Ensuring compliance in smoke ventilation life safety systems
This feature looks to reiterate the importance of using fully compliant life safety products and outlines the steps being taken to improve industry awareness. Accurately determining whether or not a life safety…
A guide to foam and foam proportioning equipment – Part 1
Testing innovative technology to improve fire safety and future-proof homes
This feature discusses a recent project to test how the Plumis Automist fire-suppression system could play a key role in safeguarding social-housing residents and future-proofing homes. The basic technology behind modern fire-safety sprinkler systems has changed little since its invention…
Bus fire-system requirements: what’s been happening since the introduction of UNECE R107?
Fires in mass transportation, and buses specifically, have been a long-term concern. The very nature of these systems puts a large number of people in a small space for efficiency. However, most still have only two primary points of egress…
Fluorine-free foam systems – a solution is needed now!
There is no doubt that the trend towards the use of synthetic fluorine-free foams (SFFF) in fixed fire-protection systems is gathering pace. The conversation is no longer if, or even when, it is simply that the market needs a solution…
Electric vehicle fires on ships
The Felicity Ace and her cargo of thousands of burnt vehicles – some of them electric – built by the Volkswagen Group is now several kilometres beneath the Atlantic. What do we actually know about electric vehicle fires on ships,…
Reducing PFAS levels in firefighters by blood and plasma donation
Principle and application of aspirating smoke detectors (ASDs) with an innovative method for very early fire alarms – Part 2
In Part 2 of this article, the smoke detection performance of the particle-charging method is demonstrated. All three commonly used materials, including ABS, tinned copper and PVC, are subjected to the pyrolysis test presenting highly reliable detection performance for various…
Electric detection technology provides intelligent fire protection for commercial kitchens
The latest fire-protection systems provide real-time monitoring capabilities, streamline maintenance and evolve with kitchens as they change. The global pandemic has created economic challenges in the hospitality sector, with many restaurant teams working tirelessly to recover from losses and remain…
Thermal imaging and the Industrial Internet of Things are improving early fire detection
Industrial facilities are finding ways to prevent fire damage by identifying hot spots with thermal imaging and connecting sensors via the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Early fire detection devices There are various fire-detection sensors available today that alert of…
Unsprinklered buildings: do we clearly understand the impact of fire?
Fire regulations are designed with life safety in mind and not property protection. People need to understand this and also realise that in the event of a fire, the fire and rescue service will have to focus on getting everyone…
A deluge foam system installed into a Blast Proof Resistant Module (S-BRM)
Fire safety: building services penetrations
Becoming green and the challenges for optical flame detection
We are all too aware of the drivers to become greener. In some cases, the introduction of new equipment and the transition to alternative fuels is bringing significant challenges for optical flame detection. This article will highlight just a few…
Regulation changes for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms will ensure greater protection
On 23 November 2021 the government in England published the results of a consultation proposing an extension to regulations for smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, applicable to all rented properties within England. In this article, Aico’s National Technical Manager,…
GEN III Smart Proportioner – remote testing system
Regular testing and maintenance ensure a maximum service life and functional and failure-related safety of technical appliances. The same applies to foam-based fire extinguishing systems and the foam proportioners installed in them. Up to now, such testing and maintenance have…
Principle and application of aspirating smoke detectors (ASDs) with an innovative method for very early fire alarms – Part 1
From the earliest laser to particle-counting methods, air-sampling aspirating smoke detectors (ASDs) for very early fire warning has made an essential contribution to property protection. Part One of the article introduces the particle-charging method’s principles and evaluates the charging performance…
Approved fire suppression for electrical cabinets and data panels
Electrical fires are incredibly challenging to predict and once started, if left to burn undetected, their effects can destroy equipment beyond repair and spread quickly to nearby equipment or structures. Outdated infrastructure, faulty wires, poor maintenance and overloaded circuits are…
Innovative firefighting and ventilation in tunnels
The combination of low-pressure mist systems and jet fans with shaped silencers delivers dramatic improvements in cost and sustainability, while tackling the requirements for firefighting and ventilation in tunnels. This article reports on recent research and the latest installations in…
Reasonable skill and care or fit for purpose?
The term ‘fitness for purpose’ means there is an implied condition that the product or service is reasonably suitable for the purpose intended (customer’s requirements, needs, or desires). The principle of fitness for purpose is basic and the properties must…