NEWS
Our latest news provides you with a summary of news articles, we share fire safety and security tips and advice, helping your business to stay safe and secure.
Are You Ready For The PSTN Digital Switchover?
Are You Ready For The PSTN Digital Switchover? Openreach/BT are in the process of transitioning all outdated analog Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN) to a fully digital network. This migration has already commenced, with a goal to complete it before Openreach discontinues the PSTN (and ISDN) service in 2025. By that time, all phone lines in the UK will have transitioned to a digital format, using Internet Protocol (IP) for call routing instead of the traditional PSTN. When you mention everyone Certainly, we mean all individuals and businesses. Moreover, this transition doesn't only pertain to your telephone services; it extends to all other services currently reliant on the old phone network. This includes non-voice services connected to PSTN or ISDN lines, such as alarms, point-of-sale (EPOS) machines, door entry systems, closed-circuit television (CCTV), fax machines, fire alarms and security systems. Systems that have been installed in recent years are probably already digital, but it's crucial to verify that you'll be prepared for the transition when the switch-off occurs. If your system currently functions on the analog network, it will necessitate either a replacement or [...]
Cladding Removal Initiative Introduced By The Government
Cladding Removal Initiative Introduced By The Government. To address the building safety crisis in England, the government has unveiled its most extensive building safety intervention to date. Housing Secretary Michael Gove, in a speech, announced the complete launch of the Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS). This entails that expenses linked to the removal of hazardous cladding from mid-rise structures will now be covered by government funding. This initiative shields leaseholders from costs when the responsible developer cannot be held accountable for payment. Cladding safety scheme background Numerous residents across England will now have a path towards secure homes due to the expected eligibility of thousands of mid-rise buildings, all without imposing any financial burden on the leaseholders. For the most perilous structures, the government has allocated £5.1 billion, and the CSS will be funded through the Building Safety Levy on new constructions. What is eligible? The programme encompasses all high-rise buildings taller than 18 meters, as well as medium-rise structures outside of London ranging from 11 to 18 meters in height. Social housing buildings are also included. Building owners who believe they qualify for [...]
Care Home Residents Moved Out Due To Fire Safety Risks
Care Home Residents Moved Out Due To Fire Safety Risks. Residents of a nursing home in Blackburn were forced to evacuate due to serious fire safety concerns. The care home, called Springfield Cottage Residential homes, received a restriction order from the fire service, highlighting the significant risks posed to the residents. Blackburn with Darwen Council, responsible for most of the home's residents, swiftly facilitated the relocation process. Care home facility inspection In June 2023, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) conducted an inspection at the facility on Preston New Road, prompted by safety concerns raised by the fire service. The care home, with a capacity for 26 individuals, primarily providing care for the elderly and those with dementia, housed 24 residents at the time of the inspection. Failure to comply with fire regulations According to the CQC's report published in July 2023, there were substantial shortcomings in the assessment, management, and mitigation of fire-related risks, putting the residents' safety in jeopardy. The care home had failed to comply with fire regulations and lacked adequate fire safety arrangements. [...]
New Guidance On Higher Risk Buildings Has Been Published
New Guidance On Higher Risk Buildings Has Been Published. As part of engagement with industry, the Fire Industry Association (FIA) and the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) have been working together with the new UK Building Safety Regulator (BSR) to create new guidance on higher risk buildings (HRB's). Background Industry bodies FIA and IFE recently voiced their concerns about the lack of clear guidelines for higher risk buildings and stressed the importance of updated regulations and standards to guarantee their safety. Responding to these concerns, the government has now issued guidelines defining what qualifies as a higher-risk building for those already in operation. Risks associated with higher risk buildings SS Systems strongly advises all members involved with high risk buildings to familiarise themselves with the newly published guidance. These guidelines offer crucial insights into identifying and managing risks associated with higher-risk buildings during their occupation phase. Being well-informed about this guidance will equip our customers and potential customers to effectively handle any potential fire safety issues in HRB's. Classification of a higher-risk building The guidance addresses the legal criteria to determine whether a [...]
The UK Home Office Launches Surveys For Fire Risk Assessors & Responsible Persons
The UK Home Office Launches Surveys For Fire Risk Assessors & Responsible Persons. The Home Office has initiated an important project involving surveys targeted at "Responsible Persons" and fire risk assessors. These surveys aim to enhance the government's understanding of individuals engaged in fire risk assessments and their responses to recent changes in fire safety legislation. Background to the survey The amendments introduced, including the Fire Safety Act 2021, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, and the Building Safety Act 2022, are expected to have a considerable impact on the fire risk assessment market. Therefore, the Home Office is eager to gauge the sector's capacity and capabilities. To gather comprehensive insights, the Home Office is collaborating with industry, taking into account concerns about professionalisation in the fire risk assessment field. The survey responses will play a vital role in supporting this endeavor. Do you conduct fire risk assessments? Those who conduct fire risk assessments, whether for a fee or for buildings under their or their employers' management, are invited to participate in the survey. The survey will cover various aspects, including the methods [...]
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