In the event of an emergency, emergency lighting is the first line of escape. This is part of an active fire prevention system and is installed throughout all building types as part of the safety provisions of a building. The emergency lighting system is an integral part of the overall design of a building to
What is BCMS? BCMS (Building Control Management System) BCMS is an online platform where documents can be submitted to local authority as recommended by the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations SI 9 of 2014. With more and more local authorities now only accepting applications through the BCMS system, it is important for all parties involved in
What is a Fire Door? A fire-resisting door is often referred to as a fire door which, together with its frame and hardware, allows for the movement of people and goods within a fire compartment wall. A closed fire door restricts fire and the passage of smoke to a predictable level of performance. A complete
In July 2020 a new revision to Technical Guidance Document B (TGD-B) came into force, the first significant amendment to the code since 2006 (except for the publication of the separate volume 2 for ‘Dwelling Houses’ in 2017). The amendment is titled ‘Reprinted Editions 2020 Amendments & Corrections Incorporated’, and the edits relate primarily to
ORS is currently working with Meath County Council to inspect 1,200 rented properties. The properties are being inspected to ensure compliance with The Minimum Standards in Rented Accommodation 2017 guidelines (S.I 17/2017). The key inspection areas include: Structural condition Fire safety Ventilation Gas, oil and electrical installations Heating facilities In relation to rental accommodation, typical inspections on behalf of County Councils and private landlords include conditions surveys in three specific areas: Window restrictors: Where a window
As the easing of Covid-19 restrictions continues, businesses across the country begin the process of reopening. In the best interests of staff and customers, they will be reviewing their premises and business practices to incorporate the “social distance” guidelines. In the rush to comply with these guidelines, we must not overlook that any change to
The importance of evacuation maps Much like how passengers often fail to pay proper attention during the air steward’s safety demonstration before a flight, evacuation maps have become so ubiquitous and so ingrained into modern life that building occupants may often ignore them. And just like the air steward’s pre-flight demonstration, evacuation maps can save
Fire Risk Assessments – what’s involved? A major part of our work in the fire safety engineering sector is the high-level fire risk assessments which we carry out on several different existing buildings types. They range from hospitals, warehouses, apartment blocks and dwelling houses. A detailed on-site inspection is carried out to identify sub-standard fire
What is a Fire Safety Certificate? A Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) shows that adequate escape facilities are present in a building. It indicates that the building is designed in a way that prevents and limits the spread of a fire. All buildings must comply with Part B (Fire) of the Building Regulations 1997 – 2010, however