fig leaves

The newsletter of the Fire Information Group UK (FIGUK)

www.figuk.org.uk

No. 32
March 2006

Edited by Sheila Pantry, OBE
Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd

This Newsletter contains:

• News from around the World
• Diary of Events
• Summary of the FIGUK Meeting held on 15 March 2006
• Date of next meeting 20 September 2006

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

News items from around the world

New legislation

The following should be of interest

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Subordinate Provisions Order 2006
SI 2006 No. 484. ISBN 0110741137. 3 pages
Introducing the Modification of commencement date in 2. In article 1(3) of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for "1st April 2006" substitute "1st October 2006".
www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2006/20060484.htm

Management of Health and Safety at Work (Amendment) Regulations 2006
SI 2006 No. 438. ISBN 011074098X. 4 pages
www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2006/20060438.htm

PAS 56 to become a British Standard on Business Continuity Management

It is no good having a wonderful information service or company or organization if there are no plans for business continuity if something goes wrong.

Recognized by industry as the best practice guidance for business continuity planning, PAS 56:2003 has set the benchmark for Business Continuity Management (BCM) worldwide.

The emergence of PAS 56 was the first step in the process towards developing a standard for BCM following a number of drivers demanding a consistent approach to this hot topic. As it currently stands, the guidelines set out in PAS 56 continue to point organizations in the right direction with regard to their business continuity programmes but its status is that of an informal standard. However, that is set to change.

NEW Business Continuity Management Standards

BSI Business Information is pleased to announce that PAS 56 is to become a British Standard and will achieve formal standard status to be known as the BS 25999 series. This progression has received the full backing of interested parties including government, businesses and trade associations.

Coming End 2006
BS 25999-1:2006 Code of practice for business continuity management

The first part in the new BS 25999 series will establish the process, principles and terminology of BCM. It will provide a basis for understanding, developing and implementing business continuity within an organization to provide confidence in business-to-business and business-to-customer dealings. In addition, it will also provide a comprehensive set of controls based on BCM best practice and covers the whole BCM lifecycle.

Contents:

• Scope
• Structure and how the standard should be used
• Terms and definitions
• Business continuity management
• Overview of BCM
• The BCM system
• Understanding the organization
• BCM strategies
• Developing and implementing a BCM response
• Building and embedding a BCM culture
• Exercising, maintenance, audit and self-assessment of the BCM culture
• Types and methods of exercising BCM strategies.

BS 25999-1 Draft for Public Comment (DPC)

Due for publication in late spring 2006, the DPC for BS 25999-1 will be available to download for FREE at www.bsi-global.com/en/sectorsandservices/Disciplines/Risk-management. This will give the general public the opportunity to provide their comments and feedback on the DPC.

Coming Early 2007
BS 25999-2:2006 Specification for business continuity management

The second part of the new BS 25999 series will specify the requirements for establishing, implementing, operating, monitoring, reviewing, maintaining and improving a documented business continuity management system within the context of an organization's overall business risks. It will also specify the requirements for the implementation of business continuity controls customized to the needs of individual organizations.

To keep up-to-date with the latest BS 25999 developments, sign up to receive BSI FREE Risk Management, CSR and Corporate Governance newsletter at www.bsi-uk.com/ecampaign.

For orders, contact: BSI Customer Services quoting marketing reference code BCM-PR | Tel +44 (0)20 8996 9001 | Fax +44 (0)20 8996 7001 | Email: orders@bsi-global.com | www.bsigroup.com

PRODUCT: Reflective smoke detector saves time and effort

Designed to protect buildings with high ceilings and open spaces, the Fireray Reflective smoke detector from Fire Fighting Enterprises combines an infrared transmitter and receiver in a single unit, making routine installation simpler and faster.

An infrared beam is projected onto a small, high-precision prismatic reflector mounted on the opposite wall. The reflector returns the beam to the transmitter/receiver unit, where the signal is analysed for smoke presence. In suitable buildings, this "all-in-one" design can achieve significant cable savings over detectors which use separate transmitters and receivers.

An optional low-level controller allows authorised personnel to carry out alarm tests from a convenient location, without the lengthy and potentially expensive process of accessing detectors installed at height.

Two versions of the detector are available to cover distances up to 50 m and 100 m. Correct installation is ensured by a simple alignment aid: coloured flashing LEDs indicate when the detector is precisely aligned with the reflector for optimum signal strength.

Automatic drift compensation prevents unwanted alarms caused by a gradual build-up of dust on the detector, or movement of the building. Supply voltages of 12 V DC to 24 V DC can be used, and current consumption is very low - only 4 mA at 24 V in the quiescent state.

Ian Steel, Fire Fighting Enterprises Limited, 9 Hunting Gate, Wilbury Way, Hitchin, Herts SG4 0TQ | www.ffeuk.com | Tel +44 (0)845 402 4242 | Fax +44 (0)845 402 4201 | Email: isteel@ffeuk.com

HSE announces new timetable for Construction Design Regulations

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced the revised Construction (Design and Management) (CDM) Regulations would be implemented in Spring 2007. The Regulations will revise and bring together provisions in the existing CDM Regulations 1994 and the Construction (Health Safety and Welfare) (CHSW) Regulations 1996 into a single regulatory package.

In response to the three-month consultation exercise the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) has agreed to postpone implementation from 1 October 2006. The new timetable has the support of the Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC) CDM Review Working group.

Stephen Williams, HSE's Chief Inspector of Construction said: "The revised CDM Regulations will replace the two key sets of existing regulations. When we began our review of those regulations, the HSC set us some important and challenging objectives. HSE and its partners believe we are well on the way to producing a set of replacement Regulations which will achieve those objectives, but we would be selling ourselves short if we rushed our proposals through.

"We need more time to make sure we get the changes right and the industry also needs to have adequate time to familiarise itself with the finalized CDM package.

Stephen Ratcliffe from the Construction Confederation said: "We recognize the importance of getting these changes right. Moving the proposed implementation date forward gives us more time to prepare guidance for our members, and this will form an important part of the overall package."

HSC discussed a report on the emerging findings of the consultation at its open meeting in December 2005, and decided the new regulations should be supported by an Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) and industry-produced guidance. To give industry time to plan and prepare for the regulatory changes, HSE intends to make a final draft of the ACoP available 3 months in advance of the Regulations coming into force. In the meantime HSE will be working with the industry to co-ordinate production of industry-specific guidance as agreed by the HSC.

"Revision of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) 1994, Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) (CHSW) Regulations 1996, Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) and Guidance". 2005 Consultative Document CD200, published by HSE - see www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/cd200.htm CONIAC advises HSC on the protection of people at work and others from hazards to health and safety within the building, civil engineering, engineering and construction industries. CONIAC was reconstituted at the beginning of 2004, with a smaller membership and a new approach. The new approach reflects the desire of HSC to work in partnership with intermediary groups in the construction industry and to take forward the new HSC Strategy. CONIAC has six sub groups to take forward its workplan. These sub groups align closely with the aims of the Construction Divisions Priority Programme.

• Designer Working Party
• Safety Working Party
• Working Well Together Steering Group
• Occupational Health Working Party
• Worker Engagement Working Party
• CDM Regulations Review Working Party

See www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/meetings/iacs/coniac

"Revitalising Health and Safety in Construction". 2002 Discussion Document, published by HSE, see www.hse.gov.uk/consult/2002.htm

Dangerous explosives regulations - are you ready?

From July 2006 new DSEAR guidelines will come into force, designed to help plant owners ensure the safety of their employees and the local community, thereby averting disasters such as the December 2005 Buncefield fuel depot explosion.

Employers must have completed the risk assessment, classification and documentation of their workplace and personnel by July 2006.

BSI Product Services can help ensure that your workplace meets the guideline requirements. We can:

• Provide risk assessments
• Identify hazardous areas
• Advise on area classification
• Inspect hazardous areas (in line with BS EN 60079-17)
• Identify problem areas
• Re-inspect the premises once repairs are complete.

Examples of industries and services at exposure (but not limited to):

• Paper mills
• DIY facilities
• Paint shops
• Garage workshops
• Petrochemical sites

If you'd like to discuss your requirements in relation to the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations, please contact us on 01442 278607 | email: product.services@bsi-global.com

Faber Maunsell recruits Fire and Risk Director

Faber Maunsell has appointed Paul Scott as a Director of Fire and Risk Consulting. Paul's task is to develop and extend this expertise, so that Faber Maunsell offers not only a fire consultancy, but also a full range of risk and reliability, and developing specialist services.

Paul has worked on high profile projects ranging from the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, Dublin Port Tunnel and the new Tyne Crossing to Kings Cross Transport Interchange - he is a member of the European Fire in Tunnels Network. These major projects involve services such as detailed safety designs, independent expert audits, reporting to government and statutory authorities, improvement recommendations, task analysis and cost benefit assessment as well as an increasing raft of requirements in areas that is becoming more specialised every day.

Paul has worked on fire and risk since he first joined the British Fire service in 1978 and since then has been a principal consultant and team leader in two major fire and risk consultancies. Paul is a Member of the Institution of Fire Engineers, the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Worshipful Company of Fire Fighters.

"Fire and Risk Consultancy is the package that Faber Maunsell is offering clients", says Paul, "we are determined to maintain and improve quality and delivery of imaginative and flexible design solutions, as well as building the team regionally to provide local coverage and centres of excellence. We have an excellent track record in the built environment and transport infrastructure and UK leading resources in CFD modelling. Faber Maunsell can now bring these resources together to deliver world class consulting in fire and risk engineering.

Faber Maunsell is among the 'Financial Times 50 Best Workplaces in the UK' for the third year running. The company is one of the UK's largest professional building, transportation, and environmental consultancies.

Fire, Emergency and Preparedness Worldwide March 2006 just out

Much time is spent these days searching the Internet for validated and authoritative information often resulting in out-of date sources. In this fast moving world it is essential to have quick access to validated, authoritative and constantly updated information collections. The ones brought together and maintained by information specialists is one sure way of getting good quality data.

As new research and new ways of working, with the attendant alterations in products, services and technology developments means that no-one, especially those responsible for fire, emergencies and preparedness in workplaces of all kinds, should be without the latest information.

Searchers should also be aware that the myth abounding in the world that everything is published on the Internet and is free is just not true!

Fire, Emergency and Preparedness Worldwide, arguably the world's premier collection of related validated, authoritative information aims to help all those seeking such information. Emphasis is on all aspects of fire, emergency and preparedness management principles, fire risk assessment, practices and research.

One way to quickly gain access to legislation, guidance and advice that is up-to-date and relevant is to take a 30-day free trial of Fire, Emergency and Preparedness Worldwide that is focused, affordable and easy to use.

Published by Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd. since 1997 (previous title Fire Worldwide), using the powerful SilverPlatter software it is accessible via the Internet Service and also on CD-ROM for those who need access to information but do not have connections to the outside world.

Fire, Emergency and Preparedness Worldwide is the premier collection of validated, authoritative information and contains two major collections - the Full Text Collection containing thousands of pages of full text information and The Bibliographic Collection that has 7 databases which contain over 256, 000 records to journal articles, guidance and advice, circulars, reports, conference proceedings, research reports, statistics and codes of practice from worldwide sources, all of which may be easily accessed. For those organisations that do not subscribe to a range of journals/magazines this is one way of ensuring that the latest news, developments and trends are available. One of the databases - from the British Standards Institution - contains references to over 3600 fire and fire related standards.

For full details of this product, please check out the list of contents of Fire, Emergency and Preparedness Worldwide or why not take a FREE 30-DAY TRIAL OF Fire, Emergency and Preparedness Worldwide now? Send your request for either an Internet or CD-ROM trial now.

• A 30-day trial free of charge means that, in the case of CD-ROMs, you will be sent the database you have requested for evaluation over a period of 30 days. If you decide to keep the database, Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd will invoice you.
• If you decide that you do not wish to purchase the database, simply return it to Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd and there will be no charge.
• In the case of Internet trials, access will be timed out after 30 days.

Contact: Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd, 85 The Meadows, Todwick, Sheffield S26 1JG, UK | Tel: +44 (0) 1909 771024 | Fax: +44 (0) 1909 772829 | Email: sp@sheilapantry.com | www.sheilapantry.com | www.oshworld.com | www.shebuyersguide.com | www.oshupdate.com NEW

Diary of Events

6 April 2006 - 20th Fire Science and Fire Investigation Course
School of Engineering and Electronics, Fire Safety Group, University of Edinburgh, UK
Contact: Office of Lifelong Learning, The University of Edinburgh, 11 Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh, UK | Tel: +44 (0)131 651 1180 | Fax: +44 (0)131 651 1746 | Email: cpd@ed.ac.uk | www.lifelong.ed.ac.uk

4-5 April 2006 - "Clothing@Work" Show
GMex, Manchester, UK
Contact: Brintex, UK | Tel: +44 0845 120 9602 | Fax:+ 44 (0)845 120 9612 | Email: j.fox@hgluk.com | www.clothingatwork.com

26-28 April 2006 - Disaster Preparedness & Business Continuity
Hyatt Regency Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Contact: Melissa Tashjian, ACIUS, USA | Tel: +1 866 369 5843 | Email: mtashjian@acius.net

28 April 2006 - ILO World Day of Health and Safety at Work 2006
World wide events
Contact: International Labour Office, Geneva, Switzerland | www.ilo.org

8/9-11 May 2006 - RoSPA Occupational Safety and Health at Work Congress 2006
Gallery Suites, NEC, Birmingham, UK
Contact: RoSPA Events, RoSPA Head Office, Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7ST, UK | Tel: +44 0870 777 2120 | Email: events@rospa.com | www.rospa.com

also IFSEC will be held at the same time in the NEC Birmingham contact CMP Information Ltd, Protection and Management Portfolio, 7th Floor Ludgate House, 245 Blackfriars Road, London SE1 9UY
Organised by Supported by Fire Solutions forms part of will return to the NEC, Birmingham
Please note 2007 dates from 21-24 May 2007. https://www.ifsecglobal.com/event/en/home.html
International Fire Expo NEC Birmingham

23 May 2006 - EurOhse2006 Masterclass Training of Business Continuity Management Teams
Royal National Hotel, Russell Square, London, UK
Contact: Angel Business Communications Ltd/Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd, Coventry, UK | Tel: +44 (0)1926 512424 | Email: jesse@angelbc.co.uk

24 May 2006 - EurOhse2006 Masterclass Training teams in emergency planning
Royal National Hotel, Russell Square, London, UK
Contact: Angel Business Communications Ltd/Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd, Coventry, UK | Tel: +44 (0)1926 512424 | Email: jesse@angelbc.co.uk

For continuous updating of events around the world see www.oshworld.com/diary.html

Minutes of the FIG (UK) Meeting on Friday 15 March 2006 held at Hawkins & Associates, Cambridge

Chair	Lis Riley Hawkins & Associates
Minutes:	Penny Morgan Iffi Ltd
Present:
Sheila Pantry	Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd
Penny Morgan	International Fire Consultants (IFC)
Sally Walsh	Dr Burgoyne & Partners LLP
Norman Simmonds	Fire Service Inspectorate (HMFSI - ODPM)
Jim Mann	ODPM
Gill Eddy	Hawkins & Associates
Dave Richardson	Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service
Helen Bird	IFE
Gail	London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA)
John Roy	IHS (formerly TI)

Apologies:

Pam Evans	Independent
Kay Helm	Fire Protection Association
Roger Berrett	Dr Roger Berrett
Tony Timmons	Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (FPD - ODPM)
Stephen Loyd	BSRIA Ltd
Amanda Collicutt	Fire Service College (FSC)
Nsekanji Pelekamoyo	LFEPA
Monique Barden	LFEPA
Nigel Herring	Casella Stanger
Jackie Green	Beds & Luton FRS
Brian Saville	West Yorks FCDA

1. Welcome and Apologies

Lis agreed to chair the meeting with Penny taking the minutes. Lis welcomed everyone to Hawkins and after a round the table introductions read out the list of apologies. Helen was particularly welcomed as a new member and Dave as a first time attendee.

2. Minutes of Last Meeting

The minutes of the meeting in September were agreed as a true record.

3. Matters Arising

Item 4 - Accounts. No report available so Lis will pursue matters outside the meeting. We need to know the balance and check signatories.

Item 9 Following the planned disbanding of the Fire Services Inspectorate a new development will be the setting up of the Office of the Fire & Rescue Service Advisor - this is still being worked on and will be announced on the ODPM website in due course. Jim Fitzpatrick remains as the Minister for fire matters. This led to some discussion and speculation amongst members present.

Action: Nsekanji/ Monique

4. Accounts

Members were concerned to learn that there was no funding available to allow a FSC representative to attend. Sally proposed that we raise funds by paying a subscription this year to subsidise the attendance of members with funding problems. This was seconded by Sheila. It was AGREED that the sub should be raised to £15 and that Monique should send out invoices to all current members.

Dave asked about the Constitution and role of the group. He was given a copy of the constitution and our role was explained with particular emphasis on lobbying on loss of library facilities and hosting international seminars etc.

Action: Nsekanji/ Monique

5. FIG UK input into the Research Event

Lis circulated pictures of the boards used at the research event. She reported some interest from attendees and the signing up of IFE. Costs requested for the next meeting. Gail had brought some of the FIG post-its for members to use and publicise the group.

Action: Nsekanji / Monique

Discussion ensued on FIG input into future events such as:

• Rospa/Expo May Mike Gale at FPA - Action: Sheila
• Wales Fire 9-10 May - Action: Helen, Helen
• Rasbash Lecture 15 June - Action: Helen
• IFE AGM 19-21 July
• Research Event in October at FSC

Sheila requested details of events from IFE for the FIG website

Action: Helen / Sheila

6. Fire and Research Statistics User Group

Sheila reported on the ODPM hosted meeting last week. Professor Gary Stevens of the Polymer Research Centre, Surrey gave a presentation which she hopes to circulate to members of FIG. He was looking at statistics from a legislative point of view using the Furniture Regs of 1988 as his starting point. He had looked at the benefits of countermeasures by examining data from the USA where they do not have the same legislation and have achieved similar results by manufacturers having their own set of standards so the number of fire deaths per 10,000 is now the same as the UK.

The Fire and Rescue Statistics User group had expressed concerns on the lack of fire issues in EC Directives so there is still a lobby to look at fire in the light of health and safety.

The new Fire Safety Order guides were discussed and are expected to be released in tranches from the end of May and should be downloadable. HSE has released a list of similarly titled documents (priced) that Jim suggested might be in support of the Special Premises responsibility remaining with HSE once the Fire Precautions Act goes. John keen to sort out this confusion for the Technical Index. Sheila will try and sort and inform members.

Action: Sheila

The Stats User Group website will no longer be hosted by ODPM, it is hoped to be taken on by CFOA. Sheila will keep FIG informed.

Action: Sheila

7. EurOhse 2006 Masterclasses

Sheila brought leaflets drawing attention to the workshops being run by Training and Business management Teams from the University of Coventry, Centre for Disaster Management. Dave pointed out that FRSs are starting to look at initiatives to keep businesses in business to reduce arson.

8. Round Table Discussion

Lis reported on the new office Hawkins is opening in the South-east and that they have two new recruits from Burgoyne's.

Gill said they are having problems getting information on Buncefield as HSE are not releasing any information although the local council has. This led to discussion on release of information where despite the Freedom of Information Act if the information adversely affects a core business it can be argued that it would be detrimental to release copies of (in this case) safety reports.

Gail told the members that LFEPA library is gearing up to moving to new premises in the Southwark Training Centre next year. This will mean that all HQ staff will be on the same site. They expect to be close to Reception. Monique is now Knowledge Manager and line manager for Gail and Nsekanji. Reference was made to the Electronic Document Records Management System (EDRMS) project to update operational and technical information.

Penny reported on a scoping study at IFC being done for ODPM on the effectiveness of operational intervention. One issue being that of duty of care of the whole service to exchange information even though individual FRSs may have information on near-misses which their legal departments do not want publicised.

Jim commented on the initiatives by the 21-person CPA team to replace the Fire Services Inspectorate that should address some of the issues likely to be raised by the study. Dave added that he is aware of greater emphasis on procedures and processes rather than what actually happens. He is most concerned about the changes in risk and the need for debriefing/lessons learned.

Sheila requested information updates for the FIG website. She has been contacted by Wendy in Berkshire who is ditching all her paper-based information and is going totally electronic where possible. Members suggested that FSC may be interested in retaining some of the information about to be discarded. Sally pointed out that many PDF files are date stamped and without a paper copy being held would be lost.

Sheila she had recently attended the Fire and Rescue Statistical User Group meeting and that there had been a very interesting talk from Professor Gary Stevens, University of Surrey, Polymer Research Centre on fire statistics. In response to a question from Norman on the role of the Emergency Planning College, Sheila said that the College had a very active programme on training on a variety of subjects. See https://www.epcresilience.com

On a different subject Sheila mentioned that she is updating her book on aggression, violence and stress in information services/libraries and was interested in a case studies that FIG Members may know. She also noted that a psychologist has recently reported that Information Workers/ Librarians are more stressed than train drivers travelling at 126mph. Lis and Gill admitted that they are known as the 'copyright police'.

Jim reported on a major project on command and control looking at forming 2 national teams - National Strategic Advisory Team and National Tactical Team; the latter concerned with Urban Search and Rescue, heavy pumping and other specialist areas. The teams will advise on bronze, silver and gold command levels. Competencies are being examined such as qualifications held and knowledge of technical matters. The project links into the Cabinet Office COBR(A) unit. Present team being expanded. International terminology is being brought in. Major review of all operational and technical guidance for FRSs under the National Framework now more-or-less abandoned. Dave argued that this is a problem of unrealistic tasks. Concerns re litigation with the new FRS Act 2004 documentation and the National Framework become legal documents; so if something is published which relates to the framework it the becomes a legal duty on the source to comply and if late the FRS is in breach. Sheila raised the role of the explanatory notes accompanying the new act - what is their legality? Consensus was that it will be up to the courts to decide.

Norman spoke about the Fire and Resilience directorates which have merged under Alan Evans last December and is where the new 'inspectorate' will be i.e. the Office of the Chief FRS Advisor (Cf Chief Medical Advisor).

John hopes to host a FIG meeting next year. With the recent office move he too had to dump a lot of stuff and was unsuccessful in passing it on to Africa as the International Book Fund low on money.

Helen started as IFE Professional Development Officer three months ago along with Professional Standards Officer and developmental Officer - also deal with IFSTA publications from the states. They too have just moved offices and no longer share with the FPA. They have a new website and would appreciate feedback - does have a link to FIG. She is involved with the Technical Strategy and Advisory Group (Penny a member of TSAG) and events.

Dave is keen on electronic information because he finds it easier to keep up-to-date and find. He is currently feeding information into Cambridgeshire

Premise and risk Database with the goal of display data in the cab of the fire appliance. Under the Fire Safety Order he will be liaising with Business Link to provide guidance to industry. Sheila asked if the public understand the changes i.e. no certification. Dave feels that it is more appropriate to revisit buildings rather than foster the false sense of security. It is more of a policing role and will be suing the Enforcement Concorde Act so there is no burden to business. He is using MOSAIN over the GIS system to map incidents. Teams of three staff identify the high risk elements in 12 wards in Cambridgeshire.

Amanda sent the following report:

Library & Information Resource Centre, Fire Service College

The Research Event dates can be found by following the link from the FSC website. The theme of the event will be confirmed later in the year. If anyone is interested in giving a paper of taking a stand at the poster event the details can also be found. www.fireservicecollege.ac.uk

LIRC staffing - we welcomed Caston Dube as Learner Services Manager so at last the restructure is substantially in place with a Learner Services team and Collections team to better reflect the services we offer. Memberships are slightly up this year. After several months of being unable to open in the evening, due to the staffing levels, we are open on Monday and Thursdays to 20.00. Please see the website for the latest opening hours, Easter closures etc.

I am working on medium and long term strategic plans for the LIRC and have had interesting talks with individual FRS stakeholders about their information needs and the place of LIRC in delivering them, digitisation etc. Electronic archiving of fire related documents is a topic which has come up several times. Should FIG UK be raising it's profile by hosting a seminar (maybe jointly with a government group?) to discuss the issues about preserving and accessing documents in the long term? I haven't heard from or about the VFRA initiative lately but they weren't looking at that aspect in their first phase.

The Fire Service College is still working on strategic plans for a Centre of Excellence and changing the direction of its training to concentrate on the incident ground market. However FRS leadership development is being extended in partnership with the other emergency planning colleges, CIPD and Chartered Manager programmes so the BCC level research may yet re-emerge in a new guise.

Various announcements are awaited from ODPM regarding the strategic plans. We are continuing as a trading fund in this next financial year.

I expect most of you are aware of the delayed RRO and latest date for implementation is 1 October 2006.

Marion Barnes is working hard on the first year of her PhD research into the information needs of fire service personnel.

Jim Fitzpatrick, the ODPM Minister with responsibility for Fire and Rescue will announce today at the LGA Fire Conference that he has asked ODPM and FSC to work together with the Local Government Association, (LGA), Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) and other stakeholders to develop detailed proposals for the Centre of Excellence (CoE).

As the LIRC is likely to be placed within this Centre, and work closely with the work done in it, we have a vested interest in becoming involved and following these developments very closely!

Stephen sent the following 'The advent of the RRO is going to require all Responsible Persons to conduct a Fire Risk Assessment of non-domestic premises from 2006. In the light of this we decided to revise the FRA for kitchen extract ventilation to help kitchen operators comply with their obligations.

The FPA agreed to fund the work under the INFireRes scheme, and the revision is due to be completed in March. The meeting I am attending on 15 March is to finalise production and distribution arrangements (paper/electronic). I have this week run a seminar for kichen operators to introduce the RRO and the FRA in particular. We may like to run more of these events in other areas to educate kitchen staff. I am looking to see if I can present a poster on the project at the RE06 event at Moreton this autumn.

9. Next Meeting

Wednesday 20 September 2006 at Casella Stangers to see their CBRN kit at their office on the South side of Southwark Bridge, London

Action: Nigel