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Twenty4 in the Press!

This week, Twenty4 have been in the news, featured in Welsh business publication, Wales 247.

Covering the launch of our new fire audit tool, Wales 247 wanting to spread the news, sharing our official press release with their readers.

To learn more about the tool, head over to the article now.

        The post Twenty4 in the Press! appeared first on Fire & Security. http://twenty-4.co.uk/

from Fire & Security https://twenty-4.co.uk/twenty4-in-the-press/

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Moving Into a New Office: Your Fire Safety Checklist

Whether starting out and moving into your first office or relocating for more space, the process of moving office comes with many tasks. From setting up desks and phones to ensuring everyone who needs access has it, the list goes one. However, one thing many businesses forget to do when moving is make sure they are covered when it comes to fire safety.

Below, we share a fire safety checklist to help you start this new chapter on the right foot.

Appoint the ‘Responsible Person’ for fire safety

Unless your office is managed by a Facilities Manager you will need to appoint a ‘Responsible Person’. This is a person who has legal responsibility for the fire safety in the building.

This is a big responsibility as this individual is in charge of overseeing the safety of everyone in the business. And, if they fail to adhere to laws and regulations, they can be fined and in extreme cases, imprisoned.

Their tasks and duties include:

Conducting risk assessments

Ensuring risks identified are addressed

Communicating details of risks with the team

Preparing and educating on fire exit plans

Organising fire safety training

And much more

It is common for the Responsible Person to work with an outside fire safety expert. This is because they can support you if you are unsure about your tasks or duties.

Carry out a Fire Risk Assessment

A fire risk assessment will be required to be carried out annually by law. But, it will also act as a fire safety audit.

Allowing you to get to grips with the building, where the risks are and the equipment needed, conducting the assessment will highlight the best ways protect the business and the people using it.

You can either give this task to your Responsible Person or outsource to a fire safety company.

The fire risk assessment will identify hazards, highlight the people at risk, assess the risks, record the findings and review the fire safety setup.

Fire alarm testing

Whether you have had a new fire alarm installed or are using one that came with the building, getting your head around how it works is a must.

As well as getting to grips with the way it operates, it also pays to make a plan with regards to maintaining the alarm.

Weekly testing is required to validate that the system is functional and no faults have arisen. When moving into your new premises you should create a schedule/calendar for testing or inform your fire safety company that you require them to maintain the alarm.

The option you choose will be dependent on whether or not you have the time to put aside every week to conduct a full fire alarm test.

Fire extinguishers

Having the right types of fire extinguishers in the right locations is essential. And, though there may already be extinguishes at the office, they may not be a sufficient. This is because the types of extinguishers you need will be dictated by the type of work you conduct, which may well be different from the previous owner/tenant.

It is also worth noting that when you do have the right extinguishers in the right places that they are visually inspected regularly.

This involves:

checking the extinguishers are in the right place

they are clearly visible

the instructions are facing outwards

Fire safety signage

Getting the right fire safety signs on display is another priority you should not overlook. This is because signage is an inexpensive and easy way of informing staff, customers and visitors of risks, exits and so on.

Fire doors

Like anything, fire doors and fire door standards change and evolve with time. This is why when moving into a new premises it is wise to have your fire doors reviewed. Being integral in the smooth exit of a building in an emergency, you cannot afford not to.

Need help with your office’s fire safety?

If you are unsure about what your fire safety duties are, contact us today.

The post Moving Into a New Office: Your Fire Safety Checklist appeared first on Fire & Security. http://twenty-4.co.uk/

from Fire & Security https://twenty-4.co.uk/moving-into-a-new-office-your-fire-safety-checklist/

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Twenty4 Fire and Security Introduce the Smart Plan

At Twenty4 Fire and Security, our objective is to support the businesses we work with, offering an affordable, easy way to protect their premises against the risk of fire, burglary and vandalism.

However,  we have found that budget plays a huge part in the level of protection a business can invest in. With company budgets tight, seldom do businesses have the cash to cover themselves to the standard they wish. What’s more is that dealing with various suppliers and contractors can be a real headache; one many companies just do not have the time for.

Seeing a great deal of businesses insufficiently covered and not compliant, we wanted to help.

Therefore, we created the Smart Plan; a smart way for businesses to cover themselves.

What is the Smart Plan?

A Smart Plan is a short-term contract whereby businesses can manage all of their fire and security services, dealing with one supplier and more importantly; one monthly cost.

Covering a wide range of maintenance, safety and compliance services, you can create one plan with the all or some of the following included:

Professional fire risk assessments

A fire risk assessment is a legal obligation for the majority of British business premises as well as buildings the public can access. These assessments need to be carried out every year by a responsible person and again if alterations have been made.

Fire alarm maintenance

Fire alarm systems need to comply with BS5839-Part 1, meaning they need to be maintained by a professional engineer at least every 6 months.

Emergency lighting maintenance

Emergency lighting systems permit the safe escape from a building in the event of an emergency. BS5266-Part 1 requires emergency lighting systems to be tested every month. This is as well as a full discharge test to be carried out by a professional annually.

Fire extinguisher maintenance

Fire extinguishers need to serviced regularly to ensure they are always in good working order and function correctly when required. It is the responsibility of a business owner or ‘responsible person’ to ensure extinguishers are serviced in accordance to the BS 5306-3:2009.

PAT testing

Portable appliance testing needs to be carried out by a qualified inspector every year. This is to ensure appliances are safe to use for everyone.

Disable refuge maintenance

Disabled Refuge systems are a vital tool for emergency services. The system allows them to make contact with people who may have trouble exiting a building in an emergency. These systems are often left idle, but should be inspected by a professional regularly to ensure they function properly.

Disable toilet alarm maintenance

Disabled Toilet alarm systems are common in the workplace and premises open to the public. Thankfully they are rarely used, but when needed it is vital that these operate correctly. Due to the location of these systems they are often misused. Our toilet alarm maintenance plans ensure that these systems remain operational and we are able to identify system failures that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Nurse call maintenance

Twenty4 have installed and maintained Nurse call systems in a wide range of premises, including Nursing homes, Hospitals and medical centres. They are often used daily and due to heavy usage, we often find damaged, and faulty components. Our maintenance plans can ensure system failures are identified and rectified at the earliest possible date.

Fire door retainers

Fire Door retainers allow Fire doors to be propped open, for day to day use. They can be very convenient for businesses, but most importantly they operate following the activation of the Fire Alarm system, closing the Fire door during a fire to maintain that vital fire barrier.

Fire door inspection

Fire doors are vital to help reduce the spread of fire in a building. They act as a barrier during a fire and are vital to ensure a safe exit during an emergency. They are often found to be damaged due to wear and tear, which can sacrifice the integrity of the fire barrier. Fire doors are required to have annual checks by a qualified professional to identify any faults.

Staff safety training

Whether its Fire safety training, a first Aid refresher, asbestos awareness or even working at height, we have the online training solution for you.

Fire marshal training

At Twenty4 we offer fire Marshal training at a location to suit you. The Fire marshal training course covers the role of the designated fire marshal. You will learn about preventing fires and learn how to select the correct fire extinguisher and how to use it safely

Intruder alarm maintenance and monitoring

Intruder alarm systems require regular maintenance. We advise an annual maintenance visit for audible-only intruder alarm systems and 6-monthly maintenance visits for monitored intruder alarms.

CCTV maintenance

CCTV Systems require regular maintenance to ensure they perform to their optimum level. It is also Vital that the system is still compliant with the Data protection act. Under the Data Protection Act, every organisation that holds personal information has to register with the ICO.

Hearing induction loop maintenance

Hearing induction loops are essential for those with hearing difficulties., needed to be tested annually to ensure they continue to work effectively.

Access Control Maintenance

Access control maintenance is essential. The systems are Vital for controlling and managing access to a secure premise. When neglected these systems can fail. We advise Maintenance visits annually for your access control systems, to ensure ongoing reliability and control.

Electric gates/barrier maintenance

Electric Gates, roller shutters and barriers are an essential security system for some business, however it is vital that these remain safe. Maintenance is required for all automated Gates, shutters and barriers in the workplace, to ensure they meet health and safety requirements.

Automatic doors and turnstiles maintenance

Automatic Doors and turnstiles are sometimes essential for business. They can be used for both security and an Aid for the disabled. It is vital these remain safe, therefor we advise that automatic doors and turnstiles are maintained 6 monthly to ensure optimum performance and to identify any possible safety risks that may arise from every day wear and tear.

Safety sign compliance survey

Safety signage in the workplace is mandatory, but are often found to be incorrectly sited or even vandalised. Therefore, Twenty4  carry out annual site surveys to ensure your premises remains compliant.

Asset management tool

Managing your systems can be time-consuming. We have developed an asset management tool to ensure all your systems are automatically checked and serviced on time.

And, the more services you combine; the bigger the savings coming your way.

The benefits to investing in a Smart Plan are huge. From saving a considerable amount of money to enjoying faster turnaround times and generally a tighter service. Having one contact that covers everything gives businesses the peace of mind that they covered and doing all they can to protect their business, staff, customers and building.

Why choose us for your fire and security needs?

As well as boasting years of experience in the world of fire and security, we are one of the only companies of our kind striving for competitive solutions, helping businesses of all industries, sizes and sectors. From nursing homes and schools to small start-ups, our customer list is wonderfully diverse.

Start building your Smart Plan today

If you are looking to get your business up to scratch regarding fire safety and security, contact the Twenty4 Fire and Security team today.

We look forward to hearing from you!

The post Twenty4 Fire and Security Introduce the Smart Plan appeared first on Fire & Security. http://twenty-4.co.uk/

from Fire & Security https://twenty-4.co.uk/twenty4-fire-and-security-introduce-the-smart-plan/

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Why Perfecting Your Fire Safety Plan Should be Your New Year’s Resolution

Although cutting out carbs and jumping on the #Veganuary bandwagon may seem like important focuses for January, as a business owner, your New Year’s Resolution should be centred on fire safety.  

This is because over 40% of UK businesses are failing to protect their businesses, staff, customers and visitors properly, with most companies having gaps in their fire safety policies, equipment and practices.  

Where some business owners will think that a fire is highly unlikely, the risk of not investing in fire safety and a fire occurring should always override. Form putting people’s lives in danger to seeing you as a business owner received thousands of pounds in fines, taking your responsibilities serious is simply a must.  

Below, we take a look at the top benefits to investing in fire safety. 

Protect yourself financially  

The truth is fire alarms, smoke alarms, extinguishers and the likes are all items that cost money. And, with company budgets often tight, business owners may be inclined to ignore the whole subject of fire safety. However, if a fire were to occur, the cost of the damage could be crippling. From fire damage to the property and loss of equipment to the interruption to the business, considering everything, investing in fire safety is a way to protect yourself financially.  

Reduce insurance premiums  

Business insurance rates are infamously high. This is why people will be doing all they can to reduce premiums and keep cashflow as healthy as possible. But, did you know that investing in fire safety at work can actually reduce your insurance premiums substantially? Illustrating that you are a responsible business that actively reduced the risks of fire, insurers are happier to cover businesses for less if they have  alarms, extinguishers, sprinkler systems and so on.  

Swerve high fines and imprisonment  

There is nothing more regretful than receiving a fine for something silly, costing us unnecessary stress and financial worry that could have been avoided easily.  

When it comes to fire safety, there are many obligations that businesses have to adhere to. And, if they don’t, they can be issued with unlimited fines and in some cases, imprisonment. This is why ensuring you are conducting your annual fire risk assessment and maintaining alarm and sprinkler systems is so important.  

Illustrate that you are a responsible employer 

As well as looking after you and your business financially, perfecting your fire safety setup can also have a huge bearing on the type of staff your business attracts. Having fire safety signage, extinguishers and alarms on show will illustrate that you are a responsible employer that cares about the well-being of its staff. This will go a long way in making staff feel comfortable and happy at work.  

 Have peace of mind   

Being self-employed is stressful business, with bosses having a great deal of responsibilities and tasks to complete. This is why having your fire safety setup locked down is advantageous, giving bosses peace of mind that their business premises is protected and as safe as it can possibly be.  

Fire safety with Twenty4 Fire and Security  

Here at Twenty4 Fire and Security, we are helping businesses across South Wales with a range of fire safety services and solutions. These include:  

Fire alarms  

Fire alarm testing  

Smoke alarms  

Fire extinguishers  

Sprinkler systems  

Fire safety training  

Fire safety signage  

This is in addition to the security solutions we also provide:

CCTV

Intruder alarms

Automatic Barriers

Access Control

Automatic Gates

Automatic Doors

Intercom systems

The post Why Perfecting Your Fire Safety Plan Should be Your New Year’s Resolution appeared first on Fire & Security. http://twenty-4.co.uk/

from Fire & Security https://twenty-4.co.uk/why-perfecting-your-fire-safety-plan-should-be-your-new-years-resolution/

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Twenty4 Director Joins Welsh Business Leaders to Share Views on The Election

This week, our Director and Co-Founder, David Baldwin, was invited by a reputable business publication, Business News Wales, to pass comment on the General Election. As a political change that will have a huge impact on the Welsh business community, David was eager to share his thoughts on the impact of the vote.

With each of the parties boasting different priorities when it came to fire safety policies, the outcome of the vote was particularly important to the fire safety industry.

“For us, we were keen to get some clarity on Brexit and prepare for any changes to business laws and taxes we could expect. As a fire safety company, we have been understandably intrigued by Parties’ different approaches to fire safety policy, learning what their new policies would mean for the industry and the public.

Boris Johnson has now publicly committed to supporting high rise residential residents with the removal of unsafe cladding and says he will continue with the process of materials testing. It will be interesting to see how this and other fire safety-related promises pan out” David comments.

To read the full article and to learn the opinion of various other Welsh business leaders, make your way over to the Business News Wales feature now.

The post Twenty4 Director Joins Welsh Business Leaders to Share Views on The Election appeared first on Fire & Security. http://twenty-4.co.uk/

from Fire & Security https://twenty-4.co.uk/twenty4-director-joins-welsh-business-leaders-to-share-views-on-the-election/

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FREE Fire Audit Tool for Businesses Launched

Every business in Wales has to conduct an annual Fire Risk Assessment by law. However, a huge 34% of businesses fail to keep up with theirs, resulting in 28% a Welsh business owners being fined and in some cases, imprisoned.

In a mission to make becoming compliant an easier, stress-free process, Cardiff-based fire and security firm, Twenty4 Fire and Security, has launched a new tool.

The tool, developed by their in-house IT department, has taken over a year to perfect, utilising forward-thinking technology to help businesses understand their fire safety needs and gaps in their current fire safety setup.

The fire audit tool

Coming in the quiz-type format, business owners can answer questions about their premises. Questions include stating how many fire extinguishers are in certain rooms, equipment used in the building and much more. In total, there are 40 questions to answer. Once the answers have been entered, the system will generate a score, illustrating the level of risk the business faces.

David Baldwin, Director and Co-Founder of Twenty4 Fire and Security says:

“In 2016 we created a fire safety audit as a tool to help us carry out fire safety audits on business premises using our iPads. We’ve now carried out hundreds of these audits and what we have found has shocked us.

Over 80% of businesses fail in one way or another. Where some are minor issues many have no idea of what their responsibilities are, leaving them wide open to heavy fines should the fire officer call in or even worse, there is a fire.”

Making this available to businesses for free, business owners can now use the tool on Twenty-4.co.uk, gaining a clear view of their fire safety needs and obligations.

Alex Lloyd-Hughes, Co-Founder and Director of Twenty4 Fire and Security, believes this tool will go a long way in protecting businesses in South Wales and beyond.

“We’ve now decided to make our audit tool available for everyone to use for free, it’s a simple 5-minute questionnaire that anyone can carry out, whilst stopping for a coffee or sat waiting for a meeting. The results give a clear outline of where your business is lacking, allowing us to give advice on the next steps to improve. This will help save businesses hundreds of thousands of pounds in fines and go a long way in protecting businesses, staff members and customers’.

Audit your business online now

If you wish to find out if your business is safe and compliant, make your way over to Twenty4 Fire and Security’s website now – http://freefiresafetyaudit.twenty-4.co.uk/

The post FREE Fire Audit Tool for Businesses Launched appeared first on Fire & Security. http://twenty-4.co.uk/

from Fire & Security https://twenty-4.co.uk/free-fire-audit-tool-for-businesses-launched/

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How to React to a Business Burglary

Although the news is filled with stories of local businesses being broken into and stolen from, as business owners we simply never think it is going to happen to us. That’s until it does.

With 1 in 3 companies experiencing a security issue of some sort during their time in business, such statistics cannot be ignored. But, what do you do if it is too late and your business has been ransacked by burglars?

Below, we show you how to react if you turn up to work to find the worst has happened.

Leave everything as it is and call the police

The first thing to do when finding your place of work has been burgled is call the police then simply do nothing. Do not touch a thing or even begin to start clearing up. This is because the police will want to take a look at the property first, ascertaining how the burglar gained access, what damage has been caused and what items have been taken.

In many cases the police will bring a forensics team with them to take samples of the premises and see if they can find any fingerprints. This is why refraining to tamper with anything is essential.

Check your CCTV

Once the police are happy for you to gain access, they will probably ask you if the premises has CCTV. If you do, you should watch the last 24 hours of footage with them, flagging up any suspicious activities or unusual goings on.

Inform staff and relevant customers/suppliers

The last thing you want when faced with an issue like this is staff members turning up and getting distressed too. So, be sure to send an email around to all to tell them of an alternative working environment or to permit a work from home day. It’s also worth checking your diary to ensure nobody turns up for a meeting.

Insurance

If you have had equipment and/or money stolen then the earlier you inform your insurance company the better, getting a head start with putting your claim in. With claims taking months, sometimes years to settle, making headway from the offset is advised.

Revise your security setup

Now that you have experienced a burglary it is essential that you reduce the risk of a repeat performance. This is why revising your security setup immediately is so important.

If you have experienced a burglary and want to tighten up your security, we at Twenty4 would be more than happy to help, having supported businesses of all industries and sectors across the country. Specialising in CCTV, Access Control, Automatic Gates, Automatic Barriers and Intruder Alarms, we possess all the skills and knowledge to get your business as safe as secure as humanly possible.

For a free quote, contact us today. 

The post How to React to a Business Burglary appeared first on Fire & Security. http://twenty-4.co.uk/

from Fire & Security https://twenty-4.co.uk/how-to-react-to-a-business-burglary/

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Coffee Shops and CCTV; The Perfect Security Blend!

Running a coffee shop is about much more than making Instagram-worthy patterns on frothy lattes, with the UK’s coffee shop culture making a huge contribution to our hospitality economy. This is especially the case here in South Wales, with areas such a Roath, Pontcanna, Penarth and even Barry bursting with independent coffee shops. From the quirky to the quaint and vintage, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to grabbing a brew.

This is why at Twenty4 we are keen to protect such businesses, offering a variety of security products and services to keep thieves and burglars at bay.

Why coffee shops are a target

With a rise in coffee shops being opened has come a rise in burglaries on these types of business premises. This is for many reasons. From such businesses having expensive coffee-making equipment to many small businesses leaving their tills in the property overnight, for thieves; coffee shops can be goldmines. And, while the are usually dotted around high streets and in nice communities that people deem ‘safe’, burglars are willing to travel to find a business they can ‘turn over’ and grab cash/equipment from.

Why CCTV is a must for coffee shops

Warn off would-be burglars – Not only can CCTV help coffee shop owners see what is going on in and around their premises but it can also stop burglars from even considering the premises as a property worth breaking into. This is because CCTV acts as a deterrent, showing would-be burglars that you will not tolerate crime at your establishment.

Make customers and staff feel safe – simply knowing that there is a CCTV system in place can put both customers and staff at ease. And, this is particularly important if your coffee shop opens late at night, with staff feeling a lot more comfortable locking up alone knowing that there are security measures being taken to protect them and the business.

Catch criminals in the act – Offering 24/7 surveillance, CCTV systems record footage all day, every day. This means if there were a break in or an attempted break in, you would have the footage to give to the police and your insurance companies.

How Twenty4 can help

If you own a coffee shop or café in South Wales and would like to learn more about our cameras, installation process and prices, we would be than happy to help. Contact our friendly team today for a free, no-obligation quote.

The post Coffee Shops and CCTV; The Perfect Security Blend! appeared first on Fire & Security. http://twenty-4.co.uk/

from Fire & Security https://twenty-4.co.uk/coffee-shops-and-cctv-the-perfect-security-blend/

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Fire Safety Tips for Welsh Schools

Nurseries, schools, colleges and universities are places where people should feel safe, inspired and passionate about learning; environments that help craft students into the best versions of themselves they can be.

Where any fire is regretful, for schools they can have devastating effects for staff, students and parents alike. This is why ensuring such establishments are protected from the risks of fire is essential.

And, the education sector is one that is currently revising its fire safety procedures.

Just recently, Labour announced plans to bring all schools ‘up to a good standard’, making sprinkler systems mandatory. There are also talks of government paying to remove asbestos and flammable cladding from existing sites.

So, with current laws and practices in focus, now is a great time to start thinking about your school and the fire threats it faces, ascertaining whether or not your current fire safety setup is sufficient.

Hot fire risk areas

Schools are facilities built to unlock the imagination and make learning fun. And, while getting the Bunsen Burner out and playing with fire helps students understand chemistry and the likes, such learning processes can carry huge fire threats. Below we look at a few hot spot areas for fires in schools.

Science labs – packed with chemicals, gas taps and various flammable properties, science labs should be at the centre of your school’s fire safety plan. Featuring the right carbon dioxide fire extinguishers in these types of facilities can limit the risk of fires spreading tenfold, so ensure the extinguishers in your labs are sufficient.

Libraries – Although the size of school libraries are shrinking due to learning material being digitalised, the majority of schools still have physical libraries of some form. From a fire safety point of view, these are rooms filled with dry paper that can fuel fires dramatically, needing to be regularly assessed to ensure they have working water fire extinguishers installed.

Computer rooms – electric fires are the most common types of fires that break out in school environments. This is due to the sheer amount of electronic equipment modern schools now operate. Form computers and printers to digital screens and other smart learning resources, schools are now technology hubs. While great for learning, plug-in electrics come with their own set of fire risks, needing to be regularly checked and maintained to ensure they are safe to use.

Fire safety products and services for your school

When it comes to protecting schools, no fire safety service or product should be overlooked. This is because as an individual running the school you have a responsibility and moral obligation to instill safety. Below are the top fire safety products and services we are supplying to schools across the South Wales region:

Sprinkler systems

Fire doors

Fire door retainers

Fire/smoke alarms

Fire safety training for teachers

PAT testing

Fire extinguisher installation and maintenance

Fire risk assessment

Unsure what your school needs?

This is where we can help, supporting your school with the latest fire safety equipment and advice.

For more details on any of our services, contact our friendly team today.

The post Fire Safety Tips for Welsh Schools appeared first on Fire & Security. http://twenty-4.co.uk/

from Fire & Security https://twenty-4.co.uk/fire-safety-tips-for-welsh-schools/

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Business Advice: Fire Safety Tips for Winter

While a festive period full of cheer, winter is also a season that brings its own sets of fire hazards with it. This is especially the case when it comes to businesses.

Here at Twenty4, we share a few fire safety tips with you, ensuring you, your employees and your business premises is operating in a safe manner this winter.

Office heaters

A recent survey revealed that over 30% of employees have a personal electric heater that they use at work. Whether used to keep their toes toasty, office warm or add some heat into their reception area, electric heaters come out in force as the weather gets colder.

While staying warm in winter is necessary, staying safe is equally if not more important. This is why any electrical heaters in your office need to be PAT tested, ensuring they are compliant and do not run the risk of causing a fire at work.

But, it is not just faulty heaters that can start fires. Having heaters too close to furnishings can be dangerous, as well as being in close proximity to dry items like paper and packaging.

So, even if you do decide to keep a heater that is in fully working order at work, think carefully about where it is placed.

Power cuts

Bad and stormy weather is renowned for causing power cuts. Where kind of spooky yet fun at home, power cuts at work can be disastrous. From stopping employees from working to heightening the possibilities of accidents, power cuts can be detrimental for many reasons.

But, how can a power cut be a fire risk? Well, when work plunges into darkness, most will reach for candles. And, candles are a colossal fire hazard. According to the National Fire Protection Association, an estimated 18,000 fires a year are caused by candles.

This is why every business should have battery-powered torches dotted around the place, ensuring that if a power cut does happen, no naked flames are required for sight.

It is also worth investing in emergency lighting; a precaution that can rid of the need for torches and candles!

Smoking areas

During the winter, employees take cigarette breaks closer to buildings in a desperate plea to stay sheltered and warm.

This is why many businesses decide to invest in smoking shelters, ensuring their staff are sticking to the rules but still content and comfortable when smoking at work.

Even though such structures are created purely for smoking, many boast various fire hazards. So, if you do decide to create a smoking area, take the following on board:

Ensure the shelter is created from non-combustible materials

Carry out regular fire risk assessments on the area

Provide metal ashtrays

Ensure nobody is using the ashtrays to put litter in.

Have the smoking area away from fire exits

If you have a patio heater in your smoking area, ensure it is PAT tested, placed away from dry waste and is not moved when on.

Evacuation procedure

Ensuring your fire evacuation procedure is winter-proof should be a priority for all businesses.

From gritty exits routes during icy weather to ensuring fire doors are maintained and in full working order; re-visiting your evacuation procedure before winter won’t go a miss!

We find that offices hold on to bin bags a lot longer in the winter too, with black bags and recycling bags often blocking walkways with flammable, dry materials. In the event of a fire, this could enhance the blaze while blocking off exit routes.

Office fire prevention with Twenty4

If you are looking for ways to protect your office and your business, we can help. Below are the services we are supporting the business of South Wales with:

Fire Risk Assessments

Fire Extinguishers

PAT Testing

Fire Alarms

Fire Doors

Fire Door Retainers

Contact us today for advice on protecting your business against fire.

The post Business Advice: Fire Safety Tips for Winter appeared first on Fire & Security. http://twenty-4.co.uk/

from Fire & Security https://twenty-4.co.uk/business-advice-fire-safety-tips-for-winter/

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Student B2L: Why It Pays to Invest in Fire Safety

Investing in a Buy 2 Let student property is an avenue many Landlords go down, with apartments, flats and HMOs generating great sums in rental income. However, with great reward comes great risk. This is why as a Landlord, you need to do everything you can to limit the risk of fire in your rental property, protecting your tenant, your property and your investment.

Below, we share some interesting stats, tips and information of ways you can make your student rental property as ‘fire safe’ as possible.

The stats

Where you may think about fire safety as a bit of a box-ticking exercise, it is essential that as the Landlord of student accommodation, you know the facts. Below are a few facts that illustrate just how important investing in fire safety is:

Those living in rented accommodation or an HMO are 7 times more likely to experience a fire than homeowners.

The majority of fire-related deaths in young people are caused by faulty or misused electrical equipment at rental properties.

Cigarettes, smoking materials and candles have been the source of 1500 fire-related injured over the last 5 years.

The average house fire costs the owner £45,000 in repair fees.

Furnished student accommodation and fire safety

With South Wales boasting two University Cites, Cardiff and Swansea, many students travel far and wide to study here. And, according to a recent survey, over 77% of students find furnished properties more desirable than ones that are not. But, having soft furnishings in your property means more fire risks for you and your tenants. This is why ALL upholstered furniture needs to be ‘Fire Resistant’.

You can check if your items are fire resistant by looking for their label which should have a symbol of a cigarette with the word ‘RESITANT’ in capital letters written underneath.

Furnishings you will need to check include:

Loose covers for furniture

cushions and seat pads

sofas and chairs

beds, headboards and mattresses

sofa beds and futons

Fire Extinguishers

Not sure whether you need fire extinguishers in your student property? Well, if it is an HMO or a block of flats you own, you certainly will. All buildings with commercial areas require fire extinguishers. Fire Extinguishers will be required for each storey on the building also.

To learn which fire extinguishers need to go where, read our fire extinguisher guide.

Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are a legal obligation for all Landlords, no matter whether they are letting to students or any other type of tenant. This is a law that was introduced on 1 October 2015. The law stipulates that Landlords must fit alarms on each floor of the property and a carbon monoxide alarm in rooms containing a solid fuel burning appliance.

These alarms need to be tested on the day your tenant moves in. Then, the tenants should take over the responsibility of testing the alarms monthly.

PAT Testing

As it stands, there is no legal obligation for private landlords to carry out PAT testing on electrical appliances in their properties. However, many Landlords are deciding to carry our comprehensive tests anyway, further protecting their properties from the risk of electrical fire.

Confused about your fire safety responsibilities and requirements?

If so, we at Twenty-4 can help, supporting all sorts of Landlords across the South Wales region.

Our first step will be conducting a fire risk assessment on your rental property; something every Landlords need to have done annually. Then, we can advise on ways in which you can rent out your student property in a safe and compliant manner.

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How to Prevent Fire Damage in the Workplace

Your place of work needs to be a productive, safe environment in which staff members feel comfortable. This is why ensuring business properties are ‘fire safe’ is essential.

Below, we look at ways you can prevent fires at work.

Conduct your annual fire risk assessments

While there are hundreds of ways you reduce the risk of a fire breaking out at your office, identifying the risks should be the first effort made by you as a business.

This can be achieved by carrying out a fire risk assessment; something most businesses have to do annually by law.

Through the assessment, the assessor should define the fire risk hotspots, what hazards can be limited and which people are most of risk in the event of a fire. Following this, measures should be put in place to limit the risks.

Ensure you have the right fire extinguishers

Every property used for commercial purposes will require fire extinguishers of some sort. However, the type of extinguisher required will be decided by the type of work conducted at the property. For instance, if you work with a lot of chemicals, paper or even electrical equipment, there will be certain extinguishers required to tackle fires caused by those materials.

The exact extinguishers you will need will become apparent after conducting your fire risk assessment.

Install effective smoke alarms

Installing smoke alarms are a tried and tested way to alert people that a fire has broken out. However, the humble white box that you could turn off with the waft of a tea towel has matured. Now, modern smoke alarm can automatically call the emergency services when they detect a rise in temperature.

Install fire doors and fire door retainers

Installing fire doors and fire door retainers are a measure that many businesses are now taking. This is because fire doors have a 90% chance of stopping a fire in its tracks, containing a blaze and limiting the impact fire has on a property.

As well as reducing the damage caused by fire, fire doors can also permit people inside buildings to exit a burning building safety.

Not only will this give staff members peace of mind but it will also reduce the rates you are quoted for various business insurance policies.

Conduct regular fire drills

Having a fire exit plan for your business is a must. Conducting regular fire drills is an effective way to ensure everyone knows what to do and where to go in the event of a fire.

How Twenty4 can help

If you are looking for ways to ensure your place of work is fire safe, allow the Twenty4 team to assist.

Contact us today to book your fire risk assessment and to enquire about our various products and services.

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Hot Weather = Increased Fire Risks for Your Business

Summer 2019 is proving to be a real scorcher, with last Tuesday reaching temperatures of 27 degrees in Wales. While great for accentuating those tan lines and our Vitamin C intake, the blistering heat does have its cons; one being an increase in fire risks for businesses.

This is applicable to all types of businesses, so if you are your company’s ‘Responsible Person’, it is important that you know and understand the impact heatwaves can have.

Below, we look at what risks a hot summer can bring as well as ways to limit them.

Keep fire extinguishers in a cool, dry place

Fire extinguishers are required by law in most commercial businesses, used to combat fire and provide peace of mind amongst staff members and visitors. However, it is essential that fire extinguishers are maintained and always in working order; something direct heat and sunlight can prohibit.

If you have fire extinguishers kept outdoors or by a window where the sun can get to them, be sure to move them into a cool, dry place. This is because focused heat can cause them to lose pressure and in some cases, explode.

That said, most modern extinguishers come with UV protection casing, so make sure you review your extinguishers as the hot weather creeps in.

Get unplugging

Hot weather and electricity can be a dangerous combination. This is why as the temperature increases, it is worth unplugging devices that are not in use. Taking some pressure off our your electrical setup and saving you money on energy, this is certainly worth doing.

We advise this as you will limit the heat generated from your electrics. Then, if fire does breakout, you will not be fuelling it with additional heat from your electrical items.

Keep fire doors closed

While the heat in the office can feel almost unbearable, you should always avoid the temptation of propping open fire doors, unless that are fitted with fire door retainers that is.

This is because keeping fire doors open when they are not supposed to be will increase the risk of a fire spreading; something all business owners want to avoid.

Regularly check your smoking area

Since the smoking ban was introduced back in 2007, most businesses have built dedicated smoking areas for their workers to have their cigarette breaks in. But, as the weather heats up, these areas become huge fire risks.

Fr this reason, smokers and business owners need to ensure all cigarettes area put out completely. This is especially the case if you have a bin for buts. With bin contents getting hot and dry in the heat, one lit cigarette could cause a real blaze.

Need help protecting your business against fire risks?

If you are worried that your business premises is not compliant when it comes to the fire safety laws set out by UK Government, we at Twenty4 can help. Offering a variety of services, we would be more than happy to discuss them with you.

For more details and a free quote, contact us today.

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Access Control Systems: What Are The Benefits For My Business?

Maintaining control of your business is essential. This is certainly the case when it comes to providing physical access to your workplace, needing to know that parts of your office/site are both accessible and restricted to certain individuals.  

For this reason, many businesses invest in Access Control Systems. These are security systems that play a key role in safeguarding business properties as well as staff members, managing and controlling who has access to where.  

Below, we explore the many benefits to having an Access Control System at your business, allowing you to decide whether or not this is something you wish to introduce.  

Protect valuable items 

Whether you run a small accountancy firm or a large factory full to the brim with stock, your place of work will be full of valuable items that you wish to protect.  

Not wanting any old Tom, Dick or Harry to stroll freely about your items, installing an Access Control System is advised. This is because they can restrict access to certain people, giving the people you want to access specific rooms a card/fob to do so. 

Access Control Systems can also keep confidential information confidential. For instance, any HR department will have documents and information about employees stored on its computers and in its filing cabinets. Ensuring only HR team members and Board Members can access that room is therefore a must! This is something an Access Control System can achieve with ease.  

Have a record of entry  

Access Control Systems are intelligent little devices, able to keep a digital record of who has and has not been in certain areas of the facility. This can prove beneficial for many reasons, one being allowing bosses to ensure staff members are arriving and leaving on time.  

Such records can also prove useful in times of emergency; a fire for instance. And, if you experience an unfortunate event such as a theft or vandalism, finding out who had access to the area at the time will be your first priority.  

No keys!  

From the garage key and car key to the key for the lawnmower, as adults, our bunch seems to get bigger and bigger. This is why ridding of keys with a digital Access Control System is an attractive prospect for many, implementing an easy-to-manage system that requires no key-cutting or replacing.  

Reduce your insurance premiums    

Unpicking a lock or duplicating a key is pretty easy nowadays, with a door lock not offering as much protection to a room or space as you may think. This is another reason an Access Control System can benefit a business, with cards, fobs and fingerprints a lot harder to duplicate by a fraudster.  

Offering a heightened level of security, Access Control Systems can therefore reduce insurance premiums, being a great way for businesses to save money whilst protecting themselves. 

Request a free quote for an access control system 

If you are considering having an Access Control System installed at your business premises, the Twenty4 team would be more than happy to talk you through your options. From answering any questions you may have to providing a free, no-obligation quote, our sales advisers are ready and waiting to assist.  

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5 Ways to Protect Your Home Against Burglars

Burglary impacts 175,000 people each and every year in Britain, with the risk of an unwanted intruder entering your property being something all of us want to reduce.

This is why as a nation, we are becoming more aware of products, services and tactics that can safeguard our properties, the people in them and the contents of our homes. Today, we at Twenty4 take a look at the top ways the homeowners of Wales can protect their homes against burglary, as well as advise on some security products of ours that can help keep you safe at home.

Be careful about who you let in

In 19% of burglaries where someone is convicted, the criminal is known is some way to the victim.

For this reason, it is incredibly important that you are careful about who you let in your home. Be especially dubious if you do not know the individual ringing the doorbell, keeping people like salesmen and women, religious preachers and charity workers on the doorstep.

It is also worth taking a moment to think about who may have a key to a door or window. From dog walkers and ex partners to handymen, babysitters and cleaners, the list could be a lot longer than you think. And, remember, cutting a key takes just a few minutes, so it may be worth having your locks changed if you’ve lost track of who does and doesn’t have access to your home.

Do NOT hide a key

While popping a key under the plant pot for a neighbour, friend or family member to use may feel like a good idea, you never know who is watching your property and knows that you have left that key in your ‘safe’ place.

Most burglars will watch properties for days, even weeks before carrying out a burglary, making your safe place not so safe at all.

Lock all windows and doors

Although you may live in a decent neighbourhood with an impeccably low crime rate, the threat of burglary still exists. So, taking a few precautionary measures such as locking doors and windows is highly advised. This should include garage doors, sheds, porches; the lot!

Think that small windows don’t matter? Think again! Burglars are renowned for either getting through incredibly small spaces or having the right devices to turn small openings into large ones. So, when locking up before bed, ensure ALL areas are secure.

CCTV

Nothing scares burglars off more than seeing a big CCTV device on the front of a property, communicating a message to them that the homeowners will not tolerate being robbed of their goods.

Back last year, a group of criminals engaged in a survey with popular insurance group, Co-Op, with the panel sharing their attitudes towards all sorts of deterrents. As well as barking dogs, these professional burglars said the most effective deterrents for home burglaries and car theft were CCTV cameras.

So, there you have it; straight from the horses mouth!

Intruder Alarms

Intruder alarms can reduce your risk of burglary by a huge 70%. But, with only 32% of UK homes having sufficient alarms installed, there is a great number of homes going unprotected.

Detecting movement or the opening of a door/window, burglar alarms are fast-reacting, stopping intruders in their tracks before they have the chance to take/break anything.

How Twenty4 can help protect your home

If you are serious about protecting your home against the risk of burglary, then we at Twenty4 would be more than happy to help. Offering a long list of burglary prevention products and services, we build bespoke packages to suit the individual needs of our customers.

So, whether you are looking for HD CCTV, 4K CCTV, an Intruder Alarm or any other security devices, contact us today for a free, no obligation quote.

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Fire Safety Facts Welsh Employers Can’t Ignore

Fire safety is a subject that many business owners either ignore or approach as a box-ticking exercise. This is why here at Twenty4, we are doing all we can to educate the businesses of South Wales, ensuring they are aware of the risks they face as well as the services and products out there for them to utilise.

For this reason, we share a few fire safety facts with our blog readers; many of which business owners in particular won’t be able to forget.

There are over 100,000 fires in buildings every year in the UK

Although installing fire extinguishers and fire alarms may feel like an expense you just don’t need as a business, office fires are actually a lot more common than you may think. According to the Office of National Statistics, over 100,000 fires are reported in the UK every single year. This is why the strict set of regulations set out by UK Government exist!

Fires cause an average of 500 fatalities annually

Whether operating a dangerous construction site with lots of machinery or a tech-based start-up in a snug little office, as an employer, it is your responsibility to keep your staff members safe when at work. And, when learning that fires take an average of 500 lives annually in the UK, you will no doubt want to make your place of work as ‘fire safe’ as possible.

Annual Fire Risk Assessments are a legal obligation

Think that Fire Risk Assessments are discretionary? Think again! Conducting annual Fire Risk Assessments on your business premises is actually a legal obligation, with your company’s ‘Responsible Person’ needing to record their findings as proof the assessment has been conducted. An emergency plan will need to be made off of the back of this.

According to UK Government, the intention for the assessment is to gain clarity on the following:

emergency routes and exits

fire detection and warning systems

fire fighting equipment

the removal or safe storage of dangerous substances

an emergency fire evacuation plan

the needs of vulnerable people, for example the elderly, young children or those with disabilities

providing information to employees and other people on the premises

staff fire safety training

What’s more is that if large-scale changes have been made to the building, a new Fire Risk Assessment will need to be conducted right away.

At 19% of fires, a fire alarm is present but not operational

Most businesspeople rely on their fire alarm to inform them of an outbreak. However, a fire alarm system is only reliable if it is maintained and regularly serviced. This is why at 19% of fires where fire alarms are present, there are faulty and non-operational devices. As a result, it is vital that businesses have their alarm systems checked regularly, ensuring they are maintained to the highest of standards.

93% of business fire doors are being propped open illegally

Fire doors have a clear purpose, to limit the spread of fire and smoke between separate compartments of a building. Intended to creative a passive fire safety system, fire doors also permit people to exit burning buildings efficiently and safely. This is why it comes as a huge surprise that over 90% of tradesmen have spotted such doors being propped open. Not only is this detrimental to the safety of the people inside the building but it is actually illegal.

Fire safety services

At Twenty4, we are South Wales’ leading fire safety brand, offering a vast selection of services to our much-valued customers. This includes the businesses of the region, supporting companies from various sectors and industries to limit their fire risks.

Below are just a few of the fire safety services we have become known for:

Fire alarms

Fire extinguisher hire

Fire doors

Fire door retainers

PAT Testing

Fire Risk Assessments

Book your free fire safety audit

Unsure of what your business needs in the way fire safety equipment? If so, allow the Twenty4 team to conduct a fire safety audit completely free of charge. Then, we can offer our advice on your needs, arriving at suitable solutions that are competitively-priced.

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Intruder Alarms Vs CCTV: Which Can Best Protect My Home?

The home sits at the centre of family life, being the place where you and your loved ones should be able to relax and feel safe after a long day at work or school.

This is why as a homeowner you will inevitably want to protect your humble abode in any way that you can, ensuring your home remains a safe and happy environment. One way to do this is through the installation of security systems. But, with so many different products out there claiming to be the best, it can be hard to ascertain which is right for you. Today, we take a look at two of the most popular security measures homeowners take; Intruder Alarms and CCTV.

Profiling both, we give a full breakdown of what each system can achieve, helping you decide which will help limit the risks you and your family face.

Intruder Alarms

The Guardian recently revealed that there has been a 32% rise in domestic burglaries in Britain.

In its report on UK crime stats, the newspaper said:

“Police chiefs said the increases – including a 32% rise in domestic burglary to 261,965 offences and an 18% rise in vehicle-related crimes (443,577 offences) alongside the sharp rises in violent crime – marked a turning point after more than 20 years of sustained falls in these categories.”

And, with domestic burglary on the rise in the UK, the demand for Intruder Alarms is understandably on the up.

Installing an Intruder Alarm at home is a preventative measure, with a burglar 70% more likely to avoid breaking into a property that has a visible alarm fitted on the exterior.

As well as being a deterrent, installing an alarm boasts a variety of other benefits. From decreasing your home insurance premiums and adding value to your property to providing you and your family members with a sense of comfort when in or out of the home, having an Intruder Alarm installed simply makes sense.

Intruder Alarms with Twenty4

Here at Twenty4, we are renowned for our smart Intruder Alarm products, installing top-quality systems at homes all over South Wales. Being wireless and able to be linked up to your smartphone, our systems are suited to homeowners that require a no-fuss approach to home security. What’s more is that we offer a maintenance service, ensuring the alarms we fit are updated and in full working order, always.

CCTV

Did you know, the average person is caught on CCTV over 300 times a day? This is because CCTV cameras are a popular security device that both businesses and homeowners are making use of. According to a recent survey, there are over 4 million CCTV cameras in operation in the UK right now, with Britain having more CCTV cameras per head than any other European country.

Like Intruder Alarms, visible CCTV can avert burglars and vandals, not wanting to be caught on camera carrying out illegal activities. In addition to preventing security breaches, CCTV gives homeowners the chance to keep an eye on their property, the surrounding areas as well as vehicles and visitors.

CCTV footage can also prove beneficial in the event of an unwanted issue at your home, offering evidence that can clear up disputes.

CCTV cameras from Twenty4

Installing CCTV cameras is a daily occurrence for us at Twenty4, having supplied all sorts of properties with 4K and HD devices. While working with a number of suppliers, we generally use Hikvision cameras. These are incredibly user-friendly, come with a year’s warranty and all images can be accessed on your smartphone/tablet.

Financing your security equipment

Worried about the huge outlays that come with protecting your home? Well, you no longer have to! This is because we offer a variety of finance options, allowing you to pay small, monthly amounts for Intruder Alarms, CCTV and other security services.

For more details and a free, no obligation quote, contact the Twenty4 team today.

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