What are the top 5 common causes of fires?

1. Cooking appliances

It’s always a good idea to have a small fire extinguisher and fire blanket in the kitchen. Cooking appliances cause over 40% of accidental house fires.

Cookers, ovens, rings and hot plates, grills and toasters are the common sources of ignition.

2. Electrical

Electrical failure of a component of the main electrical installation or fixed equipment is the second highest cause of fires. This is why an EICR is so important, it may not prevent all fires but can highlight any problems.

Wiring, cabling and plugs (especially if overloaded), heating equipment such as thermostats or fixed heaters are the common sources of ignition.

3. Electrical appliances

This runs a very close 3^rd place to the main electrical installation and includes all white goods you can find in the kitchen such as dishwashers, tumble dryers and fridges. Other problems arise through overloading extension leads and adapters with too much equipment, or overcharging devices.

4. Smoking related materials

Cigarettes and cigarette lighters are on the decline, and with the improvements in the fire safety of furniture, this category has dropped to 4 place for the cause of a fire. However, it remains the highest cause of fires with a fatality, so smoking really does kill.

5. Matches and Candles

Taking 5^th place are matches and candles and its easy to see why they can cause a fire. But did you know that candles that are in a glass jar can explode? Never leave a candle unattended and make sure there is no combustible material around them.

Comments

Fire Safety and Portable Heaters

Portable heaters can be an effective way to heat a room without heating the whole house or when the property doesn’t have the benefit of a central heating system, however they can also pose a serious fire hazard when not used carefully. This is especially true when being used by people unfamiliar with a premises. Some general rules for Portable heaters Always use on a flat surface Leave at least 1 meter clearance to furniture and curtains. Buy one with a trip switch in case it gets knocked over (ie. By the dog). Never cover your heater or use to dry clothes. Never use a faulty heater. Types of Portable Heaters Oil filled radiators – Relatively low risk These are often on wheels and are quite heavy so less likely to be knocked over. They don’t have any exposed heating elements so are less likely to ignite anything. They take a while to heat up, but retain the heat for longer. They can have timers and thermostats to help control the heat. Electric Co...

Furniture and Fire Regulations

Furniture is not just about aesthetics and comfort; it also plays a crucial role in safety, particularly concerning fire hazards. When furniture catches fire, it can have devastating consequences. The materials commonly found in furniture, such as upholstery foam, wood, and synthetic fabrics, are highly flammable and can ignite quickly. Once ignited, the fire can spread rapidly, producing toxic smoke and gases that pose a serious threat to occupants. In addition to the immediate danger to human life, furniture fires can also result in extensive property damage. Moreover, the toxic fumes released during combustion can impair visibility and hinder escape efforts, making it challenging for individuals to evacuate safely. Legislation and labelling. In the UK, furniture must meet specific flammability standards outlined in the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (amended) which significantly reduce the speed and which furniture will ignite and flames spread. All ...

Who is the Responsible Person under Scottish Fire Law?

Under the Scottish Fire Safety Act 2005, the ‘Responsible Person’ is required to comply with the law. But who is the ‘Responsible Person’ and what are they actually required to do? The responsibilities and definition of this role are outlined in the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006. These can be intimidating weighty documents so here’s an easy summary. Who is the ‘Responsible Person’ The ‘Responsible Person’ is usually one of the following: Employer : If the premises is a workplace, the employer is typically the responsible person. Owner/Landlord : In buildings where there are multiple tenants, the owner or landlord may hold responsibility for the communal areas. Occupier : The occupier or person in control of the premises. Other Person with Control : Any other individual who has a degree of control over the premises, such as a facilities manager or managing agent, can also be considered responsible. So...

Search This Blog