UK Vaping Industry Association contacts NFCC in wake of Glasgow blaze

*Photograph: The main entrance to Glasgow Central Station, which is next to the Union Corner building

The fire began at around 3.45 pm and is believed to have started in a shop on Union Street that, among other things, sold vapes. Glasgow City Council has now confirmed that the “highly dangerous” remains of the Union Corner structure will be demolished, with work on that process beginning on 13 March.

Major disruption realised by the fire has included the neighbouring Glasgow Central Station being closed, although low-level platforms have now resumed operations. The latter serve the Argyle line north of the River Clyde.

Once the cause of the fire is determined post-investigation, the UKVIA would welcome the opportunity to engage with Fire and Rescue Services and relevant authorities on identifying any lessons that can be learned from this incident in a bid to ensure such an episode doesn’t occur again.

Fire safety message

Although the precise cause of the blaze has still to be determined, the UKVIA is nevertheless keen to reinforce the fire safety message among its membership.

The letter – written by John Dunne (director general of the UKVIA) – has also been circulated to the Fire Standards Board, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

According to Dunne, the UKVIA is “already aware” of retail members having sent circulars to their stores immediately following the Glasgow blaze in order to reiterate fire and lithium battery-related safety measures.

Licensing scheme

Dunne observes: “We are also working with the British Government on the introduction of a mandatory retail licensing scheme, proposed as part of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is currently before Parliament. This goes beyond the Scottish registration scheme. We believe it could provide an effective mechanism for supporting robust compliance with fire safety requirements in vape retail stores across the UK in the future.”

The UKVIA has long advocated for a “robust and fit-for-purpose” licensing scheme for vape retailers, including provisions to ensure the highest possible safety and compliance standards.

Following on from the Glasgow incident, the Trade Association is now advising all of its members to check their fire risk assessments and contact their local Fire and Rescue Authorities should they need to seek any further guidance.

*Further information is available online at www.ukvia.co.uk