30 April The probable future of Fire Safety in Tall Building On 14 June 2017, a fire broke out in the 24-storey Grenfell Tower block of flats in North Kensington, West London, very early in the morning, just before 1:00 am. The fire caused 72 deaths, including those of two victims who later died in hospital. More than 70 others were injured and, fortunately, 223 people … Read More
24 January Building Safety Regulator The government have announced that a new regulator, as part of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will have oversight of the design, construction and occupation of high-risk buildings. Dame Judith Hackitt will chair a board to oversee the transition. The Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said: The government is committed to bringing about the biggest change … Read More
16 January Annual assessment of fire and rescue services in England In his first annual assessment of fire and rescue services in England, Her Majesty’s Chief inspector of Fire and Rescue Services Sir Thomas Winsor acknowledges the strong commitment from firefighters to protect the communities they serve. The sector’s greatest strength is in how it responds to emergencies, with demonstration of a number of life-saving initiatives … Read More
28 June Fire Door Safety Week The humble Fire Door is often neglected and mistreated 23 September – 29 September 2019 is Fire Door Safety Week. Fire doors save life and property. This campaign aims to engage and educate building owners and building users on how to use them properly. An excellent resource is available here! Read More
12 June Valero Energy UK fined £5 million after four people died in an oil explosion Valero Energy UK Ltd and B&A Contracts Ltd have been fined after an explosion killed four workers and seriously injured another at an oil refinery in Pembrokeshire in 2011. Dennis Riley, 52, Robert Broome, 48, Andrew Jenkins, 33, and Julie Jones, 54, died after a storage tank exploded at the site. Andrew Philips also sustained … Read More
24 August Use of highly flammable liquids leads to a DSEAR fine for paper company A paper coating company has been fined after a worker suffered burns following a fire on a coating machine. Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court heard how an Olympic Varnish Company Limited employee suffered burn injuries following a fire caused by the use of highly flammable liquid to clean rollers on a coating machine. An investigation by the HSE into … Read More
12 March Fire Safety Prosecution, £108,000 fine A landlord has been hit with a bill of over £100,000 following a fire safety prosecution after flouting safety requirements at five flats. The Stockport-based company was fined a total of £108,000 for 12 separate offences and ordered to pay costs of £5,692. The company was represented by a solicitor but did not attend the court hearing. … Read More
16 September Health and Safety Failings: Foundry fined after worker’s clothes catch fire Foundry fined after worker’s clothes catch fire Key Facts A foundry has been fined after a worker suffered serious burns when his clothing caught fire. The HSE found the worker had not been provided with adequate training, work equipment or PPE. The foundry was fined £15,000 plus costs. Read More
1 July Spotlight On – Fire Door Safety Week Fire Door Safety Week The Fire Door Safety Week campaign for 2015 will run 14–20 September. The aim is to spread the word about the crucial importance of fire doors in protecting people and property. Read More
3 June Bangladesh factory collapse – update Bangladesh factory collapse update: June 2015 It is understood that Police in Bangladesh have charged the owner of the Rana Plaza complex with murder following the building’s collapse in 2013 which killed more than 1,100 people. Sohel Rana and more than a dozen Government officials are among 42 people to face charges for their direct roles … Read More