Fire Safety in Stockrooms and Storage Areas
Stockrooms and storage areas often hold a lot of combustible material in a small space, and they are not always checked as closely as the rest of the premises. They are an important part of any fire risk assessment. Common problems Goods stacked too high or too close to lights, heaters and sprinklers. Boxes and […]
Ice Machines and Drinks Dispensers: Overlooked Legionella Risks
When people think about Legionella they think of showers and tanks, but any equipment connected to the water supply can be part of the picture, including ice machines, drinks dispensers, coffee machines and misting equipment. They should be covered by your Legionella risk assessment. Why they matter These units hold or pass water, sometimes at […]
Fire Safety for Community Halls, Churches and Clubs
Community halls, churches and clubs are often run by volunteers, used by many different groups and open at irregular times. Those features can make fire safety easy to overlook. If you manage one, you are likely to be the person in control of the premises; see who is the person in control for fire safety. […]
Extension Leads and Electrical Fire Risks at Work
Electrical faults and overloaded sockets are a common cause of workplace fires, and many are avoidable. Looking at how electrical equipment is used is a sensible part of any fire risk assessment. Extension leads Use them for temporary needs, not as permanent wiring. Do not plug one extension lead into another. Check the total load […]
Fire Exits and Escape Routes: Keeping Them Clear and Usable
If there is a fire, people need to leave quickly. Blocked or locked exits are among the most serious problems an assessor can find, and they are easy to put right. This is a practical guide to keeping escape routes safe as part of your fire risk assessment. Keep routes clear No stock, boxes, bins, […]
Christmas Fire Safety for Workplaces in Ireland
Decorations, parties and extra visitors all change the fire risk in a workplace at this time of year. A few simple checks can keep the festive season safe. Your fire risk assessment should be reviewed if what you do in the building changes. Decorations Choose decorations that are flame retardant where possible, and keep them […]
How to Read Your Legionella Risk Assessment Report
A Legionella risk assessment report can run to many pages, and it is easy to file it away without acting on it. Knowing how to read it helps you turn it into a practical plan. What a good report usually contains A description of the premises and its water systems, such as tanks, hot water […]
From Tap to Laboratory: How a Legionella Water Sample Is Handled
A water sample can look like a simple bottle of water, but how it is taken and handled makes a big difference to whether the result can be relied on. This is a plain-English look at the journey of a sample during Legionella sampling. Choosing where to sample Sample points are chosen from the water […]
Fire Extinguisher Annual Service: What Actually Happens
An extinguisher that looks fine on the wall may not work when you need it. That is why portable extinguishers should be checked regularly and serviced by a competent person at least once a year, in line with the Irish standard for portable fire extinguishers, I.S. 291. Here is what typically happens at an annual […]
Water Tank Cleaning: When It Is Needed and What to Expect
Cold water storage tanks sit quietly in attics and plant rooms, and many are only looked at when something goes wrong. A tank that is dirty, uncovered or warm can contribute to Legionella and other water quality problems, so it is worth knowing when a clean is needed and what the job involves. Our water […]