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Honeywell acquires Xtralis

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Honeywell has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Xtralis, a leading global provider of aspirating smoke detection along with advanced perimeter security technologies and video analytics software, for $480 million from funds advised by Pacific Equity Partners and Blum Capital Partners. Xtralis aspirating smoke detection solutions protect many Fortune 500 companies, iconic sites and critical infrastructures worldwide. They are used in data centers, historical buildings, airports, industrial sites and manufacturing facilities to provide very early warning and verification of threats to speed response time and minimize facility damages and potential injuries. “This acquisition fits perfectly with Honeywell’s technology innovation and leadership,” said Alex Ismail, president and CEO of Honeywell Automation and Control Solutions. “Xtralis’ early smoke detection and advanced security technologies and video analytics software complement our growing Security and Fire business, and show our commitment to making the world safer and more secure.” The company is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, with approximately 500 employees across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and the Americas, and has more than 30 years of fire and security experience. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2016 subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. “Xtralis is a fantastic addition to the Honeywell portfolio that strengthens our offering for critical infrastructure and high-value assets,” said David Paja, president, Honeywell Security and Fire. “Eliminating downtime for an IT data center is mission critical considering that the average revenue loss due to a fire or smoke is more than $5 million a week1. The addition of Xtralis to our portfolio enhances our ability to meet the needs of our customers for early and reliable smoke detection.” The company pioneered the development of very early warning technology that can detect smoke in a facility at an early stage of a fire, which gives emergency responders precious additional time to help prevent or minimize physical damage and injury. Upon completion of the acquisition, Xtralis will become part of Honeywell Security and Fire, a business unit of Honeywell Automation and Control Solutions. Honeywell Security and Fire is a leading global manufacturer of electronic security and life safety technologies for commercial buildings, industrial sites and homes worldwide. 1 Source: Aberdeen Group, “Datacenter Downtime: How Much Does It Really Cost?”, March 2012

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Coltraco CEO receives honorary Doctor of Science from Durham University

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Coltraco Ultrasonics are delighted to announce that their CEO, Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science from Durham University. Carl is a Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineers and a Member of the Royal Aeronautical Society, The Royal Institute for International Affairs (Chatham House) and the Royal Society for Asian Affairs. He maintains a focused Vision-Mission-Strategy approach to business and a commitment to integrity. He believes that Science and Mathematics should be at the core of the company and that Science and Arts graduates should combine their talents. Carl travels the world and is an outstanding ambassador for UK Business and Durham University.  Carl comments: “Professor Paula Chadwick is a kind and extraordinary Ambassador for Durham University. A Ground Based Gamma Ray Astronomer, Paula has influenced me and our scientific direction for many years. It is really to her and the University that I thank for this great honour, and indeed my wife and Family who have contributed so much over the years to enable this. In terms of the direction towards Science it is to Sam and my great friend, guide and mentor, Mr Gene House, formerly Managing Director of United Airlines, United Services, who opened my eyes to the world of aeronautical engineering. I thank you Paula, Dorothy, George, Clare, Henry, Mary, Sam, Douglas and Gene and to so many of you in research who so kindly support us.” Professor Paula Chadwick kindly mentioned in her Oration, “…Time and again I have heard Carl tell students that wherever they decide to go, they should look for a company that values them as human beings and will seek to develop their skills, and that both scientific and personal integrity is the bedrock of successful industry. Carl is running a remarkable company… Chancellor, I present Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter for the degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa”.

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Recommended training guidelines for 911 telecommunicators in development

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A group of 911 organizations jointly announced that they have been participating in an effort to develop recommended minimum training guidelines for the nation’s 911 call-takers and dispatchers.   The recommended topics are intended to give aspiring and current 911 telecommunicators (call-takers and dispatchers) nationally recognized, universally accepted minimum training that will be the foundation for ongoing professional development. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and other telecommunicator stakeholders invite you to review “Recommended Minimum Training Guidelines for the 9-1-1 Telecommunicator” found on the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) website, and offer your feedback by pressing the “add a comment” button on the landing page.   “It is vitally important that Americans receive a consistent level of 911 service, no matter where they live or where they travel, and the recommended minimum training guidelines being developed collaboratively by these key organizations are a huge leap forward in achieving that goal,” said Nathan Lee, president of the Denise Amber Lee Foundation.   The topics to be included in the recommended guidelines were identified by members of the following organizations, as well as other key stakeholders representing the 911 community:   Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Connecticut Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection Denise Amber Lee Foundation Fairfax County (Virginia) Department of Public Safety Greater Harris County (Texas) 911 Network Hamilton County (Indiana) Public Safety Communications International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) National Association of State 911 Administrators (NASNA) National Emergency Number Association (NENA) National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) PowerPhone Priority Dispatch RedSky Technologies Rochester/Monroe County (New York) Emergency Communications Department Vail (Colorado) Public Safety Communications Center Weakley County (Tennessee) Emergency 911   The recommended minimum training guidelines will cover the following topics:   Telecommunicator roles and responsibilities 911 call processing Radio communications Emergency management Emergency communications technology Legal concepts Interpersonal communications Stress management Quality assurance On-the-job training guidelines   It is important to note that the training topics listed above will only provide a minimum level of understanding. In order to field and manage emergency calls in a live environment, telecommunicators must receive supplemental training that will enable them to process discipline-specific emergency calls that are fielded by their respective Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) or Emergency Services Provider.    The recommended training topics have been vetted by the leadership of each participating organization. The next step will be to allow the 911 community at large to review and comment on the recommended minimum training guidelines. It is anticipated that the recommended guidelines will be finalized for distribution to public safety and emergency response agencies by the end of 2016.   A parallel goal is to develop model legislation that can be used within any state that does not currently have legislation in this area. For those that do, the model legislation is intended as a baseline to ensure that the recommended topics listed above are being covered. The group recognizes and acknowledges that 911 is under the control of state and local authorities, and its intent is to assist those authorities having jurisdiction. These recommended guidelines are not a federal mandate.  

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Eaton simplifies fire systems with BiWire Ultra and CPD training

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Eaton is aiming to simplify the installation of fire alarm systems in smaller premises with the launch of a two-wire system. The company’s latest fire alarm system, BiWire Ultra, is designed for fast and efficient installation in buildings such as primary schools, small hotels, offices, restaurants and retail stores where a standard conventional system would have typically been installed. However, unlike standard conventional systems, the BiWire Ultra enables all detectors, call points and notification devices to share the same zone wiring, reducing cabling requirements by up to 50%. To support the launch of the new system, Eaton has developed a new CPD certified seminar on two-wire systems. The CPD aims to help electrical engineers and installers better understand the different type of fire systems available and how two-wire can save costs compared with a conventional system. Chris Anderson, business leader for fire products at Eaton, said: “Our new BiWire Ultra system has been designed with simplicity in mind. It is quick and easy to install, reducing cabling costs and the time spent programming and operating the system. Feedback from our customers so far has been extremely positive.” BiWire Ultra comprises an intuitive fire alarm control panel alongside a range of complementary devices including call points, a five-in-one fire detector plus a range of EN 54-23 approved beacons and sounder beacons. BiWire Ultra is the latest addition to Eaton’s comprehensive suite of life safety solutions, which aim to help building owners and managers meet their safety obligations in the most effective and efficient manner. Available in two-, four- or eight-zone variants, the system can support up to 52 devices per zone. Wiring faults are easily found by initiating a flashing LED indicator on the detector nearest the fault. Supplied with a back-up battery to ensure the correct ratings and to reduce complexity, the central panel has an attractive appearance and a simple user interface. Conforming to the requirements of BS5839-1, commissioning and maintenance is straightforward. It is easy for one person to carry out testing and ensure the healthy state of the system, as required by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order of 2005. Additional functionality of the system includes a class change facility for schools, which automates the class change bell via the fire alarm, expansion card support for fire alarm routing equipment (FRE) and fire protection equipment (FPE), and an interlink relay for connecting two panels together. Anderson added: “The BiWire Ultra range is the first of its type to offer EN 54-23 approved beacons so, whatever the risk assessment, premises fitted with a BiWire Ultra system comply with the latest standards for fire notification. However, the legal and moral obligations of fire safety are not only concerned with installation but also ongoing maintenance and testing, and BiWire Ultra is designed to make that process straightforward. With all of this in mind, we believe this range will appeal to a diverse cross-section of small and medium-sized premises where owners need protection without problems.” For more details on fire systems from Eaton visit, e-mail www.cooperfire.com , e-mail [email protected] or call +44 (0)1302 303200.

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KIMTEK Line of UTV Transport Skid Units now offered on W.S. Darley Website

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W.S. Darley’s e-commerce website eDarley.com now features the KIMTEK® MEDLITE® and FIRELITE® line of transport skid units custom designed for UTVs. The addition of KIMTEK’s products on the Darley website provides customers with more options for purchasing UTV-based skid units specifically designed for off-road EMS, medical, and firefighting applications. KIMTEK President Kimball Johnson said, “I am pleased that one of our long-term strategic goals was reached this year with the addition of KIMTEK products into the larger line of products sold by W.S. Darley and Co. since 1908.” Noting that loyal Darley customers can now buy KIMTEK products direct through eDarley.com, a website Mr. Johnson said is trusted throughout the industry, he added, “This development is another milestone in a long, successful relationship between W.S. Darley and KIMTEK.” Visitors to eDarley.com will find KIMTEK’s FIRELITE Transport at http://www.edarley.com/firelite-transport-skid-units/ and KIMTEK’s MEDLITE Transport at http://www.edarley.com/medlite-transport-skid-units/. KIMTEK posts record sales Sales of KIMTEK UTV and pickup truck-based skid units topped a record 465 units shipped in 2015. Posting a gain of over 10% from the previous year, KIMTEK is poised for another record year in 2016. The company attributes this growth to successful relationships with vendors, high quality products, and excellent service before, during, and after the sale.  

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NFPA and ASIS Active Shooter meeting addresses the need for better guidance and coordination among stakeholders

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The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and ASIS International (ASIS) recently hosted a joint stakeholder meeting to address active shooting incidents. More than 100 experts from the security, fire, law enforcement, EMS, life safety, professional associations and government fields discussed existing resources, the crossover between security and fire disciplines, operational solutions, management procedures, building design and construction issues, and cost considerations with an emphasis on preparation and planning. The intent of the collaborative effort was, and will continue to be, to examine gaps and exchange knowledge as they relate to active shooter events. A summary of the day’s discussions is available online. Areas of focus include:   ·         Defining “active shooter” and reviewing FBI statistics ·         Assessing technology, management needs and budgets ·         Considering public and private sector concerns ·         Identifying competing goals between security safety and fire safety practices ·         Examining the status of legal and regulatory issues   The group concluded that there is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and identified a need for guidance that can be tailored to the conditions and resource constraints of a wide range of organizations.   “There is no simple solution to the problem of active shooters, but by convening some of the leading minds on this subject we hope to create scalable guidance to minimize the likelihood and consequences of these events,” said Dr. Marc Siegel, commissioner, Global Standards Initiative, ASIS International.   “By bringing together members of the security and fire safety communities, ASIS and NFPA are taking important steps to define strategies that will protect people as well as physical assets,” said Robert Solomon, division manager, Building Fire Protection and Life Safety, NFPA. “Gathering the best practices from stakeholders and influencers will allow us to formulate necessary guidance so that individuals and organizations can mitigate, survive and recover from these incidents.”   Security practitioners and organizations interested in receiving additional information on this initiative should contact [email protected].    

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Teijin develops new Aramid fibre fabrics for protection from airborne volcanic fragments

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Teijin Limited announced today that it has developed two new fabrics of Twaron® and Technora® para-aramid fibers to protect facilities such as lodges and evacuation shelters from airborne volcanic fragments measuring as much as about 10cm.   The new fabrics are designed and produced in accordance with the Japanese Cabinet Office’s new regulations for strengthening evacuation facilities located near volcanos. The Ministry of the Environment is now using the fabrics to refurbish the roof of the Ebino Eco Museum Center in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park on the island of Kyushu in southern Japan.   Teijin developed its new Twaron® and Technora® para-aramid-fiber fabrics in consultation with the Cabinet Office, the National Defense Academy, the Mount Fuji Research Institute of the Yamanashi prefectural government. In simulation tests held at a National Defense Academy facility in September 2015, the fabrics demonstrated their capacity to withstand fist‐sized airborne fragments similar to those produced during the September 2014 eruption of Mt. Ontake, located some 200 kilometers west of Tokyo.   Teijin is the world’s only company manufacturing two types of lightweight, strong and heat-resistant para-aramid fibers. Twaron® offers six times more tensile strength than steel of the same weight, as well as superior heat resistance and elastic modulus. Technora® boasts even greater tensile strength and resistance to impact, fatigue and chemicals.   The choice of which para-aramid fiber to use depends on the envisioned level of protection required for each facility, based on a specific volcano’s activity level, altitude and local weather patterns. Teijin will focus marketing activities on local municipalities and private enterprises in areas prone to volcanic activity, with sales expected to reach 50,000 square meters by the fiscal year ending in March 2017.   Protecting evacuation facilities and other structures from large airborne fragments is an important issue in Japan, one of the world’s more active volcanic regions. While materials such as reinforced concrete and steel offer required levels of strength and durability, transporting heavy materials and large equipment to highlands can lengthen the construction period and raise construction costs. The deteriorating effect of severe weather on steel is another problem.   High-performance composite materials that offer new value are one of the four business pillars in the Transformation and Growth Strategies of Teijin’s current medium-term business plan. Promising fields for Teijin’s high-performance fibers include safety, infrastructure and energy, functional paper and filters, and mobility. The company is putting a high priority on leveraging its high-performance materials in advanced solutions to meet diverse demands in the global market.  

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E2S Warning Signals launches GRP IECEx & ATEX Xenon strobe beacons

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E2S Warning Signals, the world’s leading independent manufacturer of audible and visual warning signals, will launch its new GNEx GRP Xenon strobe beacons, www.e2s.com/products/range/gnex, on Booth W1002E at CIPPE 2016 in Beijing, China 29 – 31 March.   The new products add visual signalling to the explosion proof and corrosion resistant GNEx family. Suitable for all Zone 1, 2, 21 & 22 hazardous location applications the GNEx beacons have extended temperature range with IECEx and ATEX Ex d approvals. For high ambient light or long distance signalling the GNExB2 beacon is available in 10, 15 and 21 Joule variants producing up to 902cd – a very high output Xenon strobe. The smaller sized GNExB1 is available for where a 5 Joule (up to 117cd) unit meets requirements.  Three flash patterns and second stage, set by user, are a standard feature with all GNEx beacons, depending on base model and power (DC or AC) supply. On-site removal and replacement of the lens filter, such as for colour changes, is simple. Polycarbonate, UV stable lenses are available in Amber, Blue, Clear, Green, Magenta, Red and Yellow as separate spare parts. Installation time is minimised by design with the GRP enclosure featuring a threaded flame path, multiple cable entries and a large termination area. Complementing the GNEx range is the GNExJ2 Ex d junction box, which, having multiple cable entries and terminal configurations means suitability for many other applications. Both 15 and 21 Joule versions can be supplied as a plate mounted assembly configured with up to four Xenon strobe beacons with a junction box or five beacons without a junction box. The new Xenon strobe beacon visual signals broaden the GNEx family which includes alarm horn sounders, PA loudspeakers and manual call points for activation of fire alarms, gas detection and emergency shutdown systems.   “CIPPE is Asia’s largest trade show for the petroleum industry equipment and we’re happy to come back again this year to showcase our products designed specifically for the needs of the industry” said Colin Tan, Regional Sales Manager for E2S.   E2S will also have a preview of the new STEx family of stainless steel enclosure devices plus a selection of other explosion proof and intrinsically safe warning devices from the company’s portfolio of more than 350 different products.  

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Coxreels® Biodiesel Reels

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Biodiesel is one of the most common alternative fuels in use today. Chemically named methyl esters, biodiesel is produced from various sources such as agricultural oils (soy, corn, canola, etc.), recycled cooking oil, and animal fats. Due to the reactive nature of biodiesel, consideration of seals and materials is needed when choosing a hose reel and plumbing. If the biodiesel concentration is B5 or less, the biodiesel will have such small affect that it will behave exactly as standard diesel where no special considerations are needed. For biodiesel concentrations of B5 or less, Coxreels recommends the use of our standard fueling reels (SHF or TSHF). For concentrations above B5, stainless steel plumbing should be used with Viton seals and non-sparking pawls. For these circumstances, the following Coxreels products are recommended: SHF-N-525-BBN, TSHF-N-XXX-BBN, or TSHL-N-635-BBN. In concentrations above B20, Viton seals must be used along with a special hose. The Coxreels product most suitable for this application is the TSHF-N-620-BBN with the Flexwing VersaFuel Hose. Coxreels® has remained steadfast and focused on manufacturing high quality professional grade hose, cord, and cable reels since 1923. Offering a full product line serving the industry in every channel and application, Coxreels® takes great pride in designing, building, and supporting all of their products right here in the U.S.A. For further information on the Coxreels® biodiesel product line, contact Customer Service at (800) 269-7335 or visit www.coxreels.com.

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