Fire risk and hazard, the developing picture Concepts and EU dimension EFA Round table 16th February

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Fire risk and hazard, the developing picture
Concepts and EU dimension EFA Round
table16th February Brussels

• Robert A. Graham
• Executive Director

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• Changing nature building, transport and consumer
  products

Traditional materials replaced by modern materials
Wood Rigid PU and other plastics Natural
fibres Synthetics/polyurethane Glass
Acrylics Cork insulation
Polystyrene Metal Nylon
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Changing nature of fires.

• Ignition

Flammability and fire growth
Smoke and toxicity hazard
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What does this mean for the firefighter?
Increased risk of fire
Increased rate of burning
Increased smoke and toxic gases
Increased protection required for fire-fighters,
BA, PPE
Less time for public to escape or be rescued
Increased casualties (public and fire-fighters)
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What are the solutions?

• Cannot go back to traditional materials

1. Prevention modify materials so they are less
ignitable and flammable.
2. Protection ensure early detection e.g.
smoke alarms
3. Education/Training- modify public behaviour
before and during fire
4. Intervention adequate speed of response and
weight of attack by fire brigade.
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Prevention

• Material selection and design

UK and Ireland domestic furniture
controls-significant life safety benefits

• Not easily ignitable
• Slow burning
• Increased escape time-no flashover
• Enables benefits of smoke alarms to be realised

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Achieved by
Use of inherently fire safe materials
or Flame retardant treated materials
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New knowledge
Swedish research shows that FR treated
televisions are less harmful to the environment
than non FR TVs
European TV flammability standard being improved
UK Govt research shows benefits of safe furniture
outweigh any risks from use of FRs
USA proposes federal furniture controls after
studies of fires/frs etc
French Govt considering Decree for furniture
controls
Hazard of CO from fires highlighted by UK study
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Conclusions.

• The risks and hazards from fire have not reduced
  as society has progressed

There is no single solution to ensure a fire-safe
environment
1. Prevention 2. Protection 3.Education/Training
4. Intervention
Safe communities.
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Fire risk and hazard, the developing picture
Concepts and EU dimension EFA Round
table16th February Brussels

• Robert A. Graham
• Executive Director ACFSE