Safelincs prides itself on holding the BAFE accreditation for the maintenance of portable fire extinguishers, providing a visible way for our customers to recognise the professional competence of our nationwide team of BAFE-registered fire extinguisher servicing engineers. Here we look at some FAQs about the BAFE certification.
What is BAFE certification?
BAFE certification is awarded to companies by an independent third-party certificated registration body for fire safety organisations across the UK.
The BAFE accreditation logo enables customers to identify the professional competence of the company they have commissioned. This provides peace of mind that all service work undertaken by companies like Safelincs is done to the same standard anywhere in the country.
Why is BAFE important?
BAFE provides the ability to assess and certify companies against fire safety quality standards and industry best practice. Independent evidence is gathered to support any certification process ensuring compliance and competency by fire safety providers.
Why should I use a BAFE-registered organisation?
Choosing fire protection from a BAFE-certified company ensures that the services and products conform to recognised standards. This provides peace of mind about quality and compliance.
Safelincs offer a range of extinguishers, installation, maintenance, and commissioning of fire extinguishers without tying companies into a long-term service agreement. To discuss your extinguisher maintenance needs, contact Safelincs on 0800 612 4827 or visit www.safelincs.co.uk
Angie Dewick-Eisele is co-founder of Safelincs Ltd, one of the leading fire safety providers in the UK. Angie was Marketing Manager for many years and as Director is these days responsible for Content Management.
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are used in many devices now found in our homes and workplaces. Laptops, mobile phones, cameras, e-scooters, power tools and electric cars are all powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Whilst the chances of a lithium-ion battery fire are relatively low, the prevalence of these batteries and the ferocity with which they burn presents a new fire risk that is difficult to tackle with traditional methods. So, can you extinguish lithium-ion battery fires if they occur? We look at what fire safety technology is available to tackle them.
Lithium-ion batteries in mobile phones are a fire risk
Lithium-ion Fire Extinguisher
There are 2 types of fire extinguisher to tackle lithium-ion battery fires that occur in items such as mobile phones, laptops and power tools.
The Lithco LB6 Fire Extinguisher is a water-based extinguisher with an additive called ‘P Foam’. The agent in these extinguishers is specially designed to penetrate through the outer casing of electrical devices to the source of the fire (the battery). The Lithco LB6 has been rigorously tested and is proven to be very effective when fighting li-ion battery fires. The Lithco LB6 is suitable for use on live electrical equipment (up to 1000v). It also effectively extinguishes class A fires making it a versatile unit.
The other type of lithium-ion fire extinguisher uses an Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion (AVD) agent to surround and cut off the burning battery cells.
Designed specifically for use on rechargeable lithium-ion battery fires, the LB6 fire extinguisher satisfies modern fire risks in a cost-effective, multi-purpose solution.
Designed for UPS systems, laptops, power tools, and bulk device chargers
Heat dispersing, low-viscosity agent to penetrate battery casings
Rigid applicator lance for enhanced control and user safety
Due to the intense nature of electric car fires and the toxic fumes emitted, they are notoriously difficult to tackle. The Electric Car Fire Blanket from Bridgehill is designed to contain the fire to prevent flames and flying materials from spreading to nearby vehicles and buildings. As well as containing the fire, the fire blanket stops oxygen from getting to the fire, therefore controlling it further. Designed for use by the fire service or in parking lots, at charging stations or on car ferries, we recommend this car fire blanket is used by trained personnel only.
The Electric Car Fire Blanket should only be used by trained personnel
Lithium-ion Battery Safe
The Phoenix Battery Commander range provides safe storage and a protected charging point for li-ion batteries and devices. Heat activated seals contain any fire within the safe and also protect the safe contents from an external fire. For further protection, an optional fire extinguisher, smoke detector or alarm can be fitted.
Extinguishing Lithium-ion Battery Fires
The lithium-ion extinguishers and containment featured in this blog provide some solutions to this modern fire risk. Great care must always be taken when tackling lithium-ion battery fires as lithium-ion burns quickly and intensely and emits toxic fumes. If in any doubt, always contact the fire service as soon as possible to deal with the blaze and evacuate the area.
FAQs
What can lithium-ion extinguishers be used for?
Lithium-ion extinguishers can be used to tackle fires in any item that is powered by a lithium-ion battery. This includes rechargeable devices such as mobile phones and laptops, power tools or electric bikes or e-scooters amongst others. Lithium-ion fire extinguishers are not suitable for use on electric cars. This is because of the large quantity of extinguishing agent that would be required to tackle such large fires. Instead, an electric car fire blanket could be used to control and contain the fire.
What fire extinguisher should be used for lithium-ion batteries?
There are two types of fire extinguisher that have been specifically developed for putting out lithium-ion battery fires. The Lithco LB6 Fire Extinguisher will effectively extinguish a lithium-ion battery fire in handheld devices, laptops and power tools plus other lithium-ion battery powered items. A car fire blanket will contain and control a lithium-ion battery fire in an electric or hybrid vehicle.
Safelincs has created a free online fire safety log book to help organisations to meet their legal obligations. Businesses and organisations must maintain fire safety log books to record regular equipment tests and findings to demonstrate compliance with the law, for example, traditional steel fire extinguishers have to be visually inspected monthly, serviced yearly and refilled after five years (except, of course, the service-free P50 fire extinguishers). Fire alarms, emergency lights, and other fire safety equipment must also be tested and serviced. Most inspections will be on different dates, so keeping track of your compliance can be a real challenge. If your company is spread over multiple sites, the challenge becomes even more daunting. Multiple members of staff will be involved in the compliance checking and will need to report their data to a central person.
The free online multi-user fire log book allows the recording of maintenance across multiple sites and also provides a reminder system for all people involved, sending automatic reminders until the safety check has been completed. The system gives the Responsible Person in an organisation a clear insight into the overall fire safety recording status. The fire safety log book holds all the data for you, you can print a copy at any time.
Other types of log books are available such as this fire log book template, but this type does not send automatic reminders to ensure that all fire safety checks are completed on time. Make fire safety compliance easy for your organisation and activate your free online fire safety log book.
Angie Dewick-Eisele is co-founder of Safelincs Ltd, one of the leading fire safety providers in the UK. Angie was Marketing Manager for many years and as Director is these days responsible for Content Management.
Follow our fire safety top tips for Chinese New Year: candles and fireworks are often used to celebrate Chinese New Year, as well as lanterns with naked flames. There is, therefore, an element of fire risk in these festivities – stocking up on fire safety products such as burns kits, fire blankets and extinguishers should be part of any event preparation.
Two children celebrating Chinese New Year
In 2024, The Chinese New Year will begin on February 10th and will be the year of the Dragon. This sixteen day long traditional Chinese holiday is recognised worldwide by many people across Asia, and increasingly in the Western world, along with festivals and celebrations to mark the Lunar New Year.
Following our top tips for celebrating will ensure that everyone can enjoy this tradition safely.
Fire Safety Top Tips for Chinese New Year
Whether organising a large event with fireworks and flames, or a small home gathering with sparklers and candles, Chinese New Year celebrations come with a fire risk. We have put together top tips for fire safety to help you make your event a safe and happy occasion.
1. Before your event you will need to carry out a fire risk assessment. This free assessment form will help you identify your fire risks and document your actions to reduce these risks. As the organiser of a public event, you have a legal duty to complete a fire risk assessment.
Events marking Chinese New Year should have a suitable site stand
2. Consider how you will raise the alarm in the event of a fire. If you celebrate at home, do you have heat and smoke alarms fitted? When planning a public event, consider using site alarms or a rotary bell and having site stands with all your fire safety and first aid equipment at strategic places.
3. Prepare for any activities involving flames with adequate supplies of fire safety equipment. We recommend having fire blankets, water mist fire extinguishers, and a burns kit on hand for any eventuality. Our water mist fire extinguishers are non-toxic. This makes them particularly suitable for events with large numbers of spectators, or where children and animals may be present. Water mist extinguishers are environmentally friendly and leave no residue when discharged.
4. Even for an outdoor event like Chinese New Year, pathways should be kept clear of debris to ensure that people can move to a place of safety in a fire. Where crowds are expected, fire assembly points and exit routes should be clearly signposted.
Happy Chinese New Year!
Safelincs would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone celebrating the Chinese New Year good health and happiness.
Have a Burn Kit on Hand at any Chinese New Year Celebration
In 2022, Safelincs were delighted to receive the prestigious SME Employer of the Year award. We topped tough competition to win this important national accolade, and are proud of the team that made it possible.
Safelincs Win SME Employer of the Year
What are the SME National Business Awards?
The SME National Business Awards recognises outstanding achievement by small and medium-sized enterprises across the country. The EU defines SMEs as organisations with fewer than 250 employees, and a turnover of less than €50 million.
Employer of the year 2022
Safelincs topped 18 other finalists to win Employer of the Year. This award came at an exciting time for Safelincs, as our continued growth leads to further expansion of the workforce. As a major employer in the local area, Safelincs are pleased to be able to offer exciting opportunities to both Lincolnshire-based and national candidates looking to join their fantastic team.
SME National Business Awards
Introducing Safelincs
Based in Alford, Lincolnshire, Safelincs is a forward-thinking fire safety provider with a dedicated team of more than 80 staff. Offering over 6000 products and services nationwide, we are proud to support our staff to deliver excellent customer service and advice, and high-quality fire and safety products.
Safelincs’ Employment Ethos
We believe that having confident and supported staff is key to customer satisfaction, business development, and productivity. This ethos starts with our induction programme, through to building long-term working relationships with the wider team. As MD, Harry Dewick-Eisele has said, ‘our staff are at the heart of our organisation and are a true credit to the success that the business has been able to achieve. We have grown 30% year on year for the last 4 years’
Safelincs are proud to celebrate high levels of staff retention. This reduces recruitment costs and allows us to invest in our current staff through training. ‘We want to ensure that all of our staff are empowered to excel in what they do’, says HR Manager, Angie Dewick-Eisele, ‘this could mean supporting them to further develop their skills through training and offering career paths and progression opportunities. Or, offering pastoral support through our Wellbeing Team and social activities.’ Safelincs empower staff to highlight courses and training topics that they feel will underpin their roles throughout their employment, to ensure that every member of the Safelincs team can improve and progress.
As a growing business, we are often recruiting for talent across a diverse range of roles: from admin and marketing, to servicing and warehouse operation. If you’re looking for your next challenge, and want to be a part of Safelincs’ mission, visit our Jobs Page.
The new longlife radio-interlinked smoke alarms from UltraFire are a great option for any home. They are the only radio-interlinked smoke and heat alarms available in the UK that have a 10-year warranty for complete peace of mind.
UltraFire Longlife Radio-interlinked Smoke & Heat Alarms have a 10 year warranty
Longlife and long warranty
UltraFire longlife radio-interlinked alarms are fitted with a 10-year sealed battery. This battery lasts for the lifetime of the alarm so will never need to be changed and cannot be tampered with. The base of the alarm and the alarm itself are covered by a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty for the lifetime of the alarm. This gives you complete peace of mind.
Radio-interlinked alarms give you the best chance of escape
Radio-interlinked alarms are recognised by the fire service as giving the best chance of escape. Fitting multiple alarms around your home and linking them together means that if one alarm detects a fire, all the alarms will sound. This means that where ever you are in your home, you will be alerted if a fire is detected. This early warning gives everyone in your household a better chance of escape.
Fire detection throughout your home
Wirelessly link up to 15 of these UltraFire radio-interlinked smoke and heat alarms in one system. This will quickly alert the whole house if a fire is detected. Fit the UltraFire heat alarm in the kitchen and garage, and smoke alarms in any rooms where a fire could start. As a minimum, alarms should be fitted in the main living area, kitchen and all hallways and landings.
With energy prices soaring and lots of businesses still feeling the effects of the Covid pandemic, many businesses and organisations are understandably looking for ways to reduce costs. When it comes to fire safety, cost saving should never compromise the level of protection in your organisation. Read our top money saving tips for businesses so you can cut costs without cutting corners.
1.Switch to P50 Service-Free Fire Extinguishers
No annual service from a trained technician – Due to their unique construction, P50 Service-Free Fire Extinguishers can reduce your fire extinguisher costs substantially. Unlike traditional steel extinguishers that require annual servicing from a trained technician each year, P50 Service-Free Extinguishers only require a simple visual inspection. A member of your team can carry out this inspection and will receive free training from Safelincs at the point of installation. This eliminates your annual extinguisher servicing costs.
Longer lasting and highly durable – P50 Service-Free Extinguishers have a 10 year warranty and a lifespan that is twice as long as steel extinguishers. They can last for 20 years if they are refilled by the manufacturer after 10 years. P50 Extinguishers will not corrode – even if left outside for 20 years! This is due to the materials used in their construction.
Reduce the number of extinguishers required – Due to its superior fire rating and versatility, the P50 Foam Service-Free Extinguisher can often replace a common extinguisher combination of 9ltr Water and 2kg CO2. Making this switch actually gives you better coverage for class A and B fires and can also be used to effectively tackle electrical fires. Having one P50 Foam Extinguisher rather than the traditional combination of water and CO2 extinguishers also removes confusion about which unit to choose in the event of a fire. Having less units to install and maintain will significantly reduce fire extinguisher costs.
Free site survey, delivery and installation service – If you decide to switch to P50 Service-free Extinguishers, Safelincs will carry out a site survey at your premises, deliver and install the extinguishers free of charge. Our professional technicians will also commission the P50 extinguishers and supply and fit wall brackets with no extra charge. Your staff will receive training on how to complete the annual visual inspection and the engineer will complete and supply all relevant certification. Our team will even remove and recycle your old steel extinguishers!
Switch to P50 Service-Free Extinguishers and reduce fire extinguisher costs
2. Install LED emergency lighting
The purchase price of LED emergency lighting has come down a lot in recent years. It is now in many cases cheaper than the cost of the traditional fluorescent bulb equivalent. Aside from the upfront cost saving, the accumulative saving with LED lighting is substantial. With the price of electricity at a record high and continuing to rise, cutting energy usage can make a big difference to business expenses year on year. LED emergency lights such as the Eden LED Emergency Lighting Bulkhead (Maintained) are far more energy efficient. They use only 5W of power compared to the 21W used by a standard fluorescent bulb. View our LED Emergency Lighting cost for comparison article for further analysis of the amount that can be saved.
3. Carry out regular maintenance checks
Keeping your fire safety equipment maintained in good working order is a legal requirement. This could also save you money in the long run. Servicing fire safety equipment and making regular checks will uncover any issues early on that could be more costly to rectify later on.
Regularly check and service fire safety equipment to reduce long term costs
4. Choose versatile fire extinguishers
Install a broad-spectrum fire extinguisher such as a Water Mist Extinguisher and you could reduce the number of fire extinguishers you require. Suitable for class A, B and C type fires and tested for use on live electrical equipment, Water Mist extinguishers are ideal for tackling most common fires found in offices, warehouses, schools, churches and many other locations.
Choose versatile fire extinguishers to keep costs down
5. Take advantage of quantity discounts from a trusted supplier
Purchasing a higher quantity of equipment at one time means you can take advantage of quantity discounts. Safelincs offer a reduced unit price on many items when multiple units are purchased at the same time. It often also pays to use one trusted supplier for multiple services and equipment as this may help to reduce call out fees or delivery costs. Safelincs can provide a complete range of fire and safety services and equipment, and we would be happy to discuss your individual requirements.
If you would like to speak to our team about any of these money saving tips for businesses please call 0800 612 6537 or email info@safelincs.co.uk.
As September approaches, a new cohort of students prepares to move away from home for the first time and are thinking about what to pack for university. Surprisingly some universities are suggesting students pack a door wedge to prop fire doors open to increase sociability and mobility. However, this presents serious fire safety risks.
Don’t pack a door wedge!
Wedging fire doors open is dangerous. Students are already likely to prop open fire doors due to their impracticality. Encouraging a student to pack a door wedge increases this risk even further. Students find that fire doors can slam shut causing sleep disturbance, they limit socialisation, and can be inconvenient when moving in and out of the building. But, if fire doors are illegally propped open in university accommodation a fire could quickly spread, endangering lives.
Wedging fire doors open is dangerous
Why are fire doors important?
Fire doors provide a barrier to toxic smoke and flames for between 30 and 60 minutes, allowing time for students to safely evacuate the building and for fire services to arrive. Not only does this save lives, but it also protects the building from irreversible damage. However, the doors cannot function if they are incorrectly wedged open. Fire will rapidly spread if a fire door is wedged open and unable to close. Despite these risks, 64% of premises visited by the fire services were found to use inappropriate and illegal ways to hold fire doors open. 80% of students living in university accommodation admitted to frequently ignoring fire safety regulations whilst living in university accommodation, making them seven times more likely to have a fire. To reduce this risk students should be educated on the importance of fire doors and how to spot and prevent fire doors from being illegally propped open.
How can you safely hold fire doors open?
Fire doors can be legally held open with a fire door retainer. A fire door retainer, such as a Dorgard is a legal way to hold fire doors open. Dorgard ‘hears’ the fire alarm when it sounds and will automatically allow the fire door to close in the event of a fire. This allows students more freedom to socialise within university accommodation, whilst ensuring fire safety regulations are met.
Hold fire doors open safely with a Dorgard Fire Door Retainer
Students should ensure that only safe and legal methods are used to hold fire doors open in their accommodation and should report illegal practices. Why not ask the university if they have fire door retainers installed? If a door wedge is on your child’s university packing list, make sure that is one item you don’t send them off with.
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.
What is BAFE certification?
