NEWSHEET17
U.K. FIRE STATISTICS 1998-2002
Data Origin - As published by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister –U.K.
Notes:
References in this News sheet are to information available within the public domain for fires recorded during the period 1998 to 2002 (latest available) and DO NOT include information on fires that occurred within “domestic” properties / dwellings.
Whilst it is accepted that the information provided relates exclusively to the U.K., the author believes this to be representative of many other Industrial Countries.
During 2002, there were a total of 40,900 fires recorded in the UK in non domestic buildings!
It is impossible for any statistics to accurately reflect the true cost to Industry as a result of fires. The direct costs associated with replacement or repair of fire damaged materials IS possible – but this figure would represent only a percentage of the TOTAL cost to individuals, Industry and possibly even National Economies ( with many Companies now operating globally not just domestically) when consequential losses are also taken into consideration. It is this combination of loss of immediate business and customers, plus the longer term affect on a Company that has suffered a major fire, that contributes to more than 50% of those Companies never recovering! To those that do recover, a costly business rebuilding programme and lengthy Insurance claims (with increased future premiums/payments) is not the brightest of futures.
It is widely acknowledged that more than 80% of Industrial fires are undetected OVERHEAT conditions which progress to a combustion stage. Detection at the original source of heat should therefore be the preferred product operating specification.This COULD provide fire PREVENTION rather than just fire DETECTION.This “localised” detection capability – offered by the continuous detection operating concept of LINEAR HEAT DETECTION - also removes any reliance upon favourable airflows necessary to ensure detection by “remote” point type devices installed at roof or ceiling height. DIGITAL linear heat detection provides clearly defined response temperature characteristics, regardless of the length of heat sensitive cable exposed to the “alarm” condition.
The importance of favourable airflows make for effective fire detection by “point type” area detectors is not restricted to the installation of such detectors within buildings with high ceilings. Air Pressures within corridors one might expect to find within hotels, hospitals, education establishments etc can result in smoke from an incipient fire being held at low levels - with an ultimate increase in response time before detection or even under certain conditionsfailure to detect the fire.The 1998-2002 UK fire statistics indicate that automatic fire detectors were installed but failed to operate in 13,935 fires during that 5 year period!
This document has not been drafted to introduce concerns over the many very effective point type smoke detectors produced by Industry recognised manufacturers. It is to highlight the importance in identifying, at the fire detection system design and specification stage, the complete risk to life and capital investment and ensure the most effective detectors (or combination of detectors) are installed.
Many specifiers incorrectly restrict the specification of LINEAR HEAT DETECTION to its 1970’s original heavy Industrial applications. The “traditional” applications for linear detection now include proven protection of Fuel storage Tanks, Warehouses, Car Parks, Shopping Malls, Listed Buildings/Museums, Cold Stores, On & Off road vehicles, Road & Rail Tunnels, Thatched cottages and many more.
For more information on products and applications please visit www.lineardetection.com
Or contact PROLINE PROTECTION SYSTEMS LIMITED by email at proline@linedetect.com