It’s time to protect all leaseholders from ruinous building safety remediation costs

In my previous piece for Safety Management last summer (‘A new Building Safety Remediation Scheme would hold developers and builders to account for all fire and building safety defects in homes’) I set the scene on the unfolding world of building safety remediation and described how I was attempting to change things in the interests of consumer safety. Now with a general election called, there is an opportunity to influence the policies of a new, incoming administration.

By The Earl of Lytton on 28 June 2024

Lithium-ion batteries: a growing fire risk

Lithium-ion batteries used to power equipment such as e-bikes and electric vehicles are increasingly linked to serious fires in workplaces and residential buildings, so it’s essential those in charge of such environments assess and control the risks.

By Matt Humby, Firechief® Global on 28 June 2024

Electrical installations in hazardous areas: why effective commissioning, installation and inspection are crucial

Machinery designed specifically for potentially explosive atmospheres will contain sparks that could trigger a fire or explosion. It’s essential it undergoes an independent inspection prior to initial use, in case the installer compromises the manufacturer’s design, invalidating the equipment and creating a potentially dangerous situation.

By Ian Wright, TÜV SÜD on 28 June 2024

Fire safety: top tips for landlords and building managers

Those responsible for workplaces, public buildings and multi-occupied residential premises have a variety of duties aimed at protecting the occupants from fire, and good communication with those at risk is crucial to ensuring the dangers are properly managed.

By Phil Jones, William Martin on 27 June 2024

Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries up 46% last year

The number of fires linked to lithium-ion batteries in the UK increased by 46 per cent in 2023, compared with the previous year, new research from business insurer QBE has shown.

By Kerry Reals on 03 June 2024

E-scooters and lithium batteries: the new fire risk for the workplace?

18 February, the date chosen to play host to National Battery Day, is a particularly important one for the history of the battery. The day marks the birth of the father of battery science, Alessandro Volta, credited as the creator of the Voltaic Pile, an early form of what we know today as the electric battery.

By Phil Pinnington, British Safety Council on 19 February 2024

Batteries – an opportunity, but what’s the safety risk?

As global economies look to achieve their net zero targets, there is an increased focus on the development of non-fossil fuel alternative energy sources, such as battery power. The demand for batteries over the next 20 years is predicted to increase twentyfold. This presents numerous opportunities for those in the battery production supply chain who will need to gear up to meet this increased demand. However, despite the glow of opportunity, it is important that the safety risks posed by batteries are effectively managed.

By Liam Jagger, Pinsent Masons on 07 February 2024

Golden threads – delivering safety in buildings and beyond

The golden thread topic has no doubt featured many times before. With it being summer 2023, the registration of higher-risk buildings is in full swing, and the policy on the golden thread of information is being finalised with secondary legislation enshrining it expected in various waves soon.

By Sofie Hooper, Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management on 16 August 2023

Getting help with fire safety: competence is key

With fire safety duties becoming ever more stringent following the Grenfell tragedy, it is crucial that ‘Responsible Persons’ (and other relevant safety roles) only specify and hire appropriate fire safety organisations who have been independently assessed and certificated to evidence their competence.

By Dr Justin Maltby-Smith, BAFE Fire Safety Register on 10 August 2023

Competence and culture change in the built environment: important developments

By Laura White, senior associate, Pinsent Masons LLP. on 01 August 2023