Below are a collection of commonly asked questions we receive from our UK visitors. If you need any further help or advice, please do not hesitate to contact us and we'll be happy to help. Please note that the answers apply only to our UK customers.
Q: I have an 11 inch window sill. Do all your escape ladders fit?
A:Our Kletter-Fix mobile escape ladders are also independent from the window sill or wall thickness. When used for the escape through a window, this ladder is hooked over a bar permanently fitted on the inside, as and when it is required. The ladder can therefore span any wall thickness.
For the other ladders it is not the window sill thickness but the wall thickness that is relevant!
The Kidde fire escape ladder is suitable for a wall thickness of up to 11 inches.
The Franklin MFG Saf-escape ladders are sold in three versions: for walls not thicker than 9.5 inches, for walls with 9.5 to 16 inches thickness and for walls with 16 to 20 inches thickness.
The Rollo Roll-out fire escape ladder has adjustable hooks for wall thickness up to 20 inches.
The X-It fire escape ladder has also adjustable hooks for wall thickness up to 20 inches.
If you need escape ladders for even thicker walls, please inform us by e-mail at notification@safelincs.co.uk.
Q: I have a radiator underneath the window sill. Can I still use your ladders?
A: Our Kletter-Fix mobile escape ladders only require space for the special wall-mounted steel bar to be screwed to the wall. The ladder is then hooked to this bar in an emergency. The bar can be fitted underneath the window sill or above the window, as long as the masonry is sound.
The Kidde and the Franklin escape ladders only require about one inch of space underneath the window sill.
Q: My window sill is unsound. Can I still use your ladders?
A: The Kletter-Fix mobile escape ladders require a bar to be fitted below or above a window. It is therefore important that the masonry is sound. The window sill is only required as a handhold and to straddle while you are climbing out of the room onto the ladder. If in doubt please contact your builder.
The Kidde and Franklin escape ladders are hooked over the window sill with large hooks resting against the inside wall and the outside wall. This means that the window sill itself does only take a vertical load and will not slip as long as the hooks are placed correctly.
Please ensure that the wall is of sound structure and follow the written instructions supplied with your ladder.
Never hook the ladder hook-ends over the frame of the window, only!
Q: I have a Velux window. Which ladder can you recommend?
A: The most suited product is the Rollo Roll-Out fire escape ladder. This ladder is rolled up with a backing sheet and can be deployed easily and quickly over a sloping roof. It has a number of rope rungs to cover the length of roof from the window to the end of the roof to ensure that you can easily grip the rungs on your descend.
The Franklin MFG escape ladder is also suitable. But you must ensure that the ladder can slide down the roof without getting tangled in the guttering. For this purpose it might be necessary to apply the ladder without the screw-on standoffs. When receiving your ladder you must ensure immediately that the ladder can be applied easily and safely. If not, please return the ladder for a full refund. Please note that, when placing weight on the ladder, the guttering might get damaged. This is obviously no hinderance in the case of an emergency but must be considered when testing the ladder.
Both the Kidde and the Kletter-Fix escape ladders are not suitable for Velux windows
Q: I have a Dormer window. Which ladder can you recommend?
A: The most suited product is the Rollo Roll-Out fire escape ladder. This ladder is rolled up with a backing sheet and can be deployed easily and quickly over a sloping roof. It has a number of rope rungs to cover the length from the window to the end of the roof to ensure that you can easily grip the rungs on your descend.
The Franklin MFG escape ladder is also suitable. But you must ensure that the ladder can slide down the roof without getting tangled in the guttering. For this purpose it might be necessary to apply the ladder without the screw-on standoffs. When receiving your ladder you must ensure immediately that the ladder can be applied easily and safely. If not, please return the ladder for a full refund. Please note that, when placing weight on the ladder, the guttering might get damaged. This is obviously no hinderance in the case of an emergency but must be considered when testing the ladder.
Both the Kidde and the Kletter-Fix escape ladders are not suitable for Dormer windows.
Q: Are the ladders safe for children?
A: Portable escape ladders: Children should only use the ladders under adult supervision. The supervising adult should usually exit first to stabilise the ladder with his weight and to be able to help the child onto the ladder. Very small children need to be carried in a baby carrier (in front of chest)
The Modum external and permanent fire escape ladder is very safe to use for children from apprx. school age and can be used in conjunction with an escape harness, which prevents accidental falling.
Please note that all fire escape devices must not be used for any other purpose than an emergency exit.
Very small children should be carried by an adult in a baby carrier.
Q: Where can I store the ladder?
A: The Franklin Saf-escape, Kidde, Rollo, X-It and Kletter-Fix escape ladders are stored in cardboard boxes. They can be stored under a bed or on top of a wardrobe. Please ensure that children have no unsupervised access to the escape ladder!
Q: Can I practise the escape routine?
A: The Franklin Saf-escape ladders can be fully tested and in actual fact must be installed at least once to assemble the standoffs in the relevant positions. However, test the ladder at this point by standing on the bottom rung to test the soundness of the anchorage first. There are clear instructions provided with the ladder to show how the ladder must be re-packed after a test to ensure the perfect application of the ladder in an emergency.
The Kletter-Fix mobile escape ladders can be fully tested and we recommend that you test it by deploying it according to the provided instructions. You then stand on the bottom rung to test the strength of the anchorage before climbing up or down the ladder. Please ensure you re-pack the ladder afterwards according to the instructions.
The Kidde escape ladder can only be tested by placing the hooks over the window sill. The velcro strap securing the pack of rungs must not be undone. Otherwise any warranty for the product becomes invalid. This is to ensure that in the case of emergency the ladder unfolds perfectly.
This is to ensure that the folded rope and the rungs unfold perfectly in the case of an emergency. If you wish to test the ladder you can ask a professional installer for a demonstration. You can book a professional installation everywhere on Mainland UK for £100. This fee covers any number of ladders to be installed. For any other locations ask our sales staff for advise.
The Rollo Roll-Out fire escape ladder can be fully tested. The ladder has to be rolled-up carefully after use to ensure that the backing sheet is correctly positioned. Please note that there is a risk of damage to the guttering and roof if you climb up or down this ladder if used from a Velux window or a dormer window.
The X-It fire escape ladder can also be tested. But as the segments lock into each other at deployment, it is not easy to pack away this ladder. Usually you will have to lower this ladder to the outside groundlevel to dis-engage the segments. Please note that there is a risk of damage to any protruding structures underneath the escape window when testing the ladder.
Q: I have double-glazed windows that do not fully open. Can I still use your ladders?
A: You might if you can break the panes safely to escape. It is important to know that you must hit the corners of the pane to break a double-glazed pane. Never hit the centre of the pane, as the tool might bounce back and hurt you. You might want to keep a hammer or special tool available for this purpose. Obviously it is difficult to test your ladder under these circumstances, so special caution must be taken when choosing a ladder. Please note that we only recommend the Franklin Saf-escape, Rollo, X-It and the Kletter-Fix ladders for this applications as sharp glass fragments might damage the ropes or the fabric of the Kidde escape ladders.
Q: My window only opens at the top. Can I use a fire escape ladder?
A: Only if you can break the bottom pane safely to escape. You might want to keep a hammer or special tool available for this purpose. It is important to know that you must hit the corners of the pane to break a double-glazed pane. Never hit the centre of the pane, as the tool might bounce back and hurt you.Obviously it is difficult to test your ladder under these circumstances beforehand, so special caution must be taken when choosing the best ladder. Please note that we only recommend the Franklin Saf-escape, the Rollo, the X-It and the Kletter-Fix fire escape ladders for this applications as sharp glass fragments might damage the ropes or the fabric of the Kidde escape ladders.
Q: I would like to see your ladders before I purchase one. Where can I see one?
A: Please let us know where you live(support@safelincs.co.uk) and we will put you in contact with the nearest distributor. You can also order a ladder and return it to us within 14 days if you do not wish to keep it. We will fully refund your payment to us.
Q: I have very limited space around the window. Which escape ladder do you recommend?
A: We can recommend our Kletter-Fix mobile escape ladders. All the space you require is a small area for a wall-mounted steel bar fitted either underneath the window sill or above the window. The ladder is then hooked over this bar in an emergency.
Q: I want to fit an escape ladder on a balcony or over a railing. What do you recommend?
A: Our Kletter-Fix mobile escape ladder can be hooked over the structurally sound railing of a balcony or any other sound railing.(max width 70mm) .
Q: Which fire escape ladder would be suitable for an apartment block with balcony rails?
A: The Kletterfix ladder is suitable for balcony rails and comes in lengths ranging from 15 ft to 66 ft. They are also available with or without distance pieces.
Q: What type of fire escape ladder is suitable to use with small children and pets?
A: To be able to carry small children and pets down the escape ladder you would require a child harness. This is suitable to use with all the escape ladders. The escape ladder that is most suitable to use with small children is the externally fixed Modum ladder. If you would like a portable ladder the Saf-Escape and EasyScape ladders are also suitable. These ladders use thicker chain and rungs and are therefore a little easier to use if you are carrying a child or need a small child to climb down itself.
Q: Which ladder is suitable for an attic window with a sloping roof outside?
A: Both the EasyScape and Rollo Roll-Out escape ladders are suitable for attic applications and can be used with a Velux or Dorma window. They have a fire retardant backing sheet that prevents the ladder getting tangled on deployment.
Q: How can I test my heat alarm?
A: You can test it with a hair dryer. Do not attempt test using open fire or excessive heat as this may damage the unit!
Q: How can I make sure I hear the smoke alarm?
A: You can interconnect some of our alarms with other smoke alarms from our range marked 'interconnectable' . Once interconnected these alarms go off at the same time if one of the detectors senses a fire. We also offer a special smoke alarm system featuring a strobe light and a vibrator pad for the pillow of people that are hard of hearing.
Q: How do I interconnect different alarms that are 'interconnectable'?
A: EI battery-operated alarms:With two strands of bell wire or twin cable. Kidde mains-powered alarms: With 3 core wire. Radio-interlinked alarms: No cables required. The alarms will interlink using radio-frequency.
Q: Which smoke alarm has a relay contact to connect to a GSM dialer?
A: There are two main options:
For mains powered, any Ei140 or 160 series alarm can be mounted on an Ei128R or Ei128RBU relay base. This will then give a switched output from the volt-free relay contacts whenever the alarm is triggered.
For low-voltage, the Ei100R, 105R, Ei181, Ei186 can be used. All of these units have a built-in set of volt-free relay contacts to again give a switched output.
As to the type of sensor to install, cables, plastics etc. tend to give off very thick smoke - which the optical sensor is more suited. However, if the unit is unlikely to be maintained regularly, it may be beneficial to install an ionisation type as the optical type can be more prone to false alarm from contamination.
Q: How do I operate Magnetic Door Retainers using a fire alarm system without central panel?
A: Probably the easiest and most straightforward option is to use Ei141, Ei146, Ei161 or Ei166 smoke alarms interconnected. One of the units would be mounted on an Ei128R relay base and all door holders would be wired through this relay base. The door holders used would be the MDH230 model. All units could then be run from a 230V AC feed. The system would operate in the same way as above in that if any of the interconnected alarms sounded, the relay contacts in the Ei128R would switch and consequently the door holders would be switched. The Ei140/Ei160 series alarms do have an internal battery back-up (Ei140 = Alkaline PP3, Ei160 = Rechargeable Lithium) and so the alarms would still sound in the event of a mains failure. However, the MDH230 door holders or the Ei128R relay would not operate without mains power.
Q: How do Radio Interlinked Smoke alarms work?
A: It is a totally new concept enabling smoke alarm systems to be interconnected without the need for cabling between the alarms. Instead, a radio signal is used to trigger all the alarms in the system.
Q: Which alarms can be interlinked?
A: The AICO/Ei Range Ei141, Ei144, Ei146, Ei161, Ei164 and Ei166 smoke and heat alarms can all be used with an Ei168 base to make an Interlinked system. These all require a mains supply to them. The AICO/Ei Ei405 andEi405TY are battery operated alarms; these contain all the RF components and do not require the Ei168 Base. The EI3105RF and EI3103RF are battery operated and can be interlinked together with the Ei/Aico range of alarms.
Q: Do I have to wire the alarms at all?
A:The Ei168 interlinked base requires a mains supply to each of the alarms in the system. The power supply can be taken from the nearest live lighting feed to where the alarm is to be sited. The Ei405 and Ei405TY don’t require any cabling as they are battery powered, as are the EI3105RF and EI3103RF, but they will not be suitable for use in new build and most tenanted properties.
Q: How can the alarms interconnect without a cable connection?
A: A radio signal is sent when the test button is pressed, or the alarm senses smoke. This is received by all the Interlinked alarms in the system and they will also sound.
Q: How many alarms can be interconnected using radio frequency?
A: Technically, up to 30 alarms can be interconnected but the limiting factor is likely to be the distance between alarms and obstructions that may block the radio signal. In most domestic properties a realistic maximum number of alarms would be 12. If there should be a problem with all the alarms receiving the radio signal, there is the option of using a ‘repeater’ to extend the range in the building
Q: Is there any method of controlling a interlink system?
A: A fixed wall switch and a manual call point will be available. In addition, a relay unit will be made available for signalling to Warden Call Systems and to operate lights, sounders etc. All of these units are wall mounted, powered by a 10 yr battery and will be completely wire-free.
Q: Do I need an ionisation or optical smoke alarm?
A: We recommend using an optical alarm in hallways, as these are less likely to go off because of cooking fumes from a connected kitchen. With landing areas we would recommend an ionisation alarm, as they are slightly quicker at detecting fast-flaming fires that would cover a small area quite quickly. Bedrooms and living rooms we recommend optical alarms for. And always remember to install heat alarms in a kitchen or garage.
Q: I want to install an interlinked smoke alarm system throughout my home, but what type of smoke alarms do I need in different rooms?
A: We recommend a heat alarm in the kitchen, optical alarms in living rooms and hallway and ionisation alarms on landings.
Q: I run a bed and breakfast, so I don't want my smoke alarms to beep when the battery runs low, but I also don't want to replace them yearly if they are still charged. Are there any alternatives?
A: Changing the alarm for a long life, lithium battery powered alarm, which can last up to 10 years in a standard smoke or heat alarm. Alternatively you can install mains powered alarms.
Q: Why do your mains powered alarms have batteries?
A: All our mains powered alarms have a battery backup. Although mains powered alarms without this option do exist (BS5839 part 6 grade E), we regard them as far too dangerous, as a lot of fires are caused by electrical faults leaving the building unprotected against fire if the smoke alarms have no backup battery. With our mains powered alarms you will always be protected.
Q: Can I put my smoke alarm on the wall, or must it be mounted on the ceiling?
A: We would always recommended you mount smoke alarms on the ceiling. However, if it is absolutely necessary to wall mount your alarm, it should not be mounted close to the intersection to the ceiling or a corner. These areas are known as dead spaces with little air movement and prevent the smoke from reaching the smoke detector.
Q: I need to install a number of alarms to an existing panel mains system, but don't want to install new wires everywhere. Can I install wireless units that will link to the panel system?
A: You can install mains powered radio-interlinked alarms in the rooms and a mains powered alarm with an Ei128R base near the central control panel. The Ei128R base would then be connected with wire to the panel.
Q: What is the best way to test my alarm?
A: We recommend testing alarms by pressing the test button, as this is designed to simulate the presence of smoke at the alarm sensor. You can additionally use a smoke aerosol spray as an extra check.
A: In general there are three reasons an alarm might beep, other than when a fire is detected. It could indicate the alarm is over 10 years old and needs replacing. You can find the replace-by date on the alarm itself. Sometimes dust build-up can also set the alarm off. If this is the case, use a vacuum or hair dryer on the cold setting to clean it. Finally it could be an issue with the power supply. If it is a battery operated alarm, the battery might need replacing. If it is a mains powered alarm there could be a problem with the supply of power to the alarm.
Q: Are there any restrictions to the distance a radio-interlinked smoke alarm will work?
A: Most radio-interlinked alarms have a range of 150 meters in an open space and up to 30 meters in buildings. The thickness of the walls and partitions will affect the travel distance of the signal. Most units can be set up as a 'repeater' which will increase the distance by a further 30 meters.
Q: How long do smoke alarms last before needing replacement?
A: It is recommended that smoke alarms are replaced after 10 years. This is because the sensors in the smoke alarms become less sensitive and may not activate when a fire is present.
Q: Is there a combination smoke alarm which will detect both a fire and carbon monoxide?
A: The Kidde 900-0122 alarm detects both carbon monoxide and smoke.
Q: Which interconnecting smoke alarms would be suitable to connect an upstairs landing, downstairs hallway and a kitchen?
A: The Ei 140 series with radio-interlink bases would be suitable for this application: Ei168RC/141 ionisation: best for landings Ei168RC/146 optical: best for hallway, living rooms etc Ei168RC/144 heat detector: best for kitchen and garage Alternatively the Ei160 series (again with radio-interlink bases): Ei168RC/161RC ionisation: best for landings Ei168RC/166RC optical: best for hallway, living rooms etc Ei168RC/164RC heat detector: best for kitchen and garage There are also battery operated radio-interlinked smoke alarms available (See Ei3100RF and Ei600RF series)
Q: What is the difference between an ionisation and an optical (photoelectrical) smoke alarm?
A: Ionisation smoke alarms detect fast flaming fires and are suitable for landings. Optical smoke alarms detect slow smouldering fires typical for burning soft furnishings. This type of alarm is suitable for living rooms and sleeping areas. Please note that ionisation alarms contain a small amount of radioactivity
Q: Can the sound level of smoke alarms be increased if they are used for hard of hearing?
A: Unfortunately the sound level on a smoke alarm cannot be adjusted.
Q: The smoke alarm is mains powered do you need an electrician to connect them?
A: It is necessary that an electrician installs mains powered smoke alarms.
Q: Do batteries in radio-interlinked alarms expire quicker than those in normal alarms?
A: Batteries in radio-interlinked alarms do expire quicker than in other smoke alarms. Smoke alrms are also available with a 10 year sealed long life lithium battery. This battery will last for the 10 year life of the smoke alarm.
Q: Are the battery radio-interlinked smoke alarms suitable to install in a four storey house with thick walls?
A: Our radio-interlinked smoke detectors have a radio frequency range of about 30 meters in buildings. This means that as long as the detectors are all within 30 meters of each other, the interconnection should be achieved. If the distance is further than 30 meters, you can switch these smoke alarms to work also as a repeater, in which case your distances covered are of course bigger.
Q: Is there a radio-interlinking alarm system that will cover a large three storey house? If one is activated they all need to go off.
A: Our radio-interink alarms are designed to have 12 smoke alarm units interlinked with each other in any one series. However the alarms are able to recognise more than 11 other smoke alarms but there will just be no visual confirmation on each unit when going through the initial house coding procedure. Interlinking 12 alarms with 6 call points should work together providing each unit is no more than a 30m distance apart. Larger distances can be covered by using one of the smoke alarms in repeater mode, activated by flicking a switch.
Q: How are smoke alarms fitted to the ceiling?
A: Smoke alarms can be either screwed to the ceiling using the screw holes available on the base plate (screws proviuded) or fixed using a sticky pad, this can be added to your basket through the ordering process.
Q: When the test button is pressed on an interlinking smoke alarm will this cause all the other units to go off, too?
A: Yes, by pressing the test button on one alarm all the units in that family will also be activated. To 'teach' the units which other smoke alarms belong to the same family, the smoke alarms have to be set up together during the installation. This is done by pressing a 'housecoding button'.
Q: If a false alarm goes off can pressing the hush button on any of the interlinking alarms stop all the units beeping?
A: No, to stop the alarms from sounding the hush button on the unit that started the process needs to be pushed. The unit an be identified by the rapidly flashing red LED.
Q: Can a smoke alarm be fitted with a sticky adhesive pad in a let property?
A: The sticky pad is suitable for all battery operated smoke alarms. However, we cannot judge if battery alarms are suitable for your let property, as let properties usually require mains powered alarms. There is some advice to this in the governments guides to fire risk assessments. http://www.safelincs.co.uk/Fire-Risk-Assessment/ Also see the LACoRS guide for let properties.
Q: How long do the batteries last in smoke alarms?
A: The 9V alkaline batteries last 12~18 months. This period also depends from how often the alarms are tested.
Q: Can a wireless router interfere with the radio interlinked alarms?
A: A wireless router is very unlikely to interfere with the signal of your radio interlinked alarms.
Q: Can the mains powered smoke alarm range be connected to mains power via the lighting circuit?
A: Yes, the mains powered alarms are hard wired into the lighting circuit.
Q: How do I safely dispose of my old smoke alarms?
A: Safelincs is signed up to Valpak's WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Distributor Take-Back Scheme (Registration ID: 7370). Private households can therefore drop off their electronic and electrical fire safety waste at their municipal recycling centre when they are purchasing new products from us. To find your nearest recycling centre, please visit www.recycle-more.co.uk.
Q: Which fire extinguisher do you recommend?
A: It depends from the circumstances. Please refer to our multiple choice section where we will help you to determine suitable fire extinguishers for your application.
Q: Can you refill extinguishers and do you sell extinguishers that can be re-filled?
A: All our Gloria extinguishers are fully serviceable and can be re-filled. In accordance to British Standard powder, foam and water extinguishers must be re-filled after 5 years. CO2 fire extinguishers must be re-filled after 10 years.
Q: Where can I store the extinguishers? And how do I fit extinguishers to the wall?
A:All our fire extinguishers come with brackets to fit them to a wall. Special vehicle brackets are available on request. You can also buy extinguisher cabinets and extinguisher stands to ensure that extinguishers clearly stand out and can always be located. The fire blankets can also be fixed to a wall.
Q: Is it necessary to have your own fire extinguisher when exhibiting at a show?
A: Some shows may request that you have your own fire extinguisher for your stand at a show. This request is dependant on the risk assessment that will have been carried out for each individual event by the organisers. If you have been requested to take an extinguisher and have agreed to the terms and conditions of the event you must take one with you.
Q: In a new building can I choose which extinguisher I want to install, either chrome or red extinguishers? Chrome extinguishers do not conform to BS EN3 as they are CE marked but not Kite marked.
A: The red fire extinguishers are manufactured and kitemarked to BS EN3. The chrome units are not manufactured to the British standard but are still CE marked. There is no requirement for new buildings to only install the red extinguishers. You may have a clause in your insurance policy saying that you need extinguishers manufactured to BS EN 3 installing under BS5306, in which case you would be required to install the red units. But all extinguishers, red or chrome, can be installed and maintained to the British Standard so if that is the only stipulation then you can install chrome.
Q: My building insurance states that the extinguishers installed need to be checked yearly by a competent person. Have the self-maintenance extinguishers been passed by insurance companies?
A: All the insurances we have spoken to have approved the extinguishers. The relevant sections in the extinguisher servicing standard BS5306-3:2009 state that a competent person needs to maintain all extinguishers and that such a competent person is primarily defined as to have the ability to carry out the procedures as defined by the manufacturer. The manufacturer Britannia Fire clearly states that only a visual inspection is required and in fact allowed. When you purchase the Britannia extinguishers from us our BAFE registered engineers install the extinguishers free of charge and train you how to carry out the yearly inspection.They also ensure that you are suitably covered in accordance to the relevant British standards.The engineers will also issue you an installation certificate. There is also a video that demonstrates the visual inspection on the website.
Q: What height should extinguishers be installed at?
A: The height at which to install extinguishers depends on the total mass weight of that particular extinguisher. If the mass weight of the extinguisher is less than 4kg, the top of the handle should be 1.5m above ground level when installed. If the mass weight is more than 4kg, the top of the handle should be 1.0m above ground level. When there is a combination of the two, both can be set at the height of the heaviest mass extinguisher.
Q: Do your extinguishers come fully serviced and ready to use on delivery?
A: All our portable fire extinguishers are supplied fully charged and ready for use. Wheeley fire extinguishers with large capacity might require initial filling and charging. The product listing will explain this. There are options on the website if you are required to have your extinguishers commissioned onsite and we also offer a full installation service. These additional services will require an engineer to visit your site to carry out the work required.
Q: Which type of extinguisher is suitable for a home that is concrete built but has a lot of timber cladding and calor gas cooker?
A: We would usually recommend a powder extinguisher for mixed risk environments such as gas cooker and general risks. Powder extinguishers are NOT suitable for deep fat fryers!
A: Carbon Monoxide (chemical symbol: CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless and toxic gas created by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels (gas, oil, coal and wood), as used in our everyday appliances such as heaters, engines and boilers.
Q: Why is Carbon Monoxide dangerous?
A:Having no colour, smell or taste means that it is very hard to detect. Inhaling carbon monoxide reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen, leaving the body's organs and cells starved of oxygen. Each year, over 50 people die in the UK as a direct result of exposure to Carbon Monoxide Gas (CO). Many more people die through strokes and respiratory illness made worse by inhaling low levels of CO over prolonged periods. Still, more are left with permanent damage and invalidity.
Q: What are the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
A:The symptoms of mild Carbon Monoxide poisoning are similar to those of viral cold infections: headache, nausea,dizziness, sore throat and dry cough. More severe poisoning can result in a fast and irregular heart rate, over-breathing (hyperventilation), confusion, drowsiness and difficulty breathing. Ultimately it leads to coma and death.
Q: How can you protect you and your family?
A:Make sure rooms and heaters are well ventilated, have your chimneys and flues checked regularly,make sure boilers and heaters are maintained and serviced regularly.Buy a Carbon Monoxide alarm/detector. A Carbon Monoxide alarm will measure the concentration of Carbon Monoxide in a room and sound an alarm if the CO concentration is higher than permitted (as indicated below)
Q: What are the regulations to testing CO detectors? Do I need to use test gas?
A: There is no legal or BSI requirement to test the CO detectors with a test gas. A weekly check with the test button is fully sufficient if you choose a quality CO detector. The test gas is offered as a 'belts and braces' option.
Q: Is there a carbon monoxide alarm for the hearing impaired?
A: Yes, we supply a strobe and vibration pad for the deaf and hard of hearing, Ei170RF, which can be linked to a mains powered carbon monoxide alarm, Ei262.
Q: Why use Emergency Lighting?
A:Emergency Lighting and Illuminated Emergency Exit Signs light up and mark the emergency exit route, even when the power supply fails. The minimum backup duration of emergency lighting and emergency exit signs is specified by local regulations and is generally between 1 and 3 hours. All our units have internal batteries with 3 hours backup duration. Self-contained emergency lights and fire exit signs are classified according to their modes of operation:
Q: What is LED Emergency Lighting?
A:LED emergency lights use less energy than emergency lights with traditional fluorescent bulbs and contain less harmful waste. LED lights are also longer lasting than tubes. Whilst Cadmium for use in emergency lighting is currently still allowed, our range of LED emergency lighting products only uses NiMH batteries, which are more environmentally friendly. Government financial assistance is also available to switch to low energy emergency lighting and exit signs, see www.eca.gov.uk.
(2) SOLID - Protected against solid objects over 12mm diameter, not exceeding
80mm long, e.g. fingers
(0) LIQUID - Not protected
(2) SOLID - Protected against solid objects over 12mm diameter, not exceeding
80mm long, e.g. fingers
(3) LIQUID - Protected against sprayed water at up to 60° from the vertical
(4) SOLID - Protects against solid objects over 1.0mm, e.g. small wires
(0) LIQUID - Not protected
(4) SOLID - Protects against solid objects over 1.0mm, e.g. small wires
(3) LIQUID - Protected against sprayed water at up to 60° from the vertical
(4) SOLID - Protects against solid objects over 1.0mm, e.g. small wires
(4) LIQUID - Protected when sprayed from any direction - limited ingress allowed
(5) SOLID - Protects against dust, limited ingress (no harmful deposit)
(4) LIQUID - Protected when sprayed from any direction - limited ingress allowed
(5) SOLID - Protects against dust, limited ingress (no harmful deposit)
(5) LIQUID - Protected against low pressure jets, from all directions - limited
ingress allowed
(6) SOLID - Dust tight. Totally protected against dust
(4) LIQUID - Protected when sprayed from any direction - limited ingress allowed
(6) SOLID - Dust tight. Totally protected against dust
(5) LIQUID - Protected against low pressure jets, from all directions - limited
ingress allowed
Q: Maintained/Non Maintained how are they different?
A:Non maintained means the light will only operate in the event of a mains failure, Maintained means the lamp operates at all times and stays lit for the minimum emergency duration after a mains failure.
Q: Which emergency light would be suitable to install in a house of multiple occupancy that is combined and decorative inexpensive emergency light/ordinary light providing light for daily use and also a 3 hour emergency light in case of energy failure?
A: Our Decorative Emergency Lights are available in either Maintained [lit all the time and will continue to operate after a mains failure] or Non-Maintained [will only come on in the event of a mains failure]. Most of the Maintained lights are also switchable, which means they can be wired to function both as ordinary lights and as emergency lights at the same time. Switchable lights are clearly marked as such in the product description. Please visit http://www.safelincs.co.uk/Emergency-Escape-Lighting/
Q: Can the emergency lights with IP65 rating be fitted with emergency showers?
A: Yes, as this rating identifies that the unit is protected against low pressure jets from all directions - limited ingress permitted.
Q: How are emergency lights installed?
A: The emergency lights can be either screwed to the wall or ceiling. The product is linked into the mains lighting system.
Q: What is Cash Rating and how is it determined on a Cash or Burglary Safe?
A:The Cash Rating of a safe relates to the amount of cash for which an insurance company will offer over night insurance cover. As with all insurance companies this value can vary slightly depending on location and may be higher or lower than the manufacturer recommended Cash Rating quoted. Please check with your insurer for exact ratings. Cash Ratings are determined by door and wall thickness, lock types used and the general build quality of a safe. The higher the Cash Rating the more secure the safe is.
Q: How is the fire rating determined on a Fireproof or Data Safe?
A: The following is an explanation of internationally accepted fire resistant safe testing procedures for 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 minutes. During all tests the internal temperature will remain below 177°C when exposed to furnace temperatures during a one hour test period of 925°C, a two hour test period of 1010°C and a three hour test period of 1105°C.
Q: Does my safe require installing?
A: Many of the products sold on this website will require installation either by yourself or by a professional installation engineer. Further information regarding installation is displayed on each product listing. Full installation instructions are included with your safe.
Q: Are there any additional charges for delivery to an upper floor or via steps?
A: Our Free Delivery includes the delivery of the fire safe or fire chest to your door, only. This applies to any UK mainland location. Please note that we can not deliver with this standard delivery if there are stairs leading to your door. Please contact us if you are uncertain or want the safe to be delivered over stairs.
If you require the fire safe to be delivered into the building, you can choose an upgrade to indoor delivery with a hand pallet truck by clicking the relevant upgrade within our product description. Please note that this option is not available for smaller fire safes. If you choose this upgrade the driver will arrive with a suitable vehicle with tail lift and pallet truck. The driver will position the safe into any position that can be reached with a hand pallet truck. This can also include the use of any lifts available, as long as the size and weight-carrying capacity of the lift is suitable. The driver will position the safe and remove the packaging. The access to the building must have no obstructions, eg steps etc. Please notify us if you have any steps in the building, as the driver might not be able to move the hand pallet truck over the steps.
If you require the safe to be transported to different floor levels via stairs, please ring us on 0800 077 6149 or e-mail us on support@safelincs.co.uk . We will then discuss your particular situation and can quote any extra transport costs, if necessary.
Q: Can I change the electronic lock combination myself?
A: Yes, full instructions on how to do this will be in your safe manual. If you no longer have your manual please contact us for further information.
Q: What if the batteries run down on a safe with an electronic lock?
A: All Electronic locks are designed to save your combination through an internal memory even if the batteries run down. Batteries are accessible from the outside of the safe and are very easy to replace by following the manufacturer instructions.
Q: Do fireproof filing cabinets actually work?
A:There are a lot of fire protection filing cabinets and fire safes on the market to protect paperwork. You just need to make sure you pick the right category depending from the material/media you are trying to protect. The following options are available:
1) Fire safes/fireproof filing cabinets for paper and valuables, which are keeping the inside temperature in the fire safe down below 177°C during a 'standard' fire for the stated period of time. Above this temperature, paper will get damaged
2) Fire safes for paper, valuables and Digital Media such as hard drives, USB sticks, DVDs, CDs ect. These safes keep the inside temperature below 125°C. Above this temperature, the drives would get damaged
3) Fire safes for paper, valuables, Digital Media and Magnetic Media (floppies, backup tapes and even photographic film). These media are far more sensitive and the safes have to keep the inside temperature very low at below 52°C to avoid damage
4) Very handy are also combi fire safes with separate sections for paper/valuables and for magnetic media
To choose the right fireproof safe, you need to choose, which materials/media you want to store, how much internal fire safe space you require and for how long you want to protect. Some distributors offer Overview pages.
If you for example choose a safe with 1 hour fire protection, this safe should be able to hold the inside temperature below the temperature required for the materials/media stored inside for at least one hour, even if the safe stands at the centre of a typical fire. In reality, this does not happen very often and most safes will protect the contents for much longer periods, as the fire temperature in the locality of the safe is usually lower than in the centre of the blaze.
You can choose different styles of fire safes:
-fireproof filing cabinets, which are usually designed for protection of paper and match the normal look and function of filing cabinets.
-Front-opening fire safes, which are suited for longer protection times and usually can hold more content
-top opening fireproof boxes, which are good for small amounts of media requiring protection
Q: If the keypad for my Phoenix safe is damaged in a fire, how will I gain entry to the contents?
A: Phoenix can send out an engineer to gain entry for you. We also offer a free after-fire replacement guarantee on all our products.
Q: Can the seals be fitted to the door instead of the frame?
A: The seals can be fitted to either the door or frame.
Q: Can remote sounders be fitted to a fire door that requires monitoring?
A: The Exit Stopper can have remote sounders linked to it using a cable to connect the two. There is no distance restriction to this.
Q: How can existing fire doors that have no seals be updated to conform to regulations?
A: The Surface Mounted Fire and Smoke Seal kits can be used. They can be fitted to the door or the door frame. A double door kit is available, which means that the seals would need to be fitted to the doors rather than the door frame, so that the gap between the doors is covered.
Q: Can a FD30 fire door be fitted with only one self closing hinge and two normal hinges?
A: It is generally recommended to have two self-closing hinges per door (top and bottom). The middle one does not have to be self-closing.
Q: Can you please explain the closing force rating 1-6 for door closers?
A: The closing force rating 1-6 relates to the maximum width and weights of door that the door closer is suitable for and if you click on the link below and then click on the EN size guide this gives the table with the closing force categories and the relevant maximum door widths and weights. http://www.safelincs.co.uk/Door-Closers/
Q: Is there an alternative method to secure a fire exit door that is used to gain entrance into a building other than using the push bar on the inside and key access from the outside which will prevent the door being left unlocked?
A: An alternative to the key operated knob device is to have a code lock handle device. Therefore the tenants would have to enter the four to ten digit code into the handle each time they required access back into the building. The door would also need to be fitted with a door closer to ensure that it clicks shut. Here is a link to the code pad version. http://www.safelincs.co.uk/Securefast-Easycode-Outside-Access-Code-Lock/
Q: What is difference between an intumescent seal and a smoke seal?
A: A smoke seal has a brush which prevents smoke from spreading between rooms and an intumescent seal will expand to seal the gaps around the door and prevent the fire from spreading. We sell mainly combined fire and smoke fire door seals.
Q: Will the fire escape hood protect the user from ozone?
A: We would not recommend this product to be used as a means of protection against ozone.
Q: What is the approved UK standard for self-contained breathing apparatus in any fire (manufacturing industry)
A: You need a product in accordance to EN137:2006 Type 1: Self-contained open circuit compressed air Breathing Apparatus with full face mask for industrial use. But you still need to carry out a risk assessment to see if there are special risks, such as flame engulfment or special pressure requirements, temperature etc. A standard product would be the Draeger PA94
Q: Can glass panic bolts still be used?
A: Currently there is no legislation related to glass panic bolts to say they cannot be used. However the glass replacement tubes do produce sharp edges. There is an alternative product that can be used which is ceramic and does not produce sharp edges when smashed.http://www.safelincs.co.uk/Ceramtube-Spare-Ceramic-Tube-for-the-Redlam-Panic-Bolt/
Q: Which evacuation device is most suited to use within a residential school where some students have a physical disability?
A: There are several options available: Emergency evacuation sledges, wall mounted, suitable for narrow corridors. Two people are required to use this device. http://www.safelincs.co.uk/Emergency-Evacuation-Sledges-Section-1/ Evacuation sheets, placed under the mattress of those who would require assistance in an emergency. Two people are required to use this device. http://www.safelincs.co.uk/Emergency-Evacuation-Sheets-Section-1/ Evacuation chair, wall stored this device can be used by one person. http://www.safelincs.co.uk/Evac-Chair-300H-Emergency-Evacuation-Chair/
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A: We are using 'cookies' to operate our shopping cart systems. If your browser
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Q: I need my purchased product urgently!
A: Please ring us and we will quote you the special freight costs.
Q: I don't live in the UK, France, Germany, Italy or USA. I still would like to order. What can I do?
A: Please e-mail our sales staff at support@safelincs.co.uk with your request and we will quote you a price including the added delivery costs. We will also contact you by phone so that you can purchase our products.
Q: I don't want to use credit cards to pay. How can I pay?
A: You can pay by cheque. Please complete the 'pay by cheque' option on the purchase page of our online shopping cart, or simply send us a letter with a description of the product desired with a cheque payable to Safelincs for the correct amount including postage to:
Safelincs
Unit 1
Farlesthorpe Road
Alford
Lincs
LN13 9PS
Q: Can I return my purchased products under any circumstances?
A: We strive to give you full satisfaction and will always try to act according to your wishes. We are accepting cancellations up to 7 days from the receipt of goods and you can return up to 14 days following the cancellation. Please see our Terms and Conditions for details. However, there are some restrictions linked to the nature of our safety products.
The Kidde fire escape ladders will only be accepted as a return as long as the velcro strap holding together the rungs has not been undone.
We do not accept smoke alarms and fire extinguishers unless they are still in the original, unopened packaging. The smoke alarm for the deaf and hard of hearing, however, can be opened and still be returned, as this is important to assess the suitability of the product for your needs.
This does not affect your statutory rights.
Q: When do I receive my refund?
A: As soon as we receive the goods, we will check the state of the goods and immediately instruct SagePay to refund you on your credit card. If you paid by cheque we will send you a refund cheque.
Q: Do I receive a full refund?
A: Yes. You will be refunded the full amount paid to us by yourself. The only exception is the cost for special delivery charges we might have paid if you have requested special delivery.
Q: Can schools and other public sector bodies set up an account?
A: Yes, all public sector bodies are welcome to set up an account with us. On receipt of an official purchase order a 30 day account will automatically be set up for you.Purchase orders can be sent via fax: 01507 463288 or e-mail: service@safelincs.co.uk. Once the purchase order has been received the goods will be dispatched to you and an invoice sent payable within 30 days.
Q: We are a retailer and would be interested in selling your products. What can you offer?
A: We are supplying a number of retailers in the UK and other countries with batches of fire safety equipment. Please send us an e-mail to quotations@safelincs.co.uk stating the type of product you are interested in and the required volumes. Please state also a delivery address and we will reply quickly.