Warning: constant() [function.constant]: Couldn't find constant TT_TH8US_LEN in /home/guesthou/public_html/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/tweet-this.php on line 1821

Warning: constant() [function.constant]: Couldn't find constant TT_TH8US_LEN in /home/guesthou/public_html/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/tweet-this.php on line 1821

Warning: constant() [function.constant]: Couldn't find constant TT_TH8US_LEN in /home/guesthou/public_html/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/tweet-this.php on line 1821

Warning: constant() [function.constant]: Couldn't find constant TT_TH8US_LEN in /home/guesthou/public_html/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/tweet-this.php on line 1821

Warning: constant() [function.constant]: Couldn't find constant TT_TH8US_LEN in /home/guesthou/public_html/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/tweet-this.php on line 1821

Most people will walk past a fire safety extinguisher and ignore it. For them it is merely a red cylinder with no real purpose. The majority of people have never used a fire safety extinguisher and many of them never will. That cylinder will forever be a mystery to them. However, a fire extinguisher is a life-saving device and learning how to use one should be the goal of every single person. There are about a dozen different types, so this article will concentrate on three of the main ones: water, foam and dry powder analysing what type of fires they should be used for, what their dangers are and how they should be utilised.

The water and water spray fire safety extinguishers are the cheapest available. This also makes them the most limited. When dealing with people’s lives, it is best to spare no expense, though water has its uses. Water spray is far more effective than water jets and is useful for fires involving wood, plastics and paper etc. The dry powder type is far superior to water and can be used on the same kind of materials as water. In addition, it can take care of oil based fires and is safe to use on live electrical equipment. Foam extinguishers are also ideal for fires involving solids.

The dangers with water extinguishers are manifold. They should not be used on oil fires because they simply won’t work and use on electrical fires could prove to be fatal. Although dry powder fire extinguishers are versatile, they don’t do a good job of cooling fires and great care must be taken to ensure that the fire does not flare up again. Foam should not be used in the home nor should it be used on liquid fires.

When using a water fire safety extinguisher, point and spray at the base of the fire. Water cools the fuel surfaces and a spray is effective because the water covers a greater surface area than a jet release. These extinguishers usually contain surfactants which help the water penetrate deep into the burning material. Use the dry powder to attack the fire and force it to the far edge until it is out. It works by acting as a thermal ballast which makes the flames too cool for chemical reactions to continue. They quickly knockdown the fire but they may not keep it out. For solid fires, point the foam extinguisher at the base and move it across the area of the fire. For liquid fires in a container, point the spray at the inside edge of the container. Foam is usually water based, with the foaming agent designed to float on top of the burning material, breaking the contact between the flames and its fuel.

The next time you see a fire safety extinguisher, you should know how important it is and how you should use it. Remember, although a water fire extinguisher is better than nothing, it is not nearly as effective as its foam or dry powder equivalent. Know what fires to use them on, find out how to use them and try and learn how they work for a greater understanding of how to deal with fires.

Warning: constant() [function.constant]: Couldn't find constant TT_TH8US_LEN in /home/guesthou/public_html/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/tweet-this.php on line 1821

Warning: constant() [function.constant]: Couldn't find constant TT_TH8US_LEN in /home/guesthou/public_html/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/tweet-this.php on line 1821

Warning: constant() [function.constant]: Couldn't find constant TT_TH8US_LEN in /home/guesthou/public_html/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/tweet-this.php on line 1821

Warning: constant() [function.constant]: Couldn't find constant TT_TH8US_LEN in /home/guesthou/public_html/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/tweet-this.php on line 1821

Warning: constant() [function.constant]: Couldn't find constant TT_TH8US_LEN in /home/guesthou/public_html/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/tweet-this.php on line 1821

Fire safety regulations are not designed to be a thorn in the side of employees and companies alike. Their specific purpose is to ensure that every building is up to speed in terms of fire safety and that all employees know their role if a fire does take place. With fire safety regulations, you could turn a potentially catastrophic situation into a manageable one. Of particular importance are the fire safety regulations that pertain to evacuation, including the differing methods of evacuation, the meeting point and the frequency of fire drills.

There are actually three kinds of evacuation. The first is the normal Simultaneous Evacuation which involves everyone reacting to the fire alarm at the same time and moving towards the designated fire exits. In large, complex premises, a Vertical Phased Evacuation may be the strategy of choice. This involves informing those who are furthest away from the fire to stand by whilst those who are at greatest risk are evacuated immediately. Then, to avoid congestion around the exit doors, the floors are evacuated one by one. Some hospitals and care homes may be divided into several different fire resisting compartments and the occupants are moved from the area where the fire is to the nearest compartment and moved again if necessary. This is known as Horizontal Phased Evacuation. If the fire is deemed to be out of control, then total evacuation will be required in accordance with fire safety regulations.

One of the key fire safety regulations is having a specific assembly point for all the occupants of the building to assemble for a roll call. If someone is missing from the head count, immediately contact the nominated fire service liaison who should in turn alert the fire services. This assembly point should be far enough away from the building to ensure that no one is in danger from falling debris or radiated heat but close enough for the fire liaison (who should be near the entrance) to communicate with the person in charge of the head count. The area should be large enough to accommodate all staff and should have a shelter of some description to protect people from inclement weather.

Fire drills should be carried out on a regular basis to ensure that all staff and nominated individuals are up to speed with what is required in the event of an emergency. Fire safety regulations dictate that these drills should be performed at least once a year and preferably more frequently.  Also, all fire alarms and fire fighting equipment should be checked once a month. In order to prove that your company is adhering to fire safety regulations, you should keep a record of every drill carried out.

There is no reason to fear or dislike having to satisfy fire safety regulations. While it is a legal necessity to ensure that all staff are educated in what to do in the event of fire, surely it is common sense to know how to react when you see a blaze. Your company should carry out one of the three evacuation strategies, find a suitable assembly point and conduct regular fire drills to make certain that all staff will be well prepared if a fire alarm goes off suddenly one day.

Warning: constant() [function.constant]: Couldn't find constant TT_TH8US_LEN in /home/guesthou/public_html/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/tweet-this.php on line 1821

Warning: constant() [function.constant]: Couldn't find constant TT_TH8US_LEN in /home/guesthou/public_html/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/tweet-this.php on line 1821

Warning: constant() [function.constant]: Couldn't find constant TT_TH8US_LEN in /home/guesthou/public_html/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/tweet-this.php on line 1821

Warning: constant() [function.constant]: Couldn't find constant TT_TH8US_LEN in /home/guesthou/public_html/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/tweet-this.php on line 1821

Warning: constant() [function.constant]: Couldn't find constant TT_TH8US_LEN in /home/guesthou/public_html/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/tweet-this.php on line 1821

While everyone knows the importance of a fire safety alarm for their home, having effective fire safety alarm systems for entire buildings seems to be something that gets continually ignored. Every building except domestic premises are subject to the Regulatory Reform Order 2005 and the ‘Responsible Person‘, whomever that is, is in charge of risk assessment. Therefore, a fire safety alarm system is not only essential for safety, it is also illegal not to have one if you own or look after a building. There are generally three different kinds of fire alarms available: Conventional, Analogue and Wireless systems.

Conventional alarm systems have a number of detectors and call points wired to the Fire Alarm Control Panel and these are separated into zones. A zone is a circuit and this would usually be wired to individual floors of the Fire Department. There are also a number of zone lamps. The purpose of the zones is to give the department a good idea where the fire has occurred. The control panel is wired to at least two sounder circuits that are designed to emit audible sounds.

Analogue detectors are sometimes known erroneously as ‘intelligent’ fire safety alarm systems. In actual fact, the majority of analogue detectors are anything but intelligent. They only give outputs signals with no actual sign that there is definitely a fire. It is then left up to the control panel to ascertain whether there is a fire, or if its just a fault. As one can imagine, such alarms would be irritating and time consuming for fire brigades in cities who have to deal with dozens or hundreds of calls a day. The truly intelligent analogue detectors however are excellent devices because their computer evaluates the environment around the alleged fire, figuring out for itself the nature of the alarm and informing the control panel of the reason for the alarm. This type of fire safety alarm is far more advanced than conventional systems.

If you don’t want one of the traditional wired fire alarm systems, then there is a wireless option available. They interconnect the sensors and devices like smoke detectors with the controllers using secure, license-free radio communications. This is a fairly simple but effective concept and is every bit as useful as its conventional fire alarm system counterpart without the hassle of cables. When a fire safety alarm system is being fitted, things like the number of zones required and the maximum amount of detectors also need to be considered.

Although a fire alarm is a fine tool for alerting you to the dangers posed by fire, they cannot protect your property when you’re not there. With a fire safety alarm system, the fire brigade will instantly be informed if a fire takes place in your home and will rush over there to save your property. They are assisted by the likes of conventional, analogue and wireless systems that give them the maximum amount of time required to successfully find and put out the fire, hopefully preventing too much damage from being done to your home.

Warning: constant() [function.constant]: Couldn't find constant TT_TH8US_LEN in /home/guesthou/public_html/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/tweet-this.php on line 1821

Warning: constant() [function.constant]: Couldn't find constant TT_TH8US_LEN in /home/guesthou/public_html/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/tweet-this.php on line 1821

Warning: constant() [function.constant]: Couldn't find constant TT_TH8US_LEN in /home/guesthou/public_html/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/tweet-this.php on line 1821

Warning: constant() [function.constant]: Couldn't find constant TT_TH8US_LEN in /home/guesthou/public_html/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/tweet-this.php on line 1821

Warning: constant() [function.constant]: Couldn't find constant TT_TH8US_LEN in /home/guesthou/public_html/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/tweet-this.php on line 1821

Once a fire starts it can be very difficult to stop. By the time the fire brigade have come to the scene, it may be too late. All that will be left is a charred building. Fire results in the loss of property and the loss of life but it can be prevented by following some simple fire safety procedures. This article will discuss how to prevent fires from starting, what to do if you discover one and how to react to a continuous fire alarm.

Preventing blazes from starting is not that difficult if you adhere to the basic rules of fire safety. You should keep all areas as tidy as possible with no excess rubbish lying around the place. The more fuel a fire has to use, the quicker it will spread. At work, if your profession involves dealing with flammable materials/chemicals, then ensure that they are in proper containers with the lids on. These supplies should then be safely stored in a metal storage cabinet. Never smoke in ‘non-smoking’ areas and always correctly put out your cigarettes, putting them in metal bins. A key aspect of fire safety is to always have exits free. Do not put furniture or anything of that nature in hallways or by doors. If you see damage to extinguishers, fire doors or alarms fix immediately or report them to your landlord/employer.

Sometimes even the best fire safety preventative measures are not enough to start a blaze from starting. If you do spot smoke and discover a fire, then under no circumstances should you fight the fire unless you are specifically trained to do so or else the fire is extremely small and can be tackled quickly. Hit the nearest fire alarm and phone the fire brigade and any security officers that may be on duty. Leave the building via the nearest fire exit and walk calmly towards the fire assembly point. Do not enter the building until it has been deemed safe to do so.

If you are in a building and hear a fire alarm it is important not to panic. Locate the nearest fire exit on foot, don’t attempt to use a lift. If you can help a fellow employee do so, but make your way as far away from the flames as possible as smoke can play havoc with your senses. Every workplace should conduct regular drills and educate their employees on the importance of fire safety. If you discover any problems or potential fire safety issues when undertaking the fire drill tell your supervisor immediately.

Everyone should do their part to spot fire safety danger signs such as too much garbage and flammable material lying around. By allowing these to remain, you will be increasing the chances of a fire starting whilst equipping it with the fuel it needs to continue burning. If a fire does happen then you need to alert the authorities by setting off the building’s alarm. As long as employees are trained correctly in fire safety procedures, they will remain calm and act the right way in an emergency situation.

Warning: constant() [function.constant]: Couldn't find constant TT_TH8US_LEN in /home/guesthou/public_html/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/tweet-this.php on line 1821

Warning: constant() [function.constant]: Couldn't find constant TT_TH8US_LEN in /home/guesthou/public_html/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/tweet-this.php on line 1821

Warning: constant() [function.constant]: Couldn't find constant TT_TH8US_LEN in /home/guesthou/public_html/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/tweet-this.php on line 1821

Warning: constant() [function.constant]: Couldn't find constant TT_TH8US_LEN in /home/guesthou/public_html/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/tweet-this.php on line 1821

Warning: constant() [function.constant]: Couldn't find constant TT_TH8US_LEN in /home/guesthou/public_html/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/tweet-this.php on line 1821

In the UK, the Fire Brigade has to respond to over 600,000 calls every year which results in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries. Statistically speaking, someone who hasn’t got a smoke or fire alarm in their home is twice as likely to die as a person who has this security. Despite this, there are still thousands of families who go without a smoke alarm. It is an essential and possibly life-saving purchase so you should consider things like choosing the right alarm, how to fit it and how to take care of it.

After you have decided to buy an alarm and improve your home fire safety you will find that they are quite small and inexpensive. They fit onto your ceiling and are very easy to install. If a fire starts, it will trigger the alarm which will give you and your family vital moments to leave the scene. They can be bought at most DIY and hardware stores. For the sake of secure home fire safety, never buy an alarm that does not conform to the British Standards Institution (BSI). Alarms that meet this standard will be adorned with the distinctive kite mark, so be sure to look for this when purchasing your alarm. Although all smoke alarms seem to work the same, different models use different ways to detect the fire, so you should select the one that is most appropriate for your needs and for where you live.

For the most secure home fire safety you should have one alarm per storey. You install them by simply screwing them into the ceiling. They should be fitted as close to the entrance hall as possible but always keep them away from wall or light fitting. Always place an alarm close to where you are sleeping so that it will wake you up immediately if something is amiss. It is probably best not to fit the alarm in the kitchen as smoke or fumes from cooking could accidentally trigger it. Many people disable alarms for this reason, rendering them worthless.

Effective home fire safety doesn’t take up much of your time. Smoke alarms are quite easily taken care of. In fact, they will only take a few minutes of your time every year to ensure that they are still in perfect working order. Every alarm should have a test button and you should activate the test every month to make certain that it is still activating properly. If you are moving into a new place or if the power has failed, you should also test the alarm. You should occasionally vacuum the inside of the alarm to remove any dust that may block the sensor from working. Finally, each alarm will emit a signal indicating that it is low on battery. When this occurs, immediately change it. Failure to do so could be very costly indeed.

Smoke alarms are essential for home fire safety and should never be treated as nuisances. They are a tiny life saver which are cheap, effective and easy to install. Never buy an alarm that does not meet BSI standards, always place it in your hallway or somewhere close to your bedroom and always ensure that you spend the few minutes it takes per annum to clean and maintain your alarm. You never know when it may save your life.