A regularly asked question by property managers, building owners and those liable for managing fire safety is– can I do my own fire risk assessment?

In this short article, we’re going to illustrate why it is possible– but may not normally be the appropriate choice to make. Who are we?  Pyro Fire

The short answer is ‘Certainly – you can carry out your own fire risk assessment’, there is nothing stopping you from Googling an online design template for a fire risk assessment and filling out the areas to describe your property, what you do, and any risks you can identify from the limited knowledge you have. If in doubt get in touch  Fire Risk Assessment

You might even do your own research, perhaps even enroll in a fire safety course. This may have been acceptable prior to 2005, as the fire service used to visit your property and carry out an audit to deliver you with a fire certificate. Having said that, since then, the demands and law for fire safety became much more stringent and things changed drastically.

The law for fire safety – The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which was actually introduced in 2006– was created to reform fire safety in England & Wales, to bring in the need for a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment to be carried out for all non-domestic premises.

The words ‘suitable and sufficient’ when used in law, were certainly brought under examination, but the interpretation has since been made very obvious:
A suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment can only be carried out by a competent person.

‘Competent’ can be defined as somebody with enough training, qualifications, experience and attitude. A competent person must have acquired specific training in relation to fire risk evaluations, they must have some form of certification to back that up, experience in assessing your type of property, and the correct approach to ensure they’re able to communicate the findings effectively. All of the above can be achieved for your fire risk assessment by using external assessors.

Find out More about our Fire risk assessments  Pyro Fire

In the realm of steel and foundry industries, the enhancement of refractory materials with steel fibers represents a pivotal advancement, significantly boosting the materials’ strength and longevity. Recognizing the transformative impact of this innovation, Optimised Fibres International has positioned itself as a key supplier of steel fibers to the refractory industry. These engineered materials, crucial for withstanding extreme temperatures, corrosive chemicals, and mechanical stress, are integral to a myriad of industrial processes. Through the Introduction of steel fibers, Optimised Fibres International contributes to the substantial improvements in the mechanical properties, thermal shock resistance, and overall durability of refractory materials, fostering safer and more efficient operations across the board.

Benefits of Steel Fibers in Refractory Materials

Increased Structural Integrity: Steel fibers, when interwoven into the refractory matrix, significantly boost its strength and toughness. This reinforcement enhances the material’s ability to bear loads and resist thermal and mechanical stresses, leading to a marked decrease in the likelihood of cracking or spalling.

Enhanced Thermal Shock Resistance: Refractory materials often face swift temperature changes that can cause thermal shock. Steel fibers from Optimised Fibres International aid in mitigating this risk by improving heat dissipation, thereby elevating the material’s resistance to thermal shocks and minimizing potential damage.

Improved Erosion Resistance: The incorporation of steel fibers results in a denser, more cohesive structure within the refractory material, lowering its susceptibility to erosion. This resilience against erosive forces from molten metals and harsh chemical exposures significantly bolsters the material’s reliability in demanding steel manufacturing and foundry environments.

Key Applications in the Steel Industry

Ladle Linings: Essential for the transfer and pouring of molten metal, ladles benefit greatly from linings reinforced with steel fibers from Optimised Fibres International, enhancing both strength and thermal shock resistance for safer, more durable operations.

Tundish Linings: Serving as intermediary containers in steel production, tundishes lined with steel fiber-reinforced materials exhibit improved durability and thermal shock resistance, ensuring uninterrupted casting processes.

Blast Furnace Runners: Tasked with directing hot gases and molten metals, blast furnace runners lined with steel fiber-enhanced refractory materials demonstrate superior mechanical integrity, effectively withstanding the rigors of blast furnace operations over longer durations.

Applications in the Foundry Industry

Crucibles and Pouring Cups: These vital components for metal melting and transferring processes gain enhanced mechanical strength and thermal fatigue resistance from steel fiber reinforcement, extending their operational life and reinforcing the reliability of casting operations.

By supplying steel fibers to the refractory industry, Optimised Fibres International plays a critical role in advancing the performance and lifespan of refractory materials within the steel and foundry sectors. This innovation not only delivers increased strength, enhanced thermal shock resistance, and superior erosion resistance but also underpins the safety and efficiency of high-temperature operations. As the steel and foundry industries continue to evolve, the strategic integration of steel fibers into refractory materials by Optimised Fibres International is poised to drive further progress and optimize manufacturing processes, highlighting the value of this cutting-edge technology in contemporary industrial applications. For more information please refer to optimised fibres

If you live in Arizona, you should be aware of the new tax relief rules. The Arizona Department of Revenue will allow you to extend the deadlines for filing your income tax returns. The relief is similar to that provided by the IRS and will suspend all applicable penalties and interest. You can request a 60-day or a 30-day extension. If you make a payment during the extension period, your penalties and interest will be waived.Get Tax Relief Attorneys to Assist you today

When it comes to tax relief, it’s essential that you have a plan in place. Even if the IRS decides not to approve your request, there are still ways you can reduce your payments and still pay your taxes. For instance, the IRS has a special program for Arizona taxpayers called Offer in Compromise. However, it requires that you prove you’re suffering from financial hardship. Even if you qualify for this program, it is not a guarantee that your efforts will be successful. It is advisable to seek the help of a professional tax settlement company to assist you.

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The Arizona tax reform plan also protects veterans and small businesses. It also prevents a 77.7% tax increase on small businesses, which comprise 99 percent of businesses in Arizona. Additionally, it will cut the property tax for small businesses by 10 percent. The homeowner’s rebate will increase to cover half of the primary property tax bill. Finally, the new tax plan will not affect K-12 education funding.

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