23.7.14

Smoke Control Test Certification



Comply with BD latest COP2011, our manufacturing doors are tested to the latest BSEN1634-3:2004 standard and accredited with passed report.

What is Smoke Control Systems
Smoke control systems, which include smoke ventilation and smoke containment, save lives and help protect property. Such systems (sometimes known as fire ventilation) come in many forms and range widely in complexity, but the benefits of a well-designed smoke control system during a fire include:
  • Escape and access routes are kept free from smoke
  • Fire fighting operations are facilitated
  • Flashover is delayed and/or prevented, and the risk of the fire developing further is reduced
  • The contents of the building are protected
  • There is a reduced risk of damage to the building.
- http://www.coltinfo.co.uk/smoke-control.html

13.7.14

Fire door: South London fire caused by refracted sunlight from crystal doorknob



http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/fire-door-south-london-fire-caused-by-refracted-sunlight-from-crystal-doorknob-9594633.html

A fire that ripped through a house in south London was caused by the sun’s rays shining on a crystal doorknob, according to firefighters.

The fire which started on Tuesday morning at a property in Clapham, occurred when refracted sunlight from the doorknob hit a dressing gown eventually causing it to burst into flames.

The fire then ripped through the house causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage to the property.

Firefighters were alerted to the blaze when builders working next to the property heard the smoke alarm.

Luckily nobody was in when the fire occurred and Clapham and West Norwood firefighters were able to put out the flames before it completely destroyed the south-west London home.

Charlie Pugsley from the Brigade’s fire investigation unit said: “The homeowners are lucky they had a working smoke alarm which alerted some local builders who quickly called the Brigade. Part of the bedroom was damaged in the fire but it could have been much worse.“

The incident has led to the London Fire Brigade warning people to be more vigilant in moving crystal and glass objects away from direct sunlight.

Last summer, two holidaymakers in Enfield returned home to the news that their semi-detached had received fire damage after sunlight reflecting off a vanity mirror had caused a pair of curtains to catch fire.

Earlier this year, a couple had to flee their home in Romford when light shining off a crystal ball sitting on a bedside table had resulted in a pair of curtains catching fire.

The London Fire Brigade has now told people to avoid leaving crystal or glass objects away from sunny sills so that incidents like this can be avoided in the future.

13.12.12

12 Days of Holiday Fire Safety

http://www.safeathome.ca/12days/tips/

DAY 1: Water fresh trees daily.It's time to trim that Christmas tree, and if you're using a real tree, buy a fresh tree and keep the base of the trunk in water at all times. Keep your tree away from any ignition source such as the fireplace, heaters or candles.

DAY 2:Check all sets of lights before decorating.Before you put those lights on the tree or around the front window check the cords closely. Discard any sets that are frayed or damaged.

DAY 3: Make sure you have working smoke alarms.Remember, they wear out, so replace them every 10 years. With family and friends spending extra time at your home over the holidays, you'll want everyone to be safe. It's the law to have one working smoke alarm on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas.

DAY 4: Make sure you have working carbon monoxide alarms. Remember, they wear out, so replace them every 7-10 years depending on the manufacturer. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odourless gas that can quickly kill you. Installing CSA-approved carbon monoxide alarms in your home will warn you of the presence of this deadly gas.

DAY 5:Make sure everyone knows how to get out safely if a fire occurs.Develop and practise a home fire escape plan with all members of the household and make sure someone helps young children, older adults or anyone else that may need assistance to evacuate. Once outside, stay outside and call 911 from a cell phone or neighbours house.

DAY 6:Use extension cords wisely. People often use extension cords for that extra set of lights or the dancing Santa in the corner. Extension cords should be used only as a temporary connection. Make sure cords never go under rugs as this can cause damage to the cord and cause a fire.

DAY 7:Give space heaters space. If you are using space heaters to help take the chill off, remember to keep them at least one metre (3 feet) away from anything that can burn such as curtains, upholstery, or holiday decorations.

DAY 8: When you go out, blow out! Candles can set the perfect mood for a holiday celebration, but remember to always blow out candles before leaving the room or going to bed. Keep lit candles safely away from children and pets and anything that can burn, such as curtains, upholstery, or holiday decorations.

DAY 9:Keep matches and lighters out of the sight and reach of children.People often keep matches and lighters handy to light holiday candles. But matches and lighters can be deadly in the hands of children. If you smoke, have only one lighter or book of matches and keep them with you at all times.

DAY 10: Watch what you heat!The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year, which means it's easy to get distracted from what we are doing. Cooking fires most commonly occur when cooking is left unattended. Always stay in the kitchen when cooking – especially if using oil or high temperatures. If a pot catches fire, carefully slide a tight-fitting lid over the pot to smother the flames and then turn off the heat.

DAY 11: Encourage smokers to smoke outside. Careless smoking is the leading cause of fatal fires. If you do allow smoking indoors use large, deep ashtrays that can't be knocked over and make sure cigarette butts are properly extinguished.

DAY 12: There's more to responsible drinking than taking a cab home. With all the festive cheer this time of year, keep a close eye on anyone attempting to cook or smoke while under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol is all too often a common factor in many fatal fires.

17.8.12

Fire Safety Signs and how to choose

http://www.safetysignsupplies.co.uk/blog/fire-safety-signs-and-how-to-choose~147.html#.UC4LKd3iZWU

Fire Safety Signs
Fire Safety Legislation for England and Wales changed in 2006, with the introduction of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Similar legislation is in place for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Fire Safety Order does not specify what signs are required, but it does place a great number of responsibilities on the 'Responsible Person' for the building, be it a workplace or not. Apart from domestic premises, ships, aircraft, trains, offshore rigs and a few other exceptions, then it applies everywhere.

What the Fire Safety Order does specify is that the responsible person must make and give effect to such arrangements as are appropriate, for the effective planning, organisation, control, monitoring and review of the preventive and protective measures.

This is where we really discover the need for signs, whether they are for Fire Doors, Fire Alarms or Call Points.

There is no need for a small sign above 9Ltr Extinguisher stating 'Fire Extinguisher', because you have seen the appliance before you see the sign; however, if the extinguisher, hose reel etc is hidden in an alcove or cupboard, then a clear sign showing the location is definitely required.

Equally, signs proclaiming the location of Call Points help them stand out amongst other items, but they must be placed where they provide the greatest value, not immediately above the little red box. If your workplace uses different audible alarms or flashing beacons for different reasons, it's probably a good idea to place a sign next to the one which is the Fire Alarm, to prevent confusion.

The Fire Actions Sign, which tells you what to do and not do in the event of a fire, is not mandated in any legislation, but it comes back to that requirement to "make and give effect to such arrangements as are appropriate". Consequently, some might think they are not required. However, if you have a busy workplace, have visitors etc, then you have to inform them what to do in the event of fire alarm activation and a Fire Action Notice serves a very valid purpose. Even if you have given your staff the periodic fire training which they are supposed to receive under the requirements of the Fire Safety Order, Fire Action Signs serve as a suitable reminder around and about the workplace until their next training takes place. The larger the premises, the greater the value; only in a very simple premises, such as a single office with 5 people and one doorway, would they be unnecessary.

Blue information signs, such as 'Fire Door Keep Shut' or 'Fire Door Keep Clear' all serve the important purpose of protecting escape routes. They get the message across that the door serves a purpose, either protecting an escape route or providing an exit. So Fire Rated doors along escape routes should all be a good fit and carry a 'Fire Door Keep Shut' sign, while cupboards, switch rooms etc should all have 'Fire Door Keep Locked' sign if appropriate. It is sometimes necessary to keep locked any doors which could be mistaken for a way out during an emergency, such as stock rooms with dead ends.

The outside of Final Exit doors should always be identified with a 'Keep Clear' sign, to let people know it must not be obstructed at any time.

Bernard Carey MCGI, GradIOSH, DipNEBOSH, EnvDipNEBOSH served over 30 years as an engineer and health and safety officer in the Royal Air Force. Now specialising in providing cost effective health and safety support in the East Midlands for smaller organisations such as shops, pubs, offices, charities and family run companies, all the ones who can least afford to have an accident, to keep their staff safe. T: (01476) 500 130 E: contact@belvoirsafety.co.uk

27.7.12

HKIE Technical Visit

http://www.sherex.com.hk/en/news_d.php?news_id=6

The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers - Material Division technical visit our factory on 16 May 2008.

HKIE (The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers)

Vision
Sustained Excellence in the Engineering Profession

Mission
  • To promote the advancement of engineering and to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and ideas.
  • To provide a broad range of services to members, to assist them in developing their careers and to play their full role in contributing to society.
  • To maintain a high standard of the profession, and to raise the standing and visibility of engineers.

19.7.12

HKIA CPD Shenzhen Factory Visit

About HKIA : http://www.hkia.net/en/AboutUs/AboutUs_02_01.htm

On 3rd September, 1956, 27 architects gathered and formed a Society “for the general advancement of Civil Architecture and for promoting and facilitating the acquirement of the knowledge of the various Arts and Sciences.” Thus The Hong Kong Society of Architects was formed. On 7th May, 1957, the first amendments were made, to stand for over two and a half years. During this period the membership of the Society increased by 50% and recognition as an Allied Society was given by Royal Institute of British Architects. In accord with this growth further amendments were made to come into effect on 3rd November, 1959. By the end of 1962, the Society expanded to a membership seven times as large as that first body of foundation members.

The changes of name from Society to Institute was effected in 1972 after a great deal of preparatory work, and has initiated a new phase of activity in the Institute's affairs. Members will use the professional affix – Architect HKIA and describe themselves as Member of The Hong Kong Institute of Architects. Associates will describe themselves as Associate of The Hong Kong Institute of Architects in full. No abbreviation of this is permitted.

22.6.12

Wayne-Dalton Expands FireStar 700 and 700C Series of Fire Doors

http://www.professionaldoordealer.com/news/2012/05/waynedalton-expands-firestar-700-and-700c-series-of-fire-doors.aspx

Door manufacturer Wayne-Dalton has expanded its FireStar 700 and 700C series of fire doors to include lift-up and crank operations to combine with floor-resettable and non-tension release features.

Wayne-Dalton made the enhancement to provide dealers with an NFPA 80-compliant fire containment product that covers all different modes of operation required by end users. No re-application of tension is necessary after a drop test, company officials said, resulting in installation-time reductions. Additionally, FireStar 700 and 700c fire doors include patented technology that can be serviced only by Wayne-Dalton dealers, which provides increased opportunities to generate service business.

“These new enhancements provide Wayne-Dalton dealers with new sales opportunities while meeting customers’ budgetary requirements,” said Ali Isham, Wayne-Dalton brand manager.

In 2008, the company introduced the floor-resettable, non-tension release chain hoist and motor operation in FireStar doors. Meanwhile, Wayne-Dalton’s FireStar Door Control Device, which drops the door in the event of a fire, is patent-pending.

In 2011, the FireStar 700C Insulated Fire Door was an Architectural Products magazine Product Innovation Award winner. The magazine’s awards honor innovative products, materials, systems and applications in the commercial and industrial design sectors.

Mt. Hope, Ohio-based Wayne-Dalton, a division of Overhead Door Corp., has designed and manufactured residential and commercial garage doors for more than 50 years.