University of Brighton renews P50s 10 years on

The University of Brighton has gone through a rapid transformation in recent years, boasting three state-of-the-art campuses, which include modern learning spaces, libraries, sports facilities, bars, cafes, restaurants, and halls of residence. It has a community of 2500 staff and 20,000 students, many of whom live on site. Fire safety at the university is a top priority. Back in 2015, it took the decision to switch from using traditional steel fire extinguishers to Britannia Fire’s P50s. You can read the original case study here: University of Brighton

P50 fire extinguishers are ideal for universities like Brighton. They are multi-purpose and suitable for many types of fire and are made of composite so do not corrode or need costly annual servicing. Lasting 20 years, they are also recyclable and have a smaller carbon footprint than metal alternatives. Crucially, they meet all the required standards and fire safety regulations in the UK, Europe and beyond.

Fire Safety Manager Nick Greenwood explains why the university originally decided to opt for P50s:

“Our previous fire extinguishers were non-recyclable, inferior imports from abroad that required costly servicing. Sustainability is one of the University’s core values so was a top consideration when it came to replacing them in 2015.

We opted for the P50 due to its impressive environmental credentials. Its carbon footprint is less than steel alternatives. Carbon savings are made thanks to its low-energy manufacturing process, which also has no wastage and is in part powered by solar energy. In addition, the P50 is fully recyclable, has a 20-year lifespan and does not require third-party annual servicing.

It is also suitable for a multitude of fires, including electrical fires, meaning we only needed one at every fire point rather than two. This streamlined things considerably and now makes it easier for the end user, who can simply point and shoot!

In addition, the cost savings were huge. We cut the number of fire extinguishers needed by half and have not had to fork out for expensive third-party servicing over the last 10 years, saving over £200,000.

In our quest to protect the environment and reduce landfill waste, Britannia Fire also refurbished 50 of the old extinguishers on our behalf, which were sent to the Jungle refugee camp in Calais, France via Bristol-based, Building Support Through Shelter. With a dense population, lots of open fires and gas canisters on site, the risk of fire was high and within months of them arriving they were put to good use and helped save lives.“

Over 20 years, the P50 only requires one refurbishment by skilled Britannia Fire engineers. After 10 years, they empty, pressure test, and refill the extinguisher, as well as replacing the red outer jacket, which clearly states the expiry date. The whole process is very straightforward, and continuity of fire safety is maintained at all times.

Nick Greenwood continues:

“Ten years on, it is now time to refurbish our P50 extinguishers. With the impending PFAS ban, we have decided to get ahead of the game and switch to the P50-ECO, which is free from PFAS or ‘forever’ chemicals. This will help us further minimise our environmental impact as these fluoro chemicals are known to contaminate the environment and have a long-lasting detrimental effect.

There is an extra cost attached to this because we need to buy new, uncontaminated units, but it is a one-off purchase, and they will last for another 20 years! We are utilising Britannia Fire’s scrappage scheme discounts, which means it is still cheaper than buying steel alternatives. The old units will also be fully recycled or reused so there will be no wastage.

We are currently working through the planning of the rollout, which is being seamlessly managed by Britannia Fire.”