Fire Door Safety Week aims to raise the awareness of the critical role that fire doors play in saving lives and protecting property in the unfortunate event of a fire. Make Time to Save Lives.

The issues around fire door safety don’t just exist in high rise, high risk buildings. They are prevalent in pretty much any sector and building type that you think of, from care homes and hospitals to schools and specialist housing.

Launched in 2013 in response to a legacy of fire door neglect, Fire Door Safety Week is a ‘mass market’ awareness campaign to increase public understanding of the vital role that fire doors play in protecting life and property. The campaign is managed by the British Woodworking Federation and is supported by a number of partners, including the Home Office’s National Fire Safety campaign, the National Fire Chief’s Council and London Fire Brigade.

It’s crucial to understand the factors that ensure a fire door performs as intended – product manufacture, quality, installation and maintenance all play a part. Their correct specification, maintenance and management can be the difference between life and death for building occupants, as can their use. Propping a fire door open means that they won’t perform as they should in the event of a fire.

Everyone plays their part in ensuring a fire door performs as it should, from the manufacturer through to the building users, and this is why the annual Fire Door Safety Week campaign exists.

RES will publish a number of articles during Fire Door Safety week to support this campaign.

For more info goto https://www.firedoorsafetyweek.co.uk/

Article Updated 20/10/22

INSURER AXA UK has warned of the growing fire risks associated with the lithium-ion batteries used in electric bikes and scooters. Lithium-ion batteries pose a significant fire risk when damaged, over-charged or otherwise exposed to extreme temperatures. Across the past two months, AXA UK has covered almost half a million pounds’ worth of losses on two large claims caused by lithium battery fires

It’s expected that both the frequency and cost of these fires are likely to grow exponentially as transport via e-bikes and e-scooters becomes more popular. AXA UK’s claims data shows that these fires most frequently occur within residential buildings where the associated damage can be devastating.

One of the recent large claims was the result of a faulty e-scooter battery, which was being charged in the kitchen of a ground floor terrace flat. An explosion occurred and fire spread through the home, reaching two storeys above.

The second occurred in a block of flats where an e-bike battery was being charged. The fire totally destroyed the flat and caused smoke damage to the flats on either side. Thankfully, nobody was injured in either incident.

Reducing the risk

To reduce the risk of lithium battery fires, AXA UK recommends the following precautionary steps are taken:

*Never leave batteries charging in a building that’s unattended or overnight when people are asleep in the property

*Unplug or disconnect from the battery once charging is complete

*Do not allow the battery to overheat and ensure that it’s charged on a hard surface where heat can disperse

*Monitor and assess for damage to the battery and the charger and always follow the manufacturer’s guidance for replacement or repairs

*Ensure smoke alarms – preferably interlinked detectors located around the property – are fitted where charging is taking place and, if possible, store and charge away from the main living area

As well as the increasing danger of fire in residential properties, AXA UK is also alerting those responsible for commercial businesses (such as Shopping Centres, retailers and e-bike and scooter storage and repair facilities) about the risks posed by these batteries. Businesses must ensure they have put in place reasonable precautions, reviewed and updated existing fire risk assessments and purchased specific fire extinguishers designed for use on fires involving lithium batteries.

Dougie Barnett, director of customer risk management for AXA UK’s commercial insurance operation, informed Fire Safety Matters: “Fire safety should be the foremost priority when it comes to charging and storing electric bikes and scooters. These forms of transport are becoming increasingly common due to the range of benefits they provide. However, this truism makes it even more essential that people understand the risks around storing them in the wrong way or using damaged batteries.”

Barnett added: “As an insurer, we’re there for individuals when the worst happens, but we want to make sure such risks are managed and reduced so that they can avoid the very often devastating consequences of a fire in their homes or within their business.”

Incredibly concerning

A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade commented: “It’s incredibly concerning that we’re continuing to witness a rise in incidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters. When lithium-ion batteries and their chargers fail, they do so with ferocity and, due to the fact that the resultant fires develop so rapidly, the situation can quickly become one that’s incredibly serious in nature.”

The spokesperson added: “Our advice is to try and store and charge e-bikes and e-scooters in a safe location if possible, such as in a shed or a garage. If they have to be stored inside, make sure there’s smoke detection fitted and that the means of escape is not obstructed in any way. We know this will not be possible for everyone, so if charging is being carried out indoors, then safe charging must be the way forward, while everyone in the property should know what to do in the event of a fire.”

Published by Fire Safe Matters

Ekho is a wireless based family of products which can be fully integrated into Hochiki’s renowned ESP intelligent hardwired system. At the core of the system is the wireless Translator module.

It is hard-wired to the fire alarm control panel loop and communicates continuously with the wireless devices. Wireless Expander modules are used to extend the radio mesh network, increasing the reach and capacity of the overall system.

The Ekho Expander modules create a self-configuring mesh network, which constantly relays field device signals back to the Translator module.

Each wireless device determines which Expander has the strongest signal path and automatically connects to it. The Expander mesh network guarantees an “always on” connection between the wireless devices and the Translator/fire control panel

– Patented Wireless technology
– ESP Compatible
– Expandable
– Simple Installation
– Self Configuring Mesh Network
– Hybrid System Capable
– Robust and Secure Communication
– Fully Intelligent

A full complement of Hochiki Wireless devices are available such as Wireless Traslator Modules, Optical Sensors, Heat and Multi Sensors, Call Points and Sounders.

Castles, Cathedrals, Churches, Museums, Modular Construction, Remote Buildings, Asbestos sites, Temporary structures, Banks, Aesthetically sensitive interiors, Concrete structures, Historic / protected buildings, Prisons, Hotels and Offices

RES have completed a number of installations using the Ehko technology in a Country Manor House, a local School and a Retail Property.

See our latest Hochiki Ekho Case Study here

EMS FireCell is a “comprehensive analogue addressable fire detection solution with a set of features that make it one of the most advanced fire detection systems available – all without the need for cable.”

EMS has a number wireless / hybrid solutions available that can be used for almost any application.

All solutions are full EN54-25 third party approved products.

EMS FireCell is fully scalable from standalone smaller single loop systems through to multi building networks.

It’s “Hub” and “Cluster” infrastructure enables Firecell to be used as a 100% wireless system or as part of a hybrid system.

At the heart of the EMS FireCell Solution is the Taktis Control Panel which features a 7” colour touch screen which provides a powerful yet easy to understand interface.

The Taktis Control Panel enables complex configurations to be setup as well as diagnostic functions to be performed.

Taktis Fire Control panels can be upgraded from 2 to 8 loops, accommodating 126 FireCell wireless devices.

Additional surface mounted repeater panels are also available which can be added around your premises.

Other EMS Fire Control panels are also available in the FireCell range, such as the Syncro AS Control Panel.

A complete range EMS Wireless devices are available to complement the solution such as wireless Smoke Detectors, Heat Detectors, Sounders, Beacons, Call Points, Door Controllers, Radio Hubs and Repeater Panels.

The EMS FireCell Solution is ideal for all customer applications, offering flexibility, reliability – all at a competitive price point.

RES have now successfully installed a number of EMS FireCell solutions using the Syncro AS Panel at various customer sites such as at a Health Clinic and a Residential Apartment block.

Please see our case studies for delivered EMS FireCell Installs:
Wireless Fire Detection and Alarm System for Residential Property

Wireless System for Prestigious London Apartments

RES are focused on keeping our engineers informed and trained on the latest solutions available today. As a result, we recognise that certain solutions may benefit customers if different ways, the main reasons being:

1. The existing Fire detection and alarm system may have the capability and capacity to be extended upon, therefore a suitable solution wireless solution that can be linked to the existing protocol can be used.
2. Each wireless system has its own features and specifications, ranging from differing signal technology, the style and size of the wireless units and the capacity of devices. The system recommended by RES would depend on the specific requirements of the customers premises.

• – Eliminate the need for complex cable networks
• – Quick and easy installation with minimal disruption
• – Future Expandability and Greater Flexibility
• – Can be used to extend an existing system

Designed and built around the latest standards, Taurus benefits from Hyfire’s consolidated experience in wireless fire protection.

This highly flexible solution is suited to Commercial Properties, Residential Buildings, Highrise Buildings, Healthcare and Education, Hospitality and Catering Facilities, Public and Government Buildings, Schools and Universities, Historic and Landmark Buildings and Temporary Event Sites.

Hyfire’s control panel connects to Taurus translator devices which in turn communicate with up to 128 Taurus wireless devices per each translator. The system is energy efficient and environmentally friendly due to it’s innovative electrical design, ensuring battery management is optimised, giving 10 year battery life on inputs (detectors and call points) and 5 years on outputs (sounders, VADs).

The Taurus solution uses Hyfire’s Pathfinder technology, which delivers the perfect balance of range and confidence.

RES can see multiple customer applications for this solution for Hybrid installations, where it is more cost effective and practical to install wireless devices across a site.

RES recently completed an installation using the Hyfire Taurus solution – click here to read more.