Member Article

Sheltered schemes in safe hands

Capita, one of the UK’s leading multidisciplinary consultancies, is helping ensure the continued safety of residents in North Tyneside Council sheltered accommodation.

That’s because its building control team has completed the fire risk assessments for its 26 North Tyneside Living (Sheltered) schemes.

The building control service, delivered on the council’s behalf by Capita, is responsible for ensuring building work complies with the statutory building regulations legislation.

Last year two members of the team, Craig Gill and Ian Forsyth, passed their Fire Risk Assessors Certification Scheme (FRACS) examination. This has enabled them to carry out fire risk assessments in addition to their existing building control duties.

Building control manager Mick Clarkson said: “We’re delighted to have carried out this important work on behalf of North Tyneside Council.

“Our team recently broadened its expertise to be able to carry out fire risk assessments and this is a direct result of that.”

A fire risk assessment is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005. An assessment seeks to ensure the occupants of a building and those near it are safe from the risk of fire and its effects.

Craig and Ian’s qualification is the Managing Fire Safety Level 3 (NEBOSH Fire Safety Certificate), certified by the Institute of Fire Safety Managers. Their training programme and examination was run by LABC Consult and Warrington Fire Research Station.

To contact the building control team, Tel: (0191) 643 2200.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Christine Brennan .