SafetySigns4Less UK’s Post

⬇️⬇️⬇️ Our last market update referred to the knowledge gap associated with the introduction of new fire safety strategies, the Building Safety Act, and the further restrictions posed in Approved Document B🧯🚒 In an attempt to provide clarity for the industry, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has finally published its long-awaited guidance for designing a second means of escape in residential buildings above 18m🏗️🏢 However, the guidance has been questioned by RIBA and the National Fire Chiefs Council, as the policy does not depict the mandatory inclusion of an evacuation lift; however, this has been a requirement for buildings in the capital under the London Plan since 2021. We ponder whether comments from industry professionals will encourage an update from the DLUHC🤔❓ 📖Read our London update in the Gleeds Market Report to find out the latest trends and activity in the region: https://lnkd.in/e7UiG9Uj #UKconstruction #construction #digitalconstruction #gleedsdigital

Thank you to Nottingham Fire & Rescue Service and Nationwide Fire Sprinklers for reporting details of a sprinkler save in a student hall of residence recently where a fire involving an incense candle was successfully contained and extinguished by one sprinkler head with no injuries reported. If it was not for the amendments to sprinkler provisions within Approved Document B for a reduction in the height threshold for sprinklers in purpose group 1a (residential block of flats) from 30m to 11m introduced in 2020, the outcome of this incident could have been so different. Yet this threshold does not in fact apply to student accomodation. It was only the foresight of the developers who changed the use of occupancy of the building from 2b, halls of residence that resulted in it having to comply with the height threshold for sprinkler installation. This is a clear example of why BAFSA and the NFCC are calling for sprinklers to be mandatory in all student accomodation regardless of height. Read the full case study on our Sprinkler Saves website where Nick Coleshill documents and collates sprinkler saves from around the UK. www.sprinklersaves.co.uk

Housing Quality Standard (HQS) inspections ensure a residence meets minimum health and safety standards. This is crucial for providing decent and secure housing for tenants, especially in government-assisted programs. Landlords participating in Section 8, renters concerned about a property's condition, and property managers all benefit from HQS inspections. The inspection covers 13 key areas including structural integrity, electrical wiring, plumbing, heating/ventilation, smoke detectors, lead paint (especially in older buildings), and pest infestations. A passing HQS inspection guarantees a safe and healthy living environment for tenants and avoids delays in the rental process. IEI provides HQS inspections to some of the largest Housing Authorities across the US. #HQSInspection #HousingQuality #HUD #RentalHousing #Section8 #rentalquality #federalcontracting #wosb

Just a few weeks ago, the London Fire Brigade reported that 225 firefighters were sent to an apartment building fire in Dagenham, London. Flames had raced up the side and engulfed the building that was undergoing remedial work to remove non-compliant cladding. This news immediately brings back memories of the deadly Grenfell Tower fire. It also just so happens that the Grenfell Tower Inquiry: Phase 2 Report has also just been published. This report has come 7 years after the fire and concludes that the fire was a result of “decades of failure by central government and other bodies in positions of responsibility in the construction industry to look carefully into the danger of incorporating combustible materials into the external walls of high-rise residential buildings and to act on the information available to them.” The report also says that “One very significant reason why Grenfell Tower came to be clad in combustible materials was systematic dishonesty on the part of those who made and sold the rainscreen cladding panels and insulation products. They engaged in deliberate and sustained strategies to manipulate the testing processes, misrepresent test data and mislead the market.” The Council and the Tenant Management Organisation (TMO) were jointly responsible for the management of fire safety at Grenfell Tower. The report describes a persistent indifference to fire safety and chronic and systemic failings in its management. Issues and recommendations were given over the years with no action taken. The TMO only had one fire assessor for its entire estate, and he wasn’t even suitably qualified. In Australia, we also have at risk buildings with combustible cladding. The Cladding Safety Victoria 2022/23 annual report says, “there are 1,588 buildings within Victoria that have been identified for consideration under CSV’s residential program”. The same report says that works have been completed on 250 buildings. So there seems to be a long way to go. Do you feel safe in your apartment? If you would like to listen to our podcast on the Grenfell fire click here https://buff.ly/3XHxrvj #CJKFireandSafety #ACP #cladding #apartmentfire #combustible #grenfell

When you run a student housing property, safety and security are crucial. Here are some tips to help you enhance safety in your student housing properties: ✅ Upgrade Security Systems: Invest in modern security systems like surveillance cameras, keyless entry systems, and motion-sensor lighting to deter potential intruders and enhance overall security. ✅ Improve Lighting: Install bright LED lights in common areas, parking lots, and walkways to improve visibility and reduce the risk of accidents or incidents. ✅ Conduct Regular Inspections: Schedule property inspections to identify and address any safety hazards. This includes checking fire alarms, emergency exits, and electrical systems. ✅ Implement Safety Policies: Establish clear safety guidelines for your tenants, such as emergency evacuation plans, fire safety protocols, and rules for guests and visitors. Need assistance with safety renovations? Our team is here for you. With thousands of successful projects under our belts, we have the expertise and experience to tackle anything you have in mind. 💪 Visit our website at the link in our bio to request an estimate 📲 #propertymaintenance #constructionlife #chicagobusiness #constructiondaily #renovationproject #propertyconsulting #residentialconstruction #commercialconstruction #multifamily #multifamilyinvesting #realestateinvesting #designandbuild #propertydevelopment

PIB, the original SIB 🧑🚒☑️ Gerda Security Products are the originators of the Premises Information Box (PIB)® - the original SIB (secure information box) since 2005, having developed the initiative working with the Fire & Rescue Service. Specialists in Emergency Access Systems for over 15 years, our safe design principles ensure that not only are the operational needs of the fire and rescue service taken into account, but also those of the building owner/manager - ensuring a robust design with proven key management technology recognised by the Fire & Rescue Services nationwide 🚒 The A3 size originates through the need for the key and the laminated plans to be handled wearing firefighting gloves. The ergonomic design of the PIB with its bevelled corners is a safety requirement to avoid potential injury of persons in the vicinity of a SIB on the wall. This design reduces the risk of accidents in public areas. GSP major on safe design principles in all product design ✅ Successfully tested to STS205 BR2 (level II), Secured by Design approved, and compliant to the Fire Industry Association (FIA) & National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Code of Practice as referenced in Approved Document B June 2022 amendments and Fire Safety (England) 2022 Regulation 4, following the recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 1. The PIB / SIB is suitable for applications across a wide range of sectors including health, education, transport, and infrastructure, listed premises, places of assembly, offices and shops, factories and warehouses, heritage buildings. With 98% of FRS using GSP One Key® System nationwide, Gerda Security Products are leaders in the provision of PIBs and premises plans and information in the operational format required for firefighter use. Designed with Firefighters, for Firefighters 🔥   For more information about Gerda PIBs / SIBs and our extensive range of Emergency Access Systems for building safety, please contact our experienced EAS Sales Team via enquiries@gerdasecurity.co.uk or 01638 711028 📩 📞 #firesafety #ukhousing #londonhousing #manchesterhousing #socialhousing #sib #pib #premisesinformationbox #secureinformationbox #buildingsafety #originalsib #premisesinformation #secureinformation #housingassociations #carehomesuk #hrrb #highrisebuildings #highriskbuildings #carehomesafety #safetyinhousing #highrise #ukbuildings

CPD 004/121/103 Means of Escape in Residential Buildings Means of Escape in Residential Buildings Means of Escape in Residential Buildings Objective 83: Guidance on evacuation strategies and final report.

Yesterday NFCC released a Policy Position Statement calling on Government to require that sprinklers are installed in all new care homes, schools, and student accommodation, irrespective of building height. Existing schools, student accommodation, and care homes that are undergoing refurbishment should also be retrofitted with sprinklers. NFCC is also calling on the Government to mandate the retrofitting of sprinklers in all existing residential buildings over 11 metres on a risk-assessed basis. Sprinklers have been used for over a century and are consistently reliable at saving lives and reducing injuries. Analysis shows they’re 99% effective in extinguishing or controlling a fire. Sprinklers can buy crucial additional time for firefighting and can also protect property, reduce repair costs, and minimise the environmental impacts of fire. https://lnkd.in/eN4Gi7sf

Emergency lighting in an HMO is not just a requirement—it’s essential for tenant safety. Regular testing, proper documentation, and collaboration with licensed professionals can make all the difference during a power outage. Don’t forget to keep test certificates on hand for compliance checks, and perform an annual discharge test to ensure everything functions as expected. Want to make sure your HMO is up to date with fire safety and building regulations? Join our October 31st webinar to learn all about HMO & Flats Building Regulations. Register today to stay informed and keep your tenants safe! 🗓️ Date: October 31, 2024 ⏰ Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM (London time) 🎟️ Tickets: From £54.86 (Regular) to £214.14 (VIP) 🔗 Register now and secure your spot: https://buff.ly/3NBjbyi.. #EmergencyLighting #LandlordTips #HMOLandlords #SafetyMatters #HMOmaintenance #HMOregulations #buildingregulations #HMOproperty #HMOArchitect #HMOinvestment #RealEstate #UKRealEstate #investment #investmentproperty #investmentstrategies #property #propertymanagement #propertybusiness #businessowner #management #webinar #HMOwebinar #educationalwebinar

All About Fire Doors! Here’s Why They Matter More Than Ever Fire doors aren’t just another feature in buildings—they’re life-savers. They’re specifically designed to contain fire and smoke, giving people precious time to exit safely and firefighters a chance to control the blaze. As essential elements in a building’s passive fire protection, fire doors are required across many types of structures: from residential complexes to hospitals, schools, and office buildings. Here’s why fire doors are placed strategically: 🔥 Enable safe exits by containing fire and smoke in key areas. 🔥 Shield escape routes from dangerous effects like smoke, toxic gases, and flames. 🔥 Slow down the spread of fire by limiting oxygen flow. Given their critical role, proper installation, regular inspection, and upkeep of fire doors are non-negotiable. New Legal Requirements for 2023 In 2023, new regulations took effect in England for multi-occupancy residential buildings over 11 meters high. These laws mandate quarterly checks on all fire doors in shared areas and annual inspections for each flat’s front door. Our team of certified engineers is here to inspect, maintain, and install fire doors to ensure your building stays compliant and safe. Contact us today to learn more! Don’t leave it to chance—let’s make sure your fire doors are ready to save lives. 📲 0078 939 33533 Schedule your fire door inspection today. 🔥 #firedoors #firesafety #buildingsafety #housing #hospitals #schools #carehom