As Lithium-ion batteries have become increasingly commonplace in our everyday lives, powering everything from smartphones and laptops to scooters and electric vehicles. Whether it is in the home or office, a hospital or school, Lithium-ion powered devices are all around us. However, the inherent danger of a potential lithium-ion battery fire has always posed a problem – the speed and intensity of the battery fire means that conventional fire extinguishing agents are not suitable for this type of fire.

That is until now. The new LFX range from CommanderEDGE, which is stocked and supplied by Fire and Safety Solutions, is specially designed to tackle the challenges of lithium-ion fires. In addition to the primary fire risks, the LFX fluorine-free fire extinguishers also protect from secondary A-class fires, effectively tackling ‘peripheral’ fires that have been caused by exploding batteries.

The NTA 8133 approved LFX Fire Extinguisher comes in three sizes, 3ltr, 6ltr and 9ltr. Typical uses are:

• 3ltr – Designed to tackle batteries with a power range up to 300Wh. Ideal for workshops using lithium-ion powered tools, mobile phone and laptop repair shops or homes with small lithium-ion appliances.
• 6ltr – Designed to tackle batteries a power range up to 600Wh. Suitable for environments such as supermarkets or offices where there would be larger lithium-ion powered devices or homes where hoverboards may be kept.
• 9ltr – Designed to tackle batteries with a power range up to 900Wh. The 9ltr unit has been designed to tackle larger battery fires such as e-Bikes or e-Scooters and would be suitable for anywhere such items are either manufactured, in use or being stored.

For more information about the LFX range of fire extinguishers or for any other advice relating to fire and safety services, please contact us.

 

 

With Christmas just a few weeks away, many households and businesses will be putting up the traditional Christmas tree with its decorations, before switching on the lights. It’s a magical sight and one which we all enjoy, but safety is paramount and we would like to take a minute or two to highlight being safe this Christmas with tree lights.

We have already featured an article regarding buying quality, reputable electrical items following the devastating fire one UK householder suffered after purchasing an aftermarket iPhone charger that exploded. However we would like to specifically reiterate the importance buying quality, CE Marked Christmas tree lights purchased from a reputable store. If your lights are old or worn, please replace them with new lights, proudly displaying your tree lights that have worked for 40 years may seem like a great anecdote, but they are potentially lethal!

Christmas tress often have presents placed around them, accelerating a fire should one break out from faulty lights, artificial tress are often made from plastic which melts and produces hazardous smoke as well as fire.

But the most significant danger comes from real trees. Lush green, pine scented trees quickly dry out in our centrally heated homes and work places, whilst they may still look green, within a couple of weeks they have dried significantly but are still filled with sap. The result is a highly combustible tree with the sap acting as an accelerant, producing an intense fire that spreads rapidly.

The video posted on this page, courtesy of Which? explains the dangers posed by faulty lights and visually demonstrates the fierce nature of a tree fire – please take a moment to view it.

In summary:

• Do not continue to use lights that are old and fatigued
• Keep trees away from sources of ignition (i.e. candles, open fires)
• Do not store presents under trees as these act as further combustible material
• Ensure a suitable and fully operating fire extinguisher is near by
• Always keep real trees watered and do not allow them to dry significantly
• But most of all… Be bright with Christmas lights – Always buy CE marked tree lights from a reputable store

Happy Christmas and stay safe!

Fire and Safety Solutions would like to take this opportunity to thank all our clients past and present, along with our hard working and dedicated staff, in supporting us throughout the years as we celebrate our 20^th year in business on the 3^rd of November 2023!

As we reach this milestones event, our founder and MD, Paul Wilkinson had the following to say:

“I am hugely proud of everything we have achieved as a team over the years along with the great work we have done with some wonderful clients, many of which have become good friends. We have worked on so many different types of projects, not all of them straight forward or without their challenges but every one of them we have delivered to the best of our ability and to the highest professional standard. That level of detail and commitment from our team is what makes FASS what it is, and I wholeheartedly thank all of them for their efforts and all that they do.

Thinking back to sitting at my kitchen table in 2003, with that desire to start FASS, with a belief that we could deliver Fire and Safety Solutions to business but to a higher level than others and with a transparency to what a business actually needs rather than what they could be convinced to buy – it feels like only yesterday!

Starting any business is often a daunting task, giving up the security of a 9 to 5 income in the pursuit of greater rewards for your family and setting your own path. As the business grows and you go from previously being an employee to being an employer yourself, a new weight of responsibility comes in ensuring those employees who give their time to you and your business are rewarded and valued so they can support their lives and family.

Many times, over the 20 years our business has evolved or had to react to changes, often unforeseen events such as economic downturns, changes in regulations or suppliers and of course, the pandemic. Each time the business has continued to adapt and that is down to everyone working together and believing in the services we provide.

It’s not just challenges that have shaped the business, there have been many high points too. Industry awards, being accredited with ISO 9001, selected as chosen suppliers for highly sought after products and being awarded interesting or prestigious projects. But most of all, one of the key reasons I started the business remains with me today. When we visit a business and resolve an issue, particularly one where there is a safety is concerned, I still get that feeling of pride that we have made a difference for the better. That maybe the one safety item we have identified and changed has prevented and accident or injury and we have made a difference.

I cannot of course conclude this without mentioning the tremendous support I have had, and the business as a whole, from my family and specifically my wonderful wife and business partner Lesley, who’s backing and guidance has been invaluable. So, thank-you once again to every one of you who has been part of the FASS success story to date, I look forward to continuing that journey with you into the future”.

FASS are pleased to announce the recent sponsorship of the under 10s Weedon Bec Football club, assisting the team with the costs of their football strip.

Weedon Bec Football club is in a small Northamptonshire village, that has teams from under 7s through to a men’s team.

With an increase in the number of players wanting to sign for a local club the decision was made at the end of the 2021/2022 season to run two under 10 teams. However, this required a new sponsor to cover the costs of a new playing strip.

The sponsorship from FASS has enabled the purchase of a new playing strip for 1 of the 2 under 10’s teams. Speaking on the sponsorship and what it means for the team, Weedon Bec Football club said:

“The happiness of the players to be presented with a new strip prior to the game was evident to see as the team went onto win the game 2-1.”

It is with great sadness that we all learnt yesterday 8^th of September 2022, of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, Queen Elizbeth II, who for so long has been a constant, gracious and dedicated presence in our lives, not only within the UK and Commonwealth, but someone who was greatly respected and admired throughout the World.

At FASS, like so many we are deeply saddened and would like to take this moment to give our own words of gratitude for all that Her Majesty has done for the Commonwealth. The Queen’s unwavering dedication to duty, to country, to the people and her family is truly inspirational. Her Majesty’s tireless drive and spirit, right up to her final days is an example to us all of diligence and unwavering devotion to her pledge when at the age of 21 the young Elizabeth said:

I declare before you that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service, and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.

As we now reflect on the life of Queen Elizabeth II, we can truly appreciate the commitment to that pledge and the sincerity in which it was spoken.

Although this is a time of great sorrow, it is not so much the closing of a chapter but perhaps that of a life that will be celebrated, reflected upon and referenced for many years to come. A period in history that was not just lived by Her Majesty, it is an era that is defined by Queen Elizabeth II. A Queen who has shaped and guided our nation and Commonwealth through highs and lows, bitterness and joy, as society changes and fashions come and go, one constant has always been Her Majesty providing a steady and reassuring presence.

Now the Crown and all that it symbolises has passed to The Queen’s eldest son King Charles III, a new era in our monarchy begins, who like so many here at FASS we support and offer our dedication and service to our new King Charles III.

God Save The King

Fire and Safety Solutions Ltd are pleased to support Ambition Aspire Achieve (AAA), a charity founded in June 2016 by Kevin Jenkins OBE, who had a longstanding desire to provide opportunities for children and young people in the London Borough of Newham and surrounding areas. 

To find out more about the work AAA do, please view the summer 2022 newsletter here.