Fire & Life Safety is mandatory in the workplace

Fire & Life Safety services

Fire & Life safety is mandatory for any workplace, however, ensuring that you have ticked every box can be a difficult task. KPFM will remove the stress of Fire and Life safety at your business, building or workplace.

From fire alarm and sprinkler testing, or emergency lighting, to maintenance and repairs of fire safety equipment, we will ensure that you are compliant with health and safety regulations at all times.

Emergency lighting

Emergency lighting systems are put in place to provide lighting when normal electrical lighting fails because of a mains power failure or a fire situation. Emergency lighting systems would provide illumination that should allow occupants to safely find an exit route or access crucial fire fighting equipment.

Without a working emergency lighting system, a sudden plunge into darkness could cause occupants to become distressed.

As part of The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all non-domestic buildings must have emergency lighting installed. Depending on the size of your building, how many exits you have and the size of your workforce, you may need to scale up your emergency lighting to provide sufficient coverage.

Regular testing of emergency lighting is critical, KPFM complete monthly and annual testing of emergency lighting systems across the United Kingdom, assisting our clients to meet the requirements of the Fire Safety Order..

Fire alarm systems

It’s essential for organisations to ensure that their building or workplace is compliant with current fire safety regulations.

Regulations state that a ‘competent person’ can carry out routine weekly alarm testing, but a specialist contractor should undertake more rigorous maintenance at intervals dependent on the type of system and the property.

By enlisting the services of a trustworthy facilities maintenance company, you have peace of mind that your fire alarm systems are fully functional and compliant with fire safety regulations.

Taking the risk of being non-compliant is not worth it, individuals will face heavy fines, penalties and even prosecution, but most importantly, it could lead to an incident that puts lives at risk.

Here at KPFM, we go above and beyond with Fire and Life safety.

Our 24/7 support desk provides around-the-clock emergency support for your business, building or workplace.

Sprinkler systems

Fire sprinkler systems are simple but essential components of a building’s fire protection system, and one of the most effective. When the system detects a fire, the system automatically discharges water that is held under pressure in a network of pipes throughout a building.

While these systems are simple, they are composed of multiple components, which means servicing them regularly and rigorously is crucial to the overall functionality of the system.

There are different statutory maintenance requirements for commercial and residential sprinkler systems, KPFM will manage the process, and provide an all-in-one solution.

Smoke ventilation & AOVs'

Smoke vents are openings that allow for smoke and hot air to escape. Typically windows or skylights, these vents automatically open when they detect smoke or fire. AOVs play a crucial role in controlling the ventilation in a building and preventing a build-up of smoke that could hinder visibility for occupants and the emergency services.

AOV systems are usually coupled with an alarm or detection system. When the alarm is triggered, the vent or window will open and allow ventilation, it is essential that all fire safety systems are regularly serviced, some critical system components will run for long periods of time without use, highlighting why regular maintenance is crucial.

Electrical Safety

Electrical systems, such as Automatic Transfer Switches, diesel generators and UPS are critical components of Fire and Life Safety. In the event of an emergency or power failure, electrical systems will allow critical fire safety systems such as fire alarms, sprinklers, and smoke ventilation to remain fully operational.

Regular maintenance is crucial, KPFM can assist with all aspects of Electrical Safety, from diesel generators, transfer switches, UPS systems, cause and effects and black building testing.

Refuge systems

Refuge systems provide two-way communication to refuge areas (specific areas of buildings that are deemed to be safe in emergency situations). Current regulations state that all new buildings with more than one storey must provide refuge areas for those who are not easily able to escape in emergency situations. Once inside the refuge areas, occupants will be able to call for help and wait for assistance.

Also known as Emergency Voice Communication Systems, this form of communication is essential in providing aid to less-abled individuals in worst-case scenarios. It allows building management and rescue teams to communicate with those in the refuge area.

Regular maintenance of these systems is a legal requirement. KPFM maintain a range of refuge systems for businesses, building and workplaces. We provide maintenance services at your convenience, visiting site during idle hours if required.

Our Helpdesk operates 24/7 to provide emergency support if systems fail or malfunction.

Fire extinguishers

Fire extinguishers, blankets and other safety equipment are an essential part of safeguarding your premises and complying with health and safety regulations. This equipment can play an integral role in an emergency situation.

The consequences of a faulty fire extinguisher or a missing fire safety blanket can be devastating.

KPFM can provide regular checks and maintenance of fire safety equipment. This servicing will make sure everything is up to date, maintained properly and compliant with fire safety regulations.

Fire doors

Just like we should regularly service the components of a fire alarm system, we should also check fire doors to make sure they’re functioning as intended. Any slight obstruction or alteration to the door could affect its functionality.

In an emergency situation, a jammed or difficult-to-open fire door could be the difference.

Article 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO/FSO) makes it a legal requirement to ensure that fire resisting doors and escape doors are correctly installed and adequately maintained in order for them to be fit for purpose.

KPFM will ensure that fire doors and safety exit routes are regularly checked to comply with health and safety regulations. As part of our planned preventative maintenance, we deliver regular site-wide inspections to ensure that our clients are protected.

Smoke & Fire curtains

Fire curtains have revolutionised building design – making complex structures safer and offering new levels of fire protection for all types of buildings. Fire curtains are a type of active fire protection – meaning that they respond to the presence of fire. Other types of active fire protection include sprinkler systems, alarms and smoke curtains.

Although they’re an active system, fire curtains are used for compartmentation. In open plan and complex buildings, fire curtains compartmentalise space in the same way that fire doors do. They drop down and seal an area off, containing the fire from floor to ceiling, within the perimeter of the curtain (or curtains).

It seems pretty elementary: put in a barrier and the fire can’t spread as fast – but there’s more to it than that. Fire is starved of oxygen and additional fuel. This can lower the intensity of the fire and improve the efficacy of other systems, like sprinklers.

KPFM provides regular checks and maintenance of fire safety equipment. This servicing will make sure everything is up to date, maintained properly and compliant with fire safety regulations.