http://www.means-of-escape.com/ The latest articles from Means of Escape Copyright: (C) Means of Escape.com 60 en-gb Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/558/perfomance-enhancement-for-new-wolflite-xt-range/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/558/perfomance-enhancement-for-new-wolflite-xt-range/ Wolf Safety Lamp Company's all-new ATEX approved Wolflite XT Handlamp, represents the most significant Safety Handlamp development for over 25 years. Eclipsing Wolf Safety's established market-leading Wolflite H-251 Handlamp, the Wolflite XT presents a quantum leap in battery, light and control technology encased in a modern compact and ergonomic design.The Wolflite XT incorporating the latest LED technology, delivers 200 Lumens output on full power, an increase of five times the light output from the previous Wolf H-251A Handlamp. With Spot and Flood beam options in the same unit, the Wolflite XT range offers a flexible solution for all portable lighting requirements. Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:08:49 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/557/prysmians-afumex-lsx-inspires-confidence/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/557/prysmians-afumex-lsx-inspires-confidence/ Patients in East London and Essex are benefiting from new state-of-the-art medical facilities at Spire Roding and Spire Hartswood hospitals thanks to the provision of new specialist MRI units at both sites, powered by Prysmian's Afumex LSX cable.The new MRI units provide spinal, neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiac and other MRI scanning procedures, playing a vital role in the diagnosis and monitoring of many different medical conditions. Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:03:54 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/556/new-signs-created-for-dda/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/556/new-signs-created-for-dda/ The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) calls for equality and stands for the rights of the disabled in the workplace. In 2004, the DDA set out a requirement for reasonable adjustments to be made to buildings to remove obstacles and provide easier access. Also mentioned are provisions of auxiliary aids, appropriate training and instructions. Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:55:06 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/555/fire-protection-of-rolling-stock-24th-25th-march-2010/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/555/fire-protection-of-rolling-stock-24th-25th-march-2010/ With constant changes being made to the technical and regulatory environments, fire safety management for rolling stock is an increasingly complex area. Further amendments to TSIs and CEN/TS 45545 still leave several elements of the regulatory framework on fire safety unclear such as the combination of materials and components. In the current transition period between national and European standards operators, rolling stock manufacturers and sub-suppliers are heavily working on solutions as to how to implement these requirements in their organisations. Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:47:56 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/554/kentec-protects-national-art-treasures/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/554/kentec-protects-national-art-treasures/ Founded in 1856, the National Portrait Gallery, London holds the most extensive collection of portraits in the world, from Holbein to Hockney and the collection includes work across all media, from painting and sculpture to photography and video.Such an important national landmark warrants a fire prevention system of the highest reliability, which is why Kentec Syncro fire control panels were specified for this historic building's fire detection system upgrade. Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:40:13 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/553/announcing-the-launch-of-robust-the-free-business-continuity-toolkit/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/553/announcing-the-launch-of-robust-the-free-business-continuity-toolkit/ RISCAuthority is pleased to announce the launch of ROBUST (Resilient Business Software Toolkit) to help the SME market produce effective Business Continuity Plans quickly and efficiently.The software is available in complete form entirely FREE together with all supporting documentation and a significant portion of relevant parts of the prestigious RISCAuthority library. Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:34:58 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/552/new-flexible-wireless-fire-safety-system-is-the-easy-solution/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/552/new-flexible-wireless-fire-safety-system-is-the-easy-solution/ At the heart of the latest version of Fireco's highly successful System X wireless fire safety system is a transmitter (TX) unit that's wired directly into the fire alarm panel fire and fault relay or loop. Hardwired System X unit uses Wi-Fi technology to communicate with all linked devices within a 1000m range (subject to a site survey) and constantly monitor the status of each linked device, including the battery life and signal strength. As the link between the transmitter and devices is completely wireless, installation is quick and easy. Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:25:39 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/551/residents-fight-back-at-fire-safety-bill/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/551/residents-fight-back-at-fire-safety-bill/ Issued with a £15,600 bill per household by their local council, the residents weren't happy!Southwark council have been making fire safety improvements to three of their tower block buildings after a fire broke out in a 14 storey block and killed six people. London fire and emergency planning authority issued 3 enforcement notices for not carrying out full fire risk assessments on any of the buildings. Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:19:41 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/550/to-shay-away-c-tecs-quantec-call-system-scores-at-new-stadium/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/550/to-shay-away-c-tecs-quantec-call-system-scores-at-new-stadium/ C-TEC's revolutionary Quantec addressable call system has been installed at Halifax's newly renovated Shay Stadium.In a project costing £4.5 million, the East Stand has been completely transformed to include 3,500 seats and a fabulous new banqueting suite overlooking the pitch. An impressive array of changing rooms, control rooms, offices, shops and classrooms has also been created beneath the stand. Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:16:03 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/549/about-viewing-distances/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/549/about-viewing-distances/ The increasing use of complex symbols on safety sign calls for a fresh look at the guidelines governing size, legibility and illumination.John Creak, technical committee chairman PSPA, outlines the information essential for correct sizing. Illumination and viewing distances of safety signs. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:13:04 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/548/apathy-ignorance-and-denial-asfp-president-spells-it-out/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/548/apathy-ignorance-and-denial-asfp-president-spells-it-out/ More than 100 guests attended the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) annual President's Lunch, at the Palace of Westminster in December, to hear ASFP President Brian Robinson spell out the current problems with regard to the control of fire protection in the UK. 'I have been questioning whether the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the CDM Regulations 2007 and Regulation 16B of the Buildings Act were working together to raise installation of appropriate fire protection measures' he commented. 'Have matters improved? Sadly, I think not'. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:00:29 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/547/toxic-smoke-warning-to-shropshrie-residents/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/547/toxic-smoke-warning-to-shropshrie-residents/ Get a smoke alarm and test it weekly - that is the stark advice from Shropshire firefighters to avoid dying from toxic smoke in a house fire.Just two to three breaths of toxic smoke and "you're unconscious," warned community fire safety officers at Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service just days after a Shropshire student was critically injured after suffering toxic smoke inhalation. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:53:52 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/546/fire-safety-is-your-business/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/546/fire-safety-is-your-business/ Three years after changes to fire safety law, London Fire Brigade is warning that many businesses still don't have enough understanding of how the law affects their business or premises, and could be risking financial ruin or even prosecution. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:46:32 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/545/nexans-launches-its-new-infit-technology-dedicated-to-fire-resistant-cables-insulation/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/545/nexans-launches-its-new-infit-technology-dedicated-to-fire-resistant-cables-insulation/ Paris, January 4th, 2010 ? Nexans, the worldwide leader in the cable industry, has further extended its mastering of advanced technology by launching the new INFIT technology dedicated to fire resistant cables. Fire-resistant cables ensure the integrity and continued operation of vital safety circuits during the critical evacuation and fire fighting periods required by the highest national and international standards. INFIT allows a high class fire resistance performance together with an improvement of the installation behaviour of the cables. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:27:26 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/544/fia-response-to-bbc-tower-block-fire-safety-debate/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/544/fia-response-to-bbc-tower-block-fire-safety-debate/ The programme, part of an investigative consumer series by presenter John Waite, focused on the absence of fire risk assessments in tower blocks in the wake of the Lakanal House fire in London in which six people died in July 2009. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:23:13 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/543/updated-code-brings-fire-door-best-practice-up-to-date/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/543/updated-code-brings-fire-door-best-practice-up-to-date/ A new, updated version of the Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors has been issued by the Door and Hardware Federation (DHF) and the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI). It has been updated and revised to include all the latest standards, Building Regs, Approved Documents and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:13:58 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/542/acclaim-for-c-tecs-latest-innovation-the-revolutionary-hush-button/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/542/acclaim-for-c-tecs-latest-innovation-the-revolutionary-hush-button/ C-TEC has scooped yet another award for innovation, this time for its revolutionary Hush Button, a product specifically designed to prevent false alarms in Houses of Multiple Occupation. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:09:53 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/541/keeping-the-emergency-services-safe/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/541/keeping-the-emergency-services-safe/ Whether involved in a road incident, civil disaster or terrorist attack, emergency services personnel are having to detect a wide range of hazardous chemical and biological agents - and protect both themselves and others against them. Draeger offers a host of gas detection, escape, chemical protection and breathing apparatus solutions to help in the task. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:04:23 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/540/latest-incidents-attended-by-london-fire-brigade/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/540/latest-incidents-attended-by-london-fire-brigade/ This month... Flat Fires, Pub Fire and a Church Hall Blaze; Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:29:39 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/539/itn-interviews-pfpf-about-fire-safety-concerns/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/539/itn-interviews-pfpf-about-fire-safety-concerns/ A spokesman for the Passive Fire Protection Federation (PFPF) told ITN the fire industry was 'extremely concerned' about fire safety and the competence of those assessing risks. Refurbishment by well-meaning Local Authority landlords, even if they employ apparently reputable tradesman, can pose a real fire risk according to Wilf Butcher, of the PFPF, who was interviewed on ITN's London Tonight on Thursday 3rd December at 6.15pm. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:18:21 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/538/fire-safety-and-first-aider-waistcoats/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/538/fire-safety-and-first-aider-waistcoats/ Ensure your Fire Wardens remain conspicuous! "The effective and efficient evacuation of premises in an emergency is the responsibility of nominated personnel, in conjunction with an emergency evacuation plan" Research into human behaviour, reaction times to alarms and post incident reports have always concluded that occupants react quicker when the evacuation is supported by authority figures who give good verbal instructions. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:09:33 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/537/resqcraft-aids-fire-and-rescue-teams-at-cockermouth/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/537/resqcraft-aids-fire-and-rescue-teams-at-cockermouth/ As the catastrophic floods in November 2009 have shown, we are entering a new climactic era. Some had hoped that the terrible 2004 floods were a one off. But this is clearly not the case. Five years later the UK has been hit again. Whether we like it or not, flooding caused by sudden rainstorms (let alone by rising sea levels) should now be firmly on all rescue services' radar. Careful planning is needed to assess the fastest and most effective ways of rescuing flood victims who are swimming for their lives, marooned in houses or stranded on isolated high ground. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:58:28 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/536/worlds-biggest-workplace-health-and-safety-campaign-goes-from-strength-to-strength/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/536/worlds-biggest-workplace-health-and-safety-campaign-goes-from-strength-to-strength/ What is now the world's biggest workplace health and safety campaign - the Healthy Workplaces Campaign, organised by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work - has reached more people than ever before, as the Agency works to keep European workers safe. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:54:04 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/535/kentec-protects-national-art-treasures/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/535/kentec-protects-national-art-treasures/ Founded in 1856, the National Portrait Gallery, London, holds the most extensive collection of portraits in the world, from Holbein to Hockney, and the collection includes work across all media, from painting and sculpture to photography and video. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:49:30 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/534/fire-statistics-monitor/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/534/fire-statistics-monitor/ The latest fire statistics for England covering the 12-month period up to 31 March 2009 continue to show a fall in the total number of primary fires - down 10 per cent on 2007-08.The Fire Statistics Monitor is published by Communities and Local Government and includes provisional figures for the UK and England figures on fires, fire deaths and injuries, and false alarm calls. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:45:26 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/533/the-game-thats-got-everyone-buzzing/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/533/the-game-thats-got-everyone-buzzing/ If you fancy a distraction from work for a few minutes you might like to try your hand at Cable Dash, the new online game from fire performance cable manufacturer Prysmian, for a chance to win some fantastic prizes. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:41:35 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/532/londons-firefighters-urge-londoners-to-stay-safe-this-christmas/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/532/londons-firefighters-urge-londoners-to-stay-safe-this-christmas/ London's firefighters have launched a Christmas fire safety campaign to remind people of the dangers of house fires over the festive season. The aim of the campaign is to remind people to take care with candles and not to overload plug sockets this Christmas. The Brigade has just released new figures which show that electrical problems, such as overloaded plug sockets, and candles, cause more house fires in London in December, than in any other month. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:18:54 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/531/new-service-reminds-householders-to-test-their-smoke-alarms/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/531/new-service-reminds-householders-to-test-their-smoke-alarms/ Fire safety retailer and wholesaler Safelincs have developed an innovative free service to remind householders to regularly test their smoke alarms. By simply going to the Safelincs website anybody with a smoke alarm can register to receive a regular reminder to test their alarm by email or SMS text message.Safelincs are one of the partners of the government's Fire Kills campaign, whose latest advertising campaign focuses on the dangers of smoke in a household fire. The advert "Don't drown in toxic smoke" highlights that just two or three breaths of toxic smoke are enough to render you unconscious. Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:25:59 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/530/c-tec-expands-randd-team-to-facilitate-further-growth/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/530/c-tec-expands-randd-team-to-facilitate-further-growth/ Leading electronics manufacturer, C-TEC, has expanded its R&D department by recruiting three additional specialist design engineers and a dedicated technical author.Graham Williamson is C-TEC's new senior PCB layout engineer. With over 30 years' experience in the electronics industry, most recently at Baxall Security, Graham will head up all new PCB design projects. Says Graham: "I am very excited to be joining a company that has such a wide range of products as it will make my job much more interesting and challenging". Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:20:21 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/529/the-common-language-for-safety-communication-that-can-bring-world-harmony/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/529/the-common-language-for-safety-communication-that-can-bring-world-harmony/ ISO 7010 is now finally published and is being implemented throughout the world to communicate the safety message using graphical symbols that transcends the barriers to good safety management created by different languages and are universally understood.The International Standard Technical Committee (TC145) is responsible for graphical symbols and has worked continuously for over 20 years to develop the very best safety signs to convey critical safety information.The main categories of safety signs are in line with the needs of international requirement for occupational health and safety management and are incorporated in workplace safety legislation. Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:10:39 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/528/£20000-fine-for-the-responsible-person/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/528/£20000-fine-for-the-responsible-person/ A London landlord has pleaded guilty to breaches of the fire safety legislation and has been ordered to pay over £20,000 in fines and costs.The prosecution came after numerous inspections at 23 Streatham Common North Side, London, a property Mohammed Khan has managed since 1997. Fire safety inspectors found that that there were no fire safety procedures in place and no way of informing tenants about fire safety arrangements. Storage was also found to be blocking the escape route, whilst smoke alarms had either been removed or had low batteries inside them. This was all in addition to there being no fire risk assessment for the premises. Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:54:47 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/527/integrated-fire-detection-system-keeps-guests-safe-in-new-concept-hotel/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/527/integrated-fire-detection-system-keeps-guests-safe-in-new-concept-hotel/ Intelligent fire detection systems from Advanced Electronics are behind an integrated fire solution for Newcastle's newest hotel. Staybridge Suites Hotel has 128 fully equipped and serviced suites designed for the extended stay business traveller and is the first of its kind to be built in the North East of England. All suites include a kitchen, living area and one or two bedrooms. The hotel complex also has a fitness room, business centre, dining area, laundry and a 2-level external car park. The innovative design of the hotel creates a demanding environment for fire detection. Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:49:16 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/526/thatch-on-fire/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/526/thatch-on-fire/ Devon & Somerset are areas of outstanding beauty and also home to over 80% of thatched properties within the UK contributing to the charm of the two counties.Owners of thatched properties take steps to reduce the chance of an emergency relating to fire occurring. Fire in thatch is not an inevitable occurrence but it is an organic material, subject to different behaviour patterns depending on its surroundings, treatments and choice of materials or styles. It has a finite life span, measured in tens rather than hundreds of years. And above all it is combustible. Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:45:32 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/525/top-of-the-class-c-tecs-talented-twosome-flying-high/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/525/top-of-the-class-c-tecs-talented-twosome-flying-high/ Leading electronics manufacturer, C-TEC, is celebrating the phenomenal success of two of its young employees.When Rachael Wignall and Paul Sanders joined C-TEC as Modern Apprentices, they knew very little about manufacturing. Eight years on, the talented twosome have a host of qualifications to their names and play vital roles at the company, a specialist manufacturer of life safety equipment currently celebrating the approval of its factory processes by the three major independent certification bodies - the LPCB, BSI and VDS. Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:41:59 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/524/screened-for-safety/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/524/screened-for-safety/ Prysmian's Afumex LSX low fire-hazard range has been developed to address the specific needs of modern building services. It is designed for power and lighting circuits where a screened low smoke halogen free cable is required. BASEC approved to BS8436, it meets all the requirements of the 17th edition Wiring Regulations for installation in thin walls and partitions, amongst other applications. Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:38:38 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/523/nano-extends-hochikis-firelink-detection-offering/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/523/nano-extends-hochikis-firelink-detection-offering/ Hochiki has extended its FIRElink high-sensitivity smoke detection offering with the introduction of FIRElink-Nano. In common with other models in the range, it incorporates advanced semiconductor laser and electronics technology into a package that shows substantial savings in whole-life cost when compared with other systems on the market. Its introduction is expected to further expand the applications for the FIRElink range that includes smaller non-compartmentalised rooms; warehouses with racking; and electronic and electromechanical equipment. Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:35:35 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/522/firetrace-showed-ul-and-fm-approved-micro-environment-protection/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/522/firetrace-showed-ul-and-fm-approved-micro-environment-protection/ Firetrace International showed its FIRETRACE® automatic fire detection and suppression system at the recent Fire India in Mumbai; the only UL [Underwriters Laboratories] listed, FM [Factory Mutual] approved and CE [Conformité Européene or European Conformity] marked tube-operated system in the world that is tested as an automatic fire detection and suppression system. The ISO 9001:2008-registered company also showcased a selection of the 150,000 successful FIRETRACE installations completed around the world, including the Delhi Metro and the new third terminal at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:08:10 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/521/tunnels-in-the-dark/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/521/tunnels-in-the-dark/ Many people use tunnels daily whether it's to navigate through London on the underground, cross the channel or just to get from one place to another on the roads. Safety within the tunnels is vital, in an emergency situation, total darkness could occur and escape routes could become useless if correct signage is not in place. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:00:56 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/520/is-your-cable-up-to-the-mark/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/520/is-your-cable-up-to-the-mark/ Draka is showing an industry lead by spearheading another campaign aimed at highlighting the dangers of installing electrical cables that fail to comply with the required regulatory standards. This time the company is focusing much-needed attention on the absence of cable marking, without which there is no means of establishing the cable's authenticity. In the absence of such marking there is every probability that the quality and performance of the cable is highly suspect and is from a disreputable supplier. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:56:33 GMT http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/519/know-your-escape-route/ http://www.means-of-escape.com/articles/519/know-your-escape-route/ 'ISO 23601:2009, Safety identification - Escape and evacuation plan signs', is the standard which endeavours to establish design values for displayed escape plans and the vital information they provide.Escape plans are used as a method of aiding people in orientating themselves in relation to the planned escape route, thus striking a certain equilibrium between the escape plans and the facilities safety exit guidance system. These plans, which may be displayed as signs in work places and in public areas, are not just for the use of workers and general public, they may also be used by fire, rescue and medical teams. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:44:30 GMT