The White Nettle

Property: Single-storey retail gift shop

Industry: Commercial

Contract Awarded to: RiskFire Ltd

Type of Contract: FRA

Location: 65 North St, Sudbury, CO101RE

Project Duration: 1 day

Project Overview and Scope

RiskFire was engaged to address significant fire safety risks at The White Nettle, a gift shop incorporating a kiln and associated storage areas. The objective of the project was to reduce fire hazards, implement compliant safety measures, and improve staff preparedness through a structured programme of inspection, remediation, and training. Our scope included reviewing electrical safety, combustible materials management, fire detection and alarm systems, signage, policies and procedures, staff competency, and record-keeping arrangements.

Project Controls and Documentation Provided

Full wiring inspection and electrical testing report
PAT testing schedule and certification
Updated site fire safety policy
Site-specific emergency plan and evacuation arrangements
Fire alarm installation certificates (BS5839 compliant)
Fire extinguisher servicing records (BS5306 compliant)
Staff fire safety training records and induction materials
Fire drill logs and warden/marshal training certificates
Record-keeping framework for ongoing alarm testing, training, and drills
Installed signage schedule and photographic evidence

Challenges and Solutions

The premises presented several interlinked fire safety challenges. Electrical safety issues included the absence of regular wiring inspections, no PAT testing regime, and the use of portable heaters, all of which heightened ignition risks. In addition, combustible materials were stored too close to the kiln and general housekeeping, particularly on the first floor, had led to a buildup of fire-loading. Signage and notices across the premises were insufficient, with ‘No Smoking’ signs and fire action notices missing at key locations.

Fire detection and alarm provisions were also lacking, with no compliant alarm system installed and no routine servicing of existing smoke detectors. Portable fire extinguishers had not been maintained in accordance with BS5306, leaving staff without reliable first-aid firefighting equipment. Procedural controls were similarly underdeveloped, with no formal fire safety policy, an absence of a site-specific emergency plan, and no evidence of staff fire safety training, evacuation drills, or competency records. Record-keeping processes for monitoring testing, drills, or alarm checks were also not in place.

RiskFire implemented a coordinated plan to resolve these issues. Electrical systems were inspected and tested by a competent contractor, and a full PAT regime was introduced for all portable equipment. Portable heaters were removed or restricted to reduce ignition risk. Combustible materials were relocated away from heat sources, and the first floor received a full housekeeping clean to reduce fire loading. All required signage was installed, including ‘No Smoking’ notices and fire action information at entrances and communal spaces.

A new fire alarm system meeting BS5839 standards was installed, and routine servicing arrangements were formally established. Fire extinguishers were serviced by an accredited provider to restore compliance. To strengthen procedural resilience, RiskFire developed a detailed fire safety policy and created an emergency plan covering evacuation arrangements, fire warden duties, and staff responsibilities. Key personnel received fire warden/marshal training, and a full staff induction programme was delivered, covering fire risks, equipment use, alarm systems, and evacuation procedures. Formal fire drills were introduced, and an annual drill schedule was implemented. A structured record-keeping framework was put in place for all ongoing testing, maintenance, training, and drills, ensuring future audit readiness.

Outcome and Outputs Achieved

The interventions at The White Nettle delivered substantial improvements across all areas of fire safety management. The premises now comply with the requirements of the Fire Safety Order (2005) and relevant industry standards, including BS5839 and BS5306. Fire risk was significantly reduced through improved housekeeping, appropriate storage of combustible materials, and strengthened electrical safety controls. Staff competency and preparedness increased markedly as a result of structured training, clearer evacuation procedures, and the introduction of regular drills.

The establishment now benefits from accurate, auditable documentation supporting all aspects of fire safety maintenance and procedural activity. Clear signage and well-communicated procedures have enhanced awareness for both staff and customers. Overall, RiskFire’s work transformed the gift shop into a safer and fully compliant environment, delivering long-term improvements in fire safety management and operational resilience.

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Amica Care Home

by RiskFire • 9 December 2025

Property: 93-room, 3-storey residential building Industry: Residential (Care Home) Contract Awarded to: RiskFire Ltd Type of Contract: Fire Door Remedials and Replacements Location: Amica Care, 2 Maumbury Square, Dorchester, DT11GR Project Duration: 3-week period Project Overview and Scope RiskFire Ltd were appointed as Principal Contractor to deliver fire door remedials and doorset replacements at Amica Care Home, a 93-room, 3-storey residential care facility in Dorchester. Works were undertaken in a live, highly sensitive environment, requiring careful scheduling to avoid disruption to vulnerable residents, staff, and visitors. Remedial works included ease and adjustments, installation of appropriate fire door signage, lipping, repair to door leaves, and installation of intumescent smoke seals. Replacements covered FD30 single and double-leaf doorsets, fully aligned with client-specified decoration and hardware. All works were delivered to IFC-certified standards, logged via our Onetrace digital compliance system, ensuring full Golden Thread traceability. Project Controls and Documentation Provided Site-specific RAMS and phased programme of works Real-time digital tracking and photographic evidence via Onetrace IFC third-party certification of all completed works Project-specific Health & Safety documentation provided Final handover pack including O&M documentation and compliance reports Challenges and Solutions The key challenge was minimising disruption in a live, vulnerable environment. This was managed through phased scheduling coordinated with Amica Care representatives, segregation of work areas using appropriate signage to prevent unauthorised persons from access, physical barriers, sheeting, and the use of specialist low-noise power tools where practical. Outcome and Outputs Achieved All works were completed within our 3-week programme, to specification, and with zero H&S incidents. RiskFire Ltd’s professionalism, flexible methodology, and proactive planning ensured minimal disruption to residents and full compliance with fire safety regulations. Amica Care was provided with full IFC certification, a complete compliance record, O&M documentation, and positive feedback was received on our workmanship, communication, and efficiency from Amica Care representatives.

Hoods Hideout Student Accommodation

by RiskFire • 16 January 2025

Property: Multi-block Student Accommodation Complex Industry: Residential (Student Accommodation) Contract Awarded to: RiskFire Ltd Type of Contract: Passive Fire Stopping Works Location: 66-79 Hounds Gate, Hoods Hideout, Nottingham, NG16BB Project Duration: 4-week period Project Overview and Scope RiskFire Ltd were appointed as Contractor by Bread & Butter Collective to deliver passive fire stopping works to riser cupboards and corridors within Hoods Hideout Student Accommodation in Nottingham. The works were carried out across multiple live residential blocks, requiring precise planning to minimise disruption to student residents. The scope included intumescent sealing of service penetrations, installation of fire-rated barriers, and application of intumescent and acoustic sealants to reinstate fire compartmentation in accordance with the project specification and current fire safety regulations. All works were undertaken in compliance with IFC-certified standards, with real-time logging via our Onetrace digital platform for full Golden Thread traceability. Project Controls and Documentation Provided Site-specific RAMS and phased programme of works Real-time digital tracking and photographic evidence via Onetrace IFC third-party certification of all completed works Project-specific Health & Safety documentation provided Final handover pack including O&M documentation and compliance reports Challenges and Solutions The key challenge was carrying out works in a live residential environment without impacting the daily routines of students. This was managed through pre-arranged access schedules agreed with Bread & Butter Collective representatives and the residents themselves, segregation of work areas using signage, physical barriers, and sheeting, and use of low-noise power tools where practical. Outcome and Outputs Achieved All works were completed to specification, within the 3-week specification, and with zero H&S incidents. RiskFire’s professionalism and flexible methodology ensured that operational disruption was kept to a minimum and compliance with fire safety regulations was fully achieved. The client was provided with a full certification, complete compliance record, and full O&M documentation, with positive feedback achieved from Bread & Butter Collective. Client Feedback 18/12/2024 “RiskFire were instructed by us on a large PBSA where another contractor had incorrectly installed fire stopping, and there were omissions. The company efficiently reviewed a Compartmentation Survey, reported on works required in an easy-to-read schedule, attended site within a reasonable time and provided the appropriate documentation afterwards. The invoices have been accurate; communication has been really good. As a Development Manager for a large portfolio of Nationwide properties I can only wish that all the contractors and consultants that I deal with were like this team.” 17/10/2024 “Cannot find a fault with these guys, prompt, efficient, polite, thorough and a competitive quote to top it all off, we will not hesitate to use them for the rest of our UK wide student accommodation portfolio.”

Case Study