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.
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 [...]
Restaurants & Accommodation Fire Safety Measures Case Highlighted
Restaurants & Accommodation Fire Safety Measures Case Highlighted. As a consequence of inadequate fire safety measures, two individuals associated with a restaurant faced legal consequences. Mark Ellis, the former owner of Allium Bar and Grill with Rooms in Tattenhall, and Deborah Cruse, who subsequently managed the establishment, were both charged with serious violations of fire safety laws. Inadequate fire detection and warning systems Appearing at Chester Crown Court in June 2023, Mark Ellis and Deborah Cruse pleaded guilty to charges brought under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. As a result, they received community orders and were required to cover costs. The investigation by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service was initiated in March 2019 following concerns raised by a guest staying in one of the guest rooms. Inspectors found the premises lacked sufficient means of escape and had inadequate fire detection and warning systems.. Absence of emergency lighting & fire risk assessment The inspection revealed a complete absence of fire drills, testing of warning systems, emergency lighting, or a suitable fire risk assessment for the premises. According to the prosecution led by [...]
Regulatory Changes For Fire Safety Responsibilities
Regulatory Changes For Fire Safety Responsibilities. New guidance has been issued by the UK Home Office in respect to fire protection and rescue responsibilities. This guidance explains what responsible persons need to do as a result of changes made to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (‘the Fire Safety Order’) through the Building Safety Act 2022. Which buildings are subject to these new fire safety requirements? These fire safety requirements are applicable to all non-domestic premises, encompassing places where people work, visit, or stay. This includes workplaces and the non-domestic sections of multi-occupied residential buildings, such as communal corridors, stairways, and plant rooms. It's important to note that these requirements do not extend to individual domestic premises. The enforcement of the Fire Safety Order, along with these additional requirements, primarily falls under the responsibility of local fire and rescue authorities. In the case of non-domestic parts of multi-occupied residential buildings (e.g., communal corridors, stairways), enforcement is also listed under the Housing Act 2004 and is conducted by the Local Authority. For specific scenarios, the enforcing body varies. The Health and Safety Executive [...]
New Legislation for Interlinked Smoke Alarms
New Legislation for Interlinked Smoke Alarms. Scotland is the first of the UK to legally require interlinked smoke alarms in residential and commercial residential properties. The new law has been implemented after the Grenfell fire in London in 2017. Interlinked means if one goes off, they all go off, and it is the property owner’s responsibility for meeting the new standard. This affects many commercial enterprises that rent out real estate for residential use. This means that as a commercial landlord of both private and public/social letting properties, it is your responsibility to ensure your property complies with the law, not the tenants. What each residence must have one smoke alarm in the living room or the room you use most one smoke alarm in every hallway or landing one heat alarm in the kitchen All smoke and heat alarms should be mounted on the ceiling and be interlinked. If you have a carbon-fuelled appliance – like a boiler, fire, heater or flue – in any room, you must also have a carbon monoxide detector in that room, but this does not need [...]
EDA Millennium or Zerio
Do you have an EDA Millennium or Zerio wireless fire alarm system? The EDA Millennium and Zerio wireless fire alarm systems are in the process of becoming obsolete. Now is a good time to start planning for the 2026 deadline for a new replacement system. Why are they becoing obsolete? From 2011 the Millennium system could not be used for new installations due to EN54 part 25 and BS5839 Part-1 new relevant standards. In 2021 the manufacturer EDA will completely stop supporting the Millennium system and now recommends upgrading to the Zerio Plus range which is fully compliant, and type approved. As a manufacturer, EDA is not allowed to place products on the fire protection market that have not been certified by a third party. Official Advice The official advice given is that any extensions to existing Millennium or Zerio systems must be done using the new fully compliant equipment linked to the original system. The Zerio Plus is a direct replacement for the non-compliant Millennium and Zerio systems. The frequency EDA systems were using had to be changed; therefore, it was necessary [...]
Your Local Fire and Rescue Authority
Your local fire and rescue authority. Be aware of the enforcement, appeals and penalties for Fire safety in the workplace. Your local fire and rescue authority, visit premises to check that the fire risk assessment and fire prevention measures are appropriate. Fire safety officers should help you understand the rules and comply with them. They can, however, also take action if they think your fire safety measures are not adequate. For example, they might issue an informal notice suggesting safety measures. They could also give you a formal fire safety notice. They’ll tell you how to fix the problems described in the notice. Minor penalties can be up to £5,000. Major penalties can have unlimited fines and up to 2 years in prison. Visit the link below, to ensure you are fully up to date with the fire safety regulations. https://www.gov.uk/workplace-fire-safety-your-responsibilities/enforcement-appeals-and-penalties Get in touch with us to arrange a Fire Risk assessment. All our Risk Assessors are minimum BAFE SP205 accredited, with an encyclopaedic knowledge of all aspects of fire safety legislation, so you don’t have to. It is our job to keep [...]
Lone Workers Safety Systems
Protect those working alone. Lone workers are on the increase, with more business adapting flexible working conditions. Who are classed as lone workers? Lone workers are those who work by themselves without close or direct supervision, for example Delivery Drivers Health Workers Engineers Security Staff Cleaners Warehouse Operatives Petrol Station Attendants Working from home Even those working on a large site, that have remote locations, where a single person is too far away from colleagues to be closely supervised. Employers’ responsibilities As an employer, you must manage any health and safety risks before people can work alone. This applies to anyone contracted to work for you, including self-employed people. There will always be greater risks for lone workers without direct supervision or anyone to help them if things go wrong. Lone Workers Safety Industry Standards BS 8484:2022 is the British industry standard for providers of lone working safety services. While it is not a legal requirement for lone worker safety organisations, BS 8484 accreditation shows consumers that an organisation has met the government’s strict standards. All employers should consider employee safety, wellbeing, and [...]
Who Can Service My Fire Alarm System?
Who Can Service My Fire Alarm System? Your current systems do not have to be serviced by the same company that installed them. BS 5839 states that all the detectors, call points, panels, and circuits must be tested every six months by a competent person with specialist knowledge of fire alarm systems and smoke detectors. SS Systems are accredited to service and maintain your Fire Safety and Security Systems. You can view our accreditations at, https://sssystems.co.uk/accreditations/. We Have a Dedicated Service Team Our Service team keep track of your maintenance schedule. We contact you to arrange a date to suit your site in advance. Any remedial works required will be processed and quoted prior to any works being carried out. We are Monitored Externally to Ensure that we meet a High Standard of Service. As members of the SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board), We maintain service records and monitor our success. The SSAIB, is a leading certification body for organisations providing security systems and services, fire detection alarm systems, and monitoring services. So, you can be confident that we strive to [...]
Fire Training
Fire Safety Training Is your business Safe & Compliant? Fire safety training isn’t a choice for your business, the law says YOU MUST PROVIDE IT for all your employees. Fire safety is a fundamental part of any business and training is the corner stone of implementing any fire safety policy. Legislation via the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires employers to provide training for all employees in actions to be taken in the event of a fire. What type of training is available? Training can range from basic fire safety awareness to the practical use of fire extinguishers and the management of a fire situation with Fire Warden Training. Fire Warden & Fire Awareness Courses How many trained fire wardens are required in a commercial property? As a basic guide, you will require at least one warden per 20 people, with at least one warden per floor within the property. Fire Wardens - play a crucial role in helping to evacuate colleagues safely from a building, which not only saves lives but helps assist fire fighters arriving at the scene. The actions [...]
fire alarm design
What should I do if I am usure that my fire alarm design is correct? UK fire alarm legislation doesn’t specify exactly which each type of fire alarm system should be used in which types of premises. It comes down to what is ‘appropriate’ for your business and premises to keep you compliant. This is where your Fire Risk Assessment can assist in ensuring the correct type of system is installed. BS 5839 sets out recommendations for the planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems for non-domestic properties. There are 3 main types of fire alarm system: conventional, addressable, and wireless: Conventional Fire Alarm divides your premises into broad zones in the event of an alert, the fire alarm panel identifies the zone, but not the precise area most suitable for smaller or lower risk environments. Addressable Fire Alarm each individual device has its own unique electronic address if one activates, the fire alarm panel tells you precise location of the problem most suitable for larger and higher risk environments. Wireless Fire Alarm uses a secure wireless [...]
BS8629 Evacuation Alert Systems
BS 8629 Evacuation Alert Systems. This code of practice is now cited in the updated Part B of the Building Regulations which requires evacuation alert systems that adhere to BS 8629 to be installed in all new-build residential blocks over 18m in England. Revised Building Code The newly revised Part B of the Building Code came into force in the UK on 1 December 2022 and now include the requirement to install evacuation warning systems in new high-rise residential buildings over 18m in England. This should give residents reassurance that if the fire and rescue service need to tell them to leave the building, the instruction will be communicated clearly and safely, whether by an external alarm or flashing lights. Improved Fire safety Updated Building Code Approval Document B aims to bring clarity and improved fire safety to high-rise residential buildings following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. The Grenfell Inquiry found deficiencies in building codes in some areas. It also found that evacuation of the building was hampered by a lack of evacuation plans, as well as some options and features of the building [...]
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