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Understanding the Importance of Ventilation in Fire Safety
When a fire breaks out in a building, the flames are not the only danger to occupants—smoke inhalation is a leading cause of fatalities in fire-related incidents. Smoke contains toxic gases and particles that can reduce visibility, impede evacuation, and cause respiratory distress. This is where ventilation systems play a crucial role. Properly designed and well-maintained ventilation systems help control the movement of smoke, preventing its accumulation in escape routes and common areas. Instead, the smoke is redirected away from people, allowing a safer pathway to exit the building. Key Advantages of Effective Smoke Control through Ventilation Improved Escape Routes During a fire, unobstructed evacuation routes are essential. Efficient ventilation reduces smoke interference in escape paths, enabling occupants to exit quickly and safely. Improved Visibility Smoke-filled environments can disorient and induce panic, creating situations that may feel worse than they are. Effective ventilation reduces smoke concentration, enhancing visibility for […]
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What Are Oxidising Materials?
Oxidising materials can significantly increase the intensity of fires, turning substances that generally do not burn readily into almost instant tinderboxes for chaos and destruction. The true danger of oxidising materials lies in their ability to create spontaneous combustion reactions that can occur without a clear ignition source. For those unfamiliar with chemistry, oxidising materials can have ambiguous origins and are often misidentified. It’s important to note that not all oxidisers can cause spontaneous ignition, and the severity of the resulting burn rate varies depending on their classification. Oxidising materials can exist as liquids, solids, or gases. The principal oxidising agents commonly found in commerce and industry are typically chemical compounds that contain significant amounts of oxygen. These include peroxides, superoxides, nitrates, chlorates, dichromates, permanganates, and persulfates. Inorganic oxidising agents are more frequently encountered in industrial applications than organic ones. […]
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Are Fire Hydrants on Private Land often Forgotten?
A fire hydrant is a point where firefighters can access and connect to a water supply. It may be underground or a pillar type above ground. Fire hydrants (FH) are used to access water directly from the local mains supply to provide water for firefighting and are an important component of active firefighting. Therefore, fire hydrants must not be obstructed and must be kept in good working order. However, many fire hydrants found on private land, such as industrial estates, often go unmaintained, which could delay and seriously affect the operational requirements of the attending fire crews. Often, these can slip through the net when it comes to fire risk assessments (FRA). This is simply because the person carrying out the FRA may identify the site as having fire hydrants but assumes that these are either being maintained by the local Fire and Rescue Service or the landlord, as […]
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Who is actually responsible for the less-abled evacuation?
A common recurring question regarding less able evacuation, which we are frequently asked 2-3 times a month, is: “Do we have evacuation chairs on our premises, or should the landlord manage this?” While the UK law does not require the use of evacuation chairs, it holds building owners, operators, or tenants responsible for providing means of escape for all building users, including those with disabilities or mobility issues. Even though the legislation does not explicitly mention evacuation chairs, they are widely recognised as a practical and effective solution for safely evacuating individuals with mobility impairments, especially in multi-story buildings or locations with limited accessibility. As someone responsible for business premises, you have an obligation to your staff and the people who use your building to ensure adequate fire precautions are in place. This includes conducting suitable risk assessments, such as identifying potential fire hazards, planning for emergency evacuations, and […]
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Smoke Baffles Add Protection to Your Buildings
The saying “smoke is more dangerous than fire” is true when it comes to building fires. Smoke from a fire can be deadlier and cause more damage than the fire itself. In commercial buildings, various items made of plastics and chemicals can produce toxins when they burn, posing hazards to people breathing in the smoke. As the fire burns, these toxins release carbon dioxide and other harmful compounds like cyanide, making it difficult for individuals to use available oxygen. While fire suppression systems are designed to halt the spread of flames and minimise damage, they may not prevent smoke from spreading to areas such as vents and walls. To add an extra layer of protection, incorporating smoke baffles into building designs can help safeguard building occupants and minimise smoke-related damage. So, what are Smoke Baffles? Smoke baffles, also known as smoke curtains and draft curtains, are used to contain […]
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What is a Cavity Barrier?
Cavity barriers are blocks of fire-resistant material used to seal off empty spaces within a building in order to prevent the spread of fire. These spaces, known as cavities, are typically found within walls and are surrounded by different building elements. They do not serve any specific function and can act as pathways for smoke, hot gases, and flames to move from one part of the building to another. It’s crucial to install effective cavity barriers within concealed voids in roofs, ceilings, floors, and walls to prevent the spread of fire within the building. In the event of a fire, the fire-resistant material within the cavity barrier will expand and seal off these spaces, preventing the spread of flames and smoke. Cavity barriers usually consist of intumescent materials and are installed vertically at every party wall and horizontally at every floor to compartmentalize the building in the event […]
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Reducing The Risk Of Fire By Cleaning Filters
Many clients overlook an important aspect of fire safety: cleaning and maintaining filters in commercial premises like restaurants, fast food outlets, and care homes. Let’s focus on two common risks that, if addressed, can reduce the risk of fire and help meet legal and insurance requirements. Canopy filters Canopy filters efficiently capture grease, but over time, grease accumulates and becomes hard to remove once it solidifies. Failing to clean kitchen extractors and canopies regularly not only reduces the efficiency of the extraction system but also shortens the lifespan of the canopy fan. The vaporized grease from commercial cooking, which filters cannot fully capture, fills the ductwork, posing a significant fire risk as it extends throughout a building. The Importance of Regular Maintenance Failing to maintain and clean kitchen canopies, filters, ducting, and fans might invalidate your insurance coverage. According to insurance terms, regular cleaning of these components is now […]
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What Are The Benefits of Regular Fire Drills and Preparing For An Emergency In The Workplace?
A fire drill is an unavoidable event that evokes a variety of emotions. While it may be seen as an inconvenience or disruption to the usual routine, regular fire drills and emergency preparedness are crucial for keeping everyone safe during a real emergency. Ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in any setting requires paramount preparedness. This is particularly true for emergencies and potential fire hazards. Regular fire drills and emergency preparedness are crucial for minimizing risks, saving lives, and mitigating damage. So, let’s delve into the benefits of conducting regular fire drills and fostering a culture of emergency preparedness. A fire drill should be conducted to simulate an emergency. Trained fire wardens will lead everyone to safety outside the building. The drill should be taken seriously. Staff may receive advance notice about the scheduled date and time of a drill, or the evacuation may be conducted unexpectedly […]
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Is the UK prepared for the changes from Martyn’s Law once it becomes law?
Martyn’s Law aims to enhance public safety and organisational preparedness across the UK by mandating certain measures for venues and events to mitigate the impact of terrorist attacks. Martyn’s Law is expected to apply to anyone responsible for publicly accessible locations used for entertainment and leisure, retail, food and drink, museums and galleries, sports grounds, public areas of local and central government buildings (e.g., town halls), visitor attractions, temporary events, places of worship, health, and education. Here are steps businesses can take to prepare for compliance. Although no date has yet been set for the introduction of the legislation, we strongly advise that you review the requirements as soon as possible just in case adaptions and changes are required, including training. What Martyn’s Law will require you to do The government has indicated that publicly accessible locations with a capacity of more than one hundred people will need to […]
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What is a DSEAR Risk Assessment?
A DSEAR risk assessment process involves classifying substances as either non-hazardous or hazardous before deciding what controls need to be put in place. A DSEAR risk assessment can help identify any risks associated with your work situation so you can reduce them. Duty holders must comply with DSEAR by identifying hazards associated with their work, assessing risks, and implementing appropriate control measures. A DSEAR Risk Assessment is mandatory for most workplaces dealing with hazardous substances, regardless of whether they intend to work with them. Businesses falling into the following categories must complete DSEAR risk assessments: Manufacturing other explosive products (e.g. fireworks) Operating an Explosives Storage Facility Working at height with a fall arrest system Handling flammable liquids in large quantities (more than 200L) Working with compressed gases in large containers (more than 500kg) If you are uncertain about falling within these categories, it is advisable to consult with an […]
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