Fire Training News
The International Newsletter ‘for curious people’
June 2014
Ittheir
doesn't
have to be
this way….
‘No-one ever regretted buying quality training’
Balcony v BBQ
Suspended
sentence and costs
for restaurant owner
The former owner of a Thai
restaurant pleaded guilty to
eight breaches of fire safety
regulations.
The custodial part of the
sentence was suspended for
15 months because he had
pleaded guilty to all offences
and had no previous
convictions. However, he has
to pay £5080 in costs and a
victim surcharge.
It was primarily a restaurant
business with live-in staff
occupying the basement and
the other first and second
floors being let to students.
The charges relate to an
inappropriate fire alarm
system, inadequate means of
escape, ignition sources such as overloaded electrical
extension cables - and
combustibles on the means
of escape, inadequate staff
fire safety training and lack of
a fire risk assessment.
Fire safety concerns are being raised over so-called ‘Balcony BBQs’ which
are being marketed as the perfect solution for the space-conscious cook.
Balcony BBQs are sold by several online retailers and many do not appear
to feature any fire safety guidance.
The potential scope of the problem is increasing as the number of
apartment blocks expands to cope with the demand for housing
accommodation. And of course, a balcony is like having an extra bit of
garden high in the air. The problem is that traditional gardens are not
stacked on top of each other.
It’s just not big or clever to light barbecues on balconies. Balconies are
often enclosed and it’s easy for barbecues to get out of control and cause a
fire which can then spread to other properties. BBQs should be on level
ground and well away from anything that could catch fire – such as peoples’
clothes nearby or other peoples’ balconies. The problem often starts when
people leave them smouldering once the cooking is done. They should
never be left unattended and it should be ensured that they are completely
out once finished with.
Did you know…?
Fire and people share a fundamental need.
In order for fire to burn it requires an oxygen level in the air of at least 16%.
Below this amount and it goes out. This is how fire suppression systems work
in rooms containing I.T. equipment. The normal level of oxygen in the air is a
little over 20%. Once it dips below 16% human beings start to enter a state of
anoxia – which is where the blood cannot load and carry oxygen to tissues and
organs. So below 16% both fire and human life are extinguished!
It doesn't
have to be
this way….
Learning curve
The owner of an
independent school has
been fined £24,000 at
Crown Court proceedings
for serious breaches in fire
safety law, and agreed to
pay prosecution costs of a
further £25,000.
Fire safety inspectors
visited the college and
raised a number of serious
fire safety concerns. These
included defective smoke
alarms and fire doors which
were not working in student
sleeping areas.
Are you a Know-It-All?
1) According to British Standards the word ‘Foam’ on a 6 litre Foam extinguisher
can be as small as:
a)
b)
c)
d)
3.75 millimetres high
4.5 millimetres high
5 millimetres high
10 millimetres high
2) Does a toilet facility for use by disabled people need Emergency Lighting?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Not if the floor area is less than 8 square metres
Yes
No
Only if an electric hand dryer is fitted
3) What should every escape route sign be accompanied by:
a)
b)
c)
d)
A directional arrow
Text
Emergency Lighting
An intumescent strip
4) The door leaf of any doorway should open in the direction of escape when the
number of people who might use it is more than:
a)
b)
c)
d)
30
60
90
120
5) British Standards recommends that refuges have:
The judge said that the fire
risk assessment was
woefully inadequate. The
owner had both moral and
legal responsibility for the
staff and children in his
care, and that the
consequences of fire would
have been disastrous.
Those living and sleeping
inside the premises were
being put at risk. He was
convicted of failing to review
the fire risk assessment
which was found to be
dated June 2007 and after
there had been a significant
change in matters.
Fire Training News
a)
b)
c)
d)
A two-way communication system with the team organising the evacuation
A form of lighting giving at least 300 lux
A dedicated area of at least 3 square metres per wheelchair
A means of self-rescue
The answers will appear in next month's edition
May’s quiz answers were:
1) b 2) d
3) b 4) c
5) d
Bees incense owner
A man accidentally caused a fire after using incense in an attempt to
rid his home of bees.
The man had discovered a bee’s nest in his loft and was using an
incense to try and get rid of them. It is believed he left the incense
burning whilst he went to the shops to buy some more. The
smouldering incense sticks set fire to clothing being stored nearby and
the flames subsequently ignited the roof.
2
Tour o’ Yorkshire
Some cyclists are visiting
The Tour de France (TdF) Grand
Départ is coming to West Yorkshire
on 5 and 6 July.
The TdF is the third largest sporting
event in the world, established in
1903. Set over three weeks and
covering 3,500km, teams compete
for the yellow jersey in July each
year. Twelve million spectators of
all ages are expected to line the
route to watch the famed publicity
caravan and to support the cyclists.
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue
Service (WYFRS) will be part of a
substantial multi-agency team responding to emergency call-outs during the two day event.
We want residents, visitors and business owners to stay safe whilst enjoying this spectacular event.
The Tour de France will pass through areas of moorland so it is important people do their bit to prevent
wildfires from starting. Protection of the moorland is important because of the nature and wildlife. The
moors are home to a wide variety of wildfire and vegetation, any disruption to this can have a negative
effect for several years.
The moors are managed for activities such as grazing sheep and nesting birds. These activities
amongst others contribute a great deal to the local economy by way of employment. Moorlands also
contribute to flood management; preventing flooding in lower valleys by acting as sponges to soak up
water. When damaged by fire their capacity to hold water is reduced.
Here are some simple steps you can take to help protect the wildlife and moors:





Never throw lighted cigarette ends onto the ground, or out of the window of vehicles or trains.
Always ensure that they are completely extinguished and disposed of responsibly.
Clear up and take your rubbish home after picnics.
Observe all signs and notices – they are there for a reason.
Follow the Natural England Countryside Code
Don’t leave glass bottles. Not only can they hurt people and animals, but they can magnify the
sun’s rays and start a fire.
Extensive road closures will be in place across Yorkshire so people need to make their travel plans well
in advance – check with your local council for full details on road closures.




Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Always wear a seatbelt.
Consider using public transport where possible to reduce congestion.
Be considerate when parking – do not block roads, making access for emergency vehicles
difficult.
Fire Training News
3
Evaluate – what does it mean?
When carrying out a Fire Risk Assessment one of the most important steps is to do something about the
hazards and risks.
Removing hazards and risks is the most effective route ie. eliminating ignition sources or changing work
practices. But this step can also be made easier by addressing certain questions such as the ones listed
below. This will help strengthen fire safety in the workplace and provide a more robust Fire Risk
Assessment.

Are existing fire safety measures within the premises adequate?

Are sources of fuel and ignition controlled?

Is there adequate means for detecting fire and giving warning?

Is there adequate means of escape in case of fire from all parts of the premises?

Has adequate and appropriate fire-fighting equipment been provided, and is it suitably located?

Is there an adequate testing and maintenance regime in place for fire precautions within the
premises?

Have employees been adequately trained in fire safety procedures within the premises and in the
use of fire-fighting equipment?
The Small Print
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Fire Training News
4