FIRE SAFETY & DISASTER RECOVERY
But knowing where to start to implement or update fire safety and security measures, and then how to involve staff, can be confusing.
And the fact the choice is so wide, with evolving Fire Safety legislation and FIA standards to ensure compliance is, in itself, a problem for already time and resource constrained FMs.
Best practice guide In accordance to the Fire Industry Association (FIA) Best Practice Guide, alongside Fire Safety Legislation, the best way to approach fire safety is to take preventative measures. It states: “If you are an employer or have control over the premises or activities that take place on the premises, then you have responsibilities under fire safety legislation. It is your duty to ensure the safety of the people in the premises.”
“You should evaluate the risks
arising from the hazards and decide whether the existing fire precautions are adequate.”
At the core of this is the Fire Risk Assessment, defined as: “An organised appraisal of your premises to enable you to identify potential fire hazards and those who might be in danger in the event of fire and their location.
“You should evaluate the risks arising from the hazards and decide whether the existing fire precautions are adequate and identify any measures that need to be taken to further remove or reduce the fire risk.”
A risk assessment should identify any fire hazards within a building and highlight any people at risk. From this, equipment and systems can be identified to reduce the risks as far as possible, including signage management to ensure fire safety and actions are clear. All the findings should be recorded and the assessment regularly reviewed.
www.tomorrowsfm.com
If the assessment is carried out thoroughly, the protective measures will be quickly recognized. A works programme can be carefully planned to either update existing systems in place or install new measures, with minimum disruption to daily operations. At the same time, a prearranged maintenance schedule can be created in accordance with the UK Fire Safety Legislation.
One step further Amthal is certified to support Fire Risk Assessments and already works with all its customers in line with the guidance from the FIA, but also we believe there is one step further that can be taken, taking initiative from the world of security.
When a burglar alarm is installed by a Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB,) a Police Unique Reference Number (Police URN) can be applied. This enables Police to know an alarm has been installed professionally and is maintained to latest standards, therefore they can provide an effective response to instantly identifiable and genuine intruder alarms.
This is certified in accordance with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO). To date, there have only been discussions with industry bodies and fire authorities to adopt an approach modelled on the ACPO policy.
Amthal, itself British Approvals for Fire Equipment (BAFE) accredited in fire safety via SSAIB, not only believes it would enable better and more efficient use of fire service, but also could enhance maintenance agreements for the fire safety of work environments across the UK.
In summary, it is without question the fire industry needs clear guidance and support following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. It is difficult to believe it could take place with so many sophisticated fire alarm and notification fire systems available.
But whilst the enquiries continue, we cannot wait. We must act now to ensure the buildings for which we are responsible, are fit for purpose and safe for all those who work in them.
If it has taught us anything, it is the need to constantly monitor and review fire safety systems in place and manage equipment effectively. With the addition of a similar practice to the established Police Unique Reference Number, we believe that more businesses, their staff and visitors, would be better protected.
Independently owned, Amthal Fire & Security is dedicated to satisfying end user needs for security safety and convenience offering design, installation, service and remote monitoring of advanced electronic fire & security solutions, including intruder, Fire, Access and CCTV systems.
Amthal Fire & Security is accredited by the Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board (SSAIB) United Kingdom Accreditation Services (UKAS) and British Approvals for Fire Equipment (BAFE).
www.amthal.co.uk. TOMORROW’S FM | 27
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70
