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FIA launch new technical guidance on user responsibilities

FIA launch new technical guidance on user responsibilities

6 Mar 2024

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has released a new technical bulletin, User Responsibilities: Fire Detection & Fire Alarm Systems. It provides updated guidance to support the upkeep of fire detection and fire alarm systems. Weekly and monthly testing ensures system familiarity and functionality, for continued optimal system performance and this and more is contained in this free concise bulletin in the form of an easy to use checklist.

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BSI publish guidance on storing and charging lithium-powered batteries in the workplace

BSI publish guidance on storing and charging lithium-powered batteries in the workplace

21 Feb 2024

The British Safety Council has published an introductory guide for employers on managing the risks from storing and charging Lithium Ion (Li-on) batteries in the workplace. In a recent, UK-based survey, 40 per cent of current users commuted to and from a place of work, with 20 per cent having used e-bikes for business travel.


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More than 2,000 high-rise buildings still awaiting cladding remediation

More than 2,000 high-rise buildings still awaiting cladding remediation

6 Feb 2024

Monthly reporting figures from the DLUHC, show that 2,231 residential buildings measuring 11m and over still have unsafe cladding with no remediation works started to date. As of December 31st, 2023, a total of 3,839 buildings were identified with unsafe cladding with only 797 (21%) of this number having completed remediation works, leaving a substantial 2,231 properties (58%) with no remediation works started. 

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85% of organisations have no fire risk assessment for Lithium-ion battery devices

85% of organisations have no fire risk assessment for Lithium-ion battery devices

16 Jan 2024

Just 15% of organisations say they have conducted a workplace fire risk assessment for devices containing lithium-ion batteries, new research finds. Assessments should cover Lithium-ion batteries in use, those being charged and being swapped out, handling, controlling, and containing damaged batteries, and battery disposal. Each will require a different strategy and tailored approach to manage associated risks.

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Wishing everyone a very happy, healthy and sustainable New Year from the Evotech team!

Wishing everyone a very happy, healthy and sustainable New Year from the Evotech team!

1 Jan 2024

Revised code of practice BS 5839-8:2023 for voice  alarm systems

Revised code of practice BS 5839-8:2023 for voice alarm systems

13 Dec 2023

A new code of practice - BS 5839-8:2023 – has been published for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of voice alarm systems. Incorporating the latest regulatory and legislative requirements for building evacuation along with technical changes it includes recommendations on what voice alarm system to use and how to use it.

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Evotech Unveils myBEMS AI Solutions at CIBSE Build2Perform 2023

Evotech Unveils myBEMS AI Solutions at CIBSE Build2Perform 2023

6 Dec 2023

Evotech has launched myBEMS AI, a revolutionary range of machine learning solutions aimed at optimising building HVAC systems, reducing energy consumption, and slashing carbon emissions. Advocating the need for UK buildings to improve how they perform, the company made its announcement today at the CIBSE Build2Perform exhibition at Excel, London.

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BAFSA issues detailed response in wake of Luton Airport car park blaze

BAFSA issues detailed response in wake of Luton Airport car park blaze

6 Nov 2023

Current guidance on fire precautions in the construction of car parks does not currently require the installation of sprinkler systems. However, the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association says that this does not fully take into account the greater fire load of modern vehicles and is calling for automatic fire sprinkler systems to be fitted in all multi-storey car parks.

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Government launches guide for accountable persons on managing risk for HRBs

Government launches guide for accountable persons on managing risk for HRBs

19 Oct 2023

The Government has launched a guide to help steer accountable persons of high-rise residential buildings through managing risks for high-rise residential buildings. The Building Safety Act 2022 defines building safety risks as the risk of spread of fire or structural failure and the guide explains how accountable persons can demonstrate they have taken all reasonable steps to manage building safety risks.

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CIBSE updates ‘go to’ Guide M for facilities management industry & building operators

CIBSE updates ‘go to’ Guide M for facilities management industry & building operators

16 Oct 2023

CIBSE has launched its updated Guide M: Maintenance Engineering and Management. The guide has been updated for this third edition and provides everything you need to know about operating building services and includes references to more in-depth resources, making it the ‘go to’ guide for those responsible for the design, installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance of building services.

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Evotech honoured with prestigious Silver Award from Ministry of Defence

Evotech honoured with prestigious Silver Award from Ministry of Defence

2 Oct 2023

We are delighted to announce that we have achieved Silver Award status as part of the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). The award highlights Evotech Technical Services' ongoing efforts in honouring the nation's heroes, offering them valuable opportunities, and giving back to those who have dedicated their lives to the service of their country. 

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Evotech adds fourth industry leading health & safety accreditation to its bow

Evotech adds fourth industry leading health & safety accreditation to its bow

14 Sep 2023

We are delighted to announce that Evotech has once again successfully retained three prestigious health and safety accreditations: CHAS Advance, Safe Contractor, and Constructionline Gold after independent assessments, and in addition, we have added a fourth to our bow in Prosure360. These independent annual assessments pay testament to our ongoing commitment to excellence.

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Golden Thread of Information can be stored on multiple systems

Golden Thread of Information can be stored on multiple systems

6 Sep 2023

The ‘golden thread’ digital record of a building’s information required to be kept under the Building Safety Act can be stored on multiple systems. Upon further consideration the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has decided that to deliver a single source of truth it is not necessary for all the Golden Thread Information to be stored on a single system. 

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Government publishes fire door guide for Accountable Persons

Government publishes fire door guide for Accountable Persons

4 Sep 2023

The Secretary of State has published a guide, under Article 50 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO), to assist Accountable Persons in meeting their duties under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations regarding fire doors in buildings that contain two or more domestic premises and that contain common parts, through which residents would need to evacuate in a fire. 

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Evotech helps Crowngate Shopping Centre open Bug Hotel

Evotech helps Crowngate Shopping Centre open Bug Hotel

10 Aug 2023

Bugs, bees and butterflies can now find their new home in Worcester next to Crowngate Shopping Centre as a new bug hotel is unveiled by local pupils. The Centre’s building maintenance provider Evotech Technical Services sponsored fifty miniature bug hotels so pupils could take home their very own Bug Hotel. 

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Single use vapes spark surge in blazes as three dumped every second

Single use vapes spark surge in blazes as three dumped every second

9 Aug 2023

Each week 2 million single use vapes are binned leading to an increase in pollutive waste and increasing the risk of fire. Bin lorry blazes have leapt by 62% in the past two years, and house fires by 108% in the same period. Lithium battery-powered products are becoming a real fire hazard and should be disposed of safely at recycling centres.

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Apprenticeships - bridging the skills gap in the building services sector

Apprenticeships - bridging the skills gap in the building services sector

19 Jul 2023

Evotech is proud of its unwavering commitment to apprenticeships as a vital part of its talent development strategy. Through our comprehensive apprenticeship program and partnership with Calderdale College, we offer a structured learning experience that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction to provide necessary skills and knowledge and invaluable hands-on experience. 

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Kitchen extract ventilation systems key to fire integrity of buildings

Kitchen extract ventilation systems key to fire integrity of buildings

13 Jul 2023

BESA confirms dramatic increase in maintenance of kitchen extract ventilation systems attributed to more clients, insurers and fire officers recognising the importance of these systems to the fire integrity of buildings. With at least one serious fire in a UK commercial kitchen every day, maintenance of grease extraction systems, ventilation and ductwork, is crucial to minimising the risk of fire spreading.

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How safe are we in our homes, schools and workplaces?

How safe are we in our homes, schools and workplaces?

3 Jul 2023

New York City recently grappled with an air quality crisis as a result of the unprecedented scale and intensity of wildfires in North America. The smoke emanating from these infernos, propelled by prevailing wind currents, cast a thick haze over the east coast of the U.S. for days. The pollution became so bad in New York especially that it completely obscured the towering high-rises. 

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Overview of the Fire Safety Regulations 2022

Overview of the Fire Safety Regulations 2022

16 Jun 2023

Responsible persons for a high-rise flats or multi-occupied residential buildings above 11 metres high, under the Fire Safety Regulations 2022, must provide information to Fire and Rescue Services and take additional safety measures to ensure that buildings are adequately protected from the risk of fire. This comprehensive overview provides a quick reference to responsibilities.

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London Fire Brigade release warning after e-bike explosion caught on camera

London Fire Brigade release warning after e-bike explosion caught on camera

5 Jun 2023

CCTV footage shows an e-bike battery explode in the hallway of a block of flats after it goes into thermal runaway. Starting with a toxic smell the battery quickly produces a white and grey highly flammable and toxic vapour cloud into the air, which then ignites into a fireball. This highlights a new fire risk when electric bikes and scooters are stored inside buildings.

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Guidance on fire stopping of service penetrations

Guidance on fire stopping of service penetrations

10 May 2023

BESA, ASFP, BSRIA, FIS and GPDA have published a free to download guide on the design, specification and installation of building services penetrations to ensure fire compartmentation is maintained during a fire. Service penetrations are extremely important aspects in the performance of compartment walls and floors during a fire.

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Congratulations to HRH King Charles III on his Coronation

Congratulations to HRH King Charles III on his Coronation

8 May 2023

Congratulations to HRH King Charles III and Queen Camilla on their Coronation. Long live the King.

New public warning system to warn of life threatening events

New public warning system to warn of life threatening events

4 Apr 2023

A new government public warning system, in which alerts are sent to mobile phone users about events that may put their life in danger, has been launched in the UK with a nationwide trial planned for the early evening of 23 April 2023. The Cabinet Office says the emergency alerts will warn and inform people who are in immediate danger from a wide range of threats.

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Government allocates £42 million to support building safety reforms

Government allocates £42 million to support building safety reforms

20 Mar 2023

The Government has announced that, more than £42 million is being set aside to support the delivery of new standards for managing safety in higher-risk buildings brought in by the landmark Building Safety Act 2022 with 110 building inspectors and 111 new fire protection officers to be recruited across England.

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All new London buildings over 30m required to have a second staircase

All new London buildings over 30m required to have a second staircase

20 Feb 2023

The Mayor of London has made Government proposals mandatory and with immediate effect, all planning applications for residential buildings above 30 metres in London must now include a second staircase before they can be referred to the Greater London Authority (GLA) for Stage 2 approval. 

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Building’s accountable person to provide Golden Thread of information

Building’s accountable person to provide Golden Thread of information

30 Jan 2023

The Fire Safety (England) Regulations came into force on 23 January 2023 with additional obligations on the ‘Responsible Person’ of multi-occupied high rise buildings, who must provide residents with safety instructions and provide information to Fire and Rescue Services to assist them to plan and deliver an effective operational response.

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Fire chiefs call for second staircases in new high-rise buildings

Fire chiefs call for second staircases in new high-rise buildings

4 Jan 2023

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has called on the Government to make the requirement for two staircases mandatory in all new buildings taller than 18 metres and for existing buildings to have sprinklers retrofitted. The Government has opened up a consultation which is open until 17 March 2023 – responses can be provided online.

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IWFM updates Fire safety management guide

IWFM updates Fire safety management guide

20 Dec 2022

With wide-ranging changes to fire safety starting to come into force from 23 January 2023, the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) has updated its Fire safety management good practice guide, that sets out key requirements for managing fire safety in England where the Regulatory (Reform) Fire Safety Order 2005 applies.

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New industry group to press for passive fire safety measures

New industry group to press for passive fire safety measures

28 Nov 2022

Tier one contractors have been asked to work with the new Passive Fire Knowledge Group (PFKG), set up by FIS, the trade body for the finishes and interiors sector. The group has been launched to drive culture change through the design and construction process to improve fire safety in buildings. 

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CE Mark can be used in UK for a further 2 years

CE Mark can be used in UK for a further 2 years

17 Nov 2022

The government has announced that businesses in Great Britain can continue to use the CE Mark for a further 2 years. The announcement states that this further extension has been given due to the difficult economic conditions, in a bid to avoid burdening businesses with the requirement to meet the original (31 December 2022) deadline.

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Evotech launches its myBEMS AI technology to cut building running costs

Evotech launches its myBEMS AI technology to cut building running costs

4 Oct 2022

Today at Healthcare Estates 2022, building performance company Evotech Technical Services, launched its state of the art myBEMS system that uses AI technology to harness data from building sensors, to automate commercial building HVAC systems and significantly cut running costs and carbon emissions.

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Government releases details around Energy Bill Relief Scheme

Government releases details around Energy Bill Relief Scheme

21 Sep 2022

Today, BEIS have released some more information about the support available for businesses to assist with energy costs over the upcoming winter. The new Energy Bill Relief Scheme will provide energy bill relief for non-domestic customers in Great Britain.

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Our deepest condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Our deepest condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

9 Sep 2022

Evotech joins the rest of the United Kingdom in mourning the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We send our deepest sympathy to the Royal Family and pay tribute to the Queen's extraordinary life of public service.

Evotech awarded CHAS Advanced Certificate of Accreditation

Evotech awarded CHAS Advanced Certificate of Accreditation

15 Sep 2022

Evotech, who have held CHAS standard accreditation for many years, have recently been awarded CHAS Advanced Certification. This advanced certification meets with both SSIP and PAS91 prequalification requirements and demonstrates Evotech’s proficiency as a business across nine risk management areas.

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Spiralling energy prices put businesses at risk of closure

Spiralling energy prices put businesses at risk of closure

11 Sep 2022

The BBC recently reported that tens of thousands of businesses are at risk of going under without government support because of soaring energy bills. Many firms, not protected by a cap, and with many fixed-rate deals for business expiring this October, are exposed to rises of four or five times or more.

 

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BESA warns of critical fire safety issue in ventilation systems

BESA warns of critical fire safety issue in ventilation systems

25 Aug 2022

The Building Engineering Services Association has issued an urgent warning about a potential fire safety weakness in a large number of building ventilation systems. Flagging the critical fire damper safety issue, BESA has issued an interim technical bulletin (VH001) ahead of a full update of its industry guidance. BESA said that annual inspections carried out by maintenance contractors found that a huge number of dampers had been incorrectly installed.

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Evotech awarded sought after gold H&S accreditation

Evotech awarded sought after gold H&S accreditation

1 Aug 2022

Evotech, is delighted to announce that it has been awarded Constructionline Gold level status, a nationally recognised accreditation within the construction procurement sector. Successfully achieving this highly sought after accreditation involved rigorous assessments in areas including health & safety, environmental and quality management, diversity and equality, and comes as a result of Evotech’s commitment to achieving best practice throughout its operations.

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Leading fire safety charity on fire rated downlighters

Leading fire safety charity on fire rated downlighters

30 Jul 2022

Electrical Safety First, the UK’s leading charity on fire safety, recommends that fire rated downlights (FRDs) are installed in any ceilings where recessed lights are specified.They should also meet the requirements of Part B Fire Safety, Part C Moisture Protection, Part E Acoustic Resistance and Part L (One and Two) Energy Efficiency Building Regulations. When specifying any FRD, proof of certification should be requested from the lighting manufacturer and kept on file for reference.

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Fire alarm sounded on pre-insulated pipework

Fire alarm sounded on pre-insulated pipework

20 Jul 2022

Leading trade associations have called for more rigorous checks on the fire safety of pre-insulated pipework installed in buildings. The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) and the Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) have raised questions about the suitability of pipework, normally used for underground and buried applications, such as primary heating networks, now being deployed inside buildings, which takes the products outside the scope of quality standards normally applied to their performance.

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New cladding rules for medium-rise buildings

New cladding rules for medium-rise buildings

09 June 2022

Combustible materials have been banned for use in external facades of buildings higher than 18m since 2018, however, in early 2020, the government suggested also banning the use of such materials for buildings above 11m in height, and ran a new consultation which has resulted in new regulations. For information on which building work will be affected and when the changes take effect, the Government has published an amendment booklet. The legislation will bring hotels, hostels, and boarding houses within its scope.

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Evotech re-awarded trio of H&S accreditations

Evotech re-awarded trio of H&S accreditations

2 Jun 2022

Evotech has been re-awarded a trio of accreditations for achieving excellence in health and safety in the workplace. Alcumus SafeContractor is a leading accreditation scheme used by thousands of organisations in the UK from SMEs to FTSE 100 companies and recognises extremely rigorous standards in health and safety management amongst contractors. SafeContractor is just one of three health and safety accreditations Evotech holds and renews annually, with Constructionline and CHAS making up the trio. 

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Building Safety Act becomes enshrined in law

Building Safety Act becomes enshrined in law

4 May 2022

In response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the Government’s Building Safety Act has now received Royal Assent and has been enshrined in law. The Act includes the introduction of a Building Safety Regulator within the Health and Safety Executive to monitor compliance with the new requirements, and a New Homes Ombudsman to provide independent redress for new build property buyers. The provisions in the Act are expected to take effect in 12-18 months’ time and will be supported by detailed regulations and guidance, yet to be published.

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Evotech sponsors community football

Evotech sponsors community football

25 Apr 2022

Evotech is sponsoring Woolton Dynamos Under 12s for a third year. The team have enjoyed much success competing in the Liverpool Premier League and the Merseyside & Halewood League this season. Evotech’s sponsorship will provide for both home and away kits, training equipment and a new 11-a-side goal as in September the team will progress to play 11-a-side matches. 

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BIG North Pole Sea Ice Research Expedition

BIG North Pole Sea Ice Research Expedition

18 Apr 2022

We are delighted to announce that Evotech is sponsoring the BIG North Pole Sea Ice Research Expedition 2023 that will see an all-female team of explorers and scientists ski to the North Pole to take samples of snow to support important global warming research projects. The information gathered will be used in a number of studies being undertaken by scientists in the UK and beyond, at the University of Manchester, the National Oceanography Centre, the University of Colorado and NASA.

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Government failing to act on Grenfell report

Government failing to act on Grenfell report

21 Mar 2022

The mayor of London says the government has failed to complete any of the 12 recommendations directed at them during phase 1 of the Grenfell Tower inquiry. Sadiq Khan pointed out London Fire Brigade has made 26 of the 29 recommendations requested of it in the 2019 report. LFB has new guidance for how the brigade responds to high-rise fires, including when the "stay put" guidance is no longer viable, and a mass evacuation should be carried out.

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Fire safety standards in schools must be raised

Fire safety standards in schools must be raised

14 Mar 2022

Recent research shows that schools have been hit by 2,300 fires in the last five years alone, with 47 primary and secondary school buildings being destroyed. Greater awareness of fire safety in schools is needed, as a high percentage of fire doors are found to be non-compliant. Fire doors are one of the most important safety features in a building and regular fire door inspections are essential to fully ensure that Health and Safety measures are met.

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Major change planned to sprinkler standards

Major change planned to sprinkler standards

16 Feb 2022

There is major change planned to sprinkler standards in the UK, which is being driven by the European standards making body CEN. The window for commenting on BS EN 12845-1 Fixed firefighting systems - Automatic sprinkler systems - Part 1: Design, installation and maintenance was very short, 16/12/2021 to 08/02/2022, and is now closed. It’s an important document forming the backbone for commercial sprinkler protection in the UK.

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Providing meals for local homeless people

Providing meals for local homeless people

22 Dec 2021

For the second Christmas blighted by the Coronavirus pandemic, Evotech has donated food and hygiene products to the Halifax based CTC Calderdale Food Bank, at The Gathering Place. Members of the Elland team donned their Christmas jumpers to purchase enough food from Morrisons to fill two vans and deliver it to the food bank, which has continued to see a substantial increase in requests for emergency food parcels since the beginning of the pandemic. 

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Keeping premises fire safe this Christmas

Keeping premises fire safe this Christmas

30 Nov 2021

Businesses are reminded to keep their premises safe from fire in the final run-up to Christmas. This message from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service applies to all commercial premises and includes a useful checklist for  business owners to help keep their premises safe over the Christmas period. They are also reminding businesses to check their fire risk assessments when storing extra stock, adding decorations and Christmas trees or employing seasonal workers who are not familiar with fire processes, and make changes to their processes if necessary.

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Extension for use of EU’s CE safety mark

Extension for use of EU’s CE safety mark

15 Oct 2021

The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking is a new UK product marking used for new goods being placed on the market in the UK and covers most goods which previously required the European CE marking. The UKCA marking came into effect on 1 January 2021. However, to allow businesses time to adjust businesses are still able to use the CE marking until 1 January 2023 in most cases. However, the UKCA marking alone cannot be used for goods placed on the Northern Ireland market.

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Video surveillance systems improving safety

Video surveillance systems improving safety

Sep 2021

Many existing safety systems rely on aging and in some cases legacy technology, such as video surveillance cameras. Many of these also use on-premises systems rather than utilising the benefits of the cloud. However, smart solutions that can help to watch over public places and share data insights with city workers and officials are increasingly enabling cities to improve the safety of residents and visitors. Increased connectivity and collaboration ensures that all teams that need to be aware of a situation are informed instantly.

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Owners of low-rise flats freed from wall safety certificate requirement

Owners of low-rise flats freed from wall safety certificate requirement

Aug 2021

Ministers have altered post-Grenfell Tower fire safety guidance on cladding to ease property sales, but plans have been criticised as being too vague. Ministers have sought to help people trapped in flats they cannot sell or re-mortgage, by changing advice on fire safety paperwork for lower-rise blocks. Following expert advice, people living in blocks below 18 metres in height will no longer be advised to have an external wall survey, or EWS-1 certificate, before they sell their flats, which has been standard since Grenfell.

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New planning requirements on fire safety come into force

New planning requirements on fire safety come into force

Aug 2021

Residents will be safer in their homes thanks to new planning requirements that come into force this week as part of biggest changes to building safety regulation in 40 years. The new requirements, known as planning gateway one, will ensure that high-rise developments consider fire safety at the earliest stages of planning. Developments involving high-rise residential buildings must demonstrate they have been designed with fire safety in mind before planning permission is granted including ensuring planned access for fire engines.

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Evotech appoints its first female engineering apprentice

Evotech appoints its first female engineering apprentice

July 2021

Evotech is delighted to welcome Annabelle Eastman to its engineering team. Annabelle is the first female electrical engineering apprentice to be appointed by Evotech, having fought off strong competition to earn her place on the team. Evotech wants its workforce to be a true reflection of society and encourages more women and people from other underrepresented groups to apply for roles across the business so that seasoned engineers can pass on their skills, wisdom and hard earnt experience, to the next generation.

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Evotech awarded Cyber Essentials certification for second year

Evotech awarded Cyber Essentials certification for second year

July 2021

Evotech has been re-awarded the Government’s National Cybersecurity Centre (NCSC) ‘Cyber Essentials’ certification. Cyber Essentials is a cyber security standard introduced by the UK government that aims to provide organisations with pragmatic protection against the most common cyber security threats. Achieving the Cyber Essentials certification demonstrates Evotech’s commitment in maintaining best practice security across the organisation and ensures customers that the company has the necessary cybersecurity controls in place.

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Evotech supports bike storage initiative

Evotech supports bike storage initiative

June 2021

Evotech has recently supported Crowngate Shopping Centre, in the installation and launch of a free and secure storage lock-up for bicycles, that also includes all the equipment needed for maintenance and repairs.The company’s on-site engineers supported the fit out of the unit, installing ground hoops, dedicated CCTV coverage, power points for charging electric bikes, and a cycle maintenance station. Evotech also sponsored a children’s ‘Bike of the Future’ drawing competition, with a prize of £1,000 towards bikes for all the family. 

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Increase in fire door wedging during pandemic

Increase in fire door wedging during pandemic

June 2021

RESULTS FROM a survey conducted by fire safety technology manufacturer Geofire find that 53% of fire safety professionals have witnessed an increase in fire doors being wedged open since the start of the pandemic. 84% of the respondents have identified that financial pressure has made businesses less likely to carry out fire safety maintenance and improvements. One Health and Safety advisor said: “Fire will not stop for COVID-19. Employers still have an obligation to keep people and premises fire safe.”

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FIA and NFCC issue new Code of Practice

FIA and NFCC issue new Code of Practice

June 2021

In response to the recommendations outlined in the Phase 1 report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the new Code of Practice is intended to support new legislation and guidance proposed by the Government. The Code of Practice for the Provision of Premises Information Boxes in Residential Buildings helps to ensure that those most in need of support are fully considered in the decisions and plans for managing an incident.

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Evotech re-awarded trio of safety accreditations

Evotech re-awarded trio of safety accreditations

May 2021

Evotech has been re-awarded accreditation from Alcumus SafeContractor for achieving excellence in health and safety in the workplace. SafeContractor is just one of three health and safety accreditations Evotech holds and renews annually, with Constructionline and CHAS making up the trio. 

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Government urged to solve cladding crisis

Government urged to solve cladding crisis

May 2021

The Labour Party is calling on the Government to “step up and act” over what the Opposition has referenced as a “building safety crisis”. With the four-year anniversary of the Grenfell Tower tragedy now on the horizon, the Shadow Housing Secretary Lucy Powell has stated that Labour wants the Conservatives to put a “hard deadline” of June 2022 in place in a bid to force companies to remove unsafe cladding from high-rise residential buildings.

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BSI publishes competence criteria

BSI publishes competence criteria

May 2021

BSI in its role as the UK National Standards Body, publishes new competence criteria following two rounds of public consultation. The standard supports industry reform and intends to minimise safety risks and improve protection to consumers and occupants, including residents, in and about buildings. Building Safety and Fire Minister Lord Stephen Greenhalgh responded: “We are making the biggest changes to building safety in a generation.

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Home Office Consultation on Protect Duty

Home Office Consultation on Protect Duty

April 2021

A consultation by the Home Office on the proposed UK-wide Protect Duty, arising from the Manchester Arena terror attack of May 2017, is running for 18 weeks to July 2. It is proposed that owners and operators of public spaces and venues including organisations with 250 or more staff, will have a legal responsibility to put in place measures to keep the public safe from a terrorist attack. 

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We're helping businesses re-open safely

We're helping businesses re-open safely

April 2021

As businesses start to re-open after lockdown we are asking business owners to think ahead, be prepared and remain compliant. As heating systems have been reduced to a minimum whilst buildings have been unused, changes in temperature and humidity may have caused faults to creep into the system. Evotech Fire & security is offering businesses, throughout the North of England, a free system health check to ensure fire & security systems are in good working order and remain fit for purpose. 

For more information

Fire safety obligations remain in place

Fire safety obligations remain in place

March 2021

BAFE stresses that fire safety obligations continue as normal despite the pandemic. Reviewing your fire safety precautions is especially important after a period of inactivity or reduced staff on premises. Buildings opening soon must continue to remain fire safe, in the interest of life safety and property protection. 

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Latest on Gov' Fire Safety Consultation

Latest on Gov' Fire Safety Consultation

March 2021

Building owners could face unlimited fines following new measures being brought in to strengthen fire safety, the Home Office has announced. These new measures, announced as part of the government’s response to the Fire Safety Consultation, will come into force as part of the legislation in the Building Safety Bill.

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New Colour Coding for Class D Extinguishers

New Colour Coding for Class D Extinguishers

February 2021

BS 5306-10, now supersedes BS 7863:2009 (which is now withdrawn). Guidance published by the FIA (Fire Industry Association) states that the main change is the colour‐code for Class D Powder extinguishers which has changed from Blue to Signal Violet. Colours used for all other extinguishers remain unchanged.

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The Future Buildings Standard

The Future Buildings Standard

February 2021

Recently the UK Government launched the second stage of its consultation on energy efficiency in domestic and non-domestic buildings, called ‘The Future Buildings Standard’, giving everybody the opportunity to provide input and feedback on this vital plan. This once in a generation change will see all newly developed buildings built to much more stringent energy efficiency standards to support the UK Government’s strategy of achieving net zero by 2050. 

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New SP207 Evacuation Alert System

New SP207 Evacuation Alert System

January 2021

NSI Chief Executive Richard Jenkins explains the benefits of BAFE’s new SP207 Evacuation Alert System Scheme and its implications for ‘Duty Holders’ / ‘Responsible Persons’ of residential high-rise buildings in the Fire & Risk Management Journal.

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Is fire safety your responsibility?

Is fire safety your responsibility?

December 2020

The Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government), Christopher Pincher, reminds building owners and premises management that fire safety remains their responsibility as outlined in fire safety legislation. He stresses: "Building owners or other responsible entities are responsible for the safety of their buildings…"

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New BS 5839-6:2019+A1:2020 standard

New BS 5839-6:2019+A1:2020 standard

December 2020

This British Standard is Part 6 in a series on fire alarm and detection systems in buildings. BS 5839-6:2019+A1:2020 gives recommendations for systems in both new and existing domestic premises to make them safer to live in. This 2020 amendment addresses an issue regarding research suggesting some children may be unable to hear fire alarm tones whilst sleeping.

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