Immediate Appeal For Restaurants To Reassess Fire Safety Measures
Fire and Rescue Services emphasise the critical importance of fire safety for residents residing above food outlets, highlighting the increased risks associated with insufficient safety measures. Restaurant owners and proprietors of food establishments are strongly advised to review their fire safety protocols, especially for premises with residents above or below. Fire and Rescue Services have expressed concerns about the heightened risks in such setups, stressing the immediate need for thorough safety measures.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service have emphasised the potential dangers in buildings where upper or lower floors are used for living spaces, particularly when accessed through a single unprotected staircase from public or kitchen areas. A spokesperson from the service commented, “In the event of a fire, these conditions significantly elevate the risk of injury or fatality. It’s crucial to have appropriate fire safety measures in place to protect lives, including those of residents, employees, and customers, as well as to safeguard property and business interests.”
The Regulatory Reform Order 2005 requires business owners to conduct fire risk assessments to mitigate hazards and ensure premises’ safety. Additionally, the Building Safety Act 2022 – Section 156, effective from October 1, 2023, introduces further regulations concerning fire safety in businesses and buildings.
Key changes under the Building Safety Act 2022 – Section 156 include:
- Mandatory written fire risk assessments and implementation of safety measures, regardless of business size or function.
- Increased requirements for stakeholder cooperation and coordination.
- Provision of comprehensive fire safety information to residents.
- Restaurant owners and stakeholders are strongly urged to comply with these legislative requirements, actively prioritising the safety of occupants and visitors. By focusing on fire safety, businesses can reduce risks, protect lives, and safeguard critical assets.
SS Systems are in a position to help your business with critical fire safety related areas such as:
Fire Alarm Monitoring
Our Monitored Fire Alarm Systems offer you protection 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for complete peace of mind. Your Fire Alarms System is monitored at a central station for a fast response to your key holder and the local fire and rescue services.
Aspirating Systems
An aspiration detection system (ADS) is a highly sensitive form of fire detection that can detect a fire at an early stage. The system takes samples of the air and tests them for the presence of smoke. The air is drawn by a pump from the various test points.
Fire Suppression
Fire suppression systems are used as a safer and more advanced alternative to typical fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems and water mist systems. These systems not only prioritise occupant safety, but also protect your property and assets in the event of a fire.
We would request that you ask yourself this question: When was the last time you evaluated your Fire Alarm Monitoring System, your Aspirating System and your Fire Suppression System? For an initial conversation please give our team a call on 03300 417 170 or complete the enquiry form below.
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