A London Purpose Built Block of Flats Has a Fast Moving Fire Involving Solar Panels!

Aug 16
09:55

2016

heatherhall

heatherhall

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It was reported that 10 fire engines and 72 firefighters were called to a large fire in Erith. The part of two flats on the fifth floor, a communal corridor and the roof of the building were damaged by fire. 25 people left the building before the Brigade arrived.

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London Fire Brigades Station Manager who was at the scene,A London Purpose Built Block of Flats Has a Fast Moving Fire Involving Solar Panels! Articles said: “Crews were faced with a developing fire when they arrived at the scene and worked really hard to stop it from spreading through the building. The roof of the building was covered in solar panels and a number of these were burnt, which was why there was a lot of visible smoke.” To read more click here.

Whilst this incident is obviously under investigate and the cause of the fire has not yet been identified, it does raise some interesting points for discussion.

  1. Could the Fire have started in the communal area in the riser/cupboard housing solar panel inverter??
  2. Had the solar panel system been tested and maintained to meet BS EN 62446?
  3. Was the Fire separation adequate?

Perhaps none of the above is the cause in this instant but they are points that would have been raised if the premise had been Fire Risk Assessed.

Part of the Fire Safety Risk Assessment process is to carry out the Fire Safety Inspection Service – any deficiencies identified would be noted in the Fire Safety Risk Assessment report and included in the Fire Safety Management Plan – Significant Findings for the ‘Responsible Person’ to action. A Fire Emergency Plan will also be included as part of the Risk Assessment all these ‘parts’ are required in order to satisfy the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

The Fire Safety Risk Assessment is such an important document it can save lives and protect the premise from Fire. It is therefore essential that a qualified Fire Risk Assessor be appointed to carry out the inspection/audit. There are many Fire Protection Service Companies in London offering Fire Risk Assessments but how many are qualified? Rather than take a chance go to the Fire Risk Assessors regulator  – The Institution of Fire Engineers. They have a register of qualified Risk Assessors in your area – your will be in safe hands.

London Fire Risk Assessments is a member of the Institution of Fire Engineers. All their Fire Risk Assessors are retired London Fire Brigade Fire Safety Officers and have all qualified with the IFE. If you are looking for a Fire Safety Consultancy Service in London why not call now for free unbiased advice –there is a friendly team waiting to help – 01689 890879