Dräger calls for increased use of fire escape hoods to boost evacuation safety

Fire escape hoods are designed to provide their users with what could be crucial minutes of protection from fire-related vapours, particles and gases, the latter including carbon monoxide.

According to the Government, nearly one-in-three (ie 30%) of fire-related fatalities are the result of individuals being overcome by gas or smoke. The fumes produced by a fire can be deadly.

Dräger believes it’s essential that fire escape hoods are used as a supplementary support to other fire safety-related evacuation measures (among them fire doors and disabled refuge areas).

In a recent study of more than 100,000 fire door inspections, the Fire Door Inspection Scheme found that three-in-four (ie 75%) of all fire doors failed to meet the required standards. Those buildings with the highest number of fire door inspection failures included healthcare facilities, local authority and housing association premises and private housing. Across the board, the study supports the need for supplementary fire safety measures.

Ian Gil-Rodriguez, cross-segment marketing manager at Dräger Safety UK, is a firm advocate of the view that the industry has a responsibility to promote the increased use of fire escape hoods.

“The fact that Fire and Rescue Services globally and in the UK are now using fire escape hoods is evidence of their critical importance,” affirmed Gil-Rodriguez in conversation with Fire Safety Matters. “Our industry needs to push for change for the overall good of public safety. Fire escape hoods should be a standard component of evacuation plans and a complementary element of what is a complex puzzle rather than being viewed as a standalone solution.”

Dräger’s own PARAT smoke hood range provide wearers with up to 15 minutes of protection in a fire episode.

*Further information is available online at www.draeger.com