fig leaves

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

www.figuk.org.uk

No. 46
May 2013

Edited by Sheila Pantry, OBE
Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd
www.sheilapantry.com

This Newsletter contains:

• News from around the World
• Diary of Events
• Summary of the FIG UK Meeting held on 24 April 2013
• Dates of Next Meetings

FIG UK website www.figuk.org.uk ... please help to promote FIG UK whenever you can ... Make a link from your website

News items from around the world

Celebrating 25th Anniversary of the Fire Information Group UK (FIG UK)
Seminar – “Mind the Gap in Fire Information”

Wednesday, 19 June 2013 – starting at 13.15

Location

Imperial Hotel, Tudor Room, Russell Square, London

Agenda

12.30 – 13.15	Registration
13.15 – 13.20	Introduction by Chair Sheila Pantry OBE
13.20 – 13.40	“Mind the Gap” – Setting the scene – FIG UK and fire information worldwide Sheila Pantry OBE
13.40 – 14.05	FRSUG – Fire Statistics User Group Kirsty Bosley, Chair FRSUG What it is and what it does and the links
14.05 – 14.30	Fire safety information requirements of firefighters Dave Sibert, Fire Brigades Union Fire Safety Advisor
14.30 – 15.00	Fire research into practice Dr James Glockling, Technical Director Fire Protection Association
15.00 – 15.15	Break
15.15 – 15.40	All-Party Parliamentary Fire Safety & Rescue Group Secretary Jim Fitzpatrick MP What it is and what it does
15.40 – 16.05	Fire investigation and training and information needs Dr Roger Berrett
16.05 – 16.30	What happens after a disaster? Dr Chris Foster, Burgoynes What are the stages – where does information and statistics come in?
16.30	Q&A Summing up – Chair

Refreshments and Networking

Bookings are coming in fast – but there are still some places available – but hurry!

To book a free of charge place or for any further information contact:

Sheila Pantry OBE BA FCLIP | Tel: +44 (0) 1909 771024 | Email: sp@sheilapantry.com

The Queen announces support for asbestos victims

Legislation will be introduced to ensure sufferers of the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma receive compensation where no liable employer or insurer can be traced was been announced in the Queen’s Speech on 8 May 2013.

As well as introducing the Mesothelioma Bill, the Speech – which marked the official opening of the UK Parliament (8 May 2013) – formally announced the Government’s plans to exempt the self-employed from health and safety law, in situations where their work poses no potential risk of harm to others.

The Mesothelioma Bill aims to establish a payment scheme for mesothelioma sufferers whose employer, or employers’ liability insurance company, cannot be traced. Details of the scheme, which will be funded by a levy on insurers, were originally announced in July 2012, following an intractable period of negotiation between the Government, insurers and claimant lawyers.

Around 3500 mesothelioma victims across the UK, who are unable to claim compensation because they cannot trace a liable employer, or employers’ liability insurer, will be eligible to receive around £355 m in payments in the first 10 years of the scheme, which is set to be operational in July 2014.

A streamlined claims process should mean that where there is a traced employer or insurer, compensation is paid within three months, and three to five months in cases where no such party can be identified. The Ministry of Justice will be consulting on these plans later in the year.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) is also seeking to build an online portal for mesothelioma sufferers to register claims, so that all relevant information can be held in one place.

Anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma from 25 July 2012 would be eligible to make a claim. Payments would be in addition to the £200 m the insurance industry already pays each year in compensating mesothelioma sufferers.

A technical committee will also be established to decide disputes about whether a particular employer maintained insurance at the time of the person’s exposure to asbestos, and provide for those decisions to be binding.

The plans failed to impress construction union UCATT, which accused the Government of being in the pocket of the insurance industry and pointed out that victims of asbestos-related lung cancer and other fatal conditions who cannot trace their insurer will receive no compensation whatsoever.

According to UCATT, the scheme will not assess individual cases and there will be banded payments based solely on the age of the victim. The union’s general secretary, Steve Murphy, said: “This watered-down scheme, which denies compensation to many victims and slashes compensation to those who qualify, demonstrates that the Conservatives are in the pocket of the insurance industry.”

The Queen’s Speech also outlined a Deregulation Bill, which aims to reduce or remove burdens on businesses, public bodies and individuals to spur growth in the economy.

Among its wide-ranging proposals, the Bill will exempt the self-employed from health and safety law, in situations where their work activities do not put others at risk. The proposal was originally identified by Professor Löfstedt in his 2011 review of health and safety legislation.

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady commented: “Taking the protection of health and safety laws away from some of the UK’s many self-employed workers – who are more than twice as likely as employees to be killed at work – will not help businesses, nor grow our economy one bit.

“It’s a recipe for confusion, as many people will now be unsure about their rights and responsibilities. The result is likely to be an increase in workplace accidents.”

“Exemption sends the wrong messages to the self-employed,” added IOSH head of policy and public affairs Richard Jones. “It implies that sensibly managing health and safety is unnecessary, or dispensable for certain groups – whereas, it actually helps support productivity and businesses to survive.”

But the British Chamber of Commerce said the change would help increase business confidence. Its director-general, John Longworth, said: “Business welcomes the Government’s efforts to deregulate and remove needless red tape that prevents companies of all sizes from growing, innovating, and creating employment.

“Proposals around employment and health and safety law must be implemented without delay to increase business confidence, and allow firms to focus on growth.”

Queen’s Speech: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/197434/Queens-Speech-2013.pdf

Controlling the risk from static electricity – DVD training tool – 2nd Edition

Energy Institute (EI), 2013, ISBN: 9780852936429

Static electricity is a phenomenon most of us will have experienced. In industrial environments, where flammable atmospheres are present, it can have devastating effects. To complement Energy Institute (EI) Model code of safe practice Part 21: Guidelines for the control of hazards arising from static electricity, the EI has also produced Controlling the risk from static electricity, a DVD training tool, which communicates key concepts around static charge generation and the control measures in place within the petroleum industry to reduce static electric ignition risk.

This 12 minute video explains what static electricity is, how static electric charge can be generated and what can be done to control it. It has been developed to explain key fuels storage and handling principles in a practical, non-technical way, for a wide ranging audience across the petroleum industry.

The video will add value to any site induction materials, tool box talks, training courses and other initiatives where static electricity will be discussed, and is relevant to refinery, distribution terminal, onshore pipeline, road tanker and filling station operations.

https://publishing.energyinst.org/topics/electrical-safety/controlling-the-risk-from-static-electricity-dvd-training-tool

Ten care home fires a week prompts London Fire Brigade sprinklers call

New figures released by London Fire Brigade reveal that there are more than ten fires a week in the capital’s care homes and sheltered accommodation.

Fire chiefs say the shocking statistics serve as a stark reminder as to why sprinklers should be installed in this type of accommodation and demonstrate why reducing the number of fires in care homes and sheltered housing is a priority for the Brigade.

At the moment, the Brigade believes that the vast majority of care homes and sheltered accommodation in the capital are not fitted with these potentially life saving devices.

Last year (2012/13) saw 540 fires in care homes and sheltered accommodation – the majority housing older people – with two people dying and 26 people injured as a result.

London Fire Brigade Deputy Commissioner Rita Dexter said: “Older people, as well as people with mental health problems and those with mobility issues, are the group most at risk from fire and we are concerned by the number of vulnerable people like this who are still harmed or killed by fire in places where they should be safe.

“That’s why we want to see all residential care homes fitted with sprinklers. The number and regularity of care home fires that the Brigade attends is clear evidence that builders, developers, local authorities and private providers need to stop ignoring their benefits.”

The latest figures from the Care Quality Commission show there are around 900 care homes for older people or older people and other vulnerable groups in London.

The Brigade believes that sprinklers are a potentially life saving tool that can be effective in stopping fires from spreading and putting them out quickly. By doing this they can also help reduce the numbers of deaths and injuries from fire, particularly in buildings occupied by people with reduced mobility. They also reduce the risks to firefighters.

In Scotland there is already a requirement within Building Standards for all new build residential care buildings to have sprinkler systems installed and London Fire Brigade believes there should be the same level of protection in London.

London Fire Brigade’s Draft Fifth London Safety Plan, which sets out how the Brigade will work over the next three years, includes a target to reduce fires in care homes and sheltered housing by three per cent by March 2016. It also includes a commitment to campaign and promote opportunities for councils and housing providers to provide sprinklers as a cost effective way of saving property and protecting the lives of residents most at risk from fire.

The table below shows the number of care home and sheltered accommodation fires in London and the resulting fire related injuries and deaths over the last five years.

Year	Incidents	Fire deaths	Fire-related injuries
2008/09	541	3	52
2009/10	500	4	33
2010/11	477	4	40
2011/12	476	1	47
2012/13*	540	2	26

*preliminary data

About the Draft Fifth London Safety Plan

Consultation on the Draft Fifth London Safety Plan began on Monday 4 March 2013 and is set to end on Monday 17 June 2013.
Members of the public can take part in the consultation at www.london-fire.gov.uk/lsp5.asp, or by calling 0800 9888 569, by writing to the London Fire Brigade at 169 Union Street, London, SE1 0LL.

Public meetings are being held which cover every London borough. Members of the public are invited to attend the meetings to hear about the proposals and have their say. Details of the meetings can be found on the London Fire Brigade’s website: www.london-fire.gov.uk

The draft Plan outlines a wide range of policies and measures which are intended to improve the safety of Londoners.

New fire related DVDs

Focused Training Sessions: Forging a Culture of Safety

Anthony Avillo, Pennwell Books, April 2013, ISBN 9781593703141

Firefighters spend 99% of their time away from the fireground. Yet the actions, discipline, and leadership demonstrated in this “soft environment” drive the results in what presenter Chief Anthony Avillo calls “the hard environment.” In this classroom session, Avillo examines the preparation, attitude, and philosophical approach needed to be successful in the fire service, as well as the operational and organizational skills critical for working in the stressful environment of the fireground. This course looks at the importance of setting expectations, providing a proper example, and developing conflict-resolution skills.

Chief Avillo guides his students to ask the important questions:

• What kind of officer am I or will I become?
• What is the nature of my department?
• Am I an officer who looks out for my subordinates?
• Do I practice what I preach?

Running time 115 Minutes

https://fireengineeringbooks.com/focused-training-sessions-forging-a-culture-of-safety-dvd

Fire Streams

Aaron Fields, Pennwell Books, April 2013, ISBN: 9781593703011

In this DVD, Aaron Fields discusses the various fire stream options available to today’s firefighters and how to properly use them to effectively, efficiently, and safely operate during fire attack. Firefighter Fields illustrates the variables that occur on the fireground such as water flow, air flow, temperature, and the changing pressure dynamic when water converts to steam. To safely and quickly mitigate a bread-and-butter fire, it is important that today’s firefighters understand how to change the dynamic on the fireground. This dynamic is directly related to their selection and use of fire streams.

Running time 31 minutes

https://fireengineeringbooks.com/bread-butter-operations-fire-streams-dvd

Ground ladders

Mike Ciampo, Pennwell Books, January 2013, ISBN 9781593703028

Mike Ciampo walks us through the proper use of ground ladders on the fireground and illustrates commonsense approaches to quickly and safely place and adjust ground ladders, and various leg lock techniques to use while working on ground ladders. He highlights unconventional ways to use ground ladders to help rescue a firefighter as well as make the job safer, easier and more efficient.

Running time 33 minutes

https://fireengineeringbooks.com/bread-butter-operations-ground-ladders-dvd

OSHWORLD: Portal to fire, health, safety, chemical authoritative sources

Don’t re-invent the wheel ... learn from others

OSHWORLD contains news, articles, events and links for the Fire, Health, Safety, and Environment community worldwide. It was established in 1996 and is continuously updated. Free of charge!

Diary of Events

12-15 May 2013 – 14th International Symposium on Loss Prevention and Safety Promotion in the Process Industry
Florence, Italy
Contact: www.aidic.it/lp2013

13-16 May 2013 – Firex International
NEC, Birmingham, UK
Contact: www.firex.co.uk

13-16 May 2013 – IFSEC
NEC, Birmingham, UK
Contact: https://www.ifsecglobal.com/event/en/home.html

14-16 May 2013 – Safety and Health Expo
NEC, Birmingham, UK
Contact: www.safety-health-expo.co.uk

16 May 2013 – The Electrical Safety Council 3rd Product Safety Conference
Church House, Westminster, London, UK
Contact: Siobhan Doyle | Email: siobhan.doyle@esc.org.uk | http://www.esc.org.uk/industry/product-safety/product-safety-conference/product-safety-conference-2013

22-23 May 2013 – EUSAS UK Conference: Fire Detection in Challenging Environments
Garston, UK
Contact: pmundy@xtralis.com | www.eusas.org

30 May 2013 – RISCAuthority Seminar 2013
Manchester, UK
Contact: ccheal@thefpa.co.uk

13 June 2013 – The Buncefield Explosion Mechanism Phase 2
London, UK
Contact: Lis Oliver, FABIG | Email: fabig@steel-sci.com | www.fabig.com/events

13 June 2013 – Webcast Event – The Buncefield Explosion Mechanism Phase 2
Live meeting over the internet
Contact: Lis Oliver, FABIG | Email: fabig@steel-sci.com | www.fabig.com/events

18 June 2013 – Managing Fire Safety in Timber Framed Buildings
London, UK
Contact: Fire Protection Association | Tel: +44 (0)1608 812 534 | training@thefpa.co.uk | www.thefpa.co.uk

19 June 2013 – Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of The Fire Information Group (FIG UK) Seminar – “Mind the Gap in Fire Information”
THIS SEMINAR IS FREE OF CHARGE
Imperial Hotel, Russell Square, London, UK
Contact: Sheila Pantry OBE (To book a free of charge place) | Tel: +44 (0)1909 771024 | Email: sp@sheilapantry.com | Full programme: www.figuk.org.uk/conferences/2013

19-23 June 2013 – New England Fire, Rescue, & EMS Conference
Springfield, MA, USA
Contact: www.iafc.org

20 June 2013 – NASHiCS (National Association for Safety and Health in Care Services) Learning and Development Forum
Concorde Centre, Manchester Airport, Manchester, UK
Contact: Sarah Byrne, Mosaic Events | Tel: 0845 6434 812 | Email: sarah@mosaicevents.co.uk | Full details: www.cvent.com/events/nashics-national-learning-development-forum-event/event-summary-2d105b7920f845eba6a32261b81457c2.aspx | www.nashics.org

24-26 June 2013 – 13th Interflam – Fire Service and Engineering
Egham, UK
Contact: +44 (0)208 692 5050 | Email: Office@intersciencecomms.co.uk

24-27 June 2013 – American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Safety 2013
Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV, USA
Contact: http://www.safety2013.org

12-15 November 2013 – Sfitex – St Petersburg International Security and Fire Exhibition
St Petersburg, Lenexpo, Russia
Contact: Sfitex, Yakubovich st., 24, A, Saint-Petersburg, 190000, Russia | Tel: +812 380-60-00 or +44 (0)20 75965079 | http://sfitex.primexpo.ru/en

Abbreviated Minutes of the FIG UK Meeting held on Wednesday, 24 April 2013 held at Bureau Veritas Solutions

Present:

Sheila Pantry OBE	Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd
Sally Walsh	Dr Burgoyne & Partners LLP
Nigel Herring	Bureau Veritas Solutions
Ian Jerome	London Metropolitan University
David Lane	Lane, Jeffries & Associates (LJA)
Andy Mobbs	London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA)
Paula McCrudden	Hawkins and Associates
Roger Berrett	Dr Roger Berrett Associates
Alyson Warner	DCLG

Apologies:

Marian Bodian	Building Research Establishment (BRE)
Julie Farrugia	West Midlands FRS
Richard Hall	Firebrake Wales
Peter Mansi	Fire Investigations UK
Penny Morgan	International Fire Consultants (IFC)
Peter Sefton	Queen’s University, Belfast
Owain Thompson	Kent FRS
Jane Thurgood	Fire Protection Association
Dave Wells	Kent FRS

1. Welcome

Sheila welcomed everyone and thanked Nigel for hosting the meeting at Bureau Veritas Solutions.

She also welcomed new member Andy Mobbs of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA) who attended the meeting.

2. Introductions

3. Apologies

See above

4. Minutes of the last meeting held on 12 September 2012 at London Fire Brigade HQ

These were accepted.

5. Matters arising not covered in the Agenda

Ian Jerome updated on The London Metropolitan University’s custodianship of The Women’s Library (TWL). The collection has now moved to London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE, UK. LSE Library is now managing The Women’s Library Reading Room service following the transfer of ownership from London Metropolitan University in January 2013.

The Women’s Library @ LSE is Europe’s largest collection of material relating to the lives of women and is a key part of British heritage. Objects related to the suffrage movement within the collection are already internationally recognised and The Women’s Library @ LSE is committed to further enhancing the profile and reputation of this exceptional collection.

6. Accounts up to 12 April 2013 (end of Financial Year is 12 August 2013)

Were presented by Sally Walsh.

The List of members in the FIG UK Directory on the FIG UK website is being amended.

7. FIG UK Seminar to be held on Wednesday 19 June 2013 at the Imperial Hotel, London – programme below

Sheila confirmed that all arrangements – speakers booked, Hotel Conference room booked and equipment. Handouts would be kept to a minimum – any notes or speakers’ PowerPoint presentations would be added to the FIG UK web site immediately after the event.
A number of FIG UK Members offered to help on the day of the seminar.

There has been a very good response with the bookings already – so much so that delegates will be reminded shortly before the event that if there is any doubt in their attendance that they should inform Sheila ASAP so that other delegates may able to attend.

8. New recruits

FIG UK warmly welcomes new Members – Richard Hall, Firebrake Wales, Peter Mansi, Fire Investigations UK and Andy Mobbs London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA).

FIG UK Directory on the website contains contact details of our new members.

Agreed that publicity efforts being made re the 25th Anniversary celebration of FIG UK may encourage new members.

ACTION: All Members to encourage others to join FIG UK.

9. Round Table discussion (Includes emailed comments/news)

Nigel Herring, Bureau Veritas Solutions

1. Noted that the London Emergency Services Liaison Panel (LESLP) was celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

   The London Emergency Services Liaison Panel (LESLP) was formed in 1973 and consists of representatives from the Metropolitan Police Service, City of London Police, British Transport Police, the London Fire Brigade, the London Ambulance Service, and local authorities. The Port of London Authority (PLA), Marine Coastguard, RAF, Military and voluntary sector are also represented.

   The ‘Major Incident Procedure Manual’* provides summaries of the responses and responsibilities of each of the emergency services at a major incident in London, as well as an outline of the support role offered by local authorities.

   The London Emergency Services Liaison Panel (LESLP) recognises that every major incident is different and has its own unique features. It is designed to offer a framework within which those who are responsible for the successful resolution of the incident are able to work together with maximum efficiency.

   * The eighth edition of the Major Incident Procedure Manual was published in May 2012 by the Metropolitan Police on behalf of the London Emergency Services Liaison Panel.

2. Product recalls databases / web sites

   Introduced by Nigel and discussed further by the members who decided that as a first step it would be useful to have a list of known Product Recall databases / websites listed on the FIG UK website.

   ACTION: All FIG UK Members to send in any known such databases / websites to Sheila who will ensure that they are added to the FIG UK website.

Ian Jerome, London Metropolitan University

Gave information on:

1. The Women’s Library – see Matters Arising above.

2. The Universities Safety and Health Association (USHA) Specialist Fire Group 2013 annual Fire Safety Conference on “Human Factors and the Higher Education Built Environment” is taking place on the 24-25 June 2013 in Manchester, UK, see www.usha-fireconference.org.uk

   • USHA Autumn Seminar in association with AUDE ‘Safety in Building Design’ – 12 September 2013 Birmingham City University
   • USHA Spring Conference ‘Working Cost Effectively’ – 29-30 April 2014 Watford Hilton Hotel Hertfordshire

   Please refer to the Events Calendar for conference details.

3. USHA has produced a list of a number of useful documents – see www.usha.org.uk/member-resources/guidance-documents

Roger Berrett – Dr Roger Berrett

Reported that he had been to Libya twice to help in the training of Libyan forensic scientists.

He is still involved in the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes www.enfsi.eu

David Lane, Lane, Jefferies and Associates – Fire Consultancy

Reported that is he is working further afield in Europe.

He noted that wildfires are of particular growing interest especially in Europe.

Paula McCrudden, Hawkins and Associates Ltd

Reported that Hawkins have just moved premises on the same Science Park site – address is Miller House, 120 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0FZ.
For details see www.hawkins.biz

Sally Walsh, Burgoynes Management Ltd

Reported that Burgoynes, is broadening its global coverage by opening its first office in the Middle East. The new office is managed by Resident Director Dr Daniel Jackson and based in Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai. This new office will allow Burgoynes to provide the insurance market with an enhanced response for investigations into fires, marine incidents and related losses in the region.

Alyson Warner, DCLG

Reported that the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) is moving to Marsham Street, London.

By 2014, websites of all government departments and many other public bodies will be merged into the Inside Government section of www.gov.uk. Some have already moved, and more will be joining soon.

DCLG website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-communities-and-local-government

Fire information: https://www.gov.uk/search/all?keywords=fire

David Wales, Kent FRS (sent by email)

By way of an update, our Human behaviour in accidental dwelling fires project is going well and there is a link below to a site which gives a brief overview although we need to update it soon as there have been a few more developments. https://www.kent.fire-uk.org

Sheila Pantry, Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd

Reports that...

Her organisation’s electronic collections of information OSH UPDATE and FIREINF continue to rapidly expand. OSH UPDATE now has 831,120 document records and over 76,300 full text documents and FIREINF has 546,535 document records and over 43,000 full text documents. These items are from authoritative and validated worldwide sources – reports, standards, research reports, journal articles, conference proceedings, legislation, advice and guidance and much more. Both these long established collections are used by individuals, government bodies, organisations, institutes and universities/colleges around the word. Free of charge, no obligation trials available.

The Fire and Rescue Statistics User Group (FRSUG) of which Sheila is a member continues to promote the use of statistics and related subjects. The website contains links to sources of fires statistics, links to other organisations, diary of events, publications and presentations see www.frsug.org
N.B. The Chair of FRSUG Kirsty Bosley will be a speaker at FIG UK Seminar on 19 June 2013.

Members and other readers are reminded that a huge portal of validated and authoritative fire and occupational health and safety websites are brought together in the free of charge OSHWORLD.

AOB

No comments.

Dates of Future Meetings

Wednesday, 19 June 2013 – Celebrating 25th Anniversary of the Fire Information Group UK (FIG UK) Seminar – “Mind the Gap in Fire Information” – for full details including programme see the Newsletter.

Wednesday, 18 September 2013 – FIG UK September 2013 meeting will be in London – venue to be confirmed.

Wednesday 27 November 2013 – short meeting to discuss progress and update. This will be held at the Imperial Hotel, Russell Square, London at 11.30 am on Wednesday 27 November 2012 and will be followed by the usual FIG UK Christmas lunch at 12.30 pm at a venue to be confirmed.

Meeting closed at 4.20 pm.