FDSW25 Fire Travels Fast

New research from the BWF reveals the heightened fire risk perceptions people have when it comes to e-scooters and e-bikes, and the associated behaviours of those that own these items. In particular, e-bikes and e-scooters were most likely to be ranked as high risk of fire, with over half of people saying their concern about fire risk has increased since they got an e-bike or e-scooter. Despite this, 42% of owners admit to charging them indoors, with 17% storing them at home or in shared hallways due to lack of alternative space.

Concerningly only 41% of people are confident that fire doors in their building would contain a fire caused by an e-bike/e-scooter or other lithium battery powered device, demonstrating a clear need for action.

Our recent Fire Door Safety Week research found that the number of people experiencing charging issues when it comes to battery powered devices is extremely high.  More than 50% have noticed problems such as

• overheating
• burning smell
• intermittent charging connection
• sparks
• and in the worst instance, fire

With 1 in 5 people admitting to charging their devices at work, now more than ever is it necessary for building owners and managers to ensure fire doors have been correctly manufactured, installed, maintained and inspected.

But the responsibility doesn’t stop there. 18% of people regularly see propped open fire doors and 13% encounter blocked or obstructed fire doors in their workplace. ‘Fire Travels Fast’ and only by correctly using a fire door can we stop the spread of smoke and fire in the devastating event of it happening.

Recent data from the BWF’s Door Safety Week campaign found that of those who had fire doors in the building where they live, 35% regularly noticed issues with their fire doors including:

• Regularly propped open
• Blocked or obstructed
• Excessive gap between door and frame
• Faulty door closers or hinges
• Being locked

Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries are on the increase and more than 50% of recipients asked noted that they had heard of such fires in the last 12 months. Despite the increasing awareness around fire safety, our data still found that two thirds of people asked had never reported a faulty or propped open fire door.

This year we share the stark warning that ‘Fire Travels Fast’ and without a properly installed, maintained, and correctly used fire door the risk to life is so much greater.

Positively, data gathered by the British Woodworking Federation for Fire Door Safety Week shows us that over the last 5 years, employers are recognising the need to accommodate lithium battery powered devices in the workplace. With the introduction of designated storage space and charging facilities, alongside updated staff policies and insurance requirements, the changes are being implemented to meet the life-style choices of today.

Worryingly, despite the increased awareness around the ever-growing popularity of these devices, and the potential dangers a lithium-ion battery fire can cause, we are not seeing the same safety considerations being placed on fire doors and educating building users.

Less than 50% of people are confident that the fire doors in their building would contain a fire caused by an e-bike or scooter

Over a third of people that live in a building with fire doors noticed issues over the last 12 months

17% of people asked did not know how long a (certified) fire door would prevent the spread of smoke and fire and allow occupants to escape

Only 29% of people have reported a faulty, damaged or propped open fire door when they have seen one.

BWF Five Step Fire Door Check – 5 Things to check for in fire door safety

BWF Gap Testers

BWF FDSW22 – Close the Door on Fire video

BWF FDSW – Tenants and Residents Advice

BWF Fire Door Alliance – Fire Doors in Houses of Multiple Occupancy

BWF Fire Door Alliance – Fire Door Maintenance

BWF Fire Door Alliance – Fire Doors and the Building Regulations

Training

BWF Introduction to Fire Doors (E- Learning)

BWF Becoming a Certified Licensed Door Processor (E-Learning)