EHS International Launches €3 Million Safety Training and R&D Facility

Cork HQ company eyes European growth through technological advancements in fire safety

EHS International has officially opened a €3 million Safety Training and Research & Development facility in Little Island, Cork, establishing a new benchmark for fire safety training nationwide.  

The state-of-the-art 11,000 sq ft centre, spearheaded by founder and CEO Chris Mee, will provide the most advanced fire and safety courses — such as cutting-edge firefighter robot training — to tackle complex fire and life safety challenges. This includes fire risks posed by lithium-ion batteries in many technologies including but not limited to e-bikes and e-scooters, with EHS International the first environmental, health and safety (EHS) training centre in Ireland offering their comprehensive suite of solutions, along with R&D, in this area. 

Speaking on the opening of the new centre in Cork, CEO and founder of EHS International Chris Mee said: "As e-scooters and e-bikes become more popular, the fire hazards from compromised lithium-ion batteries are rapidly increasing. The occurrence of these fires is growing rapidly worldwide with a 46% increase in recorded fires in the UK from 2022 to 2023. These fires have resulted in multiple deaths, countless injuries along with unknown long-term health effects from the inhalation of toxic vapours.

"Our vision for this facility is bold: to be the first company in the EU to research, test and develop new viable, cutting-edge solutions for the market to allow for the safe removal, storage, and transportation of lithium-ion battery cells across industries. To achieve this, we're going to be investing heavily in R&D. Our team is already planning breakthrough solutions using technology, AI, and robotics. We want to push boundaries — in lithium-ion battery safety and all aspects of fire safety — and are committed to extending our reach across Europe and beyond, providing world-class EHS services to industries globally." 

As EHS International officially opens a €3 million Safety Training and Research & Development facility in Little Island, Cork, pictured are Paul O'Regan, Fire and Rescue Director at EHS International; Rob Horgan, President of Cork Chamber Of Commerce; Chris Mee, founder and CEO of EHS International; Michael McGrath, EU Commissioner designate for Democracy, Justice and Rule of Law; Dan Barry, Regional Director at Enterprise Ireland South and South East; and Louise Dennison O'Shaughnessy, Director of Mental Health and Wellbeing at EHS International. Picture: Micheal O'Sullivan

The new facility, part of EHS International's mission to create safer workplaces and communities, is the sole EHS training facility in the country offering training with the Avenger Fire systems. This state-of-the-art robot for first responders and firefighters will have multiple facets and will be engineered for precise fire-fighting solutions that protect firefighters at all times. The facility is designed to incorporate sustainable technologies, including a SuDS (Sustainable Drainage System).

The Little Island facility also features immersive training tools like a synthetic smoke system and a configurable search and training space, complete with a confined space and working at height sections. There is also a range of simulations including stoichiometry, dust explosion, flange fire, flashover unit, and rescue drills for high-risk scenarios. 

EHS International, which is a single-source provider of environmental, health and safety services, was launched in October 2023. It now has offices in Cork, Dublin, Belfast, and London. The company has grown rapidly over the last 12 months, with a selection of open career opportunities for R&D and EHS operational staff.  For more information, visit ehsinternational.com.