To measuring sound levels in dB E2S Warning Signals, one of the world’s leading independent manufacturers of high-performance audible and visual signals for commercial, industrial, marine, onshore and offshore hazardous locations, has published an educational guide that seeks to ‘de-mystify’ the dB (decibel), one of the most common units in engineering, yet also one of the most confusing. The guide can be found at www.e2s.com/soundbasics. The main difficulty in comprehending dB measurements is that it is a log-linear scale, which, while it is very useful in representing very large differences in a more user-friendly scale, also compresses the scale. Sound is defined as any pressure variation that can be heard by the human ear. The Threshold of Hearing is defined as 0 dB; the threshold of pain is around 130 dB, a scale that can be readily understood. However, as the power difference between the two levels is 1013 : 1, or, to spell it out in full, 10,000,000,000,000 or ten million million to one, expressing it in these terms suddenly gives a much better idea of the change. The guide sets sounder output levels in context with some everyday examples. For example, the A151 disaster warning sounder is rated at 150 dB, the same as a jet engine at 1m. It also discusses the effect of frequency on perceived loudness and includes some rules of thumb for system designers who are specifying the output and location of warning sounders to provide the desired sound levels as part of a warning system.

The first aspiration detection system to be approved by leading NPP operators Honeywell’s FAAST is the first aspiration detection system to be approved by one of Europe’s leading nuclear power plant (NPP) operators for installation in their facilities’ most demanding locations, the reactor building. Understandably, equipment installed in enterprise-critical locations in NPPs has to conform to extremely stringent specifications, requirements which have recently been significantly tightened in the wake of the Fukushima disaster. For the fire detection system, fast response and approaching 100% immunity to false alarms are the most critical operational requirements. Taking a single reactor off line for a day can cost upwards of €2m in lost output, even before the additional costs of powering down and re-commissioning the reactor core are considered. FAAST devices were subjected to nine extended extreme environmental tests covering vibration, temperature and humidity – achieving a 100% pass rate. • Seismic testing to Richter Scale 9 • High frequency vibration testing • Extreme temperature test at +65 °C and -28 °C • Rapid temperature changes fluctuating from -25°C to +70°C • Dry heat endurance at +70 °C • Damp heat endurance at +70 °C with 95% condensing humidity • Cold test, -25 °C • Radiation test, exposure up to 140 Gray • Multiple power up/power down David Coffinet, Honeywell Life Safety’s Project Manager, commented, “Honeywell has a great deal of experience in nuclear facilities. Having FAAST in our portfolio has extended our ability to offer a robust fire detection solution that can withstand some of the toughest environmental challenges in one of the most regulated industries. The tests were extremely challenging and made even more so due to the impact of Fukushima so it’s a great testament to the device’s ability to stay in operation through any potential disaster.” Gintare Budriunaite, System Sensor Marketing Manager, said, “FAAST is designed to deliver 100% business uptime and the earliest and most accurate fire detection. These tests are a great confirmation of FAAST’s endurance in even the most arduous conditions. The ability to prevent downtime in an industry where every lost minute of operation result in the loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars, is critical and is where the value of the technology really comes to the fore. It is no surprise that power generation and large industrial facilities are key markets for FAAST.” To see a video of the testing, visit www. http://www.faast-detection.com/downloads/seismic-testing-video

American Emergency Response Training Ferrara Fire Apparatus, Inc., America’s premier custom fire apparatus manufacturer, announced today American Emergency Response Training will be their new dealer in Tennessee. American Emergency Response Training is led by President Jody Rood from their Rockford, Tennessee headquarters. Working alongside Mr. Rood will be longtime Ferrara sales representative, Jeff Bagwell. In addition to servicing his accounts, Mr. Bagwell will also be the sales manager for American.   “We’re extremely excited to have American ERT on board as our dealer in Tennessee,” said Chris Ferrara, President/CEO of Ferrara Fire Apparatus. “We have a large number of customers across the state and the team that Jody Rood has assembled, given their experience with our products, will be very successful.”   American Emergency Response Training has been very successful conducting all types of emergency response training, in Tennessee and across the country. In recent years the company has branched into equipment sales at the request of their growing customer base. Apparatus sales was the next logical step in the company’s growth. “At American ERT we have been blessed with the trust of our long time and new customers. This trust is tested each time we recommend a solution for their Emergency Response Program. This relationship with Ferrara allows us to include the highest quality fire apparatus for our loyal customers. We are excited to be part of the Ferrara Family and look forward to serving the needs of the Fire Departments and Emergency Service Organizations in Tennessee,” said company President Jody Rood.   Ferrara Fire Apparatus manufactures a full line of fire, emergency and rescue vehicles. The company offers the Ultra, Inferno, Igniter and Cinder custom fire chassis, pumpers, tankers, rear and mid-mount aerial ladders and platforms, rescues and incident command vehicles and high-flow industrial apparatus. A leading innovator in the industry, Ferrara takes pride in offering such firefighter safety items as the MVP Multi-Vocational Pumper, On-Site Tilt Table Testing, Cab and Body NFPA Compliant Crash Testing, Independent Front Suspension, Complete Airbag Protection, and SmartWheel steering systems. Additionally, the Ultra, Inferno, Igniter and Cinder chassis are available with the popular F-Shield corrosion protection system, which has proven extremely popular in northern climates that are concerned with corrosive materials used on winter roads.

To improve fire prevention A new way to keep our most vulnerable communities safe from fire is being developed by universities in Sheffield, in collaboration with frontline firefighters. The project, called PREMONITION, has just been launched at the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University, and is being carried out by experts in behavioural risk analysis, intelligent simulations and in the study of social processes. Sophisticated computer modelling techniques, such as large scale agent-based modelling, will enable firefighters to draw together, for the first time, many different strands of information, including geographical, demographical and behavioural data to build up a picture of an area and predict where fires and other emergencies might occur. The PREMONITION simulation will enable firefighters identify where the most vulnerable areas are – considering, for example, times of the year or the day when risks are greatest. Some of this information is already available to fire services through online sources, or from local authority records, but due to the vast amount of data it is difficult for humans to make sense of this information and combine it in real-time to support decision-making. Further layers of detail are also being added to the computational model about the routines and behaviours of people living within particular areas, taken from previous research of residents carried out by South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, to produce even more accurate results. The primary aim of the PREMONITION intelligent system is to enable fire services to make better decisions about where to allocate resources and improve planning and fire prevention initiatives. Dr Daniela Romano, in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Sheffield, is leading the project, along with Dr Dermot Breslin, from Sheffield University Management School, Dr Stephen Dobson, in Sheffield Hallam University’s Business Systems Department, and experts from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (SYFRS) “We live in increasingly complex social networks, with our behaviours being influenced by many interrelated factors,” explains Dr Romano. “Although fire services already have access to much of this information, there is no tool that can help them grasp all of the different strands and utilise the information in real-time to make decisions. This predictive model will unpack this complexity, and help manage resources and services targeted at the most vulnerable groups in our community”. The project is funded by SYFRS, through its Stronger Safer Communities Reserve, and is targeted, initially, at communities in Sheffield. If successful, the programme could be made available to fire services across the country. Dr Stephen Dobson in Sheffield Hallam University’s Business Systems Department, said: “The Stronger Safer Communities Reserve has provided an incredible opportunity for university collaboration in its funding of this project. It is great to see the University of Sheffield’s Department of Computer Science, its Management School, as well as Sheffield Hallam Business School, coming together to use research to support the safety and wellbeing of people in the region.” South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue’s Nicola Smith, said: “The research we are supporting with our academic partners is a cutting edge exploration of behaviours during our prevention and response activities. Partnerships with well respected organisations like the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University will place us at the forefront of modern approaches to delivering improved community safety.”

At Eisenhower Tunnel, Denver Gov. John Hickenlooper announced Wednesday that the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels will get a new fire suppression system next year. The $20 million project is being funded by a federal grant and state funds. According to a news release from the governor’s office, it will provide first responders with valuable time need to respond to a fire inside one of the tunnels. Some of the new defenses include : • A water-only deluge fire suppression system which is capable of suppressing a large fire (up to 35 megawatts) in the first two minutes of the event • A system capable of providing water for 60 minutes with two deluge sprinkler zones as well as 500 gallons per minute from the existing standpipe system • A new drainage system • A Fiber Optic Linear Heat Detection system “The fire suppression system will help protect the traveling public as well as this critical asset to our highway system,” said Hickenlooper. “Closure or long-term damage to one of these tunnels could cost Colorado billions of dollars and impact tourism along the I-70 mountain corridor.” Construction is planned for spring 2015 and should be done by December. Much of it will be “invisible” to the public, officials said. On average, 30,000 vehicles per day pass through the tunnels. Since it opened in the 1970s, the tunnels see two to three fires a year. The design-build team selected for the project includes Barnard Construction Company, Inc., Rondinelli Life Safety/BCER Engineering, ILF Consulting Engineers, Western States Fire Protection Company, and FAS Systems Group.

Following an accident in Singapore  The International Association of Oil & Gas Producers issues a safety alert following a fatality in May in a construction/rig repair yard in Singapore. Safety alert number 259 Two cylindrical foam sponge pads had been inserted in a riser guide tube to form a plug. Argon gas had been pumped into the 60 cm space between the two sponges as shielding gas for welding on the exterior of the riser guide tube. After completion of the welding, a worker descended into the riser guide tube by rope access to remove the upper sponge. While inside, communication with the worker ceased. A confined space attendant entered the riser guide tube to investigate. Finding his colleague unconscious, he called for rescue and then he too lost consciousness. On being brought to the surface, the first worker received CPR; was taken to hospital; but died of suspected cardio-respiratory failure after 2 hours of descent into the space. The co-worker recovered. What went wrong? Exposure to an oxygen-deficient atmosphere: The rope access team members (victim and co-worker) were unaware of the asphyxiation risk from the argon gas shielding. Gas test: There was no gas test done immediately prior to the confined space entry. The act of removing the upper foam sponge itself could have released (additional) argon, so any prior test would not be meaningful. Gas detectors: Portable gas detectors were carried, but inside a canvas bag. The co-worker did not hear any audible alarm from the gas detector when he descended into the space. Evacuation time: It took 20 minutes to bring the victim to the deck after communication failed. Corrective actions and recommendations Lessons – As a first step: assess whether the nature of the work absolutely justifies personnel entering the confined space. – Before confined space entry: identify and communicate the risks to personnel carrying out the work define requirements, roles and responsibilities to control, monitor and supervise the work check gas presence; understand how the work itself may change the atmospheric conditions ensure adequate ventilation, lighting, means of communication and escape – Ensure step by step work permits are issued and displayed for each work phase, together with specific job safety analyses – During confined space entry: station a trained confined space attendant at the entrance to the space at all times ensure that communication and rescue equipment and resources are readily available carry and use portable/personal gas detectors throughout the activity Action Review your yard confined space entry practice, keeping in mind the lessons learned from this incident.

To International Fire and Rescue Association Clothing donated by Ballyclare will be transported to Mexico, Argentina, Paraguay, Albania and Bosnia to support under-funded fire brigades. Protective clothing manufacturers Ballyclare Limited gifted 180 pallets of specialist clothing worth £2.5m to the International Fire and Rescue Association (IFRA) this week — with the company pledging to hand over a further donation worth the same amount in the near future. IFRA Charity founder and chairman David Kay, who is a serving firefighter at Lochgelly Fire Station (Fife, Scotland), travelled to England with three IFRA members to accept the donation and made immediate arrangements for it to be transported via four 40ft containers and one 20ft container to Mexico, Argentina, Paraguay, Albania and Bosnia, where fire services are extremely under-developed. IFRA has been transporting unwanted emergency vehicles, equipment and clothing to poorer countries since it was set up in 2002. IFRA also sends instructors to developing countries to train firefighters. Mr Kay, who runs the charity from his home in Dunfermline, described the Ballyclare donation as “invaluable” and said it was sure to help save many lives. “We are talking about a £5m donation in total — an unprecedented amount which will make such an incredible difference to the countries we help support,” he said. Ballyclare’s National Distribution Centre Manager Katie Watson and Commercial Director Dawn Scott with representatives from IFRA and the Mexican, Argentinian, Paraguayan and Albanian embassies. Photo courtesy of Dave Wardle. “The pallets which are now on their way to these countries contain specialist clothing such as tunics, boots, helmets, gloves, trousers which will help kit out around 4,500 firefighters and help keep them safe while they carry out their duties.” Mr Kay said the materials handed over were no longer of any use in Scotland or the UK because of stringent health and safety regulations but are still “perfectly usable” and would help keep firefighters safe in less fortunate countries. “There is absolutely nothing wrong with them — they have simply reached their expiry dates so are considered redundant in the UK — but less fortunate countries use out-dated, unsafe and, ultimately useless materials so they will definitely make a massive difference to their fire services,” he said. “Not only that but, because they are out of date, these materials need to be destroyed, which costs a lot, so we actually save companies money by taking them off their hands. “On behalf of everyone involved with IFRA I would like to say a big thank you to Ballyclare for their generous donation.”

Teaser: Singapore Website: http://www.safetysecurityasia.com.sg/

Teaser: Dallas, Texas Website: http://www.iafc.org