fig leaves

The newsletter of the Fire Information Group UK (FIG UK)

www.figuk.org.uk

No. 41
September 2010

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 September 2010
• Dates of next meetings

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

News items from around the world

British Library's 2020 Vision launched 17 September 2010

Dame Lynne Brindley, CEO, The British Library announces 10-year vision for the UK national library.

www.bl.uk/2020vision

Invitation to participate in fires seminar series follow-on survey

Four FIRES seminars on the effects of moorland and heathland wildfires and prescribed fires on ecosystem services were held in the UK during 2008-2009, www.fires-seminars.org.uk.

The series was funded jointly by ESRC and NERC.

A policy brief has been produced. It summarises the key messages from the series, policy recommendations and knowledge gaps: www.fires-seminars.org.uk/downloads/FIRES_Policy_Brief_final.pdf

Dr Anna Gilchrist, School of Environment and Development .University of Manchester and the team would like to know what you think about these recommendations. Please take 10 minutes to complete their on-line survey.

They are keen to hear from anyone who has views on UK vegetation fires. It is not necessary to be involved in fire management or policy-making, or to have attended the FIRES seminars. Di Gilchrist welcomes responses from as wide a range of stakeholders as possible. Please feel free to forward it to other interested parties.

The survey closes on 15 October 2010. Responses are individual and anonymous. However, if you choose to provide your contact details we will enter you into the prize draw for a £25 book token. Further information can be found on the introductory page of the survey. If you have any queries please contact anna.gilchrist@manchester.ac.uk

Go to the survey: www.surveymonkey.com/s/XPWSYQN

Thank you for your time.

Dr Anna Gilchrist
School of Environment and Development
University of Manchester

BRE Fire research archive being digitally preserved at the University of Edinburgh ... More news

Marian Bodian, BRE confirms the following:

Just to clarify what this archive actually contains. It is the non-FRS document collection of the former Fire Research Station (FRS) library. It is not the FRS document archive describing the research carried out at FRS.

The contents of the boxes sent to Edinburgh are the publications/documents on fire subjects from organisations world-wide. It includes research reports from fire research organisations world-wide, government publications, legislation.

There are no plans at present to digitise the FRS document archive, which remains here at BRE, Garston.

The Fire Research Notes are available in PDF format and are available on request on the IAFSS site www.iafss.org/publications/frn/info

For those subscribers to FIREINF www.fireinf.com ALL the Fire Research Notes are contained in this collection in the LPC Risk Sciences Archive and link to the full text documents.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Marian

Marian Bodian (Mrs)
Information Services Adviser
BRE Global Marketing Department
For and on behalf of BRE Global Limited

BRE Global Limited, Bucknalls Lane, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD25 9XX | Tel: +44 (0)1923 664153 | Fax: +44 (0)1923 664910 | Email: bodianm@bre.co.uk | https://bregroup.com

SCI to project manage research in to understanding Buncefield type explosions

The UK Steel Construction Institute (SCI) is to project manage a joint industry research project to improve the understanding of explosion mechanisms such as might have been at play in the 2005 Buncefield incident, which resulted in tremendous damage to the outlying area.

Detailed analysis from earlier work supports the proposition that the surrounding site boundary vegetation accelerated the flame which caused part of the vapour cloud to detonate, but there were also other novel mechanisms considered.

The new research, which includes large and medium scale tests as well as analytical work, will focus on the following aspects, most of which remain outside the capabilities of modelling tools:

• flammable cloud development following large losses of primary containment,
• the characteristics of explosions involving large flat flammable clouds
• the interaction of such explosions with vegetation.
• the likelihood of more novel mechanisms.

The results of this study will to lead to the development of practical industry guidance on the propensity of various hydrocarbons to develop flammable vapour clouds and a better understanding of explosion mechanisms when such clouds are ignited. The study will also provide data that can be used in the development and validation of predictive assessment tools.

This research, which started at the beginning of July 2010 is expected to take around 2 years to complete. It is being sponsored by The Health and Safety Executive, Petrobras, BP, Total, Shell and Statoil. Other companies interested in sponsoring this project should contact Dr Bassam Burgan at The Steel Construction Institute on: +44 (0)1344 6265625.

New SATRA-certified firefighter's suit trialled

A special suit designed for firefighters attending incidents by motorcycle has been tested and certified by SATRA. Designed by Bradford-based Universal Carbon Fibres Limited (UCF), this protective garment meets both EN 13595 part 1 (a motorcycle standard) and the firefighters' clothing standard EN 469, and is thought to be the first suit ever produced that meets both requirements.

During a two-and-a-half year design project, UCF explored a wide variety of fabric, membrane and thermal barrier combinations before arriving at what was considered to be the optimum selection. Said to resist flame and heat transfer, it passed the necessary levels of resistance to penetration by liquid chemicals, including petrol. This fabric is reported to have high levels of resistance to abrasion, tears, impact, cuts and impact energy absorption.

The thermal barrier inside the suit also has a level of fire resistance and provides additional heat resistance. The lining material had to pass a 'flame spread test' and offer moisture management abilities.

Once the motorcycle firefighter's suit had passed the necessary standards, wear trials were organised. The Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service agreed to provide two riders with BMW RT1200 bikes in order to attend small fires for a six-month period.

Although motorcycles have been used by fire services in such places as Denmark, Hong Kong, Italy, Sweden and Turkey for several years, this is the first time they have been introduced to operational duty in the UK. These two new motorcycles are fitted with two 25 litre water tanks and a 30 metre hose reel and lance nozzle which delivers water and foam. According to the Merseyside force, so-called 'anti-social behaviour fires' in bins and waste skips account for over 60 per cent of the total fire call-outs. Until now, a fire engine with a full crew was dispatched to such incidents, resulting in a fully-equipped unit being tied up until the minor fire was extinguished and the unit could return to duty.

Having complied with these standards, UCF can apply a CE mark to the garment, a necessary step prior to marketing it in Europe.

www.satra.co.uk

UK Legislation

The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 No. 2205

• SI 2010/2205 - Web Version (HTML)
• SI 2010/2205 - Print Version (PDF - 49 kb)
• SI 2010/2205 - Explanatory Memorandum (PDF - 47 kb)

BAFSA publications

Over the last five or six years BAFSA - British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association has increased its output of information, both for its members and for the sprinkler and fire protection audiences generally. In doing so it pursues one of its primary objectives, to provide authoritative information on the benefits of sprinkler systems and how sprinklers can play a significant role in saving life and property from the devastating effects of fire. That information comes in a number of broad categories and the following is an up to date account of what is available.

1. BAFSA Information File (BIFs)

BIFs are a set of moderately short A4 documents which cover a range of sprinkler topics, some premises-related and others on technical subjects. All are written in plain English, presented and illustrated appropriately, to inform the non-expert audience.

A complete list of titles follows (see Table 1), and any BIF can be downloaded from https://www.bafsa.org.uk/bafsa-publications. Free single copies of any BIF will be provided on request to members and fire brigade officers. Others may request copies which will be provided where the intended use falls within BASA's aims and objectives. Multiple copies for use at conferences and seminars will also be provided free of charge to members and fire brigades subject to availability. BAFSA also has available a looseleaf binder in which BIFs can be filed - enquiries to Ely head office, please.

Table 1. List of BAFSA Information Files

BIF No.	Title	Issue Date
1	Schools (issue 3)	November-06
2	Dwellings (issue 2)	May-04
3	Heritage buildings and sprinklers	Mar-02
4	Retail premises	June-03
5	Warehouses	June-03
6	Frequently asked sprinkler questions	November-05
7	Hotels	July-08
8A	Flexible connections	November-07
8B	Pumps and pumphouses	November-08
8C	Sprinkler heads	May-10
8D	Use of CPVC pipe	November-07
8E	Steel tube and fittings for sprinklers	May-10
8F	Water storage	March-10
9	Water mist	May-09
11	Sprinklers and the Fire and Rescue Service	June-08
13	Sprinklers and water supplies	November-08
14	Care homes	October-07
15	Types of sprinkler systems	November-08
16B	Sprinkler system maintenance to BS EN 12845	November-08
17	Hospitals and health care premises	November-08

2. Code of Practice: Sprinklers in Schools

This Code of Practice has been drawn up jointly by BAFSA, Zurich Municipal Insurance and Royal & Sun Alliance in association with the National Fire Sprinkler Network, in the wider public interest. It is intended to ensure that where sprinkler systems are designed and installed in schools and related occupancies these systems will provide an optimum level of protection should a fire occur. The Code of Practice specifically takes into account the higher risks of and from deliberate fires in such premises. It contains a helpful list of definitions of terms included in the Code in relation to the supply of water - these have been amended to conform to the terminology in use by the water industry. Its Appendix A is a list of suggested contractual procedures prior to installation of a sprinkler system.

3. BAFSA Technical Guidance Note No. 1: Residential sprinklers

Entitled The design and installation of residential and domestic sprinkler systems, this is BAFSA's first Technical Guidance Note in what is planned to be a series of such documents. TG1 covers issues arising from installers' practical experience of designing and installing residential and domestic sprinkler systems using BS 9251: 2005. As with other BAFSA publications, a complimentary of TG1 has been sent to each member. Copies are available (up to five) at no cost for fire and rescue services and building control departments. The document can be downloaded from the BAFSA website (https://www.bafsa.org.uk/bafsa-publications).

4. Sprinklers for Safety: an Arup Report

The primary purpose of this book is to aid an informed decision-making process concerning the benefits of incorporating sprinklers within a particular design. It is the successor to an earlier document, Uses and benefits of sprinklers, also prepared by the fire engineering division of Ove Arup for BAFSA. It provides evidence to aid those professionals involved with decisions about the incorporation of sprinklers in different building types/designs. In particular, the document reviews the application of sprinklers in the context of the Building Regulations and proposes examples of the use of sprinklers as a means of alternative compliance ('trade-offs') with Approved Document B (2006) which lists this book as a reference source.

An electronic version of the publication can be downloaded via https://www.bafsa.org.uk/bafsa-publications

Paper copies can be ordered from BAFSA info@bafsa.org.uk with single copies priced at £25 including UK post and packing. Copies are free to BAFSA members.

5. Sprinklers for Safer Living

This 2010 report from BAFSA - another commissioned from Arup Fire - describes the unique fire prevention challenges which are posed by residential care homes, particularly with respect to the elderly and infirm people who live in them. It shows why an automatic sprinkler installation is considered by the fire safety community to be the single most effective fire protection feature in such premises. This volume is required reference for those who have a stake in assessing fire risks and planning fire prevention in the design, construction or management of residential care homes. Paper copies can be ordered from BAFSA (info@bafsa.org.uk) with single copies priced at £25 including UK post and packing. Copies are free to BAFSA members.

6. DVD: Sprinklers for Safety: Detect - Respond - Control

Just like automatic fire sprinklers this BAFSA DVD is multi-functional, its aim being to appeal selectively to a range of audiences and for a variety of educational purposes. For the general audience the DVD will describe the overall benefits of fire sprinkler protection, stressing its combined functions of detecting, alerting, suppressing, controlling and possibly extinguishing fires. For potential commercial/industrial end users it will highlight the wider benefits of sprinklers in promoting the resilience of an organisation by protecting the business and its assets against fire. For specifiers, developers or planners it will stress the practical implications of a sprinkler installation in protecting against the hazard levels which may emerge from the pre-design risk assessment. BAFSA members will have received a free copy of the DVD.

7. DVD: Sprinklers for Safer Living in Residential and Domestic Premises

This DVD promotes the suitability of sprinklers to cope with the types of fires which are likely to occur in places where people live. It emphasises the efficiency and success rate of sprinkler systems and demonstrates their application in a range of premises, including: dwellings; houses in multiple occupation; social housing; residential care homes; and heritage buildings. It will be of particular interest to designers who are coming new to the concept of using sprinklers in domestic or residential premises.

8. Electronic newsletter: Sprinkler Focus

Issued twice a year, Sprinkler Focus serves to keep BAFSA members abreast of a wide range of sprinkler-related topics. It reports on technical issues, including UK and international Standards, it deals with current affairs which have a sprinkler interest (such as legislation and government initiatives). It reports on sprinkler stops and also on major fires where sprinklers might have made a difference had they been present. All BAFSA members are recipients of the e-letter, and it can be made available to any interested party by application to info@bafsa.org.uk

9. Other available publications

Visitors to the BAFSA website www.bafsa.org.uk, by clicking on 'Publications', can access other documents. The heading 'Guidelines & Codes of Practice' leads to a section which contains third-party codes of practice, all of which are available in the market, free of charge. These can be downloaded, printed and can be used as web references. It is also worth exploring the other subheadings to look at various third-party reports, some technical in character, which are lodged on the website for the benefit of members.

FIA announces publication of Factfile on Environmental Guidance

The Fire Industry Association (FIA), the trade association that promotes the standards of the UK fire industry through close liaison and lobbying with Government, official bodies and other key organisations, has announced the availability of a legislative overview on environmental guidance.

The FIA's Factfile No: 36, is a recent document in a series of guidelines published by the association, gives a summary of current European legislation on environmental issues - and the UK statutes that enact it. Most importantly, it shows how these laws now affect fire protection companies in the UK. (UK legislation applies to England and Wales only. Different legislation applies in Scotland and Northern Ireland.)

European environmental laws are generally grouped by specific issues such as: climate change (ODS, F-Gas); sustainable development, (energy-using products, CPD/CPR); integrated pollution prevention and control (waste management, air pollution, water protection and management, soil protection); and chemical products (RoHS, REACH). The FIA's Factfile No: 36 examines each of these areas and highlights the relevant legislative instruments and their requirements that impact on fire protection companies. It looks not only at European directives and regulations, but also at the UK-enacting legislation. For instance, concerns over the first group - climate change - affect fire protection companies in two main areas: ozone-depleting substances and greenhouse gases.

FIA's Factfile No: 36 details European Regulation (EC) No. 1005/2009 along with the UK's Ozone-Depleting Substances (Qualifications) Regulations 2009. The latter replaces earlier UK regulations and sets out the minimum qualifications necessary for personnel involved in decommissioning Halon systems (or maintaining critical systems still utilising Halon) in the UK. The Factfile also covers The Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulations 2009 (SI 261-2009), which seeks to limit the further emissions of HCFCs. The FIA's publication shows the requirements for training and certification of companies and technicians involved with these 'F-Gases' - along with the penalties for non-compliance in the England and Wales.

Informing members and the market about the latest legislation and how it affects them is one of the main objectives of the not-for-profit association. The FIA also communicates and promotes best practice and other useful information out into the public domain. It provides technical knowledge and advice on fire safety and provides training courses to members and non-members alike on the latest technical and legislative topics.

Fact Files

Further details: Beverley Bane, FIA, Thames House, 29 Thames Street, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 1PH | Tel: 020 8549 8839 | Fax: 020 8547 1564 | E-mail: info@fia.uk.com | Website: www.fia.uk.com

Other new Fact Files are:

• Fact File 37 - CE Marking under the Construction Products Directive and the proposed Construction Products Regulations
• Fact File 38 - Guidance on the end user's responsibilities to organise good Planned Preventative Maintenance, as required under the CFOA Policy on False Alarm Management

DCLG issues new FRS Bulletin series instead of Fire Service Circulars

The bulletins inform the Fire and Rescue Service that Communities and Local Government Fire and Resilience Directorate will no longer be issuing Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) Circulars. They are being replaced by FRS Bulletins to streamline communication with you so that it is more efficient and focused.

New Process

There will be two different types of Bulletin:

• Fire and Rescue Service Monthly Bulletin
• Fire and Rescue Service RED/Immediate Bulletin

The Fire and Rescue Service Monthly Bulletin will be issued at the start of each month (first Monday of each month). It will include a cover page which will identify what is included within the Bulletin.

Fire and Rescue Service RED Immediate Bulletins may be sent any time during the month. This would be information which needs to be communicated to the Service at short notice and cannot wait for the next Monthly Bulletin. For example operational/safety critical issues; time critical financial announcements and updates or upcoming Ministerial announcements/speeches.

See https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-communities-and-local-government/series/fire-and-rescue-bulletins

For details:

• No. 1/2010 - August 2010: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-and-rescue-bulletin-1-2010
• No. 2/2010 - September 2010 has just been issued: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-and-rescue-bulletin-2-2010

BRE Publications

Sprinkler systems for fire protection of commercial and industrial buildings (Downloadable version)

Author

Louise Jackman

Date of publication

30 July 2010

Price

£18.80

BRE Stock code

325544

ISBN

978-1-84806-144-6

Abstract

Automatic sprinklers have been used in commercial and industrial buildings for over 150 years. Sprinklers stop a small, unexpected fire from escalating into a large, uncontrolled fire. Historically, sprinklers have proved successful at reducing the cost of fires for building owners and/or occupiers and insurers. This Digest summarises the key information needed by business managers/operators, specifiers, users, insurers and approving authorities to select, design and maintain sprinkler systems.

www.brebookshop.com/details.jsp?id=325544

Landmark Shropshire court case on fire safety alarms

Magistrates have ordered a hotel manager to pay fines and costs totalling £5,355 in the first court case of its kind brought by Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service after the fire alarm failed to go off in the premises.

Nine residents were staying at the Plume of Feathers at Harley, near Shrewsbury, in the early hours of 27 July 2009 when the wife of the hotel manager opened the bedroom door to find smoke in the corridor, said a senior fire officer.

Vikki Martin tried to raise the alarm by breaking the "break glass" call points but the fire alarm failed to operate. Her husband Michael and other members of staff had to knock on bedroom doors to wake guests.

"Any premises that provide sleeping accommodation are seen as a high life risk and life safety systems such as fire alarms should be maintained in working order," said Area Manager John Das-Gupta, responsible for Prevention and Protection, as he warned Shropshire businesses that they must take responsibility for fire safety in business premises.

He said that although the premises were fitted with a full automatic fire alarm and fire detection system, it had not been adequately tested by the manager and the alarm failed to operate and raise the sleeping occupants.

Mr. Martin pleaded guilty at Shrewsbury Magistrates Court on September 17 to an offence under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. It was a landmark case for Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.

"As a service we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of public safety and as such if we identify any premises which are in contravention of the legislation, we will take action. This could result in prosecution," said John Das-Gupta.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, which is the enforcing authority, has run a series of seminars for county firms, including hotels and B & Bs, over the past few years to educate owners and managers about their legal responsibilities for fire safety at their premises.

Despite difficult economic times it was important for businesses to safeguard people using their premises and not to "put aside" their statutory responsibilities. Appropriate fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers, evacuation plans mixed with regular fire drills and employee training were essential in all business premises, he said.

Companies in the county have been urged to contact Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service if they need any information on how to compile a fire risk assessment and comply with the Fire Safety Order. Fire safety guidance books for businesses are available.

Tina Street of Telford & Wrekin Council Legal Department prosecuted for Shropshire & Wrekin Fire Authority and Mr Lafferty of Elliot Bridgeman Solicitors defended for Mr. Martin.

The magistrates considered the evidence, taking account of Mr. Martin's guilty plea. He was fined £3,300 for the one offence under the Order and charged costs of £2,040 totalling £5355

For more information please contact John Das-Gupta at Shrewsbury fire HQ on 01743 260200 or Martin Huckle - Station Manager, Building Regulations & Planning, Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service, Fire Safety Department, Building 2, Hafren House, Welshpool Road, Shelton, Shrewsbury SY3 8BB. Telephone: 01743 260262 / 260260 Mobile: 07791 453495 Email: martin.huckle@shropshirefire.gov.uk

CFOA calls for urgent review of building regulations

The Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) is calling for an urgent review of the building regulations in relation to external fire spread from fires involving construction sites. This follows significant fires involving large timber framed buildings under construction in Peckham, Camberwell and Basingstoke, all of which resulted in fire damage to adjacent buildings.

To quote the association: "Large timber framed buildings under construction pose a significant risk to firefighters, construction workers and members of the public. The use of timber frame as a method of construction, together with other innovative construction products and techniques has increased markedly in recent years as an alternative to traditional building construction methods."

The latest fire involving a timber framed building occurred on September 10 in a four storey complex under construction in Basingstoke in Hampshire. CFOA Vice President, CFO Peter Holland said: "But for the tenacity and heroic efforts of fire crews responding from Hampshire, Surrey and Royal Berkshire Fire and rescue services, the consequences of this fire would have been much worse. Managers of building sites need to ensure their security arrangements are robust to reduce the risk of fires being started."

Communities and Local Government is commissioning research into firefighting in timber framed buildings, and also fire spread within and beyond such buildings. CFOA is calling for this research to be accelerated and the findings published as a matter of urgency.

Croner Hawksmere 6th Annual Health and Safety Conference, Thursday, 9 December 2010 Central London

Why you should attend this conference

Now in its sixth year, this extremely popular conference will take a very close look at the major health and safety topics for 2011 and help you move ahead to face the health and safety challenges in your organisation in these austere times. It will give guidance and advice on what will constitute a successful occupational safety and health year in 2011.

This practical one-day conference will help delegates in their everyday work in their organisations. The eminent speakers will highlight the priorities and essential topics that should be on the delegates' 2011 Health and Safety Agenda.

In these austere times occupational health and safety standards must be maintained.

This conference will help you to:

• Identify the key workplace health and safety topics for 2011
• Understand the aims and objectives of the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) new Strategy Be part of the Solution, including workforce involvement in safety and health
• Turn your own strategy into a successful action programme

Benefits of attending

The aims of this very practical 2011 conference will help you to:

• Identify the key workplace health and safety topics for 2011
• Keep up-to-date with recent health, safety and environment legislation
• Understand the aims and objectives of the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) new Strategy Be part of the Solution, including workforce involvement in safety and health
• Achieve zero levels of accidents and ill-health
• Expand your horizons with Safety Groups UK; Raise individual awareness on occupational health in the workplace - life after sick notes; WISH - Worker Involvement in Safety and Health; Learning from disasters ; Encouraging a health and safety positive culture ; and learn what happens when companies and individuals get caught up in the legal process!
• Turn your own strategy into a successful action programme
• Network with individuals from other organisations and also to benchmark your own organisations' achievements, and
• Give you the opportunity to talk to and ask questions of the expert speakers

Who should attend?

All Occupational Safety and Health Directors and Managers aiming to be as up-to-date as possible as they begin their work in 2011

• Representatives from organisations wishing to benchmark their own practices against other leading organisations
• Senior level Managers and Directors who need to be aware about their health and safety responsibilities and the consequences of non-compliance
• Financial Directors who need to be aware of the costs of ignoring occupational safety and health
• Health, Safety and Facilities Managers looking to update and improve their own knowledge and skills base on what is changing in health, safety, professional capabilities, latest legislation and trends
• Senior Employee Representatives

Conference programme organised by Sheila Pantry OBE who will be chairing the conference.

For full details see www.hawksmere.co.uk/hsconference

Diary of Events

11-15 October 2010 - Fire Dynamics and Modelling
University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
Contact: University of Leeds | Tel: +44 (0)113 343 2494/8104 | Email: cpd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk | http://www.engineering.leeds.ac.uk/short-courses/fire-engineering/fire-dynamics-and-modelling

15-19 November 2010 - Fire Safety Design
University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
Contact: University of Leeds | Tel: +44 (0)113 343 2494/8104 | Email: cpd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk | http://www.engineering.leeds.ac.uk/short-courses/fire-engineering/fire-safety-design

17 November 2010 - Annual Conference: Fire-Related Research and Developments (Re10)
Fire Service College, Moreton-in-Marsh, UK
Contact: https://www.eventsforce.net/ife/re10/home

22-28 November 2010 - Road Safety Week
Contact: Brake, PO Box 548, Huddersfield HD1 2XZ UK | Tel: +44 (0)1484 559909 | Fax: +44 (0)1484 559983 | Email: brake@brake.org.uk | www.roadsafetyweek.org

24-25 November 2010 - Emergency Services Show
Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, UK
Contact www.ess2010.com

9 December 2010 - Croner Hawksmere 6th Annual Health and Safety Conference
London, UK
Contact www.hawksmere.co.uk/hsconference

13-16 March 2011 - Protex Event (Fire, Safety and Protection)
Jeddah Centre for Forums & Events, Saudi Arabia
Contact: www.protex-arabia.com

18-23 March 2012 - 30th International Congress on Occupational Health
Monterrey, Mexico
Contact: Bob Orford MD, ICOH National Secretary for USA, International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH) | www.icohweb.org | www.icohcongress2012.org

21-26 March 2011 - Fire Department Instructors Conference
Indian Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, USA
Contact: www.fdic.com

Abbreviated Minutes of the FIGUK Meeting held on Wednesday, 15 September 2010 held at the Imperial Hotel, Russell Square, London

Present:

Sheila Pantry, Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd

Penny Morgan, International Fire Consultants (IFC)

Elizabeth Delaney, BSRIA Ltd

Sally Walsh, Dr Burgoyne & Partners LLP

Michele McHugh, London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA)

Julia Mason, Fire Service College (FSC)

Ceris Bergen, Fire Service College (FSC)

Paula McCrudden, Hawkins and Associates

David Wales, Kent FRS

Alyson Warner, CLG

Ian Jerome, London Metropolitan University

Apologies:

Roger Berrett, Dr Roger Berrett Associates

Jane Thurgood, Fire Protection Association

David Lane, Lane, Jeffries and Associates

Anna Canning, CLG

Nigel Herring, Bureau Veritas

Jack Sullivan, Valiant Fire Protection

Marian Bodian, BRE Ltd

Jackie Green, Beds & Luton FRS

Lauren Paines, Barbour Health and Safety

Claire Sinclair, BSRIA Ltd

Sheila welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced Louise Doolan, Reference Services Manager, British Library (BL). Having a BL speaker to talk on BL's fire and fire related holdings and what BL could do to help FIGUK Members' information needs had resulted from Sheila contacting the Dame Lynne Brindley, CEO of BL (as agreed at the last FIGUK meeting).

Louise Doolan outlined the work of BL and how her staff could assist FIGUK with our need to access archive material e.g. relevant legislation at the time of build, tracking of contemporary material to a particular fire incident, and a wide range of electronic services. BL holds 14 million books, 920,000 journal and newspaper titles including fire and fire related journals, 58 million patents, 3 million sound recordings, and being a copyright deposit library has so much more. Of interest to FIGUK Members is the availability of British Standards Online service. Up to 10% of a standard can be printed at standard reading room copy charges. Contact the Enquiry Desk if you want to print pages from a standard.

We were each handed a brochure containing details of how to make contact with BL. An initial 30 minute search is free of charge but there are charges for longer searches which are informed to the enquirer beforehand. There are photocopy charges of 21 p per page.

Go to http://explore.bl.uk/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do and search for your favourite items! Put in Fire Research Note in the search box!

Louise's presentation

See also BL web site www.bl.uk for full details of journal holdings, reports, databases and search and inquiry services.

Business meeting

1. Apologies

See above for those absent.

2. Minutes of the Special Meeting held in May 2010

These were accepted.

It was AGREED to only provide brief minutes in future, and that Members should email into Sheila Pantry any points they talked under the Round Table part of the meeting to ensure all the details were fully noted.

3. Matters arising

None

4. Accounts

These were circulated By Sally. She pointed out that we need to increase the fee to £20.00 per annum to cover the cost of room hire and food.
This was AGREED to start with the new financial year from 1 January 2011.

5. Membership

If Members know of any potential new members - please make contact with them.

6. Round Table discussion

Burgoyne Management Ltd

Sally Walsh reported that the project on the customization of new software for Client and Case management is ongoing.

BSRIA Ltd

Elizabeth Delaney reports the following:

BSRIA has produced the BSRIA Annual Review 2009/10 - copies of which are freely downloadable from www.bsria.co.uk/about. If anyone would like a hard copy please contact Elizabeth.

Also on BSRIA's website there are details of BSRIA's newest publications:

• Commissioning water systems: Application principles.
• Structural fixings for ductwork systems.
• Floor void airtightness.
• Illustrated guide to mechanical cooling.

Also produced recently is the latest update on Building Services Legislation, available to purchase on CD ROM. Training courses are also bookable via BSRIA website for a number of subjects.

Coming soon: The Commissioning job book, our Blue Book, and a new edition of Rules of Thumb. Details will be up on BSRIA website as soon as is practicable.

The library is only available to members of BSRIA, but we do hold a quite a large stock of fire related publications, and whilst we could not lend anything, if there is anything that FIGUK members think we can help with, please give us a call. We do hold quite a lot of older material (previous editions of British Standards, some manufacturers catalogues for example), and some of it is of a wider subject interest than one might think of as building services.

A membership review has been carried out this year, and the results currently being analysed. One of the things put in place already to improve information delivery is a bi-monthly email from Information Services here at BSRIA for members. There is also an E-news that goes out, one edition for members and one for non-members. I can add FIGUK members to the listing if they are not members of BSRIA, and would like to receive this. I shall begin adding names today, but if after receiving one or two, FIG members find they are no longer required, there is a prompt given for them to be discontinued.

Fire Service College LIRC

Julia Mason reported that their staffing has been affected by the Governments recruitment freeze and as a consequence a further business case will have to be approved to fill the 3rd post in the library, despite this having been agreed as an established post back in February 2010.

Julia will be presenting a potential product idea for a National Online Fire Information product to the FSC Strategic stakeholder board in October this year. This group consists of representatives from CFOA, LGA, CFRA, CLG and key FSC staff. The group was brought together to help the College respond to the collective long term needs of the Fire & Rescue Services and to enable the FRS to gain full benefit from the college as its national resource.

Hawkins

Paula McCrudden reported that Hawkins are running in-house training on white goods fires, tumble driers and fridge freezers so far. The Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Electric Appliances (AMDEA) also very helpful in this project.

Kent FRS

David Wales informed that his team has been joined by a researcher who will look at human behaviour issues initially relating to domestic fires. This will be applied research with a university mentor to undertake peer review and guidance.

CFOA are convening a meeting to establish a strategic steering group for Fire Investigation which David is attending on behalf of the South East Region and will report back to FIG with the outcome.

The South East Fire Investigation Group (SEFIG) met recently with David having taken over as Chair. The group is made up of 9 member Fire and Rescue services from the South East with London and DFRMO (MOD) also attending. Good progress has been made in terms of sharing and harmonising practices and sharing data.

London Fire Brigade

Michele McHugh stated that on the 7th September 2010 London Fire Brigade had launched "Kitchen Safety Week" a campaign targeting the different groups of people who are most at risk or most likely to experience a cooking related fire.

In addition an advertising campaign will also run targeting young high achievers - a group who account for approximately 25% of all kitchen fires.

Firefighters had recently taken part in an exercise to evacuate horses.

London Metropolitan University

Ian Jerome is now a member of USHA - University Safety & Health Association; 40-50 members meet regularly, current discussion topic is evacuation of the disabled as British Standards not really applicable. He will be contacting BL. He noted that as students are paying customers and that libraries are valued. Metropolitan University has access to BSs and via the ATHENS service.

Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd

Sheila Pantry reported that the electronic information services FIREINF www.fireinf.com and OSH UPDATE www.oshupdate.com that her company has produced for many years are continuing to rapidly expand in worldwide content - especially in the number of full text documents.

FIREINF with 17 databases in the collection currently has over 533,500 records and 33,208 full text documents, whilst OSH UPDATE with 19 databases in the collection contains over 807,000 records and around 60,000 full text documents.

Arguably, both services are more customer "purse" friendly than any other such services in the marketplace.

Both services available for 15 day free trial any time - contact www.sheilapantry.com/interest.html

Sheila noted that the electronic service FIREINF www.fireinf.com contains many documents and records on wildland fires which is starting to be a major topic area in the UK as well as worldwide.

In FIREINF there are links to over 33,000 full text documents e.g. UK and European legislation, the Fire Protection Association publications including INFIRES / Risk Authority reports, Health and Safety Executive publications, Communities and Local Government fire guidance and advice and also Fire Research Notes to name but a few!

AOB

Date for Christmas lunch, Thursday, 2 December 2010 at Denise's Restaurant, Southampton Row, Russell Square, London.

Provisional date for next meeting is Wednesday 9 March 2011 starting at 1.00 pm at Burgoynes, London. Note later starting time to enable Members to travel cost-effectively.

Meeting closed at 3 pm.