Fire Safety Matters Podcast

Episode 43 of the Fire Safety Matters Podcast sees Mark Sennett chatting with Warren Spencer about appealing Enforcement and Prohibition Notices. Mark also sits down with Hochiki Europe's Martin Green and EA-RS Fire Enginering's Kevin Pullen to discuss key regulatory changes impacting fire safety system installations, the benefits of manufacturer-led training programs and much more. In the news on this episode, Mark shares views put forwards by Industry bodies on the Government’s post-Grenfell plans, reaction to the news that Grenfell Tower is set to be demolished, FIRAS taking the decision to withdraw specific FIRAS active certification schemes, and more. If you want to sign up to attend Warren Spencer's webinar on Enforcement and Prohibition Notices, visit https://wbm.streamgo.live/enforcement-notice-and-prohibition-notices [https://wbm.streamgo.live/enforcement-notice-and-prohibition-notices]

Episode 42 of the Fire Safety Matters Podcast features Mark chatting with our regular guest Warren Spencer (managing director of Blackhurst Budd Solicitors) about a specific Case Study in the healthcare sector and also why fines apportioned in the fire sector tend to be lower than for prosecutions in the Health and Safety domain. Brian interviews Lee Nichols (technical director at Siderise). Lee concentrates on several core areas, among them current market challenges, the attainment of competence and how system manufacturers can actively support collaboration between design teams and contractors on-site. In addition, Brian and Mark review the latest industry news. Topics covered include the Government establishing a dedicated building Remediation Enforcement Unit within the Building Safety Regulator at the Health and Safety Executive and the responsibility for fire transferring from the Home Office to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government from 1 April.

Episode 41 of the Fire Safety Matters Podcast includes interviews with Mark Whiteley (sales director for the UK and Ireland at asecos), Tony Smith (managing director of Vox Ignis) and Mandy Bowden (fire systems manager for Comelit-PAC). Mark Whiteley discusses the dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries, while Tony Smith concentrates on standards development and the future roadmap for the voice alarms market. Mandy Bowden looks at wireless fire safety systems, the necessity for staff training and also the influence of new Government legislation on the sector. As always, Brian and Mark review the latest industry news. Topics covered include the safety risks continuing to impact tall buildings in London and the Institution of Fire Engineers’ new strategy document entitled ‘Leading Fire Safety’.

Episode 40 of the Fire Safety Matters Podcast features a trio of exclusive interviews with our guests Warren Spencer (managing director of Blackhurst Budd Solicitors), Craig Wells (sales director at Quelfire) and Phil Kirkham (engineering manager for applied technology at Elta Fans). Warren Spencer chats with Mark about the Mock Trial held at Fire Safety Matters Live Manchester in early October. Returning guest Craig Wells focuses on the new Quelfire campaign ‘Because It’s Your Job To Know’ and Phil Kirkham discusses the importance of smoke ventilation fans. Brian and Mark also analyse the latest industry news. Topics covered include the Government’s cladding remediation programme and Mitie Group plc’s recent acquisition of Argus Fire.

Episode 39 of the Fire Safety Matters Podcast focuses on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 final report. Mark and Brian take an in-depth look at the report and share comments from key stakeholders from across the UK fire sector. This episode also contains two exclusive interviews featuring the opinions of Tom Brookes (managing director of Zzeus Training and chair of the Fire and Security Association) and Derrick Hall (sales and marketing director at Kentec Electronics). In conversation with Brian, Tom touches on the qualifications landscape and also offers his thoughts on the Phase 2 final report from the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry chaired by Sir Martin Moore-Bick. Derrick Hall chats to Brian about fire alarm control panel redundancy, the current standards landscape and also the ongoing issue of false fire alarms.