BUSINESS AS USUAL: COVID-19 UPDATE

In these uncertain times caused by the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19), we wanted to reach out to our customers and supply partners about what we are doing.

RES continues to keep a keen eye on Government advice and our working situation is under continuous review to follow their guidelines. The safety of all staff, customers, supply partners and professional contacts is paramount, and we have put in place procedures to ensure that we can continue to provide our services with as minimum interruption as possible.

The strictest hygiene standards are being followed at our premises. In addition, we are continually reminding our staff to wash their hands regularly and NOT to shake hands or have any physical contacts with customers by way of regular staff memos.

We are in the enviable position of having a robust infrastructure as well as experienced and dedicated employees that enables our office staff efficient remote working as and when required and our engineers to work in the field with minimal contact to one another, as well as customers by pre-arrangement.

Thankfully no suspected cases of COVID-19 have been reported among our staff. The company is still operating as fully as one would expect under the circumstances with those members of staff wishing to self-isolate being supported and provided with all available resources to work from home.

If you need any of our services, our team will be available on all our usual methods of contact 24/7.

We appreciate your understanding as the situation evolves and reassure you that we are available to meet your servicing and callout requirements.

Thank you for your continued support and we will be regularly updating information our web site and social media channels.

Kind regards,
RES Systems Ltd

Important update for customers regarding COVID-19

RES RECORD

We’ve pulled together the latest projects, case studies and other RES news into a regular Newsletter for our customers.

https://resfire.co.uk/free-downloads/res-record-newsletter-winter-2020/

A fire extinguisher is an essential piece of fire-fighting equipment that needs to work straight away when it is required by a user. It has to be reliable at all times – which means that business owners must ensure that fire extinguishers are regularly checked and serviced. As they are highly pressurised, fire extinguishers always carry the risk of bursting or causing injury to others. According to the Regulatory Fire Reform (Fire Safety Order) 2005, all fire-fighting equipment (including extinguishers), must be well-maintained and kept in efficient working order/repair.

Fire extinguisher servicing

There are two different types of fire extinguisher service – a visual inspection and annual maintenance. In a visual inspection, an inspector will check the location of the extinguisher to determine that it is located in the correct place, where it can be easily seen and accessed. The instructions will be checked to ensure that they are facing outwards where they can be easily and clearly read, and the overall condition of the extinguisher will be checked to determine whether it has already been used, and whether it has suffered any damage or has any missing parts. Tamper indicators are checked to see if they have been broken.

In an annual maintenance service, as well as a visual inspection, a fire extinguisher needs to be checked for corrosion, and assessed to see whether it needs to be refilled or re-pressurised. Most fire extinguishers (water, foam and powder) need discharge testing every five years. If you have a CO2 fire extinguisher, this will need a pressure test every 10 years to insure the cylinder is safe to continue to be pressurised and a new valve will be installed. You can have your extinguisher refurbished in this way, or in some cases it may be worth purchasing a new fire extinguisher.

As a business-owner, you are legally obliged to effectively maintain your fire-fighting equipment so that your staff and visitors are protected. At RES Protection Engineers, the servicing process is straightforward and affordable. When you have a fire extinguisher service with us, our BAFE registered technicians will carry out inspections and servicing in accordance with BS 5306. Following the service, you’ll receive the relevant documentation required. We can also service portable fire extinguishers, hose reels, trolley units and fire blankets to ensure that they are suitable for use in line with current legislation. All services are undertaken by BAFE registered technicians. We also offer an emergency call-out service, here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Fire extinguisher sales and hire

Do you require a new fire extinguisher for your business? We can meet your requirements. All of our fire extinguishers are produced to European Standard EN3, and come with a five year guarantee. We offer discounts for large quantity orders. If you’d rather hire a fire extinguisher, we can provide hire services for up to six months.

Fire extinguisher service from RES

If you require fire extinguisher servicing, maintenance or repairs, RES engineers can carry out a comprehensive and affordable service. Our fire extinguisher services cover the South of England including the counties of Middlesex, Essex, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire including London, Brighton, Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester, Bristol, and the surrounding towns of Aldershot, Basingstoke, Beaconsfield, Bracknell, Cirencester, Egham, Farnham, Guildford, Henley on Thames, High Wycombe, Maidenhead, Marlow, Newbury, Oxford, Poole, Reading, Slough, St Albans, Staines, Swindon, Watford, Windsor, Woking, Wokingham and Worthing.

The importance of a fire blanket

In the case of a fire, a fire blanket helps to control flames and extinguish fires that are most commonly caused by cooking oils in kitchens. You can also use a fire blanket if clothing is on fire, or if an item such as a waste bin has caught alight. By covering the fire with a fire blanket, the supply of oxygen is cut to the fire, minimising its spread. At RES Fire Protection Engineers, our fire blankets have been certified and tested to the most stringent requirements of BS EN 1869:1997.

In a business premises, the most frequent location of a fire blanket is in a kitchen area, where cooking equipment is located. A fire blanket should always be positioned at least two metres away from a cooker, and fixed to the wall. When a fire occurs in a kitchen, it is normally on or around the cooker. To use a fire blanket, pull out the blanket from its pouch and hold the blanket between you and the fire. Protect your hands by inserting them into the sleeves of the fire blanket, keeping your fingers away from exposure as you are holding it. Place the fire blanket over the fire and step back immediately. Do not attempt to try and lift up the fire blanket until you are sure that the fire has been put out. Fire blankets should be discarded after use and not re-used.

Using a fire blanket

For a fire to burn and quickly spread, it requires fuel, heat and oxygen. A fire blanket is used to cut off this supply of oxygen to a fire, and should successfully put it out completely. A fire blanket must be sealed around the fire for it to work effectively, to stop oxygen from getting to the flames. Fire blankets usually have two ‘tails’ that are visible from its packaging. When using a fire blanket, you should place one hand on each tag ‘tail’ and pull simultaneously to remove the blanket from its packaging. If a person’s clothing is on fire, you should use a fire blanket in the same way and make sure that it is correctly sealed around the fire to prevent air escape.

Fire blanket installation and servicing

If you require fire blankets for a business environment, they should receive an annual service along with your other fire-fighting equipment. Service charges for fire blankets are usually half of that for extinguishers, and having your fire blanket serviced can save lives. An RES engineer will unpack the blanket and carry out a full inspection to ensure that the quality of the blanket still meets the legally required standard before placing it back into its packaging. An engineer will check for signs of wear, stains and any other types of oil staining, and will inform you of any holes in the blanket that may stop the blanket from working properly in the case of a fire. You will receive a certificate containing details of the fire blanket service.

Fire blankets from RES

At RES, we provide fire blankets that meet the most stringent requirements of BS EN 1869:1997. Our services cover the South of England including London, Berkshire, Bracknell, Windsor, Middlesex & Surrey, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Essex & Kent,

This Christmas we’re making a donation to Macmillian Cancer Support instead of gifts to customers and staff.

About Macmillian Cancer Support
In 2015, Macmillan Cancer Support reached 5.8 million people affected by cancer.
Macmillan is the leading expert on the numbers, needs and experiences of people affected by cancer in the UK

If you wish to make your own donation goto https://www.macmillan.org.uk/donate

Thank you

RES Systems Ltd

What is fire stopping?

Fire stopping is an essential fire-prevention technique to stop a fire from spreading throughout a building. It involves the sealing of gaps or other openings through which fire, smoke and heat could pass through (either vertically or laterally). It is vital that the correct fire stopping methods are installed to prevent a fire from escalating.

Fire stopping prevents fire from spreading by creating fire resisting compartments that subdivide a building either vertically or horizontally. This ensures that a fire is contained within a compartment. For the fire to be contained however, any openings or gaps must be correctly sealed and fire-resistant walls and floors installed. Gaps must also be sealed between fire resisting constructions, i.e. gaps between walls and the floors above them. This ensures that a substantial barrier is constructed.

Types of fire stops

RES Fire Protection Engineers use various types of fire stopping methods, including:

Fire sleeves

A fire sleeve is intended to seal an aperture that has been created by electrical cabling or pipes passing through a fire-rated wall, ceiling or floor. If a fire breaks out and heat spreads, the sleeve opens out and expands to fill any gaps. If plastic pipes pass through a wall and a fire sleeve is installed near them, the sleeve will seal off the pipe by crushing it, preventing smoke and fire from passing through.

Fire collars

Fire collars cover pipes with flame retardant compounds that expand to stop the fire from reaching the pipes and potentially spreading to other areas.

Fire covers 

Fire covers are designed to cover indoor luminaires. If a fire breaks out, the cover expands to fill space with a high level of insulation that is fire-resistant.

Gap fillers and fire sealants

These products expand upon contact with high heat or fire, and work to seal gaps and prevent the spreading of smoke and flame. Different sealants can be used for different purposes.

Why do fire stopping methods need to be used?

In order to keep the occupants of a building safe, it is important that a building has the proper fire stopping methods installed to prevent fire spread. RES is FIRAS certified for penetration sealing systems.

Fire stopping methods can save lives if implemented correctly. Every building layout is different, therefore different fire stopping methods will be required. A successful fire stopping system works when all fire stop products are working together to prevent fire from spreading. If one product fails, the rest of the system could fail. RES Fire Protection Engineers offer expert fire stopping services and advice as part of our Passive Fire Protection solutions to ensure that building gaps and voids are correctly sealed and fire resistant. We can advise on the correct fire stopping solutions for your premises. We cover the South of England including London, Berkshire, Bracknell, Windsor, Middlesex & Surrey, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Essex & Kent, West & East Sussex, Reading, Maidenhead, Slough, Newbury and the surrounding areas.

What is a smoke ventilation system?

Smoke control and ventilation systems can be either natural or mechanical systems that vent smoke out of a building to enable low level escape routes to be kept clear of smoke, aiding visibility in the case of an emergency. This makes it easier for occupants to escape from a fire, and also prevents further damage to a building. Different premises will have different needs for smoke control and ventilation systems depending on their size, style and the number of occupants within them. According to statistics published by the UK Government, the most common cause of death in the instance of a fire is a person being overcome by gas or smoke, leading to loss of consciousness and eventual loss of life.

An effective smoke control and ventilation system is therefore crucial in order to keep smoke away from commonly used areas in a building such as corridors, safety routes, staircases and lobbies. If a fire breaks out, an effective smoke detector should activate on every floor of a building, ensuring that occupants can easily and safely escape while the fire is in a state of infancy.

Natural versus mechanical ventilation systems

There are two main types of smoke control and ventilation systems – natural and mechanical. Natural ventilation systems use the natural movement of hot gasses to vent smoke through a ventilator. Natural systems use windows, vents and automatic opening vents (AOVs), and are used as part of UK Building Regulations. Natural systems can also offer everyday air ventilation. Mechanical systems require extraction and removal of smoke by forcing it through fans.

 The need for replacement air

It is essential to have a supply of replacement air that takes the place of gasses and smoke that is extracted from a building. If replacement air doesn’t come in to a building, it will become depressurised. This air supply can be sourced from natural ventilators that are in a remote position away from a fire, automatic doors or from inlet ventilators that are positioned near the floor.

 Why install a smoke ventilation system?

A smoke control and ventilation system greatly reduces the chances of building occupants choking or being overwhelmed by smoke. It reduces the risk of smoke inhalation around escape routes such as corridors and staircases, and makes it easier for emergency services to access a building. A well-implemented smoke control and ventilation system can reduce the risk of a fire developing and limit smoke damage to a building (as well as the equipment inside it such as computers and other technical equipment, or even personal possessions).

How do smoke detectors work?

A smoke control and ventilation system is activated by smoke detectors. Once activated, the system should force a natural flow of air into a building while smoke is removed.

Smoke control and ventilation systems with RES Fire Protection Engineers

We can design and commission a smoke control and ventilation system to suit the needs of your premises whilst meeting UK Building Regulations. We work with systems manufacturers and accredited service and maintenance providers to ensure that all systems we install comply with current legislation. Our experienced installers ensure that your ventilation system is installed correctly and on time. Our highly trained engineers will thoroughly test the installed system before handover. We offer smoke control and ventilation systems services covering the South of England including London, Berkshire, Bracknell, Windsor, Middlesex & Surrey, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Essex & Kent, West & East Sussex, Reading, Maidenhead, Slough, Newbury and the surrounding areas.

At RES Fire Protection Engineers, we offer powder and CO2 extinguishers for electrical-based fires. A powder extinguisher can be used on electrical hazards when combustibility is a danger (including applications on engines and machinery). A CO2 extinguisher is ideal for instances where vast amounts of electrical equipment is on fire, i.e. in an office or server room full of computer components.

Powder extinguisher

Powder extinguishers are very versatile and can be used on class A, B and C fires. They can be used on fires involving electrical equipment, but there is a risk that the fire could reignite, as the extinguisher cannot cool the fire down. Powder extinguishers are only suitable for open spaces and should be used in areas where there is plenty of ventilation, as they can create breathing difficulties and loss of visibility (especially in smoke-shrouded locations). They shouldn’t be used indoors unless there is no other option. Powder fire extinguishers are marked with a blue label.    

CO2 carbon dioxide extinguishers

If you need a fire extinguisher for a large space containing great volumes of electrical equipment (such as a server room with lots of computers, or a production line with lots of electrical machinery), the safest choice is a CO2 carbon dioxide extinguisher. This type of extinguisher can be used without leaving a residue (unlike powder and foam extinguishers). A CO2 extinguisher smothers a fire so that it doesn’t receive extra oxygen that can fuel it and cause it to spread. It reduces the supply of air to the fire, and is ideal for application to electrical equipment that is ablaze. CO2 extinguishers are marked with a black label.

RES Fire Protection Engineers offer both powder and CO2 fire extinguisher solutions for environments containing electrical equipment, including the following:

Fire extinguisher purchase and hire

Do you require powder or CO2 fire extinguishers for rooms holding electrical equipment? We can meet your requirements at RES Fire Protection Engineers. Our entire range of fire extinguishers are produced to adhere to European Standard EN3, and all have a five year guarantee. We offer discounts for large quantity orders. We also offer electrical fire extinguisher hire services for up to six months.

Servicing/refilling electrical fire extinguishers

If your electrical fire extinguisher needs maintenance or routine checks, we can service portable fire extinguishers, hose reels, trolley units and fire blankets to ensure that they are suitable for use in line with current legislation and British Standards. All extinguisher services are conducted by BAFE registered technicians. We also have an emergency call-out service, here for customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our engineers can also refill your fire extinguishers at either our premises or through our refilling service vans, 5 days a week from 8am-5pm.

Chrome and stainless steel fittings

We offer stainless steel and chrome fittings to indicate action signs, prohibition signs and fire-fighting signs in relation to your fire safety equipment and fire extinguishers. Single or double stands for your extinguishers can also be provided.

Purchase, hire and maintenance of electrical fire extinguishers from RES

Do you require an electrical fire extinguisher for your business so that your staff and premises can be kept safe? We provide a wide range of fire extinguishers for either purchase or hire, and can service and maintain them for you on an ongoing basis. Talk to RES about your business requirements today. We cover the South of England including London, Berkshire, Bracknell, Windsor, Middlesex & Surrey, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Essex & Kent, West & East Sussex, Reading, Maidenhead, Slough, Newbury and the surrounding areas.

If you require fire extinguishers click here Better than wholesale fire extinguishers

What should you use a water fire extinguisher for?

A water fire extinguisher should be used on textile fires, as well as fires caused by burning paper or wood materials. They are also suitable for any other ‘Class A’ graded fires. A water fire extinguisher is ideal for cooling down fires while extinguishing them. In the case of fires caused by burning textiles, the liquid water saturates the fabric to extinguish the flames. Because they do not contain any harsh chemicals, water fire extinguishers are ideal for children’s play areas, food-preparation areas and in areas where there may be vulnerable people. They are also environmentally friendly. Many businesses choose water fire extinguishers because they are easy to refill and cost-effective. That said, a large quantity of water fire extinguishers is needed to cover larger areas, as the water is very quickly used up within a single water fire extinguisher. Sizes available include capacities of 3 litres, 6 litres and 9 litres.

If you intend to use a water fire extinguisher to fight fires caused by electrical equipment, extinguishers with special chemicals inside them are available to prevent current flow and to ensure safe application without electrocution. Water fire extinguishers work well with CO2 extinguishers, and are suitable for home use.   

What does a water fire extinguisher look like?

Water fire extinguishers are red in colour and match the body of the extinguisher. They usually have ‘water extinguisher’ marked on them. At RES Fire Protection Engineers, we always recommend installing signs next to your fire extinguishers to clearly indicate their purpose and nature.

Limitations of water fire extinguishers

Never use water fire extinguishers for the following types of fire:

• Electrical fires (unless they have special chemicals inside to prevent electrocution)
• Cooking related fires (such as a chip-pan fire).
• Fires involving gasses such as methane
• Fires involving highly flammable substances such as petrol or alcohol

How to use a water fire extinguisher

Water fire extinguishers are very simple and safe to use. Remove the safety pin to break the seal on the extinguisher, before pointing the nozzle at the base of the fire and spraying by squeezing the handle. Ensure that the fire is properly extinguished (keep spraying if you are unsure).

Water fire extinguisher purchase and hire from RES

If you require water fire extinguishers for your business, we can meet your requirements at RES Fire Protection Engineers. Our water fire extinguishers adhere to European Standard EN3, with a five year guarantee. We offer discounts for large quantity orders, and hire services for up to six months if you do not want to purchase an extinguisher. We can also refill and maintain your water fire extinguishers, either filling them at our premises or using our mobile vans.

If you require fire extinguishers click here Better than wholesale fire extinguishers

Talk to RES about your business requirements today. We cover the South of England including London, Berkshire, Bracknell, Windsor, Middlesex & Surrey, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Essex & Kent, West & East Sussex, Reading, Maidenhead, Slough, Newbury and the surrounding areas.