Two dead as blaze forces passengers to flee ship - info4fire September 2011
More than 200 passengers had to be evacuated from a cruise ship after an intense fire killed two crew members and injured a dozen other people.
The MS Nordlys was off the coast of Alesund, western Norway, when the disaster struck at around 9am on 16 September.
It’s thought an explosion sparked a fire in the engine room that sent smoke racing through the ship, according to the Daily Telegraph. After the alarm was raised, the 207 passengers were ordered onto the deck to be evacuated, many in lifeboats.
The ship’s hull was damaged causing the ship to gently make its way into port, where the rest of passengers and crew were taken off.
It was at the port that the two dead crew members were discovered, with the injured suffering from burns and smoke inhalation.
Click on link above for Video.
Friday, 30 September 2011
Wednesday, 28 September 2011
Fire Risk Assessment membership of the FIA
From Fire Industry Association:
We're pleased to say that the FIA ’s fire risk assessors register currently has 40 member companies.
The FIA changed its membership criteria in April 2011 and requested key pieces of evidence of quality control, insurance and individuals’ competence. The change moves the membership closer towards full third party certification and is a major step forward from the previous declaration to abide by a simple code of practice.
Prior to the change there were 85 companies listed and the exercise has certainly highlighted that many companies will need to establish quality procedures within their businesses if they are ever going to be ready for full third party certification. Whilst we have lost 20 or more companies from the list on a permanent basis we continue to work with another 25 to help them get through the process.
Work on the ‘Competency Criteria’ has continued with the draft for public comment deadline closing on 7th September, the Competency Council has already met and worked through the public comments. There are a few amendments and draft wording currently under further review with the hope that the criteria will be finally published in October. Work has started on a second document, which once agreed, will give guidance (be the signpost) on how Responsible Persons can find competent fire risk assessors. The current thinking is that this will point to third Party certifications schemes.
With BAFE ’S SP205 scheme estimated to be commercially available through at least one Certification Body in April 2012 and Warrington Certification Ltd’s company scheme growing, the timing appears to be coming together nicely. Many will argue that it well overdue but unfortunately these things take time.
The FIA ’s Fire Risk Assessment Council identified training existing members as a way to add value to their membership. The series of CPD days aimed specifically at practicing fire risk assessors have been extremely well received. With Passive Fire Protection, Extinguishing and FD&A days already in the bag, the next two are currently taking bookings.
An update day covering PAS7, PAS 79, SP205, Competency Criteria and Rose Park is planned for 7th October and already has 74 delegates booked. The peoples personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs) day on 29th November already has 54 bookings. Plans are now starting to add an Emergency Lighting/Signage/Fire Plans CPD day in February.
The Risk Assessment Council this year has nine vacancies and we are looking to our 40 FRA members to fill these and build upon the work and success of the Council to date.
Fire isk Assessments & Training Ltd has gone through this process and are Registered with The Fire industry Association and The Institution of Fire Engineers.
We're pleased to say that the FIA ’s fire risk assessors register currently has 40 member companies.
The FIA changed its membership criteria in April 2011 and requested key pieces of evidence of quality control, insurance and individuals’ competence. The change moves the membership closer towards full third party certification and is a major step forward from the previous declaration to abide by a simple code of practice.
Prior to the change there were 85 companies listed and the exercise has certainly highlighted that many companies will need to establish quality procedures within their businesses if they are ever going to be ready for full third party certification. Whilst we have lost 20 or more companies from the list on a permanent basis we continue to work with another 25 to help them get through the process.
Work on the ‘Competency Criteria’ has continued with the draft for public comment deadline closing on 7th September, the Competency Council has already met and worked through the public comments. There are a few amendments and draft wording currently under further review with the hope that the criteria will be finally published in October. Work has started on a second document, which once agreed, will give guidance (be the signpost) on how Responsible Persons can find competent fire risk assessors. The current thinking is that this will point to third Party certifications schemes.
With BAFE ’S SP205 scheme estimated to be commercially available through at least one Certification Body in April 2012 and Warrington Certification Ltd’s company scheme growing, the timing appears to be coming together nicely. Many will argue that it well overdue but unfortunately these things take time.
The FIA ’s Fire Risk Assessment Council identified training existing members as a way to add value to their membership. The series of CPD days aimed specifically at practicing fire risk assessors have been extremely well received. With Passive Fire Protection, Extinguishing and FD&A days already in the bag, the next two are currently taking bookings.
An update day covering PAS7, PAS 79, SP205, Competency Criteria and Rose Park is planned for 7th October and already has 74 delegates booked. The peoples personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs) day on 29th November already has 54 bookings. Plans are now starting to add an Emergency Lighting/Signage/Fire Plans CPD day in February.
The Risk Assessment Council this year has nine vacancies and we are looking to our 40 FRA members to fill these and build upon the work and success of the Council to date.
Fire isk Assessments & Training Ltd has gone through this process and are Registered with The Fire industry Association and The Institution of Fire Engineers.
Hero rabbit saves owners from house fire
From info4fire:
(Reuters) - A pet rabbit is being credited for saving its owners from a house fire in southeastern Alaska before it died of smoke inhalation, fire officials said on Friday.
The rabbit woke up the homeowner early on Tuesday morning by scratching on her chest, the Ketchikan Fire Department said in a statement.
The homeowner realized that the house was full of smoke, woke up her daughter and fled the house.
The fire was brought under control fairly quickly, with four engines, a ladder truck and 33 firefighters responding.
Damage to the house from flames, smoke and water was considered moderate.
While there were no injuries to the mother or daughter, the rabbit was not so lucky. The animal succumbed to smoke inhalation and did not survive, the fire department said.
How could she live with herself. Couldn't she have stuck the rabbit under her arm after it saved her life? How can she sleep at night.
(Reuters) - A pet rabbit is being credited for saving its owners from a house fire in southeastern Alaska before it died of smoke inhalation, fire officials said on Friday.
The rabbit woke up the homeowner early on Tuesday morning by scratching on her chest, the Ketchikan Fire Department said in a statement.
The homeowner realized that the house was full of smoke, woke up her daughter and fled the house.
The fire was brought under control fairly quickly, with four engines, a ladder truck and 33 firefighters responding.
Damage to the house from flames, smoke and water was considered moderate.
While there were no injuries to the mother or daughter, the rabbit was not so lucky. The animal succumbed to smoke inhalation and did not survive, the fire department said.
How could she live with herself. Couldn't she have stuck the rabbit under her arm after it saved her life? How can she sleep at night.
Friday, 23 September 2011
Nightclub bosses fined for fire safety breaches
From info4fire:
23rd September 2011
Two nightclub bosses have been fined after breaching fire safety legislation.
Kevin Clarke and Stephen Bailey both appeared before Bury magistrates on 7 September to face charges under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 relating to Coco Lounge, Temptations and Cooler Bar, in the town.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service took legal action following an inspection of the three premises.
Mr Clarke was fined £2,700 plus £1,906 court costs after pleading guilty to seven offences, including not having a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and failing to provide adequate fire safety training for employees.
Mr Bailey was fined £550 plus £100 court costs after admitting three offences relating to a lack of suitable and sufficient fire risk assessments.
Peter O'Reilly, director of prevention and protection at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We always support businesses that work to make their premises safe for people to use. However we will take action against those businesses that neglect fire safety and in doing so put the lives of staff and public at risk.
“We hope this court case sends a clear message that fire safety must be taken seriously.”
All too often, Premises owners/Duty Holders try to get FRA's done cheaply or have a go themselves. This is a lesson to all. Get Professionals to carry out Fire Risk Assessments for the Safety of your Clients and keeping compliant with Fire Safety Legislation by having a "suitable & sufficient" FRA carried out.
23rd September 2011
Two nightclub bosses have been fined after breaching fire safety legislation.
Kevin Clarke and Stephen Bailey both appeared before Bury magistrates on 7 September to face charges under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 relating to Coco Lounge, Temptations and Cooler Bar, in the town.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service took legal action following an inspection of the three premises.
Mr Clarke was fined £2,700 plus £1,906 court costs after pleading guilty to seven offences, including not having a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and failing to provide adequate fire safety training for employees.
Mr Bailey was fined £550 plus £100 court costs after admitting three offences relating to a lack of suitable and sufficient fire risk assessments.
Peter O'Reilly, director of prevention and protection at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We always support businesses that work to make their premises safe for people to use. However we will take action against those businesses that neglect fire safety and in doing so put the lives of staff and public at risk.
“We hope this court case sends a clear message that fire safety must be taken seriously.”
All too often, Premises owners/Duty Holders try to get FRA's done cheaply or have a go themselves. This is a lesson to all. Get Professionals to carry out Fire Risk Assessments for the Safety of your Clients and keeping compliant with Fire Safety Legislation by having a "suitable & sufficient" FRA carried out.
Wednesday, 21 September 2011
From FIA 19th September 2011
Students will not be able to attend classes at a school in Cumbria today (September 19th), after a fire broke out in the food technology unit on Friday.
Crews from Barrow, Dalton-in-Furness, Ulverton, Broughton and Walney were called to Dowdales School, in Dalton, at 14.07 in the afternoon on Friday (September 16th).
The fire started in a classroom, but then spread to the roof of the school building.
Firefighters used 11 breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets and one main jet in tackling the fire, with a team staying once the blaze had been extinguished to damp down the surrounding area.
Early investigations into the cause of the outbreak indicate it may have been started by a faulty tumble dryer, according to the BBC.
The Responsible Person for schools or any other public or commercial building should ensure that electrical appliances are regularly checked as part of fire risk assessment procedures.
Electrical devices, plugs and cables pose a real danger of fire if they are old or badly wired.
This is a good example of the importance of Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) being carried out.
Students will not be able to attend classes at a school in Cumbria today (September 19th), after a fire broke out in the food technology unit on Friday.
Crews from Barrow, Dalton-in-Furness, Ulverton, Broughton and Walney were called to Dowdales School, in Dalton, at 14.07 in the afternoon on Friday (September 16th).
The fire started in a classroom, but then spread to the roof of the school building.
Firefighters used 11 breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets and one main jet in tackling the fire, with a team staying once the blaze had been extinguished to damp down the surrounding area.
Early investigations into the cause of the outbreak indicate it may have been started by a faulty tumble dryer, according to the BBC.
The Responsible Person for schools or any other public or commercial building should ensure that electrical appliances are regularly checked as part of fire risk assessment procedures.
Electrical devices, plugs and cables pose a real danger of fire if they are old or badly wired.
This is a good example of the importance of Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) being carried out.
Thursday, 15 September 2011
From Fire Industry Association:
UK Govt seeking partners to run Fire Service College
The government is looking for private or voluntary bodies to help it operate the national firefighter training centre following a decline in revenue.
The Fire Service College, based in Gloucestershire, trains fire safety crews in all aspects of their job, from the initial 80-day training programme to refreshers courses. It also provides tuition for other emergency services and overseas firefighters.
Fire minister Bob Neill claimed that, as the college is currently a government-owned trading fund, it did not "provide the flexibility necessary for [it] to operate with sufficient commercial success".
The government is therefore ideally looking to partner with a private firm, with Serco, Babcock and Capital Training Solutions all bidding for the £18 million training contract.
Furthermore, as it is located on a 365-acre former military airfield, the government claims a private firm could expand operations at the facility.
Responding to the Government’s statement on the Fire Service College, David Cartwright, member of the LGA ’s Fire Commission and Chairman of its Fire Service College Working Group, said:
“We saw in the recent civil disturbances the commitment, dedication and professionalism of our firefighters. They deserve the very best training facilities to ensure that they are able to tackle any possible threats and keep the public safe.
“The Fire Service College has suffered from under-investment for a very long time but can still play a key role at the heart of the UK’s fire service. However, the way it’s operating at the moment is not fit for the 21st century and is not financially sustainable so action needs to be taken as soon as possible. The business acumen and extra investment a private partner would provide, coupled with strong leadership from experts in the fire sector, is exactly what it needs.
“The LGA , liaising with leading organisations across the fire sector, carried out a four-month review into modernising the Fire Service College earlier this year. It talked to many professionals and partners, visited the College to see the facilities, and concluded the only viable option to secure its long-term future is a public private partnership. It’s good to see Government Ministers favouring this view.
“Although the Fire Minister's statement is a step in the right direction, we already have a clear view from the sector about what needs to happen next. Rather than consulting further, more momentum is now needed to resolve this problem and get the tendering process underway.”
The Fire Service College reported revenue of £18.5 million for the fiscal year 2010/11, a fall from the £21.7 million it generated during the previous year.
As a former Fire Safety Lecturer at "The College" I find the whole funding issue a travesty. The whole scenario has created a downward spiral in both Courses being offered because many F & RS are carrying out "Local" Training and the Standard/uniformity of training for Fire Officers has suffered because of this.
In the long term, money is not being spent wisely by F&RS throughout the Country and it is time to support your National Fire Service College.
UK Govt seeking partners to run Fire Service College
The government is looking for private or voluntary bodies to help it operate the national firefighter training centre following a decline in revenue.
The Fire Service College, based in Gloucestershire, trains fire safety crews in all aspects of their job, from the initial 80-day training programme to refreshers courses. It also provides tuition for other emergency services and overseas firefighters.
Fire minister Bob Neill claimed that, as the college is currently a government-owned trading fund, it did not "provide the flexibility necessary for [it] to operate with sufficient commercial success".
The government is therefore ideally looking to partner with a private firm, with Serco, Babcock and Capital Training Solutions all bidding for the £18 million training contract.
Furthermore, as it is located on a 365-acre former military airfield, the government claims a private firm could expand operations at the facility.
Responding to the Government’s statement on the Fire Service College, David Cartwright, member of the LGA ’s Fire Commission and Chairman of its Fire Service College Working Group, said:
“We saw in the recent civil disturbances the commitment, dedication and professionalism of our firefighters. They deserve the very best training facilities to ensure that they are able to tackle any possible threats and keep the public safe.
“The Fire Service College has suffered from under-investment for a very long time but can still play a key role at the heart of the UK’s fire service. However, the way it’s operating at the moment is not fit for the 21st century and is not financially sustainable so action needs to be taken as soon as possible. The business acumen and extra investment a private partner would provide, coupled with strong leadership from experts in the fire sector, is exactly what it needs.
“The LGA , liaising with leading organisations across the fire sector, carried out a four-month review into modernising the Fire Service College earlier this year. It talked to many professionals and partners, visited the College to see the facilities, and concluded the only viable option to secure its long-term future is a public private partnership. It’s good to see Government Ministers favouring this view.
“Although the Fire Minister's statement is a step in the right direction, we already have a clear view from the sector about what needs to happen next. Rather than consulting further, more momentum is now needed to resolve this problem and get the tendering process underway.”
The Fire Service College reported revenue of £18.5 million for the fiscal year 2010/11, a fall from the £21.7 million it generated during the previous year.
As a former Fire Safety Lecturer at "The College" I find the whole funding issue a travesty. The whole scenario has created a downward spiral in both Courses being offered because many F & RS are carrying out "Local" Training and the Standard/uniformity of training for Fire Officers has suffered because of this.
In the long term, money is not being spent wisely by F&RS throughout the Country and it is time to support your National Fire Service College.
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
Blaze prompts plug-in air freshener warning
From Info4fire: Blaze prompts plug-in air freshener warning
13 September 2011
Twenty firefighters tackled a fire in a bungalow that is believed to have been caused by a plug-in air freshener.
Four fire engines attended the property in Stanmore in Middlesex on Thursday 8 September at around 9.30pm.
London Fire Brigade believes the fire was caused by a plug-in air freshener that overheated because it was covered by clothing. The fire was under control shortly after 10pm.
Stanmore watch manager, Simon Horn, said: “When we arrived we were faced with an intense fire and crews did extremely well to stop it from spreading to the roof and adjacent properties. Thankfully nobody was in the bungalow at the time of the fire.
“If people use plug-in air fresheners, they need to be careful to follow the instructions and never place materials next to or on top of them, as they can overheat and cause a fire.”
4 Fire Enigines and 20 firefighters for a fire in a bungalow? Don't let too many know about that or cuts will be swift.
13 September 2011
Twenty firefighters tackled a fire in a bungalow that is believed to have been caused by a plug-in air freshener.
Four fire engines attended the property in Stanmore in Middlesex on Thursday 8 September at around 9.30pm.
London Fire Brigade believes the fire was caused by a plug-in air freshener that overheated because it was covered by clothing. The fire was under control shortly after 10pm.
Stanmore watch manager, Simon Horn, said: “When we arrived we were faced with an intense fire and crews did extremely well to stop it from spreading to the roof and adjacent properties. Thankfully nobody was in the bungalow at the time of the fire.
“If people use plug-in air fresheners, they need to be careful to follow the instructions and never place materials next to or on top of them, as they can overheat and cause a fire.”
4 Fire Enigines and 20 firefighters for a fire in a bungalow? Don't let too many know about that or cuts will be swift.
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