The International Water Mist Association (IWMA) has concluded its 25th International Water Mist Conference.
Almost 200 delegates from 32 countries attended the anniversary event, bringing together manufacturers, researchers, consultants, approval bodies and fire safety professionals.
The conference examined developments in water mist technology, technical standards, research and practical fire protection applications.
Water mist training and technical development
This year’s programme introduced a dedicated training workshop attended by more than 60 participants, who received Continuing Professional Development certificates.
The workshop was based on IWMA’s newly published practical design guide for water mist systems.
The guidance provides a structured approach to system design, covering fire risk identification, applicable standards, system verification and implementation.
It is intended to support designers, approving authorities and other stakeholders in applying water mist technology consistently.
Technical visit to Prague library
Delegates also participated in a technical visit to Prague’s National Technical Library.
The building features a water mist installation that has been operational for 18 years, providing an opportunity to examine an established system.
The library previously hosted the International Water Mist Conference when the event was last held in Prague in 2010.
IWMA introduces Mist Protects platform
During the conference, IWMA announced further initiatives designed to improve technical knowledge and professional competence.
Among these is Mist Protects, an online information platform scheduled to launch later this year.
The platform will bring together documented fire incidents, water mist installations, research findings and technical case studies.
Its purpose is to improve access to practical experience and supporting evidence for fire protection professionals internationally.
Alongside the new design guide and training workshop, the initiative forms part of IWMA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen knowledge sharing and support evidence based water mist system design.
Max Lakkonen, President of IWMA, said: “The 25th anniversary conference demonstrated how far our industry has developed. With almost 200 participants from 32 countries, strong participation in our new workshop and several important initiatives underway, we are taking further steps towards improving competence, sharing knowledge and strengthening the position of water mist technology in fire protection.”
