01Jun 2021 by Martin Griffiths No Comments

Introduction to Fire Audits

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In this blog we look at Fire Audits and how they fit into your sites Health and Safety obligations, what the stages are and how software can take the pain out of the process.We all should know that best practise would recommend that fire risk assessments should be completed annually it is the responsible persons responsibility to complete or to instruct a competently qualified person to complete the fire risk assessment at least once per year or when there has been a significant change in the environment as mentioned in Article 9, (3) of The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. But what about a Fire safety audit is it the same as a fire risk assessment? the answer is no a fire risk assessment looks at 5 areas Stage 1: Identify Fire Hazards.Identify…
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10May 2021 by Martin Griffiths No Comments

Why is Legionnaires’ Disease a risk when I re-open my business?

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Why is Legionnaires' Disease a risk when I re-open my business? Legionella bacteria in ideal conditions will grow, if you put legionella on an agar plate and incubate it for 7 – 10 days with a temperature range of between 20˚C and 50˚C, a colony will form of millions of bacteria that you will be able to see. What is Legionnaires' disease? Legionnaires' disease is a type of pneumonia caused by bacteria. How do You usually get it? By breathing in mist from water that contains the bacteria. Where will I find it? Legionella are relatively resistant to standard water disinfection procedures and, can occur in portable water (safe to drink; drinkable). Legionella bacteria have been found in water distribution systems of: Hospitals, Hotels, Clubs, Public buildings, Homes, Factories. The Health & Safety Executive's HSG274 Legionnaires' Disease: states that storage tanks, water heaters, pipework…
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26Apr 2021 by Martin Griffiths No Comments

Fire Safety in the Health and Social Care Sector 

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Fire safety is important in all sectors, but especially so in the Health and Social Care Sector where you may have a number of individuals with mobility issues who are unable to vacate the premises by themselves. Prevention is without doubt the best course of action, however unfortunately fires do sometimes occur no matter what precautions have been taken. Should the worst happen, here are a number of small steps which can be taken regularly, to help minimise the impact of any fires which do start on the premises.     The first and most important step to take is to ensure your premises have an ‘appropriate fire risk assessment’. A fire risk assessment is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and will allow you to decide which steps to take next and the appropriate detection system needed.    …
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10Apr 2021 by Martin Griffiths No Comments

Covid-19 Re-opening help and support

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Are you Thinking about re-opening the workplace This guidance will assist employers, businesses, and their staff in re-opening safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) and as the lockdown is softened. Acton Health and Safety understand that employers and businesses may have concerns about how they can re-open for business safely and play their part in preventing the spread of the virus. All employees should be encouraged to work from home unless it is impossible for them to do so. Not everyone can work from home: certain jobs require people to travel to, from and for their work – for instance to operate machinery, work in construction or manufacturing, or to deliver front line services. We at Acton Health and Safety want to help you re-open your business with the most practical help…
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12Mar 2021 by Martin Griffiths No Comments

Self-assessment for Health and Safety in small businesses

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Do you shudder when you hear the phrase Health and Safety? For many the very idea immediately brings with it feelings of anxiety and fear. Not only does the responsibility weigh heavy on the mind of most business owners, but the seeming minefield of dos and don’ts often feels much too difficult to traverse. However, it really does not need to be such a heavy burden. It can be broken down into small manageable chunks which are easy to navigate, with the end result being a clear, conscience plan and peace of mind that you have done all you can to ensure the safety of your employees. Did you know that in 2017/18, 1.4 million working people in Great Britain suffered from a work related illness and 147 workers were…
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