Research
The FIA is a not-for-profit organisation. We are committed, as part of our key mission, to promote, improve and perfect fire protection methods, devices, services and apparatus; to ultimately improve fire safety for the public.
As Europe’s largest fire related trade association our resources, values and ethics are dedicated to support and improve fire safety, not only within the UK but also Internationally with our works on EN and ISO standards. Part of our commitment to our members and public safety is to re-investing money into fire safety research. Throughout the years the FIA has repeatedly collaborated with many prominent organisations in the funding, developing and assisting on a multitude of industry-leading research projects. The choice of research projects we get involved with is driven by our councils who recommend areas of research; then the FIA Board will then prioritise projects (or reject them) based on many factors such as cost, effectiveness, speed of delivery, profile etc. Below is a list of the most recent projects, please peruse and investigate further by clicking on the links.
FD&A Council
21 June 2019
The development of test methods to assess video flame and smoke detectors
This research has identified the repeatable methods to test VFD and VSD that can support the development of a product test standard and related codes of practice
FD&A Council/BRE
01 April 2018
Detection of Stratified Smoke (Phase 2)
Fire Industry Association research sheds light on detection of stratified smoke
FD&A Council/ University of Edinburgh
01 October 2017
Video Fire Detectors (VFD) research on Performance sensitivity test/assessment method
FD&A Council/BRE
01 December 2017
Life expectancy of old smoke detectors
FD&A Council
In Progress - due to be published soon
01 October 2016
Use of smoke detectors where stratification can be expected
FD&A Council
1 April 2016
VAD Effectiveness Research Project
FD&A Council /BRE
01 October 2015
Photo-Heat Multi-Sensor Detector Research Project
FD&A Council/BRE
30 July 2015
Visual Alarms Project - Gather Evidence to improve the European Standard
FD&A Council
In Progress
15 May 2014
Video Fire Detectors - Phase 1
FD&A Council
Extinguishing Council
01 December 2017
High air flow Phase 1
Extinguishing Council/WG Gases
High air flow Phase 2
Extinguishing Council/WG Gases
In Progress
01 October 2017
Foam - Biomass/waste fires Part 2
Extinguishing Council/WG Foam
01 October 2016
Foam - Biomass/waste fires
Extinguishing Council/WG Foam
Fire Risk Assessment Council
01 July 2017
The causes of fire fatalities and serious fire injuries in Scotland and potential solutions to reduce them- Phase 1: IRS review
Fire Risk Assessment Council
Phase 1 complete
Phase 2 complete
2 October 2014
Live Investigations of False Fire Alarms
The research, called ‘Live investigations of false fire alarms’ was an investigation into the exact causes of false alarms. The research was carried out by BRE in partnership with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Services to analyse the exact reasons behind a false alarm. This research, sponsored by the FIA and other key industry stakeholders, lead to 35 recommendations for changes or further investigation.
Fire Risk Assessment Council
Export Council
06 June 2016
FIA Export Council Publishes Fire Protection Market Research on Turkey and South Africa
Export Council
Reports on highly successful FIA Export Overseas Missions to:
Turkey - November 2008 involving eight UK fire protection companies.
South Africa - June 2012 involving six UK fire protection companies.
FIRESA Council
12 November 2015
Quantifying the costs of FRS R&D Activities in England and Wales
The Fire Industry Association commissioned research from Kingston University on the English and Welsh Fire and Rescue Services’ current Research and Development activities. Financed through the FIA Research Fund, the work was carried out by Emily Martin, Post Graduate Researcher at Kingston University, under the direction of Dr Ian Greatbatch, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Science, Engineering and Computing.
FIRESA Council/ Kingston University