International Fire Expo 99 conference a big success

Citation

(2000), "International Fire Expo 99 conference a big success", Facilities, Vol. 18 No. 1/2. https://doi.org/10.1108/f.2000.06918aac.001

International Fire Expo 99 conference a big success

Keywords Fire safety, Conferences

The recent "Fire prevention for the new millennium" conference, organised by the Fire Industry Council (Trade Enterprises) Ltd, comprising the ASFP, FFVMA, BFPSA, FETA and BASA, proved an unqualified success. The event, which coincided with the recent International Fire Expo 99, was designed into four individual modules, each themed to fit in with the Fire Expo exhibition.

An impressive list of speakers presented a total of 20 papers. They provided the building owner, his design team and operations management with an up to date picture of fire prevention management and how all aspects of prevention, protection, suppression and extinguishing must work together to reduce fire losses. A recurring theme, stressed particularly by both the Department of the Environment and Home Office speakers, was the growing importance of product certification and installer accreditation for all types of fireproofing products.

The first session considered the fire engineered design process, showing how active and passive systems together can produce a safe working environment. It included a paper by Mr David Mathie, of BAA, showed how his company approached the problem of fire in an airport terminal. He demonstrated how the strategy had worked with evacuation, passive fire containment measures, alarms and active suppression, allowing the fire fighters to deal with a major incident at Heathrow and the building to be operational again in less than 12 hours.

Session two examined the changing face of the legislative requirements that the design team and building operator must meet. Professor Ann Everton of Central Lancashire University set the scene by explaining the background of current legislation and examining the prospects for changes at both National and European level.

Session three concentrated on risk management. Mr Mike Hogh of BP Amoco examined the use of risk management in building operation. The oil industry has used these tools extensively for some time and Mr Hogh demonstrated their value.

The final session completed the picture by showing how fire safety in the community can be improved. Mr Ian Evans of the Home Office explained the rationale behind the establishment of the National Community Fire Safety Centre in September 1998. It was hoped that this would develop practical "Partnerships in protection" to ensure that fire safety is on everyone's agenda.

Copies of the complete set of papers presented are available from FIC (TE) Ltd, 55 Eden Street, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 1BW. Tel: +44 (0)181 549 5855; Fax: +44 (0)181 547 1564.