James Fisher, UK/Europe general manager at Bilco, sees the fire-raising disturbances during the recent riots as a timely reminder to employers to prioritise safety and to work in partnership with regulation authorities to provide the appropriate equipment to protect people at work.

"Fire protection and people's safety is imperative in every building," he said. "Safety should never be compromised and that applies equally to the quality of all safety and protection products."

The warning comes as the latest national statistics show that 321 people died in more than 57,000 building fires across England during the 12-month period to the end of March 2011. Most of the victims died from the effects of smoke and toxic fumes inhalation.

The figures, released by the Office for National Statistics office, are 6 per cent down on the previous 12-months. James Fisher suggests the improvement reflects the combined efforts of architects, designers and specifiers working together to reduce the risks by increasing fire protection in buildings.

Credit for the declining number of fires on industrial premises is also due to safety-conscious manufacturers working in partnership with employers and regulation authorities to provide the appropriate equipment and raising safety and protection standards, he said.

The company develops and manufactures specialty access doors and smoke vents, together with roof hatches and other access solutions. "They provide a clearer means of escape from a burning building through dedicated escape routes," said James. "As well as helping to protect the property and its contents, they enable the emergency services to bring a fire under control by removing smoke, heat and gases."

James Fisher said: "No business or employer can be complacent about the risk or the impact of fire. The shocking scenes we have witnessed this summer show how quickly fire and fumes take hold in any building.

"Fire protection and people's safety is imperative in every building. Corners should never be cut which could put people's lives at stake, and that applies equally to the quality of all safety and protection products."

 

Posted August 18, 2011 at 1640 by Andrew. Comment by emailing: andrew.lynch@pavpub.com