Fire Extinguisher Safety

Date Posted: 08/05/2012 by admin

Foam Fire Extinguishers offer protection against Class A and B Fires that typically involve liquids or materials that liquefy such as petrol, oils, paints and fats. Firemart offers a range of foam fire extinguishers from smaller 1ltr and 2ltr models to larger 6ltr and 9ltr models in both budget (CE Mark approved and one year warranty) and Premier Kitemarked (BS EN 3 Kitemark approved, CE Mark approved and five year warranty). Foam fire extinguishers are ideal for multi-risk situations where class A and B risks exist. Class B fires, those involving flammable liquids, such as petrol, diesel, spirits, solvents and lubricants, can be tackled very effectively. Foam fire extinguishers contain an aqueous film forming foam which gives rapid flame knock-down and has a blanketing effect, removing oxygen smothering the flames and sealing vapours to prevent re-ignition. Foam Fire Extinguishers may also be referred to as AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam). Foam fire extinguishers are often paired with 2kg Carbon Dioxide (Co2) extinguishers providing protection against class A and B fires and live electrical risks in offices, warehouses and other industrial environments. The fire extinguishers are supplied complete with bracket and can quickly and easily be wall mounted or placed on a fire extinguisher floor stand. The Firemart Foam fire extinguishers are stored pressure fire extinguishers meaning that they are supplied ready filled and pressurised. The fire extinguishers also feature an easy to read pressure gauge. The pressure gauge helps to ensure that the fire extinguisher is safe for use: if the fire extinguisher is pressurised and ready for use, the pressure gauge will be in the green zone. If the fire extinguisher has lost pressure, the reading will be in the red zone and requires remedial attention.

Fire Alarm Systems

Date Posted: 01/05/2012 by admin

There are many types of fire alarm systems each suited to different buildings types and applications. a fire alarm system can vary in both price and complexity, from a single panel with a detector and sounder in a small commercial property to an addressable fire alarm system in a multi-occupancy building. Fire alarm systems act like smoke detectors because if there is smoke in the air the alarm detects it and goes off to warn all the occupants about it.

Conventional Fire Alarm Systems

Conventional fire alarm systems are the entry level for most fire alarm system requirements. These alarms are suitable for small offices, nurseries, hotels, warehouses, shops and any small business.

Twin Wire Fire Alarm Systems

Twin fire alarm systems are similar to a conventional system as they have detection zones. the main advantage of twin-wire systems is you can put sounders on the detection circuit which means you can save on the cost of having to wire additional sounder circuits.

Addressable Fire Alarm Systems

Addressable fire alarm systems transmit data over the detection circuit that provides complicated information for the user including the exact location of the fire. They are ideal for larger premises such as hotels, office blocks and large factories.

Radio Fire Alarm Systems

Radio fire alarms (also known as wireless fire alarms) are the same as a standard analogue addressable fire alarm system but with the advantage of no wires to interlink the detection and sounders. Wireless fire alarms are ideal for premises with multiple buildings such as schools, colleges or science parks.

Remote Monitoring

Once you have the right system in place you should then consider how to respond to an alarm out of working hours. Assured have the solution with a remote monitoring system.

Fire Extinguisher Signage

Date Posted: 01/05/2012 by admin

There are many different types and sizes of fire extinguisher signs and fire safety signs. But, despite appearances in pictures, all are not created equal. Rigid plastic fire extinguisher signs come in varying thicknesses and varying quality of ink. What is the point of a sign that fades over time?

The problem with the standard rigid plastic safety sign is that they are only visible when the lights are on or daylight is present. In emergencies such as a fire or power cut, this can cause panic and injuries and would you really want to be sued by an employee or visitor for the sake of a quality exit sign?

Self-adhesive signs will not last long and can easily be removed. They also tend to have an exposed sticky edge that gradually collects dust and looks unsightly after time.

How Do Photo luminescent Signs Work?

Our photo luminescent material contain special inorganic phosphor compound that is energised very quickly by blue light and ultra violet wavelength energy that is present in nearly all light sources.

This high-energy is then converted into a low energy yellow-green light, the colour most recognised by the human eye and as specified by safety signs standards.

These photo luminescent materials are non-radioactive and non-toxic and provide a strong light source. They are also self-extinguishing, so they carry on working when they are most needed.

Most importantly, when the lights go out, they light up and can clearly mark:

• emergency exits
• fire fighting equipment
• alternative light source stores such as "light-sticks"
• stairs and exit routes
• hazards

Fire Alarms

Date Posted: 27/03/2012 by admin

Fire Alarms Regulations 1997 (As Amended 199) require any business with 5 or more employees to carry out a written Risk assessment and have an Emergency plan.

Failure to undertake and hold a written Risk assessment is a Criminal Offence.

Additionally to workplaces, other premises may also be subject to other Regulations that place further special requirements particularly if the general Public may be at Risk, examples of these are Hotels, places used for the purpose of Public Entertainment’s, licensed premises and restaurants.

If you want to carry out a Risk assessment you need to take into consideration that if the Fire Alarm System has been previously installed or your premises does not have a Fire Alarm or any procedure, it is a requirement by law that the Risk assessment is undertaken, for example smoke detections.

Fire Alarm System Standard

In most instances the precautions implemented following a Risk assessment will see the installation of (or Upgrade of) a Fire Alarm System and fire extinguishing equipment.

Regular reviews of your Risk assessment will be required to ensure any changes within your business or building layout are still compliant with the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations.

BS5839 Regulations for the design, installation and Maintenance of Fire Detection & Fire Alarms, details the specific requirements for detection & alarm equipment to satisfy the Fire Precautions Regulations.

Failure to keep the Fire Alarm System in working order could lead the local Fire Brigade to serve enforcement notices requiring compliance, they also have the authority to close any building which does not meet this act
Check Frequencies required by BS5839 are:

Daily
Weekly
Quarterly
Annually

All check frequencies have specific requirements. Checks should be recorded where necessary in the Fire Safety Log Book.

CO2 Fire Extinguisher

Date Posted: 27/03/2012 by admin

The Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Fire Extinguisher are designed for use primarily on electrical fires but can also be used on fires including flammable liquids such as petrol, oil, diesel and some solid fuels like wax. Fires involving electrical equipment are one of the commonest causes of fire and involve equipment, such as portable appliances, and any electrical wiring or circuitry. Electrical fires do not have an official classification in the UK, but are known as Class C in the US. Being rated as safe on electrical fires signifies that the extinguishing agent is non-conductive. It is because carbon dioxide in non-conductive that it is so suitable for use on electrical equipment, and it doesn't leave a residue behind like powder or foam extinguisher would, which would be a problem for the delicate workings of an electronic appliance. These properties make carbon dioxide fire extinguishers particularly suitable for office environments and other areas with a significant amount of electronic or electrical equipment. They should not be used on cooking oil fires as the high pressure discharge could splash the burning fat around and spread the fire further. Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers come in various standard sizes, including 1kg, 2kg, 5kg, 10kg, 20kg and 45kg. You can expect the 10kg and above types to be on wheeled trolleys as they are otherwise too heavy to be easily portable. They are usually red in colour with a black panel over the operating instructions. The extinguishers that are 5kg or larger will have a hose attached as well as the horn-shaped nozzle.

Water Fire Extinguishers

Date Posted: 20/03/2012 by admin

Water Fire Extinguishers

Water fire extinguishers are used on Class A fires, which usually involve freely burning solid materials such as paper, wood, straw, fabrics and coal. The extinguisher works by spraying a jet of water onto the fire, which penetrates the fire and extinguishes the flames by cooling the burning materials and preventing them re-igniting. Ordinary water fire extinguishers should not be used on fires with electrical equipment because water is conductive so could lead to an electric shock if used on anything electrical. There are several main types of water fire extinguishers, which are the standard ones, spray mist extinguishers and water additive extinguishers. Standard models use ordinary tap water which is sprayed out in a jet under pressure from compressed air. The spray mist type extinguisher produces a fine mist of de-ionised water, which prevents conduction of electricity and risk of electrocution if it is accidentally sprayed on electrical equipment. It should not be used as a solution for dealing with electrical fires, but it does mean it is more versatile and is definitely safer than a standard water appliance if electrical equipment is encountered near the fire. The fine spray also improves the soaking and cooling ability of the extinguisher, though you need to fight the fire from a closer range than with the standard water fire extinguisher. The water additive type has an environmentally friendly additive in the water which significantly increases the effectiveness of the extinguisher by reducing the surface tension of the water. It means that, compared to a standard water fire extinguisher, a water additive appliance can be smaller and lighter, and still be more effective than the ordinary extinguisher. It often also comes with a spray type nozzle. Their suitability for use on most common materials makes water fire extinguishers the basic fire fighting tool of choice, particularly in offices, warehouses, schools, and many other workplaces.

Smoke Detectors

Date Posted: 20/03/2012 by admin

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors in your home or business premises offer you the most life saving gift of all in emergency situation. The early detection and warning provided by smoke detectors give you and your family or staff time to evacuate, before hidden smoke or flames would normally be smelt or heard by you.

Smoke detectors can reduce fatalities in a fire by an enormous 90% and double your chances of survival. A smoke alarm with a dead battery isn’t useful at all. Far worse as it lulls you into a false sense of security. So, always test your alarms regularly, replace their batteries and if in doubt as to whether one is working correctly, replace with a new smoke alarm rather than the risk.

Domizar has a range of Kidde smoke alarms and smoke detectors feature a test button to test functionality and a distinctive audio ‘chirp’ sound indicating when the battery is low, So you will always know when to replace your battery.

Smoke detectors are remarkably sophisticated pieces of fire safety equipment, yet they are discreet and exceptionally good value for money. For just a few pounds, you can protect your home and premises with ease and we offer a range of smoke alarms to suit all situations. If you are insure of what smoke detector and alarm to install, just email us for any advice.

Our Kidde battery smoke detectors are ideal for a hallway, landing or office and feature that important low battery alert signal and a test button. To help your guide to safety, the 0918UK model features an automatic escape light too.

Best of all these slim units can attach to the ceiling with two small screws or even sticky pads, if you don’t like using a screwdriver! Like the other 30 million detectors Kidde makes every year, this Kidde smoke alarm has a five year warranty and the battery is included.

dry powder fire extinguisher

Date Posted: 13/03/2012 by admin

Dry powder fire extinguishers also known as ABC powder fire extinguishers, have a red body with a dark blue band and you can have different sizes 1kg, 2kg, 4kg, 6kg and 9kg are available.

Dry powder fire extinguishers cover almost all types of risks and as such as suitable for Class A fire involve paper, wood and textiles, Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as petrol and oils, this excludes  cooking oils which require a wet chemical fire extinguisher, Class C fires involve flammable gases such as butane, methane and electrical equipment fires.

Our dry powder fire extinguishers are CE, BAFE and BS EN 3 approved and Kite-marked, they also come with a 5 year manufacturer’s warranty. A bracket is supplied for easy wall mounting, but where this is not an option, they can also be placed in a suitable fire extinguisher stand. It is recommended that a dry powder fire extinguisher sign should be fitted alongside a dry powder fire extinguisher.

Note: Consideration should always be taken place regarding where dry powder fire extinguishers are intended to be used as due to the chemical dust cloud, they produce significant cleanup costs may be incurred.

When you place the order you can be assured of a 100% secure, easy and quick checkout process. If you are unsure whether dry powder fire extinguishers are right for you or which size and quantities you need, please contact is and we can help you make sure you make the right choices to protect against fire.

fire alarm

Date Posted: 11/03/2012 by admin

If a fire breaks out in any business place then the risk of damage is extreme. You will suffer the threat of enormous devastation to your business and also to the employees within. Presumably you will have insurance to cover the main financial costs of any such damage but you will still suffer great losses as a result of all the time and effort that will need to be spent rebuilding. Not only will your business be under threat, but also any neighbouring building within the vicinity. As a result it is important that you make sure that you have good fire alarm systems in place to prevent such problems.

Most fire alarm systems will have three main components to them. First of all you will have the smoke detector  that will be used to notice any significant variations in head and smoke particles in the air. Secondly you may have heat detectors in areas such as kitchens or engine rooms. Thirdly there will be manual break glass points, where any person who spots a fire can break the glass and set off  the fire alarm system.

After this you will get the alarm system that will be used to warn all the people in the building and allow them to take the necessary steps to ensure that they are safe. For most businesses this will mean carrying out their fire drill. These are the three main components you will see any any decent fire alarm system but modern advances have also allowed others to be used. One of these will be the fact that your businesses alarm system can be linked up directly to the local fire station. This will allow them to take immediate action as soon as they detect a problem in your business.

The will allow you to have peace of mind at all times, whether you are at your place of work or not. It will also mean that your workers will be able to work more efficiently without the threat of fire at the back of their minds.

Another thing to consider is the fact that if you fail to install these systems and then a fire does occur you may find that you are not covered by your insurance. A lot of policies will stipulate that you will need to have taken all of the possible preventative measures to ensure that any fire doesn't do too much damage. If you don't do this then you may find that you are financially crippled as a result of a fire.

Getting a good fire alarm system is therefore one of the most important and responsible acts you can do for your business.

Foam fire extinguisers

Date Posted: 04/03/2012 by admin

AFFF stands for Aqueous Film Forming Foam and weight for weight they are more effective than water fire extinguishers. A smaller and lighter AFFF fire extinguisher should have a higher fire extinguisher rating than a larger and heavier water fire extinguisher. The AFFF fire is suitable for use on class A and B fires, which means combustible organic materials such as paper, card, wood and textiles, as well as fires involving flammable liquids such as petrol or oils. They are therefore quite a flexible extinguisher and can be used in any situation where you would normally use a water fire extinguisher, so are good for general all round use. An AFFF foam fire extinguisher works by smothering the fuel and thereby reducing the oxygen supply so that it cannot continue burning. There is also a cooling effect as the water in the foam evaporates, which also helps to stop combustion and prevent the fire re-igniting. Another benefit is that the foam helps to seal in harmful gases preventing their potentially damaging spread into the area around the fire. They are usually fitted with dielectrical nozzles which make them safer to use around electricity, but they are not meant to be used directly on electrical fires. Operating instructions are very much the same as other extinguishers when it comes to fires on wood, paper, etc. Pull out the pin and squeeze the lever, then aim the jet of foam towards the base of the flames, moving it back and forth across the fire. If you are using an AFFFfire extinguisher on a liquid fire, do not aim directly at the fire or you may disperse and spread it further. Look for a vertical surface that you can aim the foam at so that it can then drop down onto the fire more gently. If the fire is contained in a container with walls, aim at the inside edge of the container and allow the foam to build up and spread across from there.