A fireproof boxis a lockable (often also waterproof) casedesigned for the safe storage of important documents. Sometimes these are also known as a fireproof safe, or ‘deed box’ after the ‘deeds’ (ownership documentation) of a house. The boxes are suitable for the storage of important personal and legal documents. This may include passports, marriage certificates, insurance documents, and bank details.
A fireproof box protects important documents from flames and floods
What can be stored in a fireproof box?
While these boxes are designed for the storage of legal documents, they can protect any paper records with sentimental value. Some fireproof document boxes are also certified for the protection of digital media, like disks and hard drives. They are available in various sizes, up to 18.5L capacity.
Why is a fireproof safe important?
In the event of a house fire, it is imperative that everyone gets to safety as quickly and safely as possible. Stopping to collect valuables is therefore incredibly dangerous, and should never be done. However, this means that important personal documents are leftin the flames, and may not survive. Similarly, flash floods can happen quickly, and it may not be possible to locate and rescue personal belongings immediately.
Fireproof boxes therefore provide protectionfor the documents they store, and peace of mind for the owner, who can escape to safety without worrying about them. Fires and floods can also happen when the house is empty, with no one around to salvage personal belongings. Fireproof safes are therefore the only way to ensure that these important documents are safe.
There is no time to find personal or valuable documents in an emergency
Are fireproof boxes worth the investment?
A simple A4 safe, like The Sentry Safe CHW20101, is usually less than £100. These lockable boxes offer 30 minutes of fire protection up to 843 °C, and protect against flood damage for up to 72 hours. This particular model is UL certified for A4 paper documents and digital media (hard drives, CDs, DVDs, etc), and has a 7.84L capacity. The box is supplied with a lifelong after fire replacement warranty, making it a durable, long-term investment.
Let’s consider what this might contain for a family of three, and the cost to replace these things:
£43.00 +/- (depending upon exam board / institution)
(5+)
Total:
£1080.50 – £1230.50
Table showing replacement costs for important documents (2024)
The total replacement costcould therefore be well over £1000, or significantly more for larger families. This is without considering the time and energy required on the administrative side. Sentimental items, or digital media, meanwhile, may never be salvageable. Furthermore, even if your home insurance policy covers these documents, there is significant administration required to retrieve copies, while having access to intact insurance documents will speed up the process of your claim following a fire or flood.
The cost of a fireproof box is therefore low in comparison to the cost and hassle associated with replacement.
Passports are important personal documents, and expensive to replace
Investing in a fireproof safe for your family’s personal documents could save you over a thousand pounds, and hours of admin time to acquire replacements. These boxes can also protect sentimental papers, and digital media, that may not be replaceable. Get free delivery today to enjoy the peace of mind that a quality deed box can provide.
For further information regarding this product, please contact friendly customer service team at support@safelincs.co.uk or call us on 0800 612 6537.
Chip pans, or deep fat fryers, are the leading cause of injury from home fires in the UK. Nearly 20 people are killed or injured every day by chip pan fires. These cause damage to homes, and severe burns to users.
Why are chip pans dangerous?
Chip pans are dangerous because they use large amounts of heated oil to cook food. Fires can happen if the oil in the pan becomes too hot and catches fire. They can also start if the oil splashes or spills onto the hob. Either of these can happen very quickly, and are very difficult to prevent.
This is incredibly dangerous because cooking oil fats cannot be extinguished with water. Attempting to do so can cause the burning oil to splash and spread, and can even cause explosions. Watch this video to see what happens when water is added to a cooking oil fire.
The risk of chip pan fires becomes even higher when they are used in households with children and pets, by adults who have been drinking, or when they are left unattended.
Water Mist Extinguishers on Class F Fires
Do not try and put out a chip pan fire with a standard water extinguisher, as it can cause splashing. However, small Water Mist fire extinguishers for household or small kitchen use often have F class ratings. Because water mist extinguishers dispense de-ionised water in microscopic droplets through the special nozzle, they prevent splashing. This makes them suitable for use on hot cooking oil.
To extinguish a chip pan fire, apply the fine spray to the blaze in slow circular movements. This allows the curtain of water mist to fall gently onto the surface of the fire without causing the burning oil to splash and spread. The mist also cools the flames to extinguish the fire.
What to do if my chip pan catches fire?
Hot oil in chip pans can quickly catch fire
If your chip pan or deep fat fryer catches fire, do not attempt to put it out with water. Where you have a fire blanket or F Class fire extinguisher in the kitchen, and it the fire is still contained within the pan, you may attempt to extinguish the blaze.
If the fire has already begun to spread, or an attempt to safely extinguish it is unsuccessful, evacuate the building and call the emergency services immediately. Do not stop to collect your belongings – chip pan fires can spread very quickly and you may become trapped in the burning building.
How to use a fire blanket
If you need to use a fire blanket, turn off the heat source if it is possible to do so.
Pull the black dangling tapes downwards to release the fire blanket from its container.
Wrap the corners of the blanket around your hands to protect them from the fire, then place the blanket over the object that is on fire.
Leave the blanket in place until the fire is out and the object is cool.
The best way to reduce the risk of chip pan fires is not to use them at all – opting for oven cooked chips or using an air fryer is a much safer option. Particularly if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the safest option is to order takeaway chips.
If a chip pan or deep fat fryer is being used, here are some ways to mitigate the risks:
Read the instructions carefully – ensure you do not over fill the pan
Have a working heat detector in your kitchen, and working smoke alarms throughout your home to alert you to fire quickly – these should be tested regularly
Fit a Class F fire extinguisher – water mist or wet chemical units can be used on chip pan fires
Ensure that the chip pan has the full attention of a responsible adult when in use – this equipment should never be used by children, or adults who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Improving fire safety in the home
Chip pans pose a significant fire risk, causing more than 20 fires a day in the UK alone. However, this is not the only way that home fires can start. To learn more about fire risks in your home, and how to reduce them, use our free Home Fire Safety Check tool. This quick survey provides personalised tips and advice tailored to your home and its occupants.
Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a deadly gas released by fuel burning appliances, as a result of incomplete combustion. The dangers of carbon monoxide are caused by its structure, which is similar to oxygen. Because of this, CO can bind to red blood cells, which stops them from being able to deliver oxygen to organs. The gas has no colour, smell, or taste, making it impossible to detect without a carbon monoxide alarm.
Carbon monoxide can be fatal
What are the dangers of carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a risk even at very low levels. It is dangerous because it binds to haemoglobin of red blood cells where oxygen should bind, and becomes stuck there. As a result, the amount of oxygen that can be carried by the red blood cells is reduced. Carbon monoxide therefore starves the organs of oxygen, causing them to shut down.
Symptoms can start as headaches, nausea, dizziness and tiredness. If ignored, this can progress to stomach pains, breathlessness, and collapse as the body’s organs shut down; CO poisoning can be fatal. Read more information on the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Dangers of CO at low vs high levels
Exposure to low levels of CO can have subtle symptoms, which can easily be dismissed as sickness from a virus. Victims may feel drowsy and unwell when inside a building with a CO leak, but feel better when they leave. Over a period of days or weeks, this can have long term effects as the body’s organs, starved of oxygen, become damaged. This is why it is essential to install carbon monoxide detectors in any buildings with fuel burning appliances.
The dangers of CO at high levels are considerably elevated, and in extreme cases, include death. Symptoms will be harder to ignore, but due to the risk of confusion and collapse, it may not be possible to get to safety.
Carbon monoxide is dangerous as it has no colour, smell, or taste
Combatting the dangers of carbon monoxide
You should ensure that all your appliances, such as cookers, fires, and boilers are serviced every year. If you live in a rented home, this is the responsibility of your landlord, and is a legal requirement. Ask to see the annual certificates or reports if you can’t see an in-date sticker on the appliance. If your landlord can’t produce them, insist that the service is carried out again.
Further to this, in between the annual service or checks, be aware of signs that the appliance isn’t working properly. This may include soot marks around the appliance, excessive condensation in the room, or a lazy yellow or orange coloured flame in your boiler instead of a bright blue one. If you notice any of these signs, arrange for an engineer to check it immediately.
The best way to combat the dangers of CO is to install a carbon monoxide alarm. This will alert you to the danger even at low levels, before symptoms begin, and before long-term damage can be done to your body.
Do you need a CO detector if you don’t have any fuel burning appliances?
Yes, it is recommended that even if you don’t have any fuel appliances in your home, you have at least one CO detector fitted. Carbon monoxide can seep through walls and as such you are at risk of CO poisoning from your neighbour.
Buy a carbon monoxide detector for your home and test it regularly to protect your household from this dangerous gas. For more information, read about what to do if your CO alarm goes off. Alternatively, contact our friendly customer service team for advice about the best alarm for you on 0800 612 6537, or email support@safelincs.co.uk.
If you are the owner, landlord, employer or occupier of a business premises, including offices, you are responsible for fire safety under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and are known as the ‘responsible person’. Accordingly, as the responsible person in your office, you must:
Identify risks from the fire risk assessment, and put measures in place to reduce or manage them
Inform staff of the risks ,and of their responsibilities to ensure good fire safety is achieved
Ensure adequate fire safety measures have been put in place and maintain them
Have an appropriate fire safety procedure and communicate this to staff and visitors
Provide training to staff to ensure they know what to do in the event of a fire
Office Fire Risk Assessments
Office fire safety depends upon a comprehensive risk assessment
Fire risk assessments are mandatory for all offices. This must be followed up with the mitigation of identified risks and a comprehensive evacuation plan for the premises. Because risks can change, the FRA should be reviewed frequently and documented and reconducted if there is a change of use of the premises, or a fire safety incident occurs.
Fire risk assessments are important for the safety of employees and property. They provide a detailed review of your office space to identify fire risks and provide recommendations to either mitigate, reduce, or manage them.
Alternatively, you could instead, you can book a professional fire risk assessment for your office. Following this, you will receive a comprehensive fire risk assessment and detailed guidance should any recommendations for improvement be required.
What fire safety measures are required in an office?
To ensure that you are meeting all your legal obligations you will need to look at the following areas:
Are your emergency evacuation routes and exits clear from hazards and well signposted?
Do you have adequate means to detect a fire and warn others?
Do you have appropriate fire fighting equipment and is it in the right place?
Are any dangerous substances stored correctly?
Think about the people who are in your office (both staff and visitors), particularly those with mobility issues
Provide fire safety information and training
Evacuation and exit signage in offices
Photoluminescent fire escape route signs
Staff escaping a building must be visually directed to the safest and fastest route leading to the nearest fire exit., hence emergency lighting, is mandatory. Likewise, installing photo-luminescent (glow in the dark) fire escape route signs helps to ensure that the exit route is clearly visible. This ensures that even if the mains power fails, all escape route signs, stairs, and uneven floors are lit sufficiently for safe escape.
Carrying out regular fire drills in an office helps to ensure that all staff know what to do if the fire alarm goes off. Ensure that you also include practising alternative routes, so that staff are prepared in the event that their nearest fire escape is blocked by fire. Every member of staff must be made aware of where the nearest fire exits are and which routes to take when exiting the building. The induction of new staff members should therefore include a ‘fire walk’. This enables you to show staff all the fire escape routes and where firefighting equipment is located.
Further to this, your evacuation plan should include guidance for the evacuation of staff and visitors with reduced mobility. This could be due to a long-term condition such as low-sight or wheelchair use, or a temporary illness or injury. Evacuation chairs offer a safe and easy solution to ensure that everyone can escape safely in the event of a fire. Because these are considered to be medical equipment, staff who would be expected to operate this device in an emergency must recieve specialist training.
Fire extinguishers installed in officed can be used to prevent small fires from becoming catastrophic, or to assist in safe escape from a building on fire. Staff should be encouraged to use these fire extinguishers only if they have been trained, and only if does not put them in any danger.
Water Mist fire extinguishers are safe for use on live electrical fires
It is paramount that you have the correct type of fire extinguisher or extinguishers to tackle every type of fire that could occur in your office. The types of combustible material that your office requires cover for will be identified by the fire risk assessment. If you are still unsure of which type of fire extinguisher you need in your office you can book a fire extinguisher site survey
In most office settings, only type A (solid combustibles) are a risk. Where this is the case, Water Mist Fire Extinguishers, which are suitable for use on fires involving electrical equipment, are a versatile solution. These units use deionised water to fight fires, meaning that they are non-toxic and safe for use indoors, while having just one type of extinguisher improves the confidence of staff to use the equipment in an emergency – they don’t have to make a decision about what type of extinguisher to use.
Installing extinguishers in offices
Ensure that your extinguishers are commissioned and installed by a service engineer at your premises. You will also need the correct signage and to ensure that they are hung in the correct location.
Fire Extinguisher maintenance
All extinguishers must have a monthly visual check to ensure that there is no visible damage to the unit:
Are there any signs of damage to the exterior?
Are there any blockages in the hose?
Are there any signs the extinguisher has been tampered with?
Is the extinguisher pressurised?
If you have steel extinguishers installed, you must also ensure that an annual service is carried out by a trained engineer in accordance with the British Standards.
By installing P50 Service Free Water Mist extinguishers in your office when your steel extinguishers reach the end of their life, this annual service is not required.
Instead, a yearly visual inspection by a competent member of staff is sufficient. This must be documented in your fire safety log book. Service-Free extinguishers therefore reduce costs and administrative work associated with booking servicing, as well as the carbon footprint of your organisation, because an external engineer is not required to travel to your site.
Fire alarms and manual call points in offices
The responsible person must ensure that there is an adequate fire detection systemin place. The size, configuration and use of your office will define what sort of fire alarm system you require.
Ensure that employees know to activate the nearest manual call point if they discover a fire. This activates the alarm system, which alerts all staff to the fire. New staff must be shown the call points during their induction period.
Generally, where multiple organisations share the same building, this has implications for fire safety. Therefore, you should ensure that there is a system in place to notify all building occupants to a fire.
Free fire safety log book for offices
We offer a free online log book, with custom reminders. Keeping an online log book will ensure that it is protected in the event of a fire. It is essential that you keep a record of all your fire safety checks and fire drills in a fire safety log book.
Pancake day, or Shrove Tuesday, is a Christian traditional feast that takes place just before Lent. Across the world every Shrove Tuesday, thousands of people cook and eat pancakes. Pancakes are easy to make, and many children will get involved in cooking them.
Cooking pancakes is fun for the whole family, but there can be safety risks, especially if children are helping in the kitchen. If your frying pan caught fire, would you and your children know what to do?
Can pancakes catch fire?
Yes, pancakes, and more importantly the oil in which they are cooked, can catch fire. It is all too easy to get distracted lathering your pancake in your favourite topping. It doesn’t take much for a pan with oil to overheat and to burst into flames, so take care when cooking with oil.
Top Pancake Day Safety Tips
Before you get started
Ensure that you have an in-date fire blanket on hand, and that everyone in your home knows how to use it.
Fire blankets are suitable for use on Class F fires (cooking oils and fats), and should be a safety feature of every kitchen.
You will see the instructions clearly printed on the front of most fire blankets, and tutorial videos are available online. You can find more information in our fire blanket help guide.
Before pancake day, we recommend that you go through the evacuation plan for your house before cooking, to ensure that everyone knows to get out of danger quickly and safely.
Make sure everyone who will be cooking knows what to do if a pancake catches fire:
Stay calm and turn off any heat sources if you can
If the flames are still just in the pan, cover the fire with a metal lid or a fire blanket
If you cannot safely extinguish the fire yourself, evacuate the building and call the fire brigade immediately.
NEVER attempt to extinguish an oil fire with water, as this can cause explosions. This YouTube Video is a useful resource to share with your family.
While you are cooking
Ensure that a responsible person is supervising the cooking of the pancakes at all times.
Pancakes are simple to make and lots of little ones like to get involved on Shrove Tuesday, but parents and guardians should be mindful of the dangers in the kitchen. As with all cooking, open flames and hot pans pose burn risks. It’s a good idea to always have a fully stocked burns kit on hand in the kitchen in case accidents happen.
Turn off the heat in between ‘rounds’, when the pan is not being used.
Don’t leave the hob burning or pancakes cooking unattended
When excitement levels are high, it can be easy to forget normal safety habits. You would never leave the hob on while eating dinner – make sure it is off while you are eating your pancakes, even if you are planning to go back and make more.
Check your cooking area is clean and clear to prevent anything from catching fire.
Messy counters can be a fire risk
Keeping a clear workspace when cooking can be hard, especially with small children around. Even if you can’t keep on top of the floury counters and sticky fingers this pancake day, ensure that the area around the hob stays clear. If you put oven mitts and tea towels down next to the cooking area, this can pose a huge fire risk.
For more top home safety tips, try the home fire safety check. This free tool will help you to identify fire safety hazards in your home and offers clear tips and advice for how to improve safety for your household!
It is a legal requirement for businesses to ensure that they can evacuate all occupants of their building, both employees and visitors, in an emergency. The Regulatory Reform Order 2005 states that safe and effective means of escape must be available to all building users. The Equality Act 2010 highlights the importance of recognising the individual needs of people with disabilities. Responsible persons therefore have a legal duty to install evacuation devices if they are, or could be, required.
Evacuation chair training is just as important as installation
Unless the lift is suitable for emergency use, anyone who would normally use it due to mobility issues will need an evacuation chair. Other individuals may also need support to reach safety. Not all disabilities are visible, and evacuation chairs can provide a lifeline for people in a variety of circumstances.
Employees with a long-term illness
Some people with long-term illnesses, such as MS, Parkinsons, and COPD, may need support to evacuate. Employees with long-term illnesses may not always need mobility support, but flare-ups could occur that mean support is required. Personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs) for these employees should reflect the needs of individuals on a case-by-case basis, and be updated as circumstances change.
People with injuries
Temporary injuries, such as fractures, may prevent someone who is usually fully mobile from being able to evacuate. Injuries which limit mobility should be addressed with temporary PEEPs. Actions to ensure the safety of the individual must be taken. It may be possible to provide the injured person with a ground floor office to enable independent evacuation. If this is not possible, an alternative option for evacuation such as an evacuation chair should be considered.
Anyone with temporary injuries may need support to evacuate
People recovering from illness
People recovering from illness or surgery may have limited mobility, and therefore need support to evacuate. Employers should conduct back-to-work interviews to determine whether an evacuation chair will be required to meet the needs of any employee returning to work following serious illness or surgery.
People with autism or other learning difficulties
Neurodivergence affects everyone differently. Some people with autism or another learning difficulty may never need support to evacuate a building. Some may sometimes need support, and others may always need support. PEEPs should be in place for employees who could or would need support due to anxiety, overwhelm, and distress caused by an emergency. PEEPs will also reveal whether an evacuation chair is suitable or could be required.
Pregnant people
Due to stress, exhaustion, or limited mobility, evacuation chairs may be required to meet the safety needs of pregnant people. This is particularly important for buildings with multiple flights of stairs. Ongoing risk assessments for pregnant employees should reflect whether mobility support might be required in an emergency.
Pregnancy can impact mobility
Partially sighted people
Some people with visual impairments may be able to use the stairs day-to-day, but would not feel comfortable doing so in an emergency due to crowds or smoke. Installing evacuation chairs to support partially sighted people to get to safety should be a consideration.
Bariatric people
Bariatric people may struggle to descend stairs safely in an emergency, even if they usually take the stairs. A PEEP should be in place for any employee identified as vulnerable during a fire drill, or through self-identification. This will reveal whether a specialist bariatric evacuation chair is required.
Geriatric people
Older people may have visual impairments, frailty, Alzheimer’s or complex health problems which limit their mobility, and ability to evacuate quickly. In public buildings such as shops, museums and community centres, as well as offices which take visitors, an evacuation chair could be required to assist with the evacuation of older people. It is reasonable to assume that visitors to public buildings would have enough mobility to use an evacuation chair. However, in a hospital or care setting, evacuation sheets should be installed for those who are bed bound, and would not be able to use a chair.
Safe Evacuation Plan
In conclusion, if it is possible that someone entered the building with a mobility aid which would not operate in the event of a fire, like a lift or escalators, you should be prepared to evacuate them with an evacuation device. PEEPs should identify requirements of employees or known building users with additional support needs, and individual needs must be met. In public buildings where the number of people needing support to evacuate is unknown, this needs to be factored into the GEEP (General Emergency Evacuation Plan). Ultimately, personal circumstances change, and anyone could need an evacuation device at short notice, so PEEPS & GEEPS should be regularly revised. Installing at least one evacuation chair in your building prepares your organisation for the safe evacuation of everyone inside.
Fire doors are essential for every building, preventing the spread of smoke and flames in the event of a fire. By holding back fire and smoke, fire doors provide time for building occupants to evacuate. This time also limits damage to other areas of the building. In the event of a fire, more time to escape reduces the risk of fatalities – Fire doors are given a rating (for example FD30 or FD60) which determines the length of time the fire door will hold back fire and smoke.
It is essential to install the right type of doors, based upon the findings of the fire risk assessment. It is a legal requirement to meet minimum standards of fire safety; doing so protects lives and property in the event of a fire.
What does an FD30 rating mean?
An FD30 rating means the fire door has been tested in controlled conditions, and is shown to effectively prevent the spread of smoke and flames for at least 30 minutes. Similarly, an FD60 fire door will effectively prevent the spread of smoke and flames for at least an hour. FD ratings of up to 240 are available for high-risk environments, providing four hours of protection.
Fire door ratings show how long the door will hold back fire and smoke
Is FD60 better than FD30?
FD60 fire doors can prevent the spread of smoke and flames for twice as long as FD30 fire doors. This allows them to protect life and property for more time. Whether this higher level of protection is required, however, will depend upon the findings of the building’s fire risk assessment (FRA). This considers a range of factors, including the configuration of the property, its use, and its occupants.
The rating of required fire doors will depends on the building
If the risk level is found to be low, 30 minutes may be enough time for a full evacuation. Ultimately, whether FD60 or FD30 doors are ‘better’ will depend entirely upon the requirements identified by the FRA.
Where should an FD60 fire door be used?
In high-risk environments, or properties containing high-value goods, FD60 fire doors may be essential to provide enough time for a complete evacuation, or an investment to protect valuables.
The FRA will determine whether FD60 fire doors are required to manage the level of risk identified in a property. Appendix C: Fire Doors of Approved Document B: Fire Safety also sets out guidance for the minimum levels of protection required in different areas of a building. For example, a fire door in a compartment wall separating two buildings should provide sixty minutes (FD60) fire protection, while a fire door providing access to an escape route only has to provide thirty minutes (FD30) fire protection.
Are my fire doors suitable?
Ultimately, the suitability of a fire door can only be determined by your fire risk assessment.
Read our help guide on levels of fire door protection for more detailed information. Our friendly fire door team are also available on 0800 612 4837 to offer advice, or to provide quotes. You can also get an instant online quote for our made-to-measure or standard fire doors.
An inspection can confirm whether your fire door meets the required rating
If you know that your doors need to be replaced with doors of a different rating, our qualified fire door surveyors can take accurate measurements for fire door frames and leaves. Click here for more information about this fire door measuring service. If you are unsure of the suitability of your fire doors, book a fire door survey with our qualified team.
Safelincs have discontinued fire extinguishers containing AFFF foam due to the harmful nature of fluorine compounds its fire fighting foam contains. Imminent legislation is likely to prohibit the manufacture and sale of AFFF foam extinguishers in the UK before 2026. This will shortly be followed by a total ban on their use.
What is the AFFF Foam Extinguisher?
Fluorosurfactants and perfluorinated compounds have long been used in Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) extinguishing agents, a popular extinguisher media, due to its effectivity and range of applications. Suitable for use on solid combustibles and flammable liquids, AFFF firefighting foam has been the extinguisher of choice in many settings. In many cases, AFFF foam has been placed in environments where only a class A risk exists. In these locations, a water extinguisher would have sufficed.
Why are AFFF Foam Extinguishers being discontinued?
The fluorine compounds (PFAS) which equip AFFF foam extinguishers with their firefighting qualities have been suspected of being harmful to the environment and living organisms. PFAS have now been confirmed as toxic compounds, which enter our ecosystems, accumulating in water, food, and air. Evidence has arisen that the environmental presence of PFAS is detrimental to ecosystems, and to human health.
Safelincs have taken the decision to discontinue the sale of all AFFF foam and water additive fire extinguishers containing PFAS chemicals ahead of the announced legislation. The proven lasting harmful impact of these ‘forever chemicals’ is unnecessary when suitable alternatives exist that present no environmental hazards.
Eco-alternatives to the AFFF foam are more sustainable
What are the risks associated with PFAS chemicals?
PFAS are slow to degrade and are often referred to as ‘forever chemicals’, meaning that they remain in the environment for a long time, negatively affecting ecosystems. For humans, the risks of PFAS include increased cholesterol, lowered immune systems, and damage to the liver, thyroid, and heart. PFAS are carcinogenic (cancer causing) and can cause irreparable damage to foetuses.
What will replace AFFF Foam Extinguishers?
NEW: PFAS Free Alternatives to Foam
AFFF foam extinguishers can be replaced with water mist in most settings where fires involving class A or electrical equipment are a risk. AFFF foam has often been placed into environments where a water extinguisher would have been sufficient to cover class A risks. Eco-Foam Fire Extinguishers that are fluorine-free or powder extinguishers provide class B cover where a flammable liquid risk exists.
*Please note: although these extinguishers have been tested on Class B fires and found to be effective against them, British Standards do not currently allow the certification of B ratings for water-based extinguishers. The B symbol therefore cannot be displayed on the cylinder.
What is the environmental impact of AFFF Foam’s alternatives?
Water Mist extinguishers contain only de-ionised water, making them completely non-toxic and environmentally safe. These units therefore remain the most eco-friendly option, and are suitable for most office environments. The fluorine-free foams are significantly more environmental than AFFF foam extinguishers but are subject to water hazard class and therefore must be disposed of professionally when discharged.
P50-Water Mists provide an environmentally friendly alternative to AFFF Foam in many settings
Will the phase out of AFFF Foam compromise fire safety?
No, water mist and other fluorine-free foam extinguishers are an effective alternative for tackling fires involving common fire risks. Fire safety will not be compromised by new legislation, while environmental safety and sustainability will be improved.
When will AFFF Foam extinguishers be discontinued?
Safelincs have taken the decision to discontinue all AFFF foam and water additive fire extinguishers containing harmful PFAS chemicals ahead of the announced legislation.
Following a pre-study on the dangers of PFAS and a consultation procedure, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has now submitted its regulatory proposals. A transition period is expected to begin early in 2024, with manufacture and usage restrictions being steadily introduced over the next 5 years. Some manufacturers, such as Britannia, have already stopped production of AFFF extinguishers. We expect that the use of AFFF Foams will be completely banned by 2028.
My organisation has AFFF foam extinguishers installed, what should I do?
If your organisation has AFFF foam extinguishers which will soon expire, these will need to be replaced. AFFF foam fire extinguishers and all other water additive extinguishers containing PFAS chemicals will soon be subject to further legislation restricting their sale and use. Choosing to upgrade to an environmentally friendly alternative now will save you money, and reduce the environmental impact of your business.
Contact our team for specific advice to support your business to transition to environmental alternatives. The best replacement for your premises must be assessed on a case-by-case basis, as this depends upon the risks identified at your site. For more complex sites, an extinguisher survey may need to be carried out to ensure all risks are being covered. Alternatively, Safelincs offer a free P50 Fire Extinguisher survey for those thinking of transitioning from steel extinguishers to P50s.
CO and AFFF extinguishers can be replaced with multipurpose alternatives
For more information about our extinguishers or to book a site survey to find the best solution for AFFF foam replacements, contact our team on 0800 612 6537, or use our online chat system.
Fire Safety Project of the Year: The Home Fire Safety Check tool developed by Safelincs in conjunction with the National Fire Chief’s Council (NFCC) and Fire Kills, has been recognised for its innovation and importance at the national Fire & Security Matters awards. This free online resource has been created for fire services to assist the public with home fire safety. It also enables fire services to identify homes which may need more support.
For the ‘Fire Safety Project of the Year’ award, 14 finalist organisations were invited to the black-tie awards evening. Safelincs are incredibly proud to have received this award in recognition of our contribution to this important public resource.
What is the ‘Fire Safety Project of the Year’ Award?
This award category recognises a project which has delivered significant improvements to fire safety in relation to people and/or premises. Judgement is based on how the project has made a positive impact, including evidence of measurable improvement to fire safety.
This award recognises the time and expertise donated to this project by Safelincs. It reflects their commitment to the HFSC tool, which has already begun to impact the prevention of domestic fires. The free to use tool allows Fire Services to support the public to carry out fire safety audits in their homes. Individuals can identify whether they need support, while receiving personalised fire safety advice.
Upon receiving this prestigious award, Rik Stuart, Web Developer for the project has said “Safelincs are immensely proud and honoured to receive the Fire & Security Matters Fire Safety Project of the Year award for the Online Home Fire Safety Check. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Safelincs, the National Fire Chiefs Council and Fire Kills in providing an online system that continues to identify those at risk of fire and provides fire safety advice to homes in England.”
Safelincs win FSM Fire Safety Project of the Year Award
What is the HFSC?
The HFSC tool is an interactive assessment tool with which the general public can assess the risks of home fires. It offers personalised fire safety advice, while referring households at significant risk to their local fire service for additional support. The tool enables fire services to use their resources effectively, and to provide guidance to vulnerable households that it identifies.
“We are extremely proud of all the hard work, innovation and commitment shown by our team to deliver a bespoke cost-saving solution to our National Fire and Rescue Services. This award reflects that effort, and provides them with the recognition that they deserve. It has been our pleasure to work with the National Fire Chief’s Council over the last few years on this project, and to donate our development team’s time and resources in support of their hard work and effort. We are committed to providing the NFCC with support and expertise long into the future to support their ambitions, and improve fire safety support for the general public.”
Stuart Baxter, Managing Director
The Home Fire Safety Check Tool
The Role of the HFSC in Fire Prevention
The HFSC has become a valuable resource for fire services in England. Since the launch of this tool, more than 62% of fire services in the UK have already ‘onboarded’. A further 19% are in the process of ‘onboarding’; 96% of all UK fire services have shown an interest. Between September 2021 and March 2023, 38,128 individuals used the tool, enabling FRSs to reach a larger group of people and clearly identify vulnerable households. Other agencies, such as the ambulance service, carers and housing associations, are now using the tool to assess the level of fire risk within the households they have contact with.
Safelincs strives to provide essential public resources for the improvement of fire safety. This award reflects not only Safelincs’ ethos, but their rising impact across the fire safety industry.
Why is a carbon monoxide alarm an essential item for your travel packing list? Over 4000 people in the UK visit A&E each year with carbon monoxide poisoning. With gas safety regulations in place here, CO poisoning is still the cause of more than 100 deaths annually. Carbon monoxide has no colour or smell, making it impossible to identify without a CO detection device.
In travel destinations with fewer regulations, the risk of poisoning could be even higher. The Pack Safe Appeal, founded in memory of 24-year-old Hudson Foley, who passed away from CO poisoning while travelling in Ecuador serves as an important reminder of this. The only way to protect yourself and your travelling companions is to carry a suitable carbon monoxide alarm. In support of The Pack Safe Appeal, Safelincs are offering 15% off travel CO alarms with the code HUDSON15 throughout summer 2024.
Packing Essentials
Which Carbon Monoxide Detector Should I Take on Holiday?
At less than £20 a unit, we recommend the pocket sized Kidde 7CO Carbon Monoxide Detector as the perfect travel companion. Fitting neatly into even the smallest of carry-on luggage or weekend bags, this product is kitemarked to BS EN 50291-1:2018 (domestic use) and BS EN 50291-2 (camping, caravanning and boats). The device is easy to use, and runs on two AA batteries which are simple to replace. With its free standing design and 10 year lifespan, the Kidde alarm is a travel essential. These devices are an investment in safe travel for holiday makers, back packers, and business trippers alike. View more alarms in our travel carbon monoxide detector range.
The Kidde 7CO Alarm is ideal for travel
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas which can cause fatal poisoning if inhaled. It can be released by faulty appliances such as gas boilers, gas cookers, gas or paraffin heaters, wood, gas and coal fires and portable generators. Symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure can include headaches, dizziness, tiredness, nausea, confusion, shortness of breath, and even chest pain. These symptoms can be subtle and intermittent, so may go unnoticed until harm has been caused. As carbon monoxide is odourless and therefore undetectable to humans, a CO alarm is the only way to detect deadly CO gas, and so should be the number one holiday essential on your packing list.
Signs of Carbon Monoxide in Holiday Accommodation
There are warning signs of a carbon monoxide leak:
Black or sooty stains on or near the appliance
Excessive condensation or smoke in a room
Boiler pilot burning orange flames instead of blue
If your holiday accommodation shows any of these signs, you should contact the person responsible for the property immediately.
It is important to remember, however, that leaks can occur very suddenly. An awareness of the signs of carbon monoxide presence is not enough to keep you safe – an alarm like the Kidde 7CO Carbon Monoxide Detector is the only reliable way to identify this toxic gas.
What Should I Do if I am Exposed to Carbon Monoxide on holiday?
Carbon monoxide poisoning is always a risk when traveling, whether you are staying in a hotel, boat, tent or caravan. If your alarm goes off while you are on holiday, or if you identify warning signs and suspect that you have been exposed, do not panic, but act swiftly. Contact with this deadly gas can become serious very quickly. You should:
Open windows if you suspect CO is present
Extinguish all naked flames and not use matches or lighters.
Don’t switch any electrical appliance on or off.
If possible isolate the gas supply.
Open all doors and windows to allow ventilation.
Go outside into the fresh air and seek medical attention if required.
Contact the people responsible for your accommodation urgently to report the problem.
A Carbon Monoxide Alarm is a Travel Essential!
The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is a very real danger for all travelers, no matter their destination or accommodation choice. The toxic gas is undetectable by sight or smell, and can cause irreversible harm in a short space of time. An affordable detection device like the Kidde 7CO Carbon Monoxide Detector should therefore be considered as important as your passport for your next holiday checklist!
