Iain Bowker’s Post

https://lnkd.in/ehKq2zfs

One of the key tenets in improved building safety is demonstrable competency. Much work has been done in this area, initially through the Competency Steering Group and the associated Working Groups, of which I represented the Fire Industry Association on WG4. This work is developing further with the Home Office delivery implementation group and the Experienced Worker task group led by the Fire Sector Federation. In practising what we preach, Ensure Safety & Compliance underwent our annual 3 day BAFE SP205 certification audit this week. BAFE Certification underpins the business with regard to demonstrable UKAS accredited third party certification. It is a credit to all of our team that we have been successful at this audit. The feedback is excellent both across the Business systems that we have in place and the conduct of the onsite assessments that were completed. I would particularly like to thank Barry Tarr and Tim Porter, for all the hard work in the preparation for the audit and Andrew Dynes MC, mark Whiffing and Joe Jones CertIOSH, AIFSM, DipNEBOSH for their professionalism and conduct during this years site visits, where the feedback has been excellent. Although, like all such audits, the person visiting can only realistically see a snapshot of what we do, the real value is in the way that we conduct ourselves as a business over the whole year and I am very proud of the way that all of our employees represent the business. Many thanks for all that you do and for the way that you have championed the underpinning culture that we continuously strive for in moving the business forward, it is much appreciated. #competency #raisethebar For all fire risk assessors out there, please contact me directly if you would like to discuss Fire Risk Assessor competency and the way ahead.

Warning - the photos are a bit grim! I have been involved in risk management most of my professional life. As the weather has got better over the last few weeks, I have reflected on one key area where I have failed miserably over those many years to prevent a hazard realising into life safety risk. My swiss cheese failed! Primarily for the following reasons: Prevention: failure to minimise the risk of exposure. A clear lack of appreciation of the impact of the hazard (the sun) in my particular circumstances (my skin type), appropriate to the varying levels of exposure, particularly when deployed with the Royal Navy; Poor Mitigation: lack of sunscreen and failure to use PPE. Although I did use sunscreen and wear hats, it was clearly not good enough. My younger self cashed cheques that I am now paying for. Have a great summer everyone, but please do some learning from my experience - get a good hat and slap on the factor 50. It will save you from leaving a small piece of yourself (if you are lucky like I have been so far) each time you visit the dermatology department of your local hospital. As the surgeon said to me yesterday, 'we are probably going to get to know each other well', as we have already met 4 times over the last few years (as per the photos). For those that are mates - please don't worry - all is good - I am just in the middle of a remediation project and a mid / late life upgrade :-)