Stardust Fire Inquest – 48 Young People Unlawful Killed

In the early hours of the morning of Valetine’’s Day, 14th February 1981, 48 young people aged 16 – 26 lost their lives in Ireland’s worst ever fire.  It happened at the Stardust nightclub, which was housed in a converted factory in Artane, a northside suburb of Dublin.  A further 214 of the 800+ clubbers were injured. 

On 18th April 2024, 43 years after the fire, Dublin Coroners Court ruled that all 48 deaths were as a result of Unlawful Killing.

The findings of the initial investigation which concluded in November 1981 was that the ‘probable cause’ of the  fire was arson.  This enable the owners of the Stardust, the Butterly family, to pursue a claim for compensation against the city, and in 1983 they were awarded IR£580,000.  This angered the survivors and relatives of the dead as they said it felt like victim blaming.  The finding of arson also protected the nightclub’s owners from any criminal charges or civil lawsuits.

The aftermath of the fire led to a huge number of recommendations in relation to fire safety. However, some basic rules, such as the provision of readily available fire extinguishers and that fire exits were always kept clear and were well sign posted, which have since been implemented, could probably have prevented many deaths if they had existed at the time.

During the inquest the jury heard that the fire spread so quickly that most of the victims were already dead by the time the first engines arrived at the scene. The fire fighters were greeted by a scene of unimaginable carnage.  A fire flashover had enveloped the club, and the lights had gone out, causing mass panic.  A number of bodies were found piled 6-8 high in the men’s toilet, the belief being that they had mistaken its entrance for the main entrance and become trapped.

The jury found that the fire was the result of an electrical fault and said that lack of visibility due to black smoke, a lack of knowledge of the layout of the building, toxicity of the smoke and/or gases, the heat of the fire, failures of the emergency lighting system, lack of staff preparedness, and the speed of the spread of the fire were factors that impeded exit.  Witnesses testified that fire doors were locked and chained up.

The fire has since been linked to the attempted suicides of approximately 25 people in subsequent years.

In 2009 an independent review found there was no evidence of arson and so this was dismissed as the cause.

It took another 10 years of lobbying but finally in September 2019 a new inquest into the Stardust deaths was ordered.  Due to the pandemic the families had to wait until 2023 for this to begin

The coroner, Dr Myra Cullinane, paid tribute to the “persistence and commitment” of the families who had campaigned for fresh inquests.

“To the families I acknowledge the deaths of these 48 young people is a source of ongoing grief to those who loved them, and it remains the defining loss of their lives,” she said.

“However, I hope that family members will have taken some solace from the fact that these fresh inquests were held, that the facts surrounding the deaths were examined in detail, that moving testimony was heard from many of those involved in the events of the night and, most importantly, that you the families felt fully involved in proceedings, however difficult it was to hear all of the evidence.”

Following the latest findings a source said: ‘An official demand was made for money paid in compensation to the Butterly family to be repaid. This request was made to Dublin City Council and so far the local authority has not responded.’

‘During the inquest there was no evidence the fire was caused by arson so it would seem this compensation was paid erroneously. If funds are not repaid, then the families will take a judicial review.’

Mental Health First Aid

‘Stress, depression or anxiety continues to be the leading cause of people taking time off work, accounting for half of all cases of self-reported work-related ill health in 2022.’ Dean Russell, MP for Watford.

Mental health issues have long been around but used to be shrouded in stigma.  Initially people were looked after by family or left destitute on the streets, begging for food and shelter.  In the mid-17th century private asylums began to emerge.  Conditions were not great and abuse was widespread.

In 1774 the Madhouse Act was introduced, it’s purpose to regulate “insane asylums” also known as “madhouses”.  Over the years the title was amended until in 1959 when it became known as the Mental Health Act. The act aimed to deinstitutionalise mental health patients’ care by abolishing the distinction between psychiatric hospitals and other types of hospitals.

The Mental Health Act 1983 was passed as law to ensure the rights and protections of individuals with mental health problems in England and Wales.  In 2017 Theresa May, whilst Prime Minister, initiated a review to bring the law in line with modern Mental Health care.  This led to many changes to the Act.

One such change that can affect your business is an update to L74 First Aid provision.  The Health and Safety Executive, commonly know as HSE, now expect employers to consider Mental Health factors when conducting risk assessments to determine First Aid provision.

“You should consider ways to manage mental ill health in your workplace which are appropriate for your business, such as providing information or training for managers and employees, employing occupational health professionals, appointing mental health trained first aiders and implementing employee support programmes.” HSE.

The benefits of the changes in First Aid provision could see:

• Lower rates and risk of work-related ill mental health.

• Increase employee engagement and satisfaction.

• Reduce costs associated with absenteeism and presenteeism whilst increasing productivity

• Establish a positive, open mental health culture within your workplace

At London Fire Consultants we can give training to your staff to enable them to obtain a Level 2 Award in First Aid for Mental Health (RQF)/Award in First Aid for Mental Health at SCQF Level 5.  This course runs over 6 hours spread over 1 day and is suitable for everyone but has been designed to help employers to provide a positive mental health culture within the workplace and to provide learners with comprehensive knowledge on a range of the most common mental health conditions and the skills to be able to act should a condition be suspected.

A range of subjects are covered including:

• What is First Aid for Mental Health?

• Identifying mental health conditions

• Providing advice and starting a conversation

• Drugs and alcohol

• First Aid for Mental Health action plan

• First Aid for Mental Health in the workplace

 First Aid for Mental Health — London Fire Consultants

Landlord Jailed and Fined in Lancashire After Failing to Comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

A landlord has been jailed for 3 months and fined £10,414 in costs after a successful prosecution brought by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS).  The two properties owned by the landlord posed a serious threat to the life and safety to the tenants.

The two properties, one of which was a restaurant, were initially inspected in March 2021 and a prohibition notice was subsequently issued after a number of fire safety failings were identified. 

In December 2023 the landlord admitted the breaches of the following offenses:

• Failure to take such general fire safety precautions to ensure the safety of tenants

• Failure to make a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment

• Failure to ensure that the premises were equipped with appropriate fire detectors and alarms 

• Failure to ensure that people could evacuate the premises as quickly and safely as possible

• Failure to properly maintain an appropriate fire evacuation procedure for the premises

• Failure to safeguard the safety of relevant persons by ensuring that any facilities, equipment, and devices provided.

On 19th March 2024 the landlord appeared at Preston Crown Court where they were sentenced to 3 months imprisonment and ordered to pay costs of £10, 414 to LFRS.

LFRS’s Protection Department Group Manager, Ian Armistead, said: “Ms Angela Chang is the responsible person for these premises, and as such has a legal duty to ensure that people who use her premises are provided with a safe environment. We hope that this prosecution will ensure that the standard of her properties is kept within the requirements of the law.

“In our constant drive to make Lancashire safer, our fire safety enforcement teams are always actively seeking out other dangerous premises. We would hope that the outcome of this particular case where a custodial sentence has been issued, sends a clear message that fire safety must always be a priority. In this instance, the consequences of the inadequate fire safety measures and inadequate management could have led to serious injury or loss of life and circumstances left us with no other option but to take this action.

“Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service will always work with those willing to address fire safety issues and businesses can be assured that we will continue to support them in complying with the Fire Safety Order.

“We would urge landlords and responsible persons who need to take action to comply with fire safety regulations to visit the Business Safety section of our website, which contains advice and guidance on how to comply with your legal duties.”

London fire Brigade Announces that it has Completed all 29 Phase One Recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry

On Wednesday 13th March 2024 London Fire Brigade revealed that it has completed all of the 29 recommendations aimed at it from Phase One of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

The Grenfell Tower fire resulted in the loss of 72 lives. Poor equipment, inadequate means of communication and a lack of knowledge of the building hampered firefighters efforts to rescue people.

The recommendations have seen a change in the way firefighters are trained and how major incidents are managed. Innovative technology to fight fires has been introduced as has specialist equipment. The LFBs entire fleet of high-reach vehicles have been replaced and new 64m turntable ladders have been introduced - the tallest ladders in service across Europe.

LFB said that new ground radios have been issued that allow firefighters wearing helmets and breathing apparatus sets to communicate more effectively with their team and entry control officers when inside buildings. Drones have been introduced which can transmit live information to assist in how a fire is fought or used as a means of communicating with people or providing light when needed.

Andy Roe, commissioner of the LFB, said: “We owe it to the bereaved families, the survivors, the residents of Grenfell Tower and Londoners to change and improve.”

“We accepted every recommendation from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and have been working hard over the past five years to implement significant changes to the way we operate. 

“We are the only organisation to have completed every recommendation directed specifically to them and I am proud of the work that staff have put into this, but I also know that there is still much more to do. 

“Fundamental change in large, complex organisations takes time and while our transformation programme is safely on track, we are not finished. 

“I’m dedicated to continuing this journey with full commitment so that we can continue to be trusted to serve and protect our capital.”

Did Cladding Aid the Spread of the Valencia Fire?

On the evening of Thursday 22nd February 2024, the Campanar neighbourhood of Valencia, Spain’s third biggest city, suffered its worst ever recorded fire when a fire broke out on the fourth floor of a 14-storey apartment block.  Within 40 minutes it had spread to the adjoining 10-storey apartment block.

10 people died and at least 13 people, including six firefighters, suffered burns, fractures and smoke inhalation.

The cause of the fire is as yet unknown, but the fire rapidly spread throughout the block and to the adjoining building as winds of 40mph fanned the flames. 

Experts have speculated that another major factor in how the fire was able to spread so quickly is the cladding on the façade. Esther Puchades, Vice-President of the College of Industrial Technical Engineers of Valencia claimed that when she had previously inspected the building it was covered in cladding formed of a polyurethane material under aluminium.  When the plastic material comes into contact with flames it melts and catches fire, spreading the flames higher whilst dropping flaming chunks to floors below. It is reported that this type of cladding was banned in 2019 due to its flammability but that it was not subsequently required to be removed from buildings where it was in use. Spain’s Association of Rigid Polyurethane Industry has released a statement insisting there is no evidence that the façade of the Valencia buildings incorporated polyurethane. 

Luis Sendra, a member of Valencia’s architects’ association suspects that the type of cladding used created a chimney effect, this is where a cavity between the outer aluminium cladding and the inner insulation forms a chimney and draws the fire upwards.

The issue of flammable cladding was highlighted in the UK in 2017 following the Grenfell Tower disaster where 72 people lost their lives in a fire that rapidly engulfed the 24-storey tower block.

The fire was started by an electrical fault in a refrigerator on the fourth floor.  At 0.54am London Fire Brigade were alerted by the resident of the flat, two fire engines were dispatched with the first firefighters entering the flat at 1.07am. At 1.08am the fire began to penetrate the window frame and within minutes the surrounding cladding had caught fire.  By 1.30am a rising column of flames had reached the roof and the fire was out of control. It had spread rapidly up the building's exterior, bringing flames and smoke to all residential floors, accelerated by dangerously combustible aluminium composite cladding and external insulation, with an air gap between them enabling the stack or chimney effect.  The fire on the eastern exterior then spread sideways and brought smoke and flames into multiple flats.

The findings of the Grenfell Tower public inquiry prompted changes in British fire safety legislation.  It was ruled that unsafe cladding must be removed from buildings with the government launching a scheme to fund its removal. 

Ivan Cabrera, director of Valencia University’s School of Architecture, told Spanish media that Spain should conduct the same overhaul of fire safety regulations and mass cladding renovation that the UK has seen since the 2017 Grenfell disaster.

 An ongoing investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire. It is believed to have started in an empty eight-floor flat and is being linked to a probable electrical fault.

A cat called Coco was rescued by firefighters from a dry riser on the 13th floor eight days after the fire. It is unknown how the cat survived but his owner was overjoyed to see him again having given him up for dead.

London Fire Brigade Issues Another Warning Regarding e-bikes and e-scooters

London Fire Brigade has issued another warning about storing e-bikes and e-scooters following a call at 2250 to a fire in Roehampton on 20th February 2024.

Five engines attended the 11-story residential block of flats where a first floor flat was on fire.  The flat was partially damaged by the fire and the whole flat suffered smoke damage.

Firefighters rescued two adults and a child from the flat’s balcony who were taken to hospital for smoke inhalation as a precaution.

The fire is believed to have been caused by the failure of the lithium battery of an e-scooter which was being stored in the hallway. It was not on charge at the time.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: This fire highlights the risk of storing devices like e-bikes and e-scooters on an escape route, such as a hallway. The three occupants tried to escape the flat via the front door due to the amount of smoke. So instead, they went to the balcony and waited until firefighters could bring them safely down. 

“The vehicles can be a fun and sustainable way of getting around London, but the stark reality is that some of these vehicles are proving to be incredibly dangerous, particularly if they have been modified, if fitted/converted with second-hand products or products purchased online which may not meet safety standards, or if batteries are used with the wrong chargers.”

"When the lithium battery fires occur, they can be devastating and ferocious, producing jets of flame and a toxic flammable vapour cloud that should never be inhaled."

London Fire Brigade’s Safety tips for e-bike and e-scooter users to follow:

• Never block your escape route with anything, including e-bikes and e-scooters. Store them somewhere away from a main through route. Our advice is to store these items in a safe external location if possible, such as a garage or a shed. 

• Always use the correct charger, otherwise the risk of fire increases, and buy an official one from a reputable seller. 

• Do not attempt to modify or tamper with your battery. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. 

• Converting pedal bikes into e-bikes using DIY kits bought online can be very dangerous. They can pose a higher risk of fire. Get a professional or competent person to carry out the conversion and make sure to buy a battery from a reputable seller and that it is not second-hand. 

• Check your battery and charger meets UK safety standards.  We have particular concern where batteries have been purchased from online marketplaces and when they've been sourced on the internet, which may not meet the correct safety standards.  Consumers buying any product can check that the item displays a UKCA or CE mark that ensures that the products meet UK and EU safety, health or environmental requirements. If buying online, buy from a UK supplier.

• Watch out for signs that the battery or charger aren’t working as they should – e.g. if the battery is hot to the touch or has changed shape. 

• Do not try and tackle the fire yourself. Get away safely and call 999.

Inquiry to be Held into Flat Fire in Wembley

On 29th January 2024 at 1642 London Fire Brigade received nine emergency calls to a fire at a flat on Elm Road in Wembley.

Twenty fire engines and approximately 125 firefighters attended, taking until 2201 to bring the fire under control. By this time half of the external side of the building, all of the roof and four external balconies had been damaged by the fire. Five other blocks were evacuated as a precaution. All residents were accounted for with no reports of injury.

Residents reported hearing a “boom” and then seeing a boiler on fire on a balcony on the third floor.,

London Fire Brigade, along with the scientific advisor at Bureau Veritas ( a global company who provide testing, inspection and certification services) are now working to establish the cause of the fire. Initial reports confirm that external cladding was involved in the blaze.

Barry Gardiner, MP for Brent North, who has been campaigning for the removal of the cladding for three years, claimed that this fire shows that the “lessons of Grenfell” have not been learned.

At a community meeting at Brent Civic Centre, attended by residents, London Fire Brigade and staff from Octavia Housing (the owners of the block) Mr Gardiner said that “fire alarms had failed to go off, police had incorrectly advised residents to ‘stay put’ in their flats and Octavia Housing had failed to repair gas boilers and appliances for over six months”.

In response Octavia said “While we await the results of the London Fire Brigade’s fire investigation, we understand that fire detection alarms were activated in Petworth Court and monitored by the on-site fire marshal who alerted the fire brigade and assisted residents to evacuate the building safely.

"Alarms would not have been activated in adjoining blocks which were not subject to a fire.

“Our fire safety approach was changed to an Evacuate Policy in 2019 for the safety of our customers, in line with updated government guidelines at the time. This was communicated clearly to residents.

“All Octavia boiler contractors are Gas Safe registered which means they are duty-bound to cap the gas supply if they consider any appliance is unsafe.” Residents claimed that this was not the case.

Emergency Call Statistics for 2023

The United Kingdom’s emergency numbers are 999 and 112 (European equivalent to 999 which can also be used in the UK).

999-112 numbers are answered with the phrase “Emergency, which service?” by call handling agents in one of seven centres across the UK. The call is then transferred to the caller’s nearest geographically local emergency service control room, of which there are 142.

In 2023

41.9 million 999/112 calls were received

79% were made from a mobile (including 134,000 eCalls)

15% were made from a landline

Service Percentage of Calls

Police 57%

Ambulance 40%

Fire 3%

Coastguard <1%

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 - Updates for The Responsible Person

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 or "the Fire Safety Order" is the main law that you must comply with if you own, manage, or operate a business.  It applies across England and Wales and came into force on 1 October 2006. 

The Order applies to almost all buildings, places, and structures.  It does not include individual private homes (individual flats in a block or family homes); however, it does include shared areas in blocks of flats, maisonettes, and houses of multiple occupation (HMOs).

Over the last three years several changes have been made to The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the latest being from 1 October 2023, Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022, which made changes that affect all Responsible Persons.

What you need to do as a Responsible Person

Documenting and recording

All Responsible Persons must now record all findings from their fire risk assessment, regardless of the size or purpose of the premises.  Previously this was only necessary where significant findings were discovered in buildings that had:

·         five or more employees

·         a licence in place

·         an alterations notice served on it.

All Responsible Persons must now record their fire safety arrangements.

All Responsible Persons must now record the full name and company details (if applicable) of the individual employed, or contracted by them, to undertake or review any part or all of the fire risk assessment.  Anybody appointed to do this must now be competent i.e. must have sufficient training and experience or knowledge.

Cooperation and coordination

All Responsible Persons must now have a UK based address where they, or someone on their behalf will accept notices and other documentation.

• This must include their contact information and be recorded and updated as it changes

• This must be shared with other relevant responsible persons and any residents of multi-occupied residential buildings.

All Responsible Persons must now make sure they identify and make themselves known to any other Responsible Persons at the same premises.

Any outgoing Responsible Persons must take reasonable steps to share all relevant fire safety information with the incoming Responsible Persons to maintain a chain of fire safety information across the whole of a building's lifetime.

Higher-risk buildings

Under the new laws the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) will regulate high-rise buildings.  These are buildings with seven or more storeys or that are 18 metres or higher, and either:

• have at least two residential units

• are hospitals or care homes (during design and construction)

From 1 October 2023 all these buildings must be registered with the BSR and the BSR becomes the new building control authority for these buildings.

Responsible Persons for premises in a higher-risk building must identify and co-operate with the Accountable Person/s:

• An Accountable Person is a new legal entity under the Building Safety Act 2022

• An Accountable Person is someone who has the responsibility to repair or maintain anything under leasehold.

Information sharing

Responsible Persons in multi-occupied residential buildings must provide residents with "relevant fire safety matters".  Responsible Persons now need to provide residents with:

• Instructions on how to report a fire

• A reminder of what the evacuation strategy is for that building

• Any other instruction that tells residents what they must do once a fire has occurred, based on the building’s evacuation strategy.

• The risks that have been identified in the fire risk assessment - new

• The preventive and protective measures - new

• The name and UK address of the Responsible Person as well as the identity of any person appointed to assist with making or reviewing the fire risk assessment – new

Other Changes to the Fire Safety Order

As well as the changes above, the Building Safety act also makes the following changes to the Fire Safety Order:

• After 1 October 2023 you can receive an unlimited fine for the offences below:

o    Where someone intentionally impersonates an inspector

o    When someone fails to comply (without reasonable excuse) with specific requirements imposed by an inspector (such as by not providing a copy of the fire risk assessment when requested)

o    When someone fails to comply with requirements relating to the installation of luminous tube signs.

Section 156 of the Building Safety Act also strengthens the status of all  Article 50 guidance.  This means that a court may take into account whether or not you comply with Article 50 guidance when establishing whether there was a breach of the Fire Safety Order.

Government guidance is available that explains what a Responsible Persons need to do because of these changes:  Fire safety responsibilities under Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022 - GOV.UK

The Importance of Fire Training for Staff

On 1st January 2024 a devastating, 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the remote Noto Peninsula of Japan.  On 2nd January Japan was hit by a second tragedy when a Japanese coastguard aircraft, heading to the aid to earthquake victims, was hit from behind whilst waiting to take off by Japan Airlines Flight 516 which was coming into land on the same runway at Tokyo’s Haneda airport.  Five of the six crew of the De Havilland Dash 8 turbroprop coastguard plane died, whilst the sixth crew member was seriously injured.  Despite the ensuing fire all 379 passengers and crew aboard the Airbus A350 survived, with only 14 travellers suffering minor injuries.

The Airbus A350 was only two years old and featured state of the art fire control measures, and eight emergency exits: two in the front, two in the back and four in the middle.  However, the rigorous training the flight crew undergo was key to the passengers’ escape.  According to a former flight attendant, who wished to remain anonymous, all new crew members must undergo stringent evacuation and rescue training for up to three weeks before being allowed to serve on commercial flights.  This training, which extends to how to control the tone and volume of their voice so they can be best heard by passengers, has to be repeated on a yearly basis.  There is a written exam, case study discussions as well as practical training involving different scenarios that could occur.  Maintenance staff are also involved in these trainings.

For a plane to be internationally recognised an aircraft manufacturer must show that everyone aboard the plane can exit it within 90 seconds.  However, real life situations are unpredictable due to the risk of people panicking.  Aviation experts and industry professionals told the BBC that it ‘boiled down to staff on board putting their rigorous training into practice and “well-behaved” passengers who obeyed safety protocols.’  The simple act of leaving hand luggage behind in compliance with the flight crew’s instructions would be a major factor behind the speed of the evacuation.

A pilot for a South East Asian airline, who also wished to remain anonymous, told the BBC “You really don’t have time to think in a situation like this, so you just do what you were trained to do.”

Professor Ed Galea, director of the fire safety engineering group at the the University of Greenwhich in London stated that the nose down position, and condition of the aircraft would have made it difficult for the passengers to move, making the successful result even more impressive.  Footage shows that only three of the eight exits, the two at the front and one at the rear, were opened.  The rear slide was very steep due to the way the plane had come to rest, making it a possible danger.  The aircraft’s announcement system also malfunctioned during the evacuation meaning the flight crew had to convey instructions by use of a megaphone and by shouting.

Professor Graham Braithwaite, Director of Transport Systems at Cranfield University said that the crew were clearly able to understand which doors were away from the flames which is why not all exits were opened for people to escape through.  He also said that the role of the fire crews on the ground “ ..will absolutely have been on protecting the exits and making sure there was a clear path for people to evacuate.”  Only once the last person had reached safety would the larger fire have been dealt with.

Fire Safety in the Workplace

Yearly fire evacuation drills are a legal requirement, with a record being kept of the result as part of your fire safety and evacuation plan.  Education settings should hold one every term.  All employees should be informed immediately of any new fire risks.  New staff should be trained as part of their induction at their place of work. 

Lithium Batteries for Electric Bikes and Electric Scooters

E-Bike and e-scooter Battery Warning

Christmas 2023 is almost upon us and people don’t have much longer to wait to see what presents they will receive.  One item that will feature on many a wish list is an e-bike or e-scooter.  The number of people using e-bikes and e-scooters is rapidly growing due to the fact they are environmentally friendly and enable the rider to go farther and faster with less effort than a traditional bike or walking.  On an e-bike the rider must still pedal therefore still getting a cardiovascular workout.

An electric bike, better known as an e-bike, is simply a bicycle that has been fitted with an electric motor to aid the rider with pedalling.  It can be purpose built or a conversion kit can be attached to an ordinary bike to convert it. 

E-bikes and e-scooters are mostly supplied with a rechargeable Lithium battery which takes two to eight hours to charge, depending on the technology used.  The battery can be charged on or off the bike or scooter.

Lithium batteries are used safely by millions of people every day as they are high power, high energy, light weight, fast charging and long lasting.  Unfortunately, they can also be very flammable and explode or catch fire if they get damaged, are defective in design, used improperly, abused or charged with a charger not intended for the device.

According to statistics released by London Fire Brigade (LFB) at the start of December 2023, in London alone this year they have dealt with 150 e-bike fires and 28 e-scooter fires, making them “the capital’s fastest-growing fire trend”. In the second week of December LFB attended a fire in the early hours of the morning at a three-storey house where two people had become trapped due to a charging e-bike catching fire at the bottom of a staircase, blocking their escape route.  One had to jump from a second-floor window, sustaining a serious injury, whilst the other jumped from a first-floor window, also sustaining an injury.  It took 40 firemen from 6 engines almost two hours to bring the fire under control.  The house was mostly destroyed.

Charlie Pugsley, Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety at LFB said: “This was a devastating fire that has destroyed a home and is a prime example of why the brigade has been running its #ChargeSafe awareness campaign.

“If you own an e-bike or e-scooter, do not store or charge it on an escape route such as a hallway.

“If you can’t keep it outside, put it in a room where you can shut a door and contain a fire.”

“From our investigations, we know many of the fires we’ve attended have involved second-hand vehicles, the use of incorrect chargers, or the bike has been modified using parts bought online.

“If you’re thinking about buying one of these vehicles as a gift for a loved one for Christmas, please make sure you’re buying it, or parts for them – like batteries, conversion kits or chargers – from a reputable seller.

“If you receive one for Christmas, or you already own an e-bike or e-scooter, make sure you’re using the correct charger, you’re not overcharging, and that you don’t tamper with or modify the battery pack.

“Keep it well away from an escape route and store or charge the vehicle outside if possible.”

London Fire Brigade say three people have died and around 60 people have been hurt in e-bike battery fires this year.  New York City Fire Department has also seen a rise in fires caused by these batteries. quoting 243 fires, with 124 injuries and 17 deaths.  In September, in an attempt to stop the numbers rising further, New City banned the sale of e-bikes that have not been certified to a specific safety standard.

The warning signs your e-bike or e-scooter battery is a fire hazard

The following is taken from the gov.uk website:

Before a lithium-ion battery catches fire, there may be warning signs that it is about to fail.  If you see any of these signs you must take action immediately and stop using your battery to stay safe and reduce the risk of fire.

In September 2023 the Office for Product Safety and Standards, OPSS, for the United Kingdom published the following consumer safety on e-bike and e-scooter battery safety

A fire can develop quickly, within a few seconds, and often without warning. Formation of smoke or a white vapour cloud indicate the start of battery failure and fire.  Listed below are other signs that your battery is a fire hazard.

You must stop using or charging your battery immediately if you notice any of the following:

• Overheating: If your device’s battery feels extremely hot to the touch

• Deformation: If your battery looks swollen.  Similar signs include any type of lump or leaking from the device.

• Noise: If your battery is making hissing or cracking sounds.

• Smell: If you notice a strong or unusual smell coming from the battery

• Performance: If your battery does not fully charge or is taking longer to charge than normal

• Smoke: If your battery or device is smoking.

What you must do if your lithium-ion battery is a fire risk

• If the device starts smoking or catches fire, raise the alarm, get out, stay out and call 999 immediately. 

• If your battery shows any signs of failure, turn off the device and unplug it from the power source immediately. 

• Call the device manufacturer or retailer for further advice.

• Ensure you report your faulty charger or battery to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service.  They can also provide you with advice on your consumer rights.

How to reduce the risk of fires from your e-bikes or e-scooters’ lithium battery

The majority of fires related to e-bikes and e-scooters have happened in homes. These fires often happen when charging batteries. There are several ways you can reduce the risk of fire when charging your e-bike or e-scooter battery in the home.

Safely charging your e-bike or e-scooter

• Don’t charge e-bikes and e-scooters in bedrooms or where escape routes can be blocked – for example, hallways.

• Don’t leave your battery charging unattended, when you are out or while you are asleep.

• Don’t cover chargers or battery packs when charging

• Don’t overload sockets or use inappropriate extension leads

• Don’t charge or store batteries in direct sunlight or in hot locations (above 45⁰C)

• Don’t charge batteries close to combustible materials or hazardous substances.

• Always unplug your charger when you have finished charging

• If your battery can be removed from your e-bike or e-scooter and charged separately, it should be charged on a hard flat surface where heat can disperse and in area with good ventilation.

Fire Safety

·         Fit smoke alarms in the area where you charge your batteries and test them once a month to make sure they work.

·         Make sure you and your family have an escape plan in place in the event of a fire. Always get out then call 999, never try to fight the fire yourself.

Maintaining your e-bike or e-scooter

• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and using your product.

• Always use the manufacturer-approved battery and charger.

• If you need a replacement battery or charger for your e-bike or e-scooter go directly back to the manufacturer or retailer you bought it from to ensure it’s safe.

• Regularly inspect your product and check for damage or warning signs that your battery might be failing and becoming a fire risk.

• Don’t attempt to modify or tamper with your battery.

Buying e-bikes and e-scooters

• Only buy e-bikes, e-scooters, chargers and batteries from reputable retailers and manufacturers.

• Check the product is marked with a CE or UKCA mark to ensure they comply with UK product safety standards.

• Check product reviews before buying

• Register your product with the manufacturer to validate any warranties and make it easier for manufacturers to contact you in the event of a safety issue e.g. product recall.

• Check if products have been recalled by visiting the government Product Recalls and Alerts website at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/product-recalls-and-alerts

E-Bike conversion kits

·         Conversion kits change standard bicycles into e-bikes.

·         It is recommended that a professional carries out an e-bike conversion. They will be responsible for ensuring that the e-bike is safe and fitted with the correct motor, battery and charger.

·         Installing a conversion kit yourself could lead to safety issues with your e-bike and increase the risk of fire.

·         Furthermore, it could invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty and make you responsible for any consequent damage or accident. If you modify an e-bike to increase its power or speed then it may no longer be legal to use on public roads

Disposing of a lithium-ion battery

·         Lithium-ion batteries should not be placed in the same bins as your regular rubbish or recycling. They can cause a fire if they overheat or when crushed in bin lorries or waste and recycling plants.

·         You can find out how to dispose of your lithium-ion battery safely by checking your local authority's website for information about the safe disposal of batteries in your area or you can find your nearest recycling centre at: www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk

Using your e-bikes or e-scooter

·         Currently, in the UK only e-scooters participating in official rental e-scooter trials may be used legally on roads. Other e-scooters are classed as Powered Transporters and cannot be used legally on the road. If you use an e-scooter illegally, you could face a fine and penalty points on your licence, and the e-scooter could be impounded.

Candle Safety at Christmas Reminder

London Fire Brigade have issued a candle safety warning after a house fire in Lewisham that is believed to have been accidentally caused by a candle.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Candles are one of the most common causes of fire.  It’s really important that you never leave a candle unattended and keep them away from anything else that can easily catch alight.”

It took 25 firefighters from four fire stations, Lewisham, Lee Green, Greenwich and Deptford, approximately 68 minutes to get the fire under control.  Part of the lower ground floor was damaged by the fire.  One man left the building before the arrival of the Brigade and was treated on scene by London Ambulance Service crews.

Top candle safety tips

·         Never leave a burning candle unattended.

·         Keep candles away from curtains, furniture, and anything else that can catch fire.

·         Keep loose clothing and hair away from candles when they are lit.

·         Always place your candles/tea lights in a suitable fire-resistant candleholder.

·         Make sure the candleholder holds the candle firmly on a flat and stable surface to stop it falling over.

·         Ensure you have a working smoke alarm in every room where there’s a fire risk and remember to check them regularly.

Goat Herd Employed in the Fight Against Fire in Australia

On Monday 13th November news reports highlighted how Queensland Rail (QR) came up with a unique way of dealing with vegetation at an overgrown site alongside a Victorian railway line at Tully, Far North Queensland, Australia. 

The vegetation posed a risk of bushfires so 15 goats were brought in 4 weeks previously to tackle the out-of-control vegetation growing in hard-to-reach areas.  They were tasked with eating the vegetation over an eight to twelve week period.

The nimble footed goats grazed on the plants and seeds which removes the invasive weeds and prevents them from regrowing, allowing for new planting.  They completed the task within 4 weeks.

The long-term use of the goats isn't straightforward due to the goats safety but for now they are providing an environmentally friendly solution.

Unveiling BS EN 1634-1: A Critical Standard for Fire Door Safety

Introduction

Building safety is a multi-layered endeavour. Each element - from fire alarms to escape routes - plays a vital role. Among the most critical aspects is the fire door, an unsung hero in the protection of property and lives. Fire doors are engineered to resist fire and smoke, safeguarding escape routes and compartmentalising fire to prevent its spread. However, to ensure their performance in dire circumstances, they must adhere to rigorous standards. In the UK and the EU, one such standard is BS EN 1634-1. In this blog, we delve into the intricacies of this standard and explain its significance.

Understanding BS EN 1634-1

BS EN 1634-1 is a British and European standard that sets out the requirements for testing fire resistance of door and shutter assemblies, including openable windows. It's a critical benchmark to measure the effectiveness of fire doors in preventing the spread of fire and smoke.

The standard is primarily concerned with the ability of a complete door or shutter assembly to resist fire under certain conditions. These tests simulate the conditions of a real fire and assess how well the door or shutter assembly withstands them.

What Does Testing Under BS EN 1634-1 Involve?

Testing under BS EN 1634-1 is stringent and rigorous, designed to replicate the challenging conditions a fire door may face. A fire door assembly, including its frame and any hardware such as hinges, closers, and locks, is installed into a furnace test rig. The furnace then replicates the rapid temperature rise of a fire, reaching over 900°C in the first 20 minutes.

The door is evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Integrity (E) - The length of time the door can prevent the passage of flames and hot gases.

2. Insulation (I) - The period the door can limit the temperature rise on the non-exposed face to below specified levels.

3. Radiation (W) - The ability of the door to limit the level of radiant heat.

Importance of Compliance with BS EN 1634-1

Compliance with BS EN 1634-1 is mandatory under UK and European law. More importantly, it's crucial for the safety of building occupants. A fire door that doesn't meet the standard's requirements might not resist fire for long enough to allow for safe evacuation or the arrival of fire services. It could also fail to prevent the fire from spreading, causing extensive property damage and posing a significant risk to life.

Conclusion

BS EN 1634-1 is more than just a bureaucratic requirement - it's a standard that could make a life-saving difference in the event of a fire. It ensures that fire doors and shutters, when they're needed most, perform their crucial role. Understanding this standard is fundamental for architects, builders, and property owners alike, underlining the commitment we must all make to uphold safety.

Remember, the fitting of fire doors should always be undertaken by a professional to ensure correct installation and compliance with BS EN 1634-1 and other relevant standards. After all, the objective is clear - to protect property and, more importantly, to save lives. For more information about fire safety standards or fire door installation, don't hesitate to reach out to our team.

Understanding Residential Fire Regulations in England

Residential buildings in England are subject to a robust set of fire safety regulations aimed at safeguarding occupants. As of my last update in September 2021, here's an overview of these rules, including recent legislative changes that have been put in place to enhance the fire safety standards.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, often abbreviated as RRO or FSO, forms the core of England’s fire safety regulations. It applies to all non-domestic premises, including common parts of blocks of flats and houses in multiple occupations (HMOs). This law requires the person in control of a premise, known as the ‘responsible person’, to carry out a thorough fire risk assessment, and based on the findings, implement suitable fire safety measures.

Housing Act 2004

The Housing Act 2004 introduces the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), which provides an evaluation tool to identify potential hazards in homes, including fire. Local authorities use this system to ensure residential properties are safe for residents, and it may include requiring landlords to undertake improvements to lessen potential risks.

The Building Regulations 2010

The Building Regulations 2010 provides specifications on the standards for design, construction and changes to buildings. A critical section of these regulations is Part B, which covers fire safety. The rules under Part B involve requirements for fire alarms, fire doors, escape routes, and the materials used in construction to ensure they offer suitable resistance to fire.

Fire Safety Act 2021

A significant recent update to fire regulations in England is the Fire Safety Act 2021. This Act amends the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 to clarify that the responsible person or duty-holder for multi-occupied, residential buildings are accountable for managing and reducing the risk of fire for the structure and external walls of the building, including cladding, balconies and windows, and entrance doors to individual flats that open into common parts.

Grenfell Tower Inquiry Recommendations

In the wake of the tragic Grenfell Tower fire, an inquiry made a series of recommendations to tighten fire safety regulations further. The government has committed to implementing these recommendations, which include new responsibilities for building owners or managers, new measures to empower residents, and more robust enforcement powers for fire and rescue services.

What are the required standards associated with Fire Extinguishers in England?

British Standard 5306 is a series of standards that provide guidance on fire extinguishing installations and equipment. Specifically, it sets out the requirements for the maintenance and service of fire extinguishers in the United Kingdom.

BS 5306 is divided into several parts, each of which addresses a different aspect of fire extinguisher maintenance. These parts include:

1. BS 5306-1: This part of the standard provides guidance on the selection and installation of fire extinguishers, including the types of extinguishers that should be used for different types of fires and the positioning of extinguishers.

2. BS 5306-2: This part of the standard provides guidance on the commissioning and maintenance of fire extinguishers, including the frequency of inspections and testing, and the requirements for record keeping.

3. BS 5306-3: This part of the standard provides guidance on the service and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers, including the types of inspections and tests that should be carried out, and the requirements for refilling or replacing extinguishers.

4. BS 5306-8: This part of the standard provides guidance on the commissioning and maintenance of water mist fire extinguishing systems.

Overall, BS 5306 sets out the requirements for the installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire extinguishers and fire extinguishing systems in the United Kingdom, with the aim of ensuring that these systems are effective in protecting against fires and safeguarding life and property.

In addition the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) is a European Union directive applicable to high pressure extinguisher such as the typical Carbon Dioxide extinguishers. These out the technical requirements for the design, manufacture, and conformity assessment of pressure equipment. The directive applies to pressure equipment and assemblies with a maximum allowable pressure greater than 0.5 bar, and includes a wide range of equipment such as boilers, pressure vessels, piping, valves, and pressure accessories.

The PED aims to ensure that pressure equipment placed on the market within the European Union meets the essential health and safety requirements for design, manufacturing, and testing. The directive sets out a range of technical requirements related to design, materials, manufacturing, and testing, and specifies the procedures and requirements for conformity assessment and marking of pressure equipment.

Manufacturers or importers of pressure equipment that fall within the scope of the PED must ensure that their equipment complies with the directive before placing it on the market within the European Union. This typically involves carrying out a conformity assessment procedure, which may involve third-party certification by a notified body.

By setting out clear technical requirements and conformity assessment procedures, the PED aims to promote the free movement of pressure equipment within the European Union, while also ensuring a high level of health and safety protection for workers and the public.

What does the introduction of the Fire Safety Regulations mean?

The majority of the recommendations made to government in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1, have required a change in the law. Therefore through Article 24 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (Fire Safety Order) changes to the law have therefore been introduced through these regulations and have made it a requirement in law for responsible persons of high-rise blocks of flats to provide information to Fire and Rescue Services to assist them to plan and, if needed, provide an effective operational response.

Also, the regulations require responsible persons in multi-occupied residential buildings which are high-rise buildings, as well as those above 11 metres in height, to provide additional safety measures.

In all multi-occupied residential buildings, the regulations require responsible persons to provide residents with fire safety instructions and information on the importance of fire doors. The regulations apply to existing buildings, and requirements for new buildings may be different.

In high-rise residential buildings, responsible persons are required to:

• Building plans: provide their local Fire and Rescue Service with up-to-date electronic building floor plans and to place a hard copy of these plans, alongside a single page building plan which identifies key firefighting equipment, in a secure information box on site.

• External wall systems: provide to their local Fire and Rescue Service information about the design and materials of a high-rise building’s external wall system and to inform the Fire and Rescue Service of any material changes to these walls. Also, they will be required to provide information in relation to the level of risk that the design and materials of the external wall structure gives rise to and any mitigating steps taken.

• Lifts and other key firefighting equipment: undertake monthly checks on the operation of lifts intended for use by firefighters, and evacuation lifts in their building and check the functionality of other key pieces of firefighting equipment. They will also be required to report any defective lifts or equipment to their local Fire and Rescue Service as soon as possible after detection if the fault cannot be fixed within 24 hours, and to record the outcome of checks and make them available to residents.

• Information boxes: install and maintain a secure information box in their building. This box must contain the name and contact details of the Responsible Person and hard copies of the building floor plans.

• Wayfinding signage: to install signage visible in low light or smoky conditions that identifies flat and floor numbers in the stairwells of relevant buildings.

In residential buildings with storeys over 11 metres in height, responsible persons are required to:

• Fire doors: undertake annual checks of flat entrance doors and quarterly checks of all fire doors in the common parts.

In all multi-occupied residential buildings with 2 or more sets of domestic premises, responsible persons are required to:

• Fire safety instructions: provide relevant fire safety instructions to their residents, which will include instructions on how to report a fire and any other instruction which sets out what a resident must do once a fire has occurred, based on the evacuation strategy for the building.

• Fire door information: provide residents with information relating to the importance of fire doors in fire safety.

Fire Safety for Student Accommodation

Student fire safety advice

London Fire Consultants have recently been undertaking Fire Risk Assessments of various student accommodation across London and Portsmouth. Students and their parents are urged to be aware of the dangers of fire. Fire safety advice could be one of the most important lessons for students during their time at university or college. 

Living away from home, especially if it's for the first time, can be very exciting and it's easy to get caught up in student life and forget about fire safety.

As parents inspect student accommodation to make sure it’s suitable, they should also:

• make sure that premises are fire safe

• remind their children that fire safety checks should always be part of their routine

All students should take personal responsibility for looking after themselves and their housemates to protect them from the dangers of fire.

It's important to have a working smoke alarm fitted on each level of accommodation and to test them once a week. This will alert students and their housemates to the earliest stage of a fire, giving vital extra time to escape.

Students should follow a good fire safe bedtime routine – checking a few things before going to bed can reduce the risk of fire. It only takes a minute and could save lives.

Also, take some time to agree a fire escape plan to make sure everyone is clear what to do in the event of an emergency. This means knowing where the fire exits are and making sure furniture or stored items do not block them.

If there is no fire exit, plan an alternative escape route other than by the main entrance door.

A lot of students go home at weekends, so they should make sure that accommodation is safely secured and protected from the risk of fire. Make sure all electrical appliances not designed to be left on are disconnected, fully put out cigarettes, and close all doors.

Students should:

• test their smoke alarm every week

• prepare a fire escape plan

• carry out a night-time check  

• turn off all electrical appliances not designed to be left on

• put a guard on open fires

• put out all cigarettes and empty ashtrays into a non-combustible container

• put out all candles

• close all internal doors 

• don't leave cooking unattended

• not cook when under the influence of alcohol

Students should also check that the fire alarm system in their accommodation is working.  If it is showing a fault, contact the landlord or the Estates Officer at the university immediately.

Cardiac Arrest Statistics for London in 2018/19

10,152 people in London suffered an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest between 1st April 2018 to 31st March 2019 and London Ambulance Service attempted to resuscitate 4,004 (39.4%) of these patients. Resuscitation efforts were not undertaken for 6,148 (60.6%), with 4,386 of these patients being recognised as deceased on arrival of the ambulance, and the remaining 1,762 had in place a Do Not Attempt Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (DNA-CPR) order, advanced directive or equivalent, or the patient’s death was expected.

Only 64.1% of people received CPR and . 57.1% of people who had an Automated defibrillator used on them survived and were discharged from hospital. The average response time of the ambulance was 7 mins, every 1 min delay in use of the defibrillator and CPR reduces chances of survival by at least 10%.

London Fire Consultants provides training in CPR and Defibrillator as part of our First Aid courses, our clients have included delivery of Resuscitation training to the NHS, Hospitals, GP surgeries and have delivered first aid training to household brands.

Contractor fined £670,000 for student block fire safety failings

The main contractor was among three firms ordered to pay fines totalling £670,000 after admitting fire safety failings at a building used for student accommodation in Leeds.

http://bit.ly/2UgqcdA - Article by Grant Prior at Construction Enquirer

Judge Mairs at Leeds Crown Court heard how Trinity Halls on Woodhouse Street had only one available fire escape which was compromised due to combustible materials, putting at serious risk the 27 students who had moved in, in September 2016.

The court heard the students had moved into the building on the upper ground floor while other floors were still under construction.

There were a string of other failures which contributed to the significant risk including lack of appropriate fire alarms and detection, exposed timber framing, the storage of flammable items on stairwells and no markings indicating fire escape routes.

Judge Mairs described the situation as having the “potential for catastrophe.”

The failings came to light in September 2016 after a concerned father called West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) to report the building.

He had been dropping his daughter off to live there, but became concerned by the state of the premises and would not let his daughter stay.

Trinity Developments Ltd, the owners of the building, admitted four safety breaches. Niche Homes Ltd, contracted to manage and let the property, also admitted the same four breaches.

These are:

• Failing to make a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.

• Failing to take precautions to make sure the premises were safe from risk of fire.

• Failing to provide appropriate fire detection and alarm system.

• Failing to provide an adequate number of fire escape routes and exits.

In addition to this APP Construction Ltd, who were contracted to design and build the property, admitted one charge of:

• Failing to provide an adequate number of fire escape routes and exits.

At previous hearings guilty pleas were entered to the charges, all relating to the period September 24th 2016 to September 27th 2016.

The companies were all offered credit in court for their early guilty pleas. Acceptable safety measures are now in place at the building.

Judge Mairs said that all the companies had “high culpability” and that “the risks were so obvious that a member of the public spotted them – so they should have been obvious to the companies involved.”

In sentencing, he fined APP Construction Ltd £450,000, Trinity Developments Ltd £160,000 and Niche Homes Ltd £60,000.

The three companies also agreed to pay costs. APP Construction Ltd will pay £9,000. Trinity Developments Ltd will pay £6,000 and Niche Homes Ltd will also pay £6,000.

Following the sentencing Chris Kemp, Senior Fire Protection Manager for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said:

“This case demonstrates the importance those responsible for building construction, development and occupation have in understanding their duties and acting responsibly to take account of the safety of the people they are responsible for.

“As Judge Mairs highlighted, the dangers and risks found at Trinity Halls were so obvious anyone without a technical fire safety background could identify them.

“The conditions that were found on site were such that some of our senior officers have not seen such blatant disregard for the law and the safety of residents in 28 years.”