Working alongside the ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites), Safelincs played a pivotal role in providing and delivering 440 Water Mist Extinguishers to Ukraine. The extinguishers will be used to protect up to 200 historic wooden churches in remote communities across the country.
Water Mist Fire Extinguishers will be used to protect Ukraine’s historic wooden churches
We were approached by the ICOMOS as part of an international effort to preserve Ukraine’s historic monuments in the war-ravaged country. As part of our support package, we provided the Water Mist Extinguishers at well below cost-price. We also donated accessories and navigated complicated bureaucracy to organise shipping to Poland, which we included free of charge. From there, the Water Mist extinguishers were stored and transported by The Polish Committee for Ukrainian Museums.
Once in Ukraine, the fire extinguishers will be distributed to wooden churches on the UNESCO World Heritage List and other wooden churches of cultural and historical significance. Instructions for use were also translated into Ukrainian and will be distributed alongside the extinguishers.
Sosenko fresco inside one of Ukraine’s historic churches
Water Mist extinguishers
Water Mist Extinguishers are ideal for use in this type of heritage building. They contain only de-ionised water dispensed through a supersonic nozzle creating a super fine mist. The water mist is so fine that it appears ‘dry’ and leaves no residue. This minimises potential damage to the fragile painted surfaces, fabrics and objects contained within the churches.
Safelincs is excited to announce the forthcoming launch of the P50 Water Mist Extinguisher. Developed in partnership with Britannia Fire, the Water Mist is the latest addition to the innovative P50 Service-Free Extinguisher range. The P50 Water Mist Extinguisher uses forward-thinking fire extinguisher technology to combine all the benefits of P50 Service-Free Extinguishers with the highly versatile and eco-friendly media of Water Mist.
Introducing the new P50 Water Mist Service-Free Extinguisher
A highly versatile and eco-friendly extinguisher
Fine droplets of de-ionised water are dispensed through a special nozzle creating a fine mist curtain that is highly effective on a wide range of fires. Water Mist can be used on class A, B and C fires as well as fires involving live electrical items of up to 1000v (at a distance of 1m). Its versatility makes it ideal for use in many circumstances including offices, warehouses, schools, hospitals, farms and entertainment venues.
As Water Mist contains only de-ionised water, it is non-toxic and kind to people, animals and the environment. Unlike foam, powder or water extinguishers, Water Mist leaves no messy residue to clean up. This make making it an ideal choice for indoor or outdoor use.
All the benefits of a service-free extinguisher
P50 Service-Free Extinguishers offer a variety of benefits including the potential to save you a substantial amount on your fire extinguisher costs. Their unique construction makes them incredibly lightweight yet strong and durable. Because of these distinctive attributes, they do not require annual servicing from a qualified engineer. Instead, a simple visual inspection can be completed annually by a member of your team. Safelincs will provide free training for this.
Unlike traditional fire extinguishers, P50 Service-Free Extinguishers do not need to be re-filled until they are 10 years old. They can then be refurbished for another 10 years of use, giving a total of 20 years of service. As they are not made from steel, P50 extinguishers will not corrode. They can be left outside without any further protection from the elements. Their super-strong construction makes them long-lasting, highly durable and impact-resistant.
Switch to P50 Water Mist Extinguishers and save
With no annual servicing fee and a long life-span, many organisations enjoy large cost savings as a result of switching to P50 Service-Free Extinguishers. Due to the versatility of the P50 Water Mist Extinguisher, it may also be possible to reduce the number of extinguishers needed on your site, saving further cost.
P50 Water Mist Service-Free Extinguishers are exclusive to Safelincs. We offer a complete installation package free of charge which includes a site survey, delivery, installation, commissioning, certification and staff training.
Whilst the above regulations set out a minimum smoke alarm requirement, it also recommends that in larger or more complex properties additional smoke alarms should be considered in order to fully protect tenants. Any alarms additional to the new regulations are not required to be interlinked or mains-powered.
With 60% of fires in the home beginning in the kitchen, a heat alarm is recommended. Heat alarms can be installed in the kitchen and will not be triggered by cooking fumes or steam, meaning less false alarms.
Consider installing additional smoke and heat alarms in larger properties
What is the deadline for complying with the new Welsh regulations?
For smoke alarms, where there is already a tenancy in place on 15th July 2022, landlords will have until 15th July 2023 to comply with the new smoke alarm regulations. If a new tenancy starts after the 15th July 2022 deadline, smoke alarms must meet the new requirements at the start of the tenancy. The regulations for providing a CO alarm in each room with a fuel burning appliance is applicable in all rental homes regardless of tenancy agreements from 15th July 2022. More clarification can be sought in this in-depth smoke alarm guide from the Landlords Guild.
Which alarms do I need for my rental property in Wales?
Landlords need to provide mains-powered smoke alarms that are interlinking on each level of the rental home. Carbon monoxide alarms should also be provided. See above for full guidance on the new regulations. View our range of alarms suitable for the new Welsh regulations.
Who is responsible for the alarms once they are installed?
Under the new smoke alarms regulations in Wales, landlords are responsible for maintaining and replacing smoke alarms when necessary. It is important to note the date of alarm installation and when the alarm will require replacing. Smoke alarm sensors usually have a lifespan of 10 years (always check the manufacturer’s instructions), after which they become less effective. Landlords are not responsible for testing the smoke alarms.
Do hard-wired smoke alarms need to be installed by an electrician?
Yes. Hard-wired smoke alarms need to be installed by an electrician.
What is the penalty for not complying with the new smoke alarm rules?
The regulations have been updated to protect the safety of tenants. Radio-interlinked alarms alert residents sooner, allowing more time to escape in an emergency. Mains-powered alarms give more certainty to tenants and landlords than battery powered alarms. Under the new Fitness of Homes for Human Habitation legislation, any property that is not fitted with compliant smoke and carbon monoxide alarms will be deemed as not fit for human habitation. Until this is resolved, the tenant would not be required to pay rent.
With electric and gas prices rising, making your home as energy efficient as possible should be a priority for anyone looking to save money on their energy bills. According to Which? draught-proofing is one of the top 10 ways to reduce energy bills. DraughtEx and Gapseal draught excluders are an easy and cost-effective way to insulate your home and could cut your heating bills significantly.
Save money on your energy bills by draught-proofing your home
Make your home more energy efficient
Stop heat escaping through gaps and cracks to make your home more energy efficient. By reducing heat loss, less energy will be required to heat your home. The EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of your home which takes into account the energy performance of windows and floors, can be improved by draught-proofing. Not only does a high EPC rating make for a more comfortable living environment, it may also help prospective buyers when selling your home. Landlords in England and Wales are required by law to get an EPC rating of band E or above when letting out properties. Draught-proofing is an easy solution to improving the energy efficiency and EPC rating whilst also reducing your carbon footprint.
Use DraughtEx to plug draughty floorboard gaps
Save money on your energy bills
Draught-proofing can significantly lower your energy bills as less heating is required to maintain your home at a comfortable temperature. The Energy Saving Trust predicts that insulating the floorboards on the ground floor of a gas-heated home could save as much as £85 per year. DraughtEx Floorboard Gap Filler is ideal for this purpose. In older houses with sash windows, Gapseal Sash Window Filler can also help to reduce heat loss around windows.
Use Gapseal to reduce heat loss around sash windows
Easy, no-mess draught excluders
Both DraughtEx and Gapseal offer an easy, cost-effective solution to cold draughts. With no gluing required, both products are supplied with a free applicator tool to push the flexible tube into the gap, plugging the draught. The flexible nature of DraughtEx and Gapseal means that over time, the filler will not crack or age, giving long lasting draught protection.
Why not order a sample pack of DraughtEx or Gapseal and see the difference it could make to your home and energy bills?
Construction sites can be hazardous places and the health and safety of workers and contractors must be a priority. Installing temporary fire doors during the construction phase should be considered in the fire safety plan prior to construction. According to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the principal designers should consider compartmentation and escape routes as part of their health and safety planning. This is particularly important in high rise buildings where the escape route could be cut off in the event of a fire.
Fire doors – part of a compartmentation system
If a fire breaks out, fire doors, walls, ceilings and floors can be designed to form a passive fire protection system. This system will contain a fire in one area of the building. It will prevent it from spreading and causing further damage or endangering lives. Construction site fire doors are a critical part of this system and can protect escape routes, allowing contractors to exit the building safely in the case of a fire.
Temporary fire rated doors
Temporary fire protection during construction does not need to look good! It needs to serve a purpose. Therefore a fire door that has no primer or final finish is ideal as a solution during the construction phase. An FD30 fire rated door usually provides sufficient protection. However, a higher rating may be required depending on the type of fire risks and building specifications. Fire doors, whether temporary or not, should be fitted with a self-closing device.
Build a temporary site fire door to your specifications and measurements using our fire door configurator. Choose a basic, unprimed finish, add door closers, intumescent fire and smoke seals and frames if required.
In the 20th Anniversary year, Safelincs Fire & Safety continues to expand and recruit. Rapid growth and a passion for innovation have led to a recruitment drive to find the right people to add value to our fantastic team.
The Safelincs HQ
20 years of growth and expansion
Safelincs has grown and expanded year on year, moving into a 5-acre site in central Alford, Lincolnshire in 2018. Now, with 78,000 sq. ft. of office and warehouse space, our dedicated workforce of over 70 staff work hard to fulfil the fire and safety needs of our customers, offering innovative products and solutions.
Some of the Safelincs team
With 3-year sales growth of 49%, Safelincs has seen rapid growth and has expanded to trade internationally as well as in the UK. As the UK’s largest online fire and safety retailer, our 6000+ products can provide solutions to customers from many business sectors as well as protecting homes and occupants.
Safelincs 20th Anniversary celebrations
Staff enjoyed good food and entertainment
Recruiting for the future
With great customer care at the forefront of our company policy, the need to expand the customer service team to maintain our high standards is of primary importance. After winning East Lindsey District Council’s Excellence in Customer Service Award in 2019, our customer service team has gone from strength to strength. Our 5-star Trustpilot and Google reviews are a testament to their dedication.
Other teams across the business continue to grow to allow for innovation, product development, and expansion of our range across all sectors. The busy Products department is continually working with suppliers to ensure that our range is forward-thinking and at the forefront of the fire safety industry. Testing and quality-checking products is also an important part of the process so that our customers always receive excellent value for money.
Web development team using the live video link
Forward-thinking
To stay ahead of developments, we invest a lot into technical solutions. We have a dedicated web development team of four staff members split between our Alford HQ and our Hull office. They manage our websites and other bespoke in-house systems and software. In total, we have developed over 56 websites, as well as innovative software solutions, such as our fire door configurator, which enables our customers to order and get instant pricing on bespoke fire doors with a range of finishes and glazing options. To stay in close communication with each other we have a live video link between the two offices. This allows the team to communicate as if they were working in one space.
Hit the road with our Business Development Team, Engineers and Installers who travel across the UK meeting customers. They advise on fire safety and complete installations of all kinds of fire safety equipment from extinguishers to evacuation chairs. Our Business Development Team can also be found representing Safelincs at exhibitions and showcasing Safelincs’ products and services.
Fire Extinguisher Installation at a Holiday Park
The Safelincs stand at the Fire Safety Event in 2021
It’s all hands on deck in our warehouse with staff working hard to process stock arriving from suppliers. Orders get safely packed and delivered on time to our customers. To update and improve our warehouse spaces we have just completed a roof replacement. Now lots of natural light flows into the main warehouse.
A packing bay in the warehouse
Ongoing innovation in fire safety
Not-for-profit and charitable work also continues to play a big part in our business. Most recently, our technical team have been busy building an ambitious fire prevention tool (Online Home Fire Safety Check) in partnership with the National Fire Chiefs Council for use by Fire Rescue Services. This is currently being rolled out across England and is a great example of our innovation in the industry. This tool will be used by the fire service to offer advice on fire prevention within the home.
Online Home Fire Safety Check workshop
Online Home Fire Safety Check tool
Jobs at Safelincs
We are currently looking for new members of staff to help Safelincs grow and develop further. Do you think you could add value to our team? If you would like to be a part of our journey, view jobs at Safelincs to apply for one of our vacancies. Or send your CV to jobs@safelincs.co.uk
With the British winter and its variable weather conditions, it is important to make sure your fire safety equipment is protected from the elements. Fire extinguishers can be stored outside but only if they are well protected. British standards on fire safety state that fire extinguishers should be properly maintained and protected from vandalism, damage and weather conditions. A fire extinguisher is only useful if it is maintained and ready when a fire breaks out.
Steel fire extinguishers should be protected from adverse weather conditions when stored outside
Can fire extinguishers be stored outside?
Yes, fire extinguishers can be stored outside. However, it is important to protect your outdoor extinguishers so that they are always ready to be used in an emergency. Legislation states that all fire safety equipment that could be damaged by rain and frost should be suitably protected.
Fire extinguishers should always be easily accessible. In many locations such as holiday parks, petrol stations, farms or depots it is therefore necessary to store extinguishers outside. Fire points should be set up in an accessible location and should be clearly marked with fire safety signage.
What is the best outdoor fire extinguisher storage solution?
To find the best outdoor storage solution to protect your fire extinguishers you will need to look at the location for the extinguishers and also the level of protection required against:
Weather
Theft, misuse or vandalism
Accidental damage
Protection against the weather: Weatherproof extinguisher cabinets and boxes feature waterproof seals, making them completely water tight. UV resistant cabinets remain strong and durable when exposed to sunlight for long periods, maintaining optimum protection for the extinguishers stored inside.
Protection against theft, misuse or vandalism: Fire extinguisher theft deterrents include alarms that sound when the fire extinguisher pin is pulled and alarmed wall brackets that sound when the extinguisher is removed. Extinguisher cabinets or boxes with built-in alarms are also available. The alarm sounds when the cabinet is opened. Some of these devices, such as the Wireless Fire Extinguisher Theft Stopper, can be monitored remotely so that an alert is received when the alarm is activated.
Lockable outdoor storage cabinets provide added protection. The key is stored on the front of the cabinet and can only be accessed by breaking the glass.
Protection against accidental damage: Many fire extinguisher cabinets, like the UltraFire Double Extinguisher Cabinet are made from impact resistant polypropylene. This makes them highly durable. This type of shatter-proof cabinet is ideal for environments like construction sites or an HGV exterior where accidental damage is more likely.
The shatter-proof UltraFire Single Extinguisher Cabinet is ideal for HGVs
What is the best outdoor fire extinguisher?
Weatherproof extinguishers
The best type of fire extinguishers for your site will be determined by your fire risk assessment and will depend upon the type of activities and fire risks found on or near your site. Here are some options that are suitable for outside locations:
If you are looking for an extinguisher that can withstand harsh weather conditions the P50 Service-free Extinguishers are a great option. They are highly durable and completely weatherproof with a UV resistant outer shell and corrosion free construction. These extinguishers can be stored in the harshest outside environment without additional protection from the elements. Foam P50s can be purchased with added anti-freeze for extra protection down to -5⁰. Always check the lowest operating temperature of your fire extinguisher to ensure that your extinguisher will be at the ready even when temperatures go below 0⁰ degrees.
The P50 Foam Extinguisher is UV protected and weatherproof, ideal for outdoor use
Traditional steel extinguishers
Traditional steel fire extinguishers need to be protected from the weather otherwise they will be at risk of corrosion. A weatherproof fire extinguisher cabinet is ideal for this purpose. Tested to IP59K, the outdoor extinguisher cabinets from UltraFire will protect fire extinguishers from dust, UV rays and rain. They even protect extinguishers from high-pressure water jets. This makes these cabinets ideal for fixing to the outside of vehicles.
When protected from the risk of corrosion, ABC powder extinguishers can be used in temperatures down to -20⁰C. Powder extinguishers are also best suited to outdoor use and are versatile in tackling a variety of fire risks. Water extinguishers are at risk of freezing in really harsh conditions. It is recommended that anti-freeze is added to water extinguishers that are stored outside without insulation. If this is something that you require, please speak to our servicing team on 0800 612 4827 or email servicing@safelincs.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should fire extinguishers be stored at?
Foam and Water extinguishers are at risk of freezing or spoiling if the temperature drops below 0⁰C. For safe outdoor storage, these extinguishers should have anti-freeze added to ensure that they are ready for action in an emergency. ABC Powder extinguishers can operate normally to a temperature of -20⁰C.
Can you leave a fire extinguisher outside?
Traditional steel fire extinguishers can be left outside if they are in a weatherproof cabinet or box. P50 Service-Free Fire Extinguishers can be left outside without extra protection from the weather. This is because they are completely weatherproof and do not corrode. In addition, vandalism and theft should also be taken into consideration. A fire equipment storage box or cabinet with an alarm can protect extinguishers from misuse or damage.
Off to university and renting student halls or a shared home? Did you know that someone living in rented or shared accommodation is 7 times more likely to have a fire? If this is your first time living in rented accommodation, read our top 5 fire safety tips for students to keep yourself and your housemates safe.
Over half of all accidental house fires happen in the kitchen
Our Top 5 Fire Safety Tips for Students
Read our guide on what to look out for when renting a home so you can be sure that your landlord or housing provider is doing their bit to protect you in the event of a fire.
Test your smoke alarms regularly and replace the batteries straight away if there is a low battery warning. If your smoke alarm is beeping and you can’t solve the problem, notify your landlord.
Take care when cooking! Over half of all accidental fires at home happen in the kitchen. Keep loose clothing, tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob. Make sure your oven and hob are cleaned regularly to avoid grease and oil building up and always check you have turned off appliances after using them. If you are frying food, take care not to let oil get too hot – if the oil starts to smoke, turn the heat down as it could burst into flames. Always keep an eye on your cooking – don’t be distracted by devices or by others. Set a timer so that you don’t forget to check the food regularly. It’s best to avoid cooking if you have been drinking alcohol as it is more likely that you will have an accident.
Avoid burning candles or incense inside the house as they are at risk of starting a fire if knocked over or could set fire to a curtain or other fabric nearby. To make your new room cosy use battery operated candles and reed defuses as a safer alternative. Smoking inside the house could also start a fire accidentally.
Electrical devices, cables and plug sockets can cause a fire! If your charging cable is cracked, severely twisted or has exposed wires, don’t use it, it could cause a fire. Buy a replacement from a well-known manufacturer. Don’t charge your phone or laptop on your bed or any other surface that could catch fire, instead opt for a work surface or table. Turn off electrical chargers, devices or appliances before bed or when leaving the house. Mobile phones that are charged on beds and under pillows get easily overheated and can start a fire. Did you know, sockets and plug boards have a limit on how many items can be plugged into them? Plugging too many plugs into a socket or extension cable could overload it and cause a fire. You can use this socket calculator to check whether your extension leads and adaptors are overloaded.
If you are worried about fire safety in your home, why not take our online home fire safety check? Answer questions about your student accommodation and you’ll be provided with advice about the best way to prevent a fire.
What are the new regulations for smoke and CO alarms in social housing?
Smoke alarms have been mandatory in private rented accommodation since 2015, but rules for social housing have remained less clear. Now, under new regulations announced this week, social housing providers will have to adhere to the following rules:
Any rented home including social housing must have a carbon monoxide detector fitted if the property has a fixed appliance like a gas boiler or gas fire
If a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm is reported as faulty, landlords or housing providers must fix or replace it as soon as possible
Further details will follow on where the alarms should be fitted and any relevant alarm standards that must be adhered to.
Any rented home with a gas boiler will have to have a carbon monoxide alarm installed
Greater consistency for safety in the rental sector
Around 60 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning in England and Wales and many more from house fires. It is hoped these regulations will help to drive-up standards in social housing. Eddie Hughes, MP for Rough Sleeping and Housing said ‘I’m proud that the new rules being proposed will ensure even more homes are fitted with life-saving alarms. Whether you own your home, are privately renting or in social housing – everyone deserves to feel safe and this is an incredibly important step in protecting those at risk.’
Carbon monoxide alarms will be mandatory in social housing with a fixed appliance
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) welcomes these changes and believes many people will be safer in their homes as a result. Jim Bywater, NFCC said ‘The new regulations will contribute to reducing fire and carbon monoxide casualties and fatalities and bring consistency and greater protection to those living in both private and social rented homes.’
The news comes during Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week and has been celebrated by the All-Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group (APPCOG). After conducting research studies into CO poisoning and poverty in the UK, they have been campaigning for change for a number of years. Safelincs attended the launch event for the APPCOG CO Awareness Week and are proud to support this event each year. Safelincs have also been working with the NFCC to create a free assessment tool to improve fire safety in homes across the UK.
Are you concerned about fire safety at home?
If you are worried about fire safety in your home or someone else’s home, why not complete our Online Home Fire Safety Check? Get tips and advice on how to reduce fire risks.
Not only will the P50 Service-Free Fire Extinguisher save you money, it is also an eco-friendly choice. With a low-carbon manufacturing process, long-lasting design and fully recyclable construction, P50 Fire Extinguishers are a great option if you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint. Carbon emissions are reduced even further as there are no engineer visits required to your site.
Eco-friendly manufacturing
P50 Fire Extinguishers are energy efficient to manufacture. Unlike traditional fire extinguishers that are made of steel, P50s are made from granules of plastic. These are formed into a cylinder shape using blow moulding. This is a low-energy, clean and eco-friendly manufacturing process. It produces zero wastage as any off-cuts of plastic are turned back into granules and re-used.
P50 eco-friendly extinguishers are made in the UK at Britannia Fire’s factory in Norfolk. By buying a fire extinguisher that is manufactured in the UK, you are reducing the number of miles the product has travelled to reach your premises. This in turn, reduces your carbon footprint and contributes to lowering your environmental impact.
P50 Extinguishers can contribute to your green initiatives
Long-lasting design vs traditional steel extinguishers
The construction of P50 Fire Extinguishers is unlike anything else on the market. Because of the materials used and the quality of assembly, the fire-fighting media in P50 extinguishers last 10 years without requiring a refill. This compares favourably to the usual 5 years for a traditional steel extinguisher. Not only do they last twice as long, P50 extinguishers can also be refilled by the manufacturer after 10 years for an extra 10 years of service. Meaning that one unit can last for 20 years! The unit is then recyclable at the end of its useable life.
P50 extinguishers do not suffer corrosion like many traditional extinguishers and are UV treated to withstand the long-term effects of exposure to sunlight. This makes them completely weather resistant and durable, allowing them to be used for a longer period and in harsh conditions. The P50 Extinguishers are also made with marine-grade components. They have extinguishing ingredients that are kinder to watercourses and marine wildlife.
No annual servicing miles by an external contractor
The use of P50 extinguishers further reduces carbon emissions as there is no need for a servicing contractor to travel to you site each year to service the P50s. Each unit simply requires a quick visual check by a member of staff annually. This is fully compliant with fire safety legislation in the UK and is due to the unique construction of the units.
Reduce the number of fire extinguishers
P50 Water Mist Fire Extinguishers are very versatile covering all common fire risks and are dielectrically tested, meaning that they can be used on live electrical equipment up to 1kV from a 1m distance. It is usual to find a combination of CO2 and water or CO2 and foam extinguishers in many settings. Traditionally, CO2 extinguishers have been used to tackle electrical fires. Foam or water are used for class A (Solid combustibles like wood and paper) or class B (flammable liquids). The P50 Water Mist Extinguisher can be used to tackle all of these types of fire, making it an ideal substitute for the CO2 and water/foam combination.
One P50 Water Mist Extinguisher can often replace a water and CO2 extinguisher combination
Reducing the number of extinguishers at your premises not only reduces cost. It is also a more environmentally friendly way of operating. The environmental benefits of the P50 extinguishers are industry-leading. They can contribute towards wider business goals such as carbon footprint reduction and environmental policy. Coupled with the huge cost saving benefits, businesses and organisations do not have to choose between eco-friendly vs cost. In the case of the P50, you can have the best of both worlds.
