The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO) dictates that the regular servicing and maintenance of fire safety measures are a legal requirement. The Order notes that the responsible person must carry out an assessment of the risks (known as a fire risk assessment) or appoint a qualified person to do so, and take the necessary steps to reduce or remove the risk of fire.
A fire risk assessment will identify risks and hazards, and make suggestions relating to the equipment required on-site. It’s advisable to use a third-party accredited company to ensure the highest levels of compliance are met.
Quality Fire Safety Services
A Facilities Manager has a number of responsibilities to ensure the functionality, productivity and safety of a location runs smoothly.
As part of this role, fire safety measures must be put in place and managed efficiently.
The balancing of time, costs and quality works is one faced by most managers, which is where a respected fire safety services provider can prove invaluable.
Churches Fire & Security work together with our customers, forming long-lasting relationships based on trust and quality services.
We work with many facilities managers to build partnerships. With a sound understanding of the fire safety requirements of a building, our dedicated office staff and qualified technicians create comprehensive servicing plans to suit both parties.
Working to the high standards required of the RRFSO, we work with facility managers in many ways:
- Arranging agreed upon service and maintenance visits at a time to suit the customer
- Carry out visual and in-depth quality inspections of the fire safety equipment on site, including fire alarms, extinguishers, emergency lighting, dry and wet risers, kitchen suppression and fire doors
- Provide knowledge and expertise on the latest regulations and standards that must be met in relation to fire safety
- Evaluate fire risks and give cost-competitive solutions
- Give timely updates when servicing and actions are required of the customer
LEGAL COMPLIANCE
Churches Fire & Security can help your meet your legal requirements by assessing the building or sites managed and determining what services must be put in place.
There are many elements to fire safety, with fire alarms and extinguishers being classed as the basic level of protection required.
The first point of consideration for quality fire safety services should be the fire risk assessment. We have created a video guide detailing what is included in the fire risk assessments carried out by Churches Fire & Security:
Services to consider include:
- Fire alarms – Is the fire alarm in place correct for the type of buildings? Does it meet current standards and is it tested weekly?
- Fire extinguishers – Are the extinguishers appropriate to the risks on site? Are they located in the correct locations and serviced to the current regulations?
- Emergency lighting – Are your lights sufficient to the building layout? Are safety and emergency signs illuminated correctly by the lighting? Are the lights tested monthly for any defects?
- Fire safety training – All staff should receive basic fire training and know what to do and how to evacuate in an emergency situation. Do you have enough fire wardens on site to deal with a fire?
- Fire doors – People walk through fire doors daily without taking much notice, but you should be visually checking them often to note any defects or issues. Churches Fire can provide visual inspections of fire doors in accordance with the latest British Standard regulations.
Fire safety is just one facet of the facility managers’ area of responsibility, with compliance being legally and morally vital.
By working with a trusted provider like Churches Fire & Security, who will give a quality, cost-effective and timely service, you can alleviate some of the day-to-day workload. However, the responsibility still lies with the facilities manager to ensure the provider is third-party accredited, has the required knowledge and understanding to undertake the vital fire safety services.
Please note that this is not legally binding advice, and you should always refer to The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Facilities management involves an array of responsibilities, not least the fire safety of the building and its occupants.
If you require advice and servicing from a third-party accredited fire safety supplier, contact Churches Fire & Security today.
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