Underwriters Laboratories Signs Collaboration Agreement to Support Fire Protection and Prevention in Mexico

NORTHBROOK, Ill. January 21, 2021 - Underwriters Laboratories, the Mexican Association of Automatic Fire Sprinklers (AMRACI) and the National Council for Fire Protection (CONAPCI) have announced the signing of a Collaboration Agreement between the three organizations.

Due to the health contingency of the COVID-19 pandemic, signature of the agreement was made virtually by all parties. The agreement provides a framework for developing technical standards to improve the quality of life, well-being and public safety in Mexico and Latin America through the rational use of resources, innovation, productivity and trade for collaboration.

The MOU arose through the UL Standards Standardization Committee in Mexico, which provided the regional opportunity for collaboration. 

“We are very pleased to collaborate with these institutions, considering our mutual unwavering commitment to public safety,” said Phil Piqueira, vice president of global standards at Underwriters Laboratories. “AMRACI and CONAPCI have been working for years to bring together the main stakeholders in Mexico and lead the country in fire protection and prevention. We are thrilled to join them in their efforts.” 

Juan Jose Camacho, president of AMRACI, said, “ AMRACI recognizes the work UL does to advance global safety and the contribution it has made to the world for more than a century. We have common goals. With the information and experience of UL, the knowledge of AMRACI and CONAPCI in the needs in fire prevention and protection in Mexico, and the efforts of all, we can advance as a team in the part of the mission that unites us.”

David Morales, president of CONAPCI, said, “As an organization that seeks to align the efforts of the players in the fire protection industry in Mexico, we welcome this agreement with UL. Without it, we would undoubtedly be in a watershed moment for Mexico, considering the experience that Underwriters Laboratories has in terms of standards, which will give a boost to the strengthening of the regulatory framework while providing tools to be more competitive within the framework of the new North American trade agreement (T-EMEC). CONAPCI has experience through its associates of the market needs and technical expertise that will be complemented by UL.”

Victor Espinola, general director of CONAPCI, said, "Mexico has a historical debt in the fire prevention culture and in its regulation, with at least 30 years of delay. Fires occur more frequently than earthquakes in our country. More than 95,000 fires have occurred in the last four years, and this has become a public health problem. Hence, this agreement will lay the normative foundations to improve security conditions in Mexico. Thanks to UL, CONAPCI and AMRACI for this great initiative. We are sure that there will be a before and after in Mexican fire protection regulations with the signing of this collaboration agreement.”

About the Mexican Association of Automatic Fire Sprinklers (AMRACI)

AMRACI is a non-profit organization founded in 2012 that brings together and represents the most recognized and qualified engineering firms, installation companies, distributors, manufacturers and insurers in Mexico. It promotes, improves, legislates and professionalizes a culture of prevention and protection through the development of standards, codes, good design practices, installation, maintenance and the use of certified products in order to save lives and protect properties. Visit www.amraci.org for more information.

About the National Council for Fire Protection (CONAPCI)

CONAPCI is a non-profit organization instituted in 2016 with the purpose of bringing together Mexican actors from the public, private, academic sectors, along with others interested in the prevention and protection from urban fires, in order to create awareness and coordinate efforts and resources. Visit  www.conapci.org for more information.

About Underwriters Laboratories 

Underwriters Laboratories is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the UL mission through the discovery and application of scientific knowledge. We conduct rigorous independent research and analyze safety data, convene experts worldwide to address risks, share knowledge through safety education and public outreach initiatives, and develop standards to guide the safe, sustainable commercialization of evolving technologies. We foster communities of safety, from grassroots initiatives for neighborhoods to summits of world leaders. Our organization employs collaborative and scientific approaches with partners and stakeholders to drive innovation and progress toward improving safety, security and sustainability. Visit UL.org for more information.