Who Is Responsible for Legionella Control in Your Building?
When something is everyone’s responsibility, it can end up being nobody’s. Legionella control is a good example. A clear owner, a clear plan and clear records make the difference between a water system that is managed and one that is hoped for. Who is responsible? Employers and those in control of premises have duties to […]
Hot Water Cylinders and Calorifiers: Getting the Basics Right for Legionella Control
Hot water cylinders and calorifiers store and heat the water your building uses. If they are not working properly, they can create conditions that help legionella bacteria multiply. What they are Hot water cylinders are commonly found in smaller buildings. Calorifiers are larger storage and heat-exchange units, used in bigger buildings like hotels, nursing homes […]
New Build or Refurbishment? Legionella Control Before You Open
New pipes, new tanks and new fittings do not guarantee a problem-free water system. Water can sit in new pipework for weeks while building work is finished, and that is exactly what legionella bacteria like. Why new systems still need attention Construction can take months, with water standing in pipes and tanks. Systems may be […]
Legionella and Rental Properties: What Landlords Should Know
Whether you let a single apartment, a house share or a larger block, the water system is part of the property you are responsible for. Legionella is rarely top of the list, but a few simple habits can make a real difference. When rental properties are most at risk Between tenancies, when water sits unused […]
Legionella and Water Features: Fountains, Misting Systems and Indoor Displays
A fountain in a hotel foyer. A misting system on a restaurant terrace. A water wall in a shopping centre. They look great, but they have something in common: they can produce a fine spray of water droplets that people may breathe in. Why do they matter? Legionella bacteria can grow in water that is […]
Kitchen Extraction and Grease: A Hidden Fire Risk
In a busy commercial kitchen, cooking creates grease-laden vapour. Over time, that grease collects in filters, hoods and ducts. If a flame or hot surface reaches it, the fire can spread quickly, often out of sight inside the ductwork. Where grease builds up Canopy filters above cooking equipment The canopy itself Ductwork leading to the […]
Empty or Unoccupied Buildings: Managing the Fire Risk
An empty building is not a risk-free building. With nobody on site, a small fire can grow unnoticed. Vacant premises can also attract trespassers, vandals and illegal dumping. If you own or manage a building that is empty, closed for a season or between tenants, a few sensible steps help. Why vacant buildings are different […]
Fire Safety During Building Work in an Occupied Premises
Refurbishment or building work in an occupied premises is a time of higher fire risk. Escape routes move, detectors are covered, contractors bring tools and materials, and everyone is slightly distracted. What changes during building work Escape routes may be blocked or diverted. Fire doors may be removed or propped open. Detectors may be covered […]
Reducing Arson Risk at Your Premises
Not all fires are accidents. Deliberate fires can damage buildings, disrupt businesses and put lives at risk. The good news is that a few practical steps can make a premises a much harder target. Think like an opportunist Most deliberate fires are opportunistic. Someone sees easy access to combustible material and takes the chance. Your […]
Fire Compartmentation and Fire Stopping: Why Small Gaps Matter
Buildings are often designed so that a fire stays in the area where it starts for a period of time. This is called compartmentation. It buys people time to escape and gives firefighters a better chance of controlling the fire. But compartments only work if they stay intact. What is compartmentation? Compartmentation means dividing a […]