From October 1, London Fire Brigade will no longer attend activations from automatic fire alarms in most non-residential buildings, such as office blocks and industrial estates, during daytime hours (defined as 7am to 8:30pm). This policy shift places the responsibility of initial fire checks squarely on building managers and security personnel, raising concerns about fire safety and resource allocation in the private sector, a guarding firm points out.
Assist Security Group (ASG) is warning building managers and security teams of the implications of these changes. Troy Hewitt, CEO of ASG, pictured, said: “This new policy represents a big shift in fire safety responsibilities. Building managers and security teams are now expected to perform roles previously handled by fire services, creating additional pressure on already stretched resources. Organisations must reassess their fire safety protocols and ensure they have measures in place to protect their premises and occupants.”
Exempt premises include hospitals, hotels and homeless and other hostels, schools, prisons and ‘heritage buildings’ – for the full list see the London Fire Brigade website.
The change mirrors similar policies by police, whereby budget cuts have led to more reliance on private sector involvement in public safety such as (intruder) alarm response. ASG raise points from this policy change:
1. Increased responsibility for building managers and security teams to perform fire checks;
2. Potential understaffing issues, particularly in larger or more complex buildings;
3. The need for training and resources for security personnel;
4. Heightened vulnerability of tall buildings and vacant properties; and
5. Potential increases in insurance premiums and liability concerns
ASG advises building managers to assess their capabilities in light of these changes. Hewitt added: “Building managers must ask themselves: Do we have sufficient manpower to ensure thorough checks can be made? Is our building going to be safe under this new regime? For those managing tall or vacant buildings, the risks are even greater.”
ASG suggests a need for a proactive approach to fire safety in the private sector. Building owners and managers must now consider whether their staffing is sufficient to ensure safety, particularly in high-risk, tall buildings or vacant properties.
ASG adds that this policy change may require setting up of mobile patrols, alarm response systems, or the deployment of dedicated fire wardens or security officers on-site. Security users need to be ready to navigate these new challenges and ensure fire safety, says Troy Hewitt. ASG urges all thsoe involved in any event to prioritise risk assessments and the develop fire safety strategies. Visit https://assistsecurity.co.uk.
