fig leaves

The newsletter of the Fire Information Group UK (FIGUK)

www.figuk.org.uk

No. 35
September 2007

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 12 September 2007
Date of next meeting 12 March 2008
FIGUK Christmas Lunch, Monday, 3 December 2007 at 13.00

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

News items from around the world

Cancers and firemen - literature reviews

Occupational Health and Safety Research Institute (IRSST) published 4 reviews of the scientific literature concerning the risks of certain cancers' development and the fireman profession. The colorectal cancer, the leukaemia, the Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, the multiple myeloma, the cancer of respiratory system, oesophagus, stomach, pancreas, prostate, testicles and skin are the object of these reviews.

The documents can be downloaded free from: www.irsst.qc.ca/en/_projet_3368.html

Communication Division, IRSST | Tel: +1 (514) 288-1551 | Fax: +1 (514) 288-0998 | mautom@irsst.qc.ca

Work Involving Varied Tasks - An Ergonomic Process for MSD Prevention

Occupational Health and Safety Institute (IRSST) published a new guide: Work Involving Varied Tasks - An Ergonomic Process for MSD Prevention.

Long-cycle varied tasks might cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The IRSST's guide allows such situations to be studied using an ergonomic analysis process, presents the context of application of this process, explains each of the steps in the work analysis, and proposes that companies assess their intervention.

The guide is intended for ergonomists responsible for work analysis. It can also be used by business and healthcare network stakeholders and by decision-makers who might be involved in an intervention.

Each stage of the analysis process is described in one of the sections of Chapter 2. At the beginning of each of these sections, a synoptic table of the stage is proposed, including the goals pursued, the action plan and the know-how. The explanations regarding the process are organized according to the goals pursued in each stage. The attainment of these goals depends on implementation of the proposed action plan. However, to materialize the action plan and assist in its implementation, the guide provide ergonomists with know-how arising from IRSST's experience in companies. Egonomists can adapt this know-how to the context of their own interventions to obtain the expected results.

The know-how is presented in boxes, beginning with the tools specific to the process, which were validated during the research projects. In the body of the text, these tools also serve as illustrations of how they can be used. Their complete versions are found in the "Tools" section at the end of the document. The know-how is also presented in less formal guises, such as lists of criteria to assist in decision-making, quick references, questions and examples derived from our practice.

The guide can be downloaded free from: www.irsst.qc.ca/files/documents/pubIRSST/RG-483.pdf

Communication Division, IRSST | Tel: +1 (514) 288-1551 | Fax: +1 (514) 288-0998 | mautom@irsst.qc.ca

Formaldehyde and Pathology Laboratory - New prevention fact sheet

Occupational Health and Safety Research Institute (IRSST) published a new fact sheet on formaldehyde. This new publication which continues the Institute's research work on the risks associated with formaldehyde exposure and on the means of prevention to be implemented.

The fact sheet is divided into four sections that address health risks and effects, emission sources and hazardous tasks, improvement measures, and personal protective equipment.

The document can be downloaded free from: www.irsst.qc.ca/files/documents/PubIRSST/RG3-473.pdf

Communication Division, IRSST | Tel: +1 (514) 288-1551 | Fax: +1 (514) 288-0998 | mautom@irsst.qc.ca

Circa Trust

The CIRCA Trust at Kimmins Mill, Meadow Lane, Dudbridge, Stroud, UK contact John Keenan Tel: 079 6622 7575. Their mission is to rescue any construction related libraries (and furniture).

Stephen Loyd, BSRIA Limited, Old Bracknell Lane West, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 7AH, UK | Tel: +44 (0)1344 465600 | www.bsria.co.uk

Fire Safety Week 2007: 'Check your smoke alarm...!'

This year Fire Safety Week runs from 14- 21 November. Supported by the Fire Protection Association, its activities are arranged and run by fire brigades up and down the country.

The theme for 2007 is 'Check your smoke alarm...!' This can be adapted to convey the message you want, for instance:

Check your smoke alarm...! Check your battery!
Check your smoke alarm...! Is it positioned correctly?
Check your smoke alarm...! Press the test button every week!

First held in 1975, and run every year since then, Fire Safety Week gives brigades, and other interested organisations, an opportunity to collaborate in addressing the fire safety problems which particularly affect their communities.

Local brigades plan a programme of events, usually organised to tackle a different theme of their choosing on each day of the week. There may be days devoted to, for example, fire safety in the kitchen, your escape plan in the event of a fire, or the correct positioning of smoke alarms in the home.

For further information on Fire Safety Week, including promotional literature requests and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Dominic Louks on 10608 812513 email dlouks@thefpa.co.uk

The Fire Protection Association London Road, Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 0RH | Tel: +44 (0)1608 812 500 | Fax: +44 (0)1608 812 501 | Email: fpa@thefpa.co.uk | www.thefpa.co.uk

European Week: campaign on MSDs

The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work is devoting its 2007 annual information campaign to the prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs).

The European campaign on MSDs - Lighten the load - seeks to promote an integrated management approach to tackle musculoskeletal problems, embracing both the prevention of MSDs and the retention, rehabilitation and reintegration of workers who already suffer from MSDs by:

Taking forward European action on MSDs initiated by the first European Week for Safety and Health at Work in 2000.
Extending the scope of campaign activities in terms of themes covered, and
Involving all 27 Member States , candidate countries and EFTA/EEA (European Free Trade Association/European Economic Area) countries in the campaigning activities.

Lighten the load is a decentralised campaign co-ordinated and supported at the European level by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, with implementation by Member States through a network of national Focal Points.

The European Agency produces and distributes information and promotional materials including leaflets, posters and factsheets in the EU22 languages with more information on the multilingual campaign website including an Information Pack, Ideas for action, quizzes, animations and the latest Napo animated film.

National Focal Point organise and promote national activities throughout Europe.

Organisations and individuals are encouraged to get involved, organise their own events and activities, and help reduce the number of work-related MSDs.

The Lighten the load campaign is targeted primarily at the workplace level and at those involved in the implementation of OSH measures:

Employers
Workers and their representatives
Safety representatives and OSH practitioners
OSH prevention and insurance services, and
Others providing assistance and information at workplace level

A key activity at the European level is the organisation of the Good Practice Awards. These recognise companies and organisations that have made outstanding contributions to preventing and tackling MSDs, and rehabilitating and reintegrating employees with MSDs into the workplace.

In addition, European organisations are encouraged to become European Partners in the campaign, and everyone is invited to let the Agency know what actions they have taken after the European Week in October through a simple online questionnaire.

The campaign was launched officially on 4 June 2007, and the European Week will be held from 22 and 26 October 2007 (week 43) with a closing event in March 2008. All current information on the campaign is available at: http://ew2007.osha.europa.eu.

More information on MSDs is available at MSDs Single Entry Point: http://osha.europa.eu/topics/msds.

Drowning in information - yet thirsty for knowledge?

How long are you going to live before you find that vital piece of authoritative and validated OSH information? Do you believe the myth that it is "all there on the Internet and Free"

Sadly, many people believe that ALL occupational safety and health (OSH) information is available on the Internet and free. This is just not true... even the UK Health and Safety Executive does not published all its guidance and advice on the web.

Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd. publish a number of health, safety, environment and fire electronic services that contain authoritative and validated information from well-known organisations around the world such as the Health and Safety Executive, European Agency for Health and Safety at Work, ILO Health and Safety Centre, Geneva, US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Fire Service College and UK Forensic Science Service.

These services are regularly updated, contain both full text and bibliographic information have been transferred onto new, easy-to-use software and host platform. All services are available for a 15-day free trial.

The following services are long-established and are used worldwide by a wide variety of individuals, consultancies, organisations, universities, researchers and lecturers:

Fireinf (previously Fire, Emergency and Preparedness)
OSH UPDATE
IRISH OSH UPDATE (includes content of OSH Ireland)

Prices are really competitive when compared to other worldwide services!

Contact Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd. for 15 day FREE trials for all services that are cost effective. Why pay more for information? Go to www.sheilapantry.com/interest.html.

How would your organisation cope in a crisis? Find out with a new online assessment tool

The threat of terror and natural disaster should be a concern to UK organizations of every size and sector. But faced with such disruption, how many have a Business Continuity Management (BCM) system in place which will allow operation to continue throughout a crisis, meet moral and social responsibilities and satisfy stakeholders? A new online assessment tool, developed by BSI British Standards, and sponsored by Marsh, a leading insurance broker and risk advisor, will allow organizations to determine the adequacy of existing plans and develop confidence in their BCM strategies.

Business Continuity Assessment Online uses 191 questions and multiple choice answers covering each aspect of the British Standard BS 25999-1 Business Continuity Management Code of Practice, to find out where organizations are doing well and what improvements can be made.

Responses to questions such as 'Is the importance and value of business continuity management understood and appreciated at the organization's highest level?' are used to suggest actions, which are ranked high, medium and low, helping to determine priorities. The tool contains an enhanced help option which gives guidance on interpreting the questions and explains what the answer options deliver in practice.

Completion of the online assessment will help an organization develop a comprehensive understanding of the principles of Business Continuity Management and the component parts of BS 25999-1. Users will develop an appreciation of continuity planning and better understand how to develop, implement and manage Business Continuity plans. Business Continuity Assessment Online will identify areas of improvement and add value to businesses.

Mike Low, Director of BSI British Standards, said, "The Business Continuity Assessment tool will help organizations understand how to prepare a business continuity plan in a simple yet effective framework and will give added value to their business by enabling them to demonstrate improved risk management."

The tool is aimed both at SMEs and listed companies looking for a cost-effective means of preparing a Business Continuity plan and understanding the capability of companies in their supply chain.

BS 25999-2 will be published later this year and independent assessment will be available after publication of part 2 of this standard.

For a demonstration and more information visit www.bsigroup.com/templates/FourTabContent.aspx?id=150099

Business Continuity Assessment Online starts at £225 + VAT. This price entitles one user (one user id and password) to unlimited use of BS 25999 Business Continuity assessment tool for one year within an organization. To order please contact: Telephone: +44 (0)20 8996 7555 | Email: productsupport@bsi-global.com

Fire safety evacuation: your obligations

Free CPD accredited Seminar which all building managers should attend.

Following the success of the seminar 'Fire safety for Deaf and hard of hearing people: the law and the solutions' Deaf Alerter plc have expanded the seminar to include other communication systems that can be used in a building evacuation of disabled people.

This seminar offers best-practice guidance on the various legislative duties to provide fire safety and evacuation for disabled people. Building operators face significant problems communicating with deaf and hard of hearing people to inform them of an evacuation and also with physically disabled people when they have been placed in a temporary safe haven or refuge area.

The seminar identifies the problems, legal responsibilities and the technical solutions that are available to ensure that a building provides an equally safe environment for both able bodied and disabled people. There were huge legislative changes which came into force in 2006; the Regulatory Reform Order and the Disability Equality Duty part of the 2005 DDA amendments.

Steve Haseldine, Managing Director of Deaf Alerter plc commented "Over 4000 delegates have attended the previous seminar and feedback has always been extremely positive. We are continually refreshing the seminar contents to incorporate any relevant changes in legislation. After 3 years presenting the seminar we also decided to include for evacuation systems for physically disabled people in addition to solutions for Deaf and hard of hearing people; this will hopefully encourage a wider audience to learn about their responsibilities"

To secure a free place please visit https://cpduk.co.uk or contact cpd@deaf-alerter.com

Contact: Joanne Kusinski, Deaf Alerter plc | Tel: 01332 363981 | Fax: 01332 293267 | Email: Marketing@deaf-alerter.com.

Integral's one-stop portfolio widens to provide complete fire protection solution

Integral, Britain's biggest independent supplier of maintenance services, has expanded its recently-launched fire prevention division to provide fire equipment maintenance and fire extinguisher supply and servicing.

Integral's Fire Division operates out of the company's 15 regional offices, providing customers with a 24 hour, 365 day cover anywhere on the UK mainland.

The company's fire division was established to provide additional core services to Integral's national 'one-stop-shop' outsourcing solution for buildings maintenance.

The dedicated team of fire professionals provide comprehensive site surveys, supply, servicing and installation of extinguishers and signage in addition to many types of fire protection equipment. They also offer training and provide documented regulatory compliance for customers.

To back this expansion, Integral has joined with National UK manufacturer, Jactone, to develop its own range of uniquely Integral branded fire extinguishers.

These extinguishers are designed to a particularly high specification, carry CE, BAFE, and Kite marks - and feature an innovative colour coding on valve handles and bases for improved operator identification and safety.

"Integral now offers a complete fire protection solution for both new and existing clients," says Carl Redfern, National Operations Manager, Integral Fire Division.

"We have a highly skilled team of professionals and are fully equipped to support our customers 24 hours a day across the country, whatever their fire protection needs.

"Our expansion and partnership with Jactone marks the next step towards our goal of becoming one of the UK's leading providers in the fire protection industry."

Integral's fire division has recruited Paul Bennett to lead the fire equipment and service team. With more than 26 years of fire-industry experience, Paul has worked as a trainer, a skilled technician, and has run his own fire prevention business.

"This is an exciting time to join Integral's Fire Division, and I look forward to using my experience to develop the business," adds Paul Bennett.

The team will also be providing maintenance and servicing for Draeger PA90 series breathing apparatus, including the Draeger Positive Pressure Saver Set.

www.integral.co.uk

The new FPA guide, Essentials of Fire Risk Management, is a must have for all those who have responsibility for the protection of people and property

Essentials of Fire Safety Management is the latest addition to the FPA's range of publications. Printed in full colour, it provides expert guidance to help businesses understand the implications of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and to achieve compliance through effective fire safety management.

The Fire Safety Order places a requirement on the 'responsible person' for the premises (normally the employer) to make an assessment of the fire risks in their premises and to manage and minimise these risks.

Essentials of Fire Safety Management provides expert guidance and advice on a wide range of fire safety management topics and is an invaluable reference source for anyone with responsibility for the protection of people and property from fire.

Divided into two sections, Section 1 focuses on management issues such as: fire risk assessment; fire safety arrangements; training and safety information; and business security and resilience. Section 2 covers issues relating to the building itself, such as: compartmentation; fire doors; fire-resisting glazing; fire warning and detection systems; emergency routes and exits; emergency lighting and fire safety signage; and firefighting and emergency response.

Essentials of Fire Safety Management costs £29.95 for FPA members and £34.95 for non-members.

For more information on Essentials of Fire Safety Management and the FPA's full range of Fire Safety Order guidance documents and to purchase a copy from the FPA's webshop: www.thefpa.co.uk/shop

Diary of Events

9-13 December 2007 - Fire Department Instructor's Conference FDIC 2007
Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Contact: +44 1992 656 657 | www.fdic.com

11-2 March 2008 - Firex South
Sandown Exhibition Centre, Esher, Surrey, UK
Contact: www.firexroadshows.co.uk

21-22 October 2008 - Firex North
Harrogate Conference Centre, Harrogate, Yorkshire UK
Contact: www.firexroadshows.co.uk

16-18 April 2008 - Disaster Management 2008: An endeavour to combat disaster
Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India
Contact: Services International, New Delhi, India | Tel: 91 11450 55561/64 | Email: info@servintonline.com | www.dmindiaexpo.com

Abbreviated Minutes of the FIGUK meeting on 12 September 2007, held at the Fire Service College, Moreton-in-Marsh.

Chair:: Sheila Pantry (Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd)
Minutes:: Jen Bakewell (Fire Service College)
Present:: Jen Bakewell (Fire Service College); Dr Roger Berrett, (Roger Berret Associates); Nigel Herring (Bureau Veritas); Barbara Kay (FPA); Stephen Loyd (BSRIA); Michelle McHugh (LFEPA); Julia Mason (Fire Service College); Sheila Pantry (Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd); Gail Parlane (LFEPA); Wendy Ross (Royal Berkshire FRS); John Roy (IHS); Gail Savage (IFE); Colin Simpson (FireNet & Kingfell PLC)
Apologies:: Marion Barnes (Fire Service College); Amanda Collicutt (Fire Service College); Penny Morgan; Anna Canning (DCLG/DfT); Jackie Green (Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service); Helen Griffiths (Institution of Fire Engineers); Brian Saville, (West Yorkshire Fire Service); Jack Sullivan (Valiant); Sally Walsh (JH Burgoyne & Partners)

The meeting welcomed Jen Bakewell, Julia Mason, Barbara Kay, Michelle McHugh and Gail Savage who were all new to FIGUK. Colin Simpson, a new life honorary member was also welcomed.

Matters Arising

The Fire Inspectorate Information Service has been suspended but access to some of the information is held by Matthew Shore of Fire & Resilience Directorate, Communities and Local Government, 9/G9 Eland House, Bressenden Place, London SW1E 5DU, UK | Tel: 020 7944 6858 | Fax: 020 7944 8319 | Email: matthew.shore@communities.gsi.gov.uk | www.communities.gov.uk

More new recruits for FIGUK sought

Remaining FIGUK Post-it notes to be distributed to attendees

Lis Riley of Hawkins & Associates has left and is happy in her new role. A vote and letter of thanks for all her hard work in contributing to FIGUK was suggested and decided upon. Jo Impy has taken over from Lis temporarily.

Sheila Pantry asked all members to make any necessary amendments to FIGUK membership directory which is available on the www.FIGUK.org.uk web site.

Accounts

The account statement was circulated by Gail Parlaine. Reminders have been sent out via email to those who have not yet paid the £15 p.a. membership fee.

The group were saddened to hear that Gail Parlaine will be leaving LFEPA and FIGUK and she will no longer be able to manage the FIGUK accounts. She proposed that Michelle McHugh, LFEPA take over as membership secretary and that Michelle and Jen Bakewell replace Gail and Lis Riley on the bank mandate. This was seconded by John Roy.

Gail said that some years, if the budget was healthy, the membership fee was waived. Sheila Pantry asked the group to consider what else FIGUK may wish to use money for.

Round Table

Various pieces of information from members:

Stephen Loyd of BSRIA talked about fire risks associated with kitchen extractors in commercial premises such as hotels. He was investigating if they are likely to become classed as local exhaust ventilation systems (LEVs) by the HSE and therefore be covered by a legal requirement to have them cleaned every 14 months. See Health and Safety Executive HSG24 Maintenance, examination and testing of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV). HSE Books 1998 ISBN 978 07176 1485 1 GBP8.50 and also Health and Safety Executive HSG37 An introduction to local exhaust ventilation. HSE Books 1993 ISBN 0 11 882134 2 GBP 4.50

Currently kitchen extractors are referred to in FPA publication RC44. There is a big issue of fire safety in hotel kitchens where many fires have been started in kitchens and been amplified by fat deposits in extractors. It was felt that they should be covered by mandatory guidance from the HSE to require a qualified cleaning company to service extractors within set time limits.

The group discussed well known hotel fires and there was a feeling that information about fire safety is not reaching some property owners. The importance of organisations like the FPA getting publicity into hospitality trade journals or to Environmental Health officers in local government was highlighted.

Steven also talked about the BSRIA information service and mentioned that he was happy to lend and/or copy items to other FIGUK libraries and information centres. Main topics in their collection are sprinklers, alarms, dampers, duct work - i.e. fire prevention through electrical/mechanical means rather than firefighting.

Jen Bakewell and Julia Mason of the Fire Service College Library talked about the review of the Library and IT Suite that was currently being carried out within the FSC. A steering group, led by Mark Mason, Director of Policy, Corporate Support and Communication and comprised of staff from around the college were considering issues such as the library opening hours, combining the IT Suite and the Library and future of the Library under the plans for the FSC to become a 'Centre of Excellence.' This review was progressing well and a decision had been made to open the Library longer hours - 7am to 11pm - possibly from January 2008 to improve access for students. The Library would be staffed during 8.30am to 5.30pm and students would be able to self-issue items out-of-hours. Library staff felt that this was a positive development for the Library which mirrored similar libraries in Higher and Further Education.

The Library participated in the college's very successful Open Day and had many members of the public visiting the unique collection. The first phase of the new Heritage Centre was launched on the Open Day by Historian and Honorary Archivist, Michael Kernan. Amanda Collicutt is working on a new college project and Jen Bakewell has become Acting Library Manager. Julia Mason is the new Customer Services Librarian.

Wendy Ross of Royal Berkshire FRS is spending time training members of her FRS on IT systems. Her increased workload has enabled her to employ an assistant who will support the Library as well as the IT side of their role. Wendy hopes to revamp the Library catalogue. There are a number of historical documents that need cataloguing.

Stephen Loyd mentioned that the CIRCA Trust at Kimmins Mill, Meadow Lane, Dudbridge, Stroud contact - John Keenan 079 6622 7575. CIRCA Trust mission is to rescue any construction related libraries (and furniture). Concern was expressed by some members of the group over loosing access to historic information or information that is only available electronically.

Colin Simpson of FireNet explained that although FireNet was still independent he was now also part of Kingfell, a consultancy firm who are fire, risk and crisis control specialists. Paul Bryant, author of PAS 911 Fire Strategies is their CEO. Colin suggested FIGUK might like to hold the next meeting at Kingfell headquarters and see their fire evacuation modelling tools. FireNet is being updated when time allows due to the voluntary nature of the project. An important area of this will be putting on consolidated versions of legislation.

Dr Roger Berrett of Roger Berrett Associates drew our attention to the journal of the IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators). There is now a UK chapter of the IAAI with over 300 members and Roger is part of their committee. He also mentioned the publication Fire Investigation in Commercial Kitchen System, by Phil Ackland. Phil Ackland's website is available at www.philackland.com. Roger talked about the ENSFI (European Network of Forensic Science Institutes) and their specialist working group on explosives. A manual for first responders is being prepared.

Roger also mentioned his involvement with the Forensic Science Society which is moving towards offering a Diploma in Fire Investigation that will be of a higher academic level that the current CRFP accreditation. Roger has recently been to Bahrain to run a Fire Investigation workshop at a 3 day conference there.

Barbara Kay from the FPA updated us with the following information:

Publications update

New publications during 2007

Essentials of fire safety management (book)
Guide to fire safety signs, 4th edition (book)
Fire risk management in retail premises (book)
Fire safety in order (DVD)
Alarm signalling using the internet protocol: Part 2: Considerations for insurers (guidance document)
Security fog devices (guidance document)
RC3 Part 2: Loss prevention in electronic equipment installations. Security protection (document in 'Recommendations' series)
RC3 Part 6: Loss prevention in electronic equipment installations. Protection against electrical disturbances (document in 'Recommendations' series)
RC43: Control of fire and explosion hazards associated with the storage, handling and use of oxidising materials (document in 'Recommendations' series)

Publications in progress

Fire risk management in offices (book, due mid-October)
Fire risk management in industrial premises (book, due mid-October)
Update of The prevention and control of arson (book)
Updating of the FPA Design guide for the fire protection of buildings is continuing on an ongoing basis - it is being revised and published as a series of documents

Recommendations documents are also in progress on the following subject areas:

Hot work (review)
Fire safety in saunas
Acetylene fire hazard management
Fire safety in the manufacture of biodiesel fuel
The management and maintenance of fire alarm and detection systems (for end users)
Fire risk minimisation guide - with FIPG
Plus many more!

Fire Prevention & Fire Engineers Journal update

A supplement, produced in conjunction with the Passive Fire Protection Federation, is planned for October.

Rupert Gilbey, Editor of Fire Prevention & Fire Engineers Journal, requested that a message be passed to the FIGUK group to say that the journal team is always looking for new articles and information to publish in the journal. Newsletters, academic papers and even articles published in non-rival journals are of interest - these could be reproduced in full or a summary provided. Rupert is also happy to consider exchanging information or articles, again providing this is with a non-rival publication. Rupert's e-mail address is rgilbey@thefpa.co.uk and his direct line is 01608 812 518.

The journal is distributed to a very wide range of fire professionals, such as fire engineers, fire safety managers, insurers, fire service personnel, specifiers and purchasers, and building professionals such as architects.

Fire statistics

The FPA publishes fire statistics based on information provided on a voluntary basis by insurers and fire and rescue services. The FPA has recently undertaken a large drive to encourage insurers and fire and rescue services to provide much more information so that the FPA can offer more complete statistical data.

Exhibitions update

2007

The Fire Summit 2007 will take place on 14 November at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London. The theme of the event is 'the economic, environmental and societal effects of fire'. A distinguished line-up of speakers will include Pamela Castle OBE, Chair of the Business & Community Safety Forum; Steve McGuirk, President of the Chief Fire Officers Association; and the Rt Hon Nick Raynsford, MP. The broadcaster and journalist, Jon Snow, will be the guest speaker at the event.

Leaflets giving further information about the event are available from the FPA and the FPA are happy to provide copies for members of the FIGUK UK group to distribute - please contact the FPA if you would like to take advantage of this. A pdf of the leaflet will also be e-mailed by Barbara Kay to Sheila Pantry for forwarding as appropriate.

2008

The Fire & Rescue Conference and Exhibition will take place at the new Arena and Convention Centre, Liverpool from 27-29 August 2008 (the Conference will be held on 27 and 28 August.) The event will take place alongside the World Firefighter Games - over 5,000 firefighters from around the world are expected to attend to participate in the events.

There will be two CMPi Firex Roadshows - the first at Sandown Park on 11-12 March and the second at Harrogate on 21-22 October. These events provide manufacturers with opportunities to meet their customers on a much smaller and more local scale.

Gail Savage has just joined the IFE and talked about what they offer. They are the professional body of the FRS and have chapters in the UK, US and Canada. They offer grants for research and award prizes to Fire Engineering graduates. They can award CPD points for events.

John Roy talked about the work he does at IHS - putting fire and environmental health information into their H&S database. He mentioned that he felt recent changes to government websites has made them more accessible to public but led to less functionality for information professionals.

Gail Palaine and Michelle McHugh from LFEPA talked about the change of management at London Fire. Michelle is talking over the Library Manager role from Gail.

Nigel Herring of Bureau Veritas talked about the Interflam 07 conference where he had attended an excellent workshop by Vytenis Babrauskas. His book The Ignition Handbook was recommended as a key source which draws together research from around the world about this subject.

Sheila Pantry of Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd talked about her new publication, Managing Stress and Conflict in Libraries published by Facet Publishing / CILIP see www.sheilapantry.com/books.

Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd worldwide collection of fire information previously published as Fire Worldwide now has a new search engine and platform, and has in 2007 become FireINF see www.fireinf.com.

FireInf, arguably the world largest collection of fire information is continuously updated and now has over 265,500 records relating to documents dating back to 1800s. The full text area of FireINF is growing at great speed.

A complementary collection OSH UPDATE contains 17 databases from worldwide authoritative sources and has over 800,000 records and full text documents see www.oshupdate.com for details. Free 15 day trials are available see www.sheilapantry.com/interest.html

Thanks from the group to the FSC for hosting the meeting.

Date of next meeting

11.00 am on Wednesday, 12 March 2008 at Kingfell, Waterloo, London