Why fire safety is important now more than ever

Connie Mulder Centre, which is home to many disabled adults, was rocked by tragedy early last month when a hostel on the premises (a 12-bed hostel that housed nine people) burnt down. No one was injured but unfortunately, people lost their sentimental belongings in the fire.

While it currently remains unclear as to what exactly started the blaze, it is suspected a cord could have malfunctioned at the time.

Load-shedding, of which we are all very well aware, has made it necessary for homes and businesses to function on alternative heating and energy devices but while these fulfil a crucial role in the current energy crisis, Fidelity Fire Solutions reminded users that such devices can pose a risk if not installed, stored or used properly.

Head of marketing and communications at the Fidelity Services Group, Charnel Hattingh, said fire prevention must be kept top of mind at all times, inside and outside of the load-shedding schedule.

“It is understandable that alternative power sources have become part of life. However, within our own experience and that of the various municipal emergency services, candles, generators, inverters, gas sources, and even solar panels can cause a fire,” she said.

Consumers also need to be aware that fires involving lithium batteries require very specific firefighting methods because when these batteries fail or overheat, they release flammable, toxic gases that can spark a fast-spreading fire that is extremely difficult to extinguish.

“The risk of battery re-ignition makes these types of fires a challenge. As the fire grows, so does the risk of the extreme heat triggering thermal runaway and further fires in other cells located at or near the site. Successfully putting out a lithium battery fire requires a special type of fire extinguisher,” Hattingh explained.

Fidelity Fire Solution’s top fire prevention tips when using alternative energy sources:

Candles

• Ensure candles are placed in a suitable holder
• Candles should never be left unattended, especially on a combustible surface
• Keep matches/ lighters/other ignition sources out of reach of children

Generators/ inverters

• Ensure generators are only operated in well-ventilated areas to avoid carbon monoxide/ dioxide vapours causing a toxic inhalation risk
• Generators do not have earth leakage protection like that installed on the electrical distribution board in buildings. Generator electricity is unlikely to trip should one get an electric shock, so suffering a severe electric shock can result in an electrocution fatality
• Place an inverter in a well-aerated area to prevent the battery from overheating
• Install the inverter and the battery on a flat surface
• The battery terminals have to be tightened while the inverter is in use and even before use
• Connect the battery cables in the right direction
• Only use an accredited installer for generators and inverters

Gas sources

• Always ventilate the room to prevent a build-up of carbon monoxide in the home
• Gas cylinders should be kept at least one metre away from any sources of heat
• Store gas cylinders in a cool, dry place when not in use
• Cylinders should be stored upright
• Only allow an accredited agent to install gas cylinders for fitted appliances
• Ignite the ignition source (match, lighter) before opening the gas flow

“People often spend more time getting alternative power sources into their home or business than on mitigating the risk of running these. Systems that are not installed properly, safely, and legally are an outright threat to life and property.

“Households and businesses must take fire prevention very seriously. This starts with the basics, like smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, an evacuation plan, and being able to get the help you need as fast as possible in an emergency,” Hattingh concluded.