DeGroote grad brings fire prevention technology back home
[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/laird.jpg” caption=”Laird Comber shows off the Safe-T-element which upgrades traditional electric heating coils on range stoves with a safer, cast-iron plate system.”]
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When Laird Comber graduated from the DeGroote School of Business in 1997, he was keen to put his education to work and build a career in sales. He began his employment with an emerging Canadian company, Pioneering Technology Corp., which was retrofitting outdated appliances with modern technologies. He knew the technologies he was selling could not only save consumers a lot of money in energy costs, but that it could potentially save lives.
Since then, Comber has become the driving force behind a product called “Safe-T-element,” which upgrades traditional electric heating coils on range stoves with a safer, cast-iron plate system. The cast-iron plate prevents fires by capping the maximum temperature of the burner to a point where oil and other household materials cannot combust.
McMaster University recently upgraded all of their electric coiled stoves on campus with this new technology, making them the first university in Canada to do so.
“McMaster is known for pushing the envelope in terms of education, but it is also actively pursuing new avenues to make their campus and surrounding communities safer. McMaster was very receptive to the idea of integrating this technology into its residences,” said Comber.
Kitchen fires are the primary cause of household fires in North American. They account for more than $440 million in damages every year. According to a study from the National Fire Protection Association, students are at the highest risk for leaving an electric coil stove top unattended.
Comber worked with David Speagle, McMaster housing and conference specialist, to complete the project.
“It was a fairly easy decision to make. You can image how many students use our stoves on a daily basis, so we do everything we can to make the cooking process as safe as possible,” explains Speagle.
The endorsement of the Safe-T-element has been widespread. Municipal governments, such as Peel Region, have mandated this technology in their social housing programs. South of the border, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety Program has also endorsed this technology.
Comber credits the success in his professional life to the lessons he learned as an undergraduate student at DeGroote.
“The decision to work for an emerging technology company wasn't the easiest decision to make,” Comber said. “DeGroote gave me the ability to identify opportunities in the marketplace and then the confidence to take the risk.”
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