Welcome to the RM Risk Management Blog

What is Asbestos and Why Was it Used? Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in building insulation, roofing, pipe lagging, and fireproofing materials. In the mid-20th century, it was a staple of warehouse construction due to its low cost and impressive heat resistance. However, [...]

1. Introduction Smoke patterns are a key component of post-fire analysis. They provide insight into the fire’s origin, development, and interaction with the surrounding environment. This report outlines the methods for identifying and interpreting smoke patterns to support accurate fire investigations. 2. Purpose of Analysing Smoke Patterns Smoke deposits [...]

Since October 1, 2006, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 has required the Responsible Person (RP) for any non-domestic premises to conduct a fire risk assessment. This assessment must include measures to reduce or eliminate fire risks and identify individuals at risk. If the RP does not have control [...]

What is Fire Rated Glass? Fire-rated glass, also known as fire-resistant safety glass, provides a protective barrier against smoke and flames in the event of a fire. The level of protection offered varies depending on the specific type of glass used. All fire-rated glass is designed to prevent the [...]

Poor fire stopping poses a significant risk of rapid fire spread within a building, potentially leading to substantial property damage, loss of life, and injuries to occupants due to the unchecked movement of flames and smoke through gaps and openings where fire stops should be installed properly; essentially, it can turn a [...]

We are often asked to explain the differences between notional fire doors, nominal fire doors, and upgraded fire doors and how these differ from certified fire doors. There can be a lot of confusion surrounding fire doors, so we’ve compiled this short explanation. What are Nominal Fire Doors? A nominal [...]

Asbestos management in commercial buildings like offices, warehouses, and industrial spaces is crucial. It’s essential to inform your local Fire and Rescue service about any asbestos materials present. This step ensures the safety of their staff and the surrounding community. Many Fire and Rescue services offer online portals for submitting [...]

When a fire breaks out in a building, the flames are not the only danger to occupants—smoke inhalation is a leading cause of fatalities in fire-related incidents. Smoke contains toxic gases and particles that can reduce visibility, impede evacuation, and cause respiratory distress. This is where ventilation systems play [...]

Oxidising materials can significantly increase the intensity of fires, turning substances that generally do not burn readily into almost instant tinderboxes for chaos and destruction. The true danger of oxidising materials lies in their ability to create spontaneous combustion reactions that can occur without a clear ignition source. For [...]

A fire hydrant is a point where firefighters can access and connect to a water supply. It may be underground or a pillar type above ground. Fire hydrants (FH) are used to access water directly from the local mains supply to provide water for firefighting and are an important component [...]

A common recurring question regarding less able evacuation, which we are frequently asked 2-3 times a month, is: “Do we have evacuation chairs on our premises, or should the landlord manage this?” While the UK law does not require the use of evacuation chairs, it holds building owners, operators, or [...]

The saying “smoke is more dangerous than fire” is true when it comes to building fires. Smoke from a fire can be deadlier and cause more damage than the fire itself. In commercial buildings, various items made of plastics and chemicals can produce toxins when they burn, posing hazards to [...]

Cavity barriers are blocks of fire-resistant material used to seal off empty spaces within a building in order to prevent the spread of fire. These spaces, known as cavities, are typically found within walls and are surrounded by different building elements. They do not serve any specific function and can [...]

Many clients overlook an important aspect of fire safety: cleaning and maintaining filters in commercial premises like restaurants, fast food outlets, and care homes. Let’s focus on two common risks that, if addressed, can reduce the risk of fire and help meet legal and insurance requirements. Canopy filters Canopy [...]

A fire drill is an unavoidable event that evokes a variety of emotions. While it may be seen as an inconvenience or disruption to the usual routine, regular fire drills and emergency preparedness are crucial for keeping everyone safe during a real emergency. Ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals [...]

Martyn’s Law aims to enhance public safety and organisational preparedness across the UK by mandating certain measures for venues and events to mitigate the impact of terrorist attacks. Martyn’s Law is expected to apply to anyone responsible for publicly accessible locations used for entertainment and leisure, retail, food and drink, museums [...]

A DSEAR risk assessment process involves classifying substances as either non-hazardous or hazardous before deciding what controls need to be put in place. A DSEAR risk assessment can help identify any risks associated with your work situation so you can reduce them. Duty holders must comply with DSEAR by identifying [...]

AXA Commercial, a division of AXA Insurance UK plc, is urging London businesses to reassess their fire risk assessments and employee training following the London Fire Brigade’s (LFB) announcement that, starting in October, it will no longer respond to daytime activations of automatic fire alarms in most non-residential buildings.In the year [...]

Last week, we were engaged by the end client to spot-check the passive fire controls during the refurbishment of a large office complex. Our role was to ensure that the work carried out was consistent with the requirements agreed upon in the fire strategy and relevant standards and that the [...]

Every building needs both active and passive fire protection systems to maximize protection. These two systems work together to stop and contain the threat of a fire. While each system can be effective alone, they offer the best-combined protection. An active fire protection system means some action is being [...]