IFSEC Global caught up with former Royal Navy firefighter Ian Moore about the FIA’s new engineering qualifications, the innovations on show at FIREX 2017, his forthcoming talk at Europe’s largest fire-safety show, and the need for a holistic approach to fire safety.Ian joined the FIA in September 2015 as the new CEO. Previously to this Ian was managing director of several companies in the fire and security industry, the most recent being Elmdene International, and as a vice president of Potter Signal.
Recently also chairman of the BSIA Export Council and BSIA Operating Board and member of several fire and security committees he brings a wealth of experience to FIREX International in June, where he will be among the speakers in London ExCeL’s presentation theatres.
Having lived in Oman, Taiwan and UAE, Ian also brings strong international experience to support any export activities of the FIA and its members.
IFSEC Global: How did you first become involved with fire safety?
Ian Moore: Coming from being a weapons engineer in the Royal Navy, I misread the advertisement and thought it said “Fire Arms” and not “Fire Alarms”! In all seriousness, I was fully trained as a firefighter in the Royal Navy and had responsibility on various ships for the fire detection, alarm and sprinkler systems fitted thought the ammunition magazines. Upon leaving the forces, it was by chance I saw the advertisement and the rest, as they say, is history.
IG: Could you briefly outline what you plan to cover at FIREX?
IM: The FIA’s overriding message is that of raising the bar on professionalism. We believe by individual’s professional qualifications and companies audited by a third party is the only way to ensure this happens. In addition we want to promote what the FIA can do for its members which is multifaceted.
IG: How much of an impact do you think the new FIA engineering qualifications will have on the skills crisis?
IM: I believe it will have a huge impact as does most of the industry given the comments we have received during a recent market survey. We need to make the fire industry attractive to young entrants into the job market and having a formal qualification gained through training is a big step towards that goal. With the potential of a reduction in European skilled labour (due to BREXIT), it is very much the right time to be introducing these qualifications so that we do not get to a crisis point (although many would say we are at that point already).
IG: What impact do you think Brexit might have on the fire industry and is there anything the industry can do to prepare or protect itself?
IM: Brexit means different things to different companies and cannot be rounded off as good or bad. Once we know the true “deals” then companies will navigate themselves towards the best for them and their offering. Standards and compliance (specifically to EN) is critical and it is important Government/BSI ensure we don’t end up in a position that manufacturers need multiple approvals to cover British and EU markets – this would cost the industry millions of pounds in wasted fees/costs.
IG: Are there any recent fire safety innovations that you’re particularly excited about?
IM: There are a few and they will be on shown during FIREX. To name one that comes to mind, given that I have an imminent meeting on the subject, is Coltraco’s constant monitoring of liquefied and non-liquefied gaseous extinguishing systems and water/air-tight integrity by using ultrasonic technology. It’s great to see innovation, not just for innovation’s sake, but something that can a make a real difference in ensuring life/property safety systems you are relying on are ready to deliver when required.
IG: Is there anything that hasn’t be spoken about in this Q&A that you think is important to get out to the public?
IM: I believe we should always have a holistic view when it comes to fire safety. Each company will obviously promote their products/services as the right solution. Commercial decisions often reduce the option to fit “belt and braces” so the best solution for the money is sought.
Getting a professional risk assessment will go a long way to guiding on the options so spend the time and money in ensuring you get the best advice/guidance as it will save you in the long run and will increase your chances of fitting an effective life /property safety solution.
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