FIRE SAFETY ASSESSING FIRE SAFETY Here, Jamie Allam, Commercial Director at Amthal Fire & Security, looks at
the reactions and the solutions to ensure facility managers can provide total peace of mind to business owners together with staff and visitors on site.
Grenfell Tower fire has been deemed as one of the worst urban disasters the UK has seen in decades. Though fire fighters were quick to arrive at the Kensington tower block (engines were there six minutes after being alerted) issues continue to be raised about the amount of time it took to control the blaze, together with general safety and systems in place on site (or lack of) that could have prevented the atrocity.
The repercussions are felt widespread. Amthal has been inundated with calls from commercial customers, requesting maintenance checks and fire system reviews, as a duty of care to their own staff and customers.
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.
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
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and identify any measures that need to be taken to further remove or reduce the fire risk.”
Not only should a fire risk assessment look to identify any fire hazards within a building, but also highlight 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.
If the assessment is carried out thoroughly, the protective measures will be quickly recognised. A works programme can be carefully planned to either update existing systems in place or install new measures, with minimal disruption to daily operations.
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 the 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 believe 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.
The fire at Grenfell Tower has undoubtedly shaken us all. It is difficult to believe it could take place with so many sophisticated fire alarm and notification fire systems available.
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.
www.amthal.co.uk www.tomorrowshs.com
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