FIREX International, which took place from 20-22 June at ExCeL London, showcased the latest fire safety innovations and provided a forum for fire safety professionals to share ideas and expertise on the issues facing the industry
The event had a particular resonance this year, taking place in the wake of the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in London, in which 79 residents lost their lives.
Particularly well attended was a panel session where experts discussed the need for UK building regulations to be reviewed and guidance strengthened in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire. It highlighted in particular the need for the regulatory framework to keep up with the rapid developments in construction methods, technologies and materials.
Dennis Davis, vice chair of the Fire Sector Federation, commented that the industry is currently creating the legacy for the next 50 years. He said, “We have said time and again that we are worried that the building regulations and in particular the guidance, are falling behind the scale and scope of what’s going on in the built environment.”
Highlights of FIREX included live fire door and fire stopping installation demonstrations by Exova Warrington Fire and Exova BM TRADA, and the ASFP wall of fire, which demonstrated the vital role of compartmentation in restricting the spread of fire and smoke.
The Fire Protection Association Infozone hosted a series of free seminars and surgeries on a variety of topical issues ranging from timber fires and fire risk assessment competency requirements to business continuity planning.
The FIREX theatre hosted case studies, seminars and workshops on best practice and the state of the industry, with sessions on integrated fire, safety and security, choosing a competent fire risk assessor, and a new construction strategy for improving passive fire protection.
New products showcased included detectortesters’ Solo 365 innovative new tester for the functional testing of smoke detectors, while FFE introduced its new range of intelligent Fireray beam detectors for the protection of wide open spaces or harsh and demanding environments, demonstrated on an interactive touchscreen. Honeywell displayed its latest enterprise fire solutions including its new Xtralis VESDA-E VEP and VEA detectors, which feature built-in Wi-Fi for remote detector access from smart devices to review and monitor status in real time.
The Fire Industry Association took the opportunity to launch four new qualifications in fire detection and alarm systems.
The Middle East was viewed as a growth market by many exhibitors. Exova, for example, has experienced an upswing in the demand for its testing services following the issue of Dubai’s new Fire and Life Safety Code, and an expansion in the range of products it is being asked to test.
Exhibiting at the show for the fourth year running was Sharjah-based Emirates Firefighting Equipment Company, which manufactures products including fire extinguishers, fire alarms, fire doors, sprinklers and fire trucks and exports to around 60 countries. The company, which says it is the only national manufacturing company in the field of fire fighting in the UAE, is seeking to expand its international business and sees strong growth prospects in Africa in particular.
Running concurrently with FIREX International were IFSEC International, Safety & Health Expo, Field Service Management Expo, Facilities Show and the Professional Clothing Show. Together, the events featured more than 1,600 suppliers showcasing 20,000 products.
