UK tenants feel at risk in their own homes

by Featured NewsSafety

New research from digital construction solution providers, Zutec and Createmaster, revealed that almost two thirds of UK non-freehold tenants donnot feel safe in their homes, with only 39% responding they felt ‘very safe’ in their property.

Two fifths (41%) of 2023 respondents state they have observed fire safety hazards in their building, including non-existent or faulty sprinkler systems, fire alarms or extinguishers and fire escapes being locked or blocked.

Commenting on the findings, Emily Hopson-Hill, Zutec’s Chief Operating Officer said: “This figure was an improvement on 18 months ago, where over two-thirds (68%) had observed or experienced fire safety issues in their building, it indicates asset owners still have some way to go until to go to assure residents they’re safe in their properties.

“Whilst it’s also encouraging to see that only 2% of respondents felt unsafe, the majority (46%) responded they felt ‘somewhat safe’, implying a lack of confidence in feeling totally insulated from risk. In the post-Grenfell era it’s a little disappointing, given the mounting regulatory pressure placed on residential property owners and managers to make significant upgrades and improvements, particularly in relation to fire safety.”

The research assessed tenants perceptions of fire safety in their own building, how the asset owner ensured correct protocol, how well this was communicated to residents and how efficiently they responded to the raised issue.

Fire safety awareness

Tenant and leaseholder awareness of correct fire safety procedures, and who is responsible for them, has increased, with an 90% knowing who to approach with their concerns. Furthermore, 22% more 2023 respondents said communication from their asset owner or property manager was excellent (43%), compared with 2021 levels

However, respondents flagged a lack of consistency in the information provided by their landlord. For instance, four in 10 (43%) residents have not seen any fire safety certificates in their building, whilst 44% indicated access to fire safety certificates, rising 11% from 18 months ago.

Slow to respond

Just over a fifth (21%) said that the party responsible for maintenance responded quickly when safety-related issues were raised. When asked about the extent to which they felt their voice was being heard concerning fire safety and maintenance issues, less than a quarter (22%) felt ‘very satisfied’, and 12% even went as far as responding they were dissatisfied. 

In other areas the services provided by asset owners have improved, with 70% of tenants saying they felt generally satisfied with the overall service received from their asset owners or landlords.

Hopson-Hill added: “Overall the findings do show clear improvements in available and accessible building information, and the results show developers and asset owners are regaining trust with tenants.

“However, data discrepancies remain, residents are becoming increasingly aware of their landlord’s responsibilities and, rightly, expect to live in safe homes. Property owners must now step up and embrace the new regulatory landscape, or get left behind as fire-safe guarantees become non-negotiable for existing and future assets.”

To learn more about how Zutec’s solutions can help you with targets set out by the UK Government click here. Find more about digital handover with Creatmaster here.

Fire safety practitioners in New South Wales must consult with FRNSW for construction certificate

by ConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

From 1 August 2023 fire safety practitioners in New South Wales who develop a design brief for a performance solution for a fire safety requirement in a Class 2-9 building will need to consult with Fire and Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW) if a construction certificate is required for the building work. This requirement will apply typically to fire safety engineers.

The engineering profession in NSW has seen major change in the building and construction industry since 2019, including the Residential Apartment Building Act, the Design and Building Practitioners Act and Regulation.

Last August the NSW Government released for consultation some wide-ranging reforms that aim to ensure people can own, occupy and use more compliant, safe and resilient buildings. Engineers Australia made several submissions to this consultation.

The proposed fire safety reforms were passed by the NSW government in the Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment Regulation 2022 (the Fire Safety Regulation 2022) and were published on the NSW legislation website in December 2022.

After the initial change for fire safety practitioners on 1 August 2023, there will be one additional step: From February 2025 (or 18 months after an accreditation scheme is approved, whichever occurs first), persons who certify installed fire safety measures before a fire safety certificate is issued must be accredited. 

Also, engineers maintaining essential fire safety measures in class 1b-9 buildings must do so in accordance with procedures in the Australian Standard 1851-2012 routine service of fire protection systems and equipment, where the maintenance activity is addressed by the standard.

Engineers Australia said it is committed to its ongoing work in building reform and helping to shape the regulatory landscape of the industry and to that end we continue to work closely with the NSW government  

Engineers Australia added that it supports the efforts of the New South Wales Government to reform the building industry in NSW and to implement the recommendations of the Building Confidence Report.

To find out more about fire safety regulation reforms see the New South Wales Government Fair trading website.

Practice fire safety with water-damaged battery powered devices says Fire and Emergency New Zealand

by Featured NewsSafety

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has encouraged people in the Hawke’s Bay to practise fire safety after a power outage or their battery powered devices have been damaged by floodwater.

District Manager Glen Varcoe said it is important to be aware of the additional fire risks in your home: “If you have devices that have come in contact with water, we encourage you to dispose of these correctly to avoid someone else picking them up and using them

“Water and electricity don’t mix well causing fires to start. If safe to do so, isolate your mains power. Mud deposits and debris can also conduct electricity, making premises and part of the surrounding area highly dangerous both during and after flooding.”

Varcoe said there are risks to charging any battery powered devices that have been damaged by water, particularly those containing lithium-ion batteries: “Please do not try to charge any devices that have been in water. This includes laptops, phones, e-scooters and power tools.

“Trying to charge devices that have been in water increases the risk of a spark or explosion occurring, particularly in lithium-ion batteries where the thermal runaway can cause the device to overheat and combust,” he says.

He also encouraged homeowners whose power had come back on to be mindful of the switches that have been left on since Monday night: “Switch off the electricity supply at the fuse box, if it is safe to do so. If there is evidence of water inside the fuse box or if there are signs of arcing or overheating, don’t switch it on and seek professional advice.

“Before you attempt to switch the power back on, particularly if your house was impacted by the floodwater, if you can, get it checked by a licensed electrician.”

“The same advice applies to solar panels; we encourage you to get a licenced electrician to inspect them.”

With many displaced families staying with friends and family across the Hawke’s Bay, it’s important that everyone is well protected from fire risks.

“Make sure you have working smoke alarms in every room that someone is sleeping in, and that everyone in the household is aware of your escape plan and safe meeting place,” he says.

“It’s important we all stay safe during these incredibly difficult times. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted by this devastating cyclone. Kia kaha Hawke’s Bay.”

US Coast Guard issues fire warning following electric vehicle salt water submersion

by Featured NewsSafety

Following significant damage caused by hurricane Ian which flooding throughout Florida and the Southeastern United States, the US Coast Guard has issued a warning over the fire risk surrounding electric vehicles which have been exposed to salt water.

During the response and reconstitution after the hurricane, first responders encountered numerous vehicle fires involving Electronic Vehicles (EVs) that are powered by Lithium-Ion batteries. Investigations have revealed that the vehicle fires resulted from exposure of the Lithium Ion batteries to salt water.

Saltwater exposure can significantly degrade lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, causing a chemical reaction that creates an extreme fire. Review of vehicle registration records revealed there are over 7,000 electric vehicles (EVs) in Lee County, Florida with potential for damage.

The Coast Guard said that vessels, ports, and shippers should be aware of this extreme risk and avoid loading EVs with damaged Lithium-Ion onto commercial vessels.

The Coast Guard strongly recommends that vessels, ports, shippers, and regulators conduct a comprehensive review of the vehicle shipping requirements found in both the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR) and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. All lithium batteries are hazardous materials regulated by the Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). As such, they are required to comply with the Lithium Battery Guide for Shippers.

It also said that they should conduct review of additional requirements for shipping damaged lithium ion batteries located in the PHMSA Safety Advisory Notice for the Disposal and Recycling of Lithium Batteries in Commercial Transportation. Due to the large size of EV batteries, the packaging requirements to comply with damaged shipment regulations are inadequate.

As such, IMDG special provision 376 specifically requires approval from the competent authority (PHMSA or US Coast Guard) prior to shipment of damaged lithium batteries.

The Coast Guard said: “Remain vigilant and ensure damaged lithium-ion vehicle batteries are not loaded onto vessels for shipment, placed within port facilities, or enclosed in containers.”

Global HSE adopts PlanRadar to improve fire safety reporting efficiency

by Breaking NewsSafety

PlanRadar, a digital construction, real estate and facilities management platform, has announced that it has been adopted by leading fire safety and passive fire protection measures consultancy, Global HSE Solutions.

PlanRadar’s software will support the company’s Global Technical Services (GTS) division, which provides fire engineering advice and expertise to both Tier 1 contractors and Global HSE’s own contracting arm as well as hosting fire door inspection courses through its in-house Global Academy.

The software will assist in the delivery of more efficient, detailed and accessible fire safety information. The service will also help its clients to navigate the UK’s legislative landscape – including new fire door assessments regulations that came into effect on the 23 January 2023. The complete approach for delivering surveys and inspection results and will be rolled out across GTS’s entire inspection and surveying team.

Commenting on the partnership, PlanRadar Co-CEO, Ibrahim Imam says: “Global HSE and GTS has a well-established reputation for delivering exceptional results in a highly niche, specialised and increasingly important field. Given the stringent requirements around fire safety, there is no margin for error, and a missed record or lack of clarity in inspection reports could have huge ramifications.

“That’s why we’ve invested in making our tools fit-for-purpose for accurate, compliant and easy to understand data collation fire reporting, specifically for fire professionals. It also ensures that ‘Golden Thread’ principles are being followed throughout, for greater fire safety compliance.

“Global HSE’s confidence in our offering is a massive endorsement for PlanRadar’s relevance and efficacy. We look forward to collaborating with them going forward to deliver safe and secure commercial and residential environments.”

The efficient secret

GTS said that they became aware of PlanRadar’s digital solutions at FIREX 2022, where they saw the potential for its platform to address an ongoing pain point within the business: The creation and user-friendly presentation of fire surveys and inspection results.

The group reconised that the software could also tackle another persistent challenge faced by the business: recruiting enough highly-trained professionals to fill roles required.

They saw PlanRadar’s suite of services as a way of streamlining the amount of resource existing staff spent on this important, but time-consuming activity.

As Ross O’Loughlin, Head of Global Technical Services at HSE Global explained: “My main concern was how we could speed up our surveys without losing the value within the survey. I wanted to improve the working life of my staff. Reporting, writing, and collating information around a survey has always been a laborious task. If we can consolidate that in any way, it allows us to focus our energy on delivering our expertise.”

Large-scale useability

The team at GTS highlighted PlanRadar’s ability to record video and integrate BIM, which could support the division’s compliance requirements around the Building Safety Act and increased expectations for data collection in line with the Golden Thread of Information.

Following initial discussion, the platform was tested in a real-world environment to see how the software performed on a project from start to finish.

The test was based in a university in Northern England, where the surveying team were carrying out a fire damper inspection survey. With thousands of dampers to inspect, it was a daunting task requiring meticulous record-keeping.

The team’s feedback was unanimously positive, with users highlighting how the platform significantly sped up reporting in an easy-to-use way, vindicating the decision to trial it.

Better outcomes

Following the test, Global HSE and GTS decided to adopt PlanRadar’s platform, with the intention of rolling it out across all its inspection and surveying teams, providing them with an easy way to record and report.

O’Loughlin added: “With GTS users already being onboarded, we’re exploring how PlanRadar could be used across other parts of the company,” he says. “From a business perspective, uploading as many documents, photos or jpegs at no extra cost is a massive win in comparison to competitors in this space. It’s an incredibly useful tool, and the opportunity we can gain from getting to grips with, and using, all its functions would significantly improve our day-to-day operations.

Since introduction, PlanRadar has been brought onto over 20 GTS project, with the intention of using it as the standard reporting tool across the entire portfolio over the course of 2023.

Read IFSJ’s exclusive article from Robert Norton, UK Team Leader at PlanRadar, who talks the digitisation of The Golden Thread.

Scotland conducts Drowning and Incident Review

by Featured NewsSafety

In order to help reduce accidental drownings, the Drowning and Incident Review (DIR) has been created for Scotland in a bid to understand the context and circumstances that lead to an incident.

This review is one of the world’s first and was created by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), in partnership with Water Safety Scotland (WSS).

On average, 96 people lose their lives due to a water-related fatality each year in Scotland. Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy aims to reduce accidental drowning deaths by 50 per cent by 2026, and in particular lessen the risk among the highest-risk populations, groups and communities.

DIR is a voluntary process that aims to ensure a comprehensive review of each suspected accidental water-related fatality. Its principal aim is to gather all relevant data and information in order to systematically review each incident with a view to prevent a future occurrence. 

The review will provide insight into water-based risks by local area, ensuring that those best placed to mitigate these risks are involved in the process and kept informed. The data capture is anticipated to lead to the development of better-informed national strategies to tackle the issue of drowning prevention.

DIR is still within its pilot phase, but recently the research evaluation has been published in BMJ Injury Prevention and was undertaken by Carlene McAvoy (RoSPA), Dr Jagnoor Jagnoor (George Institute for Global Health) and Dr Connie Hoe (John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health/Heidelberg University).

Some of the initial findings include ensuring improved guidance for those involved in the DIR process, resourcing for future sustainability, robust processes for organisational involvement and the crucial need for political and legal support. SFRS and RoSPA are working to address these findings ahead of the anticipated DIR release date of Spring 2023.

Carlene McAvoy, Leisure Safety Manager of RoSPA and founder and secretariat of Water Safety Scotland said: “The DIR process that we have created for Scotland is one of the first of its type in the world. The findings from the study have provided us with really useful insight into the views and perspectives of key partners. There are clear points for learning from the research and we will take these on board in order to ensure that DIR works for our partners as well as for its future sustainability. 

“The research also highlighted that DIR will address some vital gaps in drowning prevention efforts, in a consistent and standardised way. The hope is that DIR will be a tool that can be used by water safety partners in Scotland, to enable them to learn from incidents and mitigate the risk of future incidents. This supports our overarching aim to reduce accidental drownings by 50 per cent by 2026.”

James Sullivan, Watch Commander, SFRS National Water Safety Group, added: “DIR aims to provide a clear and consistent post incident process that is vital for gaining an understanding of the events and contributory factors that led to a person entering the water.

This information will allow water safety partners to take meaningful measures that may reduce the likelihood of a similar event occurring and will also assist in national drowning prevention efforts.

This research was vital to ensure that our partners had the opportunity to shape the process that can now be used to improve water safety in Scotland.”

DIR aims to release Spring 2023.

UK should look to engineering community for solutions to social and economic challenges says BESA

by Featured NewsSafety

The President of the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), Rab Fletcher, has said the UK should look to its engineering community for solutions to many of the serious social and economic challenges it is facing.

In his presidential address to association members and guests, Fletcher said the building services sector had a pivotal role to play in tackling the energy, climate change, cost of living, and building safety crises confronting the country. 

He noted that this year “would be very tough” for the industry, but that building engineers were in a privileged position because they could make a difference and influence the future: “These are big problems for the UK, but they are also opportunities for us to demonstrate the value of this industry and why our expertise matters. 

“BESA will continue to champion our role, drive improvements in technical and professional standards, and support training as we strive to create a workforce capable of rising to these challenges.” 

Driving social progress

Fletcher, who is also mechanical services team manager at Fife Council, said there were plenty of reasons to be optimistic despite the general economic gloom, nodding to the first ever World Ventilation Day, which BESA helped to organise last November, as an example of how the industry could help to drive social progress. 

“We worked with 21 organisations, including professional bodies, universities, and environmental groups from across the UK, Europe, North America, and Australia…demonstrating how good ventilation can help to keep people safe from infectious diseases, improve sleep, and reduce mould and damp in buildings,” he said. 

The President also paid tribute to the Honorary President of BESA’s Health & Well-being in Buildings group Rosamund Adoo Kissi-Debrah who has been campaigning for air quality and child health since the tragic death of her daughter Ella in 2013 and received a CBE in the King’s New Year Honours for her services to public health: “She is a huge supporter of what we are trying to do about improving air quality in buildings. 

He added that last year’s BESA National Conference was another example of why members of the ‘BESA community’ should all be optimistic about the future: “We bring our industry together – not just for the sake of it – but to create positive change.” 

NFPA urges caution over use of home-heating equipment

by Featured NewsSafety

he National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has called on the public to use added caution when heating their homes during the winter months as nearly half (46 percent) of all US home heating equipment fires occur during this time.

Home heating equipment is the second-leading cause of US home fires and home fire injuries, and the third-leading cause of home fire deaths and direct property damage.

According to the latest Home Heating Fires report from NFPA, an average of 44,210 home heating fires occurred each year between 2016 and 2020, causing an estimated 480 civilian deaths, 1,370 civilian injuries, and $1 billion in direct property damage.

Home fires caused by heating equipment were less likely to occur in the overnight hours from midnight to 6am (13 percent), but they accounted for more than two out of five fatalities (43 percent), as well as disproportionate shares of injuries (22 percent) and direct property damage (20 percent).

Space heaters are most often responsible for home heating equipment fires, accounting for one-third of the fires, as well as the vast majority of associated deaths (88 percent) and injuries (80 percent).

Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA, said: “During the coldest months of the year, home heating equipment kicks into high gear, so making sure it is in good working order and used properly is critical to reducing the likelihood of fire.

“By better understanding when and where home heating fires happen, people can take the steps to minimize associated risks and safely heat their homes.” 

NFPA offers these tips and guidelines for safely heating your home during the winter months:

  • Heating equipment and chimneys should be cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
  • Keep anything that can burn at least three feet (one meter) away from all heating equipment, including furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves, and space heaters.
  • Always use the right kind of fuel, as specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters.
  • Create a three-foot (one meter) “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
  • Make sure space heaters are in good working order and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
  • Fireplaces should have a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container, which should be placed outside at least 10 feet away from your home.
  • All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
  • If you smell gas in your gas heater, do not light the appliance. Leave the home immediately and call your local fire department or gas company.
  • Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are located throughout the home; test them monthly to ensure that they’re working properly.

NFPA offers a wealth of home heating safety tips, information, and resources to help better educate the public about ways to safely heat their homes. In addition, NFPA’s “Put a Freeze on Winter Fires” campaign with the U.S. Fire Administration works to promote a host of winter safety issues, including home heating.

MSA Safety is one of ‘America’s Most Responsible Companies’

by Featured NewsSafety

MSA Safety, the global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety products, has been named one of America’s Most Responsible Companies 2023 by Newsweek, the second time it has been recognised by the annual list.

The list, compiled by Newsweek and its partner Statista, highlights organisations spanning 14 industries that strive to be good corporate citizens. The recognised companies were selected from a list of candidates that include the top 2,000 public companies headquartered in the United States, based on revenue.

Stephanie Sciullo, MSA Safety Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Corporate Social Responsibility and Public Affairs. commented on the recognition: “Helping to protect people at work has been the single focus of MSA Safety for more than a century. It’s what inspires our people to design, deliver and manufacture the world’s leading safety solutions that help to protect the people who put their trust in the MSA brand. This is ‘purpose at work.'”

Sciullo noted that MSA’s corporate social responsibility framework focuses on three key pillars: the company’s products, its people and the planet.

MSA’s annual CSR Report, which can be accessed here, details MSA’s ongoing efforts and progress against the company’s CSR goals, including investments in products, solutions and services that reimagine the next generation of worker safety.

Nish Vartanian, MSA Safety Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer commented: “The companies that consistently improve in these areas are the ones that will have the greatest level of success going forward, because each of these programs help to build a better, more resilient business model. Most of all, our mission instills an incredible sense of pride among our global workforce.”

The Newsweek recognition follows being named in 2022 by Forbes nationally as one of America’s best employers for diversity.

In addition, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette named MSA as a Top Workplace in the large company category in the region, representing the ninth time the company has earned that distinction. MSA was also individually recognised by the Post-Gazette with a special award for “Meaningfulness,” reflecting the sentiments MSA employees expressed with regard to their work and being part of something meaningful for society.

The Public Safety Drone Review webcast launched by DRONRESPONDERS

by Featured NewsSafety

DRONRESPONDERS and DRONELIFE have announced the launch of The Public Safety Drone Review, a new monthly resource for the public safety community. 

The free event will be held live on February 7, 2023 at 3pm EST: and on the first Tuesday afternoon of each month going forward.  The Public Safety Drone Review is a FreeWebinar Series, sponsored by DRONELIFE.

Hosted by DRONELIFE Editor Miriam McNabb and veteran public safety officer Tim Martin, The Public Safety Drone Review will be a 1-hour conversation on the drones, technology, trends, and current news that impact public safety. 

With occasional guest speakers, McNabb and Martin will address the newest developments in the use of unmanned systems – and address or research questions from the audience.  After the live event, the webcast will be available on the DRONELIFE TV YouTube channel.

About the show

DRONERESPONDERS is a leading non-profit program with over 7000 members dedicated to uniting aerial first responders, emergency managers, and search and rescue specialists help learn, train, and test with one another with the ultimate objective of maximising drone operations for public safety.  DRONERESPONDERS program is led by director Chief Charles Werner (ret.), and is an official 501(c)3 non-profit Drones for Good™ program of AIRT, Inc.

Miriam McNabb is the Editor of DRONELIFE.com, a global commercial drone news site established in 2013 to support and inform the industry.  DRONELIFE is proud to support the public safety community as a sponsor and platform for The Public Safety Drone Review.

Timothy Martin is a recently retired Police Captain with 28 years of law enforcement experience, serving as the UAS Program Manager for the Huntington Beach Police Department for more than 5 years. Tim has extensive public safety UAS experience in patrol operations, crowd management, special events, 3D mapping, and indoor tactical flying.