FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEBristol, UK - Fire Alarms UK News March 2020 from Elite Fire Security of Bristol and Bath
Fire alarms always a very newsworthy topic, unfortunately, often for the wrong reasons. Here is a roundup of the latest news (March 2020) concerning commercial fire alarms in the UK, including the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) updated advice for building owners and landlords on how to operate the waking watch fire safety measure during the coronavirus outbreak.
Large Milton Keynes hotel had no working fire alarms and smoke detectors, court hears
A large Milton Keynes hotel is facing a huge fine today after a judge heard how guests had to be evacuated in the middle of the night because the fire alarms were broken and smoke detectors were deliberately disabled, reports the MKCitizen.
Fire Alarms UK News March 2020The drama happened when one of the regular guests at the 80-bedroom Campanile in Fenny Stratford noticed all of the smoke detectors were covered with a red plastic cover.
He called the fire brigade and the place had to be evacuated and then closed for urgent repairs to the alarm system.
The Campanile, opposite Pink Punters in Watling Street, is owned by international hotel chain Milcardar Limited, which had a turnover of almost £8 million in both 2017 and 2018.
Staff at the hotel had claimed to be unaware of any problems with the fire alarms when firefighters arrived, prosecutors for the London Fire Brigade told Aylesbury Crown Court today.
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Fire chiefs publish coronavirus waking watch guidance for landlords
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has updated its advice to building owners and landlords on how to operate the waking watch fire safety measure during the coronavirus outbreak, reports “Inside Housing” website.
The NFCC, the body which represents all the fire services in the UK, published an update to its waking watch guidance today, which outlines steps building owners and landlords should take to ensure that buildings are kept safe in the coming months.
The advice called on landlords to ensure that waking watch operatives adhere to Public Health England’s social distancing rules and urged landlords to consider installing communal fire alarms in blocks if waking watch staff numbers are reduced as a result of coronavirus.
The NFCC said the coronavirus situation would result in higher occupancy and vulnerability due to people, including some who are potentially unwell, staying at home for longer periods of time – meaning the maintenance of a waking watch in a building would be more essential than ever.
It added: “If due to coronavirus, there are challenges maintaining waking watch coverage, those responsible will need to implement suitable alternative interim arrangements.
About Elite Fire & Security
Elite Fire and Security test, service, maintain and install commercial fire alarms. From our Head Office in Bristol, we work in businesses premises, educational facilities and commercial properties, in Bristol, Bath, London, the South West and the M4 corridor.
You can read our full news article here: elitefiresecurity.co.uk/fire-alarms-uk-news-march-2020/