fig leaves

The newsletter of the Fire Information Group UK (FIGUK)

www.figuk.org.uk

No. 28
April 2004

Edited by Sheila Pantry, OBE
Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd

This Newsletter contains:

• Notice of FIGUK September 2004 10.30 am on Wednesday 22 September at the LFEPA
• Minutes of the Meeting held on 17 March 2004
• News

FIGUK website www.figuk.org.uk had 743 hits in March 2004 ... please help to promote FIGUK whenever you can.

Minutes of the FIG (UK) Meeting on Wednesday 17 March 2004 held at Dr J H Burgoyne & Partners LLP

Chair and Newsletter Editor:	Sheila Pantry
Minutes:	Lis Riley
Present:
Sally Walsh	Dr Burgoyne & Partners LLP
Diane Hall	Dr Burgoyne & Partners LLP
Richard Green	Fire Protection Association (FPA)
Norman Simmonds	Fire Service Inspectorate (HMFSI - ODPM)
John Goodier	Forensic Science Service (FSS)
Lis Riley	Hawkins & Associates
Monique Bardon	London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA)
Nsekanji Pelekamoyo	London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA)
Sheila Pantry	Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd
John Roy	Technical Index
Margaret Fuller	The Fire Service College (FSC)

Apologies:

Jackie Green	Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service
Nigel Herring	Casella Stanger
Roger Berrett	Dr Roger Berrett
Stephen Lloyd	Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA)
Margaret Brain	Burgoynes - Dr J H Burgoyne & Partners LLP
Ian Jerome	Fire Protection Association (FPA)
Amanda Collicutt	Fire Service College (FSC)
Penny Morgan	Information for Fire Investigators (IfFI)
Sue Harris	Sue Harris
Pam Evans
Judy Rebbeck

1. Sheila agreed to Chair the meeting and assume the role of Newsletter Editor. Lis agreed to take the minutes of the meeting.

2. Sally Walsh read out the apologies from various people.

3. The minutes of the last meeting dated 10 September were agreed.

4. Matters arising - Margaret reported that Marion Barnes is happy to provide an update on her thesis relating to the information needs of the UK Fire Service and hoped to be able to do a presentation at the next meeting as she was unable to attend this one. There was a short discussion about the availability of the thesis and it was thought it was probably available through the British Library from the University of Birmingham.

5. Accounts
   Monique reported that the accounts had been drawn up but they were, as yet, audited. Sheila suggested that she ask her accountant to do the audit, which was agreed. Monique will circulate the accounts when they have been audited. In the meantime, the accounts as they stood were agreed by the Group.
   ACTION: Sheila. (The Audit has now been completed and Monique has the Audited Report)

   Membership Fee
   Sally proposed £10 for renewal of membership to FIGUK for 2004. The Group agreed. New members will still pay £30. New members used to get a copy of the FIG Directory, list of journals and other relevant information available at the time. However, most of this is now on the website.

   Sally proposed an amendment to Monique's title. The Constitution refers to the treasurer, officer and membership secretary - who are one and the same person. It was agreed that Membership Secretary was an appropriate title that would encompass all three roles.

   Monique said that she had a new bank mandate that would need to be signed by herself, Sally, Lis and Sheila. This has now been actioned.

6. FIG UK letterhead
   The possibility of FIG UK letterhead was discussed and Monique said she would ask the LFEPA Graphic Design Department to prepare a draft design for consideration.

7. Government Websites
   John Roy expressed his concerns about the disappearance of information that has disappeared from Government websites. He said he had tried to make contact with CILIP to find out their position but that he had received no response. He was worried that those designing the Government websites are not information professionals. Margaret assured him that they are. Sally wondered if information professionals could be included in beta testing of new sites. Sheila suggested the designers could learn a great deal from the US Government websites and that it would be useful if links provided included a warning if they were not a Government site.

   John was not sure how to move forward but suggested he could do a round robin to such people and organisations as Sue Westcott at the ODPM and contact HMSO. Tony Timmons may be able to help. This suggestion was accepted by the Meeting.
   ACTION: John Roy

8. Sheila provided everyone with a press release for the EUROHSE 2004 Conference to be held on 10 and 11 November at the Royal National Hotel, Russell Square, London. The Conference title is "Health in the Workplace".

   Following the Bain Report the Fire and Rescue Statistical Group (FRSG) have been approved to continue with a new remit. Sheila offered to put this in the Newsletter.

   What is FRSG? Proposed Terms of Reference

   1. To develop a fire information strategy which would:

   • identify and monitor existing sources of fire data
   • encourage collaboration and data sharing between users and producers of fire data
   • identify and prioritise any shortfalls in existing data provision and make recommendations accordingly.

   2. To prioritise and implement recommendations arising from the agreed Fire Information Strategy as directed.

   3. Provide advice and a core reference point in respect of the review of the fire statistical returns database.

   4. Support policy making bodies in their use of fire statistics.

   5. Provide advice to government on the fire community's statistical needs through the Fire Risk Management Working Group, the Arson Control Forum and the Fire Safety Advisory Board.

   Sheila reported she has created a new website for FRSG containing the reports and presentations which had been made. It is hopeful that ODPM will take over this website.

   It was reported that Judy Rebbeck had identified some quality information sources that had not been "skipped" by BRE and that the Fire Service College had successfully acquired this stock. It was suggested that CILIP be approached to publish this as a success story. ACTION: Judy/Margaret/Sheila

10. There was a request that everyone look at the FIGUK website and check that their contact details are correct. Apparently, librarian@hawkins.biz does not seem to work. Lis said she would check this. Sheila asked if anyone had any other ideas for the website and to let her know if they thought of anything. Norman commented that he thought the website looked good.

11. Fire Worldwide has been greatly expanded in the recent update (March 2004) to include the full text of additional Fire Service Circulars, Dear Chief Officer Letters, FPA Sprinkler Bulletins, documents/reports from the HSE plus a range of legislation etc. In addition the
    bibliographic databases have been extended. These databases hold c250,000 references. The BSI databases hold references to over 2,800 fire and fire related standards.

12. The next InFire Conference will be held in Perth from 11-15 October 2004. There is still a call for papers. Margaret said she will be attending.
    Lis mentioned that she is not receiving emails from InFire. Margaret said she would have a word on her behalf.

13. Sheila reported on a new member from Nepal. The group formally agreed to accept their membership and waive the joining fee due to the difficulties in receiving money from them. There was a brief discussion on problems that may arise in the future should FIG get and influx of new members in a similar vein.

14. FIG Members
    There are a number of members who have not attended meetings or contributed to the Group for some time and do not respond to any correspondence. It was agreed that if they do not respond when the invoices are sent round to renew membership they will be considered no longer members of the Group.

15. Round Table

    Margaret said that Amanda was now the Library Manager at FSC. Margaret is dealing with information management issues and preparing for freedom of information, community safety issues and producing input for internal and external information sources. She is also looking at aspects of law including copyright.

    There have been changes to the FSC library to provide breakout rooms for meetings that is proving to be successful.

    They are also considering management systems for electronic resources to run on the Intranet and eventually on the Internet.

    They are aiming to provide a centre of excellence and are joining forces with the FPA.

    Richard reported that the FPA are moving to the FSC with the Institution of Fire Engineers. They will retain staff in London including Ian Jerome. Although each will operate separately from the same location.

    John reported that two clerical posts had gone at FSS and been replaced by one. There are only three information scientists left. The database is being updated weekly and they hope to be able to market it on a pay as you go basis shortly. There are also negotiations regarding site licences that would be about £500.

    Their library catalogue is on the verge of going live across their Intranet.

    Monique said that they have lots of projects on the go. For example, relating to meta data, electronic document management systems etc. They are also carrying out an information audit and looking at requirements they need to meet under the Freedom of Information Act. They are considering corporate taxonomy and search engines to develop and improve services.

    Nsekanji reported that they are relaunching their library and updating the website. DEFRA are now marketing the library to their departments. Nsekanji said she would like any suggestions on good marketing techniques/practice.

    She said the tender for InMagic is now complete and their picture gallery is available with images for sale.

    Lis said there was not much to report. She thought they might be moving offices soon. Not far from where Hawkins is now and still on the Science Park.

    John said their documents are up to date and that the document alert should be updated each day. They have long term projects in progress which should provide improvements.

    Norman said he is still in the same department but the division has changed. He said there is still an Inspectorate. He said that a replacement for Steve Curtis is imminent.

    Sheila reported that she is now on the ODPM mailing list. She is also, with her co-author Peter Griffiths is writing another book for CILIP's publishing arm FACET, this time on outsourcing in information and library services and asked for any examples (good and bad).

16. Sally said she had received an email from Wendy Ross at Royal Berkshire.
    There was a note from Penny with notification of the IFE Conference and mentioning the possibility or necessity of an applications journal to reflect the needs of engineers.

    Margaret mentioned an exchange with Oklahoma of articles for peer reviews.

17. The next meeting will be held at 10.30 am on Wednesday 22 September 2004 at the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA).

End

News items from around the world

UK Fire and Rescue Services Bill

Ordered, by the House of Commons to be Printed, 12th January 2004.

https://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmbills/038/2004038.htm

HSE publishes improved guidance on preventing manual handling injuries

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published revised manual handling guidance helping employers and employees to take sensible steps to reduce injuries.

The new guidance, L23 Manual Handling: Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended) and INDG143 (rev2) Getting to grips with manual handling: a short guide, have been thoroughly revised to take account of improved knowledge of the risks from manual handling and how to avoid them. But the essential messages about reducing risks remain the same.

Getting to grips is a short, free booklet aimed particularly at smaller businesses and which is also suitable for supervisors, safety representatives and individual workers.

Almost a third of all industrial injuries are caused by manual handling accidents. And they are part of a much larger problem: an estimated 1.1 million people in Britain suffer from work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), including those caused by manual handling. MSDs account for around half of all work-related ill health. As a result of MSDs an estimated 12.3 million working days were lost in 2002/2003. In 1995/1996 MSDs cost society £5.7 billion.

Elizabeth Gyngell, Head of HSE's Better Working Environment Division, said "This guidance forms part of the Health and Safety Commission's Priority Programme on musculoskeletal disorders. By following the guidance, preventive action can be taken quite easily in most workplaces and need not be costly. Indeed it is likely to be far more expensive for employers and their insurers to ignore the risks from manual handling which may lead not only to compensation claims, but also to costs arising from sickness absence and reduced productivity."

The revision of the guidance shows the important role of the research programme on musculoskeletal disorders which HSE funds. The new guidance takes account of:

• Research by the Institute of Occupational Medicine on good handling technique (The principles of good manual handling: Achieving a consensus, RR097 available on HSE's website at www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/index.htm or from HSE Books)
• A review by HSE's Health and Safety Laboratory of risks associated with pushing and pulling of heavy loads (to be published as an HSE research report later this spring).

Further musculoskeletal research projects that will be available this year include studies of risk perception of musculoskeletal disorders, the effective management of upper limb disorders by occupational health professionals, and the link between stress and musculoskeletal disorders.

Copies of L23 'Manual handling: Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended) Guidance on Regulations, ISBN 0 7176 2823 X, price £8.95, are available from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 6FS, UK | Tel: +44(0) 1787 881165 | Fax: +44 (0)1787 313995

Copies of INDG143 (rev2) 'Getting to grips with manual handling: a short guide', ISBN 0 7176 2828 0 for priced packs of 10, individual copies free, also from HSE Books. www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg143.pdf

PRONAL's decontamination chain comes to the rescue

PRONAL of France, a specialist in the manufacturing of technical flexible elastomer, plastomer and composite products, is now selling and distributing - through its PRONAL Rescue subsidiary - several product lines specifically designed to assist emergency services and speed up interventions when dealing with natural, bacteriological or chemical disasters.

PRONAL Rescue products constitute a complete modular decontamination chain, including buildings, showers, changing rooms and accessories (pumps, water heaters, heating devices, waste treatment stations, flexible pipes, lighting equipment, etc.). The company is looking for local partners to distribute its products.

All PRONAL Rescue products are flexible, light, safe and easy to install: for example, the company's inflatable tents can serve as emergency field hospitals, operating theatres, general-purpose buildings, equipment stores, workshops or temporary housing for disaster victims. Each tent's floor surface-area is of 47m2, but it can be larger, if several units are joined up. PRONAL's inflatable decontamination showers are equipped with water distribution systems, decontamination washing product mixers and cleaning pumps. PRONAL Rescue can also provide accessories such as open tanks for water decantation and treatment; closed flexible tanks for drinking-water supply, distribution and transport; and high-pressure lifting bags that can be used, for instance, by emergency and civil defence services to support and speed up interventions.

Thanks to PRONAL Rescue, fire services, civil defence, military, humanitarian and medical authorities as well as industrial and public safety services now have access to tools and infrastructures that can be brought into action speedily and easily to complement traditional means.

For more information on PRONAL and PRONAL Rescue, go to: www.pronal.com

French Technology Press Bureau, 21 Grosvenor Place, LONDON SW1X 7TB | Tel: +44 (0) 207 235 5330 | contact.ftpb@ubifrance.com

27-29 July 2004 - RCON 2004: International Risk Control Conference 2004 ISO Annual Conference Total Disaster Management for Business Continuity and Service Delivery

Caesars Palace, Johannesburg, South Africa

The first International Risk Control Conference (IRCON) will take place at Caesars Palace from 27 - 29 July 2004. Presented by IRCA, Global leaders in the Risk Management arena, in association with the Department of Local Government: National Disaster Management Centre, this three day conference is a landmark event as it is the first of its kind on this critical topic.

To celebrate the inception of IRCON, distinguished speakers from the United States of America will share their experiences of the 911 Twin Tower disaster. Experts who were intensely involved with clean up operations of this horrific incident will enrich your understanding of disasters of this scope and magnitude.

This informative three-day conference will cover the widest possible scope of human exposure to disasters. In addition, the major topic of Business Continuity Management will be explored to provide solutions both proactively and reactively.

Topics included in the conference will cover vulnerability assessment, training for emergencies, legislation in terms of emergencies and many more.

This is your opportunity as a professional to come face to face with case studies that will be integrated into a practical workshop.

Don't miss this world-class programme on preparedness, response and recovery.

Contact: Debby Parsonson or Karin Beukes, IRCAZA, South Africa | Tel: +27 11 285 4268 | Email: dparsonson@ircaza.com | kbeukes@ircaza.com | http://www.ircaza.com/

The curse of Irritable Desk Syndrome (IDS)

Research for NEC Mitsubishi, has found that office workers are being hit by a new affliction: the curse of Irritable Desk Syndrome (IDS). Cluttered desks, poor posture and hours spent in front of a computer are said to be damaging the health of office staff.

Speakers for EUROHSE 2004 Conference: Health in the Workplace

Following on the successful 2003 EurOHSE conference held in London last November, Angel Business Communications - publisher of EurOhs: European Occupational Health and Safety Magazine and newsletter and Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd are now organising the EurOhse2004 conference, to be held on Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 November 2004, at the Royal National Hotel, Russell Square, London.

The conference programme looks further at the themes of the European Commission's Adapting to change in work and society: a new Community Strategy on health and safety at Work 2002-2006 and this year EUROHSE 2004 Conference: Health in the Workplace looks at different aspects.

EurOHSE 2004 conference will provide key points for future activities for all those responsible for securing good standards of health and safety in the workplace, and excellent networking opportunities. The two-day conference will have sessions on:

• European actions and initiatives
• Fitness for Work
• 2004 European Year of Construction including fire safety and behavioural safety
• Preparedness and business continuity

Among eminent speakers with backgrounds in government, industry, research and education who have already agreed to speak to-date are:

Paul Glyn, Advisor for the European Commission (EC) Working Environment Antenna Brussels
will give an overview on the EC initiatives in the "Adapting to change in work and society: a new Community Strategy on health and safety at Work 2002-2006".

Elizabeth Gyngell, Health and Safety Executive will talk on "Providing occupational health and safety support in GB".

Carole Spiers, Carole Spiers International will talk about "Stressed out at work".

Dennis Davis, International Committee for the prevention and Extinction of Fire (CTIF) and
HM Chief Inspector of Fire Services, Scotland will give an update on "European workplace and fire safety".

Dr Tim Marsh, Ryder-Marsh International will talk about "Changing attitudes: behavioural safety", and Laurence Waterman, President of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health and Chairman Sypol will talk about "Managing staff and their health offsite".

It is the major conference of 2004! Early bird discounts available for those booking now.

For further details contact: Mary Meadows, Office and Logistics Manager, European Occupational Health and Safety Magazine (EurOhs) Angel Business Communications Ltd, 34 Warwick Road, Kenilworth CV8 1HE, Warwickshire, UK | Tel: +44 (0) 1926 512424 | Fax: +44 (0) 1926 512948 | email: mary@angelbc.co.uk

NEW PUBLICATION FROM ASDMA

Architectural and Specialist Door Manufacturers Association
THE BEST PRACTICE GUIDE TO TIMBER FIRE DOORS
manufacture, specification, installation, approval and maintenance

Fire doors feature on every building project. The subject is hugely complex.

Fire doors are the complete installed assembly.

No comprehensive guidance has previously been available in a single publication to help clients, designers, contractors, manufacturers and approvers on all the elements that go make a fire door and its installation.

ASDMA, as the trade organisation for specialist door manufacturers, sees the need for advice to be available on the multitude of widely varying issues that arise on every project and so has produced the Best Practice Guide to Timber Fire Doors.

This comprehensive 96-page illustrated Guide is a must for everyone who has responsibility for

• designing buildings and fire door installations
• tendering or awarding building or fire door contracts
• approval of fire door installations.

ASDMA's Best Practice Guide puts in one document a wealth of information concerning timber fire doors..

• legislation applicable in the UK and the role of the building control and fire authorities
• effect of the CPD and European standards
• how door leaves and frames are made, the materials used and implications
• intumescent and smoke seal types and their roles
• apertures - design, glazing, beading and glass types
• storey height doors, overpanels and treatment of slab to slab structural openings
• an in-depth review of all hardware applications, functions and options
• wall constructions and their effect on performance
• site preparation and provision of openings
• installation including fire- and smoke-stopping
• suggested strategies for damage avoidance, troubleshooting and maintenance

References are provided throughout to guide everybody concerned in a contract .... clients, specifiers, contractors, manufacturers, building control and fire authorities, building owners and users on issues they need to watch out for in the design, tendering, contract awarding, construction, installation, inspection and occupation stages of a project.

Where else can you find all this in one document?
The Best Practice Guide can be used to provide a basis for reaching contractual agreement on specifications, the performance that is to be provided and the avoidance of anomalies that exist in Regulations and Standards at the present time.

Can you afford to be without it?
The Best Practice Guide to Timber Fire Doors is available from ASDMA, price £25 (incl. p&p within the UK). For overseas orders, please add £5 for postage and packing. We regret that copies of the Best Practice Guide can only be supplied cash with order.

To: Publications Section, ASDMA, Burnside House, 3 Coates Lane, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP13 5EY

Architectural and Specialist Door Manufacturers Association
Burnside House 3 Coates Lane High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP13 5EY | Telephone: +44 (0)1494 447370 | Facsimile: +44 (0)1494 462094 | e-mail: info@asdma.com | website: www.asdma.com

The Strategic National Guidance for the Decontamination of People Exposed to Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear Substances or Material

The UK Government has recently published more guidance on decontamination of the open environment in the wake of a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear incident.

Developed by the Home Office led Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear (CBRN) Resilience Programme, the guidance is designed to help all organisations who may be involved in responding to a release of CBRN materials - Government departments, local authorities, businesses, emergency services and the wider emergency planning community. Augmenting existing guidance, it will help all those who need to have in place practical strategies for clean-up and provides an agreed set of basic recovery principles.

Beverley Hughes, the Home Office Minister with responsibility for overseeing the co-ordination of CBRN contingency planning said:

"Publication of this guidance does not signal any new threat to the UK. It is part of a continuous process of sensible contingency planning for dealing with CBRN incidents, whatever the cause. The CBRN Resilience Programme is co-ordinated across Government, and is focused on developing the capabilities needed for a resilient response."

Elliot Morley, Minister for the Environment said:

"Providing guidance is an essential part of giving everyone who has a role in recovery from incidents involving CBRN material, with the information they need to put in place sensible contingency plans.

"It will help local authorities, emergency services and others develop practical strategies and emergency plans.

"However, as the guidance mentions, the Government is actively considering establishment of a new service to be ready to provide advice and assistance in decontamination and clean-up after a CBRN incident. Further details will be given as soon as practicable."

The new publication, The Decontamination of the Open Environment Exposed to Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear Substances or Material: Strategic National Guidance published by Defra is available on the following websites: www.defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/risk/cbrn and www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/ukresilience.aspx.

The Release of CBRN Substances or Material: Guidance for Local Authorities was originally published in October 2001. It was revised and reissued in August 2003 and is now publicly available at www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/ukresilience.aspx.

The Strategic National Guidance for the Decontamination of People Exposed to Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear Substances or Material was published in February 2003 and can be found at www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/ukresilience.aspx.

Feedback on the guidance is being co-ordinated through the CBRN Resilience Programme and any comments should be sent to: cbrnenquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk.

News from FSC - Margaret Fuller

At the meeting I agreed to provide addresses for e-government information.
www.govtalk.gov.uk
Provides all the links to e-government information.

www.direct.gov.uk
The homepage of UKonline.