In This Issue News
Last week it was fire and rescue personnel tuning in digital TV in the US – this week we learn that firefighters are to be engaged in a high-tec war against burglars.
Just three weeks after the open verdict at the inquest into the Penhallow Hotel fire, it’s reported that hundreds of West Country hotels and guesthouses have had enforcement action taken against them after fire and rescue service inspections.
New agreement on London's hospital safety 01/07/2009
NHS managers from hospitals and primary care trusts across London have agreed a revised concordat with London Fire Brigade to help them work together to ensure health centres and hospitals comply with fire safety legislation.
International Firex numbers defy recession 01/07/2009
The fire industry appears to be showing signs of resilience – at least as far as the numbers from International Firex 2009 are concerned. Audited figures released by the show’s organisers show that more that 14,574 people attended the event, an increase of 4% compared to 2007. A director of Maureen O’Brien Ltd (in administration) – the company which formerly owned the high street chain Joy – has been ordered to pay over £5,500 in fines and costs after pleading guilty to breaches of fire safety legislation.
Firefighters have for decades been doing jobs well outside their core fire safety duties – road incidents, flood response and even rescuing cats in trees come to mind. But a US initiative is breaking new ground by enlisting firefighters to help consumers in the switchover from analogue to digital television across the country.
A draft standard which specifies requirements for the design, testing and classification of active fire curtain barrier assemblies is now available for public comment.
As the first match of Wimbledon fortnight starts today on centre court, some of the spectators will inevitably look up during breaks in play at the magnificent new roof – the retractable part of which was completed in time for this year’s championships.Seminar on construction site safety 18/06/2009
Following the publication of a new edition of a code of practice, a seminar examining various aspects of construction site fire safety is to be held at Warwick University on 29 June.
The coroner leading the inquest into the three deaths in the 2007 fire at the Penhallow Hotel in Newquay has warned of the risk of further deaths, unless there is government support for hotels and guesthouses to invest in fire safety or to ensure compliance with the law.In This Issue Features & Articles
Shopping Centres and The Law 25/06/2009
New guidance for fire safety in shopping centres was published earlier this year. As one of the guide’s authors Gordon Garrad says that while the Fire Safety Order has generally worked well in the retail sector, there is always room for improvement.Health Care Premises - Early Diagnosis 02/07/2009
Hospitals and other healthcare facilities are especially vulnerable to the effects of fire breaking out, because of the significant number of immobile or difficult to evacuate people. So the early warning of fire in the shape of aspirating systems is becoming a more attractive option, says Martin Norris.A Healthy Dose of Fire Protection 18/06/2009
The seemingly relentless and sometimes piecemeal expansion of some hospital sites poses a challenge for those managing their fire safety systems. Here Beth Welch profiles a large healthcare site in the state of New York.Fire Spread in Car Parks 09/06/2009
Guidance for fire safety in car parks is based on data on vehicles
which are now decades old. Here we report on the findings of a three
year government-sponsored project carried out by BRE to investigate the
fire characteristics of modern vehicles and the potential fire spread
hazard in car parks.A feline approach to the Fire Safety Order 05/05/2009
What’s the link between a cat in a box and the government’s report on the Fire Safety Order? Graham Ellicott delves into the realms of conflict and quantum theory for the answer.
In This Issue Opinion & Comment
So that's alright then? 14/04/2009
In spite of disquiet from some sections of the fire safety community, the first evaluation of the effectiveness of the Fire Safety Order paints a worryingly rosy picture, says Ron Alalouff. 
Ever the consummate fire safety professional, Graham Ellicott gets invited to a party where even the provision of some sublime live music did not prevent his thoughts from turning to the problems of fire safety legislation.
By Ron Alalouff With frequent headlines asking whether the UK is becoming a surveillance society, the related question also arises about how open our society is. In the fire safety community, I sometimes get the impression that people are reluctant to come forward and air their views openly.Pacific Wharf - residents respond 13/02/2009
Following our coverage of the lack of built-in fire protection at an
apartment block in Rotherhithe, east London, Richard Freeman, managing
director of Pacific Wharf's management company, gives his response to
FSE.
In This Issue Products & Services
Japanese emergency broadcast specialist TOA has introduced its all-in-one voice alarm and public address system to the UK. 
Faster installation and ease of use are the driving principles behind the release of the latest version of Detectomat’s wireless fire alarm system.
Siemens says that improvements to its Sinteso fire protection product line will increase safety and lower operating costs. Additions to the line include a multisensor detector for carbon monoxide and a video fire controller, which automatically records images of a fire event. 
Envirograf has created a panel offering thermal insulation, acoustic values and fire protection. The Envir-e-flex has been described as a three-in-one solution, comprising a reflective fire protective panel with an attached sponge for thermal and acoustic protection. New website emerges for Emergi-Lite 24/05/2009
Emergi-Lite Safety Systems has revamped and expanded its website – www.emergi-lite.co.uk . The new design has focused on ease of use and clarity of information, with technical specifications and product literature on all of the company’s emergency lighting systems and fire safety solutions presented. In This Issue Product Profile
Product Profile: Change is afoot at Nittan 05/05/2009
You know what they say about buses: sometimes you can wait for what seems like ages and then three come along at once. Mark Hunter sales director at Nittan, guides us through the many changes that are happening at the company.
Advanced Electronics’ managing director Ray Hope reveals how the new Mx-5000 family of fire alarm control panels was developed and outlines some of its advanced features.Power to the people! 17/04/2009
C-TEC says it is the only UK fire panel manufacturer with third party product certifications and factory process approvals from the BSI, LPCB and VdS. But the company doesn’t just do fire panels. Here, managing director Andrew Foster introduces the latest additions to its range of third party approved products – its EN54-4/A2 power supply units.Smoke Vents - from basement to roof level 15/04/2009
The idea behind smoke vents is simple enough – to keep routes clear of smoke for occupants to escape and firefighters to enter a building. But the design and installation of smoke vents in complex buildings needs careful design and attention to detail, considering issues such as interaction with alarm panels and smoke extraction fans. Bilco UK highlights two such installations.Fire Panel Training is 'Hands On' 08/02/2009
Kentec Electronic's Technical Support Manager Kevin Mears argues that 'hand-on training in the very latest developments in fire control panel technology is a core duty for the Responsible User under ne Fire Regulations compliance and conformity to BS 5839 Part 1: 2002
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