ICC Region I Radio ICC Region I

Chief Coco discusses his background in the fire service and his journey to community risk reduction. He emphasizes the importance of evidence-based approaches and results-based accountability in delivering effective fire prevention services. He also highlights the significance of training and continuous improvement in the inspection and enforcement process. Chief Coco shares insights into the use of data and metrics to measure performance and drive decision-making. He discusses the challenges and successes of implementing quality assurance measures and the importance of consistency in code enforcement. In this conversation, Tim Spears and Larry Cocco discuss the importance of community risk reduction (CRR) in the fire service. They explore the challenges and benefits of implementing CRR programs, including the use of technology and data analysis. They also delve into the Ontario Fire Code and the process of code development. The conversation highlights the emerging risk of lithium-ion batteries and the need for education, training, and code changes to address this issue. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of collaboration, sharing knowledge, and continuously improving fire service practices.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
09:35 Training and Continuous Improvement
17:37 Implementing Quality Assurance
43:15 Addressing the Emerging Risk of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Keywords

fire service, community risk reduction, evidence-based, results-based accountability, training, inspection, enforcement, data, metrics, quality assurance, code enforcement, community risk reduction, CRR, technology, data analysis, Ontario Fire Code, code development, lithium-ion batteries, education, training, collaboration

Takeaways

Evidence-based approaches and results-based accountability are crucial in delivering effective fire prevention services.


Training and continuous improvement are essential for inspectors and enforcement officers.


Data and metrics play a significant role in measuring performance and driving decision-making.


Implementing quality assurance measures can improve the consistency and effectiveness of code enforcement.


Consistency in code enforcement is important for ensuring public safety and reducing fire risks. Community risk reduction (CRR) is a crucial aspect of the fire service, focusing on preventing and mitigating risks in the community.


Technology and data analysis play a significant role in implementing effective CRR programs.


The Ontario Fire Code is the base code for fire safety in the province, and code development involves stakeholder consultation and evidence-based decision-making.


Lithium-ion batteries pose an emerging risk, and education, training, and code changes are necessary to address the hazards associated with them.


Collaboration, sharing knowledge, and continuous improvement are essential for effective CRR and improving fire service practices.

Join us on ICC Region 1 Radio as we sit down with FDNY Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, diving deep into the critical issues surrounding fire safety, lithium-ion battery technology, and the rise of micromobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters. In this discussion, Commissioner Kavanagh shares her journey from political campaigns to leading the nation's largest fire department, revealing a commitment to public service and safety.

This episode sheds light on the unique challenges and strategies the FDNY employs to combat the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, especially in the context of New York City's bustling urban environment. Learn about the regulatory measures in place, including the ban on non-UL certified devices and the push for new licensing to ensure the safe use of last-mile delivery devices.

Important Resources and Tools

FDNY Smart Website: fdnysmart.org - A comprehensive platform for fire safety education.

Segment 1: Career Journey and Vision for Fire Safety

[03:07] Commissioner Kavanagh shares her path to leading FDNY and her commitment to public service.
[05:19] Discussion on FDNY's mission and adapting to modern fire safety challenges.

Key Insights:
The importance of public service in Kavanagh's career.
The FDNY's mission remains focusing on preventing loss of life and property, adapting with modern challenges including technological advancements.

Segment 2: Lithium-Ion Battery Technology and Public Safety

[06:12. - 08:46] Transition to the widespread use of lithium-ion batteries, highlighting the need for public awareness and safety strategies.
[07:14] Kavanagh emphasizes the widespread nature of lithium-ion batteries and the necessity for increased safety measures.

Key Insights:
Lithium-ion batteries present unique fire safety challenges.
Strategies for mitigating risks associated with lithium-ion technology are crucial.

Segment 3: Micromobility Devices and Fire Safety

[08:46 - 13:20] The specific dangers posed by micromobility devices and New York City's regulatory efforts to enhance safety.
[10:23] Discussion on the risks of e-bikes and the importance of UL certification.

Key Insights:
E-bikes represent a distinct fire risk due to their battery size and usage.
Regulatory efforts in New York City focus on mitigating these risks through UL certification and public education.

Segment 4: Enhancing Public Education and Collaboration with Retailers

[21:17 - 23:32] Challenges in public education on fire safety and working with retailers to ensure product safety.
[22:07] Emphasis on consumer vigilance and the misleading perception of safety associated with well-known retailers.

Key Insights:
The critical role of public education in fire safety.
Collaboration with retailers is essential to prevent the sale of unsafe or counterfeit products.

Segment 5: Operational Fire Permits and Risks to First Responders

[38:22 - 39:14] The potential benefits of operational fire permits for monitoring businesses dealing with lithium-ion batteries.
[39:54 - 41:16] The explosive risks of lithium-ion batteries and the danger they pose to first responders and citizens.

Key Insights:

Operational fire permits could help ensure ongoing safety checks in businesses dealing with hazardous materials like lithium-ion batteries.
The explosive nature of lithium-ion batteries poses significant risks, necessitating stringent safety measures and first responder awareness.

Segment 6: Future of Fire Safety Regulations and Advocacy

[42:19 - 54:27] Looking towards the future with training, advocacy, and potential new codes address the risks of lithium-ion batteries.
[50:00.751] Continual need for vigilance, education, and enforcement on safe lithium-ion device practices.

Key Insights:
The importance of developing new training and codes to address evolving fire safety challenges.
Advocacy at state and national levels is crucial to advancing safety regulations related to lithium-ion batteries.

Summary

Jennifer Hamilton from the California Hydrogen Business Council discusses the recent allocation of funding for hydrogen hubs and the opportunities it presents for the hydrogen fuel industry. She emphasizes the importance of hydrogen as a complementary technology to electric vehicles and its role in decarbonizing various sectors. Hamilton highlights the challenges of hydrogen infrastructure and the need for both battery and fuel cell technologies. She also discusses the misconceptions and apprehensions surrounding hydrogen and the efforts to educate policymakers and decision-makers. Hamilton emphasizes the importance of safety and the involvement of experts in developing regulations and standards. She concludes by expressing optimism about the progress and potential of the hydrogen industry in the transition to a greener future.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview
02:05 Challenges with Hydrogen Infrastructure
05:20 Advantages of Hydrogen in Heavy Duty Market
06:54 Opportunities for Hydrogen in Hard-to-Decarbonize Sectors
09:03 Jennifer Hamilton's Background and Role
11:07 Working with Diverse Membership and Policy Initiatives
14:10 Misconceptions and Apprehensions about Hydrogen
18:29 Working with Government Entities and Model Code Organizations
23:08 Benefits of Hydrogen and Advocacy Efforts
26:19 Transition to Green Energy and Hydrogen Revolution
29:46 Incremental Implementation and Consensus Process
35:17 Long-Term Transition and Positive Projects
36:26 Efficiency and Safety in Green Energy Technologies
37:09 Transition Challenges and Climate

Center for Hydrogen Safety Americas Conference

Presented by the Center for Hydrogen Safety, this conference will bring together attendees from academia, industry, and government to discuss applied hydrogen safety topics, provide space for collaboration, and to give opportunity for your questions.

The Center for Hydrogen Safety Americas Conference in May 2024 in Las Vegas.

https://www.aiche.org/chs/conferences/center-hydrogen-safety-conference/2024California Hydrogen Business Council –

CHBC – Hydrogen Means Business in CaliforniaThe California Hydrogen Business Council (CHBC) is the leading advocate for the hydrogen and fuel cell industry in California, with members from across all sectors of the hydrogen

industry.

www.californiahydrogen.org


Hydrogen Tools: https://h2tools.org/

Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Safety

The Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association publishes the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Safety Report, an electronic publication which provides information about developing hydrogen and fuel cell Codes and Standards and related safety information.

www.hydrogenandfuelcellsafety.info


Compressed Gas Association:

https://safehydrogenproject.org/mapping-safe-hydrogen/

NFPA 2: https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/2/nfpa-2

Cal Fire Information Bulletin on 2023 NFPA 2: https://34c031f8-c9fd-4018-8c5a-4159cdff6b0d-cdn-endpoint.azureedge.net/-/media/osfm-website/resources/information-bulletins/23-005-nfpa-2-hydrogen-edition-update.pdf

Introduction:

In this episode of ICC Region 1 Radio episode, I hosted Chief Stephen Hrustich, Project Manager, Vision 20/20. We examined community risk reduction (CRR), emphasizing its expansive nature beyond just fire prevention. Chief Hrustich shared insights on the power of data in risk mitigation. We also highlighted Vision 2020, an initiative pushing for CRR integration in the U.S. Fire Service, and its key resources like the Material Generator. Concluding the episode we review the 2024 Community Risk Reduction Week and how to engage with Vision 2020 online.

Guest: Stephen Hrustich
Topics Discussed: Community Risk Reduction, Stephen's journey in the fire service, the importance of data in the fire service, the concept of community risk assessment, the role of building officials, and the significance of partnerships in ensuring fire safety.

Detailed Breakdown:

Welcoming and Introduction:

[02:10.566] Tim welcomes Stephen to the show. Stephen congratulates Tim on a recent award.
[02:19.043] Tim discusses the podcast's history and its focus on community risk reduction. Stephen emphasizes the importance of understanding the broader scope of fire departments.

Evolution of Community Risk Reduction:

[03:11.016] Tim delves into the evolution of community risk reduction and its significance in fire prevention.
Stephen's Background and Journey:

[04:11.535] Stephen's extensive background in the fire service is highlighted, including his roles, experiences, and his association with Vision 2020.
[08:22.322] Stephen's educational journey in computer science and mathematics, including his projects and his passion developed through the National Fire Academy.

Definition and Importance of Community Risk Reduction:

[11:17.194] The segment defines community risk reduction, emphasizing the importance of data in understanding and addressing risks.
Community Risk Assessment:

[14:29.544] A deep dive into community risk assessment, its challenges, and its scalability.

Role of Data in Community Risk Reduction:

[17:18.192] The segment emphasizes the importance of data-driven decisions in the fire service and mentions tools like Broad Street for data collection and analysis.

Scalability of Community Risk Assessment:

[19:13.498] Discussion on how the process of community risk assessment can be scalable regardless of the organization's size.

Importance of Partnerships in Community Risk Reduction:

[52:02.822] Tim introduces the topic of community risk reduction and the importance of partnerships.
[53:00.818] Stephen emphasizes the need for collaboration across various departments and organizations.

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Dr. Abi Aghayere from Drexel University, an esteemed professor with a rich background in civil engineering. From gaining his foundational knowledge at the University of Lagos and MIT to transitioning into academia and shaping the next generation of engineers at Drexel, Dr. Aghayere shares his passionate journey. Dive into the tangible impact of structural engineers as they shape the very skylines we admire. Moreover, Dr. Aghayere delves deep into the realm of structural failure analysis, recounting his hands-on experience in investigating deteriorating bridges and ensuring safety. A significant portion of our discussion revolves around the tragic Surfside Condo Collapse, where Dr. Aghayere sheds light on the vital role of live engineers in quality control and the oversight in drawings that led to this unfortunate event. Whether you're a budding engineer, a seasoned professional, or someone curious about the structures that surround us, this episode promises to enlighten and inspire. Join us in exploring the intricacies of building and fire safety.

In this episode, Tim Spears and Ray O'Brocki delve into the critical topic of fire safety in construction. They discuss the challenges in fire safety education and enforcement, the importance of comprehensive fire safety plans, and the role of fire prevention program managers. The conversation also covers the perception of fire safety and the risk of complacency, the use of temporary alarm systems on construction sites, and the management of temporary systems. The episode concludes with a discussion on how to improve construction fire safety, emphasizing the enforcement of existing codes and standards and the need for more resources for fire marshal's offices and building departments.

1. Introduction and Background: The podcast begins with Tim Spears welcoming Ray O'Brocki to the show. They discuss the importance of fire safety in construction, especially in light of recent events. Ray shares his background as a fire service representative for the American Wood Council, his experience as a fire marshal, and his current role in the industry.

2. Fire Safety Challenges: Ray highlights the challenges in fire safety during construction, including the education gap and enforcement gap between the fire service, building department, and industry. He emphasizes that the responsibility for construction fire safety rests with the owner, but enforcement should be a collaborative effort between the building and fire departments.

3. Fire Safety Plans: The conversation shifts to the importance of fire safety plans during construction. Ray suggests that these plans should be discussed during pre-construction meetings and should include details about site security, fire protection features, and emergency procedures.

4. Fire Safety in Complex Projects: Tim and Ray discuss the need for comprehensive fire safety plans for complex construction projects. They touch on the challenges of phased occupancy and the importance of training for fire prevention program managers.

5. Fire Safety Perception and Complacency: The hosts discuss the perception of fire safety and how complacency can be a risk. They note that while fire safety has improved over the years, the risk is still present and needs to be taken seriously.

6. Temporary Alarm Systems: Ray introduces the concept of temporary alarm systems for construction sites. These systems are Wi-Fi enabled, battery powered, and can be moved from one job site to another. They can monitor multiple data channels, including heat, smoke, and humidity, and can send alerts to designated individuals or directly to 911.

7. Managing Temporary Systems: Ray discusses the importance of properly installing and managing temporary systems on construction sites, such as temporary electric and emergency generators. He emphasizes that these systems should be installed per code and that hazardous materials should be stored according to standards.

8. Incentives and Fire Safety: Ray notes that construction managers have strong incentives to finish projects early and under budget, which can sometimes lead to fire safety being overlooked.

9. Improving Construction Fire Safety: The podcast concludes with a discussion on areas for improvement in construction fire safety. Ray suggests that enforcing the existing codes and standards would be a significant step forward. He also highlights the need for more resources and staffing for fire marshal's offices and building departments, especially those that focus on construction.