Latest news with #NFPA
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The Fire Protection Research Foundation and the Fire Safety Research Institute Issue Notice Around Potential Hazard Involving Fire Blankets Used for Electric Vehicle Fire Suppression Efforts with Battery Involvement
Key Takeaways: Experiments conducted by both organizations have demonstrated a potential explosion hazard when fire blankets are used during electric vehicle (EV) fire suppression efforts when there is battery involvement. When flaming is eliminated by the fire blanket, the ongoing accumulation of flammable gases released by continued thermal runaway in the battery pack presents a potential explosion risk. The experiments reinforce the need for continued research on EV firefighting tactics. QUINCY, Mass. and COLUMBIA, Md., May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF), the research affiliate of NFPA, and the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes, today issued a notice about a potential explosion hazard when fire blankets are used during electric vehicle fire suppression efforts with battery involvement. During experiments involving the use of electric vehicle fire blankets to suppress an EV fire with battery involvement, it was observed that the deployment of a fire blanket eliminated flaming by denying oxygen to the vehicle and the battery fire. While the flaming was eliminated, battery thermal runaway propagation continued after blanket deployment, which resulted in the continued release and accumulation of flammable battery gases into the volume under the blanket In some of the experiments, this accumulation of flammable gases under the blankets presented an explosion risk to firefighters operating near the vehicle. The risk of an explosion can be increased when re-introducing air into an oxygen-depleted accumulation of unburned flammable battery gases. FPRF is conducting research to improve the safety of firefighters responding to electric vehicle (EV) fires and incidents by assessing current firefighting tactics and tools used by the fire service to manage EV incidents and the impact of suppression activities on managing re-ignition risks. Recent experiments for the Assessment of EV Firefighting Tactics, Tools and the Impact on Stranded Energy research project were conducted to assess the ability of four firefighting tactics to suppress and establish control of fire incidents involving standalone electric vehicle battery packs and full electric vehicles with confirmed battery pack fire involvement: standard hose stream application – water only; standard hose stream application – with injected agent; electric vehicle fire blankets; and firefighting appliances. Analysis of the data from FPRF experiments is underway. Preliminary results will be presented at the annual NFPA Conference and Expo on June 16, 2025 in Las Vegas and the full analysis will be provided in FPRF's forthcoming research report, which will be publicly available this fall at FSRI is conducting research to improve understanding of hazards generated by electric vehicle battery fires and to enable the development of firefighting tactics for effective electric vehicle fire control. Recent experiments for the Fire Safety of Batteries and Electric Vehicles research project were conducted to evaluate the capability of standard hose stream application, water application with an under-vehicle nozzle, and an electric vehicle fire blanket, to suppress and establish control of a burning electric vehicle with confirmed battery pack fire involvement. Analysis of the video and data from FSRI experiments is underway and will be addressed in detail in FSRI's forthcoming electric vehicle research report, which will be available at About Fire Protection Research FoundationThe Fire Protection Research Foundation is the research affiliate of NFPA. The Foundation is an independent nonprofit whose mission is to plan, manage, and communicate research in support of the association's mission to help save lives and reduce loss with information, knowledge and passion. The FPRF facilitates research on a broad range of fire safety issues in collaboration with scientists and laboratories around the world. About Fire Safety Research InstituteThe Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes, advances fire safety knowledge to address the world's unresolved fire safety risks and emerging dangers. As part of UL Research Institutes, we are committed to sharing our fire safety insights with everyone to advance UL's public safety mission of providing safe living and working environments for people everywhere. Through advanced fire science, rigorous research, extensive outreach and education in collaboration with our international network of partners, we impart stakeholders with the information, tools and resources that enable them to make better, more fire-safe decisions that ultimately save lives and property. Learn more at About UL Research InstitutesUL Research Institutes is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to advancing public safety through scientific discovery. Since 1894, our research has advanced our mission toward a safer, more secure, and sustainable future. Focused on global risks from fire mitigation and air quality to safe energy storage and digital privacy, we conduct rigorous independent research, analyze safety data, and partner with experts to uncover and act on existing and emerging risks to human safety. Discover more at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE FSRI
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
RS and IMI make pneumatic motion control quick, easy, and economical
The RS portfolio of IMI pneumatic actuators for industrial and process automation applications includes IMI Bimba Original Line® cylinders, which are quick, easy, and economical to replace and offer more sizes and options than comparable solutions. FORT WORTH, Texas, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- RS, a high-service global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, offers a wide range of IMI pneumatic actuators engineered to serve industrial and process automation applications in an extremely broad range of industries and applications, as well as the technical expertise needed to help customers identify the right pneumatic actuators for their unique demands. IMI is a global leader in fluid and motion control dedicated to solving customer challenges in the process automation, industrial automation, climate control, life sciences, and transportation industries with scalable solutions that drive sustainable growth. Its portfolio of pneumatic actuators extends across two separate but unified brands, IMI Bimba and IMI Norgren, and serves both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and end-users around the world. Pneumatic actuators, also commonly referred to as pneumatic cylinders or pneumatic drives, convert compressed air into linear and rotary motion and deliver a substantial amount of force and power for their size. Even relatively low-pressure actuators still capable of moving hundreds of pounds. They're also simpler and typically more durable than electric and hydraulic actuators, with lifecycles extending into the millions of cycles. IMI Bimba and IMI Norgren offer single- and double-acting pneumatic actuators in a variety of different styles — including roundline, compact, NFPA (National Fluid Power Association), guided thruster, rodless, rotary, non-rotating, repairable, nonrepairable, and ISO — to solve automated motion challenges in industries with considerable differences in operating and regulatory environments and requirements. IMI pneumatic actuators are particularly popular in the agriculture, automotive, food and beverage, material handling, packaging, medical, battery and hydrogen production, industrial process, commercial vehicle, rail transportation, and theme park industries. Roundline pneumatic actuators, like the IMI Bimba Original Line®, are well suited for light- to medium-duty, lower-force applications and are widely available with options including bumpers, magnets, or adjustable cushioning. The Original Line introduced the first nonrepairable air cylinders to market back in 1957 — enabling quick, easy, and cost-effective pneumatic motion control — and continues to set standards today, offering more sizes and options than comparable solutions with an exceptional service life of 3,000 miles of travel or more. The IMI Bimba Original Line currently offers more than 150,000 different standard cylinders. The range includes an expansive selection of standard single-acting, reverse single-acting, and double-acting cylinders with 12 bore sizes extending from 5/16" to 3", as well as a selection of specialty styles (e.g., three-position, non-rotating, Z-line, rod lock, and hole punch cylinders), all of which are available in a wide variety of stroke lengths and mounting styles and lubricated with a permanent semi-synthetic grease that eliminates the need for additional lubrication at any point in the product's lifecycle. The line also offers features: Type 304 stainless steel bodies made with a double rolled construction and a mirror-finish inside diameter (ID) for superior performance High-strength carbon steel or Type 303 stainless steel piston rods equipped with high-strength roll-formed rod threads Low breakaway frictional characteristics, including collapsible Buna N "U" cup rod and piston seals and oil-impregnated sintered bronze rod guide bushings Durable aluminum alloy pistons Secure piston-rod connections that are threaded, sealed, and riveted Robust aluminum or stainless steel end caps machined for minimal breakaway during initial pressurization A 250psi rating Additional options for IMI Bimba Original Line pneumatic actuators include magnetic pistons for position detection, bumpers for noise reduction, wipers for contamination, adjustable cushions to reduce energy, extra rod extensions, standard and heavy-duty springs, and high- and low-temperature capabilities and heavy-duty materials for harsh environments. Both IMI Bimba and IMI Norgren also offer a variety of components crucial to deploying pneumatic actuators in various industries and applications, including air preparation devices that filter, regulate, and lubricate the air, valves that control the directional flow of the air, and corresponding accessories, such as mounting solutions. For more information about IMI pneumatic actuators — including selection tips — check out "Unlocking the power and versatility of pneumatic actuators," an RS Expert Advice interview with Sarah Manuel, the Training Manager at IMI, and visit the links embedded here. For assistance identifying, procuring, deploying, and maintaining IMI pneumatic actuators sure to satisfy your unique application demands, please contact your local RS representative at 1.866.433.5722 or reach out to the RS technical support team. About IMIIMI plc is a FTSE100 global specialist engineering company that designs, manufactures and services highly engineered products to control the precise movement of fluids. Its innovative motion and flow control technologies, built around valves and actuators, enable vital sectors to become safer, more sustainable and more productive. IMI combines world class applications engineering expertise with a continued focus on customer satisfaction, market-led innovation and complexity reduction to solve its customers most acute engineering problems. IMI employs approximately 10,000 people, has manufacturing facilities in 18 countries and operates a global service network. The Company is listed on the London Stock Exchange. Further information is available at About RS RS is a high-service global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, enabling them to operate efficiently and sustainably. We operate in 36 markets, stock over 800,000 industrial and specialist products, and list an additional five million relevant for our industrial customers, sourced from over 2,500 suppliers. This extensive range supports our customers across the industrial lifecycle of designing, building, and maintaining equipment and operations. We enhance their experience through a tailored service model, leveraging our efficient physical, digital, and process infrastructure sustainably. We combine a technically led and digitally enabled approach with an exceptional team of experts; ultimately, it's our people that make the difference. Our purpose, making amazing happen for a better world, reflects our focus on delivering results for people, planet, and profit. RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the year ended 31 March 2024 reported revenue of £2,904 million. For more information, please visit or connect with us on LinkedIn or X (Twitter). About RS in the Americas In the Americas region, RS stocks more than 250,000 industrial and electronic products from more than 700 trusted suppliers. These solutions cover categories extending from automation and control equipment to interconnect, passive, active, and electromechanical components and include more than 80,000 high-quality, competitively priced RS PRO products. For more information, please visit or connect with us via social media on Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, and YouTube. Image Download: RS IMI Pneumatic Actuators Editorial Contact & Media Inquiries:Erica Goode, RS Director of Marketing – U.S. and View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE RS
Daily Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Alba, NFPA ink deal to strengthen fire safety and occupational health measures
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), the world's largest aluminium smelter on one site, has entered into a strategic partnership with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®), a global self-funded US-based non-profit organization, dedicated to advancing fire prevention and safety on a global scale for nearly 130 years. The signing ceremony took place between Alba's Chief Executive Officer Ali Al Baqali and NFPA MENA's Director of International Business Development Director Eng. Dana Kamal on 12 May 2025, marking the beginning of a three-year strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing knowledge-sharing and exchanging best practices in occupational health, safety, and fire prevention initiatives. Commenting on the partnership, Alba's CEO Ali Al Baqali stated: 'As the first aluminium smelter in the region and the first manufacturing company in Bahrain to embark on this journey, we are proud to lead the way, learning from the best while sharing our advancements to contribute to a safer and more sustainable industrial world starting from Bahrain.' Adding further, Dana Kamal, Director, International Business Development MENA at NFPA, said: 'By aligning with the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem™, we aim to help Alba maintain high safety standards as it continues to grow its operational footprint.' Through this partnership, Alba and NFPA will jointly develop and implement an action plan that includes hosting awareness forums, training sessions, certification programmes, and conferences to promote best practices in fire safety. Additionally, both organisations will collaborate on alignment of standards related to fire prevention and occupational safety based on shared lessons, research and data analysis.
Biz Bahrain
4 days ago
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Alba Signs MoU with NFPA to Strengthen Fire Safety and Occupational Health Measures
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world's largest aluminium smelter on one site, has entered into a strategic partnership with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®), a global self-funded U.S.-based non-profit organization, dedicated to advancing fire prevention and safety on a global scale for nearly 130 years. The signing ceremony took place between Alba's Chief Executive Officer Ali Al Baqali and NFPA MENA's Director of International Business Development Director Eng. Dana Kamal on 12 May 2025, marking the beginning of a three-year strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing knowledge-sharing and exchanging best practices in occupational health, safety, and fire prevention initiatives. Commenting on the partnership, Alba's CEO Ali Al Baqali stated: 'Joining forces with NFPA translates Alba's ambition to not only be the world's largest aluminium smelter but also a global leader in industrial safety. As the first aluminium smelter in the region and the first manufacturing company in Bahrain to embark on this journey, we are proud to lead the way, learning from the best while sharing our advancements to contribute to a safer and more sustainable industrial world starting from Bahrain.' Adding further, Eng. Dana Kamal, Director, International Business Development MENA at NFPA, said: 'We are proud to work with Alba, one of the world's largest aluminium smelters. This agreement marks a shared commitment to advancing fire and life safety standards within Bahrain's industrial sector. By aligning with the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem™, we aim to help Alba maintain high safety standards as it continues to grow its operational footprint.' Through this partnership, Alba and NFPA will jointly develop and implement an action plan that includes hosting awareness forums, training sessions, certification programmes, and conferences to promote best practices in fire safety. Additionally, both organisations will collaborate on alignment of standards related to fire prevention and occupational safety based on shared lessons, research and data analysis.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Alba signs MoU with NFPA to strengthen fire safety and occupational health measures
MANAMA (ALBH): Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world's largest aluminium smelter on one site, has entered into a strategic partnership with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®), a global self-funded U.S.-based non-profit organization, dedicated to advancing fire prevention and safety on a global scale for nearly 130 years. The signing ceremony took place between Alba's Chief Executive Officer Ali Al Baqali and NFPA MENA's Director of International Business Development Director Eng. Dana Kamal on 12 May 2025, marking the beginning of a three-year strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing knowledge-sharing and exchanging best practices in occupational health, safety, and fire prevention initiatives. Commenting on the partnership, Alba's CEO Ali Al Baqali stated: 'Joining forces with NFPA translates Alba's ambition to not only be the world's largest aluminium smelter but also a global leader in industrial safety. As the first aluminium smelter in the region and the first manufacturing company in Bahrain to embark on this journey, we are proud to lead the way, learning from the best while sharing our advancements to contribute to a safer and more sustainable industrial world starting from Bahrain.' Adding further, Eng. Dana Kamal, Director, International Business Development MENA at NFPA, said: 'We are proud to work with Alba, one of the world's largest aluminium smelters. This agreement marks a shared commitment to advancing fire and life safety standards within Bahrain's industrial sector. By aligning with the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem™, we aim to help Alba maintain high safety standards as it continues to grow its operational footprint.' Through this partnership, Alba and NFPA will jointly develop and implement an action plan that includes hosting awareness forums, training sessions, certification programmes, and conferences to promote best practices in fire safety. Additionally, both organisations will collaborate on alignment of standards related to fire prevention and occupational safety based on shared lessons, research and data analysis. About Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) [Ticker: ALBH] A Global Aluminium Leader: At plus-1.62 million metric tonnes per annum (mtpa) (2024), Alba is a world-leading aluminium smelter with a proud 50-year legacy in operational excellence, safety, environmental responsibility, and community development. Trusted Partner: A cornerstone of the Bahrain's economy, Alba produces high-quality aluminium, including standard and value-added products, which are exported to over 280 customers globally. With sales' offices in Europe (Zurich), Asia (Singapore), and a subsidiary in the U.S., Alba is a reliable partner on the world stage. Alba is dually listed on Bahrain Bourse and London Stock Exchange and its shareholders are Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company B.S.C. © (69.38%), Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma'aden) (20.62%) and General Public (10%). Alba prioritises the highest quality standards, reflected in its certifications: ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment), ISO 27001 (information security), ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety), and ISO 18788 (security operations management). Additionally, Alba demonstrates its commitment to responsible manufacturing through certifications like IATF 16949 (automotive quality), ISO 22301 (business continuity management), ASI Performance and Chain of Custody Standards, and a top 15% Silver sustainability rating from EcoVadis. Pioneering Sustainability: As the first aluminium smelter in the Middle East, Alba is central to Bahrain's thriving downstream aluminium sector, contributing significantly to the Kingdom's GDP. Committed to social responsibility, Alba employs a workforce that is 87% Bahrainis (2024) and invests heavily in employee training and development. Alba also plays a crucial role in the Aluminium Downstream Park, therefore increasing the contribution of non-oil sectors to the GDP of Bahrain. Alba has been recognised for its initiatives to produce Aluminium responsibly through awards such as Top ESG performer in Bahrain by ESG Invest, Safeguard Label from Bureau Veritas and Best Corporate Governance Award by Ethical Boardroom. Recognised for its environmental practices, social contributions, and corporate governance, Alba launched a comprehensive ESG Roadmap in 2022 focusing on 6 priority areas: (1) Decarbonisation, (2) Green Energy & Aluminium, (3) Circular Economy & Secondary Aluminium, (4) Employee Welfare, (5) Collaboration & Partnership and (6) Transparency, Communications & Due Diligence. Since its inception, Alba has invested into numerous environment, sustainable and socio-economic development projects that have had a positive impact on the society. Alba's first-of-its-kind US$37.5 million zero-waste Spent Pot Lining Treatment Plant, Power Station 5 Block 4 Project, and the upcoming +6 MW Solar Farm Project are tangible initiatives aligned with Bahrain's Net Zero Carbon Targets by 2060 led by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain. Specifically, Alba's PS5 Block 4 is a new 680.9-megawatt (MW) combined-cycle power plant that expands the existing PS5 facility. Block 4 has increased the nameplate capacity of PS5 Complex from 1,800 MW to 2,481 MW and is reducing the Company's overall GHG emissions intensity ratio by 0.5 tonnes of CO2 per 1 tonne of aluminium produced. In a significant step towards its ESG goals, particularly its commitment to a circular economy and secondary aluminium, Alba introduced EternAlTM, its new line of low-carbon aluminium products. Launched in May 2024, EternAl offers two product series with multiple variations to meet diverse customer needs: one featuring recycled content, and the other integrating verified in-house carbon offsets. Safety First, Always: Guided by the motto "Safety First, Safety Always," Alba prioritises the well-being of its employees and contractors. The Company achieved a record-breaking 35 million safe working hours without a lost-time injury in May 2025. The Company has been recognised internationally for its excellent Safety and Health track record with awards such as the RoSPA's Lifetime President and President Awards (10+ Gold Medal Awards), the British Safety Council's International Safety Award with Merit along with 4-Star Audit Rating, as well as numerous awards from the National Safety Council (NSC). Alba Stakeholder Engagement Plan Alba prioritises open communication with all its stakeholders, including the community, environmental and social groups. Through its Stakeholder Engagement Plan, the Company proactively addresses environmental and social impacts of its operations, outlining clear mitigation controls. Alba also maintains an external Grievance Mechanism accessible through the Code of Conduct, allowing stakeholders and the public to voice concerns and raise issues. Alba's External Grievance Mechanism Alba prioritises ethical conduct and environmental responsibility. Stakeholders, employees, contractors, and the community can confidentially report any potential breaches of Alba's Code of Conduct or raise concerns about environmental and social impacts through the Alba Integrity Line. This independent, multilingual hotline operates 24/7 and is accessible via a toll-free phone number, the company intranet, or the website at About the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) Founded in 1896, NFPA® is a global, self-funded, nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. The association delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission. For more information, visit All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed online for free on For further details, please contact: Eline Hilal Director, Investor Relations, Insurance & Corporate Secretary Investor Relations Department E-mail: Website: Follow us on:
