fig leaves

The newsletter of the Fire Information Group UK (FIGUK)

www.figuk.org.uk

No. 31
October 2005

Edited by Sheila Pantry, OBE
Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd

This Newsletter contains:

Visit to Health and Safety Laboratories, Buxton on 23 September 2005
News from around the World
Diary of Events
Summary of the FIGUK Meeting held on 23 September 2005

FIGUK website www.figuk.org.uk ... please help to promote FIGUK whenever you can...

Fire Information Group UK visit the Health and Safety Laboratories at Buxton on 23 September 2005

A very interesting visit was arranged by FIGUK member Sheila Pantry to the Health and Safety Laboratories at Buxton on 23 September 2005.

The new laboratories and facilities are very impressive and must be a joy to work in. The FIGUK programme included talks, videos, and demonstrations on the following topics:

Horizon Scanning by Dr Peter Ellwood
Firework Testing by Mr David Chapman
Packaging of Liquids & Dusts by Dr Graham Atkinson
Assessing the explosion Potential of Dusts by Mr Darrell Bennett
Characterising Gas Explosions (hydrogen) using a Thermal Imaging Camera by Dr Stuart Hawksworth

Our thanks to all the staff involved in our very successful visit and answering our questions. For more details about HSL see www.hsl.gov.uk

News items from around the world

Fire Information Group UK at the 10^th Annual Conference Fire Related Research and Development 2005

Lis and Nsekanji represented FIG at the Poster Presentation at the 10th FSC Annual Conference: Fire Related Research and Development (RE05) held at the Fire Service College, Moreton-in-Marsh on 12 and 13 October 2005. FIG shared a stand with the FSC Library and during the breaks in the Conference, the poster displays seemed well attended. On both days, delegates approached the stand and seemed interested in finding out more about FIG. On the whole it was a great opportunity to raise the profile of FIG within the industry and, hopefully, it will generate some new members.

Anyone interested in joining FIGUK see www.figuk.org.uk - membership

HSE Publishes Revised Firework Display Guidance

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published updated guidance on organising public firework displays safely. The guidance Giving your own firework display: How to run and fire it

safely, which was first published in 1995, has been revised to reflect significant changes in the laws governing the supply, possession, transport, storage and use of fireworks that may now have an effect on the way displays are organised.

The 20-page booklet is aimed at organizers - such as sports clubs, parish councils and parent/teacher associations who intend to launch the fireworks themselves, rather than contract specialist display operators, but have no specialist knowledge. In particular, it contains sensible

advice on selecting a site, including how it should be set up, and making available suitable facilities. These include equipment for putting out small fires and an adequate number of stewards.

In addition, the guide offers a list of contacts that organisers should consider liaising with before an event. It also provides information on crowd control, storing fireworks safely prior to the display and tips on building secure bonfires. Finally, the booklet features general information on handling fireworks during set up and firing.

Giving your own firework display: How to run and fire it safely, HSG124,

ISBN 0 7176 6162 8, price £7.95, is available from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1787 881165 or Fax: +44 (0)1787-313995.

Since 1995 when the guidance was first published, there have been changes and amendments to the various regulations relating to the use of fireworks. These regulations are:

The Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005, which replaced significant portions of the Explosives Act 1875. The new regulations impose duties on the manufacture and storage of explosives, including fireworks, as well as requirements for preventing fire and explosion;
The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2004. They implement European agreements relating to road and rail transport;
The Firework (Safety) Regulations 1997 and The Firework (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 2004, which primarily address the supply of fireworks. In particular, they prohibit sale to the general public of a variety of fireworks such as aerial shells, air bombs and Chinese crackers; and
Firework Regulations 2004 which include provisions relating to the prohibition of the possession of fireworks in public places by those under 18 and limitation on the use of fireworks during night hours.

Further information on these regulations plus guidance on the safe and responsible use and sale of fireworks can be found on the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) website at: www.dti.gov.uk/fireworks

HSE and local authorities (usually Trading Standards Officers) enforce firework legislation to protect consumers and the general public. Further information on the safe storage and use of fireworks, which includes links to a risk assessment tool designed to help people organise a display is available from the HSE website at: www.hse.gov.uk/explosives/fireworks/index.htm

Fireworks displays sparks concerns in run up to bonfire night

Holding company fireworks displays has never been more popular as a way to unite staff around one the country's oldest cultural traditions. Yet many companies do not spend enough time thinking about and planning for the safety risks on 5th November, say Health & Safety experts, Croner.

The company is advising its clients that the dangers to the general public and staff have already begun as fireworks are stored in preparation for bonfire night. Croner is reminding employers of their duty of storing fireworks safely under the new Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005 that take effect for the first time this year.

The law, which came into force on 26 April 2005, reinforces existing rules on safe storage of fireworks but also introduces some new guidelines. It states that anyone storing fireworks must take appropriate measures to prevent fire or explosion. Should this occur, they must take action to limit its extent and protect staff or members of the public who are at risk. Companies purchasing large numbers of or very powerful fireworks for a commercial display or other work purpose must first apply for a registration certificate from their local authority.

Croner is alerting employers that failure to follow health and safety guidelines for the safe use and storage of fireworks could result in risks to safety, for which the penalty can be unlimited fines, and even a prison sentence of up to two years. The new law is a timely reminder that, with fireworks now being purchased, employers' risk assessments should include the safe storage of explosives as well as a safety plan for the actual display."

Additional Important Fireworks Legislation

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, any company holding a non-domestic fireworks display, from a local pub to large hotel, or a corporate event, has a duty of care to both employees and anyone 'affected by' the event.

The Fireworks Act 2003, which came in to force last year, has put a framework into place that allowed the Government to address a range of firework issues where previous legislation fell short.

Consequently the Act gave rise to the Fireworks Regulations 2004, which introduces a number of limited prohibitions on the importation, sale, possession and use of fireworks. With the exception of Regulations 9 and 11 which deal with licensing and imports respectively, the Regulations are now in force. For more inform see www.eurohs.eu.com/front-end/news-full.php?id=4658

Better regulation: improved safety for fireworks and air bags

The Commission has proposed to replace some 25 parallel national approval procedures of fireworks and airbags by one single EU directive. This practical example of better regulation will lead to a considerable reduction in costs for the industries concerned, and ensure that essential safety requirements for pyrotechnic articles are respected throughout the EU.

The aim is to reduce the risk of accidents caused by malfunctions and to increase consumer safety as sub-standard pyrotechnic articles will no longer be available on the EU market. The EU market for fireworks is estimated at around €1.4 billion (£0.9bn), but few fireworks are manufactured in the EU. Automotive occupant restraint systems are placed in around 20 million vehicles in the EU each year, which translates into around 80 million airbag systems with a value of some €3.5 billion (£2.3bn) and around 90 million seat belt pre-tensioners with a value of approximately €2 billion (£1.3bn).

For further information see: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/chemicals/legislation/explosives/index_en.htm

Is your workplace noisy? EU prepares for better protection of 60 million workers exposed to noise

In the run-up to the final date for the entry into force of the new European directive on noise at work in February 2006, experts from across Europe explain how to contain workplace noise and prevent resulting health problems.

The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work in a magazine entitled 'Noise at Work' has just published an account of their work. The magazine gives a view of the research and experiences in tackling workplace noise in a number of EU countries and sectors. It is part of the 'Stop That Noise!' campaign being run by the Agency in more than 30 European countries. The campaign's major events will take place during the European Week for Safety and Health at Work, from 24 to 28 October 2005.

'The need to 'stop that noise' is evident' explains Hans-Horst Konkolewsky, Director of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. 'Noise-induced hearing loss is amongst the most commonly reported occupational diseases in the European Union. In addition noise can cause work related stress and lead to accidents. The range of jobs and workplaces where noise can be a problem is much broader than is commonly thought and includes besides farms, building work, factories and shipyards also classrooms, drivers, clubs and bars, musicians and call-centre staff.''

The English version of the magazine 'Noise at Work' can be downloaded directly from https://osha.europa.eu/en/tools-and-publications/publications/magazine/8/view

Complete information pack on noise at work and the campaign is available in the campaign's online press office at http://ew2005.osha.europa.eu/pressroom.

European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Gran Via 33, E-48009 Bilbao - Spain | Tel: + 34 94 479 4360 | Fax: + 34 94 479 4383 | Email: information@osha.eu.int | http://osha.europa.eu

Are you aware of the new legislation? - Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in conjunction with the Association of Building Engineers, Chief Fire Officers Association, Institution of Fire Engineers, Federation of Small Businesses, Confederation of British Industry, Association of British Insurers, the Fire Industry Confederation and the BRE are offering a series of seminars in 2006 and around the country

Contact: Events Team, Association of Building Engineers, Lutyens House, Billing Brook Road, Northampton NN3 8NW, UK | Tel Lo-call: 0845 126 1058 | Fax: +44 (0) 1604 784220 | Email: cpd@abe.org.uk

DIARY OF EVENTS

FIRE 2005, 2-3 November 2005, G-MEX, Manchester

The UK's number one fire conference and exhibition, is this year focussing on crucial aspects of the protection of Britain 's future. We will be joined by experts from the fields of resilience, counter terrorism, and natural disaster. In addition we will be examining some of the most debated management issues within today's fire and rescue service, such as equality, diversity, recruitment and retention.

Manchester 's G-MEX centre with all its excellent conference facilities will play host to FIRE 2005. It is here you are invited to take part in the many stimulating and lively conference sessions that serve to highlight examples of good and innovative practice from across the fire industry, with valuable lessons for public and private organisations alike.

New this year is included a Water Safety Village, an Innovations Centre and a Demonstration Area where manufacturers will give you the opportunity to view their products and equipment close up and in action.

Workshops for 2005 will cover a range of highly topical issues including arson task force, water rescue, procurement and Firelink. Each of these workshops is designed to give you practical first hand guidelines that can be easily taken away and implemented within your own organisation.

EurOhse2005 One-day Masterclass on Fire Risk Assessment and Business Continuity Planning and Management, Monday 12 September 2005, London

This One-day Masterclass on Fire Risk Assessment and Business Continuity Planning and Management is to be presented on Tuesday, 29 November 2005 Stratford Manor Hotel, Stratford on Avon, Warwickshire by Les Moseley - Director of the Coventry Centre for Disaster Management and Programme Manager - University of Coventry UK and Dennis Davies CBE, OStJ, QFSM, CEng, CCMI, FIFireE(Life), MEI - Independent Fire Adviser - International Committee for the Prevention and Extinction of Fire (CTIF) and formerly HM Chief Inspector of Fire Services, Scotland.

The Masterclass aims to build on existing knowledge and skills in Risk and Hazard Analysis for Fire Risk Assessment and develop further knowledge in Continuity Planning.

Learning Objectives

At the completion of the workshop participants will have:

Increased their knowledge of current practice in Risk Profiling
Practiced Hazard Analysis
Developed further knowledge in Fire Risk Assessment
Carried out a Business Impact Analysis
Considered the needs of Business Continuity Management for their company/organisation.

The Masterclass is aimed at:

OSH managers, risk managers and emergency and business continuity planners in industry, commerce and local and central government.

Content of the day:

Case studies based on real incidents
Current Fire Risk Assessment models
Development and application of Business Impact Analysis tools
Emergency and Business Continuity Planning

Les Moseley - is Director of the Coventry Centre for Disaster Management and Programme Manager for the professional diploma courses including the Diploma in Business Continuity Management. Before joining Coventry University, Les spent 16 years in the British Fire Service as a Senior Officer and 14 years working in Emergency Planning. Immediately before joining the University he was Chief Emergency Planning Officer and Principal Officer with the West Midlands Fire & Civil Defence Authority and prior tothis, County Emergency Planning Officer for Warwickshire County Council. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Civil Defence and Disaster Studies, a Graduate Member of the Institution of Fire Engineers and a Member of the Emergency Planning Society. Les' research interests include vulnerability assessment, preparedness planning and the management of disasters. Les is also an advisor to the International Civil Defence Organisation and the World Health Organisation and regularly support them in education initiatives worldwide. Les is also a regular contributor to the local and national media and recently appeared on BBC2's 'If ...the lights go out' and 'Terror Alert' on Sky One.

Dennis Davies became an independent fire adviser, working with government and commercial clients in 2004 after 39 years active involvement in the fire service. As HM Chief Inspector of Fire Services for Scotland he was responsible for assessing the performance of all Scotland's brigades and advising Ministers and the Scottish Executive on fire matters. Between 1986 and 1999 he was the Chief Fire Officer for Cheshire Fire Brigade.

Dennis joined the fire service in 1965 in his hometown Walsall. He subsequently transferred on promotion to Cheshire 1971 and, having served in a very wide range of safety, technical and operational posts became the Brigade's Chief Fire Officer. The area has a significant petrochemical industry and his experience includes command management at and contingency planning for major incidents. The Brigade was also extremely active and innovative in the promotion of community safety.

The Chairman for the day is Professor Peter Waterhouse, the Honorary Visiting Professor of Occupational Safety in the Robens Centre of the European Institute of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Surrey, UK.

This is a unique opportunity to attend this Masterclass to be given by two international experts... make sure that you have a place and make your reservation now!

Organised by Angel Business Publications and Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd, the Masterclass will be followed by the EurOhse2005 conference that will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, 13 - 14 September 2005 at the Bonnington Hotel, Southampton Row, Russell Square, London, UK. This is the third year for this very popular, informative conference that keeps you up-to-date and provides excellent networking opportunities and 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.14 eminent speakers with backgrounds in government, inspectorates, industry, research and education will discuss a range of topics.

Chairmen for the two days will be John Howard OBE, CEO RoSPA and Professor Peter Waterhouse, Robens Institute.

Why not book both the Masterclass and the EurOhse2005 conference

For further details contact: EurOhse 2005 and Masterclass, 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: stephen@angelbc.co.uk

30 January - 1 February 2006 - Fire India 2006 Exhibition and Conference

Grand Hyatt, Mumbai, India

Contact: Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), 719 Jaina Towers, 1 Janak Puri, New Delhi 110 058, India | Tel: +11 2550 2025 | Fax: +11 2550 2024 | Email: ifeispbd@del3vsnl.net.in | www.ifeindia.org

Minutes of the FIG (UK) Meeting on Friday 23 September 2005 held at HSL

Chair	Sheila Pantry
Minutes:	Penny Morgan
Present:
Sheila Pantry	Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd
Penny Morgan	Information from Fire Investigations (IfFI)
Roger Berrett	Dr Roger Berrett
Norman Simmonds	Fire Service Inspectorate (HMFSI - ODPM)
Tony Timmons	Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (FPD - ODPM)
Lis Riley	Hawkins & Associates
Gill	Hawkins & Associates
Nsekanji Pelekamoyo	London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA)
Amanda Collicutt	Fire Service College (FSC)
Nigel Herring	Casella Stanger

Apologies:
Sally Walsh	Dr Burgoyne & Partners (Sent message to say thank you for help with fire experts)
Margaret Fuller	Fire Service College (FSC) who has resigned from FIG & InFire
Pam Evans	Independent
Jim Mann	ODPM
Ian Jerome
Kate Helm	Fire Protection Association (replacing Ian Jerome)

1. Welcome and Apologies

Sheila welcomed everyone to HSL and read out the list of apologies from various people. Sheila said that she was happy to chair the meeting. Penny agreed to take the minutes of the meeting.

2. Minutes of Last Meeting

The minutes of the meeting in March and various actions arising from them were discussed and agreed as a true record. It was noted that the date should have read 2005.

3. Matters Arising

The only comment was with respect to Firenet - Colin Simpson is still very involved with the website. Chairman added that it is a very useful discussion forum and used by people outside the Fire and Rescue Service. Since the meeting Sheila has heard from Colin.

4. Accounts

Nsekanji confirmed that the figures have not changed from the last meeting; there are no new members. Roger Berrett queried whether most of this sum should be put into a deposit account earning more interest. Monique to be asked to explore this possibility. Lis pointed out that there will be a bill for the promotional material at the FSC Research Event in October. Norman Simmonds PROPOSED that a float of £100 is kept in the current account and any spare cash should go into a deposit account. This was AGREED.

Action: Monique

5. FIG UK input into the Research Event

Lis and Gill have put together a sample pack consisting of newsletter; membership form; members sheets and posters; list of members. This led to a discussion of the delicate matter of being seen to promote member's company material - this was RESOLVED by suggesting that the FIG material be placed vertically to catch the eyes of the delegates - with the option of 50 copies of promotional material to be sent to Amanda to be put in the delegate packs. Amanda added that Ron Dobson of LFEPA will be speaking about the London bombings in July. LFEPA have devised a 'freebie' namely a FIG UK pack of 'post it' style stickers to go in the delegate packs. It was also AGREED to send 10 of the sticker packs to each member to promote membership. Lis will be at the college on the Wednesday and Nsekanji will be there on the Thursday. If there is a problem it was AGREED that FIG will meet expenses.

6. FIG UK website

The Chairman raised the problem of keeping up to date email addresses. Nigel suggested sending letters to members and if there is no reply they will be deemed to have resigned. Everyone is asked to check their entries and let Sheila know of any changes. Any new information to go on the website?

Action: Everyone

Sally to be asked to send out a letter to all the members to check details.

Action: Sally

7. Consultation documents

Penny reported that there is a huge amount of changes to legislation and supporting guidance at present. Note there is a shift to fire prevention with appropriate risk assessment and suitable management strategies. Recognition that business interruption is not acceptable for UK Ltd.

Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 replacing the 1947 Act.

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order June 2005 comes into force spring 2006 - this will have 11 supporting guidance documents. Covers all non-domestic occupancies in England and Wales. Scotland and N Ireland have devolved responsibilities. This replaces the Fire Precautions Act and means the end of Fire Certificates.

Approved Document B Fire Safety -guidance for England and Wales out for consultation until 18 November 2005. Proposal is to split it into 2 - dwellings and non-dwellings. Both are large documents. Revised draft to be published October 2006 coming into force spring 2007. One proposal is to remove all mention of schools from AD-B and refer to DfES Building Bulletin BB100 (replacing BB7 withdrawn in 1997).

Note too that AD-L on energy and AD-F on ventilation have also been re-written to come into effect April 2006.

BB100 Designing and managing the risk of fires in schools. Consultation lasts until the 31 October. It is hoped to publish this document as soon as possible but there is no firm calendar from DfES. Penny will be handling the responses.

Penny is currently part of the road show of meetings round the country, Darren Hobbs ODPM is talking about the RRO; Anthony Burd, Tracey Cull (ODPM) and Brian Martin (BRE) are talking about AD-B and Penny (International Fire Consultants Ltd) is presenting the thinking behind the BB100. The seminars are being run by ABE and RICS with backing from the relevant departments.

Discussion led to the suggestion that FIG UK should make a general response to the plethora of material coming from government.

Action: Sheila

8. Fire Emergency and Preparedness Worldwide.

Fire Worldwide has been relaunched as Fire Emergency and Preparedness Worldwide to reflect the widening scope of the service. There will be a piece in the Newsletter. This product has 11 databases that contains thousands of pages of full text documents and quarter of a million records to world wide sources and 3000 British Standards.

There was a discussion on the loss of resources leading to lack of information being disseminated - particularly about lessons learned from real events.

9. Round Table Discussion

Roger apologised for lack of attendance at meetings. He is heavily involved in the Forensic Science Society and still gets to scenes of fire. He was called in to the Momart fire AKA the Saatchi fire where following an attempted robbery fire spread and destroyed millions of ponds of art works. He will keep us informed of future events and the FSS meeting in November and the ENSI Group meeting next year on Fire Investigation.

Nigel reported that they have been taken over again this time by Bureau Veritas although the Casella Stanger name still stands.

Norman reported that the Fire Service Inspectorate is to be disbanded April 2007 - it will not reappear renamed the Fire Service Commission - but is currently undergoing evaluation. Some assessment will be made into which Ministers need advice. His customers will probably have to go to the college for information - he has 75% of his queries from government. He pointed out that although the Regional approach advocated by the Deputy Prime Minister was rejected by the North East, plans are still going ahead for a small number of regional control centres (7 so far and there may be an announcement of one for the South East 'soon').

Penny announced that her company IfFI Ltd is going dormant but she hopes her current employer IFC Ltd will agree to sponsor her attendance at meetings. She shares Norman's concerns about the changes in the Fire Service - the move of operational staff to fire safety may have a knock on effects. IFC Ltd are doing some training for a metropolitan brigade and have been appalled at some of the gaps in knowledge from staff moving into this area. She will draft something for the group to consider.

Action: Penny

Sheila added that the link with IOSH with changes in legislation has led to the emergence of specialist fire-related group as the profile of fire keeps being raised.

Tony reported that the ODPM library has shed staff - there is now one library replacing the three former ones. There has been a major project on moving the new LMS from CICE to DINEX Horizon who then merged. This took up a lot of time. The benefits of the new system emphasis a desk top service for customers. Outsiders can still approach the library for information in the usual way.

Lis said that Hawkins now has three new fee earners in their Leeds office. They are opening a new office in Tottenham and recently has a 25 year celebration of the South East office.

Amanda reported that the new USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) building has been opened by Phil Wollas of ODPM for training staff to deal with CBRN emergencies. Until now fire officers have gone to Texas for training. A new accommodation block named after Bobbie Tanner has been opened. They have completed the consultation on learning and development strategy for England because there was a clause covering the library and they needed to underpin it. Looks positive but the level of debate ignored the need for support material - she will be writing a strategy document for the college board. Staffing still a struggle with manning. One new member of staff, Marion got the collections job and she has just agreed to take on the IFE LIBRARY. Margaret has moved away from her previous role hence her resignation.

Nsekanji has been involved in two big projects - all rank names are changing which has to be reflected in Information Management - goes on line on 5 September. They have also been closely involved in running workshops in August and September on the eFire project providing and information portal for the Fire and Rescue Services. This does live in April 2006

Sheila reported that the Fire and Rescue Statistics User Group is moving on a number of initiatives. A specific web site has been organised and will be released very soon.
She is organising a Master class on fire safety management/business continuity on 29 November 2005 in Stratford on Avon see www.eurohse2005.com. Dennis Davies and Les Moseley are main speakers.

Together with Peter Griffiths she has just published a new book via Facet publishing on Setting up a library and information service from Scratch www.sheilapantry.com/books

11. AOB

Need to keep sponsorship on the agenda

12. Next Meetings

Christmas lunch Wednesday 7 December 2005. Venue to be arranged