Removing Fire Extinguishers

Here is a post that is a couple of years old but given the number of times members ring the IFEDA office and state fire extinguishers have been taken out of a building with the over-riding suspicion it is to save money or the irresponsible person can't be bothered to train anyone it is perhaps worth republishing.

IFEDA voices concern over fire extinguisher removal

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.

Ringing the bell for Cwmbran fire alarm courses

IFEDA, the Independent Fire Engineering & Distributors Association, is running three of its renowned fire alarm training courses, in Cwmbran, Wales, in May.
The courses: Fire Alarm Introduction to Design; Fire Alarm Maintenance; and Fire Alarm Installation and Commissioning each cover an overview of BS 5839 part 1, with specific elements covered in each course. The courses are suitable for fire alarm technicians, owners and managers of fire protection companies, and fire safety offices.

The Fire Alarm Introduction to Design course, running on Wednesday 11 May, covers the need for a fire alarm, areas protected, system components, detection zones and non-compliance. It also covers required documentation, and false alarm management.

The Fire Alarm Maintenance course, taking place on Thursday 12 May, covers system components and positioning, maintenance requirements, practical application, servicing, in addition to required record keeping.

The Fire Alarm Installation and Commissioning course, running on Friday 13 May, covers the principles of fire alarm installation and commissioning, responsibility of the installer, installation practices and workmanship, inspection and testing of wiring, responsibility of the commissioning technician, handover, certification, documentation, acceptance and user’s responsibilities.

Each course is one day duration, and costs £210.00 (ex VAT) per course, with a discount available to IFEDA members. The price includes lunch and refreshments. The courses will be held at IFEDA member Fire Safety Technology Limited premises, on Springvale Industrial Estate, Cwmbran.

All IFEDA courses have CPD accreditation from The Construction CPD Certification Scheme, enabling technicians and those who attend the course to receive a certificate documenting their continuing professional development.

Further details can be found at: www.ifeda.org/training or courses can be booked easily online at: http://ifeda.org/book-ifeda-courses-online.




http://ifeda.org/fire-industry-training/