London Fire Brigade fulfills Grenfell Tower Inquiry phase 1 recommendations, ensuring safety advancements

by Building ManagementFeatured News

Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations fully implemented by LFB

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has successfully completed all 29 recommendations from Phase 1 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

Announced 13 March 2024, these improvements encompass changes in firefighter training, upgraded processes for handling major incidents, and the incorporation of advanced technology to enhance firefighting capabilities.

One notable upgrade is the replacement of the high-reach vehicle fleet with new 64-metre Turntable Ladders, now the tallest in Europe.

In addition, new command units equipped with cutting-edge technology have been introduced, enhancing the incident commanders’ response efficiency at the incident ground.

Over 200 people have benefited from escape hoods since 2018, a key protective measure against toxic smoke, with London’s firefighters being among the first in the UK to adopt them.

Enhanced communication and process improvements

The LFB’s communication capabilities have seen significant enhancements with the introduction of modern fire ground radios.

These radios enable effective communication for firefighters, even when wearing helmets and breathing apparatus, inside buildings.

Drones, equipped with live imaging and thermal imagery, are now used to provide vital information to incident commanders, facilitating better tactics for fire management.

They also serve additional functions like providing instructions or light in dark conditions.

Changes in the Brigade’s operations have led to more efficient responses to challenging emergencies.

Control officers now receive advanced training in providing fire survival guidance, backed by software that allows video feeds from incidents to be shared with the public, aiding in better incident management.

Statements from the London Fire Commissioner and Mayor of London

London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe commented on the developments: “We accepted every recommendation from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and have been working hard over the past five years to implement changes to the way we operate.

“We are the only organisation to have completed every recommendation directed specifically to them and I am proud of the work that staff have put into this, but I also know that there is still much more to do.

“Fundamental change in large, complex organisations takes time and while our transformation programme is safely on track, we are not finished.

“I’m dedicated to continuing this journey with full commitment so that we can continue to be trusted to serve and protect our capital.”

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan expressed his views: “The Grenfell Tower fire was an appalling tragedy and we will always remember the 72 people who lost their lives.

“The most fitting tribute to the people who died, their loved ones and those who survived is to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.

“I have been relentless in doing everything I can to ensure the recommendations from Phase 1 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry are implemented in full.

“Following City Hall’s significant investment, the LFB’s new equipment and protocols will help save lives.

“I welcome the significant steps the London Fire Brigade have taken to transform the way in which it responds to incidents, and high-rise building fires in particular.

“But there is more to do, and it is vital that the Government steps up along with housing and building industries to act now and ban combustible materials in external walls no matter their height and provide funding support for those unfairly saddled with large costs to remediate unsafe cladding.

“It’s vital that all possible steps are taken now to prevent another tragedy.”

IFSJ Comment

The completion of all recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 by the London Fire Brigade marks a pivotal moment in enhancing fire safety standards in London.

The LFB’s commitment to this comprehensive overhaul, encompassing technology upgrades, training enhancements, and operational improvements, is commendable.

Continual improvement and adaptation in response to learned lessons are crucial in the realm of fire safety, a fact underscored by the LFB’s efforts following the tragic Grenfell Tower incident.

London firefighters respond to increasing number of road traffic collisions last winter

by Featured NewsVehicles

London’s firefighters faced a significant increase in road traffic collisions (RTCs) during the winter months of November 2022 to February 2023.

The brigade attended an average of 11 collisions per day, totalling 1,369 incidents over the four-month period.

This period was marked not only by numerous rescues but also by the tragic loss of nine lives.

Detailed analysis of winter road traffic collisions

The London Fire Brigade’s response to these incidents is a small yet significant part of a broader picture of road safety in the capital.

In 2022, over 23,500 road collisions were recorded in London, with the majority causing only minor injuries.

However, approximately 3,725 of these incidents resulted in serious injuries, including fractures and burns.

Notably, collisions were more prevalent in areas of higher deprivation, with the top 10% most deprived areas experiencing nearly 2,800 collisions, more than double the number in the least deprived areas.

National fire and rescue incident statistics

The situation in London reflects a national trend observed across England.

In the year ending December 2022, fire and rescue services (FRSs) attended 627,553 incidents, marking a 13% increase from the previous year.

These incidents included 183,209 fires and a substantial number of non-fire incidents, such as road traffic collisions.

This rise in RTCs aligns with increases in road traffic following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

The number of RTCs in 2022 returned to levels seen prior to the pandemic, with 31,162 incidents recorded.

IFSJ Comment

The increase in road traffic collisions attended by the London Fire Brigade last winter is a concerning trend that reflects wider issues in road safety and emergency response.

The data indicates a need for continued focus on road safety measures, especially in areas of higher deprivation where the incidence of collisions is notably higher.

This situation also underscores the critical role of fire and rescue services in responding to non-fire incidents, a responsibility that has grown in prominence alongside their traditional firefighting duties.

The upward trend in road traffic collisions not only in London but across England highlights the ongoing challenge for emergency services in addressing the diverse needs of their communities.

London Fire Brigade emphasises importance of Home Fire Safety Checker for carers

by Featured NewsSafety

With winter nights approaching, the London Fire Brigade is reaching out to those who look after their loved ones to make use of their online Home Fire Safety Checker.

Increase in fire-related injuries observed in October

There are approximately 4.9 million ‘informal carers’ in the UK.

Many are anticipated to visit the homes of those under their care this weekend to adjust clocks, especially those tending to parents, grandparents, and individuals over the age of 65.

LFB data reveals that injuries caused by fires among the over-65s rise by around 50 per cent in October when compared to the previous month.

Moreover, nearly a third of those severely injured or killed by fire are receiving some form of care or assistance.

How the Home Fire Safety Checker assists London residents

The London Fire Brigade’s Home Fire Safety Checker offers a walkthrough for residents, enabling them to spot potential fire hazards and receive customised recommendations to address them.

After its upgrade in April, the Brigade is concentrating its efforts on the most vulnerable; hence, individuals categorised as ‘very high risk’ after using the checker will be reached out to by firefighters within a four-hour window.

Diana, who takes care of her mother in Hampton, shared her experience: “A few months ago, my mum placed a candle under the TV and burnt a hole through it.

“Luckily, the plastic melted but didn’t cause a fire. A relative suggested we use the Home Fire Safety Checker to identify other potential risks in her home.

“It just gives me a bit of peace of mind knowing we’ve taken the time to check for these things in her home.”

Authorities emphasise the significance of Home Fire Safety

Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection, Charlie Pugsley, commented: “With the clocks going back and the nights getting longer and colder, there’s a heightened risk of fires.

“We urge both formal and informal carers to take a few minutes to sit down and complete our Home Fire Safety Checker.

“It could make all the difference this winter to keeping your loved ones safe from fire.”

Deputy Mayor for Fire and Resilience, Fiona Twycross, added: “The Brigade’s free online safety checker is an optimal method to recognise potential fire threats in your residence or that of someone you look after.”

For further details on identifying and mitigating fire hazards in a loved one’s house, refer to the Brigade’s Carers Guide to Home Fire Safety.

IFSJ Comment

The emphasis on Home Fire Safety, especially as the colder months approach, is critical.

The latest initiative by the London Fire Brigade, targeting informal carers, reflects the pressing need to ensure the safety of the elderly and those receiving care.

With statistical data indicating an uptick in fire-related injuries among the over-65s during October, this outreach is timely.

The Home Fire Safety Checker not only identifies potential hazards but also educates individuals, providing actionable recommendations to reduce fire risks.

This proactive approach by the Brigade serves as a reminder to all of the collective responsibility in safeguarding our communities.

London Mayor highlights Government’s delayed fire safety rules affecting 34,000 new homes

by ConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

Mayor Sadiq Khan appeals for clarity on fire safety rules.

Recent updates from the Mayor of London suggest that the awaited government guidelines on fire safety rules are causing a delay in the construction of 34,000 new homes in the capital.

Mayor Sadiq Khan has voiced concerns regarding the hold-up, emphasising the significance of these regulations for housing developments in London.

The background of the fire safety rules.

Last December, ministers proposed mandatory second staircases in tall buildings in response to the tragic Grenfell Tower fire of June 2017.

Housing Secretary Michael Gove had previously pledged a seamless transition, assuring: “there is no disruption to housing supply”.

However, recent information from City Hall highlights that the delay in providing clarity on these new fire safety rules is impacting 34,000 homes in significant developments.

This delay may have further repercussions, potentially affecting even more homes in smaller developments throughout London.

Building practices in London move towards enhanced safety

Mayor Khan has taken initiatives, such as the London Plan and other funding programmes, to surpass national building regulations.

These measures include the mandatory installation of sprinklers and the prohibition of combustible cladding in all new homes.

Despite these efforts, the absence of guidance regarding the new rules, including specifics on staircase requirements, creates a cloud of uncertainty for housing developers and local authorities.

The Mayor of London expressed his views stating: “While I strongly support the highest fire safety standards for new buildings, the chaotic way these new rules are being put in place by the Government is now holding up the delivery of thousands of homes across the capital.”

He urged the ministers to “Cut through this bureaucratic dither and delay to urgently bring clarity on these new fire safety rules.”

Commenting on the issue, Stephanie Pollitt, Program Director for Housing at BusinessLDN, emphasised the importance of building pace: “Providing this certainty is critical to help the industry deliver high-quality and well-designed homes that meet the highest safety standards.”

IFSJ Comment

The delay in the implementation of fire safety rules in London’s housing sector underscores the broader challenges of ensuring safety while maintaining the pace of construction.

As the capital grapples with a housing crisis, a balance between swift construction and stringent safety measures is imperative.

Mayor Khan’s call for clarity is not just about expediting housing projects but ensuring that when these homes are built, they meet the highest safety standards.

With the haunting memory of the Grenfell Tower fire, it is essential that safety rules are clear, timely, and in the best interest of the public.

London Fire Brigade reviews response to false alarms to boost community safety

by Featured NewsFire Detection

London Fire Brigade is launching a consultation aimed at reducing its response to false alarms

In a recent announcement, London Fire Brigade (LFB) has commenced a consultation focused on its response to false alarms.

Automatic fire alarms are devices designed to detect potential fires and notify occupants or connected alarm companies to contact emergency services.

The consultation suggests that during the day, the Brigade might not attend automatic fire alarms in non-residential structures, such as offices or industrial areas, unless there is also a call from an individual confirming the presence of a fire.

Tackling genuine emergencies

London Fire Brigade emphasises their commitment to always respond to 999 calls reporting fires anywhere in London.

Moreover, they will maintain their response to alarms from residential settings, like homes.

Interestingly, less than one percent of automatic fire alarms indicate real fires.

This means that a staggering 99% of them are false alarms, which unduly strain the Brigade’s resources.

Last year, the Brigade responded to approximately 60 false alarms each day from non-residential properties, consuming nearly 23,500 hours of firefighters’ time.

False alarms: Addressing the real impact

With a reduction in attending false alarms, firefighters can allocate more time to fire prevention and community safety enhancement.

Activities they can engage in include fire safety assessments in homes and commercial establishments, and valuable operational training.

Interestingly, all but four fire and rescue services in the UK already implement similar practices.

Considering exemptions in the proposal

However, the Brigade’s proposal mentions they would continue attending automatic alarms in areas where people might be asleep or where hazardous substances are stored.

Significant public buildings like heritage sites would also still receive a response.

Deputy Commissioner Dominic Ellis voiced his views: “We are here to keep London’s communities safe, and we want to do this as effectively as possible.”

“We spend thousands of hours each year addressing false alarms in non-residential buildings.

“Minimising our attendance at these instances will allow us to concentrate on our main goal: community safety. Remember, we will always be there if you call us during an emergency.”

He also expressed the Brigade’s desire to gather feedback from businesses and stakeholders before making a final decision.

Conclusion of the consultation

Feedback from this consultation will shape the Brigade’s strategy regarding automatic fire alarms.

For more details on how to participate in this consultation, interested parties can visit the Brigade’s website.

The deadline for input is set for 25 October 2023.

The main proposal highlights include:

  • LFB might not attend non-residential alarms from 7am to 6pm.
  • Buildings with sleeping risks, such as houses, flats, hospitals, and student accommodations, will still receive emergency responses.
  • High-risk sites with dangerous substances and significant public buildings will also continue getting an emergency response.

Participants in the consultation will be asked a series of questions, including their concerns, suggestions for other exemptions, and ways LFB can assist organisations to prepare for the change.

IFSJ Comment

The move by the London Fire Brigade to reconsider its attendance at false alarms underscores a broader trend in the firefighting community to optimise resources and enhance community safety.

By focusing on genuine emergencies and allocating time to preventive measures, there’s potential for a more efficient and proactive approach to fire safety.

It’s crucial for stakeholders to engage in this consultation to ensure a comprehensive and balanced perspective is adopted.

London’s fire engines: understaffed and underprepared as city marks anniversary of record heat

by Featured NewsVehiclesWildland Fire

New data shows an average of 23 fire engines unavailable daily in London

In data obtained by the Fire Brigades Union, a startling revelation has emerged. So far this July, an average of 23 of London’s fire engines have been unavailable every day due to understaffing, as the source reveals here.

This figure equates to approximately one in every six of London’s 142 fire engines.

A peak of 28 fire engines were off-duty on July 16th.

London’s only fireboat, a critical asset for river rescue and firefighting efforts, has not been operational for 13 shifts this month.

These statistics only account for appliances rendered ‘off the run’ due to insufficient firefighter numbers.

Fire engine understaffing on the anniversary of 2022 wildfires

These figures come to light on the anniversary of the 2022 London wildfires.

They also coincide with the release of the London Fire Brigade’s Major Incident Review about the events of July 19th, 2022.

On that day, which marked the highest recorded temperature, London saw a total of 822 fire engine mobilisations.

A staggering 39 fire engines were unavailable due to understaffing as fires engulfed Greater London, causing the destruction of 18 homes in Wennington.

The LFB’s report acknowledges that understaffing likely led to slower response times and insufficient resources or firefighter numbers.

Since 2010, the London fire service has experienced the loss of 1,388 firefighters, including control staff, 10 fire stations, and 26 fire appliances due to cuts.

Fire Brigades Union secretary’s warning about understaffed fire engines

Fire Brigades Union general secretary, Matt Wrack, stated: “One year on from the devastation of last summer’s wildfires, cuts are still leaving the fire service unprepared.”

“This is putting lives and homes at risk,” he continued, “Londoners should be furious that in the capital city of one of the richest countries in the world, firefighter numbers have been cut so badly that more than 20 fire engines are sitting idle every day.”

Wrack describes the situation as a disaster waiting to happen again.

“We will continue to face an increasing number of wildfires and extreme weather events due to the impact of the climate emergency,” Wrack added. “We need a UK-wide wildfire strategy, but above all, we need proper investment and funding for the fire service.”

Jon Lambe, FBU London Regional Secretary, echoed Wrack’s sentiment: “London’s firefighters are protecting lives under immense, unsustainable pressure.”

“Since 2010, we’ve seen over 1,100 London frontline firefighters lost to cuts. Fire engines are left empty in stations because there are not enough firefighters to crew them,” Lambe stated.

He concluded by calling for serious investment to ensure firefighters can save people’s homes and lives across London.

IFSJ Comment

This news is significant due to the potential safety risks posed by understaffing of fire services.

This situation is particularly alarming given the increasing threat of wildfires and extreme weather events due to climate change.

Ensuring adequate staffing and resourcing for fire services is crucial for community safety and disaster resilience.

About the Fire Brigades Union

The Fire Brigades Union is a professional trade union body representing firefighters and other professionals in fire and rescue services across the United Kingdom.

Their aim is to provide a voice for firefighters and the fire and rescue service, promoting the interests of their members on matters relating to employment, health and safety, fire and rescue policy and wider issues.

London Mayor welcomes new fire boats on the Thames

by Featured NewsProductsVehicles

The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has welcomed London Fire Brigade’s new fire boats to the Thames as part of a £40 million investment made by City Hall to expand the Brigade’s fleet of equipment and vehicles.

The two new boats are named after Auxiliary Fireman Harry Errington and Auxiliary Firewoman Gillian Tanner, who in the Second World War were both awarded medals for bravery.

The Mayor committed to modernising and transforming the Brigade’s rescue resources – which includes investing in Europe’s first 64m ladders, new 32m ladders and two new replacement fire boats – so that the Brigade is better prepared, organised and equipped to fight fires and save lives anywhere in London.

On Thursday, the Mayor met crews from Lambeth River Station and was shown some of the high-tech equipment on board. The new boats are twice as fast as the two previous vessels and can reach speeds of forty knots. They can carry more life-saving equipment than ever before. As well as hoses that allow crews to fight fires from the river, the boats are fitted with a hydraulic crane for carrying out rescues from the water and a high-definition thermal imaging camera.

The Mayor also visited a range of some of the Brigade’s latest equipment, including the new 64m and 32m turntable ladders, the new fire rescue unit and a Heavy Demountable Unit (HDU) unit (capable of transporting large quantities of foam to extinguish large fires).

London Fire Commissioner, Andy Roe, said: “The Brigade is transforming for London and our brand-new fire boats are the latest improvements to the new equipment we are rolling out.

“Our investment of around £40 million on our fleet over the last few years is part of our commitment to do all we can to meet the changing needs of our communities and keep Londoners safe long into the future; the fireboats will be a fantastic new addition to our fleet.”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am delighted to see first-hand the new state-of-the-art fire boats, which are part of London Fire Brigade’s expanding fleet of specialist vehicles and high-tech equipment which will be used to help keep Londoners safe. They are part of a £40 million investment I have made as Mayor over the past three years as part of my commitment to modernise and transform the Brigade so that it is better prepared, organised and equipped to fight fires and keep all Londoners safe.

“The demands on London Fire Brigade have never been higher due to the extreme temperatures and terrible flash floods we have seen as a result of climate change. That’s why, as Mayor, I am committed to doing everything I can to ensure our frontline emergency services have the right resources, policies and equipment to serve all of London’s communities.”

Deputy Mayor for Fire and Resilience, Dr Fiona Twycross, said: “I welcome the significant upgrading of vital rescue vehicles, appliances and equipment, which will help save more lives.

“The new fire boats are a brilliant addition to safety on the Thames and mean that the Brigade can tackle incidents of all kinds with dedicated teams on the water and on land, providing vital information to the fire service’s control room and emergency service partners to coordinate rescues.

“Since the Grenfell Tower tragedy, our fire service has transformed the way it responds to incidents – especially fires in high-rise buildings across the capital – and it’s so important that we ensure that this progress continues at pace so that we deliver the very best fire service for London.”

LFB ‘in serious need of funding’ to tackle building safety crisis

by Featured NewsSafety

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) commissioner Andy Roe has said the fire service is in serious need of funding if it is to effectively tackle the building safety crisis.

At a City Hall Plenary meeting in February, LFB Commissioner Roe said that to inspect just 10% or 20% of London’s approximately 95,000 mid-rise buildings for fire safety defects, the LFB would need to recruit a “significant labour force” of “a couple of hundred” additional specialist fire safety inspecting officers. He also said that there is an £8 million budget gap expected for the LFB in 2022/23.

During Mayor’s Question Time on 19 May, Labour’s London Assembly Fire and Resilience Spokesperson, Anne Clarke AM, entreated the government to support people living in residential blocks of all heights and called for proper funding for the LFB to tackle the building safety scandal, seeking compensation for leaseholders who have already paid out of their own pocket to fix potentially deadly fire risks.

Secretary of State for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), Michael Gove, stated developers will pay for mid-rise buildings between 11 and 18 metres with dangerous cladding, and funding has been provided for 8,500 high rise buildings above 18 meters in London.

Blocks below 11 metres that have been deemed in need of remediation work will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, but the government has stopped short of providing blanket protection under the Building Safety Act as revealed by Housing Minister Stuart Andrew in the Commons last month. In response to a question from Ms Clarke, Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, stated: “I think the height requirement should go, either your building is safe, or it isn’t”.

Ms Clarke said: “Nearly five years on from the Grenfell tragedy it’s completely unacceptable that so many Londoners are living in unsafe homes. Ministers must extend remediation support to all residential buildings with safety defects or combustible cladding. Regardless of height, if leaseholders have already paid, they are owed compensation.

“Londoners are being let down. They’re dealing with this on top of an unprecedented cost of living crisis. It’s disgusting so many have been left to sit with this hanging over their heads. This is a building safety scandal, not just a cladding scandal. The Fire Brigade needs more funding from the government so it can recruit hundreds of specialist fire safety officers to make London safe.”

New aerial ladders to hit London’s streets

by Products

New aerial ladders that are more responsive to drive, faster to set up and with greater rescue capabilities are soon to hit the streets of London as the London Fire Brigade continue to improve its ability to deal with high rise incidents.

Twelve new 32 metre appliances known as turntable ladders are part of the aerial replacement project and have many improvements on the existing fleet, the biggest being that the ladder articulates, allowing for greater maneuverability. The articulating top section means that down London’s narrow streets the turntable ladder can now set up closer to the building than previous aerial appliances. The reach obtained can also means that the machines can be placed further away and overcome obstacles which would have problematic previously.

The new turntable ladders are swift and responsive to drive and can reach their top working height within a minute from the moment of arrival at an incident. Other features include a detachable thermal imaging camera, improved stretcher capabilities all of which will enhance our operations at height. They will also improve our capabilities for lighting and observation of emergencies from above, giving incident commanders greater knowledge from the sky.

Turntable ladders are used by us for a wide range of tasks such as aerial water towers to put water on buildings from height, rescues, high level lighting and as observation platforms. The new engines will be highly visible on London’s streets with its bright yellow ladder, bumpers and fenders. It also has driver aides like pre-emptive braking and lane change technology.

London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe said: “Our new aerial ladders are more responsive, quicker to set up and improve our ability to fight fires and rescue people from height. Our determination to get these working on London’s streets despite the challenges Covid-19 has given us shows our commitment to improve our response, especially at high rise incidents.”

Training has been able to start on the new turntable ladders due to the hard work of our staff and in close liaison with the Fire Brigades Union to make sure it can be done safely during the pandemic. The courses were completely revamped to make sure safe procedures are in place including the wearing of masks during driver training, increased open air training and regular sanitation of delegates hands and the machines. Internal training venues were found quickly to make sure staff didn’t need to travel long distances and the risk to those involved could be reduced.

Firefighters have also been incredibly flexible, attending courses at short notice to make sure the vehicles become operational as soon as possible. The Brigade’s training provider Babcock have made additional machines for training available so that multiple venues can be used, allowing for increased training while maintaining social distancing.

www.london-fire.gov.uk/

Firefighters tackle residential London fire

by ActiveBreaking News

Firefighters are warning smokers to discard cigarettes carefully after eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackled a flat fire on Otto Street in Kennington.

Half of a flat on the first floor of the building was damaged by fire and the remaining part of the property suffered severe smoke and heat damage. Thirteen adults and five children were treated on scene by London Ambulance Service crews.

The Brigade’s Fire Investigators believe the fire was caused by a cigarette being discarded from an upper floor and coming into contact with combustible materials stored on a first floor balcony.

Station Commander Ned Alexander who was at the scene said: “Firefighters have worked exceptionally hard to get this flat fire under control. The first floor flat was damaged by the blaze but crews prevented it from spreading further.

“Around 100 people self evacuated from the building and a number of other residents stayed within their flats.

“Fires caused by smoking materials including cigarettes, roll-ups, cigars and pipes, result in more deaths than any other type of fire. Stub cigarettes out properly and always dispose of them carefully.

“Make sure smoking materials are cold before emptying ashtrays. Preferably wet stubs before throwing them into a bin.”

“The Brigade’s 999 Control Officers took sixty 999 calls in the early stages.”

Firefighters’ smoking safety tips

  1. It’s safer to smoke outside, but make sure cigarettes are put right out and disposed of properly.
  2. Use proper ashtrays, which can’t tip over and stub cigarettes out properly.
  3. Never smoke in bed, and avoid smoking on arm chairs and sofas – especially if you think you might fall asleep.
  4. Take extra care when you’re tired, taking prescription drugs or if you’ve been drinking alcohol.
  5. Don’t balance cigars or cigarettes on the edge of an ashtray, or anything else – they can tip and fall as they burn away and cause a fire.
  6. Don’t leave lit pipes or cigarettes unattended.
  7. Always empty ashtrays carefully. Make sure smoking materials are out, cold and preferably wet them before throwing into a bin – never use a wastepaper basket.
  8. Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach, and buy child resistant lighters.
  9. Never smoke if you use healthcare equipment like medical oxygen or an air flow pressure relief mattress. If you use paraffin-based emollient creams, ask for non-flammable alternatives instead.
  10. Consider additional safety measures such as fire retardant bedding or nightwear.