Protecting the lives of offshore oil riggers with DuPont Kevlar and DuPont Nomex When your company name includes “life saving,” you’ve made a commitment. That’s why Viking Life-Saving Equipment strives to produce the world’s best equipment of its kind. With over 45 years of maritime experience, Viking is committed to safety at sea and has gone to extraordinary lengths to protect customers from offshore danger. Because Viking places customer safety at the core of its operating values, the use of DuPont™ Kevlar® and DuPont™ Nomex® in offshore-rig evacuation chutes was a strategic decision. DuPont™ Kevlar® brand fibre is five times stronger than steel at equal weight. It is now widely known as the key strength ingredient in a wide range of personal-protection devices, from bullet-resistant jackets to buildings equipped with a DuPont™ StormRoom™ with Kevlar® – capable of protecting people and valuables from hurricanes, tornadoes and powerful Category 5 storms. “Kevlar® is synonymous with lightweight strength and Nomex® with fire resistance,” said Ruth Farrell, Global Marketing Manager for DuPont™ Kevlar® in the oil and gas industry. “These materials are ideal for an offshore platform-based environment, where sudden danger can come from fire and explosion, and the rescue can easily be hampered by wind and waves. Viking’s commitment to customer safety aligns perfectly with DuPont’s commitment to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere.” Kevlar® adds strength to a variety of Viking safety applications, “ . . . from our offshore oil platform personnel escape systems to lifejackets for firefighters and body armour worn by Customs agents and harbour police,” says Henrik Uhd Christensen, Sales and Marketing Director for the Viking Life-Saving Equipment division. The dangers on offshore platforms Life on an offshore platform can be perilous. When disaster strikes, the preferred evacuation method is via helicopter. However, in the event of a sudden emergency, such as fire, explosion, or severe weather – or under any conditions that make air evacuation impractical or impossible – an equally dependable, chute based escape method becomes critical. Creating that secondary method is where Viking excels. Sliding to safety About 20 years ago, inspired by netting used by fishermen, a veteran Viking employee invented a net-based escape chute that would allow offshore-platform workers to safely climb down to an attached boarding platform. The chute concept featured seawater-resistant stainless steel rings reinforced with Kevlar®. It also incorporated Nomex® to enhance its fire-resistant properties. According to Lars Bjoland, Technical Manager with Viking Norway, DuPont™ Kevlar® was a natural component of chute-design specifications. Its fire resistance and strength were well known in Europe when the chute was conceived. “Mayday!” Today, collapsed evacuation chutes are stowed inside a container extending over the deck. Chutes range in length from five to 50 metres, with the shortest lengths used in training. When disaster strikes and the system is deployed, the evacuation chute quickly drops to the water surface, where an attached boarding platform automatically inflates. The chute is subdivided along its length into cells, complete with speed retarding slides. Each slide runs at an opposing angle to the one above, creating a zigzag lattice through the entire length of the chute. Evacuees enter and exit the chute from the top, or at any level, through openings located behind each slide. When required, they can also climb down the outside of the chute. Support ropes are made of a Kevlar® core, with a Nomex® outer covering. The Kevlar® construction of both ropes and net adds the strength necessary to support evacuees even against the powerful side-motion caused by wind and sea current. Nomex® adds a level of fire protection as well as a protective outer covering to shield the Kevlar® core from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Chutes are designed to accommodate individuals wearing lifejackets, survival suits, breathing apparatus, and other emergency equipment. They are able to evacuate 140 persons within ten minutes, with the additional advantage of a compact size, which is so important on offshore platforms. At water level, additional rafts are unpacked and moored to each other to accommodate the descending workers until a rescue vessel can reach them. A global solution It’s easy to see why Viking offshore evacuation systems are now in use around the world. The company even markets an Arctic model for evacuating personnel onto icebreakers in frozen waters, where metre-thick ice floes add another dimension of danger to the rescue. In these situations, with life rafts impractical, Viking has adapted the system to drop the chute onto the deck of a rescuing icebreaker vessel. A quick-release system cuts the steel wire to free the chute from the boarding platform so the rescue vessel can depart with evacuees. www.kevlar.com www.poweredbyscience.dupont.com www.viking-life.com  

2013 represents the show’s biggest ever edition FIREX International, one of the world’s largest dedicated fire safety events, is returning to the Birmingham NEC in May with its strongest ever proposition for 2013 as it becomes an annual event. With more than 150 exhibitors showcasing the latest innovative, cost-effective products and services, over 14,000 key decision makers and qualified fire protection professionals will visit from over 70 countries across the globe. With a focus on the latest thought-leadership to discuss and determine the past, present and future of fire safety, the FIREX International educational offering will be driven by live, industry driven, issues. Key to the exclusive programme of insight is the first look at the Lakanal house incident, with input from the Fire Sector Federation. This briefing will discuss the recently published inquest into the Lakanal house fire in London in 2009, highlighting the key areas of non-compliance, oversight and operational confusion. This session will assess the outcomes of the inquest and the implications the recommendation will have on future fire safety measures, in a highly anticipate panel discussion. The FIREX Academy will be the epicentre of education at FIREX International 2013. Sponsored by Hochiki Europe and in association with the Fire Industry Association (FIA), the Academy will offer insightful knowledge from key industry figures and hold topical debates based on the entire safety system in a building. Focusing on how the end user should approach the interaction between active and passive fire protection systems, it will be stressed that each area holds equal importance. Seminar topics have now been confirmed, with contributions from a wide range of respected industry players. With a firm emphasis on promoting expertise and guidance, the FIA is a major contributor with highlight seminars including ‘Fire & Rescue Service Limited: Charging And Trading’. In this session, Graham Ellicott, CEO, FIA will discuss how the UK fire service is looking to provide commercial services and the impact this will have on the fire sector in general. Martin Duggan, General Manager, FIA will also provide an update on the launch of the Competency Council Document and discuss the upcoming national guidelines for acceptable criteria for fire risk assessors with the aim of raising levels of competency. Simon Ince, Manager of Personnel Certification Schemes, Warrington Certification will lead the seminar ‘Happy With Your Fire Risk Assessor? Choose wisely…’ Providing insight into the heavy fines enforced by courts to organisations that fail to implement the correct fire safety precautions in buildings, Simon will provide advice on the important elements that need to be taken into consideration when selecting a competent fire safety professional. Wilf Butcher, CEO of the Association of Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) will turn attention to the inherent dangers of aesthetic cladding and curtain walling systems when used in modern methods of construction. The seminar ‘Great Looking But Deadly!’ will take a detailed look at recent events such as the high rise Tamweel Tower in Dubai, which suffered a large-scale fire in November 2012. Hosting a topical discussion on the conflicts between fire safety requirements and sustainability during ‘When It’s Risky To Be Green’, Wilf will also take an objective look at when fire safety will need to take precedent over sustainability where essential building materials and practices are concerned. A major panel discussion and presentation on holistic approaches to fire safety will see contributions from major stakeholders such as the FIA, FPA, ASFP, LPCB and Warrington Certification. ‘Fire United: A Holistic Approach To Fire Safety’ will provide an understanding of how well installed, third party approved active and passive fire safety systems work in harmony – providing the maximum level of protection. During the ‘Fire Risk Assessors: An Endangered Species’ seminar, fire safety solicitor Warren Spencer from Blackhurst Budd Solicitors will present a highly valuable legal take on the current position of fire risk assessors. Simon Adams, Business Manager, Gent by Honeywell, also joins the programme, presenting findings on the ever-critical issue of false alarms and their impact using in depth analysis from recent case studies. Warrington Certification will be hosting another seminar around the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). ‘The Clock’s Ticking for CPR…’ will detail the effects felt by manufacturers, distributors, end users, specifiers and architects when the CPR is enforced on July 1st 2013. Paul Duggan, Certification Manager, Exova Warrington Fire will provide guidance on the steps to take as this becomes one of the priorities to make all products traceable back to the person placing them legally on the market. 201¬3 FIREX International features: New for 2013: The Intelligent Buildings Seminar Theatre Situated in the dedicated Intelligent Buildings area (a combined fire and security solutions area for both FIREX and IFSEC International) the Intelligent Buildings Seminar Theatre, centred on holistic solutions and the common area of systems integration and convergence, will create opportunities for inter-operability and information sharing between fire, security, IT, data and building management systems. New for 2013: Fike TechZone Fike have created a unique experience for its customers at FIREX International this year. The Fike Tech Zone is presenting new, innovative, products from its Fire Suppression and Fire Alarm businesses. From the latest video technology combined with actual working equipment, visitors to the TechZone will experience a near ‘real life’ demonstration of Fike products in action in the protection of life and critical assets. The Fike TechZone will also be surrounded by a number of Fike distributors presenting their individual expertise and services. FPA infozone The FPA infozone is an educationally led feature with its own seminar area. The FPA infozone will focus on a number of end user and installer targeted subjects such as risk assessments, false alarm reduction, sustainability versus fire safety, legislation and compliance. ASFP Pavilion Comprised of a networking stand for the ASFP (Association of Specialist Fire Protection) and surrounded by exhibiting members, this association led feature will focus on passive fire protection where the central focus will be a ‘meet the expert’ resource. LPCB Red Book Pavilion The Red Book Pavilion is a

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For full immersion VIM training  Leading international developer of simulators and virtual training VSTEP, is proud to announce that its RescueSim virtual incident management training platform is to be fully compatible with the next generation Oculus Rift Head Mounted Displays, making full immersion 3D virtual training possible for its users and opening up new training possibilities for emergency services. RescueSim is a virtual incident management simulator created by simulator developer VSTEP and is being used worldwide by governments and emergency services to train incidents in a safe and realistic 3D virtual environment. RescueSim allows training of any thinkable incident and has additional specialized modules allowing realistic training of Industrial, Port, Underground, Airport, Railroad, Onboard & Offshore Incidents. The Oculus Rift Head Mounted Display (HMD) is a next generation lightweight wearable solution displaying the virtual 3D world in a 110° angle across the wearer’s field of view and creating the illusion of being completely immersed in the virtual world. Due to its high quality display and durable low weight construction, the Oculus Rift offers a much more realistic experience without any of the user discomfort of legacy HMD solutions. The Oculus Rift HMD is worn by the RescueSim user and uses advanced motion sensors that are responsive to the user’s cranium, allowing them to look around in the selected 3D RescueSim environment by actual movement of the head. RescueSim users wearing the HMD will find themselves fully immersed in the action as the incident is taking place all around them. Pjotr van Schothorst, VSTEP Director: “VSTEP has always taken the lead in introducing new innovations. By integrating virtual training through Head Mounted Display, RescueSim offers its customers a new level of immersion during training of incidents. The HMD training guarantees complete immersion in the incident scenario, as users physically look around and interact with their surroundings. The wide range of RescueSim incident scenarios and the high realism required by emergency services for effective virtual training are a perfect fit for the enhanced HMD functionality of RescueSim. The introduction of the next generation HMD training is another example of the continuous innovation of our products as we provide customers with the best virtual training and simulator solutions available. ” Following RescueSim’s HLA integration and VBS2 interoperability, the introduction of virtual training using next generation Head Mounted Displays is the latest in a selection of new features readying RescueSim for the future of simulation. In line with the successful integration of HMD with RescueSim, VSTEP will also integrate HMD training possibilities using the Oculus Rift with all of its other core training products, including its Crowd Management simulator and its NAUTIS Maritime Simulators. For more information about RescueSim visit www.rescuesim.com For more information about VSTEP, visit www.vstepsimulation.com

Teaser: NEC, Birmingham Website: http://www.emergencyuk.com/

Teaser: Madrid Exhibition Centre, Madrid, Spain Website: http://www.ifema.es/ferias/sicur/default_i.html

Encouraged by the Department of Communities and Local Government NEBOSH has updated the syllabus of its popular National Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management to match the competency criteria for fire risk assessors. Encouraged by the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG ), the Fire Risk Assessment Competency Council published the competency criteria last year. It was developed primarily to support businesses and organisations seeking the services of a competent fire risk assessor. The Fire Risk Assessment Competency Council is made up of several bodies, such as the Association of Fire Consultants, Chief Fire Officers’ Association, Fire Industry Association, Fire Sector Federation, Institute of Fire Safety Managers and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). NEBOSH is also a participant in the Council. The criteria is being adopted by professional bodies and third party certification bodies who register or certificate fire risk assessors and by commercial companies providing fire risk assessment services. Now NEBOSH has updated its National Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management syllabus so that it matches the criteria. The qualification is highly respected and is often recommended or taught by Fire and Rescue Services throughout the country. As well as sitting two written examinations, candidates must also carry out a fire risk assessment in a real place of work, and make recommendations to improve fire safety. NEBOSH Chief Executive Teresa Budworth commented: “We’ve made a few minor changes to ensure that all aspects of the criteria are taught as part of courses leading to our Certificate and employers can be assured that those holding the qualification can carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.” She continued: “The Competency Criteria is an important development and we hope it will help many businesses to avoid the devastation caused by fire.” The Council has also produced a ‘A Guide to Choosing a Competent Fire Risk Assessor’ which can be downloaded from the Fire Sector Federation website along with the Competency Criteria. See www.firesectorfederation.co.uk  The NEBOSH National Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management will be showcased at the Safety and Health Expo between the 14 and 16 May at NEC Birmingham on Stand C40. Also see www.nebosh.org.uk/NFC   

Located adjacent to existing world HQ Norfolk based Delta Fire, the UK’s largest manufacturer of Fire Nozzles, is pleased to announce that the construction of their new second manufacturing factory is now complete and will be in full production within the next month. This new facility is conveniently located adjacent to their existing World Headquarters just outside Norwich, UK and will be furnished with a full new suite of state-of-the-art CNC machinery involved in the 24 hour production of Fire Nozzle componentry, Fire Fittings and Foam Equipment. This ultra-modern new factory forms an integral part of Delta’s continued expansion programme helping to secure their market-leading position within the fire industry servicing their customers in over 50 countries worldwide. Quality, Reliability, Durability and long term Value for Money has always been at the forefront of Delta’s manufacturing ethos, a directive backed up by their commitment to their ISO9001 Quality Management Standard. The new facility will increase Delta’s in-house UK manufacturing capabilities ensuring complete control over uniformity and quality of production into the future. 2013 will see a programme of increased product development and technical advancement in many areas of Delta’s existing product range with the launch of new products later in the year ensuring that Delta Fire remains at the forefront of Fire Fighting Equipment manufacturing and supply. For all enquiries or to request the pdf 2012/13 Delta Fire Product Portfolio. Contact: UK Sales: [email protected] Export Sales: [email protected] Website: www.deltafire.co.uk Telephone: 01603 735000 Fax: 01603 735009

At Firex International  Apollo Fire Detectors, the world-leading independent fire detector manufacturer, will be showcasing its comprehensive range of fire detection products at Firex International at the NEC Birmingham (13-16 May 2013). Visitors to Apollo’s stand (J10, Hall 3) will be able to find out about the company’s extensive product and service offering including Apollo-designed and manufactured EN54-11 2001 approved Manual Call Points in Standard and Waterproof variants, and the full range of the company’s Part 23 Approved Visual Alarm Devices. In addition, Apollo will be launching its brand new smart phone app at the show, which incorporates a number of unique features including an Interactive BS5839 guide, Installation Checklist, XPERT card and DIL Switch Addressing programme. Information will also be available on the fifteen Apollo products that have recently been independently evaluated to IEC61508 resulting in Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 2. A SIL rating gives confidence that in a ‘live’ situation, equipment will function as planned, which is particularly important in high risk environments such as the marine and offshore industry. Neil Taylor, Sales and Marketing Director at Apollo, comments: “Firex offers an unrivalled opportunity for Apollo to highlight our extensive product range to visitors and provide expert advice on fire detection requirements. “With our new sales and marketing team on board, and an ever-increasing portfolio of products to suit a vast range of applications, it is a very exciting time for the company. We very much look forward to meeting existing and future customers at the NEC in May.”

With South Africa’s FFA non-profit company  As wildfire risk to people and property continues to be a growing problem around the world, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a recognized leader on fire and life safety, has announced a formalized relationship with FFA Non Profit Company, a registered public benefit organization in South Africa that works with public and private sectors, and donor and government agencies to address wildfire safety concerns in the wildland/urban interface (WUI). The two organizations have built up a working relationship around wildfire safety issues since 2006, and will support each other’s missions to further protect people and property at risk from fires. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by both organizations will serve as the framework of cooperation between NFPA and FFA Non Profit Company and relates to the delivery of WUI education and wildland fire risk mitigation programs. “NFPA joins much of the international community as concerns increase about how to protect lives and property when wildland fires occur where people live,” said James M. Shannon, NFPA’s president. “Joining together with FFA Non Profit Company to expand the outreach of wildland fire safety information and initiatives throughout South Africa is a great opportunity to collaborate on a common goal – reducing the losses associated with wildfire.” Through the Firewise Communities/USA®, and Fire Adapted Communities programs, education, trainings, conferences and workshops, NFPA continues to advance its safety mission to protect lives and reduce injuries and property loss due to wildfire. NFPA will support FFA Non Profit Company in its efforts to further develop their FireWise Programme, similar in scope to the Firewise Communities/USA program. “We look forward to working with NFPA to meet the challenges of wildland/urban interface fires,” said Val Charlton, FFA Non Profit Company managing director. “South Africa is a developing nation with a high level of poverty and a rural population that lives in high-risk wildfire areas. Working with NFPA and others in the international community allows us to openly share research, best practices and important lessons in our efforts to create safer, more fire-adapted communities.” About FFA Non Profit Company (FFA NPC) The mission of the FFA Non Profit Company is to support and further the implementation of all aspects of Integrated Fire Management, with a key focus on the Wildland/Urban Interface, by facilitating the development of relationships, funding mechanisms and projects that will provide the enabling environment for implementation to take place. As a registered public benefit organization, the FFA Non Profit Company provides a platform for civil society, the private sector, donor and government agencies to combine their Integrated Fire Management efforts. Since 2004, the theme “Landusers must take responsibility for their land’ has been a strapline for the work undertaken by the public benefit organization. About Firewise The Firewise Communities Program encourages local solutions for safety by involving homeowners in taking individual responsibility for preparing their homes from the risk of wildfire. Firewise is one element of the Fire Adapted Communities initiative – a national effort that engages homeowners, firefighters, civic leaders and land managers to reduce wildfire risk in communities throughout the United States. The Firewise Communities Program and the Fire Adapted Communities initiative are sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association and USDA Forest Service. About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. NFPA develops more than 300 codes and standards to minimize the possibility and effects of fire and other hazards. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed at no cost at www.nfpa.org/freeaccess.