Fire risk and hazard, the developing picture Concepts and EU dimension EFA Round table 16th February Brussels Robert A. Graham Executive Director

2 Changing nature building, transport and consumer products Traditional materials replaced by modern materials WoodRigid PU and other plastics Natural fibres Synthetics/polyurethane Glass Acrylics Cork insulation Polystyrene MetalNylon

3 Changing nature of fires. Ignition Flammability and fire growth Smoke and toxicity hazard

4 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)

5 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.

6 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

7 Achieved by: Use of inherently fire safe materials or Flame retardant treated materials

8 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

9 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.

Fire risk and hazard, the developing picture Concepts and EU dimension EFA Round table 16th February Brussels Robert A. Graham Executive Director ACFSE