How PTSG delivers in all areas of fire safety
PTSG’s rigorous and uncompromising approach to safety in all areas of business has led to eight RoSPA Gold Medals and a British Council Safety Award with Distinction. Fire safety is something that must never be compromised and we take a proactive approach to ensure we lead by example, rather than react to industry and government dictates.
This month, PTSG Group Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Advisor, Mark Brackenbury, completed fire marshal training for a number of PTSG staff at the Group’s office on Stoke-on-Trent.
The training provided delegates with the knowledge to identify fire hazards – heat, ignition, oxygen and fuel. The key objectives of the training were to:
- Explain the nature of fire
- Demonstrate how fire can spread
- Identify who is at risk
- Identify the key role of a fire warden
- Select the appropriate fire-fighting equipment
Scenarios such as the explosion at Buncefield and The Bradford Football Stadium were used to give a clearer understanding of the stages of fire and how fire can spread.
The delegates learned how to raise the alarm, sweep their designated areas in the event of a fire and how to consider those who are less able than others. They were also shown how to carry out checks of the fire equipment – fire alarm tests, emergency lighting tests, fire extinguisher visual inspections and walking the escape routes to ensure they are clear and being maintained. They learned how to carry out fire evacuation drills to ensure everyone knows the evacuation procedure.
Fire marshals play a crucial role in the event of a fire; they are trained to remain calm, raise the alarm and systematically sweep the area / their area ensuring all staff are accounted for and direct them to the designated muster point via the shortest path. They may also need to co-operate and co-ordinate with the Fire Rescue Service upon arrival.
Mark Brackenbury has also completed harness (inspection and safe use) training for one of PTSG’s sub-contractors to enable them to safely carry out the installation of a sprinkler system within a riser shaft.
PTSG reorganised its business in 2017, following the Grenfell fire and the subsequent call for a more rigorous approach to compliance and UK safety regulations. The result was the formation of PTSG Fire Solutions Ltd, one of the Group’s four divisions which has experienced continuous growth and increasing demand for its services.
The acquisitions of UK Dry Risers, UK Dry Risers Maintenance, UK Sprinklers and M&P Fire Protection gave the Group a comprehensive offering of fire protection and suppression equipment, with the capacity to design, install, test and maintain systems for clients throughout the UK. When Trinity Fire and Security Systems joined the Group in January 2019, a full complement of security systems as well as service support and maintenance and compliance and asset management was added.