The Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF) will conduct a seminar and exchange information on new technologies and standards for fire detection systems in Beijing, China April 10 -11, 2007.
FPRF organized the Emerging Technology and Standards Development for Fire Detection Systems Seminar taking place at the Beijing International Convention Center as part of the Standards and Conformity Assessment Cooperation Program of the U. S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). The Foundation is sponsoring and coordinating the seminar in cooperation with the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), USTDA’s program management agent, through its office in Beijing, China.
The Foundation will share findings from several major research projects on initiatives to enhance fire safety standards for detection in support of the National Fire Alarm Code®, published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
“This seminar presents a valuable opportunity to gain a better understanding of current practices surrounding fire detection systems in the U.S. and China with an eye toward the future,” said Kathleen Almand, executive director of the Fire Protection Research Foundation. “We are pleased to participate in this valuable exchange of information and appreciate the invitation to present our research.”
One of the main objectives of the gathering is to foster international collaboration. Manufacturers and designers of fire detection and signaling systems will attend the event, as well as government officials responsible for standards development. The seminar was organized under the U.S. China Standards and Conformity Assessment Cooperation Program, which promotes cooperation on industrial standards policy and regulatory development. The exchange of information will enable both U.S. and Chinese participants to learn the domestic practices of the other.
“This particular workshop is exactly the sort of event we envisioned in putting this program together with USTDA,” said Gene Eckhart, NEMA Director of International Operations. “It brings together the leading edge experts from U.S. industry and their counterparts from China to exchange critical information that can lead to safer systems for the citizens of China, while giving U.S. companies insight that could lead to new commercial opportunities.”
The Fire Protection Research Foundation plans, manages, and communicates consortium-funded research on a broad range of fire safety issues in collaboration with scientists and laboratories around the world. The Foundation is an affiliate of NFPA.
NFPA has been a worldwide leader in providing fire, electrical, building, and life safety to the public since 1896. The mission of the international nonprofit organization is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. Visit NFPA’s Web site at www.nfpa.org.
NEMA is the trade association of choice for the electrical manufacturing industry. Founded in 1926 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., its approximately 450 member companies manufacture products used in the generation, transmission and distribution, control, and end-use of electricity. These products are used in utility, medical imaging, industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential applications. Domestic production of electrical products sold worldwide exceeds $120 billion. In addition to its headquarters in Rosslyn, Virginia, NEMA also has offices in Beijing, São Paulo, and Mexico City.