Canal Barges: Are They As Fire Safe As Houses

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Whether people live in their canal barge all year round, or just stay in them for a one or two week holiday, canal barges have a reputation for not being as safe as ordinary houses. This is a shocking discovery, especially in light of the fact that when a fire does break out on canal barges, it will tend to spread through the structure far more quickly, as the space is very confined inside.

Add to this the fact that many people seem to have a penchant for naked flame lighting, when they are on a barge. This maybe because they are looking to capture an air of quintessential authenticity. Whatever the reason, this choice of lighting can add to the dangers canal boat inhabitants will face.

In October 2007, a man was killed on a canal boat, near Tamworth in Staffordshire, because he was using a paraffin lamp heater that caught his barge alight. It is thought that the fire would have ripped through the barge in next to no time at all, and the gentleman would not have had sufficient time to escape the flames. Fires will notably spread more quickly on a canal barge anyway, without the further encouragement of paraffin added to the lethal circumstances.

As canal barges have much less space within them, generally this can be an added cause for accidents and fire emergencies. Despite the inherent lack of space, it would not prove to be too much of an inconvenience, just to ensure that there was a small fire extinguisher on the barge, for just such a crisis. They really need not take up too much space and they would definitely provide some essential fire protection equipment. Fire blankets would provide an excellent form of defence also and smoke alarms are always an absolute must, no matter what type of structure we are talking about.

Unfortunately and in addition to the incident above, reports of fire related accidents on canal barges are all too common. Admittedly, a vast majority may be caused by less experienced holiday makers, who are more concerned with having a good time than dealing with the issues of fire safety. Nevertheless, it would not take too much to make sure that this type of disaster is much less commonplace.

Installing suitable fire protection would be a good start. Basic common sense would be another and just being mindful of the fact that naked flames can and do cause fires, especially where drunken holiday makers may be concerned. To be more fire safe, use lighting that is far safer, whilst on board a canal barge and be weary of the fact that if there were a fire, you would not have as much to escape than if you were in a usual land based home.


About the Author:
Find all the information you need about boat fire extinguishers at www.FireProtectionOnline.co.uk



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