Image  7 www.advancedco.com

10 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DECEMBER 2016 www.ifpmag.com Subscribe at www.ifpmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe DECEMBER 2016 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 11 COMPANY PROFILE POLFLAM® Large fire-resistant glass – for indoor and outdoor application

OLFLAM is an independent P European manufacturer of fire- resistant glass. The company applies its specialist technology in the production of its hydrogel. POLFLAM produce glass for varied applications, both indoor and outdoor as well as Classes EI 30 to EI 180 and this includes curved glass. Nonetheless, the brands hallmark is glass panels of exceptionally large dimensions: 2200 x 4200 mm, and more recently even to 2420 x 4620 mm – and that was for Class EI 60. Glazed partitions which provide maximum daylight inside the building are the dominating trend in modern architecture today. Wherever we find large-surface glazing functioning fire-resistance of Class A are required to  POLFLAM glass is used both for outdoor as curtain walls, we find ourselves use partitions as high as Class EI 60. and indoor applications. It can be fixed in normally limited by the glass sizes In 2015 POLFLAM introduced Class EI any kind of fire-safe construction joinery currently available in the market. 30 glass panels measuring 2200 x 4200 or used in frameless systems. This is because large-size fire-resistant mm onto the European market which glass panels are a technology challenge broke down an important technology for manufacturers. barrier within the industry. Soon higher- its way into the market. In September High-rise buildings which stipulate a class glass of the same format also made 2016, following extensive testing of the Class EI 60, in a notified laboratory, the company’s range was extended to POLFLAM® EI 60 symmetrical  Large-size fire- fire-resistant glass in a record-breaking resistant glass is size: 2420 x 4620 mm! POLFLAM’s hallmark. Large-sized fire-resistant glass panels mean less construction members in the partition which translates into a measurable increase of the indoor light saturation index as POLFLAM® glass has an exceptional light transmittance factor. On top of that, there is the indisputable visual effect: the huge glass panels are truly impressive. Breaking down technology barriers is POLFLAM’s hallmark. That means that it will not take long for us to look for new solutions. The company’s research and development department has certainly not had the last word!

For more information, go to  www.polflam.com

12 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DECEMBER 2016 www.ifpmag.com PRODUCT PROFILE Tornatech UL Listed and FM Approved Electric and Diesel Fire Pump Controllers

World Class Products Latin America. Today, our products ViZiTouch V2 Color and Customer Service are installed on 5 continents and in Touchscreen Operator Interface Tornatech specializes in the conception over 80 countries. As the first manufacturer to incorporate and manufacturing of fire pump controllers We offer a complete line of electric touchscreen technology in their fire pump in accordance with the NFPA 20 standard. fire pump controllers covering all types controllers, we are pleased to announce They are UL listed and FM approved. of installation requirements such as the release of the NEW ViZiTouch V2 In addition, we have developed controllers residential, limited service, full service and color touch screen operator interface. The that meet various local standards and variable speed with voltages ranging from new 7 inch display has intuitive graphics, approvals. Over the past 30 years we single phase 220V and 3 phase from 208V quick and easy commissioning, user- have gained our customers’ trust and to 7200V and horsepower up to 5000hp. friendly operation and maintenance data confidence by supplying quality, innovative Full voltage and reduced voltage starting logging capabilities. An on-screen menu and reliable Fire Pump Controllers. methods are offered to suit power grid with intuitive icons is accessible from any Over the years, we have not only requirements. Mechanical features include page, providing quick and easy onscreen introduced innovative products but also a compact enclosure design, definite navigation. For more information about developed a network of subsidiaries, purpose disconnecting means our ViZiTouch V2 Operator interface visit sales offices and authorized service and emergency start handle. www.tornatech.com/ViZiTouchV2 dealers located around the world. We have Our diesel engine fire pump manufacturing capabilities in Montreal, controllers are built to start and run all Model DSM: Fuel Fill Station Monitor Canada, Wavre, Belgium and Dubai, listed and approved diesel engine drivers, For Diesel Fire Pump Applications U.A.E, a sales office in Singapore as well 12V.DC or 24V.DC, and incorporate the as sales representatives in the U.S.A and latest NFPA, UL and FM requirements. The Model DSM fuel fill station monitor for Redundant battery chargers ensure diesel fire pump applications serves as a the starting reliability of the engine and “Stop Fill” visual and audible annunciator.  Tornatech Fire Pump Controllers its compact design allows for discrete With its NEMA 4X enclosure and standard with ViZiTouch V2 operator interface. mounting in the pump room. supplied anti-condensation heater and thermostat, the DSM is built to be installed outdoors near the diesel fuel fill pipe. The dead front enclosure makes it vandal- proof so the DSM does not need to be mounted high off the ground to avoid being vandalized.

Model OPD: UL Listed Disconnecting Device For UL Listed and FM Approved Electric Fire Pump Applications Your G1 Mask The Tornatech Model OPD electric fire pump disconnecting device provides A new Level of Comfort and Safety a UL listed means of disconnecting and consequently isolating the fire pump controller from incoming power The G1 Full Face Mask with its wide distortion free field of vision is not only and removing the risk of arc flash. lightweight and compact with overall low profile design, it brings best in It also provides complete overcurrent class breathing comfort and is built to last. coordination upstream of the fire pump controller. Get your hands on the new G1 mask and experience yourself.

For more information, go to  www.tornatech.com MSA .com 14 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DECEMBER 2016 www.ifpmag.com facebook.com/MSAsafetyFire youtube.com/MSAsafety/playlists safety COMPANY PROFILE COMPANY PROFILE

 Vacuum TENMAT formed shapes. Intumescents expand worldwide appeal

enmat Limited have been realise is that a large proportion of solutions and that is where the Tenmat T developing and producing Tenmat’s business is working with other team can assist in turning ideas into reality. “cutting edge” solutions for passive fire protection manufacturers to Even when customers do undertake the the worldwide passive fire protection design, develop and fire test products for development work themselves, Tenmat market for over three decades. The state them with will use Tenmat intumescent are able to, using the strictly controlled of the art Manchester factory employs material as its functioning component. and audited production facility, produce over 200 people and is the UK’s largest Tenmat has a fully refurbished the highest quality intumescent materials, manufacturer of intumescent materials Innovation centre and a creative mix of components and end products to meet Recent projects include the development A variety of sizes, shapes and to differentiate themselves with novel and and finished products. both experienced fire engineers as well the highest quality standards. and testing of fire protected consumer performance grades can be produced, higher performing products. The key to Tenmat’s success is as inventive graduate engineers who work Whilst Tenmat supply and develop units (electrical fuse boxes) for one of the with both batch production or continuous If there is a need for assistance with continuous innovation and developing of together to produce a ready stream of new intumescent solutions for a vast array largest manufacturers in Europe, a firestop high volume production possible. the development of passive fire protection products to meet the most onerous fire and improved products to meet the ever of applications, particular areas of seal for European electrical sockets However, what sets Tenmat apart products, or simply a need for supply of test standards worldwide. This has led to changing standards in the fire industry. expertise include: and seals to provide a fire rating to PVC from other manufacturers is the ability quality intumescent materials in flexible, Tenmat being the largest manufacturer of As well as having our own in-house window profiles for a major manufacturer. to vacuum form complex 3 dimensional rigid, flat or shaped forms then Tenmat Fire Rated Light Covers for both Europe testing facilities, Tenmat also work ■ Pipe Closers – High Expansion The range of Tenmat materials is shapes in intumescent materials. This, can help. and North America as well as winning the very closely with the biggest fire test Intumescent materials for fast and extensive ranging from 0.5mm thick combined with the ability to control the Queens Award for Enterprise, Innovation laboratories and so can assist customers effective sealing intumescent papers through to 60mm direction of expansion makes Tenmat the For more information, go to in 2012 and International Trade in 2013. from initial product conception through ■ Ventilated Fire Barriers for use behind thick compressible intumescent boards. obvious choice for customers who want  www.tenmat.com What many in the industry do not to the final testing. external rainscreen/cladding/facades Tenmat fully understand that many ■ Recessed Light Fire Protection – customers have the best ideas, but not to European and US test standards  Fire rated light cover necessarily the facilities or resources to ■ Electrical Socket Protection over light fitting. turn those ideas into finished firestopping ■ Linear gap seals

Winner of the Queen’s Award for Innovation and International Trade

UK manufacturer of Intumescent Materials

 Expansion ratio from 2:1 up to 60:1  Thickness from 0.5 to 60mm+  Range of sizes up to 2200x1100mm  Flexible, rigid, and vacuum formed materials  Bespoke materials can be tailored to customer requirements with full R&D facilities

+44 (0)161 872 2181 www.TENMAT.com [email protected]

16 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DECEMBER 2016 www.ifpmag.com Subscribe at www.ifpmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe DECEMBER 2016 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 17 FIRE DETECTION TECHNOLOGY FIRE DETECTION TECHNOLOGY Safety for warehouses – video fights fire Warehouses can be a firefighter’s nightmare. Although warehouse fires usually result in few bodily injuries or fatalities, the lack of early fire detection technologies and the immense fire loads in warehouses often result in firefighters arriving on the scene just to see that it’s too late – the fire has already become too hazardous and too large to risk entering the warehouse. Total loss of the building is all too often the typical result.

ideo-based fire detection a commonly used technology, but even V technologies promise faster fully compliant sprinkler systems may not and more accurate detection be able to extinguish the fire they detected. of such potentially devastating fires, Using sprinklers also bears the potential allowing firefighters to limit the damage. of the water doing more harm than the Most warehouses are characterized fire itself. They are designed to save the by high ceilings and very large areas, also building, not the commodities inside. resulting in huge volumes of air inside Smoke detection is considered to be which is a major challenge for traditional a reliable option for early fire detection. fire detection technologies. Usually, such Smoke is usually produced way before technologies have been developed to any flames become visible. However, Image courtesy of Bosch Security Systems

discover the presence of smoke, heat traditional point smoke detectors need 7 or flames. In warehouse environments, the smoke to migrate to their location, Sören Wittmann heat detection by means of sprinklers is which is a challenge in large warehouses. heavily diluted. A starting fire may thus not implement another set to deal with flames.  Intelligent video analytics can distinguish Mounted at ceiling level, the detectors are produce enough smoke to be detected or Flame characteristics of different fires real fires from disturbance values like usually far away from the source of the not enough buoyancy to drive the smoke are well understood, and thus flame backlights, illumination and movements.  Very large open spaces, high ceilings and high smoke. Further, given the large volume upwards to the ceiling where the detectors detection through intelligent algorithms is fire load are typical characteristics in warehouses. of a warehouse, the smoke is being are located. The only smoke detection just as reliable as smoke detection. Using system. They can transmit alarms via technology that does not need the smoke video to detect flames adds additional Ethernet to the monitoring center or even to migrate to the sensor is video. Video- value by way of full video visualization of a mobile device, but can just as well based smoke detection is basically a set of the scene. The operator can therefore relay it to an existing fire alarm panel. algorithms in an intelligent camera. These precisely locate the seat of the fire as Cameras cover broad areas, need little algorithms process the camera image to well as involved commodities, potentially maintenance and do not even require determine whether smoke is present, and providing valuable time for firefighting. individual power supplies. With Power they can detect a fire as soon as the smoke The video image can also be used to over Ethernet (PoE), power and video enters their field of view. This way they verify alarms in the first place, avoiding signals use the same cable, even can cover larger areas and volumes than costly false alarms. allowing the camera to benefit from the point, beam or aspiration detectors, making However, video-based fire detection uninterruptable power supplies (UPS) them a much more affordable solution for (VFD) is by itself highly immune against in the Ethernet switches. Video-based warehouse environments. Further, in such such false alarms. Intelligent algorithms solutions thus come with a very affordable environments video is much faster than within the camera allows for very precise cost of ownership. conventional smoke detection. It can detect differentiation between a real fire and a starting fire within 10 to 30 seconds while disturbing values such as movement, Video combines safety and security other technologies will need minutes due reflections or changing lighting conditions. While video-based fire detection can be to the slow smoke migration – minutes In internal tests, Bosch Security Systems more reliable and more affordable than that can make the difference between has therefore achieved highest detection other technologies in most warehouse a nuisance and a disaster. reliability in all test fires (TF1 through TF8) scenarios, it offers an additional benefit as specified in EN54. that no other option can. It allows to Sören Wittmann is Product Detect smoke and flames Video-based fire detection systems combine safety and security. Manager Special Detectors But video can do more than just smoke scales well from a single camera to a Having installed a video-based at Bosch Security Systems. detection. If you use one set of algorithms networked system of distributed cameras fire detection system, the operator of Image courtesy of Bosch Security Systems

7 to identify smoke, you can just as well with a central console and management a warehouse can use the very same

18 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DECEMBER 2016 www.ifpmag.com Subscribe at www.ifpmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe DECEMBER 2016 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 19 FIRE DETECTION TECHNOLOGY The ultimate smoke detector.

The ultimate… Image courtesy of Bosch Security Systems

7 • Detection — very early warning with increased sample hole coverage

 Video-based fire detection can be used in high-bay (FPA) even published data indicating that Preconditions for VFD and reduced nuisance alarms warehouses with narrow aisles and high fire load. arson was responsible for 46% of all large Although video-based fire detection offers • Future-proof platform, with expandable hardware modules for fires in warehouses in the late 90s. Video a lot of benefits including additional safety, surveillance combined with video-based it must be mentioned that today it cannot additional capabilities & downloadable software analytics for more cameras for video surveillance. There are fire detection can therefore not only offer replace EN54 installations. It is an Active effective response lots of reasons to monitor the warehouse, fast and reliable detection of warehouse Work Item in ISO, though, and so you can avoiding theft being the most obvious fires, but potentially also prevent a lot expect certification in the not so distant • Connectivity with WiFi, Ethernet, USB, iVESDA mobile apps & more one. But just as intelligent algorithms of them to begin with or help with root future. FM3232 and UL286B are available • Backward compatibility, both physically and electronically can identify smoke or flames, others cause analysis. today. However, VFD can be the best can detect unusual movements as well available option where no EN54 compliant • Protection of your investment, with increased longevity and lower as blocked aisles or emergency exits, Two approaches to VFD solution exists anyway. In some situations it total-cost of ownership thus increasing safety and operational There are two different approaches to even has the potential to enable insurance efficiency. And finally, a lot of fires video-based fire detection. VFD can coverage for an environment that so far in warehouses are actually induced complement existing technologies such had to go uninsured. In other scenarios by intentional arson, and here video as sprinklers or smoke detectors, greatly it may very well complement existing fire surveillance can be a very efficient increasing speed and accuracy of fire alarm systems to increase the safety level means of prevention. detection. Next to warehouses, there are and integrate video surveillance. In the United States, the National Fire many other scenarios where solutions Another condition is native to video Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) and exist, but are unsatisfactory. These include – it needs light. Flames and/or smoke the National Fire Protection Association environments with high rooms, dusty and must be visible for the video camera to (NFPA) have published surveys indicating humid areas or very large open spaces. On detect it. Today Bosch offers VFD with its that arson was the course of 13% of the other hand, VFD can be a solution for IP camera starlight 8000. The company all warehouse fires (second only to applications where no other solution exists. produces its Starlight series for very electrical problems with 14%). And being Think of saw mills with their extreme fire low light conditions, which will, once You’ve never seen designed for destruction, arson causes load – according to NFIRS and NFPA sawn integrated, offer video-based fire detection much more damage than incidental fires. wood is even the most common material also in very unfavorable surroundings. anything better. Representing 13% of the fires, arson to ignite in warehouses. Hangars or large You never will. resulted in 21% of the damage done. In monitoring areas such as generator halls For more information, go to Stay protected and connected the UK, the Fire Protection Association in power plants are other examples.  www.boschsecurity.com with the iVESDA mobile application for iOS and Android devices Learn more: www.xtralis.com/ultimate

20 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DECEMBER 2016 www.ifpmag.com FIRE TEST FACILITY FIRE TEST FACILITY

 Gas Burners Deliver UL’s iconic Steiner tunnel 1.4 m Test Flame. withstands the test of time 2003. In this fire, rapid progression of flames of the interior materials, which were not examined to proper Towards the beginning of the 20th century, major fires in US buildings aroused public standards, led to the building being concern and demonstrated the need to address and regulate the burning characteristics engulfed within minutes. Steiner Tunnel Apparatus of building materials. In the early 1940s, fires at the Boston Cocoanut Grove Nightclub, The tunnel apparatus is constructed La Salle Street Hotel (Chicago), and Winecoff Hotel in Atlanta resulted in over 650 such that materials under test have an exposed area of 18 inches wide deaths. These three fires had a common theme – rapid flame progression along the by 24 feet long, up to a thickness of approximately 5-6 inches, maximum. surfaces of the interior finish greatly contributed to uncontrollable fire spread. The test is conducted with the sample mounted in the “ceiling” position of an here was a dire need to provide cost effective, repetitive testing enclosed tunnel furnace measuring 18 Image courtesy of Chong Choi

T manage these types of and use of a sample size that could inches wide by 12 inches deep by 25 feet 7 building fires through passive characterize interior finish materials long. Two burner outlets, spaced eight fire protection and regulating material used in actual installations. After a few inches apart, deliver a nominal 5000 BTU/ US Codes Closing characteristics. By the 1940s, research refinements the first formal test method min., 4½ foot flame to provide the ignition UL 723 and ASTM E84 are found The Steiner Tunnel test method, as work at UL (Underwriters Laboratories, was published as Standard UL 723 by source to the underside of the mounted throughout US model codes and many described in UL 723 and ASTM E84, Inc.) had led to this prevailing “reaction UL in 1950. The test method was formally specimen. The test continues for a jurisdictional requirements. Many US is one of the most popular “reaction to to fire” test method using a 25 foot long adopted by American Society for Testing 10-minute duration. A controlled inlet draft Codes require a Flame Spread of 25 or fire” test methods within the US. This tunnel to characterize the surface burning and Materials (now ASTM) in 1961. of 240 feet per minute facilitates horizontal less, and a Smoke Developed of 50 or method has been used for decades fire and smoke characteristics of interior The National Fire Protection Association flame propagation throughout the test. less for materials used within plenums. with success to assess the comparative finish materials. later adopted the method as NFPA For materials used as interior finish, surface burning characteristics of building The 25-foot tunnel became known as No. 255 in 1955. Today this method is Test Procedure most US codes require the following materials for several decades. The the Steiner Tunnel, named in honor of the currently described in UL 723 and is With all of the controls set for the tunnel Class ratings for various installations selection of materials with appropriate, Dwayne Sloan primary UL Engineer, Albert J. Steiner. also commonly known as ASTM E84. operation, the room is darkened, and and based on occupancy types: code compliant results has proven to be Its prominence in the fire protection The regulation of rapid progression the gas burners are ignited. Observers a useful tool in mitigating the hazards community was based on its ability to of fire on interior finish materials is as record the distance and time of associated with flame propagation on relevant today as it was 70 years ago. maximum flame front travel through interior surfaces. A more recent example of the need for the tunnel observation windows. Flame  The Steiner interior material fire assessment is the front advancement is recorded at the For more information, go to Tunnel Apparatus. Rhode Island Station Nightclub fire of time of occurrence or at least every  www.ul.com 30 seconds, if no advancement is noted. The test continues for a 10-min period. A light and photoelectric cell, mounted in the exhaust duct, records smoke obscuration during the test. Flame spread and smoke developed indices are reported in comparison with calibration materials of red oak lumber and inorganic reinforced cement board. Red oak propagates flames to the end of the tunnel in approximately five and a half minutes and generates a flame-spread index of approximately 90. A smoke developed index of 100 is assigned for red oak. Inorganic reinforced cement Dwayne Sloan is Manager, board generates flame spread and smoke Principal Engineers. Building developed indices of zero. Materials & Suppression. Distinguished Member of Technical Staff.  UL723 / ASTM E84 – Popular Image courtesy of Chong Choi Image courtesy of Chong Choi

7 US Reaction to Fire Test Method. 7

22 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DECEMBER 2016 www.ifpmag.com Subscribe at www.ifpmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe DECEMBER 2016 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 23 FIRE RESISTANT CABLES In with the new... Greater certainty for specifiers The fire cable industry has welcomed the introduction of the new British Standard BS 8592:2016 Electric cables; thermosetting insulated, non-armoured, fire-resistant APRIL 24-29, 2017 single core non-sheathed cable of rated voltage 450/750V. This is first British INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA INDIANA CONVENTION CENTER standard for this type of cable, and was published on 31st March 2016. & LUCAS OIL STADIUM he new single core cable can be carried out separately using T standard ensures that special protocols for single core cables. these small-sized cables, Commonly, end users and regulators commonly used for final circuit wiring specify additional BS 6387 tests for single of critical systems such as fire alarms core fire resistant cables. All the tests and emergency lighting, now have a can be carried out in the BASEC cable specification. These cables have been tests laboratory. manufactured, distributed and widely used globally for many years but have International impact not had a full specification, which has This cable type is commonly used across resulted in some variability between cable the Middle East and Asia in critical manufacturers. Now, the design and emergency circuits so it is important for performance specifications are clearly specifiers and fire engineers working in Dr Jeremy Hodge defined, giving specifiers, designers and these regions to be aware of the new installers greater certainty that the cable standard. In locations such as the United should be fit for purpose. Arab Emirates and Hong Kong, where Previously, cable manufacturers made steel reinforced concrete construction reference to other similar standards and is widely used, the buildings often use to test methods to support their design embedded conduit for power, lighting and manufacturing processes, however and safety circuitry. the new standard negates any grey areas. The reason for this is that it is easier to BS 8592:2016 will begin to be referenced use small single core cables than larger in system design standards and will deter sheathed cables with this construction unsuitable alternatives from being used. method. This differs from the usual construction practices in the UK and Put to the test Europe, where sheathed cables are more One of the major requirements to meet the commonly used for emergency circuits. new standard is to have ‘low emission of BASEC has an international program smoke and corrosive gases when affected supporting reputable cable manufacturers by fire’. To describe a cable as Low Smoke to provide independent technical Halogen Free (LSHF), it must generally information to educate and inform pass two tests; a smoke cube test, which engineers about new fire standards sets a maximum accumulated smoke and revisions to ensure they are fully density produced when burning the cable conversant with up to date fire with a standard fire, and; a corrosive and cable regulations. acid gas test (related to the presence of Cable test and certification bodies, halogens) where the cable materials are such as BASEC, cannot test cables for roasted in a tube furnace and must give every fire-related eventuality, however, off a maximum of 0.5% acid gas. by having consistent testing methods Dr Jeremy Hodge is Chief The cables are subjected to an detailed in product standards such as BS Executive at the British IEC 60331-3 dry fire resistance test to 8592:2016, it ensures that cable products Approvals Service for meet the requirements of the standard. provided by manufacturers for test can Cables (BASEC). However, no water-based tests are be directly compared to a specification included in the standard, but these to ensure performance is benchmarked.

Subscribe at www.ifpmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe DECEMBER 2016 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 25 FIRE RESISTANT CABLES 30 YEARS IN DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING The Last Cable Standing OF FIRE RESISTANT CABLES Safety through our EXPERIENCE Image courtesy of BASEC

7

BS 7629-1 streamlined cables meeting the fire test requirements  Cable test BS 6387 category W has been removed, in new edition for categories ‘Standard 30’, ‘Standard but it is expected that many manufacturers and The 2015 revision of BS 7629-1 has 60’, or ‘Enhanced 120’, this grading is to specifiers will continue to request it. cleared the clutter from the standard and be marked accordingly on the sheath. tightened requirements to prevent any It also requires that if a third party misunderstandings in the supply chain. independent approval organisation revisions is that BS 6387 categories C, This revision impacts any UK fire alarm is used, such as BASEC, its mark of W, and Z have been removed from the system (BS 5839-1) and emergency approval shall be embossed, indented standard. These include the traditional lighting system (BS 5266-1) where or printed throughout the length of the water-based test. However, these tests circuit integrity is needed. external cable sheath. may still be conducted, and marked on For some time, there had been industry the cable. We expect the new classes of FIRECEL SR 114H/114E demand to bring the BS 5839-1 specified Cable test changes performance to be incorporated into future test methods and grading scheme An important revision has been a change revisions of Codes of Practice such as BS BS 5839-1 “Standard” and “Enhanced” into the product standard to simplify to the assessment of the tin coating of 5839-1 (Fire alarm and detection systems) BS 7629-1 Design Standard the specification process. Since its the circuit protective conductor / drain and BS 5266 (emergency lighting). EN 50200 PH 120 publication late last year, the revision wire. This coating helps prevent possible Also, additional tests have been BS 6387 Cat. C W Z has generally been well received. long term corrosion, which could affect included for shrinkage of insulation and performance in use. sheathing for the first time (generally Clearer marking and grading The new test appears less prone applied to a number of other cable The cable marking requirements are to interference from scraping damage standards – EN 50525 series, BS 7211, now quite specific. A number of fire test caused when making or disassembling BS 5467, BS 6724, BS 7846). standards such as BS EN 50200 and the cable, however prior to its publication, Both these new cable standards, BS 8434-2, codes of practice such as there was a lot of debate about the test BS 8592:2016 and BS 7629-1:2015, define BS 5266-1, BS 5839-1 and BS 8519 and and whether it should even be included in specifications for fire resistant cables performance levels PH15, PH30, up to this standard. Many products were found providing circuit integrity. As such they PH120 were not previously controlled and to not be compliant to the old test (EN are excluded from the introduction of new now, cannot be marked on BS 7629-1 1360:2002 Clause 5) which could delay Construction Products Regulation (CPR) cable. Some markings were becoming the granting of product approval until requirements for reaction to fire for cables, very long and complex which was necessary changes to the tinning process which is underway now. BASEC has been unintentionally causing confusion. were achieved, usually to add additional appointed a Notified Body for the delivery However, where there was no tin. In practise, it has had a positive of the full range of CPR cable services. requirement for fire performance markings outcome and UKAS has now accredited CAVICEL SpA Cavicel SpA (DMCC Branch) Headquarters and Factory DUBAI Branch Office on the external sheath in the 2008 version, BASEC to conduct the new test. For more information, go to  Pioltello (Milano) - Italy Dubai - UAE BS 7629-1:2015 necessitates that for One of the notable fire resistance test www.basec.org.uk e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] www.cavicel.com 26 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DECEMBER 2016 www.ifpmag.com MADE IN ITALY LPCB ref. 217f and 217g FIRE RESISTANT CABLES FIRE RESISTANT CABLES Smoke without fire Evolution of protocols for testing fire safety electrical cables has led to an important divergence between fire performances provided by electrical cables and fire performances expected and needed. The understanding amongst most specifiers, sellers, installers and users of fire safety cables is that the products they buy and use will provide a level of fire performance in real emergency conditions commensurate with the performance implied by the testing procedure.

nfortunately, unless exposed to for BS6387:1983 this is still the basis U exactly the same fire conditions for most flame circuit integrity testing of as in testing this is unlikely to cables in Europe and Asia. be the case In America, Canada, Australia, New Image courtesy of MICC

Before 1970 there were no common Zealand, Germany and Belgium simple 7 standards for testing electrical circuits flame tests on cables are no longer for fire survival. Since 1932’s Mineral accepted and certification requires furnace  Airports, ‘an area insulation and jacketing may represent Internal heat Insulated (MICC cables) had been used testing of full ‘wiring systems’ to the of special risk’. one of the biggest fixed fire loads (fuel There are “NO” flame propagation tests for high temperature resistance and it “Standard Time Temperature” protocol source) in a building. done or required by any Standard or AHJ was considered almost common sense ISO834-1, EN1363-1, AS1530 pt4, BS476 The common argument that other for cables under short circuit or overload that these cables were the best option pts 20-23 & in USA ASTM E119-75. organic / burnable materials in the ! (given that reports by Fire Authorities available for fire performance. It is not commonly understood that walls etc. are required to be fire rated by building are greater is pointless as only often cite cables as the source of many In the 1970’s new polymeric cable fire resistant cables, where tested to building regulations, they are all tested to electric cable has the real potential for fires this oversight is concerning !) Jamie Groves insulations evolved and manufacturers common British flame test standards, the Standard Time Temperature protocol all three basic requirements needed for Note: once the fire reaches flashover found that with Silicone Rubber or Glass are not required to perform to the same required by BS476 parts 20 to 23 (also a fire: temperatures 300˚C to 400˚C – all Mica Tape insulation they could make time-temperature profiles as every other known as ISO834-1, EN1363-1 or in polymeric cables burn cables to pass some flame tests. In 1970 structure, system or component in America & Canada ASTM E119-75). ■ Fuel source – materials used At present all tests on cables are done IEC 331 was born and formed the basis a building. Contrastingly, Fire Resistant cable ■ Air around the cable with flames on outside of the cable. This is Specifically, where fire resistant test standards BS 6387CWZ, BS8343-2, ■ Ignition source – spark from outside only part of the danger and risk to life. structures, systems, partitions, fire doors, BSEN 50200, BS8491 require cables to cable or short circuit inside The insulation materials used on  Modern furnace test. fire penetrations fire barriers, floors, be tested to standards which have lower conductors are often hydrocarbons, final temperatures (than required by There are two ways a polymeric meaning they burn. This includes PVC, BS476 pts 20 to 23) and in ‘flame’ cable can burn: Polyetheleen or XLPE, EPR etc. It is rather than ‘fire’ conditions. important to point out that another well Given Fire Resistant cables are ■ External heat / fire know hydrocarbon is petrol! likely to be exposed in the same fire ■ Internal heat (overload / short circuit) As these materials are all oil based and are needed to ensure that all Life they all have a very high fuel element, Safety and Fire Fighting systems remain Common tests to evaluate flame they all burn. operational. Fire resistant cables are propagation on cables are: In overload or short circuit the heat is specified to ensure life critical circuits on the inside – there does not need to be remain functional in a fire. Emergency ■ IEC 60332-1 BS 4066-1 USA: UL1581, a fire for these cables to burn, as with the lighting & power for alarms, sprinkler UL2556-pt 9.1, 9.3, 9.4 & NFPA 262 Address Hotel fire in Dubai this is often systems, communication / evacuation ■ IEC 60332-3 BS 4066-3 AS/NZS 1660- a cause of fire. systems, ventilation systems etc MUST 5.1 USA: UL1666, UL 1685, UL2556- pt Why isn’t there International tests remain functional until everybody is out 9.6 & IEEE 383 on cables for fire due to overload / alive. They should last at least as long if short circuit? The evidence suggests not longer than fire doors, windows and External heat/fire there should. walls etc. All these test are conducted on cables Cables are installed by many different starting at ambient temperature but in So there is smoke without fire… Jamie Groves is Sales trades for many different applications, practice they will be likely be at operating It is the low smoke myth Director, Mineral Insulated what is not often realized is that the temperature 60, 70 or 90°C (if cables Many polymeric cable manufacturers Cable Company (MICC) Ltd. many miles of cables and many tons of were tested preconditioned at operating claim the polymers they use for insulation Image courtesy of MICC

7 plastic polymers which make up the cable temperature many would fail !) and jackets are low smoke. They often

28 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DECEMBER 2016 www.ifpmag.com Subscribe at www.ifpmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe DECEMBER 2016 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 29 FIRE RESISTANT CABLES

/ XLPE (polyethylene) gives of more smoke on heating without flame! Plasticized UPVC is used to make MICC Group general electric cable. In flaming and none flaming mode both feature high smoke outputs, indeed very bad as a fire proof cable… Many leading fire resistant cable brands use polyethylene – In a direct flame it indeed shows as low smoke generation factor…. But under overload, short circuit Mineral Insulated Fire Survival Cable or internal heat for any reason… 590DM is • Zero flame spread • Zero oxygen consumption • Non ageing > 100yrs a huge amount of smoke. • Zero toxic & halogen gas • Zero heat release • Waterproof It doesn’t take an actual fire to cause an • Zero smoke • Zero fire load • Rodent Proof emergency evacuation, smoke with no fire is more common, extremely costly not to mention a major risk to life! Whilst provocative this is again factual information. The heat given off if directly proportional to oxygen consumed; Petrol = 48 mega joules – We know how well it burns, that’s a lot of heat! PE & XLPE = 46 – A very common cable insulation that shockingly releases almost Office and Factory Address: as much heat as petrol! Temperature House, Unit 21 Sedhing Road, If we consider how many tons of XLPE Wear East Industriah Estate, Washington, Tyne and Wear. +44 (0)191 416 8884 | [email protected] is currently specified and used in today’s United Kingdom. NE38 9BZ www.temperature-house.com buildings it’s not hard to acknowledge that they represent the biggest fire load. Of course this burning up of the oxygen produces a ton of carbon monoxide too! 95% of deaths in fires are from carbon monoxide poisoning.

In summary Current international standards for fire performance cables must be considered LPCB offers independent as only bare minimum performance standards in a controlled environment. approval of fire and security There is no guarantee of the performance products and services to an given in real-world scenarios, especially international market. cables only to pass flame based Images courtesy of MICC courtesy of Images

7 standards. Red Book listing demonstrates ongoing It is therefore recommended for end- compliance with specified standards and is the justify this by claiming compliance to tests a fire, this heating up causes a large users, consultants and other industry essential reference for specifiers, regulators, like BS EN 61034. amount of smoke to be released. experts to review any specific requirement designers and end-users. These smoke obscuration tests are Major incidents like in the Singapore for fire rated cables thoroughly and specify dependent on a specific sample weight and Washington DC Metro systems, along a solution that will give the required The Red Book is recognised by Authorities of cable burned in a specific room / air with exploding manhole covers in London real-world performance. Whist carefully Having Jurisdiction across the Middle East and volume. a few years ago and more recently the considering ways to reduce the overall risk many other countries worldwide. These results are not predictive end huge fire at the Address Hotel in Dubai of fire and its effects on the occupants in use simulations. (Smoke generation can on New Year’s Eve have all led to large the building. Visit us at: be greater on high heating before flame evacuations due to great smoke release By taking the holistic approach to fire Intersec, Dubai: 22 - 24 January and smoke volume is directly related to from polymeric cables…. All these caused safety we can help improve the safety of FIREX International, London: 20 - 22 June amount of material burnt) by cable short circuits. our buildings and ultimately contribute to IFSEC International, London: 20 - 22 June The current test is a 3m cube test with saving lives. +44 (0)1923 664100 a flame, however as discussed polymeric How can a BS-EN 61034 low smoke [email protected] quote ref: LPCBIFP cables burn much easier from the inside cable give off so much smoke? For more information, go to www.redbooklive.com so most smoke is actually given off before PVC gives off more smoke in flame but PE  www.temperature-house.com

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Technology Workstream has brought Drive down false alarms together a group of stakeholders, including the FIA, to look at the problem in general and its remit is:

– consider new technology ■ Clearly identify the problem; look at the data and accurately determine Throughout the world there’s a problem with false alarms from automatic fire detection the cause of false alarms ■ Look at what technology is available systems. In the UK this problem has come further under the spotlight because of the to provide reliable fire detection Localism Bill which, with some caveats, gives Fire and Rescue Authorities the right to charge ■ Having proved that improvements can be economically made to the fire alarm for attendance. Indeed, London Fire Brigade announced in January 2014 that it was to start system, then set about changing the way fire detection is used in the built charging businesses for call outs if they attend more than ten false alarms in a twelve month environment

period. They issued 100+ invoices within the first 120 days of the new regime! Once the possible causes for false alarms have been established, the next step is owever, it’s not all bad news service. Currently in England only one to find ways of using technology to help H with false alarms as official UK Shire Fire & Rescue Service attends all solve the problem. In order to do this it government figures show that AFA signals and that’s Buckinghamshire. will be necessary to identify problem sites there has been a steady decline in false Check your fire risk assessment and and to bring the relevant technology, such alarm numbers over the past ten years and consult your local fire service if you live as recent systems software / hardware this against the background of ever more anywhere else in England. updates, to bear. fire and rescue service. Manual call points systems being installed. Nevertheless, Another area of concern is the Weston- A major key to success will be (MCPs) are configured to override this everybody agrees that false alarms are a Super-Mare Grand Pier fire, where the the management of the site and the delay and provide the general alarm. This total waste of the Fire & Rescue Services’ judgment is certainly of interest to the commitment of occupiers to change what could also be overridden by coincidence and the users’ time, let alone the money alarm receiving centre industry. In this happens in their building. The possibility detection. This is when a second detector that is involved. case, the judge recommended a ‘default of Fire & Rescue Services charging may confirms the fire signal and activated the year on year without all of the false alarm The false alarms problem is further rule’ of calling the Fire & Rescue Service help focus management’s attention here. alarm. Finally if the fire warden fails to arrive call outs. compounded by the absence of a single even if the automatic fire alarm signal One idea being promoted by some is that within an acceptable time the system will In order to drive down the number of Graham Simons automatic fire alarm (AFA) Fire & Rescue cannot be confirmed. However, due to the this could be enhanced further if these automatically revert to fire alarm condition. false alarms, all involved in our industry Service attendance policy in England. This Localism Act, there could be the situation false alarm charges could be diverted into In all cases it is important that if the need to change and come together for a lack of consistency makes it difficult for where the Fire & Rescue Service is efforts to reduce the false alarms on a site. event was an unwanted alarm this is fully common good, for example: both end users and fire alarm maintenance threatening to charge for a false call and, Techniques that can be utilised include investigated and documented and action companies, whereas in Scotland there in extreme cases, take the caller to court! on-site filtering; fire warden investigation; is taken to prevent a repeat of this type ■ Builders need to fit what is suitable for is one policy and this has been further In view of the continuing false alarm multi-sensor fire detectors and perhaps the of incident. the building rather than the absolute reinforced by the setting up of a single fire situation the Fire Sector Federation linking of systems (fire and intruder). Multi- A recent study by BRE in conjunction minimum sensors for example, can overcome many with the FIA looked at 65 fire call out events ■ Installers need to ensure that they issues including hotel shower steam, burnt in Glasgow. This showed that a surprising understand the building and how it will toast, exhaust in a loading bay and even number of unwanted alarms were caused be used cigarettes in prisons. The added benefit by the activation of MCPs. To avoid this ■ Manufacturers need to develop simple with multi-sensor fire detectors is that if problem the use of a cover that needs to be ways to set up and, if required, change something changes in the monitored area, lifted before operation of the break glass the system’s detection parameters the sensor can often be re-programmed to can be a good solution. Similarly in busy ■ Users need to understand what they suit the new scenario. corridors where trollies can sometimes have fitted, how to best use it and The use of a delay to allow investigation impact MCPs deflector cover plates are the requirement to change as their by a fire warden before activation of the available to protect the MCP from damage. business changes general fire alarm can be effective at But where do we go next? Today’s ■ Legislators need to understand that reducing unwanted alarms. A staff alarm fire panels can provide the address data calling for the absolute minimum may is used to filter these unwanted alarms. from a detector that has triggered. This not be the most cost effective in the In this case following an alarm from an could be sent to the fire appliance while long term automatic fire detector the general alarm on its way to the call. There is also the signal is delayed and initially only certain possibility of linking detection points, And last but not least Fire & Rescue trained staff in the premises are alerted to e.g. the system may have one point in Services need to understand where they permit investigation prior to evacuation. alarm and two others showing a rapid fit into the sector. Graham Simons is FIA Note however that in residential care temperature increase. Technical Manager. premises a staff alarm should not All this will cost money to implement For more information, go to Image courtesy of MICC  7 incorporate any delay in summoning of the but just think how much could be saved www.fia.uk.com

32 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DECEMBER 2016 www.ifpmag.com Subscribe at www.ifpmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe DECEMBER 2016 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 33 Intersec 2017 Profile & Showcase

he final countdown to Intersec Infinova, IDIS, and Milestone Systems. The show’s strong international flavour T 2017 has begun, the world’s With more than 50 exhibitors, will be further enhanced by 14 country leading trade fair for security, Information Security has been one of the pavilions from Canada, China, Czech safety, and fire protection, which is major growth sections at Intersec, and has Republic, France, Germany, Hong Kong, scheduled to be ten per cent larger year- doubled in size every year since it was first India, Italy, Korea, Pakistan, Singapore, on-year when it opens from 22-24 January introduced to the show in 2014, as security Taiwan, UK, and USA. at the Dubai International Convention and threats to businesses spread beyond the Returning features to Intersec 2017 Exhibition Centre. physical realm. include the Safety Design in Buildings The 19th edition of the annual three-day Headline exhibitors confirming their Pavilion in the Fire & Rescue section, which event will feature more than 1,300 exhibitors participation early next year include Agility has doubled in size and will shine the light from 52 countries, while over 31,000 visitors Grid, Al-Mazroui – ICAS, Commend, Dell, on fire-rated building materials such as from 128 countries are expected to attend as Easy World, Hanvon, Infosec, Matrix, facades, fabrics, doors, windows, paints, they seek the latest solutions across seven Netronics, Quantum IT, and Rittal, a stucco, and egress systems. show sections of Commercial Security, Fire & manufacturer of IT networking and Data A Techtextil Pavilion in the Safety & Health Rescue, Safety & Health, Homeland Security Centre Physical Infrastructure solutions. section will also present the entire spectrum & Policing, Perimeter & Physical Security, Smart Home & Building Automation of technical textiles and nonwovens for Information Security, and Smart Home & is the most recent show section added professional and protective clothing, as Building Automation. to Intersec’s vast product scope, as well as the latest laminating technologies Don’t Gamble With Fire Safety. Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt urbanisation and a new age of ICT for coating, printing, finishing and other Middle East, the organiser of Intersec, said: (Information and communications products and services; and three industry “Middle East organisations and end-users technology) aids the march toward smarter conferences held in cooperation with the realise the impact of security and fire safety integration of different functions like electro- Dubai Police and Dubai Civil Defence wrap on their overall productivity and bottom lines, mechanical controls, fire and safety security up the host of additional features. The Nittan Group, with its premium Japanese designed products while regional governments have always systems, and energy management. Intersec 2017 is held under the been committed to protecting critical assets Fire & Rescue (400 exhibitors), Safety & patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor has been at the forefront of the international fi re protection industry and people in the face of perceived threats Health (100 exhibitors), Homeland Security bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, since 1954. along with social and commercial interests. & Policing (100 exhibitors), and Perimeter & and officially supported by Dubai Police, “In this respect, the region has carved out Physical Security (50 exhibitors) wrap up the the Dubai Civil Defence, and Dubai We manufacture over four million detectors, each one manufactured a niche for itself the global security, safety, dedicated show sections at Intersec 2017, Police Academy. and fire protection industries and Intersec, firmly underlining its position as world’s most to the highest quality adhering to an ISO9001:2008 Quality Management, as the leading global trade platform with influential exhibition dedicated to security, For more information, go to so you never take a risk with safety. a pronounced regional focus, remains the safety and fire protection.  www.intersecexpo.com natural vehicle for international manufacturers Our engineering expertise has resulted in exceptional reliability and quality; to showcase their wares to regional buyers. even allowing us to cater to some of the most demanding markets, “The coming edition will be even including Marine, Off Shore and Industrial customers. wider in scope and reach and will provide trade visitors a comprehensive look at what’s available to suit their varied needs, A three year warranty and approvals to global standards whether that be for governments and make Nittan products the safest bet. authorities, or for private sector end-users in aviation, oil & gas, construction, finance, hospitality, logistics, retail or healthcare,” added Pauwels. With more than 580 exhibitors, Commercial Security is the largest section at Intersec 2017, with more than two-thirds of the world’s top 50 security solutions players on board, including Hikvision, Bosch, Dahua, Assa Abloy, Tyco, FLIR, Hanwha Techwin, Images courtesy of Messe Frankfurt Messe courtesy of Images

Axis Communications, Avigilon Panasonic, 7 email: [email protected] | tel: +44 (0) 1483 769555 | www.nittan.co.uk Subscribe at www.ifpmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe DECEMBER 2016 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 35 EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE

3M Stand S3-E09

3M™ Novec™ 1230 Fire performance, human safety and lifetime. It is exempt from Novec 1230 fluid enjoys Protection Fluid is a sustainable the environment. This makes it a all regulatory restrictions or global as well as local approvals HFC alternative that works first class fire protection fluid for directives, and future usage in the Gulf Region, and is quickly, cleanly and efficiently to use in a wide range of offshore is covered under 3M’s 20 year installed in major landmark help stop a fire before it starts. and land-based applications Blue Sky™ Warranty. projects in various sectors. Novec 1230 fluid balances to protect occupied spaces, Novec 1230 fluid works Novec 1230 Systems are industry concerns for critical equipment and most quickly to extinguish fires in supplied by all major Global of all people. their incipient stage, before System Manufacturers, and 256 Zone Novec 1230 fire protection they have chance to spread. are available with both single fluid has the highest safety This speed of extinguishing, and multi-zone options. Conventional Fire Systems margin of any extinguishing combined with fast evaporation Talk to 3M today about agent on the market today. (50 times faster than water) how Novec 1230 fluid can It also has an unmatched means it’s an ideal solution for cleanly, safely and cost- environmental profile, with protecting high value assets. effectively protect your zero ozone depletion potential, It is electrically non-conductive, business against fire. a global warming potential of so won’t damage electronics or <1 and a five day atmospheric disrupt communications.  www.3m.com

Advanced Stand 4-F24

Wherever performance, quality available mean Advanced fire synchronized audio, fan and a host of regional standards. Its and ease-of use are important systems can go further and damper control, false alarm core fire systems are augmented you’ll find an Advanced fire do more. Panels are available management, touch screen by specialist extinguishant system installed. from single-loop to eight-loop graphical control, Active Maps, release and suppression control Advanced is a world leader versions and networks can integrated fault finding, CO systems, radio paging panels, in intelligent fire systems. Its support up to 200 panels detection, internet access, BMS emergency lighting test systems products are installed in all and millions of cause and integration and dual redundancy. and conventional fire panels. manner of locations in over 60 effect options. Advanced’s systems are countries worldwide, from the Advanced’s networking is approved to EN54, UL864 and  www.advancedco.com simple to the most prestigious one of the most efficient and and challenging. These include robust on the market, and 9 2 - 32 zone panels available landmark hi-rise buildings and allows the system to scale easily critical infrastructure projects whilst retaining performance 9 Network up to 8 control panels to including many across the advantages such as speed provide up to 256 zones middle east. and robustness. 9 LCD Remote Display Unit reports The device, peripherals, Leading features and all network wide fires & faults interface and control options innovations available include From Land to Sea Apollo Stand 4-E09 We’ve Got You Covered

Apollo Fire Detectors will and simpler installation. of efficiency and significantly Ed Browning, Sales & Marketing showcase the Apollo SOTERIA® Complementing SOTERIA® more loop power. The new Director EMEA for Apollo, said: New Marine approved range, which uses the latest in is the enhanced protocol protocol builds on the “Intersec is a very important conventional fire alarm innovative technology to help from Apollo, CoreProtocol®, established capabilities of XP95 platform for us to showcase our control panels eliminate some of the main the next generation in fire and Discovery; with forward and products and business offering causes of false alarms, as well loop communication giving backwards compatibility and the in the GCC region. Since last as offering increased reliability greater control, higher levels ability to manage a significantly year’s event we have extended increased number of devices. our operations in the region, with Event attendees will also a new regional office opened in Find out more: have the opportunity to see the Dubai and a new Regional Sales Apollo UL-approved specialist Manager to be able to service T: +44(0)1895 422066 range of detectors – including and assist our customers more marine and intrinsically safe (IS) directly. We look forward E: [email protected] devices – as well as products to continuing to grow our from two of the Apollo panel operations in this region.” www.haes-systems.com partners in the region. Speaking about the event,  www.apollo-fire.co.uk

36 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DECEMBER 2016 www.ifpmag.com Subscribe at www.ifpmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe DECEMBER 2016 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 37 EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE

Baldwin Boxall Stand 4-G12

Baldwin Boxall looks forward to faces, as well as catching up and prides itself, not only on welcoming visitors at its stand with existing contacts too. the quality of design and build at Intersec Dubai in January Visitors to the stand will of its products, but also on its 2017. This is always a busy show see the EN54 (LPCB) certified customer service and support for the company and staff on the VIGIL voice evacuation system – which directors and staff stand expect to see many new and the company’s Omnicare believe is paramount to their EVC system and disabled toilet success. Customer testimonials alarms. These products, as you and long-term customer would expect from Baldwin relationships prove this to be Boxall, have an undeniable the case. reputation of being robust Nick Baldwin (Marketing and exceptionally reliable. The Manager) and Nigel Bateman company has recently gained (Export Sales) will be on the with ® technology Civil Defence Approval in the stand and look forward to Middle East. meeting you. Baldwin Boxall is a British designer and manufacturer  www.baldwinboxall.co.uk

BIOex Stand 4-E24

Since 1998, BIOex designs the new formula ECOPOL F3 • Obtained the best 1A Powerful Foaming Capability: and manufactures the latest HC specially developed to performance classification • Offers durable adherence generation of ecological foam create the first fluorine-free under EN 1568-3 standard by on vertical surfaces concentrates and also proposes 3% foam concentrate with an an independent recognized • Insulates of storage conventional foams for use in exceptionally fast extinguishing laboratory (certified 1A/fresh containers in case of firefighting (Solid class A fires, action on hydrocarbon fires. water - 1A/sea water) fire nearby. Liquid class B Hydrocarbon • Obtained the best fires, Liquid class B Polar solvent Ecological: performance classification  www.bio-ex.com fires, Toxic gaseous vapors). • Fluorine-free 3% foam under LASTFIRE – Good- 2002: At BIOex we were concentrate Good-Good convinced of the harmfulness • Readily biodegradable of fluorine derivatives and were Effective On already working to preserve Exceptional Hydrocarbon Fires: our environment by launching Performance: • Exceptionally fast ECOPOL, the first fluorine-free • Used at 3% in direct extinguishing action on Over the past 30 years we have gained our customers’ trust by supplying quality, multi-purpose foam concentrate. application on hydrocarbon fires innovative and reliable products that are supported by outstanding service. Our products End of 2015: We launch hydrocarbon fires • Very long burn back time. have proven to be reliable property loss equipment in mechanical rooms worldwide.

Dafo Fomtec Stand 3-G39 We are proud to introduce our specialty products that will compliment your fire pump system requirements Dafo Fomtec is an independent and foam equipment. Dafo and manufactures the • Fluoro protein foam (FP) Swedish manufacturer of fire Fomtec is a global supplier with following complete range • Protein foam (P) fighting foam concentrates customers on all continents of fire fighting foams: and in all market sectors. Our Fire fighting foam equipment UL Listed Disconnecting Device Model DSM: Fuel Fill Station Monitor products can be found in use in • Aqueous film-forming • Dafo Fomtec’s range of for UL Listed and FM Approved for Diesel Fire Pump Applications petrochemical plants, airports, foam (AFFF) foam equipment covers Electric Fire Pump Applications The Model DSM fuel fill station monitor for armed forces, ports, offshore, • Alcohol-resistant aqueous the following main product diesel fire pump applications serves as a civil defence and many other film forming foam (ARC AFFF) groups: The Model OPD completely removes/ sectors in over 50 countries. • Fluorine-free foams (Enviro) • Nozzles and branchpipes isolates power from the fire pump “Stop Fill” visual and audible annunciator. Our global business is • High expansion foam • Monitors controller, allowing service work to be This monitoring panel avoids messy fuel supported by a wide range • Class A (wildfire / forest • Bladdertanks conducted without the use of personal spills by notifying the operator when to of international approvals fire foam) • Proportioners and protective equipment (PPE) due to the stop filling the diesel fuel tank. such as UL, FM, EN 1568, • Film forming fluoro protein proportioning systems risk of arc flash. ICAO, IMO and MED. (FFFP) • High expansion generators • Alcohol-resistant aqueous • Storage tank protection Fire fighting foam film forming fluoro protein Dafo Fomtec develops (ARC FFFP)  www.fomtec.com For more information please visit www.tornatech.com

38 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DECEMBER 2016 www.ifpmag.com EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE

Detectortesters Stand 4-F38 Geofire Stand 4-F34

Detectortesters, the world’s 2017 sees the launch of the next unique features to users world- and Alex Brown in attendance. Geofire will be showcasing its With over 40 years of offer an alternative, battery- ventilation, without disruption leading designer and generation of Solo, designed to wide. Detectortesters will also Visit the stand to learn more fire door holding and closing experience in the design and powered solution. The devices to the fabric of the building. The manufacturer of detector test support the existing products be presenting Scorpion, the about all the company’s devices at Intersec for the first manufacture of electromagnetic ‘listen and learn’ the sound of a fire door closers allow the door equipment, are set to present in the range and build further solution for testing hard-to- products and availability. time this year. fire door holders and closers, building’s fire alarm, closing the to be open in any position. If the their largest ever product on the unrivalled reputation the access smoke detectors and Geofire will showcase its door upon hearing the exact pre- fire alarm sounds, the holder or portfolio at Intersec – including brand has developed. A preview aspirating smoke detection  www.detectortesters.com hard-wired and wire-free recorded sound of the alarm. closer will release the fire door an exciting new addition. of this next generation will be systems. Case studies solutions in Dubai. The devices are easily preventing the spread of smoke The Solo product range, built presented for the first time at from various sites including Geofire’s traditional hard- installed at the top of the fire and flames. around the familiar red access Intersec. universities, hospitals and wired range of fire door devices door to hold the door open, poles and enabling testing of In addition to products from retail outlets will be available are used all over the world and easing access and increasing  www.geofire.co.uk smoke, heat and CO detectors, the Solo range, the company’s – all of which have benefited are ideal for new builds, as they has recently celebrated its 20th stand will also feature Testifire from having Scorpion installed are wired into the control panel anniversary. During this time it – the all in one test solution in areas such as lift shaft, and connected to the building’s has become famous world-wide for smoke, heat and CO. As warehouses and secure rooms. fire detection system. and become the fire industry’s an all-in-one tester, Testifire The Detectortesters stand The company’s Agrippa most popular solution for continues to offer productivity will once again form part of the range of wire-free, fire door functional testing of detectors. benefits and a wide range of UK Pavilion, with Martin Dibble holding and closing devices

FFE Ltd Stand 4-F32 HAES Stand 4-E37

FFE Ltd is a UK based, latest in wide-area smoke cancelation technology; the Using infra-red (IR) sensing From the land to the sea, forward thinking recently led invoking a full evacuation or fire detection technology, global design and and flame detection. Fireray 5000 motorised auto- technology, they can detect Haes has you covered with a to the development of the muster alarm. backed by dedicated customer manufacturing business, The Fireray range of aligning reflective; the Fireray flames from all fuel types – from leading range of fire detection Esento range of networkable Haes is ISO9001 certified advisers that are on-hand to dedicated to supplying Beam Smoke Detectors will 50/100 reflective; and the NEW hydrocarbon fires with 4.3µm and alarm products which are conventional control panels with additional industry and provide support and guidance. specialist detection products be on display, including the Exd, explosion proof beam emissions through to invisible manufactured in the UK and which are now being used to product accreditations from to the fire industry. new Fireray 3000 end-to-end detector. Fireray detectors hydrogen fires – and can even used worldwide. We deliver tackle projects across the globe. bodies including BAFE, LPCB,  www.haes-systems.co.uk FFE will be exhibiting the detector with patented light hold UL and FM approval, detect flames through dust, integrated solutions for clients of Our Esento Marine range BSI, MED, Lloyds Register and comply with the CPR for steam and smoke. They are also all type and size, manufacturing has been exclusively developed & ABS. With over 40 years European CE marking. Fireray immune to the effects of wind. our own renowned range to address the issues of experience in the fire detection detectors offer more simplified To find out more about these of control and indicating limited form and function in the industry, the team are focused wiring, installation and technologies be sure to visit equipment, power supplies, conventional panels market for on helping installers and maintenance than any FFE’s booth, located in the UK relays and other peripherals. use at sea. Designed with the planners to choose, install and other beam detector. pavilion, where industry experts Haes are proud of their severity of the potential situation manage fire alarm systems. The Talentum flame will be on hand to answer any growing reputation for in mind, these new panels are Our team of designers, detectors are used when questions you may have. delivering innovative solutions equipped with programmable engineers and production fast-acting and highly accurate to combat issues in different delays to outputs which allow specialists constantly fire detection is essential.  www.ffeuk.com situations. This flexibility and time for an investigation before innovate the latest

FirePro Stand 2-H24 Kentec Stand 3-H24

FirePro manufactures, sustainability development sustainable future for humanity. commissioned to safeguard Kentec Electronics, one of the will also be live demonstrations distributes and markets state-of- goals, we have focused on Moreover, FirePro complies key assets for a portfolio of world’s leading independent of the company’s all-new Taktis the art environmentally friendly Green Technologies. Our and constantly seeks to be in prestigious customers, in fire control panel designers and range of fire alarm control fire extinguishing systems products are manufactured line with the most respected more than 110 countries. manufacturers, is set to ‘dazzle’ equipment, which combines the worldwide. The modular, from environmentally friendly national and international visitors to Intersec 2017 with very latest hardware and software pre-engineered FirePro units materials that at the end of their certificates, approvals and test  www.firepro.com their extensive EN, UL & FM, to produce a control and indication efficiently and effectively useful lifetime can be re-cycled regimes in the fire suppression Marine, Analogue, Conventional system, which is powerful and protect conventional, as well as, or re-used without waste. industry. The systems are tested & Extinguishant ranges of Fire sophisticated, yet simple to use specially-designed projects. Laboratory tests and certified according to the Control Panel Solutions.Life Safety and understand. FirePro’s environmentally consistently demonstrate that most stringent international System Specialists Kentec will The flexibility of the Taktis friendly fire suppression the FirePro FPC has no harmful standards and requirements be featuring their market-leading platform means that it can be re- systems employ the patented effects on water, air, climatic in both EU and the US. Syncro and Sigma ranges – configured to realize many other FirePro Compound (FPC) conditions, animals, plants or Over the last two designed for the widest, most control and indication applications, technology that is itself micro-organisms. FirePro has decades, FirePro has built a demanding range of applications; with direct integration into the result of intensive and proven that it is possible to Partners Network extending to plus a large selection of Kentec’s intelligent buildings. extensive R&D. In our efforts to protect lives and assets while more than 80 countries across extensive EN, UL & FM, Marine contribute towards humanity’s caring for the environment and a the globe and it is currently Fire Control Panel ranges.There  www.kentec.co.uk

40 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DECEMBER 2016 www.ifpmag.com Subscribe at www.ifpmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe DECEMBER 2016 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 41 EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE

Nittan Stand 3-F38 ® T +44 (0) 1462 444 740 Nittan, a leading global fire with a host of features for range features Analogue strives for exceptional quality E [email protected] fireray protection company will exhibit maximum end user flexibility Addressable detectors, with up products of the highest ffe W www.ffeuk.com for the first time at Intersec plus ease of installation to 254 addresses per loop as standards. The world’s most trusted beam Dubai 2017 to promote its and system set up, both the well as a full range of Analogue complete systems solutions, evolution 1 and evo+ ranges are Addressable accessories and  www.nittan.co.uk following the recent launch of compatible with the full range Conventional devices. its evo+ and evolution 1 fire of Nittan Evolution analogue Nittan is also pleased to alarm control panels. addressable fire detection. be promoting its UL Panel and Nittan’s fire alarm control Nittan’s premium Evolution full range of UL fire detection panels are fully compliant with device range will take pride of devices for the first time, BS EN54 parts 2 and 4, plus the place on the stand, combining clearly demonstrating its truly evo+ range is approved to EN54 truly exceptional and reliable international capabilities. part 13 which is the European fire detection with patented The Nittan Group has compatibility assessment award winning Dual optical been at the forefront of the of system components i.e. technology offering a very high international fire protection “Systems” Standard”. Both degree of protection against industry since 1954. It ranges have been designed unwanted false alarms. The continuously innovates and

Patol Stand 4-F35 Fireray® 5000 - The only laser aligned motorised beam smoke detector system available on the market Patol Ltd are a privately or dust and can be installed in selectable sensitivity and can owned British Company that most environmental conditions. detect temperatures as low as Single person install - Laser allows for rapid alignment of detector onto the reflector manufacture and supply a Patol manufacture LHDC in a 100˚C. The Sensors are solar range of fire detection products range of alarm temperatures blind and will ignore static Simple line-of-sight - Laser helps installer to quickly and accurately determine path of beam suitable for industrial and and different technologies heat sources. commercial applications. and is available as Digital and Analogue. LHDC is also suitable  www.patol.co.uk Linear Heat Detection Cable for use in ‘Hazardous’ areas Patol’s Linear Heat Detection with I.S. barriers. Cable (LHDC) is designed to provide early detection of fires Infrared Transit Heat Sensors or overheating in Industrial Patol manufacture early warning and Commercial applications Transit Heat sensors designed such as Car Parks, Freezers, to detect ‘black body’ emissions Warehouses and Petrochemical travelling on conveyor systems Storage Tanks. LHDC is not at speeds of 0.5 to 6m/s. The adversely affected by water sensors are supplied with a

Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. Inc Stand 7-A22

The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler by Frank J Fee, Reliable Sprinklers sizes, end connections and Company (RASCO) with today, four generations on, Covering Dry or special pressure ratings. twenty-three branches based all is still under the leadership application sprinklers to around the world, is one of the of the Fee family; manufacturing residential, Storage and System components world’s largest manufacturers innovative devices which protect Commercial sprinklers. Reliable work closely with and distributors of fire sprinkler life and property from the effects Available in different colours, leading manufacturers worldwide equipment. Founded in 1920 of fire. temperatures, response rates to source and provide our and deflectors- pendent, customers with a complete range upright, conventional, horizontal of products. These include and vertical sidewall. Available RASCOFLEX flexible sprinkler recessed or with custom hoses, CPVC pipe and fittings, cover plates. RASCO branded Butterfly valves, OS&Y Gate valves, NRS Valves and check valves, electrical Alarm, Dry, Low pressure, equipment and much more. Deluge, Check and Pre-action valves. Available in different  www.reliablesprinkler.com

42 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DECEMBER 2016 www.ifpmag.com Subscribe at www.ifpmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe DECEMBER 2016 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 43 EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE

Safety Technology International Stand 3-H30 Tornatech Stand 5-B38

STI manufacture an extensive New product alert! STI’s UL ReSet is available in a also includes weatherproof Based in Montreal, Canada since inch color display with intuitive to offering the best technical Singapore as well as sales and unique range of fire, new UL ReSet call point will variety of colours, suitable enclosures, an ideal solution 1985, Tornatech specializes in the graphics, quick and easy solution, superior quality and representatives in the U.S.A safety and security products be making its debut at this for many applications. to extend the life and reliability conception and manufacturing commissioning, user-friendly outstanding service. and Latin America. Today, designed to protect critically year’s show. STI can now Other products that of pull stations, call points of fire pump controllers in operation and maintenance data Over the years, we have our products are installed on important lifesaving equipment offer a global installation will be on display is the and switches exposed to accordance with the NFPA 20 logging capabilities. Mechanical not only introduced innovative 5 continents and in over 80 from misuse. solution with the EN54 and renowned Stopper II, audible harsh environmental standard, listed with UL and features include a compact products but also developed a countries. the UL Listed Resettable Call polycarbonate protective conditions such as water approved by FM. In addition, enclosure design, definite network of subsidiaries, sales Point range. Unique in their cover designed to retrofit and sand. we have developed controllers purpose disconnecting means offices and authorized service  www.tornatech.com design, the call points mimic over manual pull stations or Also within the Stopper that meet various local standards and emergency start handle. dealers located around the feel of breaking glass whilst call points. Globally recognised Line are alarm devices for fire and approvals. Regardless of the application, the world to serve our offering the user the benefits by authorities as an essential extinguishers and fire doors as As the first manufacturer all Tornatech products provide customers better. and environmental advantages fire system component on well as a comprehensive range of fire pump controllers to our customers with an innovative We have manufacturing of a resettable operating sites where the risk of false of protective heavy duty steel incorporate touchscreen solution. Our engineering team capabilities in element. Once activated a alarms is high, for example cages, push buttons and technology, we are pleased to is continuously keeping up to Montreal, Canada, quick turn of the key will reset education, health care key switches. announce the release of the date with the latest technologies Wavre, Belgium the call point ready to use again and housing. ViZiTouch V2 color touchscreen available and developing tools for and Dubai, U.A.E, – no broken parts to replace. The polycarbonate range  www.sti-europe.com operator interface with a 7.0i the future. We commit ourselves a sales office in

Thermarestor Stand 3-G33 Viking Stand 3-B12

Technology Transforming Fire heat and provide early warning, they may occur within the is simple and straightforward Viking will be showcasing a key Foam: • FMZ 5000 control panels quality products from other Safety – the risk of fire exists with in order to avoid a potential fire. electrical installation. It can be and provides a highly effective selection of their comprehensive • Bladder tank proportioning • Heat detection: manufacturers and partners. almost everything that has an Where the electrical supply installed to new and existing means of notifying occupants fire protection product portfolio. • Various discharge devices thermographic camera Installers, specifiers and users electrical source of supply – on is via an RCD (GFCI) it can installations, allowing thermal of any overheat conditions. Be one of the first to learn about • Foam concentrates of fire protection systems are average; there are 25,000 fires automatically disconnect the monitoring of incoming supplies, This allows such incidents to our new foam products and Viking is a dependable partner therefore able to access a full of an electrical origin each year supply and remove the source distribution boards, switchgear be investigated as maintenance approvals and don’t miss the Gas: in fire protection with almost range of components for water, in the UK. Unfortunately, the of ignition. As a fire prevention and accessories, such as issues – avoiding the need for an opportunity to discuss the latest • Fire extinguishing systems: 100 years of experience and foam, detection and gas-based problem isn’t just confined to system, Thermarestor provides socket outlets. Connection emergency response. trends in water, foam, gas and VSN 1230 & CPS 1230, is part of the Minimax Viking fire suppression systems. the UK – it’s global. Thermarestor protection against electrical to existing fire alarm and detection systems with Viking bothusing Novec™ 1230 Group employing around 8,000 Excellent technical support and is a unique and innovative way of faults and overloads – wherever building management systems  www.thermarestor.co.uk EMEA’s product managers. by 3M™; VSN 200, using people and boasting an annual high levels of product availability preventing such fires. As a heat FM200® by Chemours turnover in the region of €1.4bn. complete our market leading detection system for electrical Water: • OneU - Protection systems for In addition to the high quality service offering. connections and components • Water and dry ELO sprinklers use in closed 19” racks fire protection technologies it offers a pre-ignition solution • Fireking products: gate • CO2 high pressure from Minimax Viking’s research,  www.viking-emea.com to the problem. By permanently valves, swing check valves, development and manufacturing monitoring such points it can Y-strainers Detection: facilities in Europe, USA and Asia, sense the presence of excessive • ProCon PCC cable protection • UniVario industrial detectors Viking supplies complimentary

TLX Technologies Stand 4-H16 ZAPP-ZIMMERMANN Stand 3-B15

TLX Technologies is excited the supervision mechanism wire codes required on all fire For over 16 years, TLX ZAPP-ZIMMERMANN has fire safety in Europe, to announce that our next eliminates the need for any suppression actuators. Technologies has worked been offering innovative fire ZAPP-ZIMMERMANN generation supervised fire additional components, The supervision on the with manufacturers to develop safety systems for more than GmbH tests its fire safety suppression actuator is now a connections and wire paths; actuator allows for fully engaged and manufacture custom 25 years, specialising in the systems in accordance with UL recognized component to resulting in a streamlined, installation detection to be actuators and valves to meet areas of cable, pipe and the European test conditions UL 864 for not only indoor dry NFPA compliant solution. configured to your exact needs. the challenging demands of combination penetration seals, to obtain a European but outdoor wet applications. The supervised latching Rugged construction, ultra- active fire suppression systems. as well as fire safety joint seals. Technical Approval. TLX’s supervised latching solenoid actuator comes fast response and the ability to In addition to our proven 5 years ago ZAPP- electric actuator meets required standard with six wires. Two be reset ensures reliable and  www.tlxtech.com product line of intumescent ZIMMERMANN started to UL and NFPA wiring codes wires are used for activation and outstanding performance over moulded parts made of PU test the successful firestop and standards and includes four are used for supervision the actuator’s entire 15-year life penetration seal foam, we products according to the an internal supervisory of both the actuator placement span. TLX’s complete family also offer other construction American standards ASTM mechanism that ensures the as well as connection to the fire of actuators and direct-acting materials, such as silicone and E814 (UL 1479) to obtain actuator is properly installed panel. Factory-wired leads fed solenoids for fire suppression acrylic for civil engineering, UL classified firestop on the discharge valve of the through an integrated conduit systems meet the requirements tunnel construction, systems. extinguishing agent storage port in the housing have been of NFPA 2001 (Sec. 4.3.4.1), UL shipbuilding, and rail vehicles. container. Integration of added to meet the UL and NFPA 2166, UL 2127 and FM 5600. In the course of harmonising  www.z-z.de

44 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DECEMBER 2016 www.ifpmag.com Subscribe at www.ifpmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe DECEMBER 2016 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 45 SMART CITIES SMART CITIES

Smart cities and life safety Time to build life safety into Despite smart cities being a subject of intense debate across the construction industry and among policy makers for the fabric of smart city design? a number of years now, the life safety sector is only just beginning to scratch the surface of the possibilities they “Smart cities” – urban developments that make use of cutting-edge communications technology offer, and the challenges they pose. It has always been imperative for to streamline the provision of services, such as education, transport and waste management buildings and cities to be designed with the security of residents in mind. – have been widely hailed around the world as the future of city planning. We spoke to Simon However, with the fundamental fabric May, technical manager, Hochiki Europe, to explore what impact they will have on the life safety of the urban environment changing to implement the smart city concept, industry, and find out if the sector is ready to meet the design challenges smart cities pose. the life safety industry now needs to explore in depth what is required of it to keep people safe into the future. hanks to the Internet of In doing so, they offer the potential to Crucially, it’s time to ask whether the T Things fast becoming a do more than boost the efficiency of sector is ready to meet the demands reality – made possible public services, reduce waste and energy of highly connected smart cities. by the wide array of smart devices consumption. They give urban planners According to a recent study of life populating our workplaces and homes the ability to make cities even more safety professionals across EMEA and – the future vision of a city completely liveable for the people inhabiting them, India carried out by Hochiki Europe interconnected, with every conceivable enhancing their health and wellbeing. for its new report on smart cities, service available at the touch of a While this broad understanding of the there is currently a significant gap in button, has never seemed so achievable. smart city concept has been accepted understanding of what smart cities By incorporating cutting-edge universally, there is still considerable are and their potential impact on the information and communication debate as to the extent to which an industry. The survey – principally of technologies into their essential urban development can be considered installers – found that almost 60 per infrastructure, “smart cities” have the “smart”. With more and more towns and cent had never heard the term smart Simon May potential to streamline the provision cities around the world incorporating city before, and only a third knew what of services, from transport and waste some elements of the smart city vision one was. management, to education and leisure. into their infrastructure, like active Despite this knowledge gap, only a traffic management or streamlined small minority of respondents (14 per  39% do not believe the industry emergency response, the concept is now cent) were concerned about the future is currently equipped to adapt to the raising more questions than answers, of the industry if smart cities become technological demands of smart cities. particularly when it comes to life safety. the norm. Some 30 per cent felt it would make no difference to the sector, and over two-fifths were not worried at all. These figures suggest that installers and other industry professionals are confident that the sector has the ability to adapt quickly to changes to adapt, as many as 36 per cent felt the available that can help meet existing in the construction landscape. This sector is more than capable of meeting smart city demands, as well as about confidence becomes even more future requirements. how technology is already innovating apparent with the responses to the The results of this survey serve to meet future challenges. question of whether professionals to illuminate the gap between the thought the industry would be able to confidence of life safety professionals Life safety in the future keep people at least as safe in a smart in the future of the industry, and an Modern life safety technology city as in a standard development. understanding of how the sector already allows all of the fire safety Nearly half of respondents felt this can adapt. and emergency lighting equipment would be the case, and almost a fifth As an industry, it is evident that more in a building to be controlled from a thought residents would be safer. research is required to understand the centralised control panel. In doing so, However, when it came to implications of smart cities on the sector it enables facilities managers to monitor considering the industry’s ability to and to determine what life safety will the performance of their entire network adapt to the technological demands of look like in the future. There is also a key from a single location, saving them Simon May is Technical smart cities, respondents seemed less role for manufacturers to play here in considerable time as they undertake Manager for Hochiki Europe. certain. While some 39 per cent thought informing the rest of the industry about the regular inspections mandated the industry is not currently equipped the range of life safety solutions already by law.

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What is more, analogue addressable Gathering data about the fire risk for and flooring, as well as replacement life safety technology can already each development in a district, can products. This can help them ensure pinpoint and report on the exact location help local authorities plan future fire that every part of the premises continues of a fire within a structure. Combined and rescue service provision, from the to meet legislative requirements. with targeted fire suppression equipment, allocation of funding, to the precise like sprinklers, such systems can play a location of fire stations. Time to engage with smart cities major role in minimising the risk of a fire We are already seeing data collection Smart cities offer us considerable spreading and even prevent damage to being used by facilities managers potential to improve living standards intact property elsewhere in the building, to better understand the fire risk in in towns and cities across the reducing the overall financial impact to their properties, thanks to Building globe, while helping to minimise building owners. Information Modelling (BIM). Using this the consumption of limited natural With this in mind, it is clear that design solution, architects are able to resources. Much progress has been smart-city inspired technology can go a feed technical information about their made to harness the power of smart city long way towards supporting innovative chosen construction materials and life technology to boost energy efficiency, life safety systems to enable more safety equipment into 3D computer manage traffic and improve emergency effective fire safety delivery in the future. aided design (CAD) models of the service response in cities around the By gathering information from regular developments they are working on. world, from Barcelona in Spain, to maintenance inspections and data Incorporating this information into the new Lusail City development in about the location and source of past their blueprints, they can model how Doha, Qatar. fire incidents, for example, it is possible a fire, or even the smoke it generates, It is clearly time though, for life to predict the fire risk in a particular might travel through a building. Armed safety provision to be included as a key development. This provides facilities with this knowledge, they can then component of the smart city concept, managers with the knowledge they need determine the fastest and safest escape alongside sustainability and traffic Please visit the Hochiki stand at Intersec for a live demonstration of the system. to identify the most effective life safety routes for occupants. Once the building management. This is a necessity to technology for the needs of the building is completed, facilities managers can further improve the safety and wellbeing in their care. then use the BIM model to understand of residents, and to protect property, By gathering enough information, the fire resistance ratings of all the while streamlining costs and the use it is possible to replicate this across a building materials used in the original of limited resources. neighbourhood or even an entire city. construction phase, such as insulation Governments and life safety manufacturers need to cooperate 22-24 JANUARY 2017. DUBAI, UAE. STAND NUMBER: 3-F12 to put the foundations in place for smart, life-safety focused cities. This means not only looking at the regulations surrounding fire safety, but also developing new technology to For more information please visit: enhance the connectivity of fire safety and emergency lighting systems, and www.hochikieurope.com/firescape even laying the infrastructure needed to centralise control of life safety equipment. +44 (0)1634 260 133 Working together in this way is crucial to ensure the vision of a smarter, safer [email protected] urban landscape becomes a reality.

For more information, go to  www.hochikieurope.com

48 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DECEMBER 2016 www.ifpmag.com Your Safety, Our Technology HISTORIC BUILDINGS HISTORIC BUILDINGS

Choosing the right system Maximising fire system At the heart of the system will be a fire panel – single or multi-loop, standalone or networked – the choice available is effectiveness in historic buildings wide but not simple. The installation costs are likely to dwarf equipment prices, so finding a system that is easily Historic buildings pose a complex challenge for those tasked with protecting them installed with flexible cabling and a range of communication options should be from fire. The threat and consequences of fire in any building are serious. However, the priority. The unique nature of heritage sites in the case of historic sites, the loss of irreplaceable artefacts of high monetary and means they are likely to be connected to historic value is permanent and costly to our heritage. ARCs or are often in remote locations with difficult access. If a low quality, unreliable or unsuitable system is installed, the dded to this, these buildings Complying with regulations downstream costs of fault-finding, repair A frequently have permanent The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) and maintenance can be significant. Image courtesy of Advanced courtesy of Image staff and attract high numbers Order 2005 stipulates that all reasonable Another important consideration 7 of visitors, so life safety must be of steps must be taken to keep buildings when choosing panels for historic sites paramount importance. safe and protect the people using them. is the degree to which they allow you to Finding the optimum balance between An in-depth fire risk assessment needs subdivide and manage different building important to place detectors in such a way  Touchscreen technology the protection of people and property to be carried out and, in the case of areas. The fire system should offer many, that smoke does not stratify beneath the allows users to pinpoint the and preservation of the aesthetics and historic buildings, normally needs to be easily programmed cause and effect detecting element or otherwise delay or location of a fire incident. authenticity of the building is contentious supplemented with a more in-depth fire options to accommodate the wide range stop the efficient detection of smoke. If we and will always require compromise. safety management plan. This should of room sizes, layouts and uses frequently add in the nature of the fires that different cover important factors such as active found in heritage buildings. materials will create and the likely speed communication with the panel, battery and passive protection measures – A common panel challenge is to ensure of spread of fire in an old building, replacement and fault reporting can be Advanced MxPro panels both in place and required – mitigation that the system is made as unobtrusive detection choice and system worked into the on-going maintenance Aston Bowles are installed in London’s of identified risks, staff training and as possible, without compromising programming become critical. schedule, which is particularly useful Natural History Museum. maintenance as well as review periods. performance. By using repeater panels, There are many different detection where a scaffold is required to reach the larger more obvious primary fire methods suitable for historic buildings specific components. panel can be hidden from view in an and it’s common to find many of them Where early warning is crucial, such as office or service room. More aesthetic across a single system. Modern point a gallery space or archive store, aspirating and easily disguised repeater panels are detectors are hugely reliable and the most detectors offer a highly effective solution. now available, such as the Advanced common type is still the optical smoke These continually sample the air, several TouchControl touchscreen on which detector, with heat detectors employed times a second, and can be set at various images and public information can be in spaces such as kitchens where steam sensitivity levels. Although the associated displayed when not in fire mode. An and cooking smoke are often present. pipework can be bulky and hard to alternative approach is to create bespoke Multi-sensor detectors combine heat and conceal, they are still a viable option cabinets and housings for panels, which smoke detection in a single unit, helping when located in less prominent spaces can be tailored to fit seamlessly into to ensure that a fire incident is real and such as cellars, service areas and attics. almost any decorative scheme, or hard – avoiding false alarm incidents. As smoke and heat detectors are to-access space. Because the floors and ceilings in older unsuitable for ceiling heights over Many factors can impact the buildings tend to be wooden, fitting cable 10.5 metres, due to the way smoke performance of the fire system, and these systems to approved modern standards dissipates in taller spaces, beam detectors are often exacerbated in historic buildings. can be a huge logistical challenge, as can be used in larger rooms, such as Unusual room geometry, large windows, these usually require suspended steel great halls or chapels. These are simple archways, draughty fireplaces and high, trays. A much less invasive option involves to install and can function wirelessly. The irregular, suspended or decorative ceilings using wireless detectors. The wireless need for a reflector on the other side of can create detection challenges. receiver modules still need to be wired the room can make them sensitive to to the panel network, but the detectors movement, particularly in timber-framed Discrete detection themselves can be placed much more buildings, although some newer beams BS5839 is the bible for detector discreetly and they are available in virtually do self-align, minimising the effects of placement and gives detailed guidance all the most common variants – smoke, building movement. on the standards for different detection heat, ionisation and multi sensors. Another option is video and CCD types in unusual spaces. Wireless solutions not only mean driven flame detectors, a technology that Aston Bowles is head of Particular care must be taken to ensure lower visual and physical impact, they has developed rapidly in recent years. marketing at Advanced. that smoke can reach detectors, and are also faster to install and so can help Although flames will often, although not Image courtesy of Advanced courtesy of Image

7 that it is not shielded from them. It is also to keep costs down. Thanks to two-way always, be detected after smoke, these

50 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DECEMBER 2016 www.ifpmag.com Subscribe at www.ifpmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe DECEMBER 2016 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 51 HISTORIC BUILDINGS

and good communication can make all the difference in averting disaster. The Standard in Fire Systems Remote paging systems, such as the one used in London’s Royal Albert Hall, can alert staff as soon as an incident occurs, giving them the chance to access the system on their handheld device or go to the nearest panel. Once aware, staff can access the nearest fire panel or repeater to determine the nature and validity of the incident, before conducting an orderly evacuation as efficiently as possible. Where relevant, such as in the kitchen area of a residential unit, it’s also possible to build in a short (30 second) delay for staff or trained residents to confirm the alert is genuine. This is just one example of how cause and effect programming can be useful. Fire systems in historic buildings are Image courtesy of Advanced courtesy of Image

7 often connected to an alarm receiving centre (ARC) to ensure the fire service is  The historic Iona Abbey, in the Inner Hebrides, can be combined with automatic fire on site as soon as possible. Some require is protected by Advanced MxPro panels. doors to isolate the fire and extinguish human confirmation of a fire and cloud it, or at least keep it under control until monitoring means that key information can the fire service arrives. This solution was be accessed from any location using a PC are useful devices where quickly visible used in the treasury at Lincoln Castle, or handheld device, which is particularly flame fires are more likely. home of a priceless copy of the Magna beneficial in locations where staff may be A final detector type for sensitive Carta, where an Advanced fire panel has away from the source of the alert. installations is linear-heat or heat-sensing been combined with an extinguishant All staff should be trained to operate cable. This can be run through any control panel and fire suppression gas to and monitor the fire system, with regular area to provide early warning of a fire. protect the vault. Automatic door controls update sessions and fire drills to ensure Minute changes in temperature cause isolate the space, preventing the fire from the effectiveness of the procedures put the conducting cables to short, thus spreading and ensuring that the gas is in place. This is even more important in for the EN54 world for the UL 864 world identifying the location of the heat source concentrated in the necessary area. historic buildings, where evacuation routes and alerting the fire system. In London, Escape routes longer than normally are likely to be longer and more complex the reconstructed Globe Theatre was permitted are a frequent problem in than in more modern premises. The able to get around a 400-year-old ban historic properties, especially where monitoring and evacuation process can be on thatched roofing using this system. they have a residential use, e.g. as hotels further aided by custom interfaces, such Wherever ease-of-use, performance, Our Axis systems include advances The cables run through the thatch and or apartments. Solutions are available, as a 3D plan or map on a touchscreen and reliability are important, you’ll find in synchronized audio, false alarm connect directly to the fire panels, giving through cause and effect, to control panel, to help staff pinpoint and verify early indication of any incident. the staged evacuation of the building, the fire incident. an Advanced intelligent fire system. management and touchscreen graphics. verify that the alert is genuine and, if Prioritised protection necessary, signpost a safe escape route In conclusion Another key to effective fire safety is to using intelligent emergency lighting Historic buildings have always presented ensure that critical and high risk areas, systems. Automated paging systems are a challenge for effective fire monitoring, such as kitchens, boiler rooms or gallery also useful in buildings of this type, and detection and evaluation, but as with all spaces, are specified for a higher level pagers with flashing lights or a vibrating fire systems, continual developments in of detection, using single or multiple function can ensure that occupants with the technology available have driven detector types, so that incidents are visual or hearing impairment are made major improvements in this area. confirmed as quickly as possible and aware of a fire incident. A well-planned system can safeguard action can be taken without any delay. any historic site, as well as the people Fires can spread very quickly in Human intervention and treasures it contains, facilitating historic buildings, so measures to In all modern fire situations, human rapid evacuation and ensuring that fires allow quick extinguishing via sprinklers, intervention is crucial to avoid false are contained and extinguished as rapidly water mist or, for high priority areas, alarm incidents and oversee a as possible. Dubai Office UK and EMEAA HQ suppressant gas or foam should successful evacuation. Given the added Dubai Airport Free Zone, Building W3, Moorland Way, Cramlington, be considered. complications of historic sites, the role of For more information, go to Office 211, Dubai UAE Northumberland, NE23 1WE UK Tel: Tel: The intelligent zoning of fire systems onsite personnel can be even more vital  www.advancedco.com +971 4 299 0908 +44 (0)1670 707 111 Fax: +971 4 299 0554 Fax: +44 (0)1670 707 222

52 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DECEMBER 2016 www.ifpmag.com Email: [email protected] Web: www.advancedco.com FIRE SPRINKLERS FIRE SPRINKLERS

patented design combines the industry- A ‘flexible’ solution renowned VicFlex™ flexible fittings technology with Victaulic’s historical dry sprinkler expertise to provide to fire sprinkler safety unprecedented adaptability in design and building applications. With the product’s unique design, Traditional dry sprinklers have several challenges that threaten the reliability installers can now bend the VicFlex™ Dry Sprinkler, allowing the sprinkler length of the fire sprinkler systems they’re installed in. These challenges pose issues to be longer and move the water farther from potential freezing conditions within for fire protection professionals, including the high frequency of freeze-up’s the wall. The VicFlex™ Dry Sprinkler within these life-safety systems and installation coordination challenges. Style VS1’s flexibility is due to its highly bendable braided construction, which provides 100-percent kink resistance, as ince traditional dry sprinklers labor and material expenses each time well as a tight, 2-inch bend radius, These S are rigid and can only be they need to be constructed or repaired, advanced product features enable the installed in a horizontal or causing further inconvenience and designer to seamlessly move the water vertical orientation, these design barriers racking up unnecessary costs. farther into the heated spaces within historically have resulted in wet piping Another solution to reduce the impact buildings by flexing within the exterior being run in or close to exterior building of freezing conditions on sprinkler wall or covered balcony and back into walls, increasing the possibility that the systems is to use dry sprinkler piping conditioned space. This flexible sprinkler water in these pipes will freeze during with dry sprinklers. While eliminating the design also reduces maintenance visits winter months. When piping freezes, water-filled piping, dry sprinkler systems due to freeze-up’s, and in turn, reduces the entire sprinkler system must be still present the installation challenges the number of impaired systems, shut down and drained before it can seen with traditional dry sprinklers. displaced tenants and repair work. be repaired. As a result, downtime of Inherent installation difficulties, such as The standard three convenient the sprinkler system leaves buildings complex and multiple measurements lengths of the VicFlex™ Dry Sprinkler Thomas Savage without a means of fire protection. and coordination between different Style VS1 – 38”, 50” and 58” – allow This is especially crucial in multi-family trades, can lead to measurement errors, sprinkler system designers to meet or apartment construction and in the multiple lead time delays and additional exceed the NFPA 13 Code requirements parking areas and breezeways in those expenses – all of which will result in for dry sprinkler installations, providing areas where sprinklers are exposed to negative effects on a project’s budget peace-of-mind even in the most freezing temperatures. and timeline. challenging of environments. To eliminate such concerns in some Recognizing the need for an improved These standard, manufactured areas, builders, designers and architects dry sprinkler that increases the sprinkler lengths also eliminate the need for had no choice but to use soffits to ensure length within the conditioned space customization and reduce the number of that water-filled sprinkler piping would and moves the water further from measurements and trips to the jobsites. Image courtesy of Victaulic courtesy of Image

remain in a conditioned space and freezing conditions, Victaulic’s team of In addition, with the VicFlex™ Dry 7 above freezing temperatures. Building expert engineers developed a simpler Sprinkler Style VS1, the ability to order these soffits has unfortunately become and safer alternative to traditional dry dry sprinklers off-the-shelf is a reality. The challenges called for the world’s first, and  Victaulic’s VicFlex Style VS1 eliminates a necessary burden, not only because sprinklers. The solution is the VicFlex™ sprinkler contractor no longer has to wait only, flexible dry sprinkler. the need for soffits, providing flexibility in they are unsightly, but also because they Dry Sprinkler Style VS1, the industry’s weeks or months for dry sprinklers, and VSC Fire’s Satterfield and Assistant design for architects and engineers. drastically limit the design process for first and only flexible dry sprinkler. The they can complete the job quicker. Fire Marshal Berry were present for the architects. Soffits also require additional VicFlex™ Dry Sprinkler Style VS1’s Veteran sprinkler contractor David install, along with representatives from into the conditioned space, recognizing In Tom’s work at Victaulic, Satterfield of VSC Fire and Security Victaulic, and all were impressed with the the increased safety factor of using the he leads a global and Raleigh Assistant Fire Marshal installation speed and versatility of the VicFlex™ Dry Sprinkler Style VS1. team developing and Steve Berry opted for the VicFlex™ Dry VicFlex™ Dry Sprinkler Style VS1. Those tasked with upholding the commercializing new Sprinkler to ensure complete protection “Education and following NFPA code safety of residents and tenants of their technologies for flexible in a new, multi-family residential building is key to keeping lives safe and property buildings, like Assistant Fire Marshal fittings, sprinklers and in Raleigh, North Carolina. intact. Every dry sprinkler concern I’ve Berry, will now look to a flexible fire special hazards. Over the When choosing a dry sprinkler had in the past has been answered. It just sprinkler solution to ensure reliability and past 25 years, Tom has solution for the balcony application, makes sense,” said Steve Berry. uptime of fire sprinkler systems. With served in various research several requirements were considered, To conceal the sprinkler heads from the VicFlex™ Dry Sprinkler, Victaulic has and development, sales including the ability to meet NFPA 13 sight on the balconies and eliminate the advanced the safety, convenience, and and marketing roles at  Victaulic has launched the world’s first Code requirements for exposed sprinkler need for soffits, the flexible dry sprinklers design flexibilty of dry sprinklers. companies, such as W. L. flexible sprinkler – the VicFlex Style VS1. length, the aesthetics of eliminating were installed in a pendent orientation. Gore & Associates, Inc. soffits, as well as the reduction in trips to The team was most impressed with the For more information, go to Image courtesy of Victaulic courtesy of Image  7 the job site. These installation and design distance that the wet pipe moved back www.victaulicfire.com

54 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DECEMBER 2016 www.ifpmag.com Subscribe at www.ifpmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe DECEMBER 2016 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 55 CODES AND STANDARDS Turning the building envelope Diamonds are Forever into a fire prevention shield Manage your risk with products tested for business resilience The role and importance of active fire protection systems such as sprinklers is well known in most industrialized countries. However, the importance of fire- limiting construction for the entire building envelope is not as well understood. The FM Approved Diamond indicates your product has Complicating matters further are the exterior building components that often met or exceeded stringent product testing. Ensure may be overlooked when it comes to fire and natural hazards loss prevention. the resilience of your facility by looking he building envelope of Engineering the building envelope for the mark of the diamond. T commercial and industrial The critical components that comprise buildings is critical to limiting the protective shell or building envelope fire spread, minimizing fire-induced for a “typical” industrial or commercial property damage and mitigating building are shown in Figure 1. From a business interruption. The use of loss prevention perspective, the building rigorously tested and certified products envelope is the outer shell that protects the and adherence to loss prevention interior from fire and natural hazards such guidance derived from scientific as excessive heat/cold, moisture, wind, hail research and field study are important and snow /ice. The basic building envelope steps in not only limiting such losses, usually includes the following: but preventing them from ever occurring. At commercial property insurer ■ Roofing Assemblies (e.g., decking, Jean-Philippe Roisin FM Global and company member FM insulation, fastening system, membrane, Approvals, the deep belief – backed flashing), by research and nearly two centuries ■ Roof-mounted Systems (e.g., cooling of property loss experience and towers, photovoltaic panels). testing – is that the majority of losses ■ Exterior Wall Assemblies from natural and man-made causes (e.g., solid walls, cavity walls) can be prevented. Companies that ■ Fenestrations (e.g., windows, choose to embrace this philosophy can doors, skylights, shutters) benefit from the use of planning tools, performance-tested FM Approved Roofing Assemblies products, and proven installation Roofing assemblies are perhaps the most and maintenance guidelines from important first line of defense against fire FM Global to create well-protected and natural hazards in the complete building facilities with significantly reduced envelope. They must be able to protect a potential for property loss due to fire structure from natural hazards, including Technical expertise and integrity and other hazards. FM Approvals, which rain, hail, snow, high winds and temperature Most rigorous testing standards provides third-party certification of extremes. They are also required to limit fire Testing and certification of property loss prevention products property loss prevention products, is spread from external fire risks (e.g., flying Globally available, tested to meet consistent performance standards the only organization in the world that embers from adjacent buildings, rooftop assesses performance of complete wall hot work) and from internal fire risks (e.g., Visit fmapprovals.com assemblies when subjected to multiple presence of combustible materials, failure of perils, including fire (interior, exterior and electrical or mechanical equipment). any wall cavity), wind, hail Roof components that have been tested and windborne debris. individually, but not as a total system, should Jean-Philippe Roisin is This article provides a brief not be relied upon to provide the highest Assistant Vice President, overview of how performance-tested level of fire and natural hazards protection; Manager New Business and certified building envelope rather, roof assemblies that have been EMEA for FM Approvals products and assemblies can prevent tested and certified as complete systems based Paris. or significantly reduce losses to should be considered. Assembly testing commercial and industrial buildings. should include multiple perils such as fire

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testing above and below the deck, wind-uplift Roofing system testing, hail-damage testing, accelerated Flashing weathering, water leakage, foot traffic and system We help suppression corrosion-resistance testing of metal parts. Roof-mounted system OEMs meet Roof-Mounted Systems system Cooling towers and photovoltaic systems regulatory standards are often mounted on roofs of commercial and industrial buildings to save footprint with superior space and take advantage of the elevated location. All can, and do, contribute to electromagnetic increased fire risk. Cooling towers are widely thought to be solutions. safe from fire because water flows through Fenestrations them. In fact, cooling towers are vulnerable Walls to fire as they contain dry areas, electrical Call us with equipment and one or more combustible  Figure 1: The “building envelope” on most materials such as PVC, fiberglass reinforced industrial/commercial buildings is a complex system your challenge. plastic and ABS. Fire risks are increased of components and assemblies that make up the during regular maintenance as water flow outer shell of the structure and provide the first line of ULTRA-FAST RESPONSE may be turned off allowing hot work, human defense against manmade and natural hazards. The HIGH DURABILITY element issues or electrical arcing to building envelope may include not only insulated wall RESETTABLE potentially trigger fires. and roof assemblies, but also skylights, solar panels, Cooling towers should be tested HVAC systems and other roof mount equipment. ROTATES FOR EASY INSTALLATION and certified as a complete system and UL RECOGNIZED COMPONENTS evaluated for fire risk, as well as static and  Figure 2: When things go wrong. Fire is fast INTEGRATED SUPERVISION FUNCTION cyclic air pressures (i.e. wind) and debris and devastating. Certified building envelope FULLY ENGAGED INSTALLATION DETECTION Images courtesy of EMEA courtesy of Images

impact. Resistance to seismic loads should 7 products help to prevent disasters. MEETS UL & NFPA WIRING CODES AND also be determined. STANDARDS Photovoltaic (PV) systems are of the costly and time-consuming full-scale Conclusion ACTIVE MONITORING increasingly specified and used on fire testing previously required for walls and The majority of all property loss is MEETS REQUIREMENTS OF NFPA 2001: commercial and industrial rooftops due to ceiling panels. For instance, full-scale 25 ft. preventable when risk engineering best SEC. 4.3.4.1 the need to satisfy the latest energy efficiency and 50 ft. (7.5 m and 15 m) corner fire tests practices are followed. Products that have CUSTOM CONFIGURATION and sustainability regulations. PV systems have been replaced, in most cases, by the not been evaluated for loss prevention are specialist installations that can adversely small-scale Fire Propagation Apparatus – performance by a reputable testing AND MORE... affect the fire performance of any given roof also known as ISO 12136/ASTM E2058 – agency may not provide the long-term Talentum Dual & Triple assembly. FM Approvals standards can be and intermediate-scale tests such as the loss protection expected or required. Loss used to evaluate both rigid PV modules, Parallel Panel Test and Room Fire Test. prevention engineering and services provide IR Flame Detectors which typically require a metal rack system added benefits by helping organizations for roof mounting and flexible PV modules, Fenestrations prevent property losses in the first place. Detects any flame, any fuel which can often be integrated directly with The building envelope is only as strong as By avoiding losses due to fires, floods, Talentum IR units detect flames from all fuels, roofing membranes. its weakest link. Windows, doors, skylights, hurricanes and other natural and man-made including hydrogen gas. shutters, and impact resistant films – disasters, companies can significantly Exterior wall assemblies fenestrations – should not be overlooked impact their business resilience and drive Reliable in difficult, dirty environments Exterior wall assemblies are another major when designing a building to withstand fire, down their overall cost of risk. element in the building envelope. They must hurricanes, powerful windstorms, hail and Talentum IR can see straight through dust and be able to protect a structure from fire and windborne debris. Damage to fenestrations For more information, go to smoke, including on the unit itself. natural hazards associated with the local can lead to serious damage to the building  www.fmapprovals.com environment, including rain, hail, high winds contents and the building structure itself. [email protected] Optical technology can work through glass and temperature extremes. They are required Skylights, for example, are not only Unlike other flame detectors, Talentum IR units to limit fire spread from external fire risks susceptible to damage from the natural References can be safely installed behind glass, making it COME VISIT US AT (e.g., fire from adjacent buildings or vehicles), hazards noted above, but also to foot www.fmapprovals.com website Provides comprehensive information, including all available to Intersec 2017 significantly more flexible. from ignition sources within the cavity (e.g., traffic. Skylights made from various plastics download Approval Standards. www.approvalguide. Jan. 22-24, Dubai, UAE hot work, grinding sparks and electrical also pose a fire risk from both internal and com, The Approval Guide, a searchable online database of over 70,000 FM Approved products. Booth #4-H16 shorts) and from internal fire risks (e.g., external sources. Fire tests should evaluate www.roofnav.com RoofNav, a searchable T CONTACT US: +44 (0) 1462 444 740 presence of combustible materials, failure the ability of the skylight to limit flame spread, online web-based roofing design tool for +1 262-372-2165 E [email protected] of electrical or mechanical equipment). and measure the sample’s propensity to melt roofing professionals. FM Global Property Loss ffe Prevention Data Sheets www.fmglobal.com/ www.tlxtech.com W www.ffeuk.com Over the past 20 years, intermediate- and drip, which could adversely impact the research-and-resources/fm-global-data-sheets. and small-scale testing has replaced much performance of sprinklers located just below.

58 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DECEMBER 2016 www.ifpmag.com Subscribe at www.ifpmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe DECEMBER 2016 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 59 ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION Mass notification systems: the basics Mass notification systems (MNS) have gained popularity among businesses and institutions of all sizes, largely due to the breadth of safety and cost benefits, as well as flexibility and scalability, that they provide. These integrated “mass communications” solutions bring together a number of different components, oftentimes including a traditional fire alarm system, and can be as simple or complex as the environments that require them.

lthough many business owners, Understand The Benefits A facilities managers and safety An MNS has more functionality than a directors are clear that an traditional fire alarm system, as it can be MNS should be an integral part of their used to notify people not only of a fire plans and operations, with the increase emergency, but also to provide other life- in technological advancements and safety information during events as well new code requirements – such as NFPA as day-to-day information and updates. 72, Chapter 24 – there may be some Where a fire alarm system alerts understandable confusion. people to vacate a building or take Image courtesy of Tyco SimplexGrinnell Tyco courtesy of Image

Whether you’re considering other action in the event of a fire, a MNS 7 implementing an MNS for the first time, or provides the means to communicate want to ensure that your existing system with all building occupants, or with  Visual displays provide critical Consider a Voice-enabled that can include audio and/or visual is up to date, a refresher on the basics of specifically targeted areas. Additionally, communications in areas where personnel Fire Alarm System notification from a fire alarm system, Aaron Saak mass notification is a smart move for the a MNS is able to disseminate non- is hearing impaired or audibility is difficult. Voice-enabled fire alarm systems can in email notifications, automated phone overall safety of your building. emergency information and updates fact be the cornerstone of an integrated calls (similar to a reverse 911 call) and like store locations, sales and weather For example, in an active shooter situation, mass notification solution. Voice fire alarm visual messaging boards. A MNS can also conditions. Using distributed messaging leaving the building may in some cases systems have the capability to instantly include something as simple as updating Addressable speakers deliver systems, this technology can broadcast actually put more people in harm’s way. broadcast live or recorded messages the messaging on TVs or LCD displays in audio messages to targeted alert notifications and evacuation route Depending on the situation, it may be safer in buildings, institutional and campus elevators or lobbies, or other devices that areas within a building. directions in the event of an emergency. for occupants to shelter in place or move environments and other facilities. building occupants often rely on to provide to a different floor in the building. A universal message, or individual valuable information. The same capability applies to weather- messages tailored to specific areas, For larger buildings and campuses, a related issues, where a MNS works in buildings, floors or rooms, can be loud speaker or an outdoor speaker array tandem with a display board or email delivered through the fire alarm system. can sound a siren notification or deliver live notifications to alert people to take shelter An advantage to this approach is that or automated messages. A MNS can also in a basement due to a tornado threat. it is cost-effective and enables a facility be used for paging. There is, however, a In addition to disseminating emergency to leverage existing fire and life-safety provision in NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm messages in a crisis scenario, a MNS can systems and infrastructure. In addition, the and Signaling Code, that requires all paging also be used to share relevant day-to-day fire alarm system provides code-required or non-alarm events to be overridden in information. An office facility might have emergency back-up capacity to keep the the event of a fire alarm activation or when video screens in its elevators, which share system in operation if the primary source required by the Emergency Response weather reports and top news throughout becomes compromised. It also provides Plan MNS activation. the day. These screens are helpful a high level of survivability, enabling because they regularly provide convenient fire alarm control units connected on a Know Your Codes: information, and can switch over to network to continue operating even if a NFPA 72, Chapter 24 disseminate warning messages in an fault or other issue occurs on the system. NFPA 72, Chapter 24 covers “Emergency emergency situation. Given that staff and Communications Systems,” and allows employees grow accustomed to looking at Choose Your Method for different types of alerts during an MNS Aaron Saak is Vice President these devices, they may be more likely to of Communication activity or other event. NFPA 72 not only and General Manager for see a crisis scenario message and follow While many people associate a text alert allows for local customized messaging, but Tyco SimplexGrinnell. the direction that’s provided to help protect with MNS today, a system is usually made encourages it. As all facilities are unique Image courtesy of Tyco SimplexGrinnell Tyco courtesy of Image

7 their safety and well-being. up of multiple modes of communication and situations vary, it’s a great benefit to

60 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DECEMBER 2016 www.ifpmag.com Subscribe at www.ifpmag.mdmpublishing.com/subscribe DECEMBER 2016 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 61 ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION Image courtesy of Tyco SimplexGrinnell Tyco courtesy of Image

7 TrueAlert ES speakers  Flexible wiring in addressable ■ New message template how systems transmit their events to notification technology lowers cost information in new Annex G supervising stations and how these The new sound of safety. of installation and ownership. “Guidelines for Emergency supervising stations relay information Communication Strategies for to first responders. have customized messaging that meets Buildings and Campuses.” The latest closing date for proposals each facility’s needs and individual ■ Listing of equipment for MNS use for the 2019 edition was in June 2016 plans – and that addresses the potential has been tightened and now requires – it’s an exciting time to see where the scenarios that may occur. systems to be listed to one of three latest technologies will take NFPA and In addition to customized messaging, standards: the fire protection industry as a whole. The benefits are loud and clear. NFPA 72 requires voice messages to be – ANSI/UL 864, Standard for The advancements and overall intelligible. It’s no surprise that if facilities Control Units and Accessories advantages of MNS are a great SIMPLEX TrueAlert ES speakers are the industry’s first notification are installing voice enabled fire alarm for Fire Alarm Systems addition to building environments appliances with addressable audio. The speakers feature a clean systems, they are going to expect them – ANSI/UL 2017, Standard for that value safety above all else. Once to work properly, including being able to General-Purpose Signaling building safety managers are aware appearance, excellent sound quality and combined fire alarm and understand the directions in case of an Devices and Systems of the numerous benefits MNS offer PA capability that reduces ceiling clutter. They offer the same design emergency. This new requirement in NFPA – ANSI/UL 2572, Mass – such as the flexibility of both and wiring flexibility as all our TrueAlert ES addressable solutions. 72 will certainly be welcomed by all in the Notification Systems emergency and day-to-day industry, and for good reason. communications, the ability to integrate You’ll benefit from easier testing and maintenance — with less There have been a few major changes Looking Ahead: NFPA 72 voice, text messaging, visual displays interruption to patients and staff—and the ability to program to the 2016 edition of NFPA 72, including: As technology continues to advance and more – they are one step closer different announcements for different areas of your facility. across the industry, the logical next step to protecting the people who matter ■ Intelligibility modifications to ensure is for the code requirements to update to most. By staying up to speed on the both listed and non-listed systems reflect these changes. One example is developing technologies and code How does that sound? are compliant the increased use of IP technology changes, companies and institutions ■ With the new addition of Class “N” that is requiring NFPA 72 to monitor can help ensure they are getting the for network communications, MNS and implement changes for the use most out of these life-saving systems. can now take advantage of IP and application of this technology. technology to comply with NFPA 72 As of today, there are already For more information, go to Copyright © 2016 Tyco Fire Products LP. All rights reserved. while utilizing IP pathways changes underway that modify  www.tycosimplexgrinnell.com All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

62 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DECEMBER 2016 www.ifpmag.com CASE STUDY Protecting critical assets at Kuwait University

espite the effectiveness of The successful agent had to meet The chosen system D halons in suppressing fire, the following criteria: After carefully evaluating the available the 1987 Montreal Protocol agents in the market, 3M™ Novec™ prompted stringent measures to phase ■ Space consideration: due to 1230 Fire Protection Fluid was selected out production and use of halon due to its limited space. as the agent of choice. Novec 1230 high ozone depletion potential. Like other ■ Speed of suppression: the system fluid met all the criteria set by the client, countries complying with the Montreal must control and extinguish the fire including limited footprint requirements, Protocol, Kuwait banned halons consistent as soon as possible to help ensure fast discharge within 10 seconds and with the dates outlined in the treaty, and safety of students. fire extinguishing within 30 seconds after mandated the replacement of these agents ■ Personal safety: Due to the occupied discharge (as per NFPA 2001 standards). with other fire suppression agents with a nature of the areas to be protected With the highest safety margin to humans stronger environmental profile. (areas include a data centre); the as endorsed by the US EPA and best Kuwait University is one of the oldest agent must provide high safety dielectric strength (relative to N2), Novec educational institutions in Kuwait, yet margin to occupants. 1230 fluid is designed to provide protection has dynamic plans for development, and ■ Asset protection: minimal, if any, to humans and equipment alike, while keeping its students at the cutting-edge collateral damage to sensitive ensuring continuous operation. The 3M™ of scientific advances. To replace the electronics or critical assets if a fire Blue Sky™ Warranty provided Kuwait existing halon fire suppression systems were to occur. University with a 20 year warranty against protecting its critical assets, Kuwait ■ Ability to maintain continuous any future environmental regulations, ™ ™ University decided to upgrade to a new, operation: no need to ‘power down’ ensuring long term peace of mind. 3M Novec 1230 effective, and more sustainable technology, equipment when the fire suppression The selected system requires simple while being ‘future proof’ against current system is activated. maintenance procedures and can be Fire Protection Fluid. and future regulations. ■ Maintenance concerns: minimising refilled onsite if necessary. Due to its the downtime due to maintenance as non-flammability, non-hazardous nature, Criteria for success much as possible. System complexity, and liquid state at ambient conditions, Kuwait University evaluated the various off-site refilling, pressure adjustment Novec 1230 fluid may be airlifted in case Stopping the fire, fire suppression systems available in due to pressure drop, potential long of emergency without the restrictions the market. Selection criteria included shipping durations of clean agent, required for gaseous agents. extinguishing performance, maximum were all among the concerns safety to occupants, sustainability and long surrounding the agent and system A spokesperson from Kuwait not your business. term assurance about system validity. selection process. University comments: ■ Reliable support from the contractor to “We selected Novec 1230 fluid to protect ensure the system functions correctly Kuwait University valuable assets because  Kuwait University College and to provide immediate service in of the unique features and benefits of ™ ™ of Science & Faculty Club. case of system discharge the agent. The environmental and safety 3M Novec 1230 Fire Protection Fluid is a safe, sustainable profile, limited space footprint and easy alternative to inert gas, HFCs, water mist and CO2. Novec maintenance requirements makes Novec 1230 fluid works quickly, cleanly and efficiently to help stop 1230 fluid the ideal agent to use. Kuwait University’s vision is to be a national a fire before it starts. pioneering university with outstanding qualifications in higher education and Novec 1230 fluid balances industry concerns for performance, scientific research. We’re confident that human safety and the environment. This makes it a first-class through this upgrade we now have a fire suppression system which is similarly fire protection fluid for use in a wide range of offshore ‘state of the art’ and will provide long term and land-based applications, protecting occupied spaces, protection of our students and campus. The critical assets and most of all people. installation of this fire suppression system has strengthened our belief that we have the best fire safety measures in place”. www.3M.co.uk/novec1230 For more information, go to Image courtesy of 3M  Approved systems designed for Novec 1230 fluid available worldwide. 7 www.3M.com/novec

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Verifying Technical Competency Fire alarms and sprinklers: Modern commerce thrives on consumer education and awareness. People who buy products and services want to Verifying technical competency know they are getting value and quality for their investment. In many cases, this combination of service and skill is Are you fully satisfied the fire sprinkler or fire alarm test reports you receive regulated by government rules that are intended to protect the public through are accurate? Are you confident your fire alarm plan reviewers understand the performance testing and certification to verify that someone is competent to impact adding audible/visual fire alarm notification appliance has on line voltage perform the service they offer. measurements? Can your fire sprinkler plan reviewers explain how design No one questions that we require training and certification for medical densities change when commodity classifications vary? personnel. Many states regulate cosmetologists and nail technicians. Even the National Association of Pet f you answered “no” to any of fire protection systems in their risk Sitters offers a certification program. these questions, how confident analysis when setting premiums. But what do we do with the men and Image courtesy of Rob Neale I

are you that the sophisticated Regardless of the financial impact, women we task with reviewing, approving 7 fire protection systems and equipment in the public and fire fighters rely on and inspecting essential life safety and your jurisdiction will operate as intended these systems to provide early warning fire protection features as fire alarm and NFPA 13 for fire sprinkler systems and  The commercial fire alarm inspector certification to protect lives and property? and fire control to give them time and sprinkler systems? To address the gap NFPA 72 for fire detection and alarm assesses the candidate’s knowledge of fire alarm Building owners go to great expense conditions to survive. in assessing technical competence, systems. The open-book exams range control unit installation and wiring methods. to install fire protection systems. The the International Code Council (ICC) from 60-75 multiple choice question costs of design, installation, inspection, offers five professional certifications for over two to two-and-one-half hours. testing and maintenance add capital A complete fire protection system test includes government and industry: commercial fire The exams may be taken in paper and enforcement efforts. The building official and operating costs to the life cycle of a water flow. The certification process assures the alarm inspector, commercial fire alarm pencil or online format. Exam fees was able to amend the inspector’s and building. Insurance underwriters include testing team knows how to assess the results. plans examiner I and II, commercial fire are $199. For more information and plans examiners’ job descriptions to sprinkler plan reviewer and commercial registration details, visit the ICC require they obtain certifications in the Rob Neale fire sprinkler inspector. national exam and certification site disciplines in which they were working Table 1 provides a sample content at http://www.iccsafe.org/education- (e.g. plumbing, mechanical, structural). breakdown of one of the certification certification/certifications-and-testing/ Subsequent negotiations with employees exams. Some of these general categories national-exam-info-registration/. resulted in agreements that since have two or more subcategories with employment conditions had changed related content. Program History there should be a corresponding The certification exams are based The push for these certifications began change in wages. on the International codes and about a decade ago when the city of Fulton Cochran, assistant fire chief at corresponding National Fire Protection Henderson, Nevada, was evaluating Clark County Department of Building and Association (NFPA) standards such as the overall performance of its code Fire Prevention and former deputy fire marshal in Henderson, explained there was a pay disparity of about 8% between Table 1 Commercial fire sprinkler plans examiner sample test content the building code plans examiners and Topic Test Weighting (%) those performing fire code plan reviews. To achieve parity, the city insisted the fire Ability to read plans 9 plans examiners have an equal number Use Group/Construction type/Hazard classification 9 of professional certifications to those Seismic and Freeze Protection 6 performing building plan reviews. At the time, fire-related certifications did not Hydraulic Calculations and Water Supply 31 exist and those produced by the National Standpipes 11 Institute for Certification in Engineering Technology (NICET) were addressed Fire pumps 8 more to the industry side of design and Commodities/Storage 8 installation rather review and approval. Rob Neale is Vice President, When Cochran became a member of Fire Department Connection 7 National Fire Service the ICC Fire Service Membership Council Activities International Materials (Pipe/valves/fittings) 11 he worked on the Board for International Code Council. Professional Standards where he realized Image courtesy of Rob Neale

Total 100

7 he was in a position to influence the

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The future So what does the future hold for these certifications? How does someone convince an employee who has many years of experience in sprinkler or fire alarm plan review and inspection that he or she needs to be certified? According to Cochran, “the counter back is ‘well, how you are going to show me you are in touch with the current standards? Show me you are a 30-year veteran, not a one year veteran who did something 30 times’.” The quickest way to move toward certification, Cochran said, would be to get a state to adopt certification requirements for fire alarm and sprinkler systems into their statewide requirements. Meanwhile, ICC is moving forward Images courtesy of Rob Neale Rob courtesy of Images

7 with new marketing efforts to explain the programs’ value to government officials  The regular and private industry partners. ICC has maintenance and begun to work with the American Fire inspection requirements Sprinkler Association and the Automatic for fire pump assemblies – Fire Alarm Association to gauge their such as this horizontal split interest in the certification programs. ICC case pump – are evaluated will be reaching out to other trade and in the commercial fire governmental organizations over the sprinkler inspector next few months. certification examination. Summary  The commercial Professional qualifications for public sprinkler plans examiner and private sector personnel engaged and inspector exams test in critical fire and life safety system one’s ability to evaluate design, plan review and inspection are sprinkler obstructions and an important way to assess performance find approved solutions. and establish baseline qualifications. Testing and certification assure that development of these new certifications. of the programs. Second, he said, minimum qualifications are met, there The ICC conducted a nationwide current job descriptions may not require is consistency in the level of service needs analysis and developed the the certifications. Cochran suggested provided, and the certified person five certifications and exams based jurisdictions shouldn’t wait for a vacancy has been assessed at a high level of on those results. to update job descriptions, but should competence. Isn’t that the least we should Cochran said the certification work with staff and collective bargaining expect from people in this business? programs are especially important in organizations to keep them current. those jurisdictions that may not have A third way, Cochran said, is in those For more information, go to experienced fire service plan examiners. states where the state fire marshal  www.iccsafe.org/education- “If I’m a building official,” he said, “I would establishes minimum performance certification/certifications-and- like to know my plan reviewers have some standards the states could leverage the testing/national-exam-info- level of competence and not just looking requirements for certifications. “This would registration/ at the name of a [design or engineering] be the fastest way to effect change,” company and stamping it off.” he said. “If all jurisdictions would move Although the certification programs forward into certification requirements, we References have been available for two years, could tell people ‘if you want to have these 1. http://www.petsitters.org/napps_certification.php. 2. These certification exams are open to government and industry participation jobs, you need to have these credentials’.” government and private sector candidates. The has been disappointing. There are The fact that we have certifications on the description “commercial” is only to distinguish the several fundamental challenges to its inspection side, he added, provides an certifications from “residential” examinations. ICC success, Cochran said. The first is avenue for licensing and certification also offers a residential sprinkler fire inspector/ plans examiner certification. increasing code officials’ awareness and third party providers.

68 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DECEMBER 2016 www.ifpmag.com HAZARDOUS MATERIALS HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

to predict the impact of releases, allocate Fixed gas detection systems assist in resources, plan response operations and determine evacuation routes. Bhopal, India is well known for emergency response and evacuations what was called the worst industrial accident in history. On December 3, 1984, approximately 45 tons of methyl Hazardous materials are substances which can cause death and injury, as well isocyanate escaped from an insecticide manufacturing plant. The gas drifted as damage to properties and the environment. There are numerous incidents of over the densely populated communities around the plant, immediately killing hazardous material releases every year. These releases may be airborne, or spills thousands of people and creating a that contaminate water, soil and communities. Airborne hazards affect outdoor panic as thousands of others attempted to evacuate the area. The final death toll areas, but they may also permeate buildings and affect people indoors. was estimated to be up to 20,000 people and an estimated half-million survivors suffered a variety of maladies resulting azardous material releases observations, monitoring devices and from exposure to the toxic gas. In June of I lead to evacuations of areas gas detection systems. These tools 2011, at Tyson Foods Inc., in Springdale, and buildings in a majority help determine the dispersion area Arkansas, chlorine gas was released after of cases, however, depending on the and associated concentrations. These the accidental mixing of two chemicals. Image courtesy of IAEA Imagebank via Foter.com / CC BY-SA

hazard, release pattern, weather, and concentrations are then used to assess Sudden exposure to chlorine gas can 7 other factors, it may be advisable to stay the risk to the population, environment bring on coughing and choking spasms, indoors or shelter in place. Most incidents and property in the affected areas. severe chest discomfort, vomiting and jet fuel and diesel and their chemical  Modeling and simulation tools are used to result from accidental releases of toxic Incident management personnel use other symptoms, and in severe cases, plant produces products, such as analyze and predict the dispersion of releases industrial or agricultural chemicals and these types of models and simulations the lungs can fill with fluid. The accident ethylene, benzene, toluene and xylene. using inputs from reports, observations, happen during regular operations at resulted in the evacuation of about 300 In response to the release incident Shell monitoring devices and gas detection systems. fixed facilities. Airborne releases draw workers, the exposure of 173 people agreed to spend $115 million (USD) to Incident management personnel use these types more attention due to their potential to  Oil refineries and chemical plants can produce and 50 people sent to nearby hospitals, control harmful air pollution, and paid of models and simulations to predict the impact negatively impact large areas. Dispersion toxic products such as gasoline, jet fuel, diesel, including 5 that were treated in intensive a $2.6 million civil penalty. This case is of releases, allocate resources, plan response Steve Bonino of airborne releases is influenced by the ethylene, benzene, toluene and xylene. The care. Evacuations are more common than part of a United States Environmental operations and determine evacuation routes. release location, mechanism, chemical United States Environmental Protection Agency is many people realize. Fires, floods and Protection Agency enforcement effort to properties, weather and geography. aiming to protect the health and safety of fence hurricanes frequently cause evacuations. protect the health and safety of fence line Modeling and simulation tools are used line neighborhoods by significantly reducing In addition, hundreds of times a year, neighborhoods by significantly reducing treatment facilities, steel mills and similar to analyze and predict the dispersion toxic pollution and making emission information transportation and industrial accidents toxic pollution and making emission applications. There are many fixed gas of releases using inputs from reports, quickly available to affected communities. release harmful substances, forcing many information quickly available to affected detection technologies available to help people to leave their homes. In some communities. Shell also agreed to spend provide measurement, protection and circumstances, local officials decide $1 million on a state-of-the-art system to communications for flammable, toxic and that the hazards are serious and require monitor benzene levels at the perimeter oxygen gases. Many of these instruments mandatory evacuations. When community of the plant which is located near a are “intrinsically safe”; or incapable of evacuations become necessary local residential neighborhood and school. igniting an explosive atmosphere by officials provide information and Health and safety specialists use either spark or heat. This equipment recommended evacuation routes to advanced test equipment and fixed gas is used by operators and health and the public through the media. In some detection systems to monitor facilities, safety specialists to maintain safety circumstances, other warning methods, areas and fence lines like this, to prevent during operations, to report the presence such as sirens, text alerts, emails or harm to property and the public, in a of gases and to activate alarms or Steve Bonino is the Technical telephone calls are used. variety of applications and environments. associated equipment. Manager at Aerionics, Inc., In January 2013 it was reported that Gas detectors are generally available Strict government regulations and

manufacturers of Macurco 0296 close to 40,000 pounds of benzene was in two different types; portable which growing demand for safety measures gas detection equipment. accidentally released into the atmosphere are handheld and are used for personal are driving forces for the development The Macurco product line at the Shell Oil facility in Deer Park, Texas. safety, and fixed which are permanently of sophisticated tools and complex features a broad range Inhalation exposure to benzene can cause installed in and around a given facility. networks to control emergency situations. of fixed and portable gas drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, as well Portable gas detectors are also classified Technologies like “smart buildings” detection products for fire & as eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation, as “personal safety instruments” as they are being launched in the fire and security, HVAC and building and, at high levels, unconsciousness. ensure detection of toxic and flammable security systems market. Intelligent automation systems, and Long-term exposure can cause disorders gas hazards in the immediate vicinity of detection systems and wireless mesh for personal safety and in the blood, reproductive effects and the wearer or user. Fixed gas detection networks consist of spatially distributed hazardous environments. increased incidences of leukemia. This systems are installed in oil and gas independent gas detectors that monitor Image courtesy of pixabay.com/en/petrochemical-plant-refinery-96 of courtesy Image

7 Shell Oil refinery produces gasoline, refineries, chemical plants, waste-water air quality conditions and cooperatively

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A number of dispersion modeling tools exist across federal agencies, universities and commercial companies. New technologies, software, years of data and analysis have facilitated the development of modeling programs that address chemical release, evaporation, building infiltration and dispersion. Release rate illustrations from plume modeling and plume measurement are used to produce clear out computer imagery for incident commanders. Gas dispersion models estimate pollutant concentrations

ia Foter.com / CC BY downwind from an accidental chemical release where the dispersing substance is heavier than, equal to or lighter than air. These models account for point sources and release durations, either finite or continuous, and estimate concentrations downwind from accidental chemical release. Also critical in addressing an incident is acquiring weather data and weather reports uploaded in real- Image courtesy of Direktoratet for samfunnssikkerhet og beredskap v

7 time from the internet or local weather station. Mapping software and global  Industrial accidents can release hazardous Building automation systems can positioning technology, used with facility Shoulder substances which force workers to leave their improve the strategic decisions made monitoring and gas detection data, aids in jobs and people to leave their homes due to by hazardous material response teams. determining emissions, source locations mandatory evacuations. Real-time information Public safety agencies deploy resources and movements in and around a facility. to from round-the-clock monitoring and fixed gas and solutions to protect the public and Industrial accidents can release detection can improve situational awareness and property, and to limit the effects of release hazardous substances which force facilitate quick decisions regarding command of hazardous material catastrophes. The workers to leave their jobs and people shoulder. posts locations, road closings, and evacuation challenges faced by first responders to leave their homes due to mandatory routes or shelter-in-place responses. managing hazardous material releases are evacuations. Real-time information from numerous. Communication networks can round-the-clock monitoring and fixed provide critical and accurate information gas detection can improve situational pass their data through the network for police and fire departments regarding awareness and facilitate quick decisions to a main location. Remote users can a crisis and enhance the response time. regarding command posts locations, road also access these intelligent fixed Immediately upon learning of an emission closings, and evacuation routes or shelter- gas detection systems by connecting first responders need to know when the in-place responses. When community through building automation systems and material was released, what material evacuations become necessary local computer networks. These commercial has been released, how that material agencies provide information and building automation systems (BAS) reacts upon release, and how weather recommended evacuation routes to collect vast amounts of data through the conditions will impact the release. All of the public through the media or other sensory network and employ computing these factors will play a part in the plan warning methods. Rapid, well informed and digital communications tools. This first responders implement to protect assessments can save lives and better data can be used to maintain a building’s the response team, the facility and the protect surrounding community by climate, energy efficiency and lighting, surrounding community. Facility building enabling more timely and effective and also to ensure the security and safety automation systems, sensory input response to emergencies. These systems of a building. Other software products and software solutions can enhance provide compliance with local and federal include advanced process controls the tactical decision-making abilities of regulations, and greater awareness and and manufacturing execution systems. chemical emergency response teams. preparedness in advance of a potential These systems help in identifying and These systems help to make good incident. After the incident the response collecting data regarding any changes response decisions before, during and measures can be effectively investigated, Offering a full array of C6 Foam Agents or problems in a facility or production after an incident. By using available validated and defended with detection, process. Related emergency response meteorological and fixed gas detection monitoring and modeling data. components of a BAS include public-alert, system data, dispersion modeling tools voice evacuation, emergency lighting and can provide real-time status reports as For more information, go to secure communication. well as project future developments.  www.aerionics.info

72 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DECEMBER 2016 www.ifpmag.com PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION The role of the passive fire protection installer A well designed passive fire protection (PFP) strategy and specification are not the only considerations in adequately protecting built assets from fire. Of equal Fire testing, inspection and certification. Protecting buildings, saving lives… importance is the workmanship of installers and, thereafter, the maintenance team.

Effective fire protection requires an integrated approach, Key Services FP is built into the fabric of an Certain elements of PFP construction from the building’s fire strategy, to a suitable ongoing P asset or building in the form of such as masonry walls or timber or steel maintenance programme. We provide an end-to-end Fire engineering walls, floors, ceilings, beams, structures are likely to remain untouched solution designed to ensure that fire protection measures columns, screens, seals, fire-stops, doors throughout the life of the structure. They remain fit-for-purpose, protecting both buildings and lives. Fire testing and shutters. It performs two essential need no maintenance and little vigilance Product assessment functions in the event of a fire: from the point of view of fire safety. Site inspection Therefore, the main risks arise if they are 1 It allows the asset to remain stable not installed correctly in the first instance. Talk to us today about how we can help you Third party certification* advance your fire safety standards. for a specified period to allow people However, other elements of Training time to escape and fire fighters to construction, such as doors and partition t. +44 (0) 330 222 0321 attend, for example. walls, suffer from wear and tear or are more e. [email protected] w. www.exova.com *Exova BM TRADA / Warrington Certification 2 It resists the spread of fire and likely to be altered and are, accordingly, a smoke between assets, or between higher risk factor. Those that are subjected Ross Newman subdivisions within a single asset, to daily use, such as doors, shutters and helping to protect people or valuable so on, will need to have their fire safety contents in a building, for example. role preserved through a programme of maintenance. Equally, elements that are PFP strategies comprise disparate likely to be altered or penetrated (to allow elements that together make a critical building services to pass through, for VAD SYSTEM system. Installing a single one of these example) will suffer damage and require DESIGN GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE elements without an understanding of repair. The new penetrating element will VADS TO BE HAD! CALL +44 (0)1942 322744 the overall critical system can lead to need effective fire-stopping. Both need to FOR A COPY integration errors, even when that be properly installed at the start of their element is correctly installed. life, and the people who work on them Introducing C-TEC’s new range of UK-manufactured visual alarm devices addressable The impact of fire and smoke has subsequently need to be competent. and sounders. Fully compatible with our XFP & ZFP range of XP95/Discovery fire panels, the potential to be extremely grave. It Since many PFP solutions are effectively Base Hi-Output and Compact variants are available, all certified to the relevant parts of EN54 parts 3, 23 and 17. can kill and severely injure. It will also hidden in the final building, they are difficult destroy or write off fixtures, furnishings to put right. More importantly, they are and equipment and fatally weaken the very difficult to verify or detect by cursory structural integrity of assets. inspection, even if the offending structure In an industrial setting, this sets up is visible. It takes skill, experience and a domino effect of negative impacts, competence to accurately identify the interrupting business and leading to fire rating of an element, especially in the delay, financial losses, lawsuits, absence of any historic documentation. redundancies and even insolvency or Retrospective fixing is, of course, bankruptcy. Although the risk cannot be unavoidable in some circumstances, C-3-8 Base BAD Hi-Output W-2.4-8.2 Wall BAD Compact C-3-8 Ceiling eliminated altogether, the impact is so especially where a building undergoes a c/w 96dB(A) Sounder c/w 103dB(A) Sounder BAD c/w 91dB(A) Sounder detrimental to operations as to demand change of use or working practices are efforts to minimise it. introduced that change the existing fire Fires and smoke are dangerous but risks. In instances like this, maintenance they usually become catastrophic when work is likely to be carried out years later they spread from the room of origin. The and left to less well qualified facilities Ross Newman, point of PFP is to prevent this spread or, management staff than during an initial A PROUD BRITISH Principal Technical at the very least, delay it. All too often, build, where highly qualified fire installers www.c-tec.com M R A E N R Officer, Exova BM TRADA. however, fires do spread, often because with a fresh understanding of the fire YouYou’re’re safe with C-TEC UFA CTU of faults with the installation. strategy may be on hand.

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Minimum life-safety aspects of PFP are often enshrined in legislation and regulated both when the asset is built and after it is in use. However, owners, insurers and other interested parties will often go further than this minimum if the risks warrant it. TIGHT SPACE. Part of the solution to good installation is to get the specification right in the first instance. A comprehensive specification, clearly defined and accompanied by accurate, comparable drawings, goes RIGHT SOLUTION. a long way to mitigating the risk of misunderstanding. Wherever possible, ® only adequately quality-assured and New FyreWrap DPS Insulation for clothes dryer vents. tested products should be specified. The overall strategy needs to be effectively communicated, with the integration issues Recent FEMA statistics indicate significant injuries, clearly expressed. In this respect, working in a contractual BIM environment helps. loss of life and property damage due to clothes dryer Even after handing over comprehensive fires in residential buildings. At the same time, code specification information and clearly requirements for clothes dryer ventilation ducts in communicating the strategy, success still lies in the hands of the installer. multi-family residences have been difficult to achieve Double-checking every aspect of every in real-world conditions – until now. element of a PFP build is one way to check the quality of what they do. However, Half-inch, flexible, code-compliant doing so is likely to be deeply inefficient Image courtesy of Exova duct wrap designed to fit tight spaces. and unrealistic, especially during the initial 7 build. A more practical precaution might FyreWrap® DPS Insulation is an innovative duct wrap be to double-check a representative passed an examination, and had their  An example of a plugging system utilised by that provides a safe and cost-effective means to sample of typical PFP constructions. work scrutinised by an independent a third party certification provider for fire doors, It is likely that you will want evidence third party. denoting the door leaf and complete doorset has achieve a 1-hour fire resistance-rated, zero clearance that the installer is adequately qualified This gives the highest possible level been manufactured by a third party certified company enclosure for routing dryer ductwork as prescribed before they come on site. Indeed, insurers of confidence that the work will be carried (red and silver plugs) and the doorset installed by by the International Building and Mechanical Codes. and fire consultants are increasingly out correctly. Insisting on certificates a third party certified installer (gold plug). insisting on third-party certificated of this kind will also demonstrate due It utilizes a lightweight, high temperature, bio-soluble services for peace of mind. diligence in the unfortunate event of a fire. Work to maintain a fire rating is fiber blanket specifically designed, UL tested and It is not enough to rely solely on Dealing with the damaging effects of fire is difficult, particularly on fire doors or when certified for this critical application. FyreWrap DPS the installer’s authorisation. Instead, bad enough without the additional burden building services penetrate a fire barrier. check that that they have relevant of being the subject of a legal claim. However, when it is also accompanied Insulation features a ½” single layer design that is recent experience, and that they can While the fixed structural elements by a change of use that increases or flexible and easy to cut, fabricate and wrap to fit back up their claims with certificates of PFP are of course critically important, merely changes the fire risks in the tight spaces, providing time and cost savings on of competence. they are rarely subject to change during building, more sophisticated knowledge The things to look for are not just the life of a building. We have established is needed. Of course, this is where many projects. the existence of a certificate, but a that partition walls and doors are much the right certificate attesting relevant relevant, up-to-date certificate from a more prone to be altered or suffer damage competence is especially valuable. More information on FyreWrap DPS and our recognised organisation. Given the fire through wear and tear than fixed structural There is no question that employing complete line of FyreWrap products is available risks associated with PFP installation and elements of PFP, so it is especially third-party certified installers are worth its systemic complexity, careful scrutiny important that the people who install or the extra cost for the fire risks they at www.arccat.com and www.unifrax.com or by of any documentation is critical. The maintain them understand what they mitigate. Furthermore, installing and calling 716-768-6500. certificate must be relevant to your type are doing. maintaining PFP elements correctly of installation, in date, and from a properly The fundamental objective is to extends their service life. More to the accredited third-party organisation. preserve the element’s confirmed fire point, retrospective fixes for poorly Fortunately, there are a number of rating. Small repairs to the beading installed designs are disproportionately highly reputable third-party certification around the glazing in a fire door can have difficult and expensive, adding extra schemes for installation and maintenance catastrophic effects on the fire rating, motivation to get it right first time round. providers. Successful candidates will for example, and so it is critical that the typically only be awarded their certificate installer must appreciate what can and For more information, go to if they have attended a training course, cannot be done.  www.exovabmtrada.com/en-gb www.unifrax.com

76 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION DECEMBER 2016 www.ifpmag.com BUILDING DESIGN BUILDING DESIGN

the code is necessary for the project, Fire engineering vs. the overall design approach is normally a mixture of fire engineering and prescribed fire protection. A good example is an prescribed fire protection airport terminal, a terminal is normally a large open space with a high amount of occupants. A prescriptive approach could The title seems to suggest that there are two ways to deal with fire safety on projects, have difficulties to show compliance with for example; size/volume requirements for a Fire Engineering approach or a Prescriptive approach. Before exploring that any the fire sector, travel distance requirements, exit width requirements, structural further there is a need to understand how the two concepts are used and when, requirements for the roof (non-protected and maybe there are other problems related to these two approaches as well. steel), etc. A performance based design is an engineering approach to fire protection design [1], it can be said to comprise of rescribed fire protection, or apply the prescriptive requirements, it is three steps: 1/ agree on and set up the P a prescriptive approach, is a a matter of correctly interpret the code. safety goals and objectives to be used design approach that will allow So why not always use such an approach? (for example, the occupants must the able  CFD modeling the building to meet a pre-set standard A prescriptive approach is limited in such to evacuate the building safely in case of is a good example when it comes to fire safety. Applying a way that when a building, its architectural a fire, the structure of the building must of when the already deemed to satisfy solutions to design (the vision of the architect), deviates be able to withstand the effects of a fire competence

the design the building will inherently be too much from a “standard” building it is during a certain time, etc.), 2/ to perform of the practitioner 7 Image courtesy of JVVA Fire & Risk “safe”, it is a “code compliant” building. very difficult to impossible to apply the an engineering analysis of the problem plays a significant role. So from a societal point of view a building standard set of rules set out in the code. (deterministic or probabilistic analysis that is designed in accordance with the This of course does not necessarily mean of fire scenarios), 3/ quantitative within the national legal systems to impede characteristics to produce very competent code is considered to be an acceptable that the building is unsafe it just mean that assessment of the design against the an engineer (or a non-engineer for that engineers with the right skills set, see building from a fire risk perspective. It it cannot comply with the deemed to satisfy fire safety goals and objectives using matter) to call himself a fire engineer and also [4] [5] [6]. 2/ strong competency is relatively easy to use a prescriptive solutions. This is where Fire Engineering, accepted engineering tools, methodologies to perform fire engineering on projects. awareness must be encouraged and Jimmy Jonsson approach, the code contains the rightly or wrongly, comes in as a “savior”. and performance criteria. This is directly linked with poor individual fostered within the fire safety engineering prescriptive requirements and it is a matter Fire Engineering, or a Performance Hopefully the reader should now have awareness of competence, people tend to profession and the educational systems, of incorporating those into the building Based Design approach, works with a more or less clear idea of these two hold overly favorable views of their abilities see also [3] [2]. design. There is not really any need to objectives (safety goals) instead of pre-set concepts and when they are used. Besides and that as a consequence not only do So by going back to the title again, understand specific fire engineering rules. It is necessary to show that a certain the obvious differences between the two they reach erroneous conclusions and Fire Engineering vs. Prescribed Fire concepts (smoke control design, deviation (non-compliance) from the code approaches there is one major difference make unfortunate choices, but their lack Protection, it seems like there is a clear evacuation analysis, etc.) to be able to is acceptable i.e. that the “performance” that cannot (or at least should not) be of competence robs them of the ability to picture of how and when to use these two of the proposed design solution is as safe overlooked, namely the competence of recognize it [3] [2]. The more worrying part fire safety concepts. Unfortunately there as a code solution would have been. Fire the practitioner. To adequately be able to of this very real problem is that this could are greater concerns affecting the actual Airport terminals are typical places where a engineering is normally only applied to perform fire engineering there is a definitive potentially lead to unsafe buildings. foundations of fire engineering and how Jimmy Jönsson is a Director Performance Based Design Approach is necessary. specific areas where the deviation from need to have a fundamental understanding This has now led to that specific fire safety engineering as a profession with JVVA Fire & Risk in of the principles used and the specific countries are to some degree turning their and a discipline will evolve. Madrid. He has worked on a skills-set needed to develop performance backs on fire engineering by imposing wide range of fire/life safety based designs. This is not the case when certain design restrictions (for example, For more information, go to projects internationally applying a prescriptive approach. specific fire scenarios, specific design fires,  www.jvvafire.com over the last 15 years and The competence level of the practitioner etc.) and by that turning fire engineering has extensive experience is the single most important issue when into “prescribed fire engineering”. This is References in developing performance it comes to fire engineering. Within the very clear in New Zealand where regulators 1. SFPE Engineering Guide to Performance Based based fire engineering fire safety engineering profession this is now have introduced “prescribed fire Fire Protection, 2nd Edition design and analysis. something that has been looked upon with engineering”, and other countries seem 2. SFPE ECCG: White paper for Professional Jimmy has specific concern and it is something that are now to be going in the same direction. Recognition for Fire Safety Engineering, 2014 3. Dunning, D., et al. Why people fail to recognize knowledge and experience being recognized as a real problem, and The actual key to solve this seem to be their own incompetence. Current Directions in regarding Fire Engineering, different initiatives [2] are being undertaken quite straightforward but how to implement Psychological Science, 2003. 12(3): p. 83-87 Performance Based Design to raise the awareness level regarding it in practice is unfortunately not as clear. 4. Johnson, P. Fire Safety Engineering – Part of and Risk Management. He this problem. Currently, in most countries, Fire safety engineering must evolve in the and Accreditation Framework, in Fire Australia has led fire engineering there is a confusion regarding the needed right direction and with some fundamental Conference. 2011 5. Woodrow, M., Bisby, L., and Torero, J., A nascent design and implementation qualifications, training requirements and changes taking place: 1/ this evolution educational framework for fire safety engineering. across a varied range of experience needed to be able to practice must start with the educational systems Fire Safety Journal, 2013 (58): p. 180-194 international building and as a fire engineer (i.e. to adequately perform providing the market with engineers. We 6. Johnson, P. Fire Safety Engineering Education – infrastructure projects. fire engineering on projects). At the moment must have educational programs (teaching Part of a Certification Framework, Fire Protection Image courtesy of JVVA Fire & Risk

Engineering (SFPE), Q4 Issue, 2012

7 there is basically nothing implemented faculties) which have the necessary

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3M 65 Advanced Electronics 53 BRE / LPCB 31 C-TEC 74 Cavicel 27 Relaunching Dafo Fomtec IBC Dr Sthamer Hamburg 11 Our employees fight fire our APP for DYNAX 5 EDS Elektronik 37 Android and Exova BM Trada 74 43, 59 and so do our products FFE iOS devices Firetrace International 3 FM Approvals 56 Haes Systems 37 Hochiki Europe 49 Janus Fire Systems 43 MICC Group 31 MSA 15 Nittan Europe Ltd 34 Pennwell 24 Polflam 13 Reliable Fire Sprinkler 69 Tenmat Advanced Materials 17 • We have restyled TEPG – Simplex 63 and improved TLX Technologies 59 all our APPS. Tornatech 39 Tyco – Williams Fire & Hazard Control 73 • Now available with Tyco Fire Protection Products IFC News Updates, UL 7 My name is Magnus. Magazine Articles, Unifrax Corporation 77 I am working with product Victaulic OBC development at Fomtec. Blogs and Video. Xtralis 21 This picture is from a fire • Featuring daily Zapp Zimmermann 9 test in Sweden. Follow us updates and if you want to find out more original content. about me, the Fomtec way Come and see us at and all our products.

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