North Shields-based, Carney Consultancy, has seen a surge in demand for fire door inspections, resulting in the launch of a new division.
Specialist training has been delivered to three of its team, fronted by its health and safety consultant and lead fire risk assessor, Steve Harkness.
Health and safety assistant, Kerry Benson, trainee health & safety advisor, Erin Rochford and fire risk assessor, Lauren Clark MCIOB, have each completed their UK Fire Door Training.
Under the supervision of Steve, the team is able to conduct fire risk assessments for both the company’s commercial client base and several property management companies across the North East and Yorkshire.
Carney Consultancy is also British Approval for Fire Equipment (BAFE) certificated by the independent registration body for third-party certificated fire safety organisations across the UK.
Steve, said: “We identified a gap in the market in 2011 prior to the implementation of the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 which came into force on 23 January 2023. The regulations implement the majority of those recommendations made to government in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
“As a result, If the top storey of a building is above 11m in height, typically, a building of more than four storeys, an organisation must use best endeavours to check all flat entrance fire doors at least every 12 months and carry out checks of any fire doors in communal areas at least every 3 months.
“Companies have been approaching us more frequently for advice and guidance, they trust us to deliver and as a result we have seen a mixture of new and existing organic growth.”
Managing director at Carney Consultancy, Angela Carney, said: “To meet the demands of new and existing customers, we have been able to build on the knowledge of our team to offer an inhouse service.
“Through Steve, who has more than 30 years of experience and Lauren who is a building surveyor, we have identified that the property sector is an area of growth when it comes to delivering fire door inspections.
“We don’t just put our employees through the two-day training course, we undertake our own robust inhouse programme, which can last up to six months so that employees understand the practical side of the qualification and accompany Steve onsite where, if necessary, they can recommend remedial works.
“With our advanced knowledge and training we are in a very strong position to assist companies.”