FASS News

A recent article posted on an industry bodies website brought back in to focus for us here at FASS the importance of compliance with Fire Safety Regulations. This is especially so in current times of lockdown across the UK where many business premises will be empty, temptation is often to defer safety items until staff return, but this is not a responsible or legal attitude to have.

A recent article posted on an industry bodies website brought back in to focus for us here at FASS the importance of compliance with Fire Safety Regulations. This is especially so in current times of lockdown across the UK where many business premises will be empty, temptation is often to defer safety items until staff return, but this is not a responsible or legal attitude to have.

In other circumstances business owners are simply unsure of what regulations should apply to them and in these situations we would always urge you to contact us here at FASS for advice and a Fire Safety Survey to make sure your building is safe and you are compliant.

The article mentioned focused on a care home which had been issued with a prohibition order by the local fire and rescue service for extensive non-compliance with Fire Safety Standards. The prohibition order by its very nature means the immediate closure of the building, resulting in the re-homing of the residents to alternative care homes which in itself is unsettling. The care home now has 3 months in which to implement significant changes to the building before it can be reassessed.

Fire Safety Regulations are law and in place to ensure the safety of occupiers of a building, whether they are resident or employees, from takeaways to hotels, office blocks to mechanics, all commercial buildings are covered by and owners must adhere to Fire Safety Regulations.

Every industry and every building type needs to follow the regulations and it is important that you understand how your circumstances apply to the regulations. This is why it is important to get professional advice and a Fire Safety Survey from a registered company such as FASS.

It is not only your moral obligation to ensure peoples safety, but your legal duty to do so. Further information on FASS Fire Safety Risk Assessments can be found here.

Trinity is part of the Trinity Property Group who manage in excess of 110,000 homes across the different brands within the group.  Trinity are one of the largest residential property management companies in England and Wales. Working with leading house builders across the country, Trinity provide residential management services nationally.   Part of their property portfolio is a large East London estate.  The site consists of 651 homes set within a genuine community, supported by a new library, community hub, two public squares, rooftop communal gardens and even a market which forms the heart of the development.

Historically, Trinity had used various different fire safety companies on site.  Each company used, specialised in one discipline, such as one  company for the emergency lights, another for the fire alarms and another for the AOVs etc.  Unfortunately using several different companies led to problems in the level of service received; none of the companies were able to fix any of the systems and the fire alarm panels were in constant fault.

Fire and Safety Solutions Ltd (FASS) had looked after some other Trinity sites in the past and during a catch up meeting with the Contracts Manager, the estate and the fire protection maintenance challenges were discussed.  FASS are a ‘One Stop Shop’ with many departments covering all fire and safety bases and therefore having the ability to satisfy all of the customer’s requirements.  The Managing Director, Paul Wilkinson, has over 32 years experience in the fire industry with a wealth of technical knowledge and the ability to ensure that the site remains compliant with current fire protection regulations.  Trinity included FASS in the tender process and once submitted were lucky enough to be awarded the contract based on their knowledge, service provided and costs proposed.

The contract started with FASS working on clearing up all the faults within the buildings and ensuring the annual servicing and systems were up to date on the Fire Alarms, Dry Risers and AOV’s.  The faults were cleared and all the systems are now in a healthy state.  FASS are now required to complete continuous works as required and as flagged up via the annual servicing; this led to a recent installation of over 150 Emergency Lights which were failing after having been installed by a previous contractor.  The two organisations work together using a Customer Portal where all required works are input on to the system so that FASS can organise the correct technicians to attend and work on any issues. 

FASS will be continuing to work with Trinity at this site on an ongoing basis and are hoping to further their relationship by working on new contracts in the future.

The association between FASS and Trinity is going from strength to strength.  Feedback has been excellent and there is mutually beneficial steady, friendly and honest communication based on trust, regular contact and support.  FASS will be keeping the fire protection systems healthy and maintained to a good standard safeguarding tenants and property alike.

Ray Burke, Building Manager from Trinity says:

“We have employed Fire & Safety Solutions for our fire systems (including fire panels, AOVs, emergency lighting, dry risers) for over a year now. In that time they have displayed a deep knowledge of our multiple systems with corresponding reports and remedial programmes. The staff and engineers are very supportive and flexible and the quality of their works speaks for itself.”

The Mick George Group has grown to become one of the leading suppliers to the construction industry in the heart of East Anglia and East Midlands.  Operating with a single tipper truck in 1978, the company’s commercial fleet size has now grown to be in excess of 400 HGV vehicles. They specialise in Bulk Excavation & Earthmoving Services, Demolition and Asbestos Removal, a wide range of Skip Hire and Waste Management Services and  Aggregate & Concrete Supply, as well as their most recent Facilities Management offering.

The Mick George Group were previously provided with fire protection through a mix of local contractors who were very discipline specific.  These arrangements were historical and not based upon level of service and it was also quite hit and miss as no one contractor looked after the whole of their fire safety requirements.  This led to gaps in works and projects and the constant juggling of which supplier looked after which part of their fire  safety.

A member of the Fire & Safety Solutions (FASS) team had the pleasure of meeting with the Mick George Operations Manager, Angus Wilmot, at a local Business Networking Breakfast.  After several  discussions, FASS completed an initial project of installing plant fire suppression at a well established waste site.  Mick George Group were interested in working with FASS as they are a local family business with a huge amount of technical knowledge and the ability to ensure that they and their customers   remain compliant.  FASS are also a ’One Stop Shop’ with many departments     covering all fire and safety bases and therefore having the ability to satisfy all their requirements.

The fire suppression installation was a great success and it led the way to many other opportunities  including the servicing of fire alarm systems, fire  suppression systems, AOV’s, emergency lights, intruder alarms and the supply and maintenance of fire extinguishers within their own sites and also their external FM customers.  FASS are also responsible for PPM scheduling and accurate record keeping—with one point of contact, precision is second to none. 

FASS and the Mick George Group are furthering their relationship by working on new opportunities and extending their projects into additional group portfolios. 

The association between FASS and the Mick George Group is going from strength to strength.  Feedback has been excellent and there is mutually beneficial friendly and honest communication based on trust, regular contact and support.

Angus Wilmot, Operations Manager of MGFM says:

“Like any business we are looking for great service at a reasonable price and we get this from Fire & Safety Solutions (FASS).  This is why we use FASS with our external FM customers as well as maintaining our own sites.  They’re able to advise on changes in legislation and keep us, and our customers, compliant.  The ‘One Stop Shop’ scenario with their ability to service fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems, AOVs, emergency lighting, intruder alarms, CCTV etc, provides ample opportunity for cost savings and also accurate reporting, PPM scheduling and record keeping at a central point.  Most importantly for me is their passion for doing a first class job and their professionalism”

 

Fire & Safety Solutions Ltd – Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire

£20,000 – £35,000 per annum – Permanent

Fire & Safety Solutions Ltd (FASS) is an independent company established in 2003 and based in Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire.  Due to continued growth we are seeking an experienced Fire Alarm Technician to carry out installations, commissioning, and servicing of various fire alarm systems.  You must be tenacious, ambitious and demonstrate a willingness to succeed.  This is a field based full time position.

At FASS we pride ourselves on our delivery of exceptional customer service and you will need to be able to reflect the same in your work ethic, customer service skills and attitude.  High levels of literacy and verbal and written communication skills are required.

Experience Required:

• Knowledge of servicing, installation, and commissioning of various Fire Alarm systems (Gent, Protec and Advanced would be desirable) and knowledge of wireless systems is a must.
• The ability to understand and operate within the guidelines of BAFE SP203 in order to deliver BS-5839/1.
• A good understanding of BS-5839/1 is required in order to deliver relevant feedback to customers during each planned maintenance visit.
• Suitable applicants must have experience in general remedial work and where applicable small installation works.
• Working experience with planned maintenance of fire detection systems.
• The ability to demonstrate excellent time management and hold an autonomous role.
• A good understanding of BS-5266 is required in order to fulfil all aspects of the maintenance during routine service visits.
• A full clean EU driving licence is essential.

The following would be advantageous:

• IPAF and PASMA Certification
• Standard fire alarm accreditations
• An understanding of Health & Safety at work

Electrical qualifications would be an advantage for example, City & Guilds Alarms/Maintenance/Fault Finding, or an equivalent qualification.

Please note:  An application for DBS certification will be made upon commencement

Job Type:  Permanent

Salary: £20,000 to £ 35,000 per year

Benefits:

• Company vehicle
• Pension
• Laptop
• Mobile

Working Hours:

• Monday to Friday
• ‘On Call’ duties on a rota basis

Location:

Within 50 miles of Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire with the ability to travel in and out of London regularly

Experience:

• Alarm Technician: 1 year (Preferred)

To apply, please contact us.

We are excited to announce the appointment of a new member of the Fire & Safety Solutions team, Phil Wright.

Phil is joining us as Business Development Manager and brings with him a wealth of experience in various industries including property, commercial catering and education.  He has utilised his knowledge and consultative approach in these industries to ensure that he recommends bespoke solutions dependent upon the requirements of each customer.

He will be getting in touch with existing customers and will also be connecting with new customers to discuss their fire and safety needs. 

Fire & Safety Solutions provide a multitude of fire safety products including fire extinguishers, fire alarms, fire suppression systems, fire and safety signage, dry riser maintenance, fire risk assessments and various types of training courses. 

All products are provided with full installation carried out by our salaried technicians. 

If you are unsure of where to start to protect your property, contact us about a fire survey where we can make recommendations based upon our findings.  We can also carry out full asset management surveys and provide service and maintenance contracts.

Phil will be discussing the whole product range with new and old connections and will also be focusing on our full range of fire suppression systems which are available for use in kitchens, electrical and server cabinets, vehicles, CNC machines and fume cupboards.

Phil will be introducing himself in the next few weeks, however if you would like to see what Fire & Safety Solutions can do for your property in the meantime, please contact him on:

Contact Phil on 01480 417008 or 07545 437412 or email Philip.wright@fass-gb.com

In response to the global Coronavirus pandemic of 2020, Fire and Safety Solutions are now able to offer a full range of Covid-19 Safety Signage covering both social distancing and hygiene protocols.

As the UK emerges from lock-down and the economy opens up, there will be a requirement to enforce  government guidelines on keeping the public safe in both public spaces and offices. Our range of high quality Covid-19 signage has been produced by our partners Everlux, who we have a relationship spanning many years and as such, we are able to offer clients high quality signage and meets all regulations, at a competitive price.

If you would like to find out more information or to order signage from FASS, please contact us.

To view our range of Covid-19 Signage, please click the button below