Are you wondering how to manage false fire alarms? Wanting to make sure that you don’t cause a false alarm? Or even just how to test your own alarm in your house? In this blog we discuss the 5 major causes of false alarms, how these can be avoided and finally how to test a fire alarm safely.

The five major causes of false alarms given by fire brigades are:

  1. Incorrect or poorly designed systems
  2. Fumes from cooking or burnt food
  3. Steam, aerosols, and other fumes activating the detectors
  4. The build-up of dust on a detector, caused perhaps by building work or air conditioning outlets
  5. Accidental damage to a 'break glass' point

 

So, what part can the fire system designer play in reducing false alarms?

Of course, false alarms are not only costly to the Fire Services; there is also a cost to your business in terms of lost production and disruption caused by staff evacuation. According to the Fire Industry Association, it is estimated that false alarms cost UK businesses in excess of £1 billion per annum, so how can the design of your fire system assist in reducing incidents and their associated costs?

 

Let’s take each of the causes cited in the list above:

  1. Incorrect or poorly designed system

This highlights the importance of the system being correctly designed at the point of installation. BS 5839-1: 2013 is the current code of practice that makes recommendations for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in non-domestic premises and also includes a section devoted to False Alarm management for reference, but reputable fire safety equipment suppliers will also have qualified experts on hand to advise and assist you.

  1. Fumes from cooking or burnt food

The advent of breakfast at work for those arriving early has brought the toaster into the workplace. This in turn generates a huge amount of false alarms, so the detector within the room needs to perhaps be a rate of rise heat detector.

But what about the corridor outside the room? Corridors on escape routes must be protected by smoke detectors. Look at the corridor - does the detector have to go outside the kitchen door? Many typical corridors are less than 2M wide, so take advantage of the increased spacing allowed in such corridors and assess the best place for the detector, away from door of the room containing the toaster.

  1. Steam, aerosols, and other fumes activating the detectors

Steam from showers in hotel bedrooms is a given, so consider using a CO detector within the room (these are specially designed for fire detection and are not to be confused with those placed near boilers for life safety). Don’t just place the detector in the centre of the room near the shower door, place it at the furthest point from the shower door - even if it is 500mm away from a wall on the other side of the room. Alternatively, take advantage of the many features offered by today’s addressable systems and engineer a solution using multi sensors and output delays to allow search time. Most importantly, don’t forget to have these solutions agreed by all parties and record them on the design certificate.

  1. The build-up of dust on a detector, caused perhaps by building work or air conditioning outlets

It’s amazing how much dust is created by an air conditioning outlet. Detectors should be located at least one metre from any outlet. Once again look for the best place within the room, as long as it’s over 500mm from a wall or beam and it complies with the general coverage constraints.

  1. Accidental damage to a 'break glass' point

Consider moving away from detectors and using break glass call points instead. These are normally positioned at all external doors, high risk areas, at internal zonal boundaries etc. Where there is a possibility that the call point might be accidentally activated, why not fit a call point cover, or perhaps in a bar area of a pub, put the call point behind the bar? These will need to be recorded as variations, but it does help to reduce false alarms.

 

So, what are the reasons behind false fire alarm calls to the fire brigades and how can these be best avoided?

  1. Poorly trained users

When completing a fire alarm install, it’s all too easy for the engineer to test the last detector, check the panel is showing “normal” and then pack up his tools and leave, without first fully demonstrating the fire alarm to the end user. While explaining the functions of the detectors and alarms, there is also an opportunity to cover the avoidance of false alarms. Of course, in the case of a building site, the end user may not be present on handover, so it is extremely important for the installation company or engineer to allow for a return visit to demonstrate the system, within the cost of the fire alarm. This of course extends to explaining the importance of the management of faults or pre-alarm, which may well be a precursor to false alarms.

 

  1. Lack of maintenance

Maintenance is critical in avoiding false alarms, it is important to move site detectors away from air conditioning and fresh air grills. However, they do still need to be checked at each service visit to ensure that there is no build-up of dirt or dust. They are best kept clean by using a detector duster spray on them, detectors should also be tested at least once a year.

 

  1. The system being tested without informing the call centre

Just about any system that is being monitored will rely on human intervention to make sure the signals don’t go through, but it can be made easier by fitting a relay isolation switch, with an indicator by the panel to isolate the signal relay. Better still, with an addressable system you can use a key switch on the panel linked to an input, which is also programmed to show an isolation at the panel. In this way the site is not left without fire cover should human memory fail and forget to switch the monitoring back on.

Steam, aerosols, and other fumes activating the detectors: It is especially important for the designer to consider the potential for steam, the use of aerosols and other fumes which may occur once the building is in use. As mentioned previously, probably the most obvious example of this is hotel bedrooms, with steam from the showers and the use of hair sprays etc. The correct detector needs to be selected and positioned. Many hotels also have a search time programmed into the cause-and-effect programming, which needs to be recorded and checked to ensure that it is correctly set up.

Your next question may be, how do I test a fire alarm safely?

All fire alarms come with a test button whether they are battery operated or a wired system, when this button is pressed and held the smoke alarm siren should sound. If the alarm does not sound when the test button is pressed, first replace the batteries, and then test again. If this does not fix the problem or you have a wired system, you will need to replace your alarm.

Fire alarms within the home should be tested on a monthly basis and once a year you should replace the batteries even if they were working the last time you checked.

 

The Firechief range includes high-performance fire extinguishers, fire blankets, first aid kits, lithium-ion fire extinguishers for your home and leisure time.  For more information, call us on +44 (0)330 999 0019 or email sales@firechiefglobal.com.

The information contained within this blog is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon this information, we advise the reader to consult any and all relevant statutory or regulatory guidance and where felt necessary to consult a qualified fire or industry regulation[related_products is_auto_added="1"]

Are you wondering how to manage false fire alarms? Wanting to make sure that you don’t cause a false alarm? Or even just how to test your own alarm in […]

E-Scooters and E-Bikes are continuing to grow in popularity across the UK. Typically combining a lightweight folding frame with lithium-ion battery-electric technology, they have become the affordable urban mobility vehicle of choice. However, this has also led to an increase in fire risk and a growing concern.

In London, the London Fire Brigade has backed Transport for London’s ban on private e-scooters, which prevents them from being taken onto the capital’s transport network.

The ban came into force at the end of 2021, following an incident in November which saw an e-scooter catch fire on a train stopped at an underground station. As a result of this incident and other reported fires involving e-scooters, Transport for London launched an urgent review. London Fire Brigade supported the review with evidence being provided by its experts.

The issue has been a big concern with the Fire Brigade for some time. In 2021 firefighters in England attended more than 50 blazes as a result of e-scooters or e-bikes, in comparison to 2020 which saw half that amount for the whole year.  This prompted London Fire Brigade to issue an urgent safety warning.

Paul Jennings, Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety, London Fire Brigade, said “We have growing concerns about the safety of e-scooters and e-bikes due to the amount of fires we are seeing involving them, so we fully support TfL’s ban of private e-scooters on public transport.’

To learn more about Lithium battery fire risks and the Firechief Lithium Battery Safety Range, visit our new website here

The Firechief range also includes high-performance fire extinguishers, fire blankets, first aid kits, lithium-ion fire extinguishers for your home and leisure time.  For more information, call us on +44 (0)330 999 0019 or email sales@firechiefglobal.com.

The information contained within this blog is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon this information, we advise the reader to consult any and all relevant statutory or regulatory guidance and where felt necessary to consult a qualified fire or industry regulation professional. The use or reliance on any information contained herein is solely at the reader’s risk.[related_products is_auto_added="1"]

E-Scooters and E-Bikes are continuing to grow in popularity across the UK. Typically combining a lightweight folding frame with lithium-ion battery-electric technology, they have become the affordable urban mobility vehicle […]

The team at Firechief are very excited to be exhibiting at The Fire Safety Event on 7th – 9th September.  We will be showcasing our Lith-Ex range of products and also our new PyroCloud range at the event.

The Fire Safety Event alongside the Health & Safety Event, Security Event and The Facilities Event is the UK’s largest event series dedicated to improving the safety and security of people, property, and assets. New for 2021, The Emergency Services Show and Maintec will run alongside The Fire Safety Event.

The Fire Safety Event is dedicated to supporting industry practitioners, professionals, and organisations in achieving and maintaining the very highest standards of fire safety management. The event combines an unrivalled educational conference with an exhibition showcasing the most cutting-edge fire safety products and solutions.

Firechief's Managing Director Laurie Pollard commented: ‘We are excited to have the opportunity to meet lots of our existing and new customers face to face! Please don’t hesitate to pop by and say hello. We will be located at Stand 4/N41’!

You can register for your FREE pass today. https://registration.gesevent.com/survey/0xl706dfr9y1o?actioncode=NTWO000329XEU

We hope to see you there!

#FSE2021 #Firechief[related_products is_auto_added="1"]

The team at Firechief are very excited to be exhibiting at The Fire Safety Event on 7th – 9th September.  We will be showcasing our Lith-Ex range of products and […]

A man who escaped a blaze at his flat has backed fire investigators in issuing an urgent warning following a spike in ‘ferocious’ fires caused by the Lithium-Ion batteries on electric bikes and scooters. The man was lucky to get away without serious injury after the new battery he had bought online for his electric bike caught fire whilst on charge at his flat.

London Fire Brigade’s Fire Investigation team has seen a rise in such incidents this year - firefighters have already attended more than 25 fires involving electric bikes or scooters.  Sadly, some of them have been significant incidents resulting in serious injuries.

They are also encouraging people who use electric bikes and scooters to be aware of the risks and particularly the danger of storing them in escape routes in the home or in a communal area, such as the hallway in a block of flats. This can stop people being able to escape in the event of a fire. This year alone, there have been more than 120 fires in London which involved items stored in communal areas like halls and corridors

Station officer Matt Cullen, a fire investigation officer with the London Fire Brigade said: “We have seen that when these batteries and chargers fail, they do so with ferocity which can leave residents with few safe options for escape. These bikes and scooters are often stored and charged in escape routes in homes or communal areas so when a fire does occur, escape routes are blocked which immediately makes an already serious situation much more frightening for those involved.

“People cannot access their front doors if the bike or scooter which has caught fire is in front of them. Even when the bikes or scooters are not located in escape routes or communal areas, the fires are fierce enough that they pose an immediate danger to all occupants. We’re definitely seeing an increase in these types of fires.”

Cullen explained that a good many of the fires which the team is seeing involve e-bike conversion kits, which enable the conversion of a standard push bike into an electric bike - rather than a purpose-built one.  The kits provide only the motors and control gear for the conversion, but batteries have to be sourced separately.

Lithium-Ion battery safety tips

The Firechief range includes Lith-Ex fire extinguishers which are suitable for use on fires involving lithium batteries, as well as other high-performance fire extinguishers, fire blankets and first aid kits, etc to keep you and your home safe.   For more information, call us on +44 (0)330 999 0019, email sales@firechiefglobal.com or visit www.firechiefglobal.com[related_products is_auto_added="1"]

A man who escaped a blaze at his flat has backed fire investigators in issuing an urgent warning following a spike in ‘ferocious’ fires caused by the Lithium-Ion batteries on […]

Every year, over half of accidental domestic fires in the UK are caused by electricity. The majority of these are caused by electrical products being either misused or faulty and over half of these type of electrical fires start in the kitchen, with cooking appliances and white goods being the main cause. Electrical Safety Fire have put together some advice to help keep homes and loved ones safe from electrical fires.

DO

DON’T

Electrical Safety First also have an app that is available to help carry out visual checks around the house.  You can find out more about this on their website http://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/safety-around-the-home/visual-checks/

The Firechief range includes high-performance fire extinguishers, fire blankets, first aid kits, lithium fire extinguishers for your home and leisure time.  For more information, call us on +44 (0)330 999 0019 or email sales@firechiefglobal.com.[related_products is_auto_added="1"]

Every year, over half of accidental domestic fires in the UK are caused by electricity. The majority of these are caused by electrical products being either misused or faulty and […]

It’s a fact that alarms save lives.   They provide precious time to escape in the event of a fire or carbon monoxide (CO) incident.

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) are highlighting the importance of installing alarms as part of Home Safety Week which runs from 14th – 20th June 2021. The week aims to spread awareness and encourage people to assess the needs of their homes, ensuring they have the appropriate and adequate alarms. The Fire and Rescue Services can assist with specific advice for vulnerable groups of individuals and also fit smoke detection if required, they may also be able to install CO detection too.

According to NFCC, in 18% of dwelling fire incidents in the UK, the smoke alarm fails to activate. The most common reasoning (accounting for 50% of cases) for this failure was because the fire was outside of the alarm’s range. It is so important that the whole home is adequately covered;  smoke alarms should be installed in rooms used most and a heat alarm fitted in the kitchen as these are areas where a fire is most likely to occur.

TOP TIPS!

Carbon Monoxide is a highly poisonous gas, which you cannot see, taste or smell. NFCC recommend that any room with a fuel burning appliance such as an open fire, wood burning stove or gas appliance e.g., boiler or cooker should also have a working CO alarm fitted.

All homes in the UK should be equally protected by adequate detection regardless of tenure or location in the UK.

The Firechief range includes high performance fire extinguishers, fire blankets, first aid kits, lithium fire extinguishers for your home and leisure time.

For more information, call us on +44 (0)330 999 0019 or email sales@firechiefglobal.com.

 [related_products is_auto_added="1"]

It’s a fact that alarms save lives.   They provide precious time to escape in the event of a fire or carbon monoxide (CO) incident. The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) […]

Why do you need to know how to use a fire extinguisher?

Fire extinguishers are something you pass by all the time and even if you are familiar with them and know what they look like, have you ever actually given much thought about how you use them?

While it’s true that using one is mostly common sense, there are some basics you must understand to effectively fight fires.

Most people don’t know how to use a fire extinguisher, including many that have them in their own homes. With an average fire doubling in size every 60 seconds, you don’t have time to be learning on the job.

In this article, you’ll learn the basics that apply to nearly all fire extinguishers, from the different types to how to use them.

Using The Correct Extinguisher for the Type of Fire

There are various types of extinguishers available, and each is designed to handle different types of fire.

Classification systems have been introduced to help you understand the kind of fire extinguisher you should be using.

The Different Classes of Fires

Class A – Paper, cloth, wood and other normal solid combustibles
Class B – Flammable gases and liquids
Class C – Electrical fires (Never use water with electrical fires as there’s a risk of electrocution)
Class D – Flammable metals
Class K – Grease/oil fires (Never use water extinguishers, as it will cause the flames to not only explode but spread quicker)
You’ll find the majority of extinguishers are Class ABC. This means they’re capable of putting out electrical, flammable liquid, paper and wood fires. These use dry chemical mono-ammonium phosphate as their extinguishing agent.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

If you’ve worked in a commercial kitchen, you’ll have come across Class K fire extinguishers, also known as Wet Chemical fire extinguishers. Wet potassium acetate is the agent used in these. Interestingly, as sodium bicarbonate powder was used as the agent before potassium acetate, baking soda can be an effective way to put out small oil and grease fires if you’re in a hurry. Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers are generally used in commercial kitchens as they’re much more effective at handling and putting out grease fires and the chemicals used are not likely to cause damage to cooking apparatus and appliances.

Where to Keep a Fire Extinguisher

Schools and offices have extinguishers in place, but it’s down to you to have a fire extinguisher for your home. There are many states in the US where you’re legally obliged to have a fire extinguisher in your home, and whilst it’s not the law in the UK, they’re a crucial safety item to have.

Fire extinguishers can prevent a small fire from becoming a life-changing emergency.

As a bare minimum, you should place at least one ABC fire extinguisher for each level. Generally, it’s a good idea to place them close to rooms where fires are likely to occur, such as the kitchen and the garage.

Store them where your kids can’t touch or get to them, but so they can be easily accessed.

Avoid storing them close to heating appliances and stoves, or behind drapes and curtains, as these are areas where fires often start and spread. If you can’t get to the fire extinguisher because the area it was stored caught fire, you’ve got a problem.

Ideally, it is best to place them near a door where possible.

When you’ve got fire extinguishers in your home, it’s vital to check them regularly to make sure they’re not damaged by rust, leaks, dents, and the hoses and seals are intact and the pressure is still in the green. If you notice anything that you’re not happy with, either seek professional advice or simply purchase a new one – it’s not worth the risk.

Using Your Fire Extinguisher

So now you know the different kinds of extinguishers and where to position them. It’s time to learn how to actually use them. Before using an extinguisher if there’s a fire, ask these questions:

Pre-Use Checklist For Fire Extinguisher Use:

Are you taller than the fire? – Extinguishers are only designed to deal with fires while they’re in their incipient stage. That basically means when they have just started. If they’re past that stage, fires are too big to fight with ordinary extinguishers
How do you know a fire is in the incipient stage? – Check to see if it’s taller than you and if it is, leave the property and call the emergency services.
Do you have the correct extinguisher for the type of fire it is? – Remember extinguishers are designed to deal with specific fires. Using the incorrect fire extinguisher on a fire can make matters worse.
Is your extinguisher pressurized? – Look at the gauge and make sure it is fully pressurized and charged. If the needle in the gauge is in the green, it’s good to go. If not, you won’t be able to use it so your best option is to leave the premises.
Position Yourself Properly - If possible, stand with your back to an exit free from obstructions, so you can escape quickly if necessary. The rate of discharge for fire extinguisher can range from 6 to 20-feet.

It’s vital you understand the discharge range before you use it. You need to be positioned so you’re close enough to effectively handle the fire, but far away enough to avoid getting burned.

Video Of How To Safely Use A Fire Extinguisher

PASS is an acronym that will help you to use the extinguisher properly.

Pull the pin.
Aim the nozzle at the fire’s base, because hitting the tops is ineffective.
Squeeze the extinguisher’s trigger in a controlled way, to release the extinguishing agent.
Sweep from one side to another until you’ve put the fire out. Continue to aim at the base while you are doing this. Most fire extinguishers are able to produce 10 to 20 seconds of discharge.
Slowly move backwards. That is, even if the fire looks as if it has been extinguished and avoid turning your back to it. There’s often hidden fires or hot spots that could ignite into a bigger flame at any time which you should always be aware of.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Image credit: The Gazette

After using it, even if you haven’t used all the pressure, it’s important to recharge it fully. Do this as soon as you can. If it’s a disposable model, throw it away and buy a new one as soon as possible.

View the Full Range of Firechief Fire Extinguishers here.

The Firechief® range includes high-performance fire extinguishers, fire blankets, first aid kits, lithium-ion fire extinguishers and the Kitchen Stove Guard. For more information, call us on +44 (0)330 999 0019 or email sales@firechiefglobal.com.

The information contained within this blog is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon this information, we advise the reader to consult any and all relevant statutory or regulatory guidance and where necessary to consult a qualified fire or industry regulation professional. The use or reliance on any information contained herein is solely at the reader's risk.[related_products is_auto_added="1"]

Do you have a Fire Extinguisher? Do You Know How to Use it To Protect Yourself, Your Property & Those Around You? Read the Guide to Using a Fire Extinguisher Safely.

After much well publicised debate and controversy the Fire Safety Act is now law – but what remains from the long list of proposed contents?

Section 1 - Premises to which the Fire Safety Order (FSO) applies

The domestic premises exemption from the FSO has been amended to give a clearer and wider scope with relation to common areas by adding a new paragraph:
“(1A)Where a building contains two or more sets of domestic premises, the things to which this order applies include—

(a)the building’s structure and external walls and any common parts;

(b)all doors between the domestic premises and common parts (so far as not falling within sub-paragraph (a)).

(1B)The reference to external walls includes—

(a)doors or windows in those walls, and

(b)anything attached to the exterior of those walls (including balconies).”

This means that any premises that comprises anything other a single private dwelling are without doubt subject to the FSO and that regardless of height or any other factor the external wall system, including balconies, doors and windows falls under scope (and consideration in an FRA, which may in turn require specialist examination). Also, the front doors of flats, previously only implicitly a consideration are now explicitly part of the FSO, requiring access and systems of maintenance.

Section 2 - Power to change premises to which the Fire Safety Order applies

This section makes it easier to alter the scope of the FSO in future through Statutory Instrument as opposed to a full Act of Parliament. Any alteration would require a consultation process to be completed first based on a Draft SI

Section 3 - Risk based guidance about the discharge of duties under the Fire Safety Order

This changes the status of fire safety guidance specifically relating to buildings comprising two or more domestic premises by inserting new paragraphs to Article 50 of the FSO:

“(1A)Where in any proceedings it is alleged that a person has contravened a provision of articles 8 to 22 or of regulations made under article 24 in relation to a relevant building (or part of the building)—

(a)proof of a failure to comply with any applicable risk based guidance may be relied on as tending to establish that there was such a contravention, and

(b)proof of compliance with any applicable risk based guidance may be relied on as tending to establish that there was no such contravention.”

(3)After paragraph (2) insert—

“(2A)Before revising or withdrawing any risk based guidance in relation to relevant buildings the Secretary of State must consult such persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.”

(4)After paragraph (3) insert—

“(4)In this article—

“relevant building” means a building in England containing two or more sets of domestic premises.

“risk based guidance” means guidance under paragraph (1) about how a person who is subject to the duties mentioned there in relation to more than one set of premises is to prioritise the discharge of those duties in respect of the different premises by reference to risk.”

This in effect makes enforcement action, particularly prosecution, far easier to effectively apply as in general a prosecution not only has to show a departure from accepted guidance, but that the departure leads to a significant risk to relevant persons. However, with respect to buildings of two or more domestic premises they would in theory now only need to show there was a failure to follow the guidance – this means Responsible Persons must ensure they address FRA actions promptly where they highlight departures from guidance as well as risk

Section 4 -  Enactment

Different elements will come in on different dates:

Section 1 – On publication of a relevant Statutory Instrument, with separate SI for England & Wales

Section 2 – After two months from 29th April 2021, namely 29th June 2021

Section 3 – On the date that the SI referenced in Section 1 comes into date

It’s likely that Section 1 may be slightly delayed if anything because it is tied to Section 3 – the problem with Section 3 is that two of the three principal guides for buildings affected by these changes are obsolescent and under review (LACORS and LGA Guide) so until the relevant guidance is in place in a current form it would be difficult to prosecute by not following them alone. Prosecution where a risk to relevant persons is present can still, as always, be commenced.

What happened to the other content in the draft?

Most of the other content was voted down – the most publicised being related to preventing fire safety costs being passed to leaseholders.

The leaseholder costs issue, if dealt with at all, will be dealt with outside the fire safety legislative area.

Other key proposals were to require the owner or a manager of any building which contains two or more sets of domestic premises to:
(a) share information with their local Fire and Rescue Service in respect of each building for which an owner or manager is responsible about the design of its external walls and details of the materials of which those external walls are constructed,

(b) in respect of any building for which an owner or manager is responsible which contains separate flats, undertake annual inspections of individual flat entrance doors,

(c) in respect of any building for which an owner or manager is responsible which contains separate flats, undertake monthly inspections of lifts and report the results to their local Fire and Rescue Service if the results include a fault, and

(d) share evacuation and fire safety instructions with residents of the building

These were too voted out – but only because the Government proposed they would deal with these issues in separate legislation – so expect them to return in some form in either the future Statutory Instruments, the new guidance documents, or both.

You can see more on the 2021 Fire Safety Act online.

The Firechief range includes high performance fire extinguishers, fire blankets, first aid kits, lithium-ion fire extinguishers for your home and leisure time.

For more information, call us on +44 (0)330 999 0019 or email sales@firechiefglobal.com.[related_products is_auto_added="1"]

After much well publicised debate and controversy the Fire Safety Act is now law – but what remains from the long list of proposed contents? Section 1 – Premises to […]

Today, 22nd April 2021 is Earth Day.  Earth Day is held annually and aims to change behaviours and provoke policy changes for the protection of the environment. Its mission is to ‘diversify, educate and activate the environmental movement worldwide’.

Earth day first began in 1970 the United States.  However, the main event of Earth Day 2021 will take place virtually and focus on the theme’ Restore Our Earth’ by looking at natural processes, emerging green technologies, as well as innovative thinking that can restore the world’s ecosystems.

Here at Firechief, we believe it is important to celebrate Earth day each year in recognition of the harm humans are capable of causing the planet and its resources, while also celebrating the growing support across the globe for protecting the Earth and the environment.

Firechief is a responsible business which understands its environmental obligations and is  committed to the recycling of materials whenever possible.  The following are some of the environmentally friendly processes we have in place:

Fire Extinguisher recycling scheme:  All extinguishers used in testing and returned to us at the end of their service life are recycled.

Marketing material: Out of date catalogues and marketing material remaining in stock are routinely sent for recycling at the beginning of each year. Our catalogues are also printed on paper sourced from responsible sources as certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).

Paperless systems: Over the last year our accounts team have implemented a paperless system.  Document printing has been minimised across the business and all non-confidential wastepaper is recycled.

Electric vehicle charging points:  Installed for our staff to use to charge their electric car during working hours.

For more information on our fire extinguisher recycling scheme, please contact us on 0330 999 0019[related_products is_auto_added="1"]

Today, 22nd April 2021 is Earth Day.  Earth Day is held annually and aims to change behaviours and provoke policy changes for the protection of the environment. Its mission is […]

Coffee Machine Fire Safety

Home ownership of coffee machines in the UK has been on the rise for a number of years – perhaps you have one on your Christmas list this year?

These days there are a wide range to choose from - capsule or pod, filter, built-in, bean to cup, or even specific coffee types such as cappuccino or espresso. Some people consider their machine to be their most important kitchen tool and while these machines are used daily, it’s worth remembering that they use electricity to heat water to a high temperature, so keep in mind that they can also pose a fire safety risk if used incorrectly.

Coffee Machine Purchasing

Using it safely

Here at Firechief, we want you to feel safe. Our mission is to work hard every day to protect lives and property from fire by providing a range of fire safety products that can be trusted to perform when the heat is on.

The Firechief range includes high-performance fire extinguishers, fire blankets, first aid kits and lithium fire extinguishers. Why not download our Fire Safety Checklist?

For more information, call us on 0330 999 0019 or email sales@firechiefglobal.com.[related_products is_auto_added="1"]

Coffee Machine Fire Safety Home ownership of coffee machines in the UK has been on the rise for a number of years – perhaps you have one on your Christmas […]

Before you head off to bed, making some simple fire safety checks can save your life. Here is what to keep an eye out for.

Simple Checks Before You Head For Bed

Last year, out of the 6871 fires that the London Fire Brigade attended, 1985 were at night (between 9pm and 9am). So, before you go to bed, it’s really important to make some simple checks. These will only add a couple of minutes to your day but will significantly reduce your risk of a fire.

Our Fire Safety Checklist

1. Close all your internal doors to prevent smoke spreading if a fire starts.
2. Turn off and unplug electrical appliances unless they are designed to be left on – like your fridge or freezer.
3. Do not leave the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher on overnight and unattended.
4. Do not leave mobile phones, tablets or e-cigarettes charging overnight.
5. Check that your hob and oven switches are off.
6. Turn heaters off, rake out fires and put fire guard in place.
7. Put candles, incense sticks and oil burners out and never them burning when you are asleep.
8. Make sure cigarettes or cigars are completely out – wet them to be sure.
9. Never smoke in bed.
10. Make sure escape routes are clear of anything that may slow your escape down.
11. Keep door and window keys where everyone you live with can find them.
12. If you or anyone else in the home has mobility issues, ensure mobility aids and methods of calling for help (like emergency pendants) are close to hand in case help is needed to assist with an escape.

Download our Fire Safety Checklist.

A good routine can save your life – but an early warning is important too.

We tend to worry more about fires occurring at night as you are likely to be asleep therefore there is less warning to escape.

That’s why it is so important to have both your smoke detector alarms working in every room where there is a chance a fire could start. Your smoke alarms should wake you if a fire does break out, but you can further reduce your risk by carrying out the simple checks above before you go to bed.[related_products is_auto_added="1"]

Before you head off to bed, making some simple fire safety checks can save your life. Here is what to keep an eye out for. Simple Checks Before You Head […]

Firechief Global is proud and excited to announce that Investors in People has awarded the company the ‘We Invest in People’ Gold accreditation.

Gold accreditation is the advanced level of ‘We Invest in People’ and is recognition that everyone in the  team is actively involved in supporting each other and doing their best to make work better. According to Investors in People, only 17% of its accredited organisations achieve Gold, making this a real achievement.

In recognition of  achieving the Gold award, a selection of ‘gold’ gifts were presented to all team members, including specially engraved personalised pens.

Commenting on the award, Managing Director, Laurie Pollard said: “We are delighted to have achieved the ‘We Invest in People’ Gold accreditation, particularly as this is the first time we have entered.  I would like to thank the team for their contribution and dedication because this is a great achievement for all of us.

‘Our ‘We Invest in People’ assessment was a great opportunity for us to get feedback from all team members but there’s always room for further improvement and we will be working on this over the coming months.  Continuous training and development of our staff ultimately benefits our customers as it means we can make improvements to ensure we consistently deliver excellent service to them ’.

Firechief Global is a Sentura Group company.  Paul Devoy, CEO of Investors in People, said: “We’d like to congratulate Sentura. Gold accreditation on We Invest in People is a fantastic effort for any organisation, and places Sentura in fine company with a host of organisations that understand the value of people.”

 

 

 

 

 

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Firechief Global is proud and excited to announce that Investors in People has awarded the company the ‘We Invest in People’ Gold accreditation. Gold accreditation is the advanced level of […]