New life saving fire technology in development
It has been revealed that scientists in Scotland have been working on fire technology that is designed to reduce the number of fire-related deaths by predicting the manner in which a blaze will spread through a building.
The technique utilises sensors which are placed in buildings on fire and data is fed into computer models set up to assist fire crews in working out how the fire is likely to progress.
This development could help by saving the critical time taken by firefighters in determining how the fire will act, with this warning serving invaluable in containing its impact and minimising the effects of the blaze.
Fire safety equipment should be an essential component within the security procedures of every business in order to ensure the welfare of employees and serve as a warning should a fire break out on the premises. As well as fire alarms to alert staff of the impending danger, there also needs to be the required fire-fighting equipment in place too, to comply with all current regulations.
Fire training courses are now available so you can make sure that your staff is trained in fire awareness, with selected competent individuals being put forward as fire wardens for the company.
Welsh Assembly agree to principles of new fire safety measure
It has been reported that the Welsh Assembly Government have agreed unanimously on the general principles of a new fire safety measure regarding the installation of automatic sprinklers in newly built Welsh properties.
The measure, which was put forward by Ann Jones, the Labour AM for the Vale of Clwyd, on the 24th of November this year, would ensure that all these new homes would need to have this fire safety equipment fitted by builders.
Although the support for the measure was unanimous, recommendations were still offered by the chair of the legislation committee, Rosemary Butler AM, as to its implications over how the water supply will be provided and maintained as well as the impact on affordable housing.
She also warned that the installation costs are likely to be more than the original estimate given when the measure was introduced.
The Finance Committee’s chair, Angela Burns AM, countered that although the cost to developers may be higher, the housing market itself should not be impacted significantly if the measure were to be agreed upon.
It was also suggested that the systems may prove to be a plus point to potential house buyers looking at these properties.
The amendment measure will be considered by the legislation committee who are concerned that fire takes the lives of around 20 people in Wales every year.
Knutsford pupil wins chance to be firefighter for the day
A primary school pupil enjoyed the opportunity to see what it is like to be a firefighter after winning a Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service competition.
Ella Sheard, a Year Six pupil from Goostrey Primary School, received a VIP invitation to Knutsford Fire Station, where she could take along her classmates, by beating the rest of the competition with her environmental poster design.
By winning the competition, the 10-year-old and the rest of the class got to visit the station where they went on a tour and saw how the fire safety equipment on the appliance is used. The pupils also got to use the fire hose on the drill yard. A teacher also tried out new firefighter equipment in the form of the gold firekit.
The unitary safety manager for Cheshire East, Sue Cleaver, said:
“The competition proved to be very successful with some great designs being submitted by pupils from all ages. “One of the main things the judges were looking for was a clear fire safety message and good colourful graphics and Ella’s poster had both these elements.
“Her poster was chosen out of hundreds and I would like to thank everyone who entered our competition and for making it a great success.”
The campaign was set up to warn the people of Cheshire about the dangers associated with arson fires and how they can harm the environment.
Arsonists warned they will be prosecuted by fire service
Fire chiefs from the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service have pledged to prosecute any offenders that are found to have started fires in the area deliberately.
A recent prosecution when a man from Paignton, Paul MacLean, 33, was given a one year jail sentence, has led to the renewed warning from the fire service. Mr MacLean admitted he had started the blaze at his mother’s flat on purpose due to amassing gambling debts.
The clampdown on arsonists comes as Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service looks to get tough with those who put people’s lives in danger.
Watch Manager and community safety co-ordinator, Pat Tyler, said:
“Arson is a serious crime which doesn’t only damage property.
“These fires often get completely out of control and members of the public and firefighters have been seriously injured or even killed as a result of arsonists.”
He also explained that the fire service investigates every incident as part of its fire safety policy. He said:
“Our specialist Fire Investigation Officers are well trained and work diligently with the police to examine the cause of fires and we will endeavour to prosecute anyone who commits arson.
“Last week’s sentence at Exeter Crown Court should act as a reminder to everyone that this type of behaviour is not acceptable and those found guilty of arson will be punished.
“It is a good example of fire and police officers working closely together to prosecute those who break the law and endanger lives.”
An email address has been set up by the fire service to receive information about any suspected deliberate fires.
Littleport tyre company denies breach of regulations
A tyre firm in Cambridgeshire charged with failing to uphold the Environmental Protection Act due to a huge blaze which broke out on its premises in August last year has denied the accusation against it.
The fire at Murfitt Industries, off Wisbech Road near Littleport, began on the 21st of August 2009 and lasted until October of the same year due to the fact that over 2,000 tonnes of rubber were involved on 21 August, and burnt until October.
The company has attended Ely Magistrates’ Court to deny they had treated, kept or disposed of controlled waste in a way that was likely to result in pollution or a risk to the health of humans.
The case of Murfitt Industries will be considered by Cambridge Crown Court at a date yet to be decided.
No matter what the outcome of the courts is in this situation it is imperative that all businesses comply with current regulations over fire safety and the use of materials in a factory environment needs to be especially monitored to prevent fires such as this one.
Fire safety training courses are now available, so be sure to consider sending your staff on an appropriate course where they will be educated as to how to implement the right fire safety precautions on the premises.