NEWS

Fire Signs & Notices

The Health & Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 relate to the use of fire safety signage in the workplace. The regulations apply to all places and activities where people are employed and require employers to provide specific safety signage whenever there is a risk that has not been avoided or controlled by other means.

Do existing signs need to be changed?

In the case of safety signs, where employers decide that a previously acceptable sign is not of a type referred to in the Regulations they have until 24th December 1998 to replace it. How can we help?

We can arrange a free survey of your premises to:

• Ensure the correct signage has been provided
• Provide a quotation for new or replacement Fire Signs & Notices
• Discuss options to resolve any specific problem unique to your premises

You are able to make the right choices for fire equipment and do not need to waste money with over supply or the wrong choice of fire equipment.

To find out more information, please contact us on 01235762680.

A residential landlord has been sent to prison.

First custodial sentence to be given in London under the new fire safety regulations.

Mehmat Parlak was sentenced to four months imprisonment and his company, Watchacre properties limited, was fined £21,000 following conviction for serious breaches of the Regulatory Reform (fire safety) Order, which came into force in October 2006.

It is a fact that many multi-occupied residential properties represent a significant threat, in terms of fire safety and many landlords and property managers are unsure about their responsibilities under the legislation. It is essential that a proper system of risk management is introduced and assessments only carried out by 'Competent Persons', as defined by law.

24 Ways to stop your building becoming an arson statistic (timeless)

Responsibility

1 In any enterprise the owner/manager or a named individual of senior grade must be made responsible for fire safety including protection from arson attack.

2 Think about the ease with which intruders/arsonists could break into the premises and take immediate steps to strengthen your defences.

3 If there have been any small fires on your won or neighbouring premises inform the police immediately as well as calling the fire brigade. A small fire could be a warning of something worse to come!

Security

4 One entrance is better than two especially if that one entrance is manned throughout the day.

5 Outer fences, walls and gates need to be high enough and strong enough to keep out intruders.

6 Doors and windows must be in good repair and locked when not in use.

7 Use good quality locks and padlocks

8 Gaps under doors should be as small as possible.

9 Letter boxes should have metal containers fitted on the inside.

10 Know who holds keys; chase any that are missing

11 Stored material of any kind should not be stacked adjacent to fences or walls where it could be set alight from outside.

Employees

12 Warn all staff of the threat from arson fires.

13 Ask them to challenge anyone who should not be on the premises and to report any suspicious activities.

14 Vet new employees.

15 Keep an eye on outside contractors.

Visitors

16 The movement of visitors within the building should be controlled

17 Ensure equipment which you have installed - extinguishers, hose-reels, alarms, detectors, sprinklers - is in good working order and protected against sabotage attempts.

End of Day checks

18 You or a named individual must be responsible for securing the building at the end of each working day.

19 Check that doors and windows are secure

20 No combustible material is left lying around.

21 No unauthorized people on premises

22 Alarms switched on

23 Outside illumination on

24 Any flammable liquids locked away in secure store.