Welcome to the RM Risk Management Blog
This is the area for all things RM news related
Smoke Baffles Add Protection to Your Buildings
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 people breathing in the smoke. As the fire burns, these toxins release carbon dioxide and other harmful compounds like cyanide, making it difficult for individuals to use available oxygen. While fire suppression systems are designed to halt the spread of flames and minimise damage, they may not prevent smoke from spreading to areas such as vents and walls. To add an extra layer of protection, incorporating smoke baffles into building designs can help safeguard building occupants and minimise smoke-related damage. So, what are Smoke Baffles? Smoke baffles, also known as smoke curtains and draft curtains, are used to contain […]
Read More
What is a Cavity Barrier?
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 act as pathways for smoke, hot gases, and flames to move from one part of the building to another. It’s crucial to install effective cavity barriers within concealed voids in roofs, ceilings, floors, and walls to prevent the spread of fire within the building. In the event of a fire, the fire-resistant material within the cavity barrier will expand and seal off these spaces, preventing the spread of flames and smoke. Cavity barriers usually consist of intumescent materials and are installed vertically at every party wall and horizontally at every floor to compartmentalize the building in the event […]
Read More
Reducing The Risk Of Fire By Cleaning Filters
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 filters efficiently capture grease, but over time, grease accumulates and becomes hard to remove once it solidifies. Failing to clean kitchen extractors and canopies regularly not only reduces the efficiency of the extraction system but also shortens the lifespan of the canopy fan. The vaporized grease from commercial cooking, which filters cannot fully capture, fills the ductwork, posing a significant fire risk as it extends throughout a building. The Importance of Regular Maintenance Failing to maintain and clean kitchen canopies, filters, ducting, and fans might invalidate your insurance coverage. According to insurance terms, regular cleaning of these components is now […]
Read More
What Are The Benefits of Regular Fire Drills and Preparing For An Emergency In The Workplace?
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 in any setting requires paramount preparedness. This is particularly true for emergencies and potential fire hazards. Regular fire drills and emergency preparedness are crucial for minimizing risks, saving lives, and mitigating damage. So, let’s delve into the benefits of conducting regular fire drills and fostering a culture of emergency preparedness. A fire drill should be conducted to simulate an emergency. Trained fire wardens will lead everyone to safety outside the building. The drill should be taken seriously. Staff may receive advance notice about the scheduled date and time of a drill, or the evacuation may be conducted unexpectedly […]
Read More
Is the UK prepared for the changes from Martyn’s Law once it becomes law?
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 and galleries, sports grounds, public areas of local and central government buildings (e.g., town halls), visitor attractions, temporary events, places of worship, health, and education. Here are steps businesses can take to prepare for compliance. Although no date has yet been set for the introduction of the legislation, we strongly advise that you review the requirements as soon as possible just in case adaptions and changes are required, including training. What Martyn’s Law will require you to do The government has indicated that publicly accessible locations with a capacity of more than one hundred people will need to […]
Read More
What is a DSEAR Risk Assessment?
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 hazards associated with their work, assessing risks, and implementing appropriate control measures. A DSEAR Risk Assessment is mandatory for most workplaces dealing with hazardous substances, regardless of whether they intend to work with them. Businesses falling into the following categories must complete DSEAR risk assessments: Manufacturing other explosive products (e.g. fireworks) Operating an Explosives Storage Facility Working at height with a fall arrest system Handling flammable liquids in large quantities (more than 200L) Working with compressed gases in large containers (more than 500kg) If you are uncertain about falling within these categories, it is advisable to consult with an […]
Read More
AXA UK Advises London Businesses to Review Fire Risk Assessments
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 leading up to March 2024, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) responded to 52,000 false alarms triggered by automatic fire alarms. Starting in October, and as noted by Fire Safety Matters, the LFB will not respond to automatic calls between 7:00 am and 8:30 pm to alleviate the strain on Fire and Rescue Service resources. “The London Fire Brigade’s decision is in line with the stance taken by many other Fire and Rescue Services across the UK,” explained Dougie Barnett, director of customer risk management at AXA Commercial. “It’s crucial […]
Read More
Non-Compliant Passive Fire Installations – A One Off or A Worrying Trend?
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 quality of work satisfied the functional requirements of the Building Regulations. In our report, we highlighted that the project encountered several challenges. We believe unqualified contractors were responsible for installing life safety elements, leading to potential risks for future building occupants. Additionally, a concerning number of inadequately installed passive fire protection elements were identified, which will need to be addressed and cause significant delays, plus additional costs to the project. Sadly, when discussing with the contractors, the workers carrying out the project were […]
Read More
Understanding the Differences Between Active and Passive Fire Protection Systems
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 taken. This action can be manual, meaning that a person or people may engage in it, or it may be automatic, activating once fire, smoke, or heat is detected. Active systems are mainly designed to combat the fire and work to help extinguish it directly. An example of an active fire suppression system is what the fire department will use once they arrive. Most buildings also have active systems that can be deployed on-site during a fire. These can include: Smoke detectors, which will activate […]
Read More
What Are The Risks Associated With Asbestos In A Fire?
Asbestos poses a major health risk, causing serious damage to the lungs and respiratory system upon exposure. When damaged by fire, asbestos can present even greater risks. We are examining the risks associated with asbestos and fire to address this issue. One major concern with asbestos and fire is that it was commonly used in building structural components. Materials such as support beam cladding, firebreaks, doors, and ceiling coatings often contain asbestos. While this was beneficial for fire protection due to the strength and heat resistance of asbestos fibres, it also poses significant health risks. The main issue presented by asbestos materials during fires is that the fire destroys the materials containing the asbestos fibres. The breakdown of these materials can lead to a significant release of fibres. Asbestos has a much higher melting point than other construction materials, as shown in the table below. Melting point of fibreglass […]
Read More