WOBO is pleased to provide a selection of news items and responses to events that have taken place.
Lithium-ion battery fires have increased by 46% – Do You Have A Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Strategy? Here’s Why You Should:
Did you know that standard fire extinguishers are ineffective against lithium-ion battery fires? Yet, the UK has seen a 46% increase in fires related to lithium-ion batteries. Managing the risk of these battery fires goes beyond basic precautions, and for organisations, enhancing fire safety measures is critical
Lithium-ion batteries are now extremely common at home and in the workplace; from power tools, laptops and mobile phones to electric vehicles. By understanding the causes and dangers of lithium-ion battery fires, you can safeguard your workplace to protect your employees and environment from serious damage.
When li-ion battery cells overheat, it can result in an intense fire often exceeding 1000°C. This, coupled with the oxygen generated during thermal runaway, means a li-ion fire is incredibly difficult to extinguish once it starts. The best course of action is to implement preventative measures to reduce the risk of a fire occurring, or to contain the fire once it starts.
For further information – www.safelincs.co.uk
“Smoke vents rendered inoperable by building work” alerts CROSS-UK
COLLABORATIVE REPORTING for Safer Structures (CROSS-UK) – the confidential reporting system which allows professionals working in the built environment to report on fire and structural safety-related issues – has recently received several reports of Automatic Opening Vents (AOVs) being rendered inoperable by building work, including when façade materials are being replaced.
British Safety Council lends full support to ‘Battery Breakdown’ campaign
THE BRITISH Safety Council is the latest signatory to the ‘Battery Breakdown’ campaign. The announcement comes as the organisation launches the first episode of its new podcast, entitled ‘Health and Safety Uncut’, which features special guest Matt Humby from Firechief Global (who served as a speaker at Fire Safety Matters Live Manchester in early October).
ROCKWOOL signs land deal for new West Midlands manufacturing facility
NON-COMBUSTIBLE INSULATION systems producer ROCKWOOL has signed an agreement to buy 114 acres (ie 46 hectares) of land at the Peddimore site, north east of Birmingham, with the intention of building a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility featuring proprietary electric melting technology for its stone wool insulation products.
BSI set to publish revised BS 9991:2024 for residential buildings
ONE OF the UK’s most used fire safety standards (ie BS 9991) has been fully revised in order to provide “the most comprehensive and up-to-date recommendations” for fire safety in residential buildings. The announcement from the British Standards Institution (BSI) emerges in the wake of a lengthy consultation process with relevant stakeholders.
ASFP launches all-new passive fire protection Level 2 award training
THE ASSOCIATION for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has introduced hands-on classroom training that’s aligned with the new assessment structure for the Institution of Fire Engineers’ (IFE) Level 2 Certificate in Passive Fire Protection
PPL Training signposts IFSM accreditation for fire safety courses
PPL TRAINING has launched its range of newly accredited fire safety training courses. Alongside third party recognition provided by the City & Guilds Assured scheme, the UK-based training provider has announced its status as an Institute of Fire Safety Managers ‘Approved Centre’.
Compliance portal from FIA designed to “advance fire safety standards”
THE FIRE Industry Association (FIA) has announced the launch of FIA Compliance, which is badged as “an innovative web-based platform designed to revolutionise fire safety compliance for businesses across the industry”
In a landscape where adhering to British Standards is both a moral imperative and essential for Best Practice, the FIA Compliance portal provides fire safety professionals, business owners and industry stakeholders alike with a streamlined and user-friendly solution.
From detector selection through to commissioning, the FIA Compliance portal ensures comprehensive and up-to-date documentation, helping users to remain compliant with key standards including BS 5839-1.
The portal not only simplifies the certification process, but also enhances business efficiency by providing the digital tools that organisations require when time, resources or budget might be at a premium. Companies can generate standardised documentation, create British Standards-compliant checklists and issue professional digital certificates.
The portal’s dynamic notification system also keeps users informed of regulatory changes, ensuring they remain one step ahead in what’s now a rapidly evolving industry.
Manufacturers urged to transition towards revised rail standard testing
MANUFACTURERS PRODUCING railway products such as seating, floors and wall linings are being strongly encouraged to begin testing in accordance with the updated BS EN 45545-2:2020. Ensuring compliance now will help to avoid complications when these standards become mandatory.
The revised standard, entitled ‘Railway Applications – Fire Protection on Railway Vehicles – Requirements for Fire Behaviour of Materials and Components’, has been effective in the UK since August last year. However, it’s yet to be written into the National Technical Specification Notice (NTSN), which is a set of standards that define how the UK’s rail system should be designed, built, operated and maintained as mandated by the Department for Transport.