Newsletter Edition 2: November 2011
Edition 2: November 2011
Welcome to Oakpark Alarms News. This edition brings you up to date with our BAFE registration, demonstrating that the company meets all the appropriate standards of quality, reliability and safety. We look at how Closed Circuit TV is helping reduce accidents at work, and spotlight one of our office team as the face of Oakpark Alarms. And read carefully, there’s a competition you can enter to win a fabulous Red Letter Day- choose from more than 400 experiences and fun days out. http://www.oakpark.co.uk/
BAFE Recognition
Oakpark has now achieved BAFE [British Approvals for Fire Equipment] registration. The rigorous process took six months, during which all the engineers completed the required modules, from system design to commissioning and maintenance, followed by examinations.
Managing Director, Jeff Pearce explained, “BAFE certification shows that we are responsible professionals and have invested in the training to ensure we are at the top of our game. As responsible members of the FIA, [Fire Industry Association] and now BAFE certified, we are qualified to independent industry standards. Our clients save money through lower insurance premiums, and having the job done right first time.”
Case study
Oakpark was asked to certify a fire alarm system installed by an electrician at a small hotel. However, the non-compliances were so numerous and significant, the company had to decline. Any savings made by the hotel at the outset were quickly lost, and the work could not be rectified without rewiring the whole job.
Many fire authorities are now considering BAFE certification as a prerequisite for Brigade response. Clients are often unsure about the rules regarding effective fire prevention, but if there is a fire, and the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) become involved, they could find themselves criminally liable. If the work that has been undertaken does not meet the requirements laid down under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, both the client and the installer could be liable, with heavy fines, and in severe cases, imprisonment.
CCTV- improving health & safety
Although the primary use of CCTV continues to be for established security applications, increasingly employers are realising that it can also be very effective in ensuring compliance on Occupational Health & Safety (OHAS) issues.
Research has shown that up to a third of major workplace injuries are caused by slips, trips & falls. In the UK, the latest statistics from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) show that in a year, 5.1 million work days were lost through accidents- that’s 1.2 days per worker. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (and amendments) places responsibility on employers to identify hazards, evaluate the risk and take steps to prevent employees’ exposure to that risk and, if not practicable, to at least minimise the exposure.
Even when an employer has done this, there is still the problem of ensuring employees comply with the safety steps put in place. Sadly some employees will try to ignore these procedures, for example because their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is uncomfortable to wear, or because it is less hassle to take shortcuts.
The installation of a CCTV system means that employers can monitor the workplace to ensure compliance with laid down safety procedures, and take steps to discipline any employees ‘doing their own thing’. In the event of an injury, the CCTV evidence will also assist in investigations. If employee non-compliance with safety procedures is proved, such evidence may prevent a compensation claim being brought forward in the first place.
CCTV can also be used to good effect in general public access areas. Monitoring of escalators in shopping centres has been used to prevent or reduce accident claims from the public.
For advice on how CCTV might be used reduce your OHAS and other safety responsibilities call Oakpark now on 01202 827776.
Follow us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/oakpark.co.uk
Our new Facebook page is attracting a lot of attention. Satisfied customers have been saying how well they like our services, people are getting in touch to sign up to this newsletter, and it’s a place where we can show how proud we are of our new vans and latest contracts. It’s very pleasing to see how many “like” us already, and are connecting with us to be first to receive all our news. Come and join us!
About Oakpark Alarms
This family run business provides a 24/7 backup service, and has installed and maintained more than 8000 systems. Did you know Oakpark installs and maintains all of these, for both Domestic and Commercial customers?
- Burglar alarms
- CCTV
- Fire alarms
- Access control systems
Phone 01202 827776 for more information
Face of Oakpark Alarms- Yvonne Evans
When you phone Oakpark Alarms, there’s a good chance that the first person you speak to will be Yvonne Evans, Service Coordinator. Her job involves answering the phones, managing diaries, helping customers to resolve problems, and correlating the work of the engineers.
“Every day is different – there’s always something going on. I talk to the engineers, getting updates from them and allocating the next jobs. I enjoy getting to know the clients, who all have different requirements. We book work in, but sometimes a builder will need an installation date changed, or an engineer discovers additional preparation is required.”
Having worked for Oakpark over the past nine years, Yvonne is used to thinking on her feet, juggling her responsibilities and making sure the clients are satisfied. She uses her experience to move urgent jobs around, keep the engineers happy, and prepares invoices at the relevant time.
However frustrated Yvonne gets, she can’t stamp her foot! A slip on the ice outside her home in 2009 caused her to break her leg in five places. She was away from work for many months. “I was determined to walk again, get back to normality and return to work at Oakpark. I’m very grateful that I still have my leg, as it was touch and go initially. Everybody in the office has been really helpful, and I’m glad to be back again as part of the team.”
Competition
To win a fabulous Red Letter Day out, simply email your answers to the following questions, by Wednesday 30 November 2011, to enquiries@oakpark.co.uk. The first correct answer drawn out of the fire bucket will be contacted to receive the Red Letter Day prize.
- What do the letters BAFE stand for?
- CCTV is useful for monitoring __________ in shopping centres
- Oakpark ‘s new Facebook page is www.facebook.com/____________
Conditions: The judge’s decision is final. Staff will not be allowed to enter. Entrants must be 18 or over. Winners will be notified within 7 days of the end of the competition. No cash alternative.
Memberships and Certifications
- BAFE registered SP203 scheme -the independent third party registration body for the fire protection industry. http://www.bafe.org.uk/
- Certified by Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) http://www.ssaib.co.uk/ , accredited to UKAS 0131
- Fire Industry Association http://www.fia.uk.com/
Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oakpark.co.uk
Contact us: If you have any questions about this newsletter, or want further information about any of the articles, please contact us:
Oakpark (Dorset) Ltd.
Wimborne
Dorset
BH21 6RJ
Tel: 01202 827776
enquiries@oakpark.co.uk
01202 827776