New RSS feed on this website

Now you can catch up on all the latest from Fire Net via the RSS link in the left-hand column

IFEDA and Prostate cancer

Thanks to everyone who donated to Prostate cancer via my just giving page - a rather steady but disappointing 7 pounds weight loss (to coincide with Movember, see earleir post) but we raised £107.00 plus £15.50 of gift aid means a total of £122.50 to a very worthwhile charity - I shall carry on the good work but the page itself is now closed. Thanks again.

IFEDA course dates and information 2012

IFEDA's course information and training dates can be found on the main IFEDA website - if you are in possession of a magnifying glass the information is reproduced below:-

IFEDA training brochure 2012 + dates

IFEDA's training course brochure 2012 part 2.....

IFEDA's training course brochure 2012 con't.....

Latest edition of FireTalk

The latest edition of FireTalk, IFEDA'S newsletter, is available to view via http://www.ifeda.org/?page_id=19 detailing news from the highly successful agm and national conference, FSO breaches and members news including a new benefit for IFEDA members.

Sony TV alert

Not a new alert, I missed it when it came out a couple of weeks ago but just in case you did too it is worth posting as a public serivce document.

Sony has issued a warning over 1.6 million of its television sets after faulty parts caused a number to emit smoke and start melting.
The technology firm denied there had been a recall but said people with certain models of Bravia LCD TVs could bring their sets in for free checks - following incidents reported in Japan.
Sony said a limited number of the TVs might contain a component that could overheat and ignite inside the set, causing the upper casing to melt.
"To date, there have been no reports of any damage to other property or physical injuries," the company added.
The affected televisions were manufactured in 2007 and 2008 and were mostly sold in Europe and the US.
The model numbers are:
KDL-40D3400, KDL-40D3500, KDL-40D3550, KDL-40D3660, KDL-40V3000, KDL-40W3000, KDL-40X3000 and KDL-40X3500.
Sony advises people who own one of these sets to take it to their nearest Sony service centre for a free inspection and, if necessary, a free repair.
Owners of Sony TVs can check the model number of their set by looking at the label on the back.
"If you own one of the products mentioned above and if you notice any abnormality (e.g. unusual noise, unusual smell or smoking), please turn it off immediately, unplug the power cable, stop using the TV, and contact us," Sony said.
"We have confirmed that this symptom does not occur when power is switched off."*
It added: "In the unlikely event that you are affected by the issues above, we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause."

IFEDA says – *the above would appear to be a good reason not to leave any electrical units on standby, not just televisions, when they cannot be monitored for unexpected faults etc.

Places on Fire Hose Reel Course

There are a couple of places left on the IFEDA 1 day fire hose reel maintenance course to be held on Friday 16th December (not 17th as stated below) at our Stockport training centre nr Manchester. Syllabus as per BS671-3 : 2009. For more details please see the IFEDA website

Successful candidates receive a certificate of competence.

IFEDA: fighting for the interests of its members and the fire industry

PRESS RELEASE
4 November 2011
IFEDA VOICES CONCERN OVER FIRE EXTINGUISHER REMOVAL

IFEDA, the Independent Fire Engineering & Distributors Association, is questioning the reasoning behind the recent removal of fire extinguishers in a property maintained by Richmond Housing Partnership (RHP). Residents at the property have allegedly been told that the removal of fire extinguishers from common areas of their block of flats was for their own safety.
Nigel Walton, Chairman of IFEDA, commented: "IFEDA would question what available evidence demonstrates that the removal of fire extinguishers would enhance residents’ safety. Providing the correct type of fire extinguisher is in place, as determined by British Standard 5306 PT8, the likelihood of using the wrong type of fire extinguisher on a fire is minimal. It would be unlikely that dry powder extinguishers would be used in communal evacuation routes, for example, a stairwell. Therefore the risk from obscured vision and breathing difficulties due to dust is minimal. Surely the sensible option would be to inform residents about the practical use of handling a fire extinguisher, rather than removing them altogether."
Walton continued: "All fires start small. Where a fire can safely be extinguished by the correct use of a fire extinguisher, then this can clearly minimise the massive damage fire can cause. Extinguishers play a vital role in the prevention of fire spreading."

Graham Ferris, General Manager at IFEDA added his concerns by saying: "Recent surveys, (Eurofeu/IFEDA 2002 and IFEDA 2008) across Europe and in the UK, have established that approximately 80% of fires are extinguished before they get out of hand, by the use of portable fire extinguishers, even where the operator has had no formal training in their use. Any fire, given the time to take hold, can cause untold damage to property. The resulting additional costs in insurance, re-build, re-homing, in addition to damage to the environment, through the pollution and release of toxins, surely is argument enough that the safe placement and use of a fire extinguisher is the sensible option. They not only help contain
the fire, providing crucial additional minutes to escape, but can also help minimise the damage fire can cause."

IFEDA, as an independent trade association, promotes quality standards and procedures within the fire safety industry.

Another great reason to join IFEDA

PRESS RELEASE
31 October 2011

IFEDA MEMBERS FEEL THE BENEFIT
IFEDA, the Independent Fire Engineering and Distributors Association, recognising the need to offer additional benefits of membership that add tangible value to its many members, has introduced a free bespoke HR advice and assistance service.

The service, provided by Fitzpatrick Wilkes & Co, is designed to assist member companies, many of whom employ staff but don’t always have the access to specialist in house HR expertise, with their HR queries. Fitzpatrick Wilkes specialises in assisting small and medium businesses with their HR requirements; Pauline Wilkes from Fitzpatrick Wilkes says: "With our expertise and knowledge of the HR issues affecting small businesses we are delighted to be working with IFEDA to provide bespoke advice to members on their specific HR queries."

The HR service comprises an HR audit, which enables Fitzpatrick Wilkes to assess the policies and procedures currently in place, and identify any areas which may be lacking, or require very specific policies. This audit ensures that any subsequent advice provided is bespoke to the member, and completely fits their business needs and requirements. The initial audit, which can be conducted via the telephone or in person, can then be followed up with 3 free phone calls which are included as part of this benefit.

Graham Ferris, general manager at IFEDA commented: "Offering a personalised service to our members is an added benefit of membership that provides real value. Many members have HR queries from time to time, and to be able to tailor a package that answers their very specific needs, rather than a general answer, is a real bonus. We’re delighted to be working with Fitzpatrick Wilkes on this collaboration."

IFEDA, as an independent trade association, promotes quality standards and procedures within the fire safety industry.
Further details about IFEDA can be found at www.ifeda.org or by emailing info@ifeda.org.
ENDS

For media information, images and interviews contact:
Kay Pendell-Smith
ps marketing
Tel: 01296 394729

IFEDA, supporting prostate charity for Movember

Being the General Manager of a trade association in what is a male dominated sector of British industry I am saddened by the number of times I hear about prostate and testicular cancer especially when it affects IFEDA's members and/or their family. I was made aware that the technicians of IFEDA member Fire Crest Protection down in Cornwall are growing moustaches as their way of raising awareness and funds for this worthwhile charity in what is known as movember.
On behalf of IFEDA I to am going to support their efforts for movember BUT having seen the attached photo from the IFEDA agm of 15 October I am intending to lose a substantial amount of weight and invite you to donate to the disappearing pounds.
I am weighing in at 14 stone and 8 pounds (verified by my incorruptible wife) you may wish to sponsor me for every pound lost from today until Thursday 1st December.
Neither I nor IFEDA take or use any of your donation - it will go via the links below to the Prostate Cancer Charity
My just giving page can be found at http://www.justgiving.com/Graham-Ferris
Or via the associated Facebook page at http://apps.facebook.com/jgdonation/Graham-Ferris/on-facebook
If you fancy supporting this charity by growing your own moustache you can read more about MOVEMBER at http://uk.movember.com/about or even sponsor the guys at Fire Crest.

IFEDA elects new national chairman

IFEDA, the Independent Fire Engineering and Distributors Association, has elected a new Chairman for the association at their recent AGM.
Nigel Walton, Director at Abbot Fire Group, steps into the role having been an active member of the association for the past 9 years.
Walton said: "I am thrilled to accept this new role. It’s an honour to have received the backing from my industry colleagues with their unanimous votes of support. My thanks go to the previous Chairman for his work and commitment, and I look forward to enhancing the work IFEDA does. Working with both members of the association, and the fire industry as a whole, I look forward to achieving IFEDA’s aim of continually raising standards and procedures within the fire industry."

The AGM was followed by the IFEDA Annual Conference, where the association members benefit from talks by key industry speakers and presenters about information and legislation relevant to their industry.

Graham Ferris, General Manager at IFEDA, commented: "This year we received a huge amount of positive feedback from those members who attended the information sessions, not only in relation to the very varied topics, but also how the information can help with the running of their own businesses."
Rui Soreto, from Everlux Masterlux, flew in from Portugal to give a timely presentation on the recently published BS ISO 7010: 2011 which covers graphical symbols, safety colours and signs, and registered safety signs.
This year’s speakers also included Ron Reid from Shoosmiths, the law firm, who commented: "It was clear to me that members took a real interest in the presentations and asked intelligent and searching questions of presenters to broaden not only their own knowledge but for the benefit of all." IFEDA members also benefitted from a presentation from Stephen Adams, General and Marketing Manager, from BAFE (British Approvals for Fire Equipment), who discussed the latest schemes and marketing news.

IFEDA, as an independent trade association, promotes quality standards and procedures within the fire safety industry.
Further details can be found at www.ifeda.org or by emailing info@ifeda.org.

Fire Safety Breaches in Southampton

The owner of a takeaway shop has had to pay almost £12,000 in fines after pleading guilty to five breaches of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Iskender Anik, owner of the Istanbul Grill in Eastleigh, appeared at Southampton magistrates court on 1 September, where he pleaded guilty to breaching a prohibition order by allowing sleeping in accommodation above the shop. He also pleaded guilty to having no adequate means of giving warning in case of fire, inadequate protection to means of escape, inadequate provision of emergency lighting and failure to maintain fire resisting separation between the ground floor and first floor.
He was fined £3,300 for breaching the prohibition order and £2,100 for each of the remaining four offences.
Area manager Mick Crennell of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said:
“We will continue to protect our communities through a robust risk management process that identifies the areas of highest risk and takes necessary steps to ensure their continued safety.
“Prohibition orders are only issued in the most severe circumstances, to prevent a risk of death or serious injury in the event of a fire; breaching these orders can have very serious consequences.”
IFEDA comment. The Fire Safety Order has been with us since 2006. Ignorance is no excuse. A business or buildings Responsible Person is duty bound to have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. An FRA will identity problems and suggest how they can be overcome or rectified. If you need a fire risk assessment IFEDA has many members all over the UK offering this type of service: please email or contact the National Office for help.

IFEDA press release: jailing of fire risk assessor

Don’t risk your business reputation

The recent prosecution of a Fire Risk Assessor, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, acts as a stark warning for those businesses not complying with fire regulations, and particularly for those companies offering fire risk assessments as part of their business operations.

IFEDA, The Independent Fire Engineering and Distributors Association, continues to champion for 3rd party accreditation for this important aspect of fire safety. Clear precise guidelines allowing fire risk assessors to demonstrate their expertise, experience and competence would undoubtedly offer consistency and re-assurance throughout the fire safety industry.

Colin Payne, Chairman of IFEDA says “It is a sobering thought for anyone who undertakes fire risk assessments that the outcome could result in a criminal record. IFEDA is committed to raising standards within the fire industry and we continue to push for 3rd party accreditation; this unfortunate incident proves that such 3rd party accreditation can’t come quickly enough.”

A comprehensive written fire risk assessment enables businesses to act upon any shortfalls, and crucially provides written documentation that this essential part of fire safety planning has been undertaken. Payne continues “Any fire protection company who undertakes fire risk assessment, or uses a sub-contractor to do so, must look at the competency of the individuals providing them.”

IFEDA, as an independent trade association, promotes quality standards and procedures within the fire safety industry.

Further details can be found at www.ifeda.org or by emailing info@ifeda.org.

ENDS

Notes to Editor:
IFEDA (the Independent Fire Engineering and Distributors Association) was formed in 1989 with the key aim of promoting professionalism and quality standards within the fire safety industry.

IFEDA run fire training courses and provide support on fire safety issues, in addition to publishing the quarterly newsletter, Fire Talk, which keeps members up-to-date with relevant legislation changes, and recent prosecutions.

In May 2011 the IFEDA Dry riser course was ‘highly commended’ in the Best Training Initiative category of the Fire Excellence Awards 2011.

Further details can be found at: www.ifeda.org.

For media information, images and interviews contact:

Kay Pendell-Smith
ps marketing

Tel: 01296 394729

First fire risk assessor jailed for breaches of the FSO.

A fire risk assessor and a hotel manager have been jailed for eight months for breaches of the FSO.
David Liu, who runs The Dial Hotel and Market Inn, both in Mansfield, had previously pleaded guilty at Nottingham Crown Court to 15 offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, while John O’Rourke of Mansfield Fire Protection Services pleaded guilty to two offences under the legislation. The Judge said that the time had come to send out a message to those who conduct fire risk assessments, and to hoteliers who are prepared to put profit before safety.
Officers from Nottingham Fire and Rescue Service visited both hotels as part of a routine inspection. They found that both premises were being used to provide sleeping accommodation on the upper floors and that fire precautions, which should have been provided to safeguard the occupants in the event of a fire, were inadequate.
Due to the serious risk to life, they issued prohibition notices preventing any further use of both premises for sleeping accommodation until suitable improvements had been made.
Mr O’Rourke was prosecuted because he had prepared fire risk assessments for both premises. However, the prosecution stated, that the fire risk assessments failed to identify a number of significant deficiencies which would have placed the occupants at serious risk in the event of a fire.
The offences (common to both hotels) which Mr Liu, as the responsible person, pleaded guilty to were:
a. A lack of a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment
b. A failure to ensure effective means of escape with doors leading onto corridors not being fire resisting or having self-closers fitted
c. A failure to ensure that emergency routes and exits were provided with emergency lighting
d. A failure to ensure the premises were equipped with appropriate firefighting equipment, detectors and alarms in that there was no fire detection within the bedrooms
e. A failure to ensure that equipment and devices provided were subject to a suitable system of maintenance in that the fire alarm system, emergency lighting system and firefighting equipment were not tested.
In addition at the Dial Hotel, officers found both staircases from upper levels terminating in the same ground floor area with no alternative escape routes or separation, a locked fire exit door, and exit routes obstructed by combustible materials.
The other offence at the Market Inn related to a missing fire door and a window not being fire resisting.
As well as jailing Mr. Liu he was also ordered to pay costs of £15,000.
John O’Rourke, as a person other than the responsible person who had some control of the premises, pleaded guilty to two counts (one for each hotel) of failing to provide a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. He was also ordered to pay costs of £5,860.

IFEDA concerned at neglect of fire safety

An article in the Sunday Independent reveals that fire safety is being neglected.

Firms charged with the upkeep of blocks of flats – known as managing agents – could be putting occupants at risk, according to a leading property management company.
By law, any block of flats with common areas should undertake health and safety and fire risk assessments, typically on an annual basis, and have electrical installations assessed every five years. The property must also be surveyed for asbestos and, if found, monitored regularly.
However, property firm Urban Owners has found that 56 per cent of flats in the UK do not undergo a fire risk assessment, and up to 93 per cent do not have their electrics tested. More than 80 per cent of properties had never been inspected for asbestos.
“The lax attitude of many managing agents towards safety is unacceptable,” said Steve Wylie, director of property firm Urban Owners. “Unprofessional firms are routinely neglecting their legal responsibilities.”
There are an estimated 1.8 million flats and properties in the UK which are owned on a leasehold basis and are overseen by managing agents.
IFEDA wonders if, as well as having to have the correct and adequate insurance cover in place managing agents shouldn't also have to prove competency in H & S issues (including fire risk assessments) too?

IFEDA - Extinguisher Technician Refresher Course - Glasgow

There will be a one day extinguisher refresher course in at the Holiday Inn Express, West Nile Street, Glasgow on Tuesday 20th September 2011.

The cost of the course for Non- IFEDA members £162 + vat.

Please note the IFEDA extinguisher training courses are recognised by BAFE as per BS5306-3 : 2009 annex A.

The cost of the course includes; comprehensive training manual, certificate and refreshments.
To check any details re the syllabus please click here.
If you are interested in this course, in the first instance, please reply by email to grahamferris@ifeda.org

Cut-backs compromising safety?

The on-line newspaper 'this is Devon' reports:-

Government to cut funding for special fire alert sea teams

Funding to fight fires and tackle chemical spills off the coast of South Devon has been axed by the Government sparking warnings 'vital' at-sea emergency cover will end.
Whitehall officials have confirmed cash for specialist firefighting teams trained to deal with 999 maritime incidents has been slashed as part of a wide-ranging cost-cutting drive.
Fire chiefs have told MPs they expect crews will no longer be able to respond to emergencies aboard vessels, leaving significant areas of the UK coast without coverage.
Ministers have justified the funding cut by saying the teams have not been involved in any major incidents since being formed five years ago.
It comes at the same time as the Government plans to slash the number of coastguard stations and downgrade others. It is also proposed to scrap the provision of emergency tugs.
The raft of cutbacks is currently the subject of a parliamentary inquiry.
The Maritime Incident Response Group has teams drawn from 15 fire and rescue services including Cornwall, which covers the South West coastline.
They respond to incidents 'where there is risk to life or high environmental risk for which fire fighting, chemical hazard and/or rescue teams may be required'.
In written evidence to the Transport Select Committee, the Chief Fire Officers Association stated: "It is anticipated that individual MIRG FRSs will not be able to provide a response to these incidents if funding is withdrawn.
"On that basis there may be no provision for FRS deployment to vessels at sea within significant areas of the United Kingdom Search and Rescue Region."
Even if services decided to maintain provision, the association said there would be no 'integrated response' as currently exists.
In its submission, the group said: "The Fire Service provides a professional application to the role of firefighting at sea and has the pre-eminent capability to fulfil this role. This has been demonstrated at various incidents over the years."
It said of the response group: "The uniqueness of this project, the first of its kind in the world, culminated in the provision of an integrated, interagency national strategy for dealing with incidents in the maritime environment."
The association said: "This is a vital and much valued element of UK search and rescue providing an additional resource to UK maritime resilience."
An independent review was carried out into the work of the response group last year.
While it concluded there was no legal duty for the coastguard or rescue service to provide a response to fires onboard vessels 'at sea', it added: "The risk assessment has confirmed that a response is needed around most of the UK, to attend and contain vessel fires with the purpose of preventing loss of life."
It added that 'eliminating the provision is not considered an option' in the context of the identified risk.
Shipping minister Mike Penning has defended cutting cash to provide at sea fire cover.
He said: "Since the Maritime Incident Response Group teams began operating in 2006 they have not been involved in any significant incidents, which is why we announced during the Comprehensive Spending Review that we would be reviewing this funding stream."

IFEDA notes that in an era of cut-backs and budget restrictions, now more than ever (and irrespective of whether your propety is situated on land or at sea) it is the time to ensure that appropriate fire extinguishers are installed and maintained by a competent person, your fire risk assessment is up-to-date and fire alarms are functioning as required. IFEDA has third party accreditied members across the UK who can help - some also offering a marine facility.

IFEDA IS RIDING HIGH AS TRAINING INITIATIVE IS SHORTLISTED

The Independent Fire Engineering & Distributors Association (IFEDA) is delighted to have been shortlisted in the Best Training Initiative category of the renowned Fire Excellence Awards 2011.

Committed to raising standards within the fire industry, IFEDA was shortlisted for this prestigious award, in recognition of their new, ground breaking dry riser training course. Having identified a clear gap in the marketplace for an approved dry riser maintenance course that not only tested the theory of dry risers, but also the practical elements of servicing them, they successfully brought to market a suitable course that could be measured against BS9990: 2006. A purpose-build dry riser stack was commissioned and built by IFEDA member Giles Payne. Payne come up with a stack that comprised all the necessary components, enabling it to be charged with water to the required pressure, allowing technicians to be assessed on the practical servicing of dry risers as required in the British Standards six monthly and annual checks.

The purpose built dry riser stack (right), designed to provide practical hands on experience and assessment of dry riser technicians.

Graham Ferris, General Manager at IFEDA, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted for an award that has a huge amount of competition. The dry riser course has proved so popular that we’ve had to triple the number of times we were due to run it this year.

The introduction of this course is part of the continuing commitment of IFEDA to raising standards within the fire industry.” The two day course which includes theory, one-to-one practical tuition, together with an examination, is available to both IFEDA members and non-members.

Further details of the course can be found at http://www.ifeda.org/ or by emailing info@ifeda.org.

Care Home Manager Fined: Breach of FSO

Following the successful prosecution of a fire alarm technician (see this blog 24th December 2010) there have been further developments i.e:- A CARE home manager who was in charge when a fire alarm was silenced during a blaze has been convicted of a safety breach. Karen Sykes, 41, of Brooklands Road, Sale, appeared before Manchester Crown Court under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 following the fire at Oldfield Bank Residential Care Home in Highgate Road, Altrincham. The court heard how fire broke out in May 2009 when Sykes was duty manager. The fire alarm went off at about 6pm, the alarm was silenced but Sykes failed to ensure that a proper search of the premises was carried out. A fire was later discovered in room 25 and a 999 call was made at about 7.15pm. The alarm was discovered in 'silence' mode when crew from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service arrived to tackle the blaze. Elderly resident Beryl West died following the fire and an inquest into her death is scheduled to be heard by Stockport Coroner in April. In sentencing Sykes, who was fined £500 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £15, Judge Justice Lakin said: "My duty is clear. I have to apply the law. As the manager of the care home it was Sykes responsibility for the fire alarm and evacuation." Previously fire alarm engineer Christopher Morris, 56, of Llandudno, North Wales, has already been sentenced in relation to the same incident and was ordered to pay £5000, with £6000 being awarded to the Authority. Assistant County Fire Officer from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Peter O'Reilly said: "This case clearly highlights and enforces the message that employees have a duty to ensure the safety of the people they are looking after. This type of behaviour simply isn't acceptable and we should not forget that an elderly resident in Sykes care died that night."This is the first time an employee has been prosecuted under this legislation, as opposed to the employer, and I am proud of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue for bringing this about." IFEDA fully supports Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue and all other fire authorities in their efforts to enforce all aspects of the FSO.

Nitrogen Regulators and CP23

Readers may like to be aware of the following from Nick Jones of Express Fire in Manchester and the attached leaflet.

“Many service engineers may not be aware of The British Compressed Gases Association’s Code of Practice (CP23) ‘Application of the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 to Industrial and Medical Pressure Systems’ which includes a requirement to replace regulators every five years with a new or refurbished unit or to refurbish the regulator with approved spare parts.

Express Fire has recently been working with one of their suppliers to develop a new nitrogen regulator and they are of the opinion that it would be more cost effective to replace the regulators with new every five years for engineers.

As you will see from the information below, the TITAN regulator (pictured left) has a maximum pressure of 20 bar which means that it offers increased safety for operators as it reduces the risk of accidental over pressuring of extinguishers. Whilst available to all customers, as a member of IFEDA, Express Fire would be pleased to offer an introductory 10% discount to all other IFEDA members who wish to purchase the regulator meaning that they can purchase for only £117.00 each plus VAT (plus any applicable carriage charge as detailed in our Terms and Conditions) rather than the standard list price of £130.00.”

Please contact Nick and his team at Express Fire directly for more information or to make a purchase – details below.

Nick Jones Express Fire Equipment Ltd.

Units 3-4 Mersey Road Industrial Estate, Mersey Road North, Failsworth,

Manchester, M35 9LU.

Tel: 0161 688 5050 Fax: 0161 688 5151

Website address: http://www.expressfire.com/

Email address: nick@expressfire.com

Express Fire Equipment Ltd. Is registered in England and Wales No. 4183211.

Are your Nitrogen Regulators and delivery hoses in Date?

The British Compressed Gases Association states within Code of Practice CP23 titled “Application of the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 to Industrial and Medical Pressure Systems Installed at User Premises” that all of the following equipment shall be subject to the following inspection and replacement schedule.

Written Scheme of Examination for Pressure Systems Attached to Transportable Pressure Vessels:-

Plant/Equipment - Examination Period - Guidelines for written scheme of examination.

Hoses (Non-metallic Lined for High Pressure Gas Cylinders) 5 Years (a) Replace with new item. (b) Record replacement

Hoses – Stainless Steel (For High Pressure Cylinders) 5 Year (a) Replace with new item. (b) Record replacement

Process Relief Valves 6 Year (a) Visual, external examination (reference Appendix 6). (b) Replace valve with new or refurbished unit. (c) Record all details of examination.

Flame Arrestors 5 Year or suppliers’ recommendation (a) Replace with new or refurbished unit. (b) Record all details of examination

Regulators and their inter-stage/outlet integral Protective devices 5 Year (a) Replace with new or refurbished unit, or (b) Refurbish with approved spare parts kit and functionally check.

The new Titan High Pressure single stage regulators offer a compact option for applications with high outlet pressure requirements of up to 20bar. Used in a wide range of applications from high pressure testing and purging to charging fire extinguishers this regulator is a versatile option for many process gas applications. In addition the regulator features a ball control valve at the delivery outlet port. The regulators cannot deliver more than 20bar, which is high enough to safely pressurise all portable fire extinguishers whilst greatly reducing the risk of accidental over pressurising the extinguisher. Date stamped 2016 Available now from Express Fire Equipment Ltd. Special 10% discount for IFEDA members. Prices are valid until 31st December 2011 - Unit just £130* + vat

*Any prices quoted exclude any applicable carriage charges as detailed in Express Fires terms & conditions to be found on the Express Fire website - prices valid till 31st December 2011

Flexitec from Flameskill

Detailed below is one of the products/services provided by IFEDA member Flameskill, based over in Great Yarmouth, for more information please contact them on 01493-440464

Automatic Fire Extinguishing Equipment

What is Flexitec? Flexitec is a self seeking automatic fire extinguishing

system that requires no electrical power to operate. In the event of

a fire the tube will rupture at the hot spot and discharge the

extinguisher contents directly on to the source of the fire.

How it works Flexitec Systems uses a specialised polymer detection tube which is pressurised. The tube is routed through the compartment that needs protecting, secured in place with fixings, thus being right at the source of any fire. When a fire occurs and either touches the tubing or the heat is sufficiently high enough, the Flexitec tube wall softens and bursts at the hottest point allowing the extinguishing medium to extinguish the fire at source.

Advantages of Flexitec * Flexitec is simple and inexpensive to fit. * Flexitec does not rely on any electrical or moving parts * Extinguishes a fire at the source via the Flexitec tubing * Offers 24/7 protection. * Pressure switches can be fitted to automatically shut-down any machinery, systems or sound alarm. * Flexitec Systems are available in a variety of sizes ranging from 1kg to 6kg. * Different extinguishing mediums are available to suit the application.

Applications Flexitec systems can be used to protect many mirco-environments,

Electrical cabinets, Controls & CNC Machines Server cabinets, computers, welding machines, food industry

Vehicles/Boats Buses, trucks, emergency vehicles, marine craft, trains

Industrial Equipment Plant machinery, farming machinery, forklifts

Letter boxes Bins, safes, vending machines

IFEDA - Training courses Aprl/May

IFEDA training courses April/May

3 Day initial training course - fire extinguisher technician training - BAFE recognised.
Members £540-00 Non-Members £640-00

Course number 3.070.1 19/20/21st April, 2011 at Stockport, Cheshire
Course number 3.071.1 17/18/19th May, 2011 at Fareham, Hampshire

1 day refresher course – fire extinguisher technician training – BAFE recognised (for holders of recognised certificates only).
Members £157-00 Non-Members £182-00

Course number R073.1 18th April, 2011 at Stockport, Cheshire
Course number R074.1 16th May, 2011 at Fareham, Hampshire

N.B for companies remote from Fareham and Stockport it is possible to run refresher courses at your premises for a minimum number of technicians. Please contact Graham to discuss via the 01280 number below or by reply to this email.

Fire hose reel servicing course & examination
Members £255-00 Non-Members £285-00
Course number HR.019.1 24th June, 2011 at Stockport, Cheshire
Course number HR.020.1 21st October, 2011 at Stockport, Cheshire


Dry riser servicing course & examination
Members £305-00 Non-Members £355-00
Course number DR.02.1 17/18th May, 2011 at Stockport, Cheshire FULLY BOOKED
Course number DR.03.1 12/13th July, 2011 at Stockport, Cheshire
Course number DR.04.1 20/21st September, 2011 at Stockport, Cheshire
If you wish to book for any of the above please contact IFEDA on 02380 513326 or send an email info@ifeda.org

Fire Awareness: Train the Trainer course from IFEDA

Having installed the fire extinguishers are you able or confident enough to train and educate your customers’ staff via structured workshops? Could you run a fire warden training course? Would you like to add this to your portfolio of services and have another source of revenue? If so IFEDA is running the following comprehensive, 3 day course on Tuesday 24th – Thursday 25th May at Stockport, Cheshire.


Train the trainer : Fire awareness trainers course
This course is designed to provide persons responsible for, or who undertake fire awareness training with the knowledge, skills and confidence to undertake the task professionally.
The course is followed by a ‘closed-book’ examination, marked to test the student’s understanding and knowledge retention.

Successful candidates will be competent to:
• Design, plan and carry out basic fire awareness training
• Instruct their students in the theory of fire, its requirements, breakdown and prevention
• To instruct in the identification of portable fire extinguishers and demonstrate their use
• To advise on the requirements of basic fire legislation
• To inform and advise on emergency escape routes, exits, assembly and personnel control procedures that need to be established to
ensure orderly and safe evacuation in the event of fire
• To establish and maintain records necessary to comply with fire safety legislation
• To instruct individuals in respect of their responsibility and duty to keep themselves safe in respect of fire


Duration: 3 days
Held at the Stockport training centre
Course cost:
IFEDA Members £540.00 ex VAT
Non-members £640.00 ex VAT
Course includes:
The course fee includes all elements of tuition including the examination, a comprehensive manual, a certificate of competence
(for successful candidates), lunch and refreshments; but excludes accommodation and travel costs.
To book please contact Karen at the National Office on info@ifeda.org or via 02380 513326

Fined for burning trade waste

The owner of a Somerset garden centre has been ordered to pay more than £15,700 in fines and costs for illegally burning trade waste.
The case was brought by the Environment Agency. On 14 January 2010 two Environment Agency officers visited the Rocky Mountain Garden Centre in Masbury to investigate a report of illegal waste burning. They found no evidence of burning, but noticed there were very few waste collection facilities on site.
Following their visit the officers wrote to the owner, Terence Bailey, asking him to provide the Environment Agency with all the waste transfer notes for all waste removed from the garden centre for the preceding two years. This was to establish whether waste had been collected and disposed of correctly.
Mr Bailey replied saying that as a small business with an annual turnover of approximately £550,000 and producing around six tonnes of waste a year, he didn’t think he needed to keep waste transfer notes. He told the Agency he would “be clearing a lot off the site very shortly”.
It was pointed out to Mr Bailey that the Rocky Mountain Garden Centre was located in an extremely sensitive area for groundwater and any pollutants entering the ground could contaminate public water supplies.
On 27 January 2010 Agency officers returned to the site and inspected land opposite the garden centre, also owned by the defendant. They found a large pile of burnt waste covering an area of ground approximately 8m by 2.5m and some 2m high. Nearby was a pile of unburnt waste and three scrap vehicles. However, when officers returned a month later with officers from Mendip District Council they saw the pile of burnt waste had increased in size. The ash contained electrical appliances, burnt batteries, mouse poison, holly wreaths, a shop display unit, barbeque tools, garden tools plus some household waste and paperwork from the garden centre. Also visible were piles of scrap metal, plant pots and scrap cars including some buried in undergrowth.
Rebecca Bomers for the Environment Agency said:
“The illegal burning of commercial waste on this site posed a serious risk of contamination to soils and groundwater. The defendant continued to dispose of waste by burning despite being warned, on a number of occasions, that his actions were unlawful. The offences were deliberate and took place over a prolonged period of time. The defendant denied he was motivated by financial gain, although he would have saved a considerable amount of money in waste disposal costs.”
Appearing before Frome magistrates, Terence Bailey was fined a total of £12,000 and ordered to pay £3,713 costs after pleading guilty to four offences under the Environmental Protection Regulations 2007 and one under the Environmental Protection Act 1991 including depositing and disposing of waste at Rocky Mountain Nursery without a permit and transferring waste without waste transfer notes.

Product alert

IFEDA members should make sure they check their email in-boxes for a fire extinguisher product alert.

Latest breach of FSO - Landlord pays over £25K in fines and costs

Court case February 2011

A landlord has been ordered to pay £20,000 in fines after a fire caused his tenants to flee the property for their lives.
Hitesh Mashru pleaded guilty to four breaches of the Fire Safety Order last week (February) at Watford Magistrates Court.
He was also ordered to pay £7,394.58 in costs for the breaches, which took place at 39 High Street, Bushey. On the 24 April last year, six tenants were forced to escape the upstairs flats during an electrical fire which took 50 fire-fighters to extinguish. Investigations found the blaze was started by faulty electrics and that it was not connected with a Thai restaurant on the ground floor of the property.
Fire safety officers from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service found that the premises had a number of failures which put lives at risk including no fire detection or fire alarm, no fire doors, no emergency lighting and storage on escape routes.
Neither had Mr Mashru carried out a fire risk assessment, as required by the FSO.
Hertfordshire’s chief fire officer Roy Wilsher, said: “Where breaches of fire legislation are considered so serious that there is a risk of death or serious injury to people we can consider prosecution. “In this case, six people were extremely lucky to escape with their lives and we strongly urge that all landlords make sure their premises are safe from fire and are compliant with fire law. “With the 2012 Olympics approaching and the ever increasing numbers of shared accommodation and bed and breakfast type accommodation, the responsible person must consider fire precautions for the protection of life”. IFEDA urges all responsible persons to carry out a fire risk assessment as per the FSO legislation. If anyone feels that it is beyond their capability a number of IFEDA members as listed at http://www.ifeda.org/regions.htm will be only too willing to assist.

Hair straighteners - a fire waiting to happen?

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is reminding people to take extra care when using hair straighteners following a fire in Littlehampton.
The warning comes after firefighters were called to a house on Toddington Lane 2nd March following a blaze in an upstairs bedroom. The fire started after a girl left hair straighteners on her bed while she went into another room. When she returned, just a few minutes later, she was shocked to see her duvet alight. Luckily, she immediately raised the alarm and her quick acting grandfather managed to extinguish the blaze using a bucket of water before it could develop. Crew Commander at Littlehampton Fire Station, Alan Blair, said afterwards:"Thankfully, they have had a really lucky escape here. We are relieved that nobody has been hurt, because there was potential for this to have been a very serious incident. Hair straighteners have become increasingly popular over the last few years, particularly with teenagers, but they do carry a fire risk because they reach extremely high temperatures of around 220 degrees. They can also take a long time to cool down and if they are placed on a flamable surface like bedding then a fire can develop very quickly. Our advice would be to place straighteners on a hard heat resistant surface, even after you have unplugged them and don't leave them unattended while they are switched on." IFEDA notes that this incident highlights the need to install and regularly check fire alarms.

IFEDA's latest newsletter

The Winter edition of Firetalk can be viewed at http://www.ifeda.org/newsletter.htm

Happy reading.

Additional Dry riser course from IFEDA

Due to overwhelming demand we have added another two day dry riser course for the 15/16th March at our Stockport training centre.

The information about this course other than the new dates can be found on the posting below of 9th December.

For more details or to book please email at info@ifeda.org