Recent Updates

Video of electric bike catching fire in the Ilac

October 3, 2022 by FASS

As we have recently covered on our website, where ever there are Lithium-ion batteries in use, especially within public spaces or commercial buildings, it is essential to ensure that the correct type of fire extinguisher is available should a fire break out.

A recent video further highlights just how intense the fire from a Lithium-ion battery can be. Shown here was a fire that started from an e-Bike in The Ilac, which quickly erupts with ferocity that could potentially be a significant danger to anyone near by.

High powered lithium-ion devices such as e-Scooters and e-Bikes are quite common now, so where these devices are stored and charged, extra consideration should be given to ensuring that the correct type of extinguisher is available. Lithium-ion is a Class B fire, so a standard ABC or Dry Powder fire extinguisher should be used.

FASS are able to supply a full range of Dry Powder extinguishers which are fully commissioned and therefor insurance approved for your building, on both traditional red colour or chrome, gold or bronze finishes (Contempo range). In addition we also offer full fire safety training courses so your staff are trained in how to safely use and extinguisher a fire with an extinguisher.

For full details of these services or any other aspect of FASS services, please get in touch.

Battery fires highlights the need for the correct extinguisher

September 25, 2022 by FASS

A recent report from the London Fire brigade once again highlights potential risks of lithium-ion batteries being charged using incorrect and unofficial chargers following a fire at a house converted into flats at Streatham Hill, in September 2022.

A communal area on the ground floor of the building was destroyed by fire. Most of a first-floor communal area was also damaged by the blaze. Firefighters used a short extension ladder to assist a woman from a flat roof to ground level. A further man and two children were also assisted to ground level. A woman was taken to hospital.

Even when taking precautions with lithium-ion batteries it is also sensible to have the correct fire extinguisher nearby and in serviceable condition. This is especially true in shared housing or flats etc, where there are a higher number of high-powered lithium-ion powered devices such as e-bikes, e-scooters, laptops etc belonging to tenants.

Fire and Safety Solutions Ltd can advise landlord and supply and service the correct fire extinguishers for lithium-ion devices, please contact us for further details.

The original London Fire Brigade article can also be found here: https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/incidents/2022/september/flat-fire-streatham-hill/

A moment of reflection on the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

September 9, 2022 by FASS

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

BESA gives urgent warning over fire dampers

August 25, 2022 by FASS

At FASS we recently read an article by Construction Enquirer that we felt contained important information worth sharing with our clients.

For the full article please see: https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2022/08/25/trade-body-besa-sounds-urgent-warning-over-fire-dampers/

In summary: The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has issued an urgent warning after annual inspections carried out by maintenance contractors found a potential safety weakness in a large number of building ventilation systems due to the incorrect installation of fire dampers.

BESA Head of technical Graeme Fox said that many did not comply with manufacturers’ instructions and needed remedial action “without delay”.

Fox said: “We have been alerted to the very dangerous practice of using self-drilling ‘tek’ screws which do not melt when temperatures rise during a building fire.

“This means spring-loaded dampers will not be released to contain the spread of fire within the zone and ensure the integrity of the fire stopping measure.

“Dampers must be secured by fusible fixings that allow the duct to break away otherwise the collapsing duct could pull the damper out of place and break the seal between the fire zones.

“While this is clearly a very worrying situation, we can take some reassurance from the fact that this problem is being brought to our attention by the increasing frequency of fire damper inspections and tests as awareness grows of this extremely important issue.

“We would urge contractors to alert their clients immediately so all the necessary checks and repairs can be carried out.”

For further information, please contact us.

FASS are pleased to support Ambition Aspire Achieve (AAA)

August 7, 2022 by FASS

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.

A special Jubilee thank-you from FASS

May 30, 2022 by FASS

FASS would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and give thanks to the dedicated and unwavering service given to the United Kingdom and Commonwealth by Queen Elizbeth II, as Her Majesty celebrates the special and remarkable achievement of a Platinum Jubilee.

The World is ever changing, going through achievements and adversity, whilst fashions and interests come and go, attitudes shift as society evolves and responds to the World around us, but throughout all these changes, the Queen has remained an ever steady and dignified presence giving unwavering service to the Commonwealth.

Here at FASS we acknowledge and appreciate this very special 70 years of service and wish Her Majesty and all of our clients, families and friends a very special and happy celebratory Jubilee weekend.