Stores Coordinator Vacancy At SS Systems. You will be responsible for the complete purchasing of all kit within the business key areas - service, small works and projects. As our stores person you will take deliveries and manages stock levels. Your primary duties include receiving and dispatching goods from the stores, storing goods received appropriately and resolving discrepancies in the delivery of goods. This job description is not exhaustive and will be subject to periodic review. It may be amended to meet the changing needs of the business. The post-holder will be expected to participate in this process, and we would aim to reach agreement on any changes. Main Duties & Responsibilities: Buying stock for operations Manages stock inventory levels Manage returns process Manage van stock levels to support first time fix Ensure CRM stock levels are correct Chase suppliers for delivery dates and POD Ensure the storeroom is kept tidy and organised Assist with any recycling requirements the business may have Qualities, Attitude and Competencies: Highly organised so they can provide accurate and tidy record keeping making sure information is easily accessible [...]

SS Systems Partnership With Nimbus Fire Alarm Management Systems. Nimbus has helped a large number of our clients to provide greater control and awareness, and a more modern approach to Fire Alarm Management. The Nimbus cloud-based remote fire alarm management solution offers visibility of your entire portfolio of fire systems, anywhere, anytime. Access is provided via mobile app or web browser, regardless of fire panel type or manufacturer. The Nimbus gateway is a simple and quick add-on to any fire panel and connects via an existing internet service or the on-board mobile network service. Making it a great choice for all of our clients throughout the UK, whether they be remote properties, single occupied sites, or multi-site national client. Benefits of Nimbus include: • Access Data from anywhere • Connects to multiple fire alarm control panels • Instant event notifications • Reduce wasted time and money from unconfirmed fire events • Stay compliant with automated testing and service notifications • Improve efficiency with automated service reports • Automatic capture of testing • Providing unequivocal proof that your service provider testing 100% of your [...]

Fire Panel Heat Sensor Research Contributors Required The Building Research Establishment (BRE) & The Fire Industry Association (FIA) have two research projects in progress investigating the performance of contaminated heat sensors. One for heat detectors (connected to a fire panel) and another for heat alarms (self-contained devices for domestic applications). Join BRE & The Fire Industry Association in critical research on contaminated heat sensors. They are currently exploring how old heat detectors and alarms perform but need more samples. They have made a request to the fire safety industry to help out with contributions of older or used devices and help enhance fire safety. The business aspect of this would involve single or multiple heat sensors connected to a fire panel in a commercial environment. It is expected to be a difficult task to obtain appropriate samples of used devices with supporting information on their history. The BRE and the FIA have already thanked all that have contributed so far who have provided samples to date. This is particularly those (80%) who have completed the supporting short questionnaire as they will be acknowledged [...]

Fire Brigade To Cease Daytime Automatic Fire Alarm Responses Starting in October, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) will no longer respond to automatic fire alarms in non-residential buildings during the day. Many leading insurance companies are urging businesses and commercial locations to update their fire risk assessments and staff training to adapt to this significant change. Businesses across London are advised to review their fire safety protocols in light of the LFB's new policy. The LFB will cease responding to automatic fire alarms between 7:00 am and 8:30 pm to reduce unnecessary strain on fire service resources. In the year leading up to March 2024, the LFB responded to around 52,000 false alarms from automatic systems. According to Fire Safety Matters, this policy aims to ease the operational burden on the Fire and Rescue Service. Dougie Barnett, Director of Customer Risk Management at AXA Commercial, emphasised the importance of this change for London's business community. "The London Fire Brigade’s decision aligns with many other UK Fire and Rescue Services," Barnett stated. "It's vital that businesses are aware of this change. During the working [...]

The Dielectric Fire Extinguisher Test Explained Discover the essentials of the dielectric test in BS EN 3-7, a critical safety measure for water-based fire extinguishers used on live electrical equipment. This Fact File breaks down the steps, importance, and implications for achieving an F Class rating, crucial for handling cooking oil fires. Understanding the Dielectric Test in BS EN 3-7:2000+A1 The dielectric test, as outlined in BS EN 3-7:2000+A1, evaluates the safety of water-based fire extinguishers when used on live electrical equipment. This guidance clarifies the test procedure, its significance, and its role in achieving the F Class rating necessary for cooking oil fires. Dielectric Test Overview BS EN 3-7:2000+A1 includes a dielectric test to assess the electrical conductivity of an extinguisher's discharge stream. • Clause 9.1: Assesses safety for use on live electrical equipment. • Clause 9.2: Outlines performance criteria. • Annex C: Details test procedures. Manufacturers must label extinguishers based on test results. If an extinguisher fails the test, it must carry a warning: “WARNING: Do not use on live electrical equipment.” If it passes, it can be labeled for safe [...]

Alarm Signalling Connectivity & Guidance In Spring 2024, BT announced that it will withdraw Redcare operations on August 1, 2025. This unexpected decision has significant implications for the commercial alarm industry. While monitoring operations will continue for the next 18 months, existing customers should understand the importance of this announcement. To maintain appropriate remote signalling arrangements and ensure continued compliance with insurance requirements, necessary changes to alarm installations will be required. The announcement and the upcoming closure of their signalling platforms led to various articles from suppliers, membership associations, insurers, insurance brokers, and approval bodies which have been published across the wider industry. SS Systems is on hand to discuss any aspect relating to alarm signalling, connectivity and guidance in relation to your security requirements especially if you are using this service. BT Redcare provides a secure method of alarm monitoring. This service ensures continuous monitoring of a BT telephone line, connecting a professionally installed alarm system on your premises to an alarm receiving centre. The outcome is constant protection of your property, round the clock, every day of the year. The system [...]

Navigating Fire Safety For Historical Buildings Navigating fire safety for historic sites involves unique challenges and scenarios that may not apply to modern buildings and structures. Heritage buildings, often constructed long before modern fire safety regulations existed, present unique challenges due to their use of materials now considered outdated and vulnerable to fire. This can jeopardise not only the structure but also the priceless artifacts within. The Notre-Dame Cathedral fire in April 2019 is a reminder of the potential risks faced by such landmarks. It's crucial for those responsible for these sites to understand and act on their fire safety obligations. There are other heritage related fires closer to home and in more recent times such as the Royal Clarence Hotel in 2016, the Clandon Park House fire in 2015 and the Glasgow School of Art fire in 2014. Emergency Response Plan - Every historic building must have a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan (ERP). This plan should outline actions to take during an emergency, tailored to the building's size and complexity. It must be clear, regularly reviewed, and accessible to all authorised personnel. [...]

Construction Site Fire Safety Under The Spotlight Seven people were hospitalised following a construction site fire in Canning Town, Newham, on June 4, 2024. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) received approximately 30 calls about the fire, which started shortly after 8 am. Ten fire engines and 70 firefighters from Plaistow, Poplar, East Ham, and nearby stations responded to the scene, where they found a ground-floor commercial unit of a 10-storey building under construction engulfed in flames. Thick black smoke enveloped the site. An LFB spokesperson advised, "The fire has been producing significant amounts of smoke. People in the area are advised to keep windows and doors closed and avoid the area where possible." Ten fire engines and approximately 70 firefighters tackled a fire near Silvertown Way in Canning Town. The fire occurred at a 10-storey construction site, where a ground floor commercial unit was partially damaged. A 64-metre turntable ladder was deployed, and one person was rescued by firefighters using a 13.5-metre ladder. Eight people evacuated the building before the Brigade arrived, seven of whom were taken to the hospital by London Ambulance [...]

Underground Car Park Fire Highlights A Growing Trend In the early hours of the morning, residents were compelled to evacuate their flats as fire crews responded to a blaze in an underground car park in Nottingham. A few weeks ago, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) swiftly reacted to reports of a fire erupting in the underground car park of the Litmus Building in Nottingham, prompting a "partial evacuation" of the residential block. The fire, which ignited on the second level of the basement car park, involved two vehicles that were heavily ablaze, as described by fire officer Tom Staples. NFRS provided an update on the incident via X, stating: "We currently have a number of crews in attendance at a fire on Huntingdon Street, Nottingham." A spokesperson for NFRS disclosed: "We received the call at 3:27 am. At the peak of the incident, we had approximately eight appliances plus the aerial ladder platform from London Road." Local media reported residents observing "a lot of" smoke emanating from the basement car park. While no injuries were reported, locals were advised to steer clear [...]

SS Systems Adopt the Future of Fire Inspection Software We are pleased to announce that we have taken the decision to switch our current operational management software to Uptick. The team at Uptick are passionate about improving the safety of the buildings that we all live and work within, and believe that there is a better way to maintain building safety, and we at SS Systems share that same passion. This belief underpins our decision to proceed with the implementation of a modern, cloud-based solution that focuses on intelligent digitised job management software for building maintenance and compliance. By providing innovative solutions to SS Systems customer problems, we're helping them to excel within their businesses every day. This ultimately leads to safer buildings across the world. Uptick is also ISO 27001 certified as a software application. The ISO 27001 certification is widely recognised as the highest standard for managing information security. It’s not just about software architecture, it’s a framework that must be integrated into the very way the company is operated to minimise the risk of data loss or theft. ISO27001 covers [...]

Fire Safety Competence In UK Care Homes CROSS UK, an essential platform for collaborative reporting on fire and structural safety issues, has drawn attention to concerning incidents within care homes across the UK. These incidents point to a worrying lack of competence among maintenance staff, particularly in areas crucial for fire safety, such as fire door maintenance and the role of fire risk assessors. Recent reports from CROSS UK underscore the urgent need for heightened vigilance and professionalism in upholding fire safety standards within care homes, where the safety of residents is paramount. One unnamed Fire and Rescue Service has expressed significant unease regarding the competency levels of maintenance personnel responsible for ensuring the safety of care home residents. This unease follows two troubling incidents where inadequate electrical and fire door maintenance posed serious risks to vulnerable occupants. These incidents highlight a troubling pattern where unqualified individuals are entrusted with critical safety tasks, leading to potential hazards and endangering residents' wellbeing. For example, firefighters responding to an emergency call discovered faulty electrical connections in a care home specialising in end-of-life care, directly linked [...]