Sponsored by Safety Components, join Jeremy Metz of the West Metro Fire Department in Colorado and Peter Klade from the Austrian Fire Brigade Association in Vienna as they discuss the differences and similarities between firefighting in the U.S. and Europe.

We will explore the intricacies of firefighting techniques and personal protective equipment (PPE) on this latest episode. Visit safetycomponents.com to learn more about the testing requirements and certifications that go into developing fire turnout gear and explore both outer shell and thermal liner fabrics that meet the specifications for both the U.S. and Europe.

On our latest Firecast, we welcome our guest Paul Adams, Content Marketing Manager at Hochiki Europe Limited, talking about the important subject of false alarms, the risk to businesses, safety and the impact on emergency services. 

He explains how Automatic Fire Alarm Systems are vital to providing an early warning of fire and are one of the most effective ways to keep business, staff and customers safe in the event of a fire, but that a significant number of signals from these systems are not actual fires. 

“We uncovered that the cost of false alarms is costing SMEs in the UK around about £700 million every single year,” Paul explains. “Nine out of ten resulted in a complete evacuation of the building, with a loss of productivity. But then it goes deeper than that because 56% of business owners that were surveyed said that excessive false alarms mean that staff then don't take the real alarm seriously, so you get alarm fatigue and complacency amongst the staff, which could result in disaster.” 

In the podcast, Paul gives some ideas about what to do about it, including initiatives in Scotland and London to challenge alarms before responding.  He discusses what building owners need to do in response, how to reduce false alarms, the value of multi-sensors, the importance of understanding the small print around multi-sensor certification and how Hochiki can help.

Returning to the Brisbane Convention Centre for the first time since 2016, AFAC23 powered by INTERSCHUTZ will be held from the 22 – 25 August and will the explore theme ‘Creating a sustainable future: the challenges and opportunities’. The program will feature examples of solutions to emerging risks, impacts and recovery from practitioners, researchers and leaders across the fire and emergency sector. AFAC23 will explore how inclusive, collaborative, and innovative approaches to emergency management are integral to reducing risk, building capability and fostering resilience for the future. 

AFAC23 is proudly hosted by Queensland AFAC members: Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.

AFAC Director of National Projects and Innovation Simon Heemstra and AFAC President and SES Commissioner Carlene York discuss what to expect over four days of the immersive conference program and extensive exhibition space. 

For more information please visit: afacconference.com.au