Teaser: Atlanta USA Website: http://www.iafc.org/micrositeFRIconf/

Teaser: Birmingham UK Website: http://www.emergencyuk.com/

Teaser: London Website: http://www.transec.com/

Teaser: Dubai Website: http://www.intersecexpo.com

Industrial VESDA VLI could provide very early warning detection Solid waste management is a crucial sector in our consumer society. It is a multi-billion-dollar industry and growing as more regions experience economic growth and produce more household waste. At the same time, environmental concerns push for an increasingly streamlined waste disposal, treatment, neutralization and recycling process. The waste has to be gathered, stored and processed. As landfills are increasingly becoming filled and no longer a legitimate option for disposal, alternatives involving recycling/reuse are taking affect. In densely populated countries, solid household waste is collected and carried to a waste incineration plant, rather than dumped directly in landfill sites. The waste is therefore stored in so-called waste bunkers or transfer stations, which contain thousands of metric tons of solid waste. This waste is potentially flammable when stored: self-combustion, heat development due to pressure, spontaneous chemical reactions between the disposals, methane gas-building, are potential fire creators. Waste station fires can be hazardous for both operator and environment: the heavily contaminated firefighting water, which hampers the further processing of the waste, has to be disposed as well. And firefighting does not always reach potential fire spots still dangerously smoldering somewhere in the large and deep station. This is why the stored waste has to be permanently moved, mixed and turned by crane operators. THE SOLUTION Under the Waste and Emissions Trading Act 2003, UK councils who are responsible for the disposal and collection of waste were tasked with the duty to develop a strategy which outlines how they will manage municipal waste. The aim of the strategy is to change the way waste is managed, minimize landfill and drive new initiatives with the goal of encouraging waste prevention and greater levels of recycling. The Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy was executed to include plans for opening waste transfer stations throughout the county. THE OUTCOME As part of their waste strategy, Essex County Council opted to develop five new waste transfer stations to support the delivery of new waste treatment facilities. Waste collected from curbside collections are taken to the transfer stations for bulking. No processing of the waste takes place at the transfer station; but rather it’s a facility for the temporary storage of waste before it is loaded on to larger vehicles and transported for treatment. The first of these stations includes the Harlow transfer station. The transfer station handles 55,000 tons of waste each year collected from the Harlow and Epping Forest District areas. A number of organizations in the waste management industry are working to produce new guidance for fire safety. The UK’s Wood Recyclers’ Association (WRA) and the European Tyre Recovery Association are working alongside health and safety bodies to create new guidelines for the safe storage of combustible materials, as noted by Materials Recycling World. These bodies include the United Kingdom’s Environment Agency, the Health and Safety Executive and the Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA). The industry already operates within an existing set of safety regulations, which includes guidelines for handling flammable and combustible materials, but there is a growing feeling that more specific direction is required. DPL Electrical Services Ltd proposed a solution to Essex County Council using VESDA VLI to provide very early warning smoke detection to protect the new facility. They selected VLI for this project because of the very high dust levels that will exist in the facility and VLI’s ability to provide very early warning detection without nuisance false alarms. Despite strong competition from point-type smoke detector providers, who were offering their product at a very low cost, Xtralis was able to demonstrate the superiority of the VLI solution. Industrial VESDA VLI was the only technology that could provide very early warning detection and survive the challenging environmental conditions that include : • Extreme temperatures from incinerators • High machinery voltages • High frictional heat sources from large collection and sorting equipment • Corrosive environments (water and chemical treatments) • Potentially hazardous atmospheres due to material decomposition • Dirty processes and dusty environments when processing and storing material The key features that convinced the customer to choose Industrial VESDA VLI were: • Actively monitored sampling system • Fully monitored HEPA filter • Detection performance and reliability • Sensitivity consistency over the time • Efficient response to ineffective detection solutions • Easy to maintain The main building, which looks similar to a warehouse, is 11 meters (36 ft) high, 50 meters (153 ft) long and 32 meters (104 ft) wide. It will be protected by a single VLI-880 with a three pipe runs. Remote test points were installed in each pipe run by extending the pipe down the far wall to an easy to access location, eliminating the need for expensive lifts during routine testing and maintenance.

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One of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organisations, with a global network active in over 100 countries, WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment. It aims to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world’s biological diversity and ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable. Instantly recognisable thanks to its famous panda logo, WWF was originally set up in 1961 for the purpose of campaigning to save species endangered by human activity. With Prince Charles as the current president of WWF-UK, the organisation currently supports around 1,300 conservation and environmental projects around the world. Prior to October last year WWF’s base had been at Panda House in Godalming since 1987. However, as the end of the lease approached, some big decisions had to be made. Following a large donation form the Rufford Foundation, WWF determined to create its own exemplar building where it could work more effectively and spread its message. After carrying out an extensive search a brownfield site, on land that had previously been a car park owned and run by Woking Borough Council, was chosen for the new build. Completed and opened in November 2013 by WWF Ambassador, Sir David Attenborough, the £20 million Living Planet Centre is at the forefront of sustainable design and construction, incorporating a wide range of renewable energy technologies such as ground source heat pumps and solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. One of the greenest buildings in the UK, it is an impressive timber framed structure that as well as housing WWF’s administrative facilities is also home to the WWF Experience – an exciting interactive exhibition that brings to life the secrets of the natural world and the threats it faces. Ensuring the safety of the Living Planet Centre’s occupants was a key concern of WWF during the design process. Although the life safety system would obviously need to give the earliest possible warning in the event of a fire, it would also need to be sympathetic to the unique design features and minimise any disruption to the fabric of the building. With a reputation for excellence as a result of its work on high profile projects across the UK, Cheshire-based Fire Bright Solutions, a BAFE accredited Hochiki Systems Partner, was invited to tender for the project and present its recommendations. Its Sales Director, Haydn Greeves, says: "Formed in 2003, Fire Bright Solutions aims to demonstrate the highest levels of technical competency, professional working practices and ethical conduct, so that our clients can be convinced about our quality of service. To do this we need to be 100% confident in the reliability of the products we install and that’s why we suggested the use of a fire detection system from Hochiki Europe for the WWF." Specialising in system design, installation, commissioning and maintenance, Fire Bright Solutions has worked with all types of fire detection technology. Greeves considered all the options, and comments: "Given the design of the building, the aesthetic considerations and the spaces that had to be covered, I felt confident that Hochiki Europe’s FIRElink-400 aspirating fire detection solution would tick all the boxes." The FIRElink-400 aspirating unit consists of an enclosure that houses the electronics that are powered from a supply, and a fan inside it that draws air in via four pipes that are connected to the unit. The air that is drawn in then goes into an aspirating chamber after passing through a filter. The air then passes across a laser light source that is projected into the air itself and if enough smoke particles are detected an alarm condition will be activated. All detectors in the FIRElink range have been approved to EN 54-20:2006 Classes A, B & C by LPCB. Paul Adams, Hochiki Europe’s Deputy Marketing Manager, explains: "Most types of buildings can benefit from having an aspirating fire detection system but it tends to be particularly useful where an early warning is desirable. The system provides the very highest levels of sensitivity and is able to give warning at the very slightest trace of smoke. This is because aspirating detectors are around ten times more sensitive than general point detectors." Most of the system at the Living Planet Centre is hidden from view, as the majority of the pipework is located in ceiling voids and the roof fabrication. Greeves states: "This aesthetic advantage is achieved without compromising the effectiveness of the system, which is configured around Hochiki Europe’s Enhanced Systems Protocol (ESP) – a robust addressable communications solution for intelligent fire detection and fully integrated systems." The system comprises a three loop Advanced MX4403 control panel, which enables a programed phased evacuation alarm strategy to meet the specific client and local fire authorities requirements. This is complemented by a wide range of Hochiki Europe devices including four FIRElink-400 aspiration detection systems, 63 ALG-EN photoelectric smoke sensors, 16 HCP-E(SCI) call points with integral short-circuit isolators, 11 YBO-BSB base sounder beacons, 39 YBO-BS base sounders and nine ACB-E multi-heat sensors. The ACB-E’s incorporate a variable temperature heat element and a rate of rise heat element, allowing either thermal element or both elements simultaneously to be active in making the fire decision. Part of the original car park has also been incorporated into the new building and Hochiki Europe technology has been installed here too in the form of 55 IP67 rated ACB-EW waterproof multi-heat sensors. The Living Planet Centre has proved immensely popular with WWF staff and visitors alike and it its being held as an exemplar of modern construction practice. The last word goes to WWF spokesman Richard Eaton, who concludes: "It is essential that a state-of-the-art building like this has an equally innovative life safety infrastructure. I’m delighted with the sound advice and skilled craftsmanship that Fire Bright Solutions provided us with in the installation of a fire detection system from Hochiki Europe." For almost 100 years Hochiki has led the way in the design and manufacture

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From Ramtech Electornics The European Central Bank (ECB) headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany has become the latest high profile customer to invest in the innovative new Wireless Emergency System (WES+) from Nottingham-based Ramtech Electronics. A major German construction company chose WES+ to protect staff and physical assets from fire during the refurbishment of 30 floors of the 40-storey building. Specifiers at the firm were impressed that WES+ is the only wireless fire alarm with European EN54 system approval, which has been independently certified by international testing house Intertek. Another important factor that won over the construction company and sent a clear message to the bank that WES+ is a proven technology ‘built for purpose’ was that the technology is used to protect thousands of personnel on site. This ranges from projects as diverse as the Leadenhall Building, Heathrow Airport and Crossrail, through to demolition of Earls Court. As a closed system, WES+ won’t interfere with the bank’s existing wireless technologies. This is an essential requirement for the ECB, which houses a number of business-critical technologies in the building. Fire safety was critical on the ECB project as only 30 floors of the 40-storey building are undergoing refurbishment. Staff will continue to occupy the remaining space alongside personnel involved in the refurbishment while the work is being carried out. WES+ sets a new fire safety benchmark for construction, refurbishment or demolition projects across Europe, most of which rely on very basic evacuation procedures. It is still relatively common in some countries for a manual fire alarm system to be used, for example, ringing a bell. The ECB was looking for a more efficient, technology-based solution that would automatically detect a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which is exactly what WES+ does. Although a large and complex project, Ramtech Electronics’ wireless technology made it straightforward to specify and install the 500 WES+ automatic fire detection and manual call point units, which are divided into 30 zones. In the event of fire, the building can now be evacuated in phases as appropriate to the fire plan. WES+ allows an unlimited number of call points and active heat and smoke detectors to be installed on site. All 500 WES+ units were installed within a three-day schedule, immediately after staff had vacated the areas earmarked for refurbishment and work beginning on site. Being a wireless system means that the units can be easily repositioned as work progresses, without the need for specialist trades required with a wired fire alarm system. “We have had a huge amount of interest in WES+ from across Europe since verification that it achieves full European EN54 system approval – a first for the industry,” said Paul Henson, Sales & Marketing Director at Ramtech Electronics. “The ECB is a huge refurbishment project although WES+, because of its scalability and wireless operation, provided a very straightforward solution.” Ramtech Electronics’ WES+ meets the Construction Products Regulation’s highest standards for production and performance and carries the CE mark. It uses Category 1, Euro-harmonised radio in compliance with European standards covering the use of radio technology in emergency equipment (ETSI 300-220-1). To ensure your site has the best possible protection for workers and assets, whilst complying with the new EN54 standard, call the WES+ helpline on: 0115 822 3424, or visit: www.wesfire.co.uk

A free to attend educational programme With just over two months to go before FIREX International opens its doors at London’s ExCeL, organisers have today revealed further details of what to expect at the show this year. Not to be missed is the Expertise & Guidance Theatre, offering a free to attend educational programme across the three days covering key topics including Fire Doors, Smart Hotel Solutions, IP Systems and Fire Risk Management, amongst others. Highlights include Nick Coombe, Fire Safety Regulation Manager at London Fire Brigade who will run a session on ‘Enforcement and the Fire Safety Order – is it working?’ exploring the lessons learned from 10 years on and also asking if there needs to be any changes made to this going forward. Lance Ruetimann, Senior Manager Industry Affairs within the Building Technologies Division at Siemens Switzerland will look at ‘Evolving Fire Safety towards Holistic Safety’, discussing fire safety and the convergence of other safety measures along with the importance of evolving fire detection and alarm systems into danger detection and management systems. The Fire Industry Association’s (FIA) Graham Simons will also give an update on Construction Products Regulation (CPR). For full details of the educational programme running across the three days and for the latest updates please visit the FIREX International website. With over 100 exhibitors currently confirmed across the show floor, FIREX International will showcase all the latest technology, solutions and knowledge to ensure life safety from across the industry. A highlight this year will be the BM TRADA stand, a leading provider of independent testing and approvals services, who will highlight the benefits of effective passive fire protection through a range of interactive exhibits, live demonstrations and free seminars at this year’s Firex International. On the first day of FIREX International BM TRADA will conduct a live fire door test from their fire testing facility in High Wycombe that will be streamed directly to the FIREX Expertise & Guidance Theatre, this powerful demonstration will show two identical doors subjected to a prolonged period of fire, one of the doors will have been correctly specified and installed, while the other will demonstrate many of the common mistakes made. Additionally, the BM TRADA stand will host a passive fire protection demonstration zone featuring a full-size corridor and suspended ceiling simulation. Gerry Dunphy, Event Director- FIREX International states: “This year at FIREX International we wanted to make sure there was a real mixture of thought-leadership, case-studies and debate from the experts within the industry sitting alongside the practical hands-on experiences that we know our audience love. There will be plenty for visitors to get involved with this year and we look forward to hosting the entire fire safety industry this June at London ExCeL.” Other exciting features at this year’s FIREX International include the LPCB (Loss Prevention Certification Board) Red Book Pavilion; visitors to the show can access information free of charge about products and services that have certification from this highly reputable certification provider. The Fire Protection Association (FPA) info zone will provide a place for visitors to relax and network with free refreshments in addition to a wide range of presentations and seminars delivered by leading experts. This year FIREX International is co-located alongside IFSEC International which re-unites the fire and security industries in one location. There are increasing opportunities and convergences within both sectors so this seamless blend will create three days of focused attention on life safety and property protection. Both FIREX and IFSEC welcome a formidable range of world leading manufacturers and service providers, which makes the breadth of expertise and solutions on offer unmissable for fire and security professionals. With a major focus on innovation and products, the events provide complete snapshots of what’s currently available and an intriguing view to future product developments. FIREX International 2015 takes place from 16th – 18th June at ExCeL London. FIREX International will be presented as part of UBM EMEA’s Protection & Management Series. The Protection & Management Series encompasses five major shows in related marketplaces covering safety, service management, facilities, security and fire, the overall ethos of the series is about protecting and managing buildings and places of work, along with the people and information within those places of work. If you would like more information or would like to register for your free visitor pass please visit http://bit.ly/1D75z2S.