Fire safety signs play a critical role in helping people understand what action to take in the event of a fire or other emergency. During an incident, confusion and panic can quickly take hold, and clear, visible signage helps occupants navigate escape routes, locate fire safety equipment, and act decisively. Fire safety signage is designed Read more »
Fire alarm regulations in the UK exist to ensure that people are warned quickly and effectively in the event of a fire. The correct design, installation, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems plays a critical role in protecting life, supporting safe evacuation, and limiting damage to property. Fire alarm requirements are not one-size-fits-all. The Read more »
Cavity barriers are fire-resisting barriers installed within concealed cavities and voids to restrict the hidden spread of fire and smoke. They are an important part of passive fire protection and building compartmentation. Because cavity barriers are often hidden in walls, roof spaces, ceiling voids, facades and floor zones, defects may not be obvious during day-to-day Read more »
All modern fire extinguishers in the UK are manufactured with a red body (known as Signal Red), in accordance with British Standard BS EN 3. The extinguisher type is identified by a coloured label or band, rather than the cylinder itself being fully coloured. Although older-style fire extinguishers with fully coloured bodies (e.g. cream, blue, Read more »
A stay put policy is a fire evacuation strategy commonly used in purpose-built blocks of flats. It relies on effective compartmentation, fire doors and fire safety management to help prevent fire and smoke spreading from one flat to another. This guide explains what stay put means, when it may be suitable, when it should be Read more »
Fire extinguisher regulations in the UK are risk-based. The law does not usually prescribe a fixed number of extinguishers for every building. Instead, the responsible person must make sure suitable fire-fighting equipment is provided where needed, maintained in efficient working order and supported by suitable instruction and records. This guide explains the legal duties around Read more »
A fire evacuation strategy sets out how people will move to safety if a fire occurs. The right strategy depends on the building design, fire protection measures, occupants, management arrangements and the findings of the fire risk assessment. Fire and smoke can spread rapidly, potentially trapping people if an appropriate evacuation strategy is not in Read more »
Emergency lighting helps people escape safely if the normal lighting fails during a fire, power cut or other emergency. It can illuminate escape routes, stairs, changes in level, fire exits, firefighting equipment, call points, high-risk task areas and other parts of a premises where people may need clear visibility. For employers, landlords, managing agents, facilities Read more »
Wet chemical fire extinguishers are the only choice recommended for a cooking oil fire, making them essential for safety in a professional kitchen. Where Can Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers Be Used? A wet chemical fire extinguisher can be used in the following scenarios: Class F fires; cooking fires that include the use of cooking oils, Read more »
Water fire extinguishers are the original form of portable fire extinguisher and remain a common choice for tackling Class A fires involving combustible solids. Where Can Water Fire Extinguishers Be Used? A water fire extinguisher will only work in situations where the fire involves flammable solids. These are often known as Class A fires and Read more »
