Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Fire Safety for Landlords: An Essential Guide to Protect your Property and Tenants

As a responsible landlord, it is important to consider all aspects of fire safety for landlords to ensure the safety of your tenants and your property, as well as your legal obligations and responsibilities.

Regardless of the property size, a fire can cause significant damage and danger to life. Therefore, it is essential to understand fire safety and implement appropriate fire safety measures and educate your tenants on fire prevention and emergency procedures.  

In this article, we review the latest new fire safety regulations for blocks of flats and houses with multiple occupancy and guide you through the essential steps and precautions to take as a landlord to protect your property and tenants from the devastating effects of fire.

Update on Fire Safety Regulations for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

To have a comprehensive understanding of fire safety as a landlord, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest changes in fire safety regulations.

All landlords must already comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 sets out the legal requirements required for fire safety in the common areas of houses in multiple occupation, maisonettes and blocks of flats.

Effective from 23 January 2023, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 have come into force. The introduction of these rules by the Government is a direct response to the findings of the Grenfell Tower enquiry.

The new regulations apply to landlords who hold the responsibility for residential buildings and includes Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) leased on a room-only basis.

The regulations are applicable to all buildings that meet the following criteria:

Residential buildings with stories above ground that contain two or more domestic dwellings or rooms for residential purposes.

Possess communal areas that residents must pass through to exit the building.

Consequently, similarly, if you own a property where there is a shop on one floor and residential premises on the second floor, these regulations will be applicable to the shared areas. However, if the entire property is rented out under a joint tenancy, these requirements do not apply.

You can check out your fire safety responsibilities here.

Improvements in Fire Safety Regulations for Blocks of Flats  

The new regulations define what high-rise multi-occupied residential buildings are – at least seven storeys or taller than 18 metres above ground level.

Fire safety for landlords is influenced by the lessons learned from the tragic Grenfell Tower fire. Significant changes have been made to improve fire safety regulations for these blocks of flats, with a particular focus on addressing the risks associated with dangerous cladding. High-rise blocks have additional rules:

• Installation of a secure information box and wayfinding signage that can be seen in smoky conditions and in low light.
• Monthly checks on on-site firefighting equipment and evacuation lifts (if there is an issue with either that can’t be fixed within 24 hours, you must report it to the Fire and Rescue Service).
• Quarterly checks on all fire doors within common areas.
• Annual checks on fire doors at the entrances of individual tenant dwellings.

Owners of flats in buildings with cladding are now required to have an EWS1 form in order to sell or re-mortgage their property. This form serves as verification that the building meets specific fire safety standards, including cladding inspection. The validity of the EWS1 form extends for five years, and only one assessment is needed per building.

Fulfilling your Legal Obligations for Fire Safety as a Landlord

1. Conduct a Fire Risk Assessment

As well as being compliant with fire safety regulations, landlords in England and Wales must periodically conduct fire risk assessments according to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This assessment involves identifying potential causes and sources of fire, evaluating the likelihood of fire occurrence, recognising hazards and determining precautionary measures to mitigate risks. You can conduct the assessment yourself or engage a third-party fire safety specialist for their professional expertise.

2. Ensure Fire-Safe Doors and Unobstructed Exits

As a landlord, it is crucial to provide tenants with safe and unobstructed escape routes in the event of a fire and educate tenants about the fastest exit routes and the necessity of keeping escape routes clear.

Although fire doors are legally mandatory only in HMOs, it is advisable to consider installing them in all rental properties. Fire doors help contain fire and smoke, granting tenants additional time to escape and minimising property damage. Regularly inspect fire doors as tenants may prop them open or disable self-closing devices.

3. Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms

Ensure that all smoke and CO alarms are operational at the beginning of each tenancy. Encourage tenants to regularly check these alarms, and conduct inspections during periodic visits while maintaining a written record. In England, it is a legal requirement to have a working smoke alarm on each floor of a private rented property, ideally placed in main circulation spaces such as hallways and landings. Additionally, install a CO detector in any room with a solid fuel-burning appliance and extend this requirement to include gas and oil-fired boilers starting from autumn 2022.

4. Comply with Gas Safety Requirements

Following on from installing Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm, the law requires you to have your gas appliances checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer every year to make sure they’re working properly and there’s no risk to tenants. In addition to the annual gas safety check, the Gas Safe Register also recommends you have a service of the gas appliances and flues every 12 months, unless one of their registered engineers advises otherwise. .

5. Check Furnishings for Fire Safety Standards

If your rental property is furnished, the provided furniture must be fire-resistant and meet fire safety standards set by the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988 (last updated in 2010). The regulated items include beds, mattresses, sofas, scatter cushions, loose covers and garden furniture suitable for indoor use. Make sure the furniture bears appropriate manufacturers’ labels confirming compliance with fire safety requirements.  

6. Electrical Safety

Electrical faults are responsible for a significant number of home fires in England each year. Landlords in England must ensure the safety of the electrical system and appliances provided to tenants throughout the tenancy period. Under The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, a full electrical safety inspection and test must be conducted every five years, or sooner if recommended in the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).

7. Provide and Maintain Fire Safety Equipment

Extinguishers and fire blankets are not legally required in single-let rented properties, only HMOs, but you may wish to provide them as a matter of good practice. In HMOs, the minimum requirements are a multi-purpose (water mist) fire extinguisher in the common parts on each floor, usually the hall and landings or a fire blanket in the kitchen If you do have fire extinguishers.

Extinguishers should be serviced annually and checked at the start of each tenancy to make sure they’re in good condition and haven’t been tampered with. Water mist fire extinguishers are recommended by the British Standard for indoor use, as they can be applied with most fire types. It is a legal requirement that all fire extinguishers are maintained annually and you must keep a permanent record of all servicing and maintenance.

8. Educate Tenants on Fire Safety

Regular communication and tenant education on fire safety practices are paramount. Providing information on fire prevention, evacuation procedures and proper usage of fire safety equipment are essential responsibilities for landlords. Tenants should be familiar with the location of fire extinguishers, fire alarms and emergency contact details. It may be advisable to educate tenants on the dangers of smoking indoors.    

Conclusion

In conclusion, fire safety for landlords is a paramount responsibility. By staying informed about fire safety regulations, implementing necessary precautions, and fulfilling their legal obligations, landlords play a vital role in safeguarding their properties and the well-being of their tenants.

For a summary of all our online and face to face fire safety courses you can visit our All Fire Training Course page.

Our friendly customer support team is always happy to talk through your training options. Why not give us a call on 01327 552160, email us at hello@smarthorizons.co.uk, or use the live chat feature on this website to speak to us during office hours.

Related Links

• Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 – Explained
• Fire Training Courses
• What to do in an Electrical Fire
• Fire Safety Doors
• Fire Evacuation Procedures Dos and Don’ts

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Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Our informative poster presents eight essential fire safety tips and advice for landlords. As a responsible landlord, ensuring the safety and well-being of your tenants should be a top priority. One of the most critical aspects of maintaining a secure living environment is fire prevention and safety. Fires can be devastating, causing property damage and endangering lives. However, with proper knowledge and proactive measures, landlords can significantly reduce the risk of fire incidents and protect their tenants and investments.

By fostering a culture of safety within your properties, you can create a secure environment that promotes peace of mind for both yourself and your tenants. Let’s explore these vital tips that can make a substantial difference in preventing fire hazards and mitigating potential risks.

The 8 tips for fire prevention and safety tips for landlords are:

1. Conduct a fire risk assessment: Regularly evaluate your property to identify potential fire hazards and develop strategies to mitigate risks.
   
2. Install fire doors and ensure clear exit routes: Install fire-resistant doors and maintain unobstructed escape routes to allow safe evacuation in case of a fire.
   
3. Install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms: Install and regularly test carbon monoxide and smoke alarms to detect early signs of fire or harmful gas presence.
   
4. Comply with gas safety requirements: Follow proper gas safety guidelines, including regular checks and maintenance, to prevent gas-related incidents.
   
5. Check furnishings for fire standards: Use fire-resistant or fire-retardant furnishings to reduce the risk of fire spreading and minimize potential damage.
   
6. Ensure electrical safety for systems and appliances: Regularly inspect and maintain electrical systems and appliances to prevent electrical faults that can lead to fires.
   
7. Service fire safety equipment: Keep fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, and other fire safety equipment well-maintained and up-to-date.
   
8. Educate and communicate about fire safety: Train residents, employees, or occupants about fire safety measures and procedures, fostering a safety-conscious environment.

The post Fire Safety Advice for Landlords Poster appeared first on Fire Training Company.

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans: Ensuring Safety in Fire Emergencies

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

During our face-to-face fire training sessions, the topic of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) frequently arises as attendees often have uncertainties about their purpose and how to create one. In this article, we will explore the significance of fire safety PEEPs, examine their components, and provide guidance on the process of drafting and implementing them.

What is a personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEP)?

A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) is a personalised plan created specifically for individuals with disabilities who may not be able to evacuate a building without assistance.

The graphic provides information on various disabilities and conditions that may require special considerations during a fire emergency. A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) acts as a written document that aids individuals with disabilities in their preparation and effective response to emergency situations. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in ensuring that those around them are also well-prepared and aware of how to respond. A PEEP is usually created when you have individuals who would struggle to evacuate unaided if a fire started.

Key components of a personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEPs)

If an individual believes they may require assistance during a fire emergency or if someone else identifies that certain individuals would need assistance, it is essential to gather some information to create a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP). These details would take into account the person’s disability as well as the building’s characteristics, such as evacuation routes, safe areas and organisational procedures and protocols.

The documented PEEP should analyse all these considerations and then clearly outline the specific assistance needed, including details of the staff member providing the support and the nature of the assistance. Additionally, ensuring that staff members receive adequate training is crucial, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide effective assistance. Contingency plans should also be established in case the designated member of staff is unavailable.

Regular reviews of the PEEP and staff training are important to keep them up to date and incorporate any changes to the building, individual requirements and staff or equipment.

Face to face fire training

Our face-to-face fire training courses offer a comprehensive and interactive learning experience to enhance your fire safety knowledge. If you need more information about Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs), please ask our trainers who are able to advise you, ensuring everyone’s safety is prioritised in the event of a fire. Join our training sessions today, delivered bespoke to your workplace and cover a range of topics.

Alternatively, if you would like additional information about your fire training requirements, you can get in touch with our friendly customer service team by calling us on 01327 552160, email us at hello@smarthorizons.co.uk, or get in touch via live chat or fill in our web contact form.  

Related Links

• What are the Main Causes of Fire in the Hospitality Industry?
• Fire Safety in Care Homes: A Guide
• Fire Safety in the Workplace: A Guide
• Fire Evacuation Procedures: Dos and Don’ts

The post Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPS) appeared first on Fire Training Company.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Understanding the difference between fire protection and fire prevention is essential for ensuring the safety of both people and property in any residential, commercial, or industrial setting.

Both aspects are essential for a comprehensive fire safety strategy and while both terms may seem similar at first, they represent two different approaches to managing the risk of fire. Each one describes distinct strategies and measures to minimise the risk of fire and mitigate its consequences, but fire prevention is all about avoiding fires, while fire protection is about mitigating the damage caused by fires.

Remember, a holistic approach to fire safety protects lives and promotes a culture of responsibility and awareness that ultimately benefits everyone.

In addition to these two terms, there is also fire suppression. This is another fire safety strategy, where the goal is to put out a fire that has started as quickly as possible.

This article looks at each of these elements, what they entail, how they differ, and how they work together to create comprehensive fire safety systems.

Fire prevention

Fire prevention involves taking measures to prevent fires from occurring in the first place – this means prevention systems are prepared so a building’s fire load is as low as it can possibly be. ‘Fire load’ is a term used by fire protection professionals to determine the potential severity of a fire in a building, based on the presence of certain hazards.

Prevention refers to placing down systems and processes that stop a fire from occurring in as many cases as possible. These systems are both passive and active:

• Active systems are initiated when a fire starts and they help fight it. They include fire alarms and sprinklers.
• Passive fire protection systems are structural measures designed to contain a fire and prevent flames and smoke from spreading. These include fire doors, fire barriers, and any measure that keeps exit routes safe and accessible.

Other fire prevention measures include:

• Regular inspection of electrical systems, heating equipment, and appliances.
• Enforcing anti-smoking policies and designated smoking areas.
• Proper storage and handling of flammable materials and chemicals.
• Implementing fire safety training and educating people about the dangers of fire and how to reduce the risk of a fire occurring.

Fire protection

Fire protection involves taking measures to minimise the damage caused by a fire once it has started. Often these measures are implemented during the design stages of a new building. The aim of a fire protection system is to protect a building’s occupants and minimise the damage associated with fire.

Overall, the goal is to provide the widest possible window for a safe evacuation, whilst also reducing potential repair costs.

Like prevention, fire protection consists of both passive and active systems:

• Active systems are engaged in the event of a fire and are designed to help fight it. Examples include sprinklers, installing and maintaining smoke detectors, and fire alarms.
• Passive fire protection systems are structural measures designed to contain a fire and prevent flames and smoke from spreading. Passive examples include compartmentalisation to keep fire or smoke contained to a certain area. This can be seen in applications like fire doors and cavities. On top of this, constructing buildings with fire-resistant materials and fire barriers (in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire) which absorb heat can help keep fire from spreading into an evacuation route.

Other fire protection measures include:

• Providing fire extinguishers at key points in the building.
• Practicing emergency evacuation plans and fire drills.
• Ensuring that fire exits are clearly marked and accessible.

Fire suppression

So, fire prevention aims to reduce the risks of a fire, and fire protection is designed to protect occupants and the building from harm. What is the goal of fire suppression then? The answer is that suppression is meant to put out and keep the building standing while minimising damage.

Fire suppression systems are considered active as they are triggered by the presence of a fire. They are connected to a detection system and are activated when they detect a fire through smoke, heat, or both. Examples of suppression include fire sprinkler systems that douse the fire with water. 

In some fires, however, water will not be effective in putting them out. If the fire is electrical or involves flammable gas/metal or grease/oils, then other types of agents should be used to extinguish the fire: such as carbon dioxide, dry chemicals, or foam water. 

Conclusion 

It is important to remember that fire prevention, fire protection and fire suppression systems are essential for a comprehensive fire safety strategy. These systems must be implemented and maintained in any residential, commercial, or industrial setting.

If you want to learn more about fire prevention and protection through our range of courses, you can get in touch with our friendly customer service team by calling us on 01327 552160, email us at hello@smarthorizons.co.uk, or use the live chat feature on this website to speak to us during office hours.

Related Links

• Fire Safety in Construction
• Fire Extinguisher Quiz
• Fire Safety Training for Staff

The post What is the difference between fire protection and fire prevention? appeared first on Fire Training Company.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Our last blog, Fire Safety in Construction, made the case that fire safety is an important consideration for construction, demolition and building refurbishment projects and it discussed why these sites are particularly susceptible to fires and the reasons why.

In this blog, we review the important practical fire safety and emergency procedures and systems that must be put in place to reduce the risk of fire and provide a safe environment. We also look at the role of the appointed ‘responsible person’ for fire safety and prevention on construction sites and the steps they need to take to put together an effective fire risk assessment. Finally, we list all the relevant guidance, regulations and reference documents that you can refer to for more information.

Responsible person and the fire risk assessment

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) stipulates that the ‘responsible person’ or somebody nominated by them is in charge of fire safety and is legally accountable. This will take into account anybody who may be affected by a fire, including visitors and areas where there is a high possibility of a fire breaking out.

The responsibilities include undertaking a legally compliant fire risk assessment (FRA). This is undertaken in a five step process:

1. Identify fire hazard – In the previous Fire Safety in Construction blog we outlined the main fire hazards found on a construction site, this consisted of the common fuel and ignition/heat sources. Once identified these hazards should be documented as part of the Fire Risk Assessment. 
   
2. Identify people at risk – This could include employees, contractors, visitors and anyone who is vulnerable.
   
3. Evaluation and risk reduction – This step includes putting measures in place to ensure risk to the above fire hazards and risk is eliminated/reduced. This may include detection and firefighting equipment, devising emergency fire evaluation plans, putting up fire safety signs and ensuring fire safety equipment is available and inspected.
   
4. Record, plan and train – This is a written record of your fire risk assessment if you have five staff or more. This clear plan is made to ensure everybody understands what they need to do in the event of a fire.
   
5. Review – The risk assessment should be reviewed regularly and updated if necessary. 

Practical Fire Safety Measures for Construction Sites

There are a number of practical fire safety procedures to prevent fire, minimise the risk of injury and provide a safe environment for all workers. This includes ensuring you have the right equipment, creating planned evacuation routes and exits and implementing warning alarms and fire detection systems. 

Emergency procedures, routes and fire exits

Construction sites do differ from standard buildings as access is often restricted and there is no clear way for people to exit the structure. To minimise the risk to staff a planned set of evacuation routes and exits should be devised and communicated to all workers before construction starts.  As a precaution there should alternative escape routes.

These routes should:

• be signposted clearly
• be free of obstructions, directing people to the nearest exit
• use protective fire compartmentation through the use of fire doors, stairwells and corridors
• have emergency lighting if required
• have a safe designated area for people to gather after getting out of the building. 
  

Fire fighting equipment

Fire suppression equipment, such as fire extinguishers should be provided in high-risk areas (e.g. where hot works is being undertaken) and all workers should know how to use the equipment. Once again all construction sites are very different so a small site may only need handheld extinguishers, but larger sites may require something more complex like a fire sprinkler system.

Fire detection alarms and warning systems

A warning system must be set up in order to alert people to any fires. The types of systems used will depend on the nature of the site, on larger sites then this may include an interconnected automatically triggered fire detection system. On smaller sites this could just be somebody alerting everybody of the fire or the use of horns etc.

Conclusion

Construction sites are dangerous places and fire on a site can put workers’ lives at risk and cause material damage and financial loss. As well as exercising control over ignition and fuel sources to control or eliminate hazards there are practical measures you can put in place for fire safety prevention and minimising risk. On every construction site there must be a ‘responsible person’ whose duty it is to ensure that fire safety measures are enforced. Effective site management is also critical to stop fires from starting and spreading. Implementing proper fire safety precautions and guidelines can help protect your construction site from a fire.

Additional resources

HSG 186 – Fire Safety in Construction – Primary reference point for those responsible for fire safety on all construction projects.

Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) – These regulations require measures both to prevent fires happening and to make sure all people on construction sites (including visitors) are protected if they do occur.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) which applies in England and Wales and the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005. Fire risk assessments must be completed by a responsible person.

The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (as amended in 2015) (DSEAR).  

Fire Safety In Construction document by the HSE (HSG168).

Fire safety in construction training 

To make sure you have the relevant fire safety training, do review the training we have on offer:

Face-to-Face Fire Training Courses
Online Fire Training Courses

Our friendly customer support team is always happy to talk through your fire safety training options. Why not give us a call on 01327 552160, email us at hello@smarthorizons.co.uk, or use the live chat feature on this website to speak to us during office hours. 

Related Links

• Fire Safety In Construction
• Fire Evacuation Dos and Don’ts – What to do if a fire alarm goes off?
• How to prevent fires from spreading in the office
• Take a look at the signs

The post Practical Fire Safety in Construction appeared first on Fire Training Company.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Fire Safety in Construction

It is not uncommon for fires to start on construction and demolition sites or buildings that are being refurbished, the Home Office’s statistics revealed that there were 365 construction site fires in England between 2018/19 despite strict legal requirements and regulations for fire safety being in place. Fire safety in construction is an important topic to understand, especially if you are a site manager or working in this environment.

In this blog we discover why construction sites are prone fire incidents and explain the different hazards, with reference to the Fire Triangle, and offer suggestions as to how to prevent or minimise fires igniting and spreading in relation to these hazards. We also provide useful references to other resources such as fire legislation and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines*. 

This is a two part blog, and in part two we look at the fire safety and emergency procedures that must be formulated at the design stage of the construction project, the role of the appointed ‘responsible person’ for fire safety and prevention and what makes an effective fire risk assessment.

Why is fire safety in construction a concern? 

Fires on building sites are often an accident waiting to happen. But why is this the case? An explanation can be illustrated by the Fire Triangle. It explains how fires are initiated and sustained and provides a useful scientific principle to understand how to minimise fire risk.

The Fire Triangle illustrates that you need three elements – oxygen, fuel and heat to start and fuel a fire but by removing one of the elements then you can prevent or stop a fire.

While oxygen is hard to restrict, there is often several heat/ignition and fuel sources on a construction site, such as the use of hot welding tools and the availability of flammable liquids and materials.

These sources can often be found in close proximity, leading to fires starting and spreading. By understanding these different sources you can put strict controls in place to remove or reduce them, significantly reducing the risk of fire.

In addition, working conditions on a construction site are not static, making it much harder to implement rigorous fire safety measures and evacuation plans. 

In this blog we review the two most common hazards that cause fires; fuel and ignition/heat sources and outline the proactive measures you can implement to control the risk.

Primary heat/ignition sources

Many activities on a construction site involve the generation of heat, the table below shows the most common heat sources which can ignite a fire and the preventative measures a site manager can implement to minimise risk.

Primary fuel sources

If ignitable substances are left too close to fuel sources then this is a major fire risk. Being aware of these potential fuel sources can dramatically reduce the risk of fire. The table below outlines the most common fuel sources found on a construction site and accompanying control measures you can implement to reduce fire risk.

Conclusion

We have discussed why fire safety in construction is important, looked in more detail about the number of ignition and fuel sources which can combine easily to perpetuate a fire and then considered the control methods that can be implemented to minimise and prevent fires breaking out.

In the second part of this blog, we review the fire safety and emergency procedures that must be contained in the initial design plan such as emergency plans, fire warning system and the implementation of fire detection and alarm systems. We also look at the role of the appointed ‘responsible person’ for fire safety and prevention on a construction site and the steps they need to take put together an effective fire risk assessment.

Additional resources*

• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) in England and Wales and the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 (FSA)
• The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (HSE) and
• L153 – Managing health and safety in construction (CDM 2015)
• The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) (HSE)
• Fire safety in construction (HSE) – HSG168 Fire Safety in Construction – Guidance for Clients, Designers and Those Managing and Carrying Out Construction Work Involving Significant Fire Risks
• Fire Prevention on Construction Sites – Joint Code of Practice 10th Edition Released

Fire safety in construction training 

For the site manager of a construction site, as well as abiding by the relevant fire regulations, such as appointing a ‘responsible person’, it is also important to ensure that all relevant staff have adequate fire safety training.

We offer online and face to face fire training courses, which are IFE approved and CPD accredited, which help you identify fire risks on your site and also cover topics such as fire extinguishers and fire safety signage. You can find out more information here:

Face-to-Face Fire Training Courses – Find a course in your area with our regional interactive map.
Online Fire Training Courses – Review our portfolio of online fire safety courses.

Our friendly customer support team is always happy to talk through your fire safety training options. Why not give us a call on 01327 552160, email us at hello@smarthorizons.co.uk, or use the live chat feature on this website to speak to us during office hours. 

Related Links

• How to use a fire extinguisher
• How to prevent fires from spreading in the office
• What should fire safety at work cover
• Fire safety training in the workplace
• What to do in an electrical fire
• Fire triangle explained

The post Fire Safety in Construction appeared first on Fire Training Company.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

New Fire Safety Regulations

The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 is a set of legislative rules implemented after the recommendations made by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. They will come into force on January 23^rd – focused on manager responsibilities for high rise buildings.

Fire and Rescue Services all over the UK are urging managers of high-rise residential buildings to make sure they understand this new legislation. Current regulations determine high-rise buildings to be at least seven storeys or 18 metres in height.

The 2022 regulations build upon the amendments made to the Fire Safety Act 2021, which came into force in England in May 2022. This act extended the scope of the existing fire safety regime (the Regulatory Reform Order 2005), to make it clear that structures of a building containing two or more dwellings also fell within the scope of the Fire Safety Order.

With this new legislation, it now stretches the legislation to high-rise residential buildings too.

The new regulations explained

The new fire safety regulations outline a number of requirements that the Responsible Persons of high-rise buildings will have to meet. These include:

• Providing their local fire and rescue service with detailed floor and building plans. This should be in the form of both an electronic and a hard-copy.
• Providing details of the building’s external wall construction.
• Advising the fire and rescue service of any faults to firefighting equipment and lifts. This extends to reporting when said faults are fixed.
• Install signage which is visible in low light conditions.
• Inform local fire services if a lift used by firefighters or one of the pieces of firefighting equipment is out of order for longer than 24 hours.
• Provide relevant fire safety instructions to their residents on how to report a fire and what a resident must do once a fire has occurred. This will include information on the evacuation strategy for the building, and may also include consideration of fire signage in other languages where appropriate.
• Carry out quarterly checks on all fire doors, as well as annual checks on building entrance doors.

Reasons for the legislation

The new regulations, and the rules laid out within them, pertain to high-rise buildings in particular following the investigation into the tragedy of Grenfell Tower in 2017.

The concluding report from the inquiry made several recommendations, many of them directed towards the government – requesting a change in the law to implement. The Fire Safety Regulations 2022 will introduce many of these recommendations. The new regulations apply only to England and are being introduced under Article 24 of the Fire Safety Order.

You can check your fire safety responsibilities under the new regulations here.

The new fire safety regulations will require many to assess their own knowledge when it comes to fire safety. That’s where Fire Training Company’s courses can help you. You can find all of our online and face to face fire safety courses on our All Fire Training Course page.

Our friendly customer support team is always happy to talk through your training options. You can give us a call on 01327 552160, or email us at hello@smarthorizons.co.uk.

Related links

• Fire Safety Doors
• What to do in an Electrical Fire
• Fire Risk Assessments for Landlords

The post Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 – Explained appeared first on Fire Training Company.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

If you work in the hospitality industry, fire safety is vital to protect your guests and staff. This was highlighted by the fire at the luxury Scottish hotel, Cameron House in 2017, in which two guests lost their lives and a business was fined £500,000. The findings from the incident found that the hotel firm admitted to failing to take the necessary fire safety measures to ensure the safety of its guests and employees.

In this blog, we discuss the importance of fire safety in hospitality, starting with a detailed breakdown of some of the main causes of fire in the industry.  We then briefly understand how these causes of fire risks can be reduced by carrying out a fire risk assessment of the hospitality venue by the ‘responsible person’ outlined in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

So what are the main causes of fire in the hospitality industry?

Electrical equipment

Electrical appliances continue to be one of the main causes of fire in the hospitality industry. For example, hairdryers and kettles in hotel rooms and illumination in pubs and restaurants, as well as any heating/cooling systems. Other common causes of fire risks posed by electrical equipment are:

• Malfunctioning equipment
• Laundry equipment
• Lighting

Hospitality business owners need to ensure all electrical appliances have been PAT tested within the last 12 months to minimise the risk of a fire.

Obstructed exit routes

Obstructions in fire exit routes, such as boxes, can in the event of a fire cause people to fall, seriously hurt themselves, and even block the exit passageway for others. Keeping exit passageways clear of obstacles enables people to exit a venue quickly and safely. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order states that emergency doors must not be locked or fastened in any way, and must be easily and immediately opened by ANY person who may require access to them in an emergency.

Kitchen equipment

Damaged or faulty kitchen equipment can easily lead to fires in commercial kitchens. Cooking equipment should be installed, operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines and by a responsible person. Some potential causes of fires in the kitchen are:

• Oil/grease fires
• Leaving cooking food unattended
• Damaged or faulty cooking equipment
• Gas leaks

You can learn more about common causes of fire and how to keep yourself and staff safe in the kitchen in our blog Restaurant Fire Safety.

Smoking

Discarded cigarette butts are still one of the most common causes of fire in hotels and other premises. All high-risk areas must be no smoking zones with appropriate signs and training for staff. Cigarettes are the biggest killer in accidental fires. Tobacco is manufactured to burn at over 700 °C and to stay alight, meaning it can remain smouldering and start a fire. Most fires are caused by smoking materials left on beds, furniture or are thrown into full bins.

Hospitality venues should provide highly visible and easily accessible bins or wall-mounted ashtrays for smokers to safely stub out and dispose their cigarettes.

Mitigating the risk of fire in the hospitality industry

As well as understanding the main causes of fire hazards in your hospitality venue, it is important to implement regular and documented fire safety checks and execution of policies in line with fire safety regulations. Hospitality venues will require a fire risk assessment, which will identify all the fire hazards and items that can act as fuel, an outline of emergency evacuation procedures, as well as who might be harmed by a fire and why.  The findings of the fire risk assessment will determine what physical precautions and management arrangements are necessary to reduce risk of harm.

An example in a hotel would be if the ‘responsible person’ performed a fire risk assessment and identified the risk of a cooking oil fire in a kitchen. They would make sure that a Class F fire extinguisher is installed in the kitchen and that staff were trained on the use of cooking oils. The fire risk assessment would also involve a number of additional measures to ensure guests and employees are protected as much as possible such as the positioning of fire safety signage, having the correct amount and type of fire extinguishers and an assessment of fire safety equipment.

For more information about practical advice on reducing fire risks in the hospitality industry, specifically in bed and breakfasts, guest houses and self-catering properties, you can read the government publication: Do you have paying guests?  

Train your hospitality staff

The Fire Safety in Hotels page on our website explains what fire training you are likely to need as well as additional things to think about around fire safety relating to the hotels and the hospitality industry in general.

Our IFE approved & CPD accredited online Fire Marshal/Warden Course can be taken by staff, and our face to face Fire Marshal/Warden Courses can be tailored to your establishment, ensuring you keep your guests and staff safe.  

Our friendly customer support team is always happy to talk through your fire safety training options. Why not give us a call on 01327 552160, email us at hello@smarthorizons.co.uk, or use the live chat feature on this website to speak to us during office hours.  

Related links

• Fire safety in the work place – a guide 
• What should fire safety at work cover 
• Fire safety checklist for business 
• Fire safety training in the workplace 
• How many fire marshals/wardens do I need? 
• 5 duties of a fire marshal  
• How long does my fire marshal or fire warden certificate last?  
• Fire safety training: What’s in a fire warden training course?  

The post What are the Main Causes of Fire in the Hospitality Industry? appeared first on Fire Training Company.

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Introduction

Perhaps unsurprisingly, we see a huge amount of Christmas fires in the UK. The food and festivities, drunken uncles and the cheery atmosphere seem to be the perfect kindling for a fire. So in the spirit of raising fire awareness, here are our 12 days of Christmas Fire Safety. We hope that these tips will help you celebrate a safe and enjoyable festive season.

1st Day – Office Smoke Detectors

How does that old yuletide chorus go? ‘On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…a smoke alarm with matching batteries?’ Whilst it might not have quite the same ring (or five) to it as the original, it’s a good lyric to remember. Fire safety in the workplace is no joke.

Before you leave the office on the 24th, ensure that you fulfil your legal requirement to maintain a functional fire detection system. It would be a good idea to change the batteries, too. Arson, one of the most common causes of workplace fire, is most likely when people are out of the office for an extended period.

2nd Day – Office Christmas Decorations

Picture the scene. The office Christmas party is in full swing. Hastily-bought decorations adorn the walls, trays of food cover the desks and the poor Christmas tree is in the wars. Unfortunately, this chaos isn’t what an office is made for. It almost certainly isn’t included in your workplace fire risk assessment. Stacks of office paper + tree + paper decorations = copious potential fuel. 

If there were to be a fire in the office during the party, it would have more room to grow and more fuel to consume. Be aware of how turning your workspace into a party space could make it more dangerous (not to ruin the fun). For example, buy an artificial, flame-retardant Christmas tree, as it’s far safer.

3rd Day – Alcohol Consumption at Christmas

This ties in quite nicely with alcohol consumption over Christmas, which can be dangerous for two reasons. Primarily, it impairs decision-making. On the final day of work before break, an eagerness to turn on the music and Christmas lights could lead to overloaded plug sockets. This is one of the most common causes of workplace electrical fires.

Secondly, remember that brandy, rum and other traditional christmas spirits are extremely flammable. If your office enjoys a traditional christmas lunch, the lighting of the christmas pudding could quickly turn hazardous.

4th Day – Surge Protectors

Christmas is an indoor event. Whilst you may have the whole family over, chances are you’ll stay cramped and cosy inside, rather than out in the cold. Consequently, your energy usage increases massively over Christmas. 

Even before the family comes over, electric decorations, ovens and televisions are often in use for long periods of time during the holiday period. Add in your cousin’s new playstation and a family’s worth of phone chargers and you’ll be soon asking for a lot from your plug extension cables. These can very easily overheat. Spread your appliances throughout the house and invest in some surge protectors, to protect any overloaded plug extensions from electrical spikes.

5th Day – Timers

Christmas decorations can, by their very nature, be problematic. Tangled fairy lights and battered old reindeers can all pose a risk. Even when fully functional, these decorations place huge demand on your electrical system, particularly flickering lights. Add in some faulty, exposed and/or untested wiring and you could have a real issue. 

Ensure that you hook your Christmas decorations up to some timers. When you go to bed and forget to turn your lights off, you could be endangering those in the house and wasting huge amounts of energy. Traditional timers work fine. However, you can also now easily control smart bulbs and timers from your phone. Worry about everything else on our 12 Days of Christmas Fire Safety; with timers, just set them and forget them.

6th Day – Candles

There’s a certain cosiness to Christmas; the inside warmth, the low light and the food all create an intangible festive atmosphere.  In Denmark, they have a word for it – Hygge. One of the biggest contributors to this feeling of cosiness is candlelight. There’s something comforting and calming about a candle’s warmth protecting us from whatever may be waiting outside in the cold.

However, in London alone, there were 200 fires caused by candlelight in 2020. If you do light candles over Christmas, mount them safely in stable candlesticks, which are difficult to knock over. Furthermore, you should only keep them lit in rooms you’re using, so they can be constantly monitored.

7th Day – Domestic Smoke Alarms

We’ve already mentioned how you absolutely must keep a well-functioning fire detection system in your workplace. However, smoke detectors are also absolutely necessary in the home, too, especially (but not exclusively) at Christmas.

The chaos of a Christmas kitchen is near-unrivalled. Potatoes are roasting, the turkey is waiting and someone is giving far too much attention to the bread sauce. When the smoke alarm inevitably goes off, it’s enough to draw a collective groan from the whole family. However, do not take the batteries out of the alarm. In fact, it’s good practice to replace your batteries around Christmas every year, as it’s often the most demanding time for a smoke alarm. Additionally, smoke alarms often ring more when their batteries are running out, so it’ll likely save you some Christmas earache.

8th Day – Fire Blankets

Speaking of which, perhaps it would be wise to invest in a fire blanket. You’re often likely to see them in commercial kitchens, mounted on a wall within easy access. In a restaurant kitchen, there’s obviously a good reason for this; the sheer amount of cooking appliances working at high heat in a high-pressure environment means that fire is more likely. Yet for some reason, we often don’t consider having a fire blanket in our own kitchen. 

Whilst it may look unseemly (though it doesn’t have to be wall-mounted), it actually makes a lot of sense, particularly at Christmas. Domestic kitchens aren’t as robust or well-designed as a commercial kitchen. So, when you’re cooking for 12 at Christmas, with every gadget in use and your attention divided, you’re really testing the limits of your appliances and greatly increasing the chance of fire. Having a fire blanket on hand could help you easily tackle any small fire, before it gets out of hand.

9th Day – Outdoor Decorations

We often keep outdoor decorations for years; it really starts to feel like Christmas when the glowing Santa gets put up above the kitchen window. 

However, we often don’t have the best storage conditions. Damp, cold garages might see mice chewing through wires or water-damaged bulbs and when they’re up outside, rain and snow can easily penetrate older, more fragile Christmas lights. This could cause power failures, electric shocks and fires.

To avoid this, you should use decorations designed for the outdoors  and cover their electrical supplies with plastic sheeting. Whilst you don’t have to get your lights PAT-tested, running over them with an electrician’s multimeter may also be a good idea. However, a simple visual check for frayed wires and good maintenance practices should be more than enough to keep your lighting safe.

10th Day – Looking after the vulnerable

Tenth in our 12 Days of Christmas Fire Safety is, in the festive spirit, looking after others. The elderly, people with disabilities or mobility issues may need help to ensure their safety. Moreover, they may not have the energy or ability to perform maintenance themselves. In some areas of the UK, you can register for a free home fire safety check; the majority of UK fire services provide free smoke alarms and fitting services to vulnerable people.

You can help by ensuring that safety ramps are fitted where necessary and in good repair, smoke detectors are tested if and strobe fire alarms considered if the person is hearing-impaired. These small favours can keep vulnerable people safe over the holiday season.

11th Day – Fireworks

As we near the end of the Christmas season, many are doubtless looking forward to the year ahead. New Year’s celebrations are just as good a reason as Christmas to throw a party and go all out. Whether you love them or hate them, that means the fireworks are coming out.

We often attend New Year’s Eve fireworks displays, perhaps foolishly, in our back gardens rather than at organised events. If you are having a firework display, keep safe by following the Firework Code, use certified fireworks, read instructions and plan everything thoroughly.

12th Day – Stay Vigilant

For the final day of Christmas, we’ll keep it short and thematic. Stay vigilant! Understanding what causes fire is vital to preventing it. Constantly monitor your use of electricity, heating, cooking appliances and open flames. Whilst we’ve tried to keep our 12 Days of Christmas Fire Safety light and enjoyable, it’s important to understand that fire safety is a very serious matter. Stay aware and keep your friends and family safe and you’ll be certain to have a great festive season.

Oh, and Merry Christmas!

Related Links

• Fire Safety and Office Christmas Decorations
• The Importance of Smoke Detectors
• What to Do in an Electrical Fire

The post 12 Days of Christmas Fire Safety appeared first on Fire Training Company.

Those who have taken fire training, however, will be able to recognise when it’s the correct course of action to extinguish a blaze before it gets out of control. The key is to know which fire extinguisher is appropriate to which situation – as you don’t want to make an error in such a dangerous environment. 

Having fire extinguishers within your building is required by law – and knowing how to use them is critical to ensuring the safety of everyone.

Fire Training Company have created this helpful fire extinguisher quiz so you can test your knowledge of the different types and the various flammable materials they can be used for.

Fire Extinguisher Quiz

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Learn more about fire extinguisher use

Fire extinguishers need to be handled properly. Incorrect usage of an extinguisher could not only jeopardise your chances of handling a fire but, in fact, make it worse. Face-to-face fire extinguisher training can help prevent this, teaching you and your staff the proper practices.

Without doubt, the best option is not to use them and clear the building. Unless you have no choice, or it is totally safe to do so, firefighting is best left to the professionals. The best policy when facing a fire is ‘get out and stay out’.

Related Links

• How to use a fire extinguisher
• What are the different classes of fire?
• What to do in an electrical fire

The post Fire Extinguisher Quiz appeared first on Fire Training Company.