Do I Need Refuge Areas

 

 

 

 

Do I Need Refuge Areas

 

Yes unless you have:

 

n       Single storey building

n       Flat or ramped exits from each floor to outside

n       Fire fighting / evacuation rated lift

 

Building regulations state:

 

n       To facilitate the effective evacuation of people from refuges an emergency voice communication (EVC) system should be provided.

n       It is essential that the occupants of each refuge are able to alert other people that they are in need of assistance and for them to be reassured that this assistance will be forthcoming.

 

 

n       Part B of building regulations state that systems should meet BS5839 part 9

 

n       Outstation should be provided in each refuge location

 

n       Master/Base station should be located in fire control room or by main fire alarm panel

 

 

What is Refuge Alerter

 

n       Emergency voice communication system

n       Photo luminescent outstation with Braille

n       Induction loop built into outstation for hard of hearing users.

n       Visual indication of call acknowledged

n       Ringing tone whilst call waiting

n       Option of only becoming active under fire alarm activation

n       Radio based system

n       Meets relevant parts of BS5839-8

 

Why Radio

 

 

n       Ease of installation and saves disruption

n       Usually cheaper than a hard wired approach

n       Allows a hand held radio to communicate with the outstations and base station – even from outside.

n       Multi building sites can communicate with one central location (Canterbury Christ Church University case study)

n       Secure encrypted communication

n       Only licensed frequencies used

 

 

Conclusion

 

 

n       Wired systems are a flawed design

n       Refuge Alerter is easy and cost effective to install

n       Fully DDA compliant

n       Proven technology from a proven company

n       Reference sites available

 

 

 

For more information or if you would like to discuss this product please call Paul 01455 557877or email paul@pscfiresafety.com

 

 

 

Just how safe is your home?

Fire Safety Week Fire-proof your home

 

Just how safe is your home?

Many Fire and Rescue Services offer a free home fire safety visit to people living within their fire station boundaries to help identify potential fire risks and provide advice on what to do to reduce or prevent them. They can also help you develop an escape plan in case the worst does ever happen.

The home fire safety visits are carried out by operational crews, they are completely free and you may be eligible for a free smoke alarm.

You can book a home fire risk check by phoning your local fire and rescue service - details in phone book (not 999), or online at: www.fire.gov.uk.

 

According to figures from the Association of British Insurers, 200 homes suffer a fire every day in the UK.

The average cost of a house fire claim last year was £8,452.00.

This year PSC is urging householders to conduct a home safety check during Fire Safety Week (November 14th – 21st) to reduce the risk of a fire in their homes.


Paul Coughlan of PSC said: "With 200 house fires happening every day, there's definitely more that could be being done to protect people's homes and families from the risks of fire. We are urging all householders to spend a bit of time during Fire Safety Week checking their homes and improving fire safety measures."

PSC recommends the following tips:

1. Consider how you and your family would escape from the home if a fire occurred and make sure this route is kept clear.

2. Keep internal doors closed, particularly at night, as this slows down the progression of a house fire.

3. Make sure you have at least one smoke alarm on each floor of your property and check the battery regularly, press the button not your luck.

4. Most house fires start in the kitchen. When cooking, ensure naked flames are not left unattended and if oil catches fire, smother the flames with a damp tea towel or lid, rather than pour water on it, which exacerbates the problem.

5. Ensure electrical wiring in the home is safe by using a qualified electrician for all work. Trying to tackle electrical work at home can be dangerous and could invalidate a home insurance claim if something went wrong as a result.

6. Avoid storing petrol or other flammable liquids in the home. Ideally they should be kept in a secure container in a shed or outbuilding.

7. Do not smoke in bed or when tired, as many house fires and injuries are caused by falling asleep while smoking.

 

8 . Check your phone is designed for making emergency calls when the power fails.

 

9 . Check elderly neighbours have a detector and it is working.

 

10 . Down load a free guide to home fire safety visit www.pscfiresafety.com scroll down the home page and fill in the details.

 

11. Business owners make sure you have the correct documents for when the fire brigade visit.

 

12 . Have a check on your electric blanket before using again.

 

PSC is also reminding people who have a real fireplace in their home to make sure their chimneys are swept safely by a professional chimney sweep before lighting fires again this winter. Throughout the summertime leaves, paper and even birds' nests build up inside chimney flues. If not cleared, this debris can release poisonous fumes and become a serious risk to health when the fire is lit. The National Association of Chimney Sweeps has a network of fully insured members throughout the UK. To find a qualified chimney sweep in your area, visit www.chimneyworks.co.uk  

 

sprinkler and dry riser infomation

 

 

PSC have branched out we can provide expert design and installation of wet and dry risers for businesses in the UK.

 

 

Wet and Dry Risers - Dry Riser Installation, Testing & Servicing

We can provide expert design and installation of wet and dry risers for businesses in the UK. Our wet and dry riser installation / testing / servicing also includes maintenance and testing services in accordance with BS 5306 Part 1.

 

We can advise you on your legal requirements, assess the fire risk, install equipment, and inspect and test existing installations such as dry risers or sprinkler systems.

 

We operate across the UK, providing a fast, efficient service. We are familiar with all types of fire protection equipment, past and present, and have experience of installations in every kind of building - from schools to shopping centres, factories to blocks of flats.

 

Our continuing growth owes much to our excellent reputation and to our competitive pricing. We are a company of integrity with a willingness to respond quickly to customer needs. People also appreciate our personal approach, giving them one point of contact at all times.

 

UK Specialists in Dry Risers and Dry Riser Installation, Testing & Servicing.

 

Fire Sprinkler Systems

 

Our professional fire sprinkler service includes both design and installation of domestic and commercial fire sprinkler systems anywhere in the UK. We also offer fire sprinkler system maintenance services for protecting your equipment.

 

 

PSC are working with Phoenix Fire Services who are experienced in the design and installation of fire sprinkler systems for commercial and domestic use throughout the UK. As part of the service we also carry out important fire sprinkler system maintenance every six months. This should be backed up by weekly testing which is normally carried out by the customer.

 

Domestic Fire Sprinkler Systems.

 

As more residential fire sprinkler systems are being installed in homes around the UK, Phoenix Fire Services have realised the need for installation and design. We provide comprehensive skills in the principle elements of residential fire sprinkler systems, through design, requirements and installation.

 

For more information please call 01455 557877 or email paul@pscfiresafety.com

 

And don’t forget visit our web site www.pscfiresafety.com to download a free guide to fire safety.  

 

 

 

 

networking event planned

20th November  2007 @ 7.00pm

Angel Hotel, High Street, Market Harborough

Networking starts from the moment you walk through the door!  Why not join us to start to build on relationships.

Discover new business ....

Find new suppliers ....

Share business experiences ....

Catch up with friends ....

and just mix and mingle!

Open networking

Networking over dinner

Relax and listen to our speaker, this Month is Gillian Heggs from Inspiring Words:-

Once you’ve written your marketing material, how do you make sure your words are working as hard as possible? Gillian Heggs’ ‘top ten’ Check List is a powerful tool you can use again and again to help you create effective copy. And it’s one she’ll share with us.

and just to finish  more open networking!

This event is open to FSB members and non-members.   Cost £10 per person

You can book your place for this event by telephoning or emailing Elaine Vandelli, Branch Secretary, on 0116 240 2330 or elaine@hi2events.co.uk   

Credit/Debit Card telephone booking:- Maxine Aldred 0116 259 7707

Please advise of advise of any dietary.access requirements:………………………………………

Date of Event being booked:…………………………………………

Meetings are held on the 3^rd Tuesday of the month, alternating between Market Harborough and Lutterworth.