HSE update to construction fire safety
Last week, the Health and Safety Executive announced that it had published a revised guidance on “Fire Safety in Construction” due to the increasing fire risk to workers and members of the public on construction sites.
It is hoped that the new guidance is able to prevent fires in the first place as well as offering safety advice on what to do in the event of a fire.
HSE Chief Inspector of Construction, Philip White, said:
“At worst, fires can and do kill. They can also badly injure and cause serious human suffering and financial loss. Preventing them must be a priority on any building project.
“We have updated the guidance to take account of changes in the law and recent fires on construction sites. It includes new information on higher risk building such as timber frame and multi storey construction and outlines the extra precautions which need to be taken with these.
“Our inspectors would prefer to offer advice but if lives and livelihoods are at risk they will not hesitate to take enforcement action.”
Fire safety training is a must for construction workers and anyone associated with this industry. There are now courses specifically designed for those who work on construction sites.
Fire safety warning to hoteliers
Following the report on Wednesday where we revealed that a hotel in Cheshire was fined for being in serious breach of the regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, this should act as a reminder of what can happen if you neglect your duties when it comes to fire safety in hotels.
By just ensuring that fire safety procedures are in place, working fire alarms are installed and staff are trained in what to do in the event of a fire, you can save a lot of time and money putting it right should you ever get caught out.
When it comes to fire safety in hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfasts, the issues faced are exclusive to this type of business, due to the number of people staying on these premises at any one time. You have a responsibility as a business owner to ensure the safety of the guests who are staying in your establishment and you can do this by making them aware of the fire safety procedures in place.
A ‘Fire Safety in Hotels’ course is also available to train your employees as fire wardens within this industry, where they will learn how to keep a track of the guests present at any time, make sure all rooms are evacuated in the event of a fire and ensure that this is done as safely as possible.
Fire safety is an important consideration for universities
A number of recent incidents in educational institutions such as the false alarms and electrical short circuits in halls of residences at Bangor University only serve as another reminder of the importance of fire safety on these premises.
And with the new influx of students to university throughout the UK it is more crucial than ever to think about the safety on campus and in student residencies.
Speaking about the misuse of North Wales firefighters’ time due to these kinds of situations, Eilian Roberts, watch manager at Bangor Fire Station, has warned:
“We expect some false alarms at the beginning of a new term as people settle in their residence, but we are concerned about repeated false alarms that tie up our resources and are particularly keen to prevent more serious incidents.”
There is also the issue of arson as many educational establishments are targeted by those who set fires deliberately. This is why a Fire Safety in Educational Premises course is vital for those who work in education.
Arson reduction measures and fire safety procedures are therefore necessary on university property and training is required to help people understand more about fire safety and what can be done around campus.
Fulham landlord fined for breach of fire safety regulations
A landlord of a Fulham property was hit by a series of fines after failing to maintain conditions for his tenants it was revealed today.
Two months ago Rizwan Ahmed had to pay back £37,000 in rent, and now he has had to pay another £20,000 for a breach of regulations and not having the necessary House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) license needed to rent out property with five tenants or more.
In addition to these findings by the Residential Property Tribunal (RPT), where Hammersmith & Fulham Council were able to reclaim a year’s worth of housing benefits, Mr Ahmed was found to have failed in his duty to maintain fire doors and fire alarms within the property.
The RPT said that had there been a fire in the building, the blaze could have spread through the property quite rapidly.
If you are a landlord, hotel owner or run your own business, t is not worth risking a breach of regulations by failing to maintain the fire safety procedures in a building. Always make sure that fire safety equipment like fire alarms are installed and in full working order. You may also be required to send a number of your employees on a suitable fire warden training course.
Taking care of your fire risk management
Trying to take care of all your legal obligations in addition to actually running the business can prove to be quite difficult for any company owner. If you are unsure what you have to do in order for your organisation to comply with the current fire safety requirements, you can now turn to the specialists to help with the situation.
The fire safety specialists can assist you in managing all your fire safety procedures and bring them up to date. A complete service package is available and so you can select what you require according to your particular needs.
The training provider can perform the duties of a fire safety officer in working with the fire service with regards to inspection visits. They can also carry out the Fire Risk Assessment for you, as well as ensuring it is maintained and reviewed over time.
The fire safety training of all your employees can also be taken care of and organised on your behalf. Competent persons can also be selected and trained as Fire Wardens to the required standard.
And if you need help performing evacuation drills, which are also required by law, then this can also be managed for you, along with the upkeep of your fire safety log book.
There are many other things the specialist can do for you, so get in touch to discuss your fire risk management requirements.