• FAQ
• Contact
• News
• Downloads
• Home

News

Published: 10th April, 2010

Cleat and Tidy

In recent years the use of fire rated cables has increased significantly, but while a great deal of attention has been focused on the cables very little has been paid to their restraint. Richard Shaw of Ellis Patents talks about the issues surrounding the restraint of fire rated cables and risks involved in installing sub-standard products.

In February 2005 fire fighter, Jeff Wornham died of thermal injuries having become entangled in cables in the lobby of a 14th floor flat in Stevenage. He was trying to rescue the resident, who was later found to have died inside. Five years down the line and there is still the chance that this tragic tale could be re-told.

Problems

The use of fire rated cables has increased significantly over recent years and when you consider the fact they
are designed with the specific aim of ensuring the continuation of essential services during emergency situations
you would think this kind of development should attract nothing but praise.

Sadly, the picture isn’t that straightforward. There are continuing problems with their use that need to be
fully resolved, and until such time as they are there is every chance a similar tragedy could occur.

The issue causing the concern is easy to explain, but extremely difficult to eradicate. In a nutshell, the cables are
fine, but the restraint of them isn’t. And in order for them to continue working in an emergency they need to remain not just intact, but in place. Something that simply can’t be guaranteed without the use of restraints that have the same fire resistant properties as the cables they are restraining... to read more, click here to download the full article.

content © 2008 Ellis Patents Ltd | terms and conditions | sitemap