Recent data from NHS Digital unveils a troubling uptick in fire incidents documented by NHS trusts, with 1,372 fires logged in the 2022/23 timeframe. This reflects a notable spike of over 18% from the preceding year, equating to nearly four fires occurring daily across NHS premises.
The Safe Spaces initiative, introduced by the National Business Crime Centre (NBCC) last year to enhance the safety of retail environments for individuals in need of assistance, is expanding its scope to include private security organisations and individuals.
The Facade Special Interest Group, a collaboration between the Fire Industry Association (FIA) and the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), has issued guidance on 'Proportionality and Risk in Fire Risk Appraisals of External Walls (FRAEWs)' aligned with PAS 9980. This comprehensive document delves into crucial considerations surrounding risk acceptability and the proportional nature of remedial actions, in accordance with PAS 9980 recommendations.
The Co-op has raised an alarm over the soaring levels of crime, stating that incidents of retail crime have reached unprecedented heights, with a staggering 35% surge year on year. The retailer disclosed that over 175,000 incidents were documented in the initial half of the year, averaging nearly 1,000 incidents daily.
In a shocking development, two Directors of a West Bromwich based company, have been sentenced to prison for endangering residents' lives due to flagrant violations of fire safety regulations. This revelation, brought to light by the West Midlands Fire Service, underscores the severe repercussions of disregarding fire safety protocols.
The expanding market for electric bikes, scooters, and mopeds presents a positive trend in reducing carbon emissions, as studies indicate their low carbon footprint. However, this growth also brings attention to the electrical safety risks associated with electric two-wheelers.
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.
BS 5839-1, concerning Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings - Part 1: Design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of systems in non-domestic premises - Code of practice, is now open for public review.
Residents in a Harlow apartments block are facing the prospect of relocation as Harlow Council considers the option of demolition, deeming it more economically viable than the £5.5 million required for fire safety upgrades recommended post-Grenfell.
Residents were forced to evacuate their homes following a significant fire that erupted at a nearby warehouse business in Manchester during January. The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) reported that the blaze commenced in the evening on a Monday outside of office hours at a facility located on Stockport Road in Hyde.
