Friday, 16 December 2011
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.
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, 15 November 2011
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.
Successful candidates receive a certificate of competence.
Friday, 4 November 2011
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.
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.
Monday, 31 October 2011
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
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
Wednesday, 19 October 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
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.
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.
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