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As a Responsible Person, understanding how technology supports compliance is vital for risk management and protecting your occupants.

Every year, Fire Door Safety Week shines a light on one of the most overlooked yet critical parts of a building’s fire protection system: the fire door. 

Metro Safety's new service is specially designed to help residential management customers fully meet the requirements of the Fire Safety Act.

 Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announces launch of the full rollout of the Cladding Safety Scheme on 24^th July.

If you operate a covered car park and have electric vehicle charging points (EVCPs) then you must consider – fire safety guidance for electric vehicles. 

Metro SRM have been appointed to the Homes England External Wall Assessor Panel for the Cladding Safety Scheme

We would like to make our customers aware of the new Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 come into force on 23^rdJanuary 2023. 

We are now recruiting for a number of field based positions. Fancy a new challenge in 2023? Visit our careers page for more details.

Dutyholders have a legal obligation to communicate information about any asbestos risks at their properties. 

Exciting news - Our drills customers now have free access to Safety SMART

This week we are expecting temperatures to soar across the UK. Whilst most of us welcome the sunny weather, it's important to be aware of the impact this may have in terms of increasing the legionella risks at your properties.

Customers can now benefit from significant improvement to our testing and maintenance services - without an increase in price.

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Fire Door Safety Week 20th-26th September aims to raise awareness of the critical role that fire doors play in saving lives and protecting property. Fire doors form a vital part of your building’s passive fire protection system. They prevent the flow of smoke and fire and help compartmentalise a building to provide a safe means of escape for occupants. They are essential in all buildings and are an integral element of your fire safety strategy.

Our digital platform and service improvements mean we can now offer real time reporting and a host of other exciting customer benefits too.

Recommendations arising from the Grenfell Tower enquiry have resulted in the fire risk assessment of high risk residential premises being placed under intense scrutiny, and the core principles of fire safety management in such buildings being challenged in formal forums, and on social media.

The New Providence Wharf fire should act as a stark reminder to all building owners and managers.

A serious failure in the smoke ventilation system meant that the only escape route from the apartments in East London was filled with smoke when the building caught fire.

We’ve been working hard over the last twelve months and we're excited to tell you about some of the innovations we are already rolling out.

As lockdown measures ease we are increasingly beginning to see businesses make a gradual return to the workplace. 

If you are making plans to welcome staff back to the office it’s essential to check that your fire evacuation procedures are still fit for purpose. You must have the correct measures in place to protect your building occupants and help them escape safely in the event of a fire

As the responsible person for a block of flats, what will I have to do to comply with the current and forthcoming changes in fire safety legislation? Colin Bassnett, Metro SRM's Director of Fire Safety Consultancy Services summarises the key requirements.

Effective fire safety management is a continuous process. Some of your buildings may currently be vacant or only partially occupied, but it's still vital to make sure the appropriate fire safety measures are in place and your fire safety equipment is functioning correctly in order to maintain compliance and keep your buildings and their occupants safe.

We are delighted that Metro Safety Group have been included in the list of framework partners on Procure Public's H&S/Fire Compliance Services framework and are excited to work with ProcurePublic as suppliers over the next 4 years.

Due to the implementation of the current national lockdown measures we do not believe it is feasible for fire evacuation drills to take place. We have therefore postponed all scheduled evacuation exercises with immediate effect. Any customers that have drills scheduled should have already received a notification from us.

We are proud of our Principal Fire Safety Advisor, Colin Bassnett and his commitment to help drive forward improvements in fire safety. Colin contributed many hours, over a series of meetings, to join the steering group charged with reviewing PAS 79 2012.

Metro Safety are pleased to welcome Ethan Williams, Lipa Khanom, Louis Koorland and Olivia Bridger onto the company’s newly launched graduate training scheme. 

As Metro Safety continues its digital transformation it now has an opportunity for a Salesforce Administrator

Congratulations to Suzanne Radford on her new position as General Manager - Continuous Improvement.

Digitalisation has become a primary driver for Metro Safety over the last eighteen months, allowing the streamlining of operations and the introduction of new digitally enhanced service offerings.

As Metro continues its digital journey, identifying measures to further align service delivery and continuously enhance our customer experience will form a vital part of Suzanne’s new role.

Your Customer Success Team

 Meet Emma and Michael, members of our newly formed customer success team. They will be delighted to assist you by turning around your requests, queries and concerns quickly and effectively.  

Knowing the exact location of the asbestos is critical in reducing the likelihood of accidental exposure. Unfortunately, in many instances this doesn’t always happen. Each year there are thousands of often unreported accidental disturbances of asbestos containing materials by contractors carrying out minor works not under control of ACAR.

A swift and well executed evacuation is critical to protect building occupants and help them escape safely in the event of a fire.

You should already have a fire emergency plan in place however it’s vital to test it out following any recent building modifications or operating procedures that you have introduced in response to Covid-19.

Exciting new developments mean Safety SMART has just got even better. We would like to introduce Safety SMART with Communities.

We are pleased to announce that all our services are back up and running.

The HSE is urging businesses to follow the Government’s 5 steps to being COVID secure as more businesses begin to re-open or re-occupy their premises.

The HSE recognises the potential challenges when carrying out legal requirements for thorough examination and testing (TE&T) of plant and equipment as a result of additional precautions people need to take to help reduce risk of transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Due to Covid-19 restrictions many buildings have been closed or have been subject to reduced/partial occupancy. The resulting vastly reduced water usage within these premises can increase the risk of legionella and other water-borne bacteria surviving and proliferating within the building's water systems. Building owners/managers need to take action to reduce this risk.

We would like to introduce Safety SMART one of our new Metro SMART IT products. Safety SMART is the simpler, smarter way to manage your compliance. 

We would like to introduce Safety SMART one of our new Metro SMART IT products. Safety SMART is the simpler, smarter way to manage your compliance. 

The HSE puts the number of UK asbestos-related deaths at around 5,000 per year. That’s an average of 13 deaths per day: the highest rate of asbestos-related deaths in the world. 

Congratulations to Clark Murray, Phil Plant and Russell Jones, three of our senior fire safety consultants who recently passed the IFE Level 3 Certificate in Passive Fire Protection.

We are delighted to say that over 95% of our fire alarm and other test visits are now digitally captured giving quicker access to information. Paperless reporting means we are not only reducing our carbon footprint and helping save the planet, but it's good news for our clients too.

We are pleased to announce that Metro SRM are now Framework Suppliers for LHC, one of the oldest and most trusted local government procurement organisations for the coming three years. 

It’s now nearly 20 years since new asbestos usage was banned in the UK. However, despite rigorous legislation and guidance asbestos remains the greatest source of workplace deaths in the UK.

In the event of an emergency nominated staff play a significant role in the successful evacuation of premises.

This week we are expecting temperatures to soar across the UK. Whilst most of us welcome the sunny weather, it's important to be aware of the impact this may have in terms of increasing the legionella risks at your properties.

Digital reporting- it's better for our clients and the environment.

In the event of an emergency nominated staff play a significant role in the successful evacuation of premises.

The Government is seeking feedback on the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 – the Fire Safety Order – which regulates fire safety in non-domestic premises. 

The Government has published a consultation for a fundamental reform of building safety requirements.

We are pleased to announce that following pre-qualification to government and industry accredited standards, Metro Safety are now certified as a Constructionline Gold Member.

Many of our customers told us they wanted quicker access to information following our site visits. We listened and as a result we are pleased to introduce MOBY our new digital visit capture and reporting system.

We would like to invite you to join us at our CPD seminar on Thursday 16th May.Our first CPD event of 2019 features a series of three new presentations on the topics of fire safety, legionella control and asbestos management.

Congratulations to Mark Jefferson and the maintenance team for successfully passing our recent BAFE inspection. It’s great to see our commitment to excellence being reflected in our accreditations. 

Following Dame Judith Hackitt’s report there is an acceptance that there will be fundamental and ongoing changes that will affect our approach to fire safety. Organisations will need to be ready to adapt and evolve their approach to fire safety and make sure that they are prepared to meet these future challenges as they arise.

We are proud to announce that Metro SRM has recently achieved membership of the Legionella Control Association (LCA).

Metro Safety are delighted to have been appointed as a contractor for the provision of fire risk assessments under lots 1 and 2 of the South East Consortium (SEC), fire consultancy framework.

Fire doors form a vital part of your building’s passive fire protection system. They prevent the flow of smoke and fire and help compartmentalise a building to provide a safe means of escape for its occupants. They are essential in all buildings and are an integral element of your fire safety strategy.

We are delighted to announce that we have managed to raise a staggering £20,058 for our 4 Good Causes 25th anniversary charity initiative.

This means that we have not only reached, but in fact exceeded our target and are have been able to donate the money we had pledged to our four nominated charities:

We are delighted to announce that Metro Safety Group which also includes Metro SRM and Strategic Risk Management (Asbestos) Limited have successfully updated their ISO:9001 and ISO:14001 certification to the new 2015 standard for the provision of consultancy to the property and related industries.

Fire wardens play an important role both in helping your business minimises the risk of a fire breaking out, and also helping execute a successful evacuation of the premises in an emergency situation.

Metro Safety have once again demonstrated their commitment to charity. As part of the campaign to raise £20,000 for 4 Good Causes during Metro Safety’s 25th anniversary year, a team of 10 cyclists took on the huge challenge of cycling through 6 countries in 6 days, covering a total distance of 509 miles.

Burns caused by acid, alkaline or caustic chemicals can be very damaging and need immediate medical attention. Make sure you know what to do in an emergency.

Metro SRM along with Checkmate FIre recently sponsored a NAHFO (National Association of Hospital Fire Officers) CPD day at London Fire Brigade HQ.

The team at Metro Safety are once again demonstrating their commitment to charity. As part of Metro Safety’s 25^th anniversary celebrations a team of 10 cyclists will take on the huge challenge of cycling through 6 countries in 6 days, a total distance of 485 miles.

Following the tragic Grenfell Tower fire the Department for Communities and Local Government wish to ensure that owners, landlords and managers of private residential blocks are aware of the help that is available regarding safety checks on Aluminium Composite Material Cladding (ACM).

Local authority and housing associations that are registered social housing providers have been contacted directly to instigate this program; however there are a number of private sector residential blocks that fall under the DCLG criteria for further inspection.

Buildings over 6 storeys or 18m high have been made a priority. Testing for residential buildings which fit the required criteria will be paid for by DCLG.

The Government has published an explanatory note which explains the checking and testing programme that has been set up and is now underway, and the wider steps that are being taken to ensure safety in all relevant buildings, in the light of the early test results. To download the document, please click on the link below.

View Government Building Safety Programme – Explanatory Note

The increased usage of smoke detectors, together with advances in fire detection and alarm system technology, has undoubtedly contributed to a significant decrease in the number of fire deaths and injuries. However a resultant side effect has been an increase in the number of false and unwanted fire alarm activations.

Tips to keep your property safe from legionella.

If your property contains water systems and water related plant you have a duty to manage the risks associated with legionella. This is a bacterium, which given the correct conditions can develop and multiply. If the bacteria manage to become airborne they can cause potentially fatal legionnaires disease.

Legislation requires that a competent individual must be appointed to carry out a suitable and sufficient legionella risk assessment, in most cases this will mean bringing in a water safety specialist who has the knowledge and training to make a thorough assessment of the risks. 

Although fully managing the risks requires in-depth knowledge and training, there are several key elements that can help reduce the likelihood of legionella developing within your systems.

Temperature
One of the most effective methods of controlling legionella growth is with temperature control. As legionella bacteria require temperatures between 20℃ and 45℃ for optimal growth it is important that the water within your systems is stored at the correct temperature.

Hot water which is being stored should be kept at 60℃ (or higher) and should be at least 50℃ when distributed. It is important that the water is not too hot as this can create risks of scalding. Cold water should be stored and distributed below 20℃.

Stagnant Water
As water stagnation helps to promote the growth of legionella bacteria it is important to remove deadlegs or blind ends within pipework. Outlets which are not frequently used need to be flushed on a regular basis, helping to maintain regular turnover of water within the system.

Clean & Maintain
It is important to have an ongoing Scheme of Works or Management Plan to ensure you are effectively managing your legionella risks.

Cleaning and maintenance of water systems is an important part of this. As well as flushing infrequently used outlets, it is important to ensure they are clean and free from build-up. Water storage vessels should be kept clean and clear from debris and regularly checked for any signs of corrosion, formation of scale or bio-films.

To ensure you are fully compliant and are effectively managing your risks from legionella you should always consult a competent specialist.

Metro Safety have a dedicated team of water safety specialists who would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact us on 0845 058 9999 or send us an enquiry.

Registration is now open for our Legionella Management & Fire Safety CPD Seminar. 

8th June 2017- 1.30pm

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors,
12 Great George St
Parliament Square
London SW1P 3AD 

The event is free to attend and features presentations on the topics of Legionella Management and Fire Safety.

Legionella Management: Identifying and Controlling Risk

Discusses requirements under current legislation and L8 guidance. Looks at the main risk factors, how legionella risks are identified and assessed and control measures which can be put in place to manage and monitor risk.

Fire Safety: Fire Alarm System Users Design and Management Considerations

Explores the benefits that considered design and good management of fire alarm systems can have on building managers, occupants and false alarm reduction.

Free Advice  

Our seminars offer a great opportunity for networking with your industry colleagues and also give you a chance to put your questions to our technical experts.

If you would like to gain specialist advice on a particular compliance issue you will have chance to discuss this individually with a member of our consultancy team at the event.

Places are limited, so if you fancy joining us please click the button below to reserve your place.

Download agenda

Register now 

The Fee for Intervention scheme was implemented on 1st October 2012, following the introduction of The Health and Safety (Fees) Regulations 2012.

Following the tragic fire at Lakanal House on 3 July, 2009 Southwark Council have been ordered to pay £570,000 after pleading guilty to four offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire) Safety Order.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) have recently released figures which show that a working smoke alarm was not fitted at 5 out of the 7 properties within London where fatal fires have occurred since the beginning of 2017.

Metro Safety has once again demonstrated a commitment to ensuring high levels of competency amongst their fire risk assessors by commissioning Colin Todd of C.S. Todd & Associates Ltd. to lead a CPD training event on the new CFOA guidance: Fire Safety for Specialised Housing in England and Wales.

Registration is now open for our Health & Safety & Fire Safety CPD Seminar.

16th March 2017- 1.30pm

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors,
12 Great George St
Parliament Square
London SW1P 3AD 

The event is free to attend and features presentations on the topics of Health & Safety and Fire Safety.

Health & Safety: Risks, Responsibilities and Potential Consequences of Non-Compliance

Explores perceptions of risk and the key requirements to help achieve H&S compliance. Overviews effects of the Sentencing Council guidelines relating to some recent Health & Safety offences.

Fire Safety: Passive Fire Protection - What the Building Manager Needs to Know

Defines and explains the role of passive fire protection. Examines key requirements and responsibilities for compliance. Discusses common problems and potential solutions.

Free Advice  

Our seminars offer a great opportunity for networking with your industry colleagues and also give you a chance to put your questions to our technical experts.

If you would like to gain specialist advice on a particular compliance issue you will have chance to discuss this individually with a member of our consultancy team at the event.

Places are limited, so if you fancy joining us please click the button below to reserve your place.

Download agenda

Register now 

According to the recent legionella report from Public Health England within the UK there were 72 reported/notified cases of legionnaire’s disease during October 2016. From these, there were 38 confirmed cases, this brings the total of confirmed cases with onset since January 2016 to 292*.

These figures show that legionella is cause for real concern and although many of these cases have been attributed to travelling abroad, legionella bacteria is common throughout the UK. A recent discovery of legionella bacteria within a nursing home in Somerset acts as a reminder to ensure you are aware of the legionella risks within your properties and are taking steps to minimise these risks. 

There are many ways in which you can help reduce the risks of legionella within your property and it is highly recommended you consult qualified specialists to minimise the chances of a legionella outbreak within your property.

There are a few ongoing measures you should be aware of to help reduce the risk of legionella developing.

Temperature of water – As the optimum temperature for legionella bacteria is between 20-45°C it is important to monitor the temperatures within your system.

• -          Hot water which is stored should be kept at a temperature of above 60°C
• -          Hot water at an outlet should be at 50°C or higher
• -          Cold water should be stored and distributed below 20°C

Avoid stagnant water – Stagnant water helps promote the growth of legionella bacteria, so it is important to minimise stagnation within your systems.

• -          Avoid/remove dead legs within the system
• -          Create a regular flushing programme for infrequently used outlets

Cleaning and maintenance – Dirt and debris provide a source of nutrients for legionella bacteria, promoting growth within the system.

• -          Clean and de-scale shower heads and hoses at least quarterly
• -          Water storage tanks should be drained and cleaned periodically checking for debris or signs of corrosion
• -          Ensure storage tanks have lids fitted to reduce the risk of debris or contamination

If you would like to find out more about how to control your risks from legionella, Metro Safety have a team of water safety specialists who will be happy to talk you through your responsibilities and answer any questions you have. Call us on  0845 058 9999 or email an enquiry.

*Source 

Recent figures highlight how common the presence of asbestos is within older school buildings. They also suggest that the problem with asbestos in schools is nationwide.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have recently announced that they would like to make several amendments to the current guidance on risk assessments.

According to recent statistics the number of company directors who have been prosecuted for health and safety offences has seen a sharp rise.

Recent figures have shown that since the introduction of the new health and safety guidelines, not only has there been a large increase in the number and size of fines. But the number of custodial sentences for health and safety offences has also increased dramatically.

The lighting, heating and other systems within many modern buildings can often be automated using timers. When the clocks go back an hour on the 30th October, it’s important to remember to adjust your clocks and systems accordingly.

With Bonfire Night just around the corner and a large number of events planned in order to celebrate, we thought it would be a good time to remind you about fire safety and the measures you can put in place to reduce unwanted fires and injuries.

Earlier this year the sentencing council published a new set of guidelines relating to health and safety, corporate manslaughter and food hygiene safety offences.

1st October 2016 marked the 10 year anniversary of The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This came into force in England & Wales in October 2006 and signified a fundamental change in the way the fire safety of buildings was managed and enforced.

In April 2016 NHS property services began awarding the FM contracts for doctors surgeries nationwide.

The water system within a school in Ramsgate has recently been found to contain legionella bacteria.

New data from the Home Office has shown a worrying increase in the number of fire deaths in England.

Asbestos can often be found in properties which were built or refurbished before the year 2000. In the past asbestos was commonly used in materials designed for the building trade making it highly likely that many older buildings will contain asbestos in some form.

The HSE have highlighted some of the most common places asbestos, or asbestos containing materials can be found.

Asbestos can often be found in the following locations:

Sprayed Coatings:

Common location: Underside of roofs, Sprayed onto steel work as fire protection.
Appearance: Often grey or white with a rough surface, however often painted over.

Asbestos Cement:

Common location: Used for wide range of products including roof panels, wall cladding, gutters, pipework and flues.
Appearance: Often grey in colour, hard and compressed and formed into products.

Loose Fill Insulations:

Common location: Cavity walls, under flooring and in roof spaces.
Appearance: Loose, fluffy and often blue-grey or white in colour.

Lagging:

Common location: Often found in or on heating systems e.g. boilers or calorifiers and around pipework.
Appearance: many different appearances often a fibrous material which flakes and powders easily. Commonly painted over.

Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB):

Common locations: Partition walls, panels in fire doors, lift shafts, ceiling tiles soffits, panels below windows.
Appearance: Normal building items often very difficult to differentiate from non-asbestos materials.

Textiles and Composites:

Common locations: Asbestos textiles can be found in fuse boxes, old fire blankets and heat resistant gloves Asbestos composites can be toilet cisterns and seats, window sills, and bath panels. Asbestos paper used for lining under tiles and inside metal cladding.
Appearance: These are not distinctive and often similar to modern equivalents, often require specialist identification.

Floor Tiles:

Common locations: A popular choice for flooring, now often found hidden under carpets.
Appearance: Very similar to modern vinyl floor tiles, often requiring testing.

Textured Coatings:

Common locations: Often used to produce decorative finishes on ceilings and walls.
Appearance: dependent on the particular decorative finish hard and were originally white in colour but have often been painted over.

 (SOURCE: HSE)

Does your building contain asbestos?

If you suspect your building may contain asbestos you should always consult a qualified specialist who can identify any asbestos containing materials and can recommend actions to help manage the risks.

If you would like to find out more about asbestos risks, feel free to contact one of our qualified specialists who would be happy to help, or give us a call on 0845 058 9999.

Registration is now open for our Fire Safety & Asbestos Management CPD Seminar 

As demand for property continues to grow, the number of mixed use properties which include residential accommodation is also on the increase.

With several cases in the news recently highlighting injuries and fines issued for failing to comply with working at height regulations it is important to remind yourself of the key messages from the HSE when working at height. 

Ornamental water features are becoming a common fixture in many modern buildings, they are often found in hotels, restaurants and office blocks.

With the potentially lethal health impacts of asbestos it’s no surprise that asbestos compliance is complex and heavily regulated.

We now have a completely nationwide team dedicated to legionella compliance.

Over the last twelve months we have expanded our water safety division. We now have a much larger team of experienced water safety specialists.

The team is headed up by Andrew Parkinson who is a multi-disciplinary surveyor with over 15 years’ experience within the industry.

Commenting on water safety compliance Andrew said:  “Many of our clients are not sure of their responsibilities or what’s involved in the management of their water safety. They are often unsure what actions they need to take to reduce and manage their legionella risks, particularly when it comes to large complex water systems. We are able to help responsible persons comply with water safety legislation and minimise the risk of legionella bacteria outbreak and exposure”

With the team distributed throughout the country, Metro Safety is now able to offer a full range of water safety services nationwide.

If you would like to find out more about your water safety responsibilities, or meet some of our water safety team, Andrew will be delivering a presentation entitled ‘Legionella Control: Dutyholder Responsibilities’ at our upcoming CPD seminar at RICS, London on 9th June.

He will be joined by several members of his team, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and discuss your responsibilities in person. If you are interested in attending our CPD event please click here to find out more details and register.

Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by legionella bacteria.

It's usually caught by breathing in small droplets of contaminated water, it is also commonly believed that the infection isn't contagious and can't be spread directly from person to person.

If you are considering renovations or extensive maintenance works on your buildings don’t forget your asbestos responsibilities.

If your building is liable to contain asbestos you are required by law to have a Refurbishment and Demolition Survey carried out on the property before carrying out any renovation or demolition works, which may cause damage to the fabric of the building.

This type of survey is used to locate and identify, as far as is reasonably practicable, all asbestos containing materials (ACMS) in the area where the refurbishment will take place or the whole building if demolition is planned. A Refurbishment and Demolition survey may also be required in circumstances where intrusive maintenance and repair work is being carried out.

Failure to comply with this responsibility can not only put people at risk, but can also leave you vulnerable to prosecution. This can be seen in a recent case in which a food company and its contractor received large fines after asbestos was disturbed during building works.

An investigation found that they had started a project to remove tanks which required the demolition of an external wall, however they had failed to carry out an asbestos survey prior to the works being carried out. This resulted in asbestos insulating board being unknowingly broken up and disposed of. The food company was ordered to pay fines of £120,000 and costs of £13,589 for their part in the incident.

This incident could have been avoided if a refurbishment and demolition survey had been carried out before starting work. 

What does a refurbishment and demolition survey involve?

This is an intrusive survey which will involve destructive inspection within all areas of the building which may be affected by the works. It may involve lifting carpets and tiles, breaking through walls, ceilings, cladding and partitioning. Controls will need to be put in place to prevent the spread of debris which may include asbestos.

A refurbishment and demolition survey should only be conducted in unoccupied areas to minimise the risk of exposure to employees or the public. In ideal circumstances the building/area should not be in service and all furnishings removed. For minor refurbishment, this may only apply to the room involved, or even part of the room if it only forms a small area of a larger room. In these situations, there should be effective isolation of the survey area and all furnishings must be removed or protected using sheeting. The survey area must be shown to be fit for reoccupation before people move back in. This will require a thorough visual inspection and if appropriate, air sampling

Don’t risk it, ask an expert

If you are considering carrying out any refurbishment or demolition works and would like to find out more about your asbestos responsibilities, or if you would like to have an asbestos survey carried out on your property please contact us on 0845 058 9999.

Although you hope that an emergency situation never occurs where you are required to use your emergency routes and exits, you must ensure they are maintained and kept clear at all times. This is not only a requirement under legislation but will provide the building’s occupants with a much greater chance of escaping in the event of an emergency. 

Timers are used within many buildings to automate equipment such as lights and heating systems, with the clocks going forward on the 27th March, it’s important to check that clocks and systems within your buildings are updated.

We would like to thank everyone who attended our recent CPD seminar at RICS. We hope you found the event enjoyable and informative.

Congratulations to Andrew Gulliford of Danish UK Property Management Ltd, he was the lucky winner of our prize draw and the recipient of the £250 Aqua Shard voucher.

The use of asbestos was banned in November 1999 due to the potentially lethal health risks. However despite legislative safeguards and an increased awareness of the risks associated with exposure to asbestos fibres, prosecutions for non-compliance are still a common occurrence.

Following a fatal fire in a high rise tower block a housing manager has been fined £40,000 and ordered to pay £23,407, with the judge stating that if the company hadn’t been a not-for-profit organisation the fine would have been considerably higher.

A number of incidents involving fire safety failings have hit the news recently, highlighting the importance of being fully compliant with fire safety regulations and having the correct procedures in place to minimise the risk of fire and avoid costly fines.

Registration is now open for our Fire Safety Compliance and Asbestos Management CPD Seminar - London - Wednesday 9th March.

If you are a building owner, managing agent or employer and are considering renovating any of your properties then you need to make sure you have fulfilled your legal asbestos obligations before contractors start work on any planned refurbishment.

An asbestos management plan is a legal requirement under (Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012) for all workplaces liable to contain asbestos.

The HSE provides guidance on portable appliance testing (PAT) in an effort to stamp out the confusion over testing requirements.

Falls from height remain one of the major causes of serous injuries and fatalities in work-related accidents.

A recent case in the news highlights the importance of ensuring you are compliant with legionella legislation and are aware of legionella risk factors.

Many of Britain’s older buildings are of significant historic value and contain valuable irreplaceable artefacts.

Fire safety professionals often promote the use of sprinkler systems. This is due to the fact that they have been proven to help reduce the impact of fire and can help save lives.

The sentencing council recently published a new set of guidelines on health and safety, corporate manslaughter and food hygiene safety offences.

During the winter months, it is important to consider how the weather may impact your buildings and the implications this can have on your business.

With limited budgets and a heavy workload, managing compliance is often thought of as just another burden that busy property managers and FMs are required to take on.

Registration is now open for our Fire Safety Compliance and Legionella Control CPD Seminar - London Thursday 19th November.

Metro Building Maintenance has successfully completed a number of building projects which have helped clients in central London add value to their property assets.

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) came into force on 6 April 2015, replacing CDM 2007.

On 10th March, Penny Mordaunt, the Minister for Fire Resilience and Emergencies, announced new regulations which will require private sector landlords to install smoke alarms on every storey of their property, carbon monoxide alarms in the rooms considered most at risk from high levels of carbon monoxide and to check the alarms are in working order at the start of any new tenancy.

Metro SRM has recently been successful in achieving third party certification for Fire Risk Assessments in accordance with the requirements of BAFE SP205. Only a few other companies in the industry currently hold this certification.

We are excited to announce our 2015 CPD programme.

A revised and updated Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) L22 – Safe Use of Work Equipment has been released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for compliance with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).

With Bonfire Night around the corner and plenty of events planned in order to celebrate, we thought it would be a good time to talk about fire safety and how to reduce fires and injuries around this event.

Property Week's new online Legionella Control CPD, sponsored by Metro Safety, is now open.

A survey commissioned by LFB has shown that three quarters of a million high rise households in London could be at risk in the event of an emergency.

One in five warehouses in England, approximately 621 premises, will have a fire requiring the attendance of fire fighters each year. The annual cost to the UK economy of fires in English warehouses without fire sprinklers is £232 million.

   Fire Brigade strike seems imminent. Will you need to implement extra measures?