Clearer Compliance - FMJ

Abstract

Stuart Purton, UK Lead for Training and Onboarding at Chubb Fire & Security on why the new Fire Safety Act 2021 which came into force in May, offers clearer directions on meeting compliance. Fire risk assessments While FMs are experts in managing buildings for their customers, they are not necessarily experts in carrying out fire risk assessments or external structural checks. The fire risk assessors at Chubb generally have senior fire brigade or MOD backgrounds and are all experts who understand how fire propagates around a building. The fire risk assessments will also look at procedural elements and determine whether there is a fire plan in place, whether the evacuation procedure is effective, whether there is adequate training for personnel, and if these aspects are documented. Essential fire safety equipment such as alarms and fire evacuation systems should be checked monthly to ensure they are in good working order. In all domestic blocks with a communal area of any height, residents should be provided with information about their fire doors and the safe evacuation of the building. FMs will be able to produce the documentation tenants need, provide evidence when required to show compliance, and demonstrate to their clients that they have experts carrying out fire risk assessment work to ensure their buildings are safe.