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.
Fire & Security Small Works Engineer Vacancy
Fire & Security Small Works Engineer Vacancy. SS Systems are a Fire & Security Company based in South Yorkshire. We install and maintain Fire Alarms, Intruder Alarms, Access Control, CCTV and ancillary systems throughout the country. We are known for specialising in wire free fire alarms. We’re a forward-thinking flexible company, who put our staff at the heart of what we do and you’ll find a warm welcome when you join our team. Because we’re flexible, we expect you to be too and whilst your job will mainly be conducting planned alterations to systems, we may need you to help us out with reactive calls and planned maintenance works when we’re really busy. Your basic working week will be 40 hours. For this you will receive a salary of between £26-35k DOE. We pay you from the minute you leave your house to the minute you get home so, with overtime etc in reality you can expect to earn £31-£42K. Although we’re based in South Yorkshire, we have high profile clients all over the country and you will be expected to work away [...]
New Fire Safety Regulations Implemented From 1 October 2023
New Fire Safety Regulations Implemented From 1 October 2023. This guidance is a vital component of Phase 3 of the Home Office's fire safety reform program, aimed at enhancing fire safety across all premises regulated by the Fire Safety Order (FSO). The new regulations have multiple objectives: to promote better collaboration and coordination among Responsible Persons (RPs), to establish more stringent requirements for documenting and sharing fire safety information, to simplify the process for enforcement authorities to address non-compliance issues, and to furnish residents with extensive information regarding fire safety in their respective buildings. What is the background? In recent developments, authorities have released three new fire safety guides tailored for small non-domestic premises, small blocks of flats, and small sleeping accommodations. These guides are designed to replace the previous concise guide for ensuring fire safety on premises. Additionally, an updated fire risk assessment checklist has been made available to assist responsible individuals in comprehending and meeting the new requirements, facilitating their efforts to ensure the safety and security of their premises against fire hazards. What to do if you are a designated [...]
What Is Involved With A Fire Risk Assessment
What Is Involved With A Fire Risk Assessment? What does the fire risk assessment entail? A fire risk assessment involves a comprehensive examination that identifies potential risks and hazards within a commercial property. Given that the Responsible Person holds legal responsibility for the property, they are required to ensure that a competent individual has carried out the fire risk assessment. The assessment encompasses five key steps: Step 1: Identification of hazards on the premises For instance, sources of fuel, oxygen, and ignition must be appropriately stored and separated to prevent unintentional combustion. Step 2: Identification of high-risk individuals Certain individuals within the building might be particularly vulnerable in the event of a fire, such as children, older adults, or individuals with disabilities. Extra measures may be necessary to ensure their timely alert and evacuation. The fire risk assessment must outline safe evacuation procedures for them. Step 3: Risk Evaluation, Reduction, and Protection The plan should assess the specific risk level for the property and work to eliminate fire hazards whenever possible. Keeping flammable materials away from ignition sources. Substituting risky materials with less hazardous [...]
Is Your Fire Safety Equipment Ready For 3G Being Switched Off?
Is Your Fire Safety Equipment Ready For 3G Being Switched Off? 3G is retiring from service. From its launch in 2003, 3G, with its high-speed mobile internet access, kick-started the mobile internet revolution. Over the last 20 years, technology continued to move at pace, and the “high speeds” that 3G delivered in 2003 are now considered slow compared to 4G, 4G+ and the next generation 5G. Background Vodafone is starting to decommission sites, region by region, and is aiming to complete by mid 2024. At the same time, Vodafone will largely reuse the 3G band to broadcast 4G, which will improve speeds in those few locations where 3G is still the best available technology. The other UK networks are following a similar path and timescales. EE and Three are planning to switch off their network during 2024, with O2 yet to announce its 3G switch off plans. This means some networks will continue to run the service beyond 2023, with 3G still being available, but it will be in constant and steady decline until around 2025 from which point it is likely that no [...]
Updates Regarding Fire Retardant Batteries & The Low Voltage Directive Have Been Released
Updates Regarding Fire Retardant Batteries & The Low Voltage Directive Have Been Released. The UK Fire Alarm and Maintenance industry sector has been requested to ensure that all combustible plastic materials within fire enclosures carry a flammability rating of V-2 or higher. This directive is explained in the provided guidance document, highlighting its importance for fire professionals and businesses to stay informed about the latest fire safety developments. Background The Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU) establishes essential safety criteria for electrical equipment operating within specific voltage ranges. The focus on achieving a flammability rating of V-2 or better within fire enclosures drives the need for this guidance. The directive covers various aspects including power supplies, control equipment, and components like batteries, with the primary objective of ensuring only safe products enter the market and adhere to fundamental safety objectives. The adoption of flame-retardant batteries is becoming increasingly crucial It is imperative for installation and maintenance technicians to adhere to these flammability requirements and confirm appropriate ratings with their suppliers. The adoption of flame-retardant batteries, such as those meeting UL 94 V2 or higher standards, [...]
Fire Safety & Security For Education Facilities In Focus
Fire Safety & Security For Education Facilities In Focus. The safety of all students, staff and visitors within your premises is paramount. This is especially important when it comes to fire safety, as educational facilities, local authorities and the Ministry of Education work towards the same goal of ensuring schools provide a safe environment. All schools are legally required to have a fire safety plan called a Fire Safety Risk Assessment (FSRA). Every school’s FSRA will be different, however, there are some procedures they should all have in common. All schools must have regular fire drills to ensure students and staff have a clear understanding of evacuation procedures. The FRSA must also make clear who the named fire wardens are. This guidance is set by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). The Guide Says That Schools Need To: Make sure fire safety plans are in place to reduce the likelihood of fire Maintain fire detection and alarm systems Make sure staff and pupils are familiar with emergency evacuation plans It is also crucial that: Fire assessments are kept up to [...]
Fire Safety Concerns & Broken Alarms Raise Alarm Bells at Bedford Oasis Beach Pool
Fire Safety Concerns & Broken Alarms Raise Alarm Bells at Bedford Oasis Beach Pool. A recent news item regarding a UK based swimming pool highlighted the need for an all round adherence to health and safety standards including fire health and safety. Recent developments at a swimming pool in Bedford, UK, have underscored the critical importance of maintaining comprehensive health and safety standards, including those related to fire safety. An inspection conducted by the Bedford Borough Council on August 3 and 4 has prompted concerns regarding fire safety measures and the functionality of emergency panic alarms at Bedford's Oasis Beach Pool, managed by Fusion Lifestyle. The inspection brought to light significant issues that require immediate attention. Notably, fire exits were found to be obstructed, casting doubts on the pool's ability to effectively handle fire-related emergencies. In response to this alarming discovery, the inspector swiftly engaged the Bedfordshire and Luton Fire Service to assess the situation. Moreover, the inspector's report revealed a lack of hot water across the entire facility, encompassing customer toilets and showers. Communication, received by the council's Environmental Health and Trading [...]
Fire & Security Small Works Engineer Vacancy
Fire & Security Small Works Engineer Vacancy. SS Systems are a Fire & Security Company based in South Yorkshire. We install and maintain Fire Alarms, Intruder Alarms, Access Control, CCTV and ancillary systems throughout the country. We are known for specialising in wire free fire alarms. We’re a forward-thinking flexible company, who put our staff at the heart of what we do and you’ll find a warm welcome when you join our team. Because we’re flexible, we expect you to be too and whilst your job will mainly be conducting planned alterations to systems, we may need you to help us out with reactive calls and planned maintenance works when we’re really busy. Your basic working week will be 40 hours. For this you will receive a salary of between £26-35k DOE. We pay you from the minute you leave your house to the minute you get home so, with overtime etc in reality you can expect to earn £31-£42K. Although we’re based in South Yorkshire, we have high profile clients all over the country and you will be expected to work away [...]
Fire & Security Service & Corrective Engineer Vacancy
Fire & Security Service & Corrective Engineer Vacancy. SS Systems are a Fire & Security Company based in South Yorkshire. We install and maintain Fire Alarms, Intruder Alarms, Access Control, CCTV and ancillary systems throughout the country. We are known for specialising in wire free fire alarms. We’re a forward-thinking flexible company, who put our staff at the heart of what we do and you’ll find a warm welcome when you join our team. Because we’re flexible, we expect you to be too and whilst your job will mainly be conducting planned maintenance and corrective repairs, we may need you to help us out with reactive calls when we’re really busy. Your basic working week will be 40 hours. For this you will receive a salary of between £26-35k DOE. We pay you from the minute you leave your house to the minute you get home so, with overtime etc in reality you can expect to earn £31-£42K. Although we’re based in South Yorkshire, we have high profile clients all over the country and you will be expected to work away on occasion. [...]
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. [...]
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