Monthly Archives: June 2019

Industrial Estate Fire Declared A Major Incident

Fire chiefs in Liverpool last night (June 27) declared an industrial estate fire a major incident. People across Merseyside have witnessed the blaze, with flames and plumes of smoke visible across Liverpool and wider Cheshire. The fire, at Golden Triangle Industrial Estate, Widnes, was reported at around 9pm last night and firefighters are currently still at the location.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service is rated outstanding and was quickly on the scene. However, the scale of the fire saw firefighters working through the night to bring it under control. It is not yet known what caused the blaze but loud bangs have been heard and one person is reported to have be injured. Fifty residents were evacuated from their homes and, at the time of writing, were still being told to stay away until the all-clear is given.

 

Homes evacuated following Liverpool fire

A spokesperson for the fire and rescue service said: “The fire is now under control after several hose reel jets were used to fight it overnight. The safety cordon has been reduced to 150 metres. Firefighters are currently damping down the area to make it safe. They are using water to cool down gas cylinders at the industrial estate that have been affected by the fire.”

Four fire engines and an aerial ladder platform remain at the scene. The fire service says road closures are in place and motorists are still advised to avoid the area.

 

Reducing the risk of a major industrial estate fire

If you own a business on an industrial estate, have you reviewed your fire safety equipment recently? Having the right equipment is imperative. Many industrial estate fires happen outside of normal business hours. That is why it makes sense to have round the clock, automatic protection. A sprinkler system and on-site water storage can vastly impact the time it takes a fire to spread.

Nationwide Water Solutions, the UK’s leading name in sprinkler tank services, installs and maintains water storage tanks for sprinklers across the UK. For further information, visit its website.

 

Please note: The image used with this story is for illustration purposes only.

 

How to Easily Extend the Life of Your Sprinkler Tank

Are you torn between replacing your sprinkler tank and having it lined? Lining is an option if it has been suggested in an independent inspection report. Worried it will only slightly delay the hassle of having to decommission your existing tank? Concerned about the costs?

Lining a water storage tank is cost-effective and, with modern materials, a long-lasting solution. Nationwide Water Solutions, Britain’s leading sprinkler tank lining specialist, says it can extend the life of a fire tank by more than a decade. What’s more, rust and debris is removed during the cleaning process before the lining is installed.

 

Sprinkler tank lining facts

EPDM sprinkler tank lining is sensible option because it is durable and highly resistant to chemicals. Installing an EPDM lining does require a sprinkler tank to be drained, but the process takes just just days to complete and your sprinkler system will have access to stored water again. This highly specialised work can only be undertaken by professionals but provides a robust solution to an otherwise expensive problem.

A spokesman for Nationwide Water Solutions said: “If you have been told your sprinkler tank is suitable for lining, you can count yourself lucky. You can look forward to years more use and dependable water storage. Lining a storage tank is much easier than having to dismantle and replace an existing one. It is a lot cheaper too.”

Because fire safety is paramount in a wide range of high-risk buildings, an EPDM sprinkler tank liner is effective and efficient.

 

Learn more about sprinkler tank lining

Nationwide Water Solutions has resources for property owners and managers on its website. It offers a complete overview of the tank lining process – so you know what to expect and how long the work will take. It puts the emphasis on safety and explains how its workers are trained to carry out tank lining projects with due diligence.

Want to extend the life of your sprinkler tank?

For further information, visit Nationwide Water Solutions.

Is Tech A Fire Risk You Are Overlooking?

Homes and businesses are full of tech that could pose a fire risk. In the week that Apple decided to recall some Macbook models, we look at the dangers you may be overlooking. In the case of the Macbook, faulty batteries in a limited number of products bought between September 2015 and February 2017 may overheat. If you own a Macbook, check now when you bought yours.

Tech left on for hours at a time can overheat – especially if not maintained. Outdated equipment, overloaded sockets and extension cables can all pose a risk. At a time when manufacturers are trying to recall everything from tumble dryers and cars to washing machines and light cabling, everyone needs to assess the risks presented by every-day tech that we all take for granted.

 

What you can do to reduce fire risks

If you operate a business that uses a lot of tech or houses high-value products, a sprinkler system is a must. It is also recommended for high-rise buildings, schools and a wide range of other premises where electrical items are routinely used.

A spokesman from Nationwide Water Solutions said: “The truth is, tech should be considered when fire risk assessments are undertaken. Checks should be made to ensure old equipment is replaced and that sockets are not overloaded. It is also important to check that wires are not twisted.” The spokesman, representing the UK’s leading name in sprinkler tanks, added: “Always consider investing in water storage to feed sprinklers. A sprinkler tank is ideal because it is specifically designed for this purpose.”

 

Tech threats and fire safety

If you want to reduce the risks of a fire, make sure you carry out risk assessments every time something changes – not just once a year. Planning to beef up your fire safety with sprinklers? If you want to add a sprinkler tank, Nationwide Water Solutions offers a free site visit. For further information about sprinkler tank installation and maintenance, visit Nationwide Water Solutions.

How A Sprinkler Tank Can Help The Pub Trade

In recent years, big pub chains have cottoned on to the B&B market. That means more pubs are offering accommodation. A sprinkler tank can aid fire safety in large premises that that may be vulnerable simply because of the number of people frequenting it. If your pub chain has recently expanded its bed and breakfast offer, the UK’s leading sprinkler tank expert has some timely advice.

Nationwide Water Solutions says providing accommodation to guests can increase fire risks. Additional strain on power supplies, unauthorised smoking and other dangers can all cause fires. So too can cosy open fires. To protect investments and assets, pub chains are urged to revisit fire safety and consider the benefits of installing sprinklers and a fire tank.

 

Why a sprinkler tank?

A spokesman for Nationwide Water Solutions said: “Quite simply, a sprinkler tank can help stop a fire from spreading. This is vital if you are letting rooms above a pub or have live-in staff. A recent fire saw a man sleeping in accommodation above a pub put at risk. Thankfully, he was rescued.

“Elsewhere, explosions were heard after a pub near Bristol caught fire. Significant damage was caused, and eight fire appliances were needed to bring the blaze under control. Firefighters were on the scene for more than six hours. Large pubs offering a B&B element need to consider fire safety and take the appropriate steps to ensure risk assessments are carried out regularly.”

 

Sprinkler tank installation and maintenance

Nationwide Water Solutions installs and maintains sprinkler tanks in a wide range of premises. It works with businesses and public authorities to deliver robust water storage systems that support sprinklers. Its customers include industrial businesses, hospitals, schools and office blocks.

If you want to know more about sprinkler tanks and what they do to support fire safety, visit Nationwide Water Solutions. Alternatively, call 0345 505 2540 to book a FREE site survey.

Hundreds of Buildings Still Unsafe 2 Years After Grenfell

It was the tragedy that shocked the world. Dozens died in the Grenfell Tower fire but, two years on, experts say hundreds of similar buildings remain unsafe. As well as not yet benefiting from a sprinkler system, many have dangerous external cladding.

Seventy-two people perished at Grenfell, yet fire safety professionals say over 200 tower blocks in England alone still have similar cladding. Aluminium composite material remains on a total of 221 buildings.

Events have been held today to mark the anniversary of the fire and to remember those who died. The government has pledged to pay for the removal of potentially dangerous cladding from privately-owned buildings. The cost is in the hundreds of millions.

 

Review of cladding after Grenfell

A review into cladding used externally on high-rise blocks was ordered by the government following the tragedy. The BBC reports that 105 tower blocks with the cladding have had it removed. Nationwide Water Solutions, the sprinkler tank expert, says more still has to be done to ensure there is never another Grenfell in the UK.

A spokesman said: “Removing hazardous materials makes sense – but so too does installing sprinkler systems and a sprinkler tank. Fires can spread very quickly in high-rise buildings and systems must be in place to slow down the spread of the fire surface area from the start. We recommend property owners take the lead on this and make fire safety a priority. It doesn’t just protect people, it protects assets.”

 

Associated sprinkler system services

If you are installing a sprinkler system, get a fire tank. It will store water every second of every day and ensure there is always enough for sprinklers to effectively get to work in an emergency.

Nationwide Water Solutions installs and maintains sprinkler tanks across the UK. It works with property owners, businesses and housing providers to deliver robust water store for the specific purpose of fighting fires.

 

Questions over sprinkler system maintenance at flats

Questions are being asked about sprinkler system maintenance at a block of London flats, which was the scene of a major fire yesterday (Sunday). Twenty flats were completely destroyed in the blaze and a further ten damaged. At the height of the fire, six floors of the building in Barking were alight. Around 100 firefighters were on the scene for some hours.

Fire safety campaigners say it was a miracle there were no fatalities. Two people were treated for the effects of smoke inhalation at the scene and the building safely evacuated. The modern flats have been the subject of criticism from local residents, who have queried the safety of wooden balconies and cladding. Early reports, which are unconfirmed, suggested a fire warden scheme had been put in place after the sprinkler system was found to be faulty. Residents said the first fire crews on the scene had difficulty finding a water supply.

 

‘No excuse for slow sprinkler system maintenance’

Nationwide Water Solutions, Britain’s sprinkler tank specialist, helps building owners and management companies stay on top of sprinkler system maintenance. A spokesman said: “What we had here was a serious fire that had the potential for deadly consequences. We don’t know if reports that there had been problems with the sprinkler system are true. What we can say is that all sprinkler systems should be maintained and any problems quickly identified and put right. Every minute a sprinkler system is out of operation lives are being put at risk.”

If your sprinklers benefit from a sprinkler tank, Nationwide Water Solutions is available to provide a professional, independent inspection. It uses ultrasound and underwater cameras to check for problems without having to waste water or interrupt a sprinkler system. This can have insurance advantages and also save time. What’s more, you get to see hard evidence of any identified issues in images.

 

Speed of fire likened to Grenfell

Sunday’s fire at De Pass Gardens is said to have taken hold in mere minutes. One local, resident tweeted: “The speed in which this fire in Barking spread was crazy! Nothing learned from Grenfell.” It is worth noting that firefighters had to waste precious time looking for a water source. An on-site sprinkler tank can store water ready for use in an emergency via sprinklers.

For further information about sprinkler tank maintenance, visit Nationwide Water Solutions.

 

 

Fire Trends You Need To Know About

When it comes to protecting assets from fire, it is prudent to know what types of fire are causing the most damage – as well as the most common causes. While dwelling, particularly in multi occupancy properties, are always a worry, fire trends show that threats can come from external as well as internal sources. For example, recent research has highlighted the perceived global rise in wild fires and an increase in their severity.

A property located in large grounds that don’t benefit from careful landscaping or near an open expanse of vegetation, such as a common, park or derelict site, will need regular risk assessments. Emergency risk assessments may need to be carried out in extreme weather in the summer months or during an unseasonably warm spell. If sprinklers and a sprinkler tank are not already installed, making provisions in your budget should be considered a priority. It is worth noting that wild fires are impacting more acreage than ever before and inching closer to densely populated areas. There have been 96 major wildfires of 25 hectares or larger in the UK so far this year. In the whole of 2018, there were just 79. The increase has been charted by the European Forest Fire Information System.

 

The sprinkler tank and common fire risks

Fire risks are heightened in certain environments. Industrial and commercial settings, for example, carry specific risks. Assessments should take into account any chemicals stored or used on the premises and if an accelerants are present. Other dangers include paper, cardboard and fabrics. Materials used to construct a building should never be overlooked. The structure of a property should be inspected for flammable materials that may have been used before they were known to carry heightened fire risks. External cladding is a good example.

Buildings in close proximity to car parks or similar vulnerable sites may also be at heightened risk of fire. If you cannot move parking further away from your building, get advice about how an external fire may impact your property and its occupants.

 

How to mitigate fire trends

While many fires can be prevented with the right safety procedures in place, some are hard to predict. That is why a modern fire-fighting system capable of containing a fire is paramount. If you are considering the merits of a sprinkler system, book a free sprinkler tank survey with the UK’s leading fire tank expert – Nationwide Water Solutions.

Maintaining A Sprinkler Tank For Tower Block Safety

As phase two of the Grenfell Inquiry is delayed until next year, the focus is turning to tower blocks with existing sprinkler systems. In particular, maintaining a sprinkler tank in tip-top condition. The issue is a pressing one for housing providers. Ignoring potential problems can lead to fire safety failures that could be catastrophic.

Nationwide Water Solutions is the UK’s market leader in sprinkler tank maintenance and repairs. It says: “The onus on landlords to ensure their buildings are safe have never been more pronounced. Great care must be taken to ensure buildings not only have modern fire-fighting equipment but that it is fit for purpose. A failure to look after tenants’ safety could end in tragedy.”

 

Maintaining a sprinkler tank improves fire safety

While a sprinkler tank may look perfectly all right when viewed externally, it is often internally that the problems start. Nationwide Water Solutions recommend ROV tank inspections because they can detect early signs of corrosion and other potentially serious issues without the need to empty the tank of water. This means a sprinkler system is fully operational throughout the inspection period, saving time and preserving water. Regular checks can offer peace of mind or alert a building owner to a potential problem. A detailed report should set out the problem and include photographic evidence and offer solutions.

Maintaining a sprinkler tank is cost-effective. Even if a tank is deemed in need of a new lining, remedial work is much less expensive that decommissioning and installing a new one. Over the past year, businesses have recognised the cost benefits. Industry, in particular, has paid careful attention to the condition of sprinkler tanks. Now it is the turn of housing providers.

 

Ensure your sprinkler tank is correctly maintained

You can book an ROV sprinkler tank inspection using the telephone number at the end of this article. Nationwide Water Solutions inspects tanks across the UK. It also provides nationwide fire tank maintenance services and repairs. If you are worried that you are not maintaining a sprinkler tank to the correct standard, call 0345 505 2540.