The NFPA 660 introduces a risk-based, performance-oriented approach, allowing tailored safety measures based on specific risks. The standard refines Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA) requirements within a unified framework, enhancing clarity and removing redundancies. Additionally, it includes industry-specific chapters to address unique risks.

Eric Potorski, industrial vacuum specialist at Goodway Technologies, stated:

Making sure that our customers are purchasing the right equipment to safely address their environment and application has always been a top priority for us. Our robust and detailed consultation helps gather the necessary information to understand the material they are collecting, the environment and the disposal process. This thorough analysis is an effective, safe and necessary standard to be compliant with your DHA.

Goodway Technologies, a leader in industrial cleaning and maintenance solutions, is providing next steps to help businesses comply with NFPA 660:

• Review the standard: Familiarize yourself with NFPA 660 and understand how it applies to your facility.
• Conduct a Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA): If you haven’t already, perform a DHA to identify and mitigate potential hazards.
• Update safety procedures: Adjust your safety protocols and training programs to align with the new standard.
• Invest in proper equipment: Ensure you have the right dust collection, ventilation and housekeeping systems in place.
• Work with experts: Consulting with combustible dust safety professionals can help streamline compliance and enhance workplace safety.

Potorski continued:

This unified standard helps facilities proactively identify a more consistent approach to hazard management. Our team can provide consultation to help incorporate routine maintenance and find the right solutions for the right applications.

To help reduce potential hazards associated with combustible dust explosions, facilities can also implement the following best practices.

1. Ensure access to all hidden areas of the facility. Evaluate dust buildup on every horizontal surface, including ductwork, beam and joist surfaces, and areas above suspended ceilings.
2. Frequently inspect for dust. OSHA inspectors look for accumulations of 1/32 of an inch, which is about the thickness of a standard paper clip. Immediate cleaning is necessary when a layer of that amount covers a surface area equal to 5% of the floor area.
3. Implement regular cleaning intervals. Develop a plan for timely cleaning, ensuring that work cycle dust is removed concurrently with operations and not allowed to accumulate. Be cautious of dust dispersion during housekeeping.
4. Relocate dust collectors outside. Dust collectors with a volume greater than 8 cubic feet should be situated on the exterior of buildings to limit risks.
5. Ensure electrical wiring and equipment are approved for dust hazard conditions. OSHA recommends using proper electrical equipment in hazardous locations to eliminate a common ignition source.
6. Use certified industrial vacuums for picking up explosive material. In hazardous dust environments, “explosion-proof vacuums” approved for Class II conditions should be used to prevent sparks.
7. Control ignition sources. Post “No Smoking” signs, control static electricity through bonding and grounding equipment, and provide necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent ignition from static electricity.
8. Perform regular preventive maintenance on equipment. Faulty equipment is a common cause of ignition.
9. Train employees to recognize and prevent hazards. Proactively train new employees before they start work and periodically refresh their knowledge. Employees should understand safe work practices, as well as plant programs for dust control and ignition source control. Encourage employees to report unsafe practices and foster a company culture of safety. If fine dust, powders or other flammable materials are used in the facility, consider implementing these tips to enhance preparedness.

While this information can serve as a reference, it is important for plant and facility managers to discuss best practices with their safety officer or maintenance personnel before selecting equipment or implementing safety and preventative maintenance measures.

For more information on Goodway Technologies’ diverse line of industrial vacuums, visit Goodway.

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The findings also reveal over one in six (17%) Brits have noticed visible structural issues in a building they have lived or worked in.

The 2024 Building Safety Report conducted by SFG20, the UK industry standard for building maintenance, surveyed 1,500 people across 15 UK cities to highlight their perceptions of the safety and maintenance of their local buildings.

The report comes after the UK government has faced increased scrutiny over the last few years following the Grenfell Tower Fire tragedy and the RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) scandal, causing nationwide apprehensions around building integrity.

One in five (19%) members of the British public expressed their concerns about the health and safety of the building they live in, with mold, poor ventilation and dampness being some of the biggest issues raised.

Breaking this down by region, London is the region most concerned about the safety of local buildings, with 69% of London residents stating they were worried about the safety and maintenance of buildings in their areas. London is followed by Manchester (58%) and Leicester  (55%).

Concerns were raised over the government’s efforts to maintain and improve buildings in their area, with 30% saying they felt dissatisfied with the government’s efforts and 30% distrusting that local buildings are safe in accordance with current building safety standards.

Jason Instrell, industry lead at SFG20, shared his thoughts on the survey’s findings:

It is concerning to see an overwhelming majority of the British public concerned with the safety of their local buildings.

Over the last decade, the UK has seen a string of events that have placed the maintenance of local infrastructure under a particularly intense spotlight.  The use of RAAC in schools, Grenfell Tower and Dagenham Tower block fires has led the public to question the importance and overall safety of our buildings, both commercial and residential.

The introduction of the Building Safety Act in 2022 saw stricter rules on the safety of buildings and it remains the UK government’s responsibility to ensure the public feels safe and educated about the maintenance of these buildings. We hope this report will show the UK government the immediacy and attention required to uphold the safety of the buildings we live and work in.

Launched in 1990 by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), SFG20 is recognized as the UK industry standard for building maintenance specifications. With access to a library of over 2000 maintenance schedules that update dynamically to reflect changes in legislation and health and safety regulations, you can create customized maintenance schedules that are designed to keep you compliant while also saving you time, effort and money.

The complete SFG20 Building Safety Survey 2024 is available online from SFG20.

For more about the Greenfell Tower fire, see: “FMLink Special Report: The London apartment fire — why is this important for facilities managers?”

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• IFMA’s Wildfire Crisis Resource Hub includes strategies for improving indoor air quality (IAQ) before, during and after wildfire events; guidance on filtration and ventilation to safeguard indoor spaces; tips for natural disaster preparedness and wildfire impact reduction; and more.
• ASHRAE Guideline 44-2024, Protecting Building Occupants From Smoke During Wildfire and Prescribed Burn Events, outlines best practices for building design, operation and maintenance to reduce the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to wildfire and prescribed burn smoke by safeguarding indoor air quality (IAQ) during these events. Read more on FMLink.
• ASHRAE Journal podcast episode Where There’s Smoke, There’s HVAC explores the impacts of wildfire smoke on buildings, people and public health.
• ANSI/IICRC S700 Standard for Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration offers guidance after a fire.  Read more on FMLink.
• UL’s CIRI offers new resources to help residents impacted by California wildfires, including a public information website, toolkit, and guidance document offer practical tips for recovering from the devastation of wildland-urban interface fires
• The January 31st edition of Science Friday covers “The Toxic Aftermath of an Urban Fire“
• NFPA’s Wildfire Division provides resources to residents and safety professionals to help ensure everyone living in communities at risk has the information, knowledge, and tools to prepare and protect their homes from the threat of wildfire.

In addition, look for related education sessions and HVAC technology at such shows as the National Facilities Management and Technology (NFMT) trade show, taking place in Baltimore, Maryland, March 25-27. For sessions recommended by our editors, see these stories on FMLink:

• “March 25-27: More than 100,000 facilities professionals have attended NFMT. Will you join them in Baltimore for training, networking and product discovery?”
• “Fall prevention, fire sprinkler systems and how AI is powering maintenance are among the sessions of interest to healthcare FMs during NFMT, March 25-27, Baltimore”
• “Emergency disaster response, AI now; the next gen of FM, and adapting to climate change are among sessions for the closing day of NFMT 2025, March 25-27, Baltimore”

The post <strong>FMLink Special Report</strong>: IFMA, ASHRAE, IICRC, CIRI, others offer fire and smoke damage prevention and cleanup resources in response to California wildfires appeared first on FMLink.

This latest move represents a significant expansion of Compliance Group’s fire safety and protection division, complementing its existing services and highlighting the organization’s commitment to delivering comprehensive, high-quality compliance services across all its verticals.

Headquartered in Buckingham, Abbot Fire Group is one of the UK’s foremost ANSUL Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems design, install, servicing and maintenance providers. It was the first UK business to be awarded the BAFE SP206 accreditation for kitchen suppression systems, a testament to Abbot’s focus on quality and compliance. The business also offers services across both fire extinguishers and fire alarm systems.

Mark Davies, Chairman of Compliance Group, remarked:

Abbot Fire Group brings a wealth of experience, service offering, and an unwavering commitment to safety and compliance. We are thrilled to welcome their team to the Compliance Group family and look forward to combining our joint expertise and resources to deliver even greater value to our customers.

Nigel Walton, Founder of Abbot Fire Group commented:

Becoming part of Compliance Group is a fantastic opportunity for our team and our customers. This partnership means that together we are able to enhance our service offerings and serve our customers even more efficiently.

Joining forces with Abbot Fire Group highlights Compliance Group’s ongoing dedication to sustainable growth and its strategy of partnering with established, quality-focused businesses across fire, water, and electrical compliance services.

By combining expert knowledge, advanced technologies, and a customer-focused approach, Compliance Group delivers comprehensive solutions that address complex regulatory requirements. Its integrated approach to water, fire, and electrical compliance sets Compliance Group apart as a trusted leader in the industry, helping businesses throughout the UK to meet their safety and compliance obligations efficiently and to the highest standards.

The team of specialists help customers to reduce risk, improve safety and assure regulatory compliance in a wide range of sectors including Education, Health, Care Homes, Public Sector, Local Authority, Industry, Pharmaceutical, Hospitality, Leisure, Food & Beverage, Retail and Media.

To learn more about Compliance Group’s full suite of compliance services, visit Compliance Group.

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Standard S700 also describes the practical principles, methods, and processes including equipment, tools, and materials, for the restoration cleaning, and fire odor management of buildings and contents. This standard also addresses contractor qualifications, administrative requirements, procedures, development of the Restoration Work Plan (RWP), documentation of project related events, and compliance with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

The ANSI/IICRC S700: Standard for Professional Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration includes the following:

• Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Contractor Qualifications
• Administrative Requirements and Documentation
• Fire and Smoke Damage (FSD) Assessment
• Fire Restoration Equipment, Tools, and Materials (ETM)
• Fire Restoration Mitigation
• Source Removal
• Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) and Air Conveyance Systems (ACS)
• Fire and Smoke Odor Management
• Fire and Smoke Damage Contents Restoration
• Post Restoration Evaluation
• Limitations, Complexities, Complications, and Conflicts

Bran Lynch, IICRC S700 Consensus Body Chairman, expressed appreciation for other members of the Consensus Body and their hard work, noting the standard was over a decade in the making.

Brandon Burton, IICRC Standards Chairman, said:

Providing a Standard of Care for the professional restoration of structural fire and smoke damage to the restoration community is a massive win for our industry.  This ANSI/IICRC Consensus based Standard will propel the industry into a new phase of transparency, consistency, and quality.  I cannot stress enough how thankful I am to all the volunteers and organizations that have contributed to this critical and important document.  Specifically, thank you to the S700 Chair Bran Lynch and Vice Chair John Pletcher, to the volunteer Consensus Body members, and to the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) leadership for its donation of technical literature and resources.  

To purchase a copy of the new ANSI/IICRC S700: Standard for Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration and other standards, visit IICRC.

ANSI/IICRC S590-2023 Standard for Assessing HVAC Systems Following a Water, Fire, or Mold Damage Event

A related standard was first published in 2023: ANSI/IICRC S590-2023: Standard for Assessing HVAC Systems Following a Water, Fire, or Mold Damage Event.

The HVAC assessment process identifies impacted and non-impacted HVAC internal surfaces after a water, fire, or mold damage event. This Standard contains procedures to perform HVAC assessments and create a written report and Restoration Work Plan (RWP) of work for residential, commercial, institutional and healthcare buildings. The document lists methods and procedures to determine visual deposition and odor retention.

The S590 Standard includes the following:

To purchase a copy of ANSI/IICRC S590-2023: Standard for Assessing HVAC Systems Following a Water, Fire, or Mold Damage Event and other standards, visit IICRC. IICRC standards are also available via the IICRC Standards Subscription website at Gilmore Global. For more information on certification programs offered by IICRC, visit the group’s website.

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The new resource, ASHRAE Guideline 44-2024, Protecting Building Occupants From Smoke During Wildfire and Prescribed Burn Events, outlines best practices for building design, operation and maintenance to reduce the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to wildfire and prescribed burn smoke.

2024-25 ASHRAE President M. Dennis Knight, P.E., BEMP, Fellow Life Member, said:

The frequency, intensity and duration of wildland fire events have grown significantly in recent years, threatening air quality and public health. This guideline equips building professionals with comprehensive recommendations to mitigate smoke intrusion and maintain healthier indoor environments. Protecting building occupants from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke is critical to preserving their health and overall wellbeing.

Key features of Guideline 44-2024:

• Applicability: Designed for commercial buildings, institutional facilities (including healthcare), multiunit residential buildings, and designated safe spaces for temporary occupancy during smoke events.
• Focus on vulnerable populations: Includes tailored recommendations for spaces occupied by at-risk groups, such as children and the elderly.
• Comprehensive guidance on best practices: Considerations during design phase for new and retrofits, as well as the installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance of building envelopes, ventilation systems and air-cleaning technologies to mitigate smoke infiltration and improve IAQ.

To purchase Guideline 44-2024, Protecting Building Occupants From Smoke During Wildfire and Prescribed Burn Events (available free until February 11), or to view the podcast episode Where There’s Smoke, There’s HVAC, visit ASHRAE.

The post With Southern California fighting devastating wildfires, ASHRAE offers free resources to mitigate the impact on indoor air quality appeared first on FMLink.

Certified Electrical Inspector (CEI) certification

NFPA’s new Certified Electrical Inspector (CEI) certification was created for electrical inspectors interested in enhancing their understanding of key electrical safety principles and skills.

Electrical inspection is crucial for enhancing community safety and ensuring compliance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code.  The new CEI certification aims to equip electrical industry professionals with the essential skills to conduct safe and effective inspections of electrical installations during construction, modification and repair, and ensure compliance with relevant code requirements. The certification is available to electrical inspectors in the Americas, Middle East and North Africa.

Dan Pickel, director of Certification and Accreditation at NFPA, stated:

NFPA is well-recognized for its certification programs in fire, electrical and life safety areas. The CEI certification serves as a vital credential that showcases employees’ ability to identify and explain relevant electrical safety requirements, conduct electrical inspections, and effectively communicate with contractors, engineers, architects and homeowners about electrical code requirements. Attaining this certificate can also enhance a worker’s credibility, marketability and earning potential.

As the developer of the National Electrical Code and related resources, NFPA actively serves the electrical safety and enforcement community. It helps professionals stay current on vital news and information through related training programs, knowledge, research, and expertise. The introduction of the CEI certification is another step in a larger NFPA effort to support the electrical inspector industry. This includes the introduction of its first two Electrical Inspection Section (EIS) Affiliate Chapters in North Carolina and Ohio, aimed at addressing current and emerging electrical challenges and advancing safety in communities.

Wind Turbine Technician-I (WTT-I) certification

NFPA’s new Wind Turbine Technician-I (WTT-I) certification is said to be the only certification of its kind in the U.S. to date.

Renewable markets such as solar and wind are seeing rapid growth. With more wind installation projects being approved worldwide, there is a growing demand for qualified wind turbine technicians with verified skills and knowledge to work on these projects. The new NFPA WTT-I certification aims to provide the emerging wind workforce with the necessary skills to excel and work safely in this rapidly developing sector.

Pickel remarked:

The WTT-I program will help professionals build successful careers in the wind energy sector and support their ability to service, inspect, and maintain wind turbines safely with industry-recognized credentials.

Newcomers to the wind energy industry, including those who have finished a foundational course in wind turbines and electrical safety, or have worked as wind turbine technicians for at least six months, are ideal candidates for this certification. Upon completion of the program, they will be proficient in the key features and components outlined in the Wind Turbine Technician Exam Blueprint. They will also demonstrate the capability to perform basic tasks related to installing, servicing, commissioning, inspecting, maintaining, troubleshooting, performing lock-out/tagout, reading and interpreting schematics, and documenting work performed on wind turbines.

According to the Global Wind Energy Council, over 574,000 technicians will be required to build, install, operate and maintain the world’s rapidly expanding wind fleet by 2027. In the U.S. alone, more than 77,000 people will need industry-standard training between 2023 and 2027.

Pickel continued:

As demand for these workers increases, candidates who enhance their knowledge and skills through best-in-class certifications, such as the WTT-I certificate, will more easily stand out to potential employers. This can help increase an employee’s credibility, marketability, and earning potential.

NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem

A skilled global workforce is one of the eight key elements of the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem, a framework identifying the components that must work together to minimize risk and help prevent loss, injuries and death from fire, electrical and other hazards. Training and development initiatives, including certifications, are central to this objective of upskilling the workforce, promoting industry best practices, and prioritizing worker safety, says NFPA.

For more information about the Certified Electrical Inspector (CEI) certification or the Wind Turbine Technician-I (WTT-I) certification, visit NFPA.

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Skilled trade workers have mixed feelings about AI adoption within the industry

Currently, 25% of respondents believe AI should be used to help skilled trade workers streamline tasks during ongoing labor shortages. In fact, 19% of respondents indicated that either themselves or their organizations have begun experimenting with AI-powered solutions to simplify menial tasks. Additionally, one-third (31%) of respondents believe AI can spur industry growth by making the trades more attractive to a younger generation of workers.

On the other hand, nearly one-half (47%) of respondents revealed they are not currently leveraging AI in their day-to-day work and are skeptical of it. Additionally, only 8% of respondents believe AI implementation won’t benefit the fire and life safe industry at all.

Respondents also cited utilizing AI to act as a “personal assistant” to field workers for hyper-personalized and on-the-go learning (13%); streamline manual processes to save time (12%); and enhance learning and development initiatives, such as those delivered via virtual reality (8%).

The utilization of digital tools is positively impacting training and development programs

A full 82% of respondents use digital tools daily to help streamline training and development programs. The majority of respondents within this group recognize the diverse benefits that digital tools offer the skilled trades industry, including:

•     Making training easier (98%)
•     Saving time while training (94%)
•     Streamlining the process of conducting trainings (95%)

However, respondents also noted challenges in leveraging digital tools within their day-to-day operations, despite an increase in the number of participants using five or more tools on a daily basis compared to the 2023 C&E Survey results. For example, 69% of respondents cited collaboration as top challenge for 2024, a significant increase from last year’s results (29%). The top-reported challenges teams face in leveraging digital tools include:

•     Collaboration (69%)
•     Inspection (51%)
•     Complexity of projects (46%)

The majority of industry professionals participate in NFPA training and development programs

Fully 85% of respondents participate in at least one NFPA training and development program a year, and 18% of respondents participate in or offer training or programs twice a year. The top NFPA products and solutions leveraged by skilled trade professionals include:

•     NFPA print publications (66%)
•     NFPA membership (61%)
•     NFPA LiNK (51%)

Challenges persist when it comes to advancing training and development programs, with a majority of respondents (70%) citing lack of time as the biggest barrier. Additional barriers include:

•     Determining the right training (41%)
•     Lack of access to qualified instructors (48%)
•     Overwhelmed with options and/or a lack of time to vet training programs (32%)
•     Keeping track of which trainings are needed to maintain professional licenses (22%)
•     Lack of technology to disseminate trainings to employee bases (18%)
•     Inability to track and/or document training completions by employees (15%)
•     Other (10%)

According to the survey, 19% of respondents noted the skilled labor gap has led to less time for career advancement opportunities through training and certifications. More than one-third (38%) of respondents reported the skilled labor gap has negatively impacted the amount of time and money spent on recruitment and retention, with 14% of respondents turning down projects due to a lack of qualified labor.

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Through this collaboration, IFMA members will have access to NFPA’s acclaimed training and certification programs, as well as more than a century of knowledge on fire prevention, wildfire preparedness, electrical safety, hazardous materials and community risk reduction. Reciprocally, NFPA members receive special pricing for IFMA’s globally recognized, ANAB-accredited courses and credentials, helping them expand their understanding of core facility management concepts and competencies.

IFMA established its strategic partner program in 2021 to provide built environment professionals with a single source of interdisciplinary skill-building training offered by the industry’s most well-respected and influential organizations. The program offers specialized training opportunities that address a range of mission-critical roles and cover the entire operational life cycle of the built environment.

Mike Brunzell, vice president of global business development for NFPA, commented:

We are thrilled about this collaboration with IFMA, as it represents our shared commitment to enhance safety within our built environments. Facility managers are the unsung heroes of fire and life safety, operating at the heart of the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem. Through this collaboration, IFMA members will gain access to unparalleled training, certifications and resources from NFPA, empowering them to further safeguard buildings and the individuals who inhabit them. Together, we’re strengthening our goal of advancing safety and preventing harm from fire, electrical and related hazards around the world.

IFMA President and CEO Don Gilpin stated:

NFPA joins IFMA and 14 other esteemed organizations in sharing essential training and expert knowledge relevant to built environment practices and priorities. We’re proud to work together with NFPA to provide all those responsible for ensuring the safety of people and organizational assets — from facility management and wider building professionals to first responders — with access to top training solutions and informational resources geared toward creating and sustaining facility excellence.

For more information about the the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem, the IFMA/NFPA partnership, and a list of all IFMA Strategic Partner Associations, visit NFPA or IFMA.

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This informative poster alerts users to the most common causes of damage to batteries and then walks them through visual checks, and olfactory tests to identify potential problems.  In-device checks, and identifying issues while charging are also detailed. If damaged batteries are identified, the poster provides an action plan to deal with the problematic batteries quickly and safely.  Posters also include space for users to insert emergency contact information — name, department and telephone number.

DENIOS-US manufactures a full line of products for the safe storage, charging, and testing of lithium-ion batteries. With 90 minutes of fire protection from both sides, they protect both employees and the plant from fire hazards associated with damaged lithium-ion batteries.  Products shown on the poster include the Ion-Charge-90 a fire-safe cabinet for charging and storing batteries, and the Li-Ion Station for the safe storage of damaged or defective batteries.

Posters and educational contents such as checklists, whitepapers, and more are available free by request at DENIOS. For additional information on DENIOS products for the storage and charging of lithium-ion batteries, visit DENIOS.

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