Category Archives: Fire News

What Counts as a ‘Material Change’ Under Fire Safety Law?

Interior of a house under construction. Renovation of an apartment

Fire safety compliance isn’t static. A building that was once compliant under UK fire safety law can become non-compliant overnight, not because anything went wrong, but because something changed. That “something” is often what’s referred to as a material change. But what does that actually mean in practice? And when do building alterations, refurbishments, or […]

The One Fire Safety Sign Most Sites Forget

Health and Safety Fire Action Assembly Point UK Sign

When it comes to fire safety signage, most building managers know the basics: “Fire Exit,” directional arrows, “Fire Door Keep Shut,” and maybe a few extinguisher ID signs. But there’s one essential sign that often gets forgotten, despite being a legal requirement under UK fire safety regulations. That sign?The “Fire Action Notice.” It’s the one […]

Is Your Fire Alarm Too Old to Comply? How to Check the System’s Age

Modern Smoke Detector Positioned by Hand on Ceiling Wall

Fire alarm systems are one of the most vital pieces of life safety equipment in any building, but like all technology, they don’t last forever. Even if your fire alarm still activates when tested, that doesn’t necessarily mean it meets current safety standards. In fact, many older systems may no longer be compliant with BS […]

Is Your Intumescent Seal Installed the Right Way Round?

Burning corridor with collapsing ceiling engulfed in bright flames and smoke creating apocalyptic destruction

When it comes to fire door safety, the smallest details can make the biggest difference. One such detail? The orientation of the intumescent fire seal. It might seem like a minor installation step, but fitting the seal the wrong way round can seriously compromise your fire door’s performance, and may even render your certification invalid. […]

Is a Visual Alarm Needed in Your Workplace?

When planning your workplace fire safety system, sounders and bells are often the first things that come to mind. But what if someone can’t hear them? Whether due to a hearing impairment, high background noise, or specific environmental conditions, audible alarms alone may not be enough to keep everyone safe. That’s where visual alarms, also […]

The ‘Temporary’ Fixes That Become Permanent Fire Hazards

A virtual scenario where the user must identify and address potential fire safety hazards in a residential setting such as overloaded electrical sockets or blocked fire exits.

Why small workarounds and quick fixes can quietly undermine your fire safety strategy In the fast pace of daily operations, it’s not unusual to see a “temporary” workaround in a building. This could be a fire door wedged open “just for airflow”, a blocked riser cupboard “just until we sort storage”, or a cable hole […]

Can Your Building’s Fire Alarm Be Heard in the Toilets? Why It Matters

Interior of a clean public toilet

When most people think about fire alarm coverage, they picture detectors in corridors, call points by exits, and sounders in busy rooms. But one space is often forgotten, the toilets. It might seem minor, but if your fire alarm can’t be heard clearly in the toilets, it could pose a serious risk to life. In […]

Do You Need a Fire Drill if You Have Fewer Than 5 Employees?

Small business growth stages illustrated with images of a small office transforming into a larger corporate space

If you run a small business with fewer than five employees, you may be wondering whether you’re legally required to carry out fire drills. After all, the fire safety rules often mention written risk assessments for businesses with five or more staff, but what does that mean for your fire procedures? The short answer is: […]