Blog

Charging Electrical Items: An Unexpected Fire Hazard

Posted on by Eli.Ingle in Fire, Uncategorized

When conducting a fire risk assessment, identifying potential sources of ignition is one aspect that is equally applicable to the work or the home environment.

Charging electrical items is an everyday task that does not involve much thought. Unfortunately, this is a process that often has unpleasant results.

There have been a number of fires in recent years caused by charging electrical items. The cause may be due to the use of non-manufacturer supplied chargers or simply a fault in the equipment itself but the end result could be a fire that severely damages your workplace or home.

The answer to the problem is relatively simple: where possible always use manufacturer supplied chargers, don’t overload your electrical sockets and, if using an extension cord, ensure it meets the relevant British standard.

Be aware of your battery levels and plan when you might need to recharge your appliance. Ensure you will be around when you charge your electrical items, then, if anything happens, you can be on hand to deal with it.

Notre Dame

Posted on by Eli.Ingle in Fire, Uncategorized

Planning is one of the keys to good fire safety as was demonstrated by the events in Paris a month ago with the fire that broke out at Notre Dame Cathedral. I visited last week and saw it first hand.

On the surface, the incident appears to be a disaster with hundreds of millions of pounds worth of damage but without the risk assessments and pre-planned salvage exercises and drills, it could have been far worse.

Your business provides an income and livelihood for yourself, your family and maybe a number of employees so reviewing your policies and procedures on a regular basis is not only a legal requirement it’s to protect the important things.

Fire Risk Assessment for Sheltered Housing Project

Posted on by Eli.Ingle in Fire, Uncategorized
We carried out an interesting Fire risk assessment a few weeks ago for the manager of a sheltered housing project. They had been served with an action plan notice by South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue.
The residents live independently in their own flat within the house, they have the facility to do some light cooking but are provided with all their meals in the communal dining room.
Referencing the specialist housing guide we provided a person-centered fire risk assessment which addressed the issues raised by the fire authority and helped the responsible person clearly identify how to stay compliant in the future.
As always stay safe and have a good bank holiday weekend.

Helping Manage Fire Safety at Sheffield Manor Castle

Posted on by Eli.Ingle in Fire, Uncategorized
Our work this week included helping out our partner, the community interest company Green Estates, who manage the Sheffield Manor site and needed to renew their license for the Turret House as a marriage venue.
This lodge was built in the 1500’s by the Earl of Shrewsbury in the then Deer Park. Constructed as a hunting lodge come observation tower it had far-ranging views over the surrounding countryside.
Sheffield Manor castle is also famous for holding Mary Queen of Scots prisoner as well as Cardinal Wolsey. Today the Turret house is the only building left fully intact on the manor house site and is well worth a visit on one of the open days.

Recent Landlord Prosecutions Highlight the Need for Pro-active Attitude to Fire Safety

Posted on by Eli.Ingle in Fire, Uncategorized

A landlord in Colchester was found guilty of breaching HMO regulations and compromising the safety of his tenants earlier this month.

A blocked fire escape and exposed electrical wiring were some of the many breaches found.

It is the duty of all landlords to ensure safe living conditions for their tenants. Property owners should also know that prosecutions and fines occur when safe standards are not met.

Whilst all properties should be outfitted to ensure suitable fire safety for all tenants, HMO properties should also have a risk assessment conducted by a competent person to meet legal requirements.

More information on the case can be viewed here: https://www.fia.uk.com/news/fire-safety-faults-at-hmos-ends-in-fines.html

How NOT to Conduct a Fire Drill!

Posted on by Eli.Ingle in Fire, Uncategorized

Fire drills are an important way of ensuring everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency.

In this video, we see Dwight (US series of the sitcom, The Office) – who is unsatisfied with the office’s commitment to fire safety – conduct his own fire drill in an attempt to assess who knows what to do in the outbreak of fire.

We recommend that you do not take Dwight’s approach for your own business! Fire drills should be based on written instruction and practiced regularly to ensure all employees, visitors, and members of the public are aware what to do if a fire breaks out.

Have a good weekend!

I & I

10 Things Employers Might Not Know About Fire Safety Regulations

Posted on by Eli.Ingle in Fire, Uncategorized

Despite being a requirement for all workplaces, fire safety is often still sadly overlooked by many employers. There are also often many aspects that employers are not aware of, even when having undertaken measures to ensure proper fire safety in their workplace.

This useful article by firesafetylaw.co.uk highlights 10 areas that are often not known by employers regarding the regulations: http://www.firesafetylaw.co.uk/10-things-employers-might-not-know-about-fire-safety-regulations/

Have a Fun but Safe Christmas!

Posted on by Eli.Ingle in Fire

As we wind down for the year, it’s important to still remain vigilant about fire safety in your home – especially due to the increase hazards that come with this time of year.

Care should especially be taken with candles, electronics and even your Christmas tree! The video below highlights the dangers of fire spread from a tree that is ignited under controlled conditions.

Most importantly – remember to enjoy yourself!

We wish you all a very merry Christmas, and best wishes for 2019!

Eli & Brendan.

Sheffield Gymnastics Academy

Posted on by Eli.Ingle in Fire

Last month we traveled to Sheffield Gymnastics Academy (SGA) in Holbrook. Run by Alana Wilkinson. It is a new girls’ gymnastics club which has only recently opened and looks magnificent fitted with Gymnova equipment.

For a new business with little experience of fire safety, SGA was in good order. We helped to guide Alana through the legislation and the suggestions regarding the fire alarm and emergency lighting, following this through with our written report.

It’s always pleasant to meet someone willing to be pro-active about fire safety and we look forward to seeing how SGA develops over the years. We wish Alana the very best of luck!

More information can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/sheffieldgymnasticsacademy/