We have previously reported about the government’s plans to introduce a requirement for second staircases in all new residential buildings in England over 18 metres tall. An amendment to Approved Document B Fire Safety, Volume 1 (Dwellings) and Volume 2 (Buildings Other Than Dwellings), has now been published, which sets out the details of the new requirements. In addition … Read More
A New Regime For Residential Buildings In Wales
In March, Julie James, the Welsh Minister for Climate Change, announced that a Building Safety (Wales) Bill would be introduced to the Welsh Parliament (Senedd) to establish a new building safety regime in Wales covering the occupation and ongoing management of all multi-occupied residential buildings in Wales and to address fire safety issues in buildings 11 metres and over. … Read More
Vibrating Alarms And Painted Cables – New Guidance Available
The Fire Industry Association (FIA) have published two new guidance documents regarding the installation of fire alarm and detection systems. The first gives technical guidance on installing vibrating devices such as vibrating mats or pillows used for alerting people who are sleeping and vibrating pagers / alerters such as those used by people with hearing difficulties or who work … Read More
New E-Bike and E-Scooter Safety Guidance for Managing Premises
The Department for Transport has released new guidance for managers of premises on how to manage the fire risk associated with storing and charging e-bikes and e-scooters on site. The guidance intends to promote fire safety without limiting the utility of e-bikes and e-scooters. The primary risk is a fire involving the vehicle’s battery. The number of lithium battery … Read More
First Ever No Falls Week Announced
The No Falls Foundation has announced the first ever No Falls Week to take place from the 13th to the 17th of May. The No Falls Foundation is a charity dedicated to preventing falls from height and helping those affected by life-changing injuries from such falls. They work with a number of partners, including organisations like IPAF, the Ladder Association, … Read More
Keep Cool And Healthy – Updated Legionella Guidance
Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia. The bacteria that cause the disease are found naturally in environmental water sources such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs and generally pose no problems. However, they can also grow in purpose-built water systems such as hot and cold water systems, whirlpool spas and cooling towers, and evaporative condensers such as those … Read More
Ladder Association Launch New Toolbox Talks
Three toolbox talk documents have been produced by the Ladder Association and are available for free on their website. The documents each cover a specific topic related to ladder usage: How to know when to use a ladder How to select the right ladder How to secure your ladder The toolbox talks highlight the risks associated with each of … Read More
New Guidance for Fire Services Reviewing the Design of High Rise Buildings
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has produced a paper outlining their opinions on the design of high-rise residential buildings with multiple escape routes and what fire and rescue services should consider when reviewing such designs. While targeted at the fire and rescue services, this information will also be useful for those involved in designing and managing high-rise buildings. … Read More
New Responsible AI Guidance
A guide to responsible artificial intelligence (AI) innovation has been developed and published by the Association of British Insurance (ABI). While this guide is focused on the insurance industry, the principles discussed will be relevant to others considering the use of AI in their operations. The guide aims to help firms seeking to use AI to improve operations in … Read More
New External Wall Fire Risk Guidance
A joint document released by the Fire Industry Association, Institution of Fire Engineers, and Façade Special Interest Group provides guidance on proportionality and risk when carrying out fire risk appraisals of external walls (FRAEWs) to PAS 9980 Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls and Cladding of Flats. PAS 9980 provides a methodology for carrying out FRAEWs. The guidance is … Read More