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Dorset businesses urged to prioritise fire safety in Covid world

by Active

Businesses across Dorset which have had to make changes due to Covid-19 are being urged to make sure fire safety remains a top priority.

The call comes from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) as many have had to implement new ways of working due to the current pandemic. The NFCC is reminding businesses about the everyday fire risks in the workplace – and there is both a legal and moral responsibility to ensure premises are safe from fire.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) group manager Tim Gray, said: “The last few months have undoubtedly been difficult and challenging for many people and businesses.

“As such, we want to make sure that whilst businesses address the changes needed in response to Covid-19, they remain fire safe in doing so.

“Fire can have a devastating impact on businesses, with many never recovering after an incident.”

The fire service says many businesses had to respond quickly to the pandemic once they were allowed to reopen and while revisiting risk assessments, fire safety may not have been at the forefront of planning.

As part of NFCC’s Business Safety Week, running September 7-13, DWFRS is encouraging business owners and to ensure they review fire risk assessments.

They should also seek guidance and advice to help them keep their premises and occupants safe from fire.

DWFRS says businesses must consider the potential risks that the Covid secure measures, which are required to open some premises, may in some cases, compromise fire safety measures:

  • New screens must not obstruct smoke detection or sprinkler heads
  • Business must have enough trained staff to support evacuation procedures
  • Ensure measures to support social distancing do not impact evacuation procedures, exit doors or the ability of emergency service to help you
  • Protect your business from arson
  • Help your fire service by reducing false alarms – which currently accounts for about 40 per cent of all emergency calls

Mr Gray said: “We are encouraging businesses to firstly review their fire risk assessments, and to contact us for advice should they need any support. Our goal is to keep all businesses working safely.”

www.dwfire.org.uk/business-fire-safety

FIA and BSIA collaborate on letter to UK government

by Active

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) and the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) have recently collaborated on a letter to the UK Government, regarding the proposed product regulation changes and the new UKCA mark, set to be implemented on 1 January 2021.

CEO at the FIA, Ian Moore and CEO at the BSIA, Mike Reddington wrote the letter jointly, stating that they both had serious concerns about the proposed implementation of the mark and the major impact it will have on both of their industry organisations, fire and security.

The letter continued to state the following:

“The current implementation of the UKCA is estimated to cost our industry sectors in the region of £20 million for product re-certification plus an estimated timeline of over 36 months to realistically carry out the process.

These headline figures do not include the costs associated for companies that have already transferred their certification to an EU Notified Body (at considerable cost), that will need to re-apply for a UKCA mark, in addition to the ongoing maintenance costs associated with duplication of certification in terms of audits, internal projects, product modifications and file maintenance.

The combined fire and security markets account for around £3 billion per annum and play a vital part in the safety and security of UK citizens from residential, commercial, industrial and critical infrastructure and Government institutions.

The products manufactured, installed and maintained across these sectors are subject to insurance requirements and conformance to the Construction Products Regulations (CPR) and other current European Union (EU) legislation requiring certification through Notified Bodies recognised by the EU.

The financial cost and resource time associated with re-certification can only be estimated as it is unclear what level of acceptance from both EU and UK Notified Bodies will be required (i.e. it is widely anticipated the paperwork alone will not be sufficient to register a new mark and that the certification process will indeed require a level of product re-testing in part or in full). Additionally, companies will have to re-label products and product literature resulting in a significant increase in cost.

Dual product certification will cause major disruption to companies that make/sell products across the UK, EU and global markets which, subject to any unknown divergence, will add significant costs to the process. This process does not add any value or quality to the product. It’s just a means of national compliance.

The outbreak of COVID-19 from March this year has had a huge impact on our industry sectors over the last six months and this is likely to remain the case for many months to come. Many staff are still on furlough and companies are either making staff redundant or considering redundancies to allow them to continue to trade through these uncertain times. Again, the UKCA mark requirement adds no value/quality to companies desperately trying to keep their companies in business.

Given the lack of clarity on Government detail behind the UKCA and noting the recent release of updated guidance on the GOV.UK web site as of 1 September, the new timelines do not provide sufficient time or detail on the implementation of the UKCA mark.”

The FIA and BSIA trade associations have ultimately requested the following from the Minister of State for Security:

  • A reciprocal agreement to accept the EU CPR certification alongside the UKCA mark. Should a reciprocal agreement not be acceptable, both trade associations have insisted that the specified 12 months’ timeline be extended to a minimum of 36 months to allow sufficient time for manufacturers to prepare and apply the UKCA mark
  • Agreement that the UKCA Notified Bodies will accept the product test reports from other EU Notified Bodies without the need to re-test or certify
  • Consider that the requirement for the UKCA mark is not relevant for existing fire and security systems and components needed to extend, maintain and service them. Consequently, manufacturers who decide that the UKCA mark is not a viable business decision could leave sites such as hospitals and schools etc with fire and security systems unsupported and unserviceable.

The letter concluded by stating to the Minister: “We would urge you to reconsider the detail and timelines to implement the UKCA mark in order to limit further damage on UK businesses and we would welcome the opportunity to arrange a roundtable meeting between yourself, your officials, the FIA and the BSIA to discuss the matter in further detail and agree a pragmatic solution to this critical issue.”

www.fia.uk.com/

www.bsia.co.uk

HETAS warns thatched roof home owners on chimney fire safety

by ActiveProjects

HETAS, the non-profit independent organisation, is encouraging people to maintain their chimneys properly by having them swept at least twice a year by an approved chimney sweep, ensuring the appliance is correctly installed, and only using wood with 20% or less moisture content to reduce soot build-up.

The reminder comes as part of Chimney Fire Safety Week after England recorded 3,130 chimney fires in 2019/2020. The latest fire statistics show that chimney fires in England have fallen by six per cent but in some counties, the number of incidents has increased.

CEO Bruce Allen said: “Due to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, people have been at home more than usual and likely using their heating appliances more than they normally would at this time of year, particularly in more rural off-grid locations.

“This sudden increase in prolonged use could be contributing to the rise in incidents we’ve seen in some areas, if appliances and chimneys haven’t been properly looked after.

“Chimney fires might represent less than two of total fires but they can be absolutely devastating. However, the good news is that if people take the appropriate action such incidents are totally avoidable. In fact, overall the number of chimney fires has declined by around 60 per cent over the past decade, despite an increase in appliances being fitted during the same period.

“We believe that informing homeowners about the importance of sweeping and maintenance, is the key to reducing the risk of chimney fires even further. With the weather changing and the nights beginning to draw in, now is the perfect time to have chimneys checked by a HETAS-approved chimney sweep.”

HETAS is reminding wood stove users that ensuring safety and efficiency includes only burning wood that has been properly seasoned and has a moisture content of no more than 20%.

Those buying wood should look out for the Woodsure Ready to Burn logo on bags if buying for immediate use, and those buying in bulk can find a certified Woodsure supplier at, along with advice on storage and use.

www.hetas.co.uk/find-chimney-sweep

Active fire protection market set for growth post Covid-19

by Active

The active fire protection market is comprised of detection/alarms and suppression systems. Alarms and detection systems account for 63% of the overall active fire protection market, having gained slight share over the last two years, with the majority of installations of products and systems going into the non-domestic sectors. Domestic smoke alarms only account for a small portion of total market value.

Over the last decade or so, innovations in detection technology have significantly reduced the likelihood and number of false alarms, through such developments as improved capability of sensor technology in smoke detectors. However, the number of false alarms due to apparatus faults has stabilised in the last three years, suggesting that more recent product improvements are no longer having an impact on the number of false alarms.

AMA Research’s current forecast indicates a decline in 2020 due to the impact of Covid-19, this is down to the closing building sites, the furloughing of employees as well as restrictions on the supply of building materials throughout the world. The active fire protection market is expected to grow by 14% between 2020 and 2024.

Fire detectors, which serve to identify where a fire is occurring by locating heat, smoke or flames, before providing a warning of the blaze through an audible alarm and often through the alerting the fire service will outperform the market, increasing 17% between 2020 and 2024.

Higher levels of publicity and the greater awareness of fire safety measures, particularly within high rise buildings, should stimulate demand for active fire protection products. This should be seen in both new installations and particularly in the replacement sector.

Increasingly, businesses are adopting integrated fire and security systems, which is likely to remain a key feature of the industry. IT-based security systems, often including fire protection systems in combination with other security measures on a single network, such as video surveillance, access control and intruder alarms.

Laura Pardoe, Editor of the Active Fire Protection Market Report comments “the active fire protection sector is mature and has been primarily driven by the wider performance of the UK building and construction market. That said, changes to building regulations in the wake of the Hackitt Review will provide additional demand for the fire protection industry, particularly with regard to sprinkler systems in high buildings.”

The information was taken from the Active Fire Protection Market Report – UK 2020 -2024 by AMA Research, which is available to purchase now at www.amaresearch.co.uk

Spanish wildfires force thousands to evacuate

by Active

An out-of-control wildfire is raging in Spain’s southern region of Andalusia, forcing more than 3,100 people to evacuate, authorities said Sunday.

The blaze broke out Thursday in the mountains near the town of Almonaster la Real, 120 kilometers (75 miles) northwest of the city of Seville. It has already scorched 100 square kilometers (38.5 square miles).

Sixteen helicopters and eight planes are helping more than 500 workers tackle the blaze, including firefighters and army emergency personnel who worked around the clock this weekend.

“It is very difficult to say when the wildfire will be under control,” said Juan Sanchez of the Andalusia Forest Fire Department, as weather conditions are playing a key role.

The wind dropped overnight, making their task a little easier, but authorities expect the fire will be fueled by strong winds later Sunday. Crews were also struggling to reach all affected areas because of the rugged terrain, officials said.

A further 70 people were evacuated Saturday because of a wildfire in Mula, a small town in Spain’s southeastern region of Murcia, while firefighters are also trying to extinguish two wildfires in the western region of Extremadura.

Kent Foods warehouse destroyed in huge blaze

by Active

A huge food warehouse has been destroyed by an overnight blaze on Saturday 29 August, with 16 fire crews on scene battling the incident for hours.

A total of 16 crews rushed to the huge blaze at Kent Foods Limited, Christopher Martin Road, Basildon. Firefighters are expected to stay at the scene for most of today.

Aerial videos show the glowing flames as they ripped through the building. Witnesses said large amounts of sugar and oil stored at the site made it tougher to extinguish it.

Craig Still, whose friend works at the firm, said: “After speaking to a firefighter, the warehouse stores mainly sugar and oils for food, and the sugar turned in to a thick black residue and leaked everywhere. It is unknown how the fire started but oils and sugar made it very hard to control.” He captured aerial shots of the fire at the firm.

Residents said nearby firms had to be evacuated due to the incident.

Zara Watson, from Basildon said: “I saw the fire from our house near the Watermill pub. Not knowing whether the fire had been reported or where it was. My husband and I jumped in the car at 11:45pm and headed towards the huge plume of smoke.

“At least six fire engines and multiple police on the scene of Kent food limited. Enormous fire has torn through the building, gutting the roof and it looks like Amazon building opposite has been evacuated. The tree line is alright with the flames of the building.”

Eight appliances and two Aerial Ladder Platforms, from Chelmsford and Grays, were initially in attendance.

However, as the fire took hold fire crews were sent from Basildon, Rayleigh Weir, Billericay, Wickford, Leigh, Corringham and Orsett as well as the two Aerial Ladder Platform crews.

The fire was producing large amounts of smoke and residents in the area were advised to stay indoors and keep their windows and doors closed.

Fire crews battle through the night and at 7am today were still working on scene.

Kent Foods Limited has been contacted for comment.

Diesel train catches fire in Llangennech, Wales

by Active

Homes have been evacuated in south Wales after a large diesel train caught fire. British Transport police said crews were called to the blaze at Llangennech, near Llanelli, around 11.20pm on Wednesday 26th August.

Three carriages of the train were alight and an evacuation zone was put in place, according to Dyfed-Powys police.

Two employees were on board the freight train but no injuries have been reported, the British Transport Police said.

Gary Jones, a county Councillor in Carmarthenshire, wrote that “a major incident on the railway line has been declared.”

The transport police said: “Emergency services are currently dealing with an incident on the railway near Llangennech Wales. A large diesel freight train has caught fire.

“A cordon is in place, with roads closed and surrounding homes being evacuated. Please avoid the area.”

Dyfed-Powys police said officers were contacting people living in the evacuation area and asking them to leave their homes and convene at Bryn school.

Superintendent Ross Evans said: “This is a fast-moving situation, which has been declared a major incident.

“There are a significant number of emergency services personnel at the scene and an evacuation zone has been put in place.

“Officers are in contact with people within that area asking them to leave their homes, and we urge people to comply with officers’ requests to ensure a swift and efficient evacuation.”

Helicopter crash lands in Kent area

by Active

A helicopter thought to be carrying ‘as many as four people’ crashed yesterday morning (26th July) in the Kent area.

A red Robinson R44 came down in a field off the A299 Thanet Way near Herne Bay at around 10am.

The helicopter was forced into an emergency crash landing in the field next to Heart in Hand Road.

Fortunately, no one is reported to have been seriously hurt in the accident.

A police spokesman said: “Kent Police was contacted at 10.05am on Sunday 26 July 2020 and notified that a helicopter had carried out an emergency landing in a field near Heart in Hand Road, Herne Bay.

“Officers are attending the scene along with partner agencies.

“No serious injuries have been reported.

“The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been informed.”

A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “Firefighters were called to reports of a helicopter crash in the vicinity of A299 Thanet Way and Heart In Hand Road, near Herne Bay.

“Thankfully there was no fire or persons trapped, so crews were able to make the scene safe while paramedics provided care to the pilot and passengers.

“The scene has now been passed to Kent Police to liaise with air accident investigators.”

Paramedics, the coastguard and the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) were also called to the scene.

Fire reported at Bournemouth beachfront

by Active

A large fire broke out at Bournemouth beach yesterday (Mon, 20th July) in front of hundreds of sunbathers – supposedly started by cooking, emergency services have said.

An unidentified beachgoer was cooking in one of the many beach huts that line West Undercliff promenade “accidentally” started the fire at 3.50pm, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

Two other beach huts caught fire and sent smoke billowing up the cliff face, with the flames spreading to 330sq ft of scrubland above the beach, the service added.

Hundreds of people watched as eight fire engines tackled the blaze – Dorset Police cordoned off the area and warned people to stay away.

Kentec remains operational throughout Covid-19

by Active

Kentec Electronics Ltd is continuing to deliver its life-critical control systems throughout the current crisis, supporting other essential businesses to ensure its panels are readily available, technical support is in place, and the safety of the public is not compromised.

Kentec has in fact seen an increase in sales for its Sigma XT extinguishant panels during this crisis as it is widely used within critical infrastructure, in sectors such as telecommunication, data centres and healthcare.

With all manufacturing taking place in Kentec’s Kent-based factory and with considerable raw materials in stock, it has adapted its manufacturing processes to align with government guidelines so that its customers have not experienced any supply issues with any of its life safety systems or parts.

Kevin Swann, Managing Director of Kentec, says this crisis has shown the value in its UK manufacturing and R&D facility: “Not only has it meant that we have not experienced any supply issues, but also that we have been able to continue the R&D of products on our roadmap. There will of course be delays as capital expenditure has been curtailed for the time being, but we are proud to have been able to support our industry’s progression.”

Kevin adds that operating through the crisis and supporting installations that are going ahead has been achieved through detailed planning, communication and collaboration: “For example, we’re supporting our distributors by shipping directly to their customers, when it not safe or feasible to open their warehouses. And with respect to supporting our installers, we have adapted our Kentec Installation Partner (KIP) scheme to be fully remote to ensure training and support is there when it is needed.”

Kentec has implemented new shifts schedules to ensure there are never too many people on site at one time and amended working patterns and amenities to mitigate potential risks involved. Work benches have been moved to ensure safe distances, and where workflows make two-metre distancing impossible it installed six- and eight-foot screens. Face masks have been provided to all staff and it is also trialling face shields for further comfort and protection. Office staff have worked from home.

“I’m extremely thankful for the positivity, proactivity and support that employees have shown through this process,” says Kevin.

“It remains to be seen how the rest of 2020 will pan out, but where projects have been necessarily put on hold, because of the essential nature of our industry we are confident that installers will be able to quickly and easily return to these projects when it is safe and feasible to do so. Communication, collaboration and support will continue to be essential in mitigating the challenges in our future ‘new normal.'”

kentec.co.uk/

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