Christmas time has whizzed around again so here are the most read fire-related articles on IFSEC Global of 2014.I have to say, I’ve been really impressed with the level of engagement from the fire audience below the line; there have been many well mannered but passionately argued debates about the intricacies of fire-safety legislation and governance. With this in mind I’ve added a new category this year: the article that generated the biggest debate.
Twelve months into the job I now have plans to widen the pool of contributors and commission a more diverse range of content next year – not least more case studies, spotlights on fire safety in specific sectors and videos examining fire safety, security and facilities management in iconic London landmarks.
Anyway, have a smashing Christmas and I hope to see some of you at next year’s FIREX International, which again takes place at London’s ExCeL in June.
10. Is the Fire Service the Right Enforcement Authority?
By Alan Cox, fire-risk consultant
Eighteen years since he first asked the question in article form, Alan Cox again questions the wisdom of leaving fire enforcement to firefighters rather than fire-risk professionals.
9. A Heartbreaking history of Victorian Pier Fires
By Adam Bannister, IFSEC Global content & community manager
From the 1976 blaze on Southend Pier to the 2010 Hastings fire, we revisited five fires that destroyed more than a century’s worth of history’s in a few devastating hours.
8. Illegal Cigarettes a Major Fire Risk
By Cherry Park, freelance journalist
Fake cigarettes are to blame for one in three house-fire fatalities and 100 deaths a year generally.
7. Gutted Norfolk Fire Station had no Sprinklers
By Cherry Park, freelance journalist
No surprise to see this story among the top 10, with sprinklers a divisive issue across the industry.
6. Video: Watch How these 3 Fire Doors Cope in a Fire
By the British Woodworking Federation
The British Woodworking Federation puts Door A (glazed incorrectly), Door B (installed and glazed correctly) and Door C (ordinary letter plate, no intumescent seals) through their paces.
5. Video of Fireworks Factory Explosion – Two People Killed
By Adam Bannister, IFSEC Global content & community manager
A former kickboxing champion and father of one, Simon Hillier, died along with another unnamed victim after thousands of rockets exploded at the SP Fireworks warehouse.
4. E-cigarettes cause fires and explode – even in one ‘vaper’s’ mouth
By Cherry Park, freelance journalist
A Florida man lost part of his tongue, while the lack of over-current protection is making charging a perilous task.
3. Infographic: Did You Know These Fire Safety Facts?
By the IFSEC digital team
Did you know that washing machines are more likely to burn down your home than any other appliance?
2. Care Home: Dodgy Fire Door of the Year Winner
By Adam Bannister, IFSEC Global content & community manager
Launched by the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS) last April, the Theodore Firedoor campaign publicizes the widespread problems of ill-fitting, damaged, and poorly maintained fire doors.
1. Latest Firefighter Fatalities Spotlight Worrying Trend
By Cherry Park, freelance journalist
Firefighter deaths are rising, we reported in February, even as the number of fires falls. This article was liked on Facebook a whopping 797 times.
Top 3 Fire Downloads of 2014
3. Third-Party Fire Certification for Businesses
Courtesy of the FIA this download helps you reassure your customers that you are competent in the services and products you provide.
2. Fire prevention toolbox talk
How to prevent fire, what you should know and what to do in the event of fire breaking out – invaluable information for employers courtesy of the IOSH, BIFM and USHA approved UK provider of health, safety and environmental information.
1. A Technical Guide to Fire Precautions and Fire Protection
Covering legal requirements for responsible persons under the FSO, courtesy of the IOSH, BIFM and USHA approved UK provider of health, safety and environmental information.
Biggest debate generator of 2014
Is the Fire Service the Right Enforcement Authority?
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Plus, we explore the growing risks of lithium-ion battery fires and hear from experts in disability evacuation and social housing.
