FIREX International, a leading life safety conference in the UK, has been held in London from 19-21 June 2018, focussing on more than 10,000 fire safety solutions at workplaces
Amidst the present national agenda regarding fire safety in the built environment – with a particular emphasis on social housing – FIREX was the dedicated platform for engaging with leading experts, exploring proven technologies and receiving essential guidance.
Gerry Dunphy, brand director of FIREX International, explained, “It is reflective of the times we’re in that a fully-fledged fire safety event is resonating so deeply with the market, and we’re pleased to see an increase in life safety professionals engaging with the event. The show’s growth is a testament to the industry’s demand for change. Both visitor and exhibitor sentiment reflected the criticality of FIREX, and the conversations held on the show floor speak volumes for the way in which FIREX is changing perceptions around life safety being a right, not a privilege.”
The show welcomed the fifth International Tall Building Fire Safety Conference, in addition to an in-depth seminar programme across the Expertise & Guidance Theatre, sponsored by BAFE, and the FPA Infozone.
A particular highlight of the seminar programme included Dr Chris Cocking’s talk “Human Behaviour During an Emergency.” This seminar, presented at the FPA Infozone, provided insight into the rarity of mass panic, and indicated that there is very little evidence to suggest that people panic if they are made aware of the threat – which means that information should not be withheld. His analysis was paired with a tangible solution to provide vital information about what’s going on, what the threat is and what they need to do to escape it.
New to FIREX International 2018 were Show Me How demonstrations in the brand new Sprinkler Zone. These addressed the fire safety concerns keeping visitors up at night by not only offering the latest solutions and technology, but showing how to use them. There were also live smoke demonstrations by GERDA, showing the crucial role of fire doorsets in passive fire protection.
With a newly introduced fire challenge, the 20th anniversary of the Engineers of Tomorrow competition saw fire apprentices compete in live installation challenges.
Jeremy Rees, acting CEO at ExCeL London, commented, “This event, together with the wider P&M series, is playing a vital role in maintaining and creating safe and secure environments, something that resonates strongly with us. We look forward to welcoming visitors and exhibitors again next year, when they will be able to travel to ExCeL more quickly than ever before via the Elizabeth line.”
FIREX International 2019 will take place from 18-20 June 2019, at ExCeL London.
