The Building Research Establishment (BRE) – the leading building science centre – has today announced the creation of the PV Fire Intelligence Network (PV-FIN) – a steering group of leading organisations to analyse the fire safety of solar PV (photovoltaic)…
Utilising existing fire safety technologies efficiently
Latest BRE research* into the investigation of fire fatalities in domestic dwellings in Scotland concluded the installation of interlinked smoke alarms, supported by additional recommendations, would be expected to result in a reduction in fire fatalities. Here James King, Connected…
Households must replace optical smoke alarms every 12 years, finds BRE study
Households should replace optical smoke alarms every 12 years unless manufacturers recommend otherwise, according to a new study from Building Research Establishment (BRE). The research found that over a 12-year timeframe, a build-up of dust and dirt causes increased sensitivity…
A comprehensive approach to Façade Fire Mitigation – Free webinar series
International experts from Intertek, Warringtonfire, Siderise, BRE, Design Confidence, RICS, Saint Gobain, WSP and many more are joining hands for a virtual best practice approach to Façade Fire Mitigation. Presented in a series of four Modules the initiative is supported…
Don’t forget to book your place for the BRE Fire Research Conference 2020
The Fifth Fire Research Conference will be held on 13th February 2020. Reflecting BRE’s standing in the field of fire behaviour research and fire performance testing, the programme will reveal the diversity and influence of BRE’s research activities, working with…
£1m sprinkler system will help preserve the world’s most famous warship for generations
It is the most famous warship in the world and for years reigned supreme on the high seas, terrifying enemy fleets as it hoved into view. The 250-year-old vessel led the Royal Navy in battles during the Napoleonic Wars, the…
Gatwick Airport reduces false Fire Alarms
Following a successful campaign to reduce false fire alarms, Gatwick Airport Ltd called on BRE experts to review its false alarm data and identify ways of further cutting these incidents. Gatwick Airport has been investigating and addressing its false alarms…
BRE Fire Research Conference highlights
Research shaping the future of fire safety design and management was outlined to a packed auditorium at the second annual BRE Fire Research Conference which took place recently (June 2016). Experts discussed newly published and current BRE research related to…
Live investigations of false fire alarms
Fire detection and fire alarm systems (FDFAS) are used to provide early warning of fire in order to alert the local Fire and Rescue Service (FRS). FRS attendance at fires saves lives, prevents injury and reduces associated property damage costs.…
Steel beam fire protection systems feel the heat from new BRE test rig
BRE has installed a new rig that tests the fire protection systems used on the steel frame beams which play a critical role in maintaining the load bearing capacity of multi-storey buildings in the event of a fire. This comes…
BRE Global’s new standard puts spotlight on fire risks to ‘vulnerable’ people
LPS 1655*, the latest Loss Prevention Standard from BRE Global, introduces the UK’s first fire performance benchmark for Personal Protection System (PPS) equipment. Developed in consultation with industry stakeholders, LPS 1655 defines requirements and test methods for LPCB third party…
Free Passive Fire Protection Seminars
Checkmate Fire has teamed up with the BRE, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Fire Safety Specialists to deliver two passive fire protection seminars in early 2016. The first will take place in Sheffield at the South Yorkshire FRS…
The Effectiveness of LED Devices in Warning of Fire
Visual alarm devices (VADs) are used to warn deaf and hard of hearing people in the event of a fire, and to provide silent warnings where required. The effectiveness of VADs, most of which are Xenon or LED flashing light…
BRE Global Director is announced as new chair of the European Fire and Security Group
The European Fire & Security Group (EFSG) has appointed Graham Orme, BRE Global International Director, as Chairman for a three year term. EFSG is an association of established certification bodies in Europe specialising in the fire and security sectors. It provides a…
Testing the Response of Smoke Detectors
The test fires that are used to assess ionisation and optical smoke detectors were developed in the 1980s, but the materials found in modern service environments have changed since then. There is now a greater use of plastics and flame…
The Causes of False Fire Alarms in Buildings
False alarms from fire detection and fire alarm systems are a problem worldwide, but their underlying causes are not well understood. This article reports on research to investigate the causes of false alarms with the aim of identifying measures to…
You must be logged in to post a comment.