Has fire safety innovation caught up with the demands of European industrialisation?
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Has fire safety innovation caught up with the demands of European industrialisation?
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The value of industrial exports in many European countries is vital for their economy. Temporary production lapses are costly and fire safety comes into question during a range of scenarios. Adam Kovics, export sales manager at Ramtech, explains why having access to a temporary fire safety solution is critical for modern day industry.
The combined value of sold industrial product by Germany, Italy and France accounts for almost 60 per cent of total EU sold production, according to stats captured by eurostat in 2020. This highlights the significance of industrial sites in countries focused on maintaining strong national economies in a global system that is becoming increasingly unpredictable.
When referring to industrial sites, there is a range of production outputs to consider. From major manufacturing facilities, focused on the creation of key materials and consumer goods, to warehouses storing items before they continue their journey along the supply chain. Additionally, there is also the small matter of industrial power plants producing energy for domestic and overseas markets.
These facilities are all part of a system that impacts our daily lives in a multitude of ways and are not excluded from refurbishment, extension or temporary closure, despite the headache this can cause site owners and facility managers.
A concern during construction work and a possible cause of closures in the first instance is fire outbreaks – something easily possible in environments containing highly flammable materials and large-scale equipment.
Code red
Over 5,000 fire incidents occur daily in in the EU according to Fire Safety Europe, and while the majority of these do not take place on industrial sites, the consequences are often far greater when they do. Only recently a fire in an English convertor station caused disruption to energy imports from France and the repercussions will be felt for months to come. This incident highlights the importance of responsive fire safety systems that can alert personnel quickly if a fire outbreak happens. Allowed to spread, a fire causes costly damage, but in this case also resulted in pushing power prices still higher and forcing the grid to call on coal plants.
Across Europe, a universal approach to fire safety does not exist, posing danger to both people and business in equal measure, and in some cases, without adequate protection. Therefore, it is the responsibility of senior industry professionals to be fully informed and educated on the latest threats and solutions, or risk both financial cost and danger to human life.
Should you feel threatened?
There is little evidence to suggest the risk is rising, but a pre-emptive approach is far better than a reactionary one. Key causes for concern when exploring fire safety on European industrial sites include arson, human error, machine error and vacant facilities.
Another, relatively new threat to Northern Europe that has earned more attention lately is wildfires. Calls for a more integrated approach to prevent accidents caused by wildfires have been published, with industrial sites being one of the key locations that will feel the force of these natural disasters if our climate continues to change.
While wildfires may be somewhat easier to see coming and do not start at the heart of an operational site, they still deserve attention. Having said this, it is the aforementioned fire safety concerns specific to industry environments that must be mitigated using technological innovations.
Embracing modernisation and digitisation is a must
For many industrial sites, fixed fire alarms are the system of choice, although this is not the only option. The evolution of fire safety technology has reached a defining point, whereby easy-to-install wireless systems can offer a solution to support structural or system changes, as well as much needed maintenance in industrial environments.
When automotive manufacturer BMW experienced a fault with its traditional sprinkler system at its Munich production facility in Germany, an alternative system was required for several months, ensuring the building could remain open and compliant with insurance agreements. At the time, the two options insurers considered acceptable were fire watchers or a mobile fire alarm system.
In this instance, BMW opted for Ramtech’s WES3 system – a compliant wireless fire, evacuation, and emergency alarm system that is quickly deployed and able to offer 24/7 automatic early detection. Efficient modern systems combining hardware and software are enabling minimal labor and maximum insight. Aspects of modernisation and digitisation in fire safety systems mean European industries need not fear situations where mains electricity is unavailable. For example, a three-year battery life can reassure site managers that their temporary system will be more than capable of providing protection for short-term on-site works, while integrated on-and-off-site notifications to mobile devices ensure businesses are kept in the know through a cloud-based network.
Site managers in Europe should embrace the opportunity to use connected, Internet of Things (IoT) driven technology options that will give them greater control over their operations. Fires can have devastating effects on both life and property, but these risks have changed thanks to rapid innovation. Fire is no longer something to be feared, though this is only true when the associated risks are given the acknowledgment and pre-emptive action they need. For more information on Ramtech’s solutions, please get in touch either by phone on +44 (0)115 957 8282, by email to solutions@ramtechglobal.com or via the online enquiry form situated on our contact page.
Fighting fire with technology: how wireless fire detection is the answer to construction site safety
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Fighting fire with technology
How wireless fire detection is the answer to construction site safety
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Fire risk is one of the biggest threats to Construction sites. John Harrison, sales director at Ramtech, explains the dynamic security needs of construction sites, including how fire during construction, alteration, or demolition operations can be eliminated or controlled through early planning, scheduling, rapid communication and on-site security.
It is no secret that construction sites are full of potential hazards, and without the right protection it is generally accepted that a construction site can quite rapidly turn into a dangerous place to be. Fire in particular is a key concern. As recently as November 2021, ten people, including two firefighters, were hurt in a fire at a Brooklyn construction site*. While this is shocking, when you consider that a construction site is vulnerable to fire for many reasons, the fact that a fire was able to break out is unfortunately not all that surprising.
However, with the right fire protection technology in place at the very start of construction, alteration, or demolition, sites can be monitored for potential blazes and if they do occur can quickly be prevented from getting out of control.
Why is fire such a threat?
Busy workers on-site operating machinery are often close to sources of ignition, such as highly combustible materials and solvents. On top of this, fire could also happen during the construction phase as open sites are often more vulnerable to theft, vandalism, and arson. Further adding to this risk is the fact the typical building protection systems such as sprinklers, fire walls and detectors are not always in place until the final stages of construction. For the reasons mentioned, both builders and insurance companies know that fire is a very real threat – so why are many construction sites choosing to operate without the best fire safety protection? Whatever the reason, whether it is down to time, cost or a combination of both, if a fire does happen being able to act quickly is crucial. If left to spread the consequences can be grave in terms of loss of life and finances. To put this into perspective, according to the NFPA local fire departments responded to an estimated average of 3,840 fires in structures under construction and 2,580 fires in structures under major renovation per year in 2013-2017. What’s more, the fires in structures under construction caused an average of four civilian deaths, 49 civilian injuries, and $304 million in direct property damage annually. While those in structures under major renovation caused averages of eight civilian deaths, 52 civilian injuries, and $104 million in direct property damage annually.
Taking action
The NFPA Code 241 standards states that construction sites need to have security measures in place from the very moment ground is first broken up to and including the final phase of building. When it comes to hardwired fire detection, this can at first seem to be problematic if a reliable electricity source is not yet fully outfitted on the construction site. Because of the lack of power, some sites still rely on outdated air horns as an evacuation method on construction sites. However, this does come with disadvantages. Namely, an air horn cannot provide site-wide evacuation as it isn’t able to tell you where the fire is located, merely that there is a fire somewhere on the site. It can also be hard to distinguish the noise of an air horn above other background sounds on a site. Furthermore, there isn’t the capability with an air horn to add in smoke / heat sensors and other added value functions such as a medical call feature. This is not the case however if smarter wireless fire safety technology is used in these scenarios. The Ramtech WES3 fire evacuation detection system eliminates the need for a hardwired power source and there is no wired panel required as with most other similar systems. Each unit is powered by a battery with a three-year life under normal use to secure the job site during all phases of construction whether electricity is available or not. Each WES3 unit can also be mounted anywhere at all. With this fully customizable system, you can set out the units in the configuration that best meets the needs of your site.
Preparation is key
As well as being quick and simple to set-up and deploy, the WES3 system greatly helps with the creation of a construction pre-incident plan in accordance with NFPA 1620. If you have a site with hundreds of workers and something happens, it is important to be able to pin point where the fire is and to also evacuate workers away from the blaze. WES3 effectively achieves this objective because each unit can be numbered and named so that all alerts give a precise location. WES3 protection is constant, meaning that no matter the time or place the fire can be detected and communicated to personnel via the use of secure radio frequencies. With an unlimited number of units able to be used per site, more units can be added as the build progresses. Repeater units ensure the signal gets a boost on especially large sites. An emergency signal can be triggered automatically or manually from anywhere. This is all possible without wires or cables and without having to rely on the presence of workers to detect and extinguish fires.
Don’t get caught out
In the event of an on-site fire, those responsible will be held to account. While the building owner holds the primary responsibility, it falls on the contractor to carry it out daily. Pre-construction planning documents and processes must be worked out with the fire department to clearly define the owner’s responsibilities during the construction phase and ensure that the NFPA Code 241 is being upheld. The NFPA Code 241 standard has recently been updated to the 2022 edition and as such must be carefully scrutinized to ensure compliance.
Ramtech can support construction sites to meet parts of the latest NFPA Code 241 by implementing the WES3 wireless evacuation and emergency system. Through advancements in the use of wireless fire safety technology – saving lives, protecting building infrastructure and safeguarding communities is made more possible than ever before. Those who choose to take advantage of this will reap the benefits of a more secure and safe future. For more information on Ramtech’s solutions, please get in touch either by phone on +44 (0)115 957 8282, by email to solutions@ramtechglobal.com or via the online enquiry form situated on our contact page.
Don’t get caught out
In the event of an on-site fire, those responsible will be held to account. While the building owner holds the primary responsibility, it falls on the contractor to carry it out daily. Pre-construction planning documents and processes must be worked out with the fire department to clearly define the owner’s responsibilities during the construction phase and ensure that the NFPA Code 241 is being upheld. The NFPA Code 241 standard has recently been updated to the 2022 edition and as such must be carefully scrutinized to ensure compliance.
Ramtech can support construction sites to meet parts of the latest NFPA Code 241 by implementing the WES3 wireless evacuation and emergency system. Through advancements in the use of wireless fire safety technology – saving lives, protecting building infrastructure and safeguarding communities is made more possible than ever before. Those who choose to take advantage of this will reap the benefits of a more secure and safe future. For more information on Ramtech’s solutions, please get in touch either by phone on +44 (0)115 957 8282, by email to solutions@ramtechglobal.com or via the online enquiry form situated on our contact page.
Bridging the safety gap with temporary fire alarm systems
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Bridging the safety gap with temporary fire alarm systems
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When a permanent fire safety alarm system fails, a temporary solution must be sourced quickly to prevent a gap in protection while it is being fixed or replaced. Challenging scenarios are becoming more common for building owners. Whether that is damage to a permanent fire alarm system that leaves it in need of repair, or unexpected malfunctions that mean a replacement is necessary. A temporary system is a quick solution that will afford building owners precious time and peace of mind while any issues are being resolved with the permanent system. This is important as repairs or replacements are not always immediate due to time, financial, or other logistical constraints. Here, we take a deeper look at some of the scenarios a wireless fire alarm can add value as a temporary solution.
Damage control
Repairing or replacing a damaged permanent wired fire alarm system can be a lengthy process. The good news is that a wireless system does not require the same sort of installation. In fact, wireless solutions can be set up in minutes and in some instances can be rented out at short notice. For example, Ramtech was able to successfully install a WES wireless fire alarm system to enable a school in Bonn, Germany, to quickly reopen after flooding damaged the existing fire alarm.
The show must go on
For time sensitive events, a temporary fire alarm system can make all the difference if the permanent system fails at short notice. In fact, the safety net offered by a temporary solution allowed the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center to avoid cancelling its highly anticipated opening night, when a week before an electrical fault damaged the permanent fire alarm system. Waiting to rewire the permanent system would have thrown the entire show scheduling out of sync and cause a logistical nightmare as performances and tickets would have to be rebooked or refunded. By opting for the WES temporary fire alarm system this meant that the performances could go on as originally planned, while the permanent system was fixed.
The ability to reopen
To avoid closing a building due to safety concerns, a temporary wireless system is an ideal solution. For example, an auditorium within a famous theme park in Florida had issues with its fire system, which meant that the attraction was not protected and therefore could not be opened to the public for safety reasons. Within just 72 hours a temporary WES system was able to be installed to protect the area while repairs were made to the permanent system. The alternative would have been to close the attraction for a lengthy period, which needed to be avoided to ensure that park patrons could continue to enjoy the attraction.
Planning ahead
Not all wireless fire alarm systems need to be specified in an emergency, in fact a temporary wireless fire alarm system can, and should be, factored into the planning for use during periods of building and construction works. Making sure that a temporary fire alarm system is used on-site while the construction phase of a project is happening, and the permanent solution is waiting to be installed, is essential. Fires during construction, whether accidental or via intentional arson, must be monitored at all times to protect the lives of workers and safeguard the building investment. During construction, wireless systems can be placed anywhere on the site and moved if required. The WES3, for example, can be mounted onto temporary surfaces or onto trolleys that can be provided. All current WES systems are fully EN54-25 compliant wireless fire, evacuation, and emergency alarm system engineered to meet the unique fire safety challenges associated with construction sites and other industry sectors.
The right support
Wireless fire alarm safety systems ensure that you can carry on and prevent the loss of business, investment and delays when facing unpredictable circumstances. Not to mention how they help building owners, their contractors, occupants, and the wider public stay safe – when waiting for a permanent solution. With the help of experienced wireless technology specialists such as Ramtech, the right temporary wireless fire alarm solution can be quickly deployed to ensure that there is never a gap in safety. For more information about Ramtech and the WES range please click here.
Safety protection – then vs. now: MGM Grand fire
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Safety protection – then vs. now: MGM Grand fire
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Ramtech’s Content Marketing Manager Jon Bennett looks at how safety protection has evolved over time. In the third article in this series, Jon looks back 41 years to an infamous fire in Las Vegas. Would or could this disaster still happen now?
Background
It’s a Friday morning in November 1980 at the MGM Grand hotel and casino in Las Vegas. No doubt it was a busy time, especially heading into the weekend. In fact, there were around 5,000 people on site that morning, across the casino, entertainment and dining areas. There are circa 2,000 hotel rooms.
It starts in The Deli
Just after 7 in the morning, a fire was discovered in a restaurant within the complex known as The Deli. A tile crew was undertaking an inspection of the restaurant and noticed a flicker of light, which turned out to be the fire. It was ultimately caused by an electrical ground fault inside a wall-mounted electrical receptacle. Employees also noted at around the same time that smoke was coming from ceiling vents. Security was advised, who then contacted the fire department. Under 20 minutes from the fire first being noticed, the Clark County Fire Department was onsite. This was followed by various helicopters (who started roof top evacuations) and other fire crews.
Initially, the fire spread rapidly. Fuelled by flammable materials such as wallpaper, glue, PVC piping, and plastic mirrors, once the fire had entered the lobby it continued into the casino at a reported 13mph. This resulted in a huge fireball bursting through the main entrance close to the famous Las Vegas Strip. This whole event was very rapid, and it seems to have claimed the first victims when 18 people were killed on the casino level.
The fire never actually spread beyond the second floor of the casino – so why did the incident claim a total of 85 lives?
Toxic atmosphere
The flammable material I mentioned earlier when alight created toxic fumes and smoke. Unfortunately, this spread through the complex into the hotel easily thanks to vertical shafts such as stairways and elevators. This widespread flow of toxic air would end up causing the majority of the deaths. Guests tried to evacuate, but some were unable to get out quickly enough due to the elevators not automatically returning to the main floor. 10 people died in one of these elevators. Some people even escaped via hanging bedsheets out of their windows to reach lower floors.
Some people who were trapped in their rooms broke open the windows to get fresh air, only for thick smoke from outside to pool into their rooms, making the situation worse. A few even managed to escape via a scaffolding platform.
A total of 78 guests and 7 employees died as a result of the incident. 650 suffered injuries, including 14 firefighters. 61 deaths happened from the 19th-24th floors, emphasising the impact of the toxic fumes. Following the disaster, there was a campaign to promote the fact that during a building fire, inhaling smoke is a more serious threat than flames.
Would it happen now?
Specifically, the cause of fire was electrical and related to a display case in The Deli restaurant.
This display case was added after the building of the hotel and without going into technical details, vibration of an internal fan in the display case was also a factor as the wiring became ungrounded after plastic insulation eventually corroded. This eventually caused heat to build and the connections to arc, which ignited the fire. Initially it is suspected that the fire smouldered for several hours, until fresh oxygen fed it and it spread rapidly. Modern display cases featured different, safer equipment – so although a fire is still possible of course, it’s likely in current times the technology would be such that a similar incident would never happen.
Once the fire has developed into the casino areas, there were a lack of sprinklers, which didn’t help the situation. Due to rules at the time, these areas didn’t have to have a sprinkler system. As they were occupied 24 hours a day, it was thought that any fire would be taken out by people using fire extinguishers, – although this opinion had opposition. Mainly due to cost, only a minimal amount of sprinklers were installed across the complex.
Within a week of the disaster, the local Governor formed a commission to determine whether older hotels in Nevada state should work to newer fire safety rules. However, less that 100 days after the MGM Grand fire, a fire broke out at the Las Vegas Hilton hotel, killing 8 people. These two incidents sped things along, leading to a major reformation of fire safety guidelines and codes. There were, after all, several failings noted to evacuation procedures and fire crew knowledge. Later in 1981, all public-use buildings in Nevada were required to have fire sprinklers, smoke detectors in rooms and elevators, with exit maps in all hotel rooms. It took several years for all complexes of this type to conform however, as it took time to specify.
The reality is that even in 2021, a fire is still possible. But the chances of it spreading are drastically reduced due to a mix of increased safety requirements and advances in technology. For example, even if a wired fire alarm is undergoing refurbishment, temporary solutions such as WES can ensure 24/7 early warning of potential fires.
Safety protection – then vs. now: Disaster at the Iroquois Theatre
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Safety protection – then vs. now: Disaster at the Iroquois Theatre
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Ramtech’s Content Marketing Manager Jon Bennett looks at how safety protection has evolved over the years, starting with a tragedy at the Iroquois Theatre in Chicago, USA. Would this awful event still have happened in modern times? Jon explains more.
Background
As the new year festivities approached on December 30th 1903, a theatre in Illinois, United States, was packed full of an excited audience ready to watch a matinee performance of ‘Mr Blue Beard’. Little did they know at the time that the theatre, and many of them, would not get to see the second act. The Iroquois Theatre was well known in Chicago at the time. It opened in late November 1903 in what one drama critic said was “the most beautiful … in Chicago, and competent judges state that few theatres in America can rival its architectural perfections …”. It was clear though those appearances were deceiving. Up to the opening, the theatre had been plagued by issues including workforce unrest, delays in architectural planning and, most pertinently, fire safety issues that were highlighted by Fireproof Magazine and even the local fire department at the time.
Just a month into opening, the issues highlighted by the editor of Fireproof Magazine and the fire department were to become frighteningly real. Some of the issues noted included:
- Inadequate fire exits
- Wood trim being used to frequently
- No sprinklers
- No fire alarm warnings
- A lack of telephones
- No water connections
In fact, it came to light that the only fire protection of any kind was the existence of six ‘Kilfyre’ fire extinguishers that were designed for residential fires. These powder-based extinguishers were designed for fires originating low down on a surface such as a floor – which as we’ll find out, were totally inadequate for the Iroquois Theatre.
The venue was a sell out as the performance started, with around 2,200 people packed into the 3 tiers of the hall.
As the second act – a night scene – was being prepared at around 15.15, it seems like sparks from an arc light set fire to a muslin curtain. Quickly, the ‘Kilfyre’ extinguishers were used…but it was already too late, as the fire was spreading high above the stage. Sadly, things would get no better. The theatre was full of highly flammable painted canvas paintings, locked gates and more hazards. Even the fire curtain between the stage and the audience, supposed to separate the areas in the event of a fire, not only snagged halfway down but was primarily made of wood pulp and asbestos. In short, the theatre was fuelling its own bonfire.
There are many sources online that explain more about the intricate details of the fire. As a simple overview, the severe lack of exits, locked gates and badly designed passageways and stairs meant that when a fireball extended into the audience seating area and started to engulf the theatre hall, many people couldn’t make it out, or were crushed whilst doing so.
Due to the lack of a fire alarm or telephone, the local fire department were only alerted when one of the stagehands had literally run to the nearest fire station. In all, 575 people died on the day of the fire, with more passing away in the following weeks. Just a day later, changes started to happen to try to prevent a similar situation. Some theatres eliminated standing room. Building and fire codes were reformed and all over the US and Europe, where theatres were retrofitted with better fire safety systems and emergency planning.
What would happen in the modern day?
There is every chance that if the spark from a stage light had occurred in modern times, nothing would have happened. The initial fuel for the fire seems to have been the stage curtain – which are now available in a fireproof material.
Even if there had been a fire, modern extinguishers would have been able to cope with the initial fire if caught early enough and the correct extinguisher type was used. Looking even beyond this, modern building regulations are very different now too. Better fire exits would have allowed more people to evacuate easily. The designs of staircases and other corridors would be more suitable. Both fixed and temporary fire alarm systems exist to alert not only onsite staff, but those offsite too including the emergency services.
It is a tragic reality that hundreds of men, women and children would have been saved if the event had happened in later times…but the lessons learnt from this event have helped shape the safety we enjoy today.
What would happen in the modern day?
There is every chance that if the spark from a stage light had occurred in modern times, nothing would have happened. The initial fuel for the fire seems to have been the stage curtain – which are now available in a fireproof material.
It is a tragic reality that hundreds of men, women and children would have been saved if the event had happened in later times…but the lessons learnt from this event have helped shape the safety we enjoy today.
Ramtech looks to global growth with new owners
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Ramtech looks to global growth with new owners
Ramtech, the innovative UK wireless safety and security solutions business, has been bought by Halma plc.
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The acquisition by Halma will support Ramtech’s ambitions to enter new global markets and invest in a substantial product roadmap. Halma is a global group of life-saving technology companies whose purpose is to grow a safer, cleaner heathier future for everyone, every day. Ramtech will join a number of companies in the safety and fire detection markets that are part of the FTSE 100 company’s portfolio. Nottingham-headquartered Ramtech turns over £10 million annually, employs 65 people and is rapidly expanding in terms of the products and services it offers. Ramtech will become part of Halma’s safety division but will operate independently, retaining its name and brand. Ramtech’s senior team will remain with the company, including Andy Hicks, the company’s managing director and one of Ramtech’s co-owners before the sale. Halma divisional chief executive Charles Lombard will join Ramtech as chairman.
“It is the right time for Ramtech to enter its next phase of expansion and achieve truly global growth. The investment and access to Halma’s expertise and global network are all essential ingredients in helping the company achieve this”, explains Managing Director Andy Hicks.
Andy Hicks said: “It is the right time for Ramtech to enter its next phase of expansion and achieve truly global growth. The investment and access to Halma’s expertise and global network are all essential ingredients in helping the company achieve this.”
“Our ‘customer-first’ approach will remain, and we don’t see that passion for our customers changing in any way.”
Halma owns around 45 businesses covering safety, environment and analysis, and health. Ramtech will join Halma’s safety division whose companies’ technologies span elevator safety, fire detection, fire suppression, security sensors, access control, safe storage, people and vehicle flow. Charles Lombard, divisional chief executive of Halma, said: “We look forward to supporting Ramtech to help meet its ambitious growth plans, which will help more customers save lives and protect valuable assets.”
“We look forward to supporting Ramtech to help meet its ambitious growth plans, which will help more customers save lives and protect valuable assets”, states Charles Lombard, Divisional Chief Executive, Halma
Ramtech operates in a rapidly growing market. Governments are insisting on higher standards of safety on construction sites, including fire safety. Ramtech is well positioned to take advantage of these opportunities having established routes to market, industry-leading products and long-established customer relationships with the market leaders in its areas of operation. Currently, Ramtech’s WES3 technology and REACT system is installed on the 7km west section of London’s new Thames Tideway Tunnel – an ambitious 25km ‘super sewer’ that, once completed in 2025, will prevent the River Thames from being polluted by overflow sewage.
The state-of-the-art system is also currently deployed during the construction works at Everton’s new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, and was recently used to protect almost a millennium’s worth of heritage and some of Nottingham’s most treasured artefacts during the £30 million redevelopment of the city’s castle. The company’s WiSE alarm and monitoring technology is installed at many of the largest UK holiday and leisure parks.
Safety protection – then vs. now: Fire at Kings Cross
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Safety protection – then vs. now: Fire at Kings Cross
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In the second article in this short series, Ramtech’s Content Marketing Manager Jon Bennett looks at how safety protection has evolved over time. This time he focuses on the King’s Cross fire in London, which took place in the late 1980s. Would or could this event still happen now?
It’s a Wednesday evening in winter in the UK capital – 18th November 1987 to be precise. Commuters are making their way home across London, and as usual it’s a busy evening at King’s Cross St Pancras tube station – one of the major hubs of the London Underground. In fact, it has platforms for the Metropolitan, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Northern line City branch, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines, making it one of the most used on the underground network. Despite all the changes in the capital since the end of World War Two, some of the tube network was operating with largely outdated features. At King’s Cross St Pancras tube station, this included wooden escalators, dating back to approximately the 1940s. This seemingly normal piece of equipment, used probably by millions of people over its lifetime, was to cause one of the capital’s biggest disasters in recent history.
In the second article in this short series, Ramtech’s Content Marketing Manager Jon Bennett looks at how safety protection has evolved over time. This time he focuses on the King’s Cross fire in London, which took place in the late 1980s. Would or could this event still happen now?
A simple match
In 1984, smoking was banned on all London Underground trains. After a fire at Oxford Circus a year later, the ban was extended to all underground stations too. However, it was common at the time that smokers would light their cigarettes on the way out of the station, discarding the matches on the ticket hall floor and the stairs. At around 19:30, a discarded, still burning match fell down the side of a moving escalator. A combination of grease and rubbish from day-to-day movement (tickets, hair, rat fur etc.) under the escalator on its running tracks allowed this tiny fire from the match to spread rapidly. The fire brigade was called just 6 minutes after commuters first alerted the British Transport Police to the fire.
Initial fire extinguisher use failed to do anything as the fire was burning under the escalator, as it was impossible to reach it. Water fog equipment was available, but no one on site had been trained in its operation. By 19:42, the whole escalator was on fire. This resulted in superheated gas rising to the top of the escalator shaft, where it became trapped by the ceiling. The gas hit around twenty layers of old paint, which began absorbing the heat. Three minutes later a flashover (ignition of combustible materials) and a stream of flame shot up to the ticket hall, filling it with black smoke and high temperatures. Unfortunately, this killed or seriously injured many who hadn’t by this stage evacuated out of the ticket hall. Those below the escalator level managed to escape on trains to safety. Over 150 fire fighters attended the scene and the fire was declared out in the early hours of the 19th of November. In total, thirty-one people lost their lives, nineteen had serious injuries and around eighty others were injured.
Would it happen now?
Many things changed following the disaster and the public inquiry that followed. Interestingly, aside from the factors mentioned previously in this article, the angle (30°) of the escalators was discovered to be important too. The flashover investigation resulted in the discovery of the ‘trench effect’ which was totally unknown before the fire. This had directly caused the flashover. Whilst this could still take place on subways around the world, many changes occurred on the London Underground network as a result of the devastating fire.
One of the first things to happen was the removal of wood from stations, including from escalators and panelling. The last wooden escalator was removed in 2014. Smoking was completely outlawed everywhere on the London Underground network just a few days after the fire. Heat detectors and sprinklers were fitted under escalators. Training of staff was improved and a radio system was introduced for quicker communication.
Ten years after the fire, a large amount of safety improvement had been introduced including CCTV, advanced fire detection systems and the removal of any hazardous materials. The fire even led to better equipment for fire fighters in the UK – yellow plastic trousers that melted in the intense heat and rubber gloves that resulted in poor hand movement were replaced with more effective clothing.
Whilst the risk of fire will never totally disappear, there’s no doubt that the changes made and subsequent developments in technology have drastically reduced the chances of anything similar happening again, certainly on the London Underground.
American Wood Council
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American Wood Council
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The American Wood Council (AWC) is an independent organization providing information about wood products to builders. Working in association with the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), the International Code Council (ICC), and other knowledgeable stakeholders, the AWC has created a set of guidelines to help reduce life and property loss from fire in buildings under construction based upon preexisting codes and standards. Today, let’s examine why these guidelines are necessary and why the most efficient way to adhere to them and keep your construction site safe is by implementing the award-winning WES3 Wireless Evacuation and Emergency System from Ramtech Electronics. Most firefighters will tell you that one of the first things that must be understood about a building fire is the type of construction that makes up the structure in question. There are five types to consider. Type I, Fire Resistive, is composed of concrete, concrete mixes, and coated steel. Type II, Non-Combustible, is usually made of masonry, tile, and metal. Type III, Ordinary, is a combination of materials. Type IV, Heavy Timber, is not used much anymore. Type V is Wood Framed. Type I is the sturdiest and most fire resistant. Each subsequent type is a little less so, with Type V being the most vulnerable to fire. The vulnerabilities largely lie with the use of wood and wooden materials.
The most common type of construction today is Type V. Whether commercial or residential, the standard set-up often includes a lightweight wood frame covered by brick or block façade to give it the appearance of heavy-duty concrete, masonry, or steel. Single- and multi-unit homes, restaurants, shopping malls, and many other buildings are erected cheaply and quickly using this method, so it’s not going away anytime soon. But there are many sources of heat, flames, and sparks such as brazing, cutting, grinding, soldering, thawing, and welding taking place on a construction site. Coupled with multiple sources of fuel like debris and flammable liquids in large quantities, this makes a building site rife with opportunities for a full-scale blaze if adherence to important guidelines is not carefully considered. For a building composed of concrete or steel the risk of a fire spreading is minimal, but wood tends to be the perfect fuel.
You may be asking, but isn’t wood used in construction required to be fire treated? The answer is yes, but it isn’t a perfect solution. Fire retardant treatments (FRTs) do limit the spread of flames on wood’s surface, but they are unable to limit how quickly wood breaks down when exposed to fire and heat. FRTs don’t raise the fire resistance rating of the material. Treated wood doesn’t meet the standard for noncombustible materials, in other words, but its low flame spread is the loophole that allows it to continue to be used where noncombustible materials would otherwise be required.
While it may be difficult for a fire to start, once it begins time is your worst enemy. Early detection is the key to getting the fire department onsite in time to eliminate the fire and save your most valuable resources. A few air horns and fire extinguishers may not be enough to mitigate a fire before it gets out of control. Having an emergency alert and evacuation system in place can save lives.
In its comprehensive fire safety manual, which specifically addresses the unique challenges of fire prevention during building construction, the AWC acknowledges that traditional detection and alarm systems may not meet the ever-changing and increasing safety needs of a construction site. In these cases, manual devices are recommended; however, they must be “distinctive and clearly audible above background noises in all areas.” Case studies have shown that on large sites where multiple floors are nearing completion, workers on the higher levels are unable to hear an air horn used on lower floors, or are unable to distinguish it from other typical construction noises.
WES3 units placed at strategic points as the building rises are the best way to ensure that everyone on-site is aware of an emergency alert. Being wireless allows the system to function independently of cables or hardwiring. The sensors are tough, rugged, and dust-resistant to eliminate loss of productivity due to false alarms. At the first sign of unexpected smoke or heat, the units will alert the appropriate personnel via a clearly audible siren and strobe lights, and a text message for those off-site. “All staff and inducted visitors are trained/instructed so that they can recognize the fire/emergency alarm and understand what action to take,” the AWC manual states. WES3 streamlines this process. Not only are the units simple to install and use, but training and support are additional benefits provided with this system.
Arson attacks must be tackled with proactive fire safety technology
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Arson attacks must be tackled with proactive fire safety technology
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Cases of arson are still commonplace in the construction industry and widely believed to be the number one cause of on-site fires. An ongoing problem requires a proactive defence mechanism, as John Tyrer, Sales Director at wireless solutions firm Ramtech North America, explains. Irreplaceable heritage buildings lost, costs that go through the roof and progress that cannot be recovered – the effects of arson are vast and uniquely upsetting. But these are concerns considered second to the significant potential outcomes of life-changing injuries or even death. It is no secret that arson continues to be a problem for the construction industry, with cases regularly appearing in the news. According to the NFPA, fires that were intentionally set caused one in 10 (11%) fires, but one-third (32%) of direct property damage per year in 2013 through 2017.
Early detection
One of the main reasons why arson is difficult to deal with is because it is impossible to predict and can be either a one-off event or a recurring problem. That being said, an early alert can be the difference between life and death, as well as a small, manageable fire and an out-of-control blaze. Having an adequate solution in place to detect and respond to outbreaks is essential for all contractors to be responsible on their projects. Without a sound, adequate and compliant system in place, there is the potential for disastrous consequences to a project’s timeline, budget, equipment, supplies, and, most importantly, life.
Connected sites
Fortunately, wireless technology is making detection simpler, more efficient and less of a headache for site managers.
Although a construction site full of primitive tools and raw materials may seem like an unlikely place to find the latest cloud-based innovations, advances in technology is helping to bring 24/7 safety to sites – protecting them against fire hazards such as arson.
Innovative technology set ups, integrating new technology with other, sometimes older, third-party units now offer detailed insights from smoke and heat sensors, which can then be immediately fed through to emergency services, on-site workers and anyone with the connected applications available on mobile devices.
Wireless alert systems
Wireless fire alarm systems have advanced greatly over the past few decades and contribute to stopping blazes – whether accidental or deliberate – in their tracks. Take our WES3 wireless fire, evacuation, and emergency alarm system as an example; it works simultaneously with our cloud-based REACT platform to deliver real-time alerts 24/7 to a mobile device app and the phonelines of local fire services, preventing a fire from becoming out of control – even out of hours and from a distance.
Furthermore, customizable systems that create bespoke solutions to suit a site’s needs offer accurate, specific, personalized notifications and alerts – making it possible to achieve the goal of comprehensive protection from both internal and external threats on construction sites of all sizes, no matter how unique the needs and no matter the operational status of the project. Firms that are embracing and adopting connected technologies are already reaping the rewards – being provided with peace of mind that sites have an additional level of health and safety protection, putting construction workers’ minds at ease and their lives in safe hands.
Our customers have no problem managing fire risks with our systems in place and it is a small price to pay for vital alerts. The proactive approach is the way forward and technology is paving the way for a safer future for people and property.
The flexible emergency alert system
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The flexible emergency alert system
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We’ve discussed in our news section previously about the benefits of the WES temporary wireless fire alarm system – but why does it have a reputation for being so simple to have on site? Well, let us begin with pre-installation. We can help you set up your system in terms of design, using your floorplans. This can help you conform to regulations such as BS5839.
Then comes the installation once the WES system has arrived on site. Other systems need to be installed by an engineer, costing both money and time. The WES system however – be it WES+ or the latest generation of wireless fire alarm, WES3 – is designed to be easily self-installed, and specialist installation is not required. However, should you need assistance, we can send a specialist to site to help you set up the system (geographic restrictions may apply) and show you ‘the ropes’ of operation. With a range of ‘How To’ videos and technical literature available via the VIP area of our website, plus support from our customer services team, there are many ways we can support you.
The flexibility of WES is one of the key reasons why site managers choose WES – as the whole system is wireless, including the control unit, each unit can be moved around easily if required by simply removing the securing screws. Units can be taken out of the system, or additional ones put in, at any point. With a 3-year battery life under normal conditions, our units are quite often used on several projects, adding extra value – and of course, we can change the batteries if required too. You can even hire the WES system for 3 months or more rather than purchasing outright if desired, depending on your location.
Couple to this off-site communication via our REACT platform and optional linking to existing 3rd party systems via the WES interface and you have the ultimate in a flexible, durable, wireless emergency alert system.