Fire Safety: Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher

There are five main types of fire extinguisher, commonly used to tackle a blaze. But choosing the right fire extinguisher is vital. It could mean the difference between putting out the flames or making the situation worse. Using the wrong fire extinguisher can fuel a fire, spread burning liquids further, or even cause a dangerous electric shock. The most important factor is to have the right fire extinguisher for the medium you are going to put out.

So, what are the five main five extinguishers?

The red label fire extinguisher is water, and is…

World Water Monitoring Day 2026

Here at Acorn Safety Services, we’re huge advocates of being proactive in monitoring your water systems and keeping abreast of regular checks to keep all water users safe.

Which is why we always celebrate World Water Monitoring Day, today, Friday 18^th September.

The international annual campaign aims to raise awareness of water monitoring and protecting the world’s water resources.

Sadly, many people around the world do not have access to clean, safe drinking water, nor the resources to be able to change it. Here in the UK, we do have this…

Hot Tub Sampling

While the recent heatwaves have brought a dramatic increase in outdoor swimming in paddling pools and lakes this summer, many people prefer the joy of a hot tub, which can be enjoyed year-round. However, like any water system, its longevity relies upon it being well maintained and safe to use.

In order to ensure that a hot tub is clean and safe, it must undergo regular hot tub sampling, in which the water must be regularly sampled and tested.

Testing should be carried out by a UKAS-accredited laboratory and samples should be tested for…

No Falls Week 2026

Falls from height continue to be the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the UK. According to our Health and Safety Manager, Stevie Melvin, it has been that way for decades, since health and safety records began.

The latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive show that 35 people lost their lives due to a fall from height in 2024/25 and a fall from height was the cause of 28% of all workplace deaths.

This is why Acorn Safety Services are supporting No Falls Week this week, which runs from 18th to 22nd May and is organised by the No…

Day for Health and Safety at Work, 28th April

Today, Tuesday, 28^th April, is the World Day for Health and Safety at Work. As leading health and safety practitioners, this is an awareness day close to our hearts.

Led by the International Labour Organization, this annual international initiative is to shine a spotlight on the importance of safe workplaces – both physically and emotionally – something we do daily in our field.

This year’s theme looks at the psychosocial factors and risks to mental health at work. A new global report from the ILO has revealed that more than 840,000 people die…

Women In Construction Week 2026

This week, our industry is celebrating Women in Construction Week, organised by The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).

This year the theme is ‘Level Up, Build Strong’ which is something we champion here at Acorn Safety Services, where almost one third of our workforce is made up of strong, skilled women, led by a powerhouse female operations duo.

With this week culminating in International Women’s Day on Sunday, 8^th March, we thought we’d shine a spotlight on the incredibly talented women in our ranks.

Zeynep Guzelkasap –…

Fire Focus: Fire Risk Assessments

Fire risk assessments are a legal requirement for all businesses to undertake in their premises.

Fundamentally, fire risk assessments are to check for the fire risk in a building in order to protect life and make sure people can get out of the building safely in the event of an emergency.

Fire risk assessments involve a fire risk assessor walking around the building to check exit routes, exit doors, and that the numerous different ways of escape or rescue are unobstructed, clearly marked and lit with emergency lighting.

As a minimum, a fire…

Fire Focus: Fire door inspections

Fire door inspections are vital.

Fire doors should be considered as a life-saving device as the door is often what holds back smoke and flames, protecting occupants.

A closed fire door, which has been properly installed and maintained can typically protect against smoke and flames for 30 minutes or longer, giving people more chance of escape or rescue.

A fire door can also limit damage to other parts of the building and keep escape routes safe in the event of emergency.

Inspections of fire doors are crucial in ensuring that we maintain the…

Fire Focus: Compartmentation Surveys

Compartmentation surveys are a detailed inspection of each section of a building to ensure the protection of escape routes in the event of a fire.

The survey checks each ‘compartment’ of a building to make sure that if there was a fire, the smoke and flames would be contained for as long as possible to one specific area and prevent the spread of fire so that the building’s occupants can escape and there is minimal damage to the building itself.

A compartmentation survey will involve a fire risk assessor looking at the whole building, or part of…

Legionella Series – Part Four – Shower Heads

Our useful blog post series on Legionella has been a hit since we launched it back in the summer.

Over the past three months we’ve shared some really insightful information on water safety, explaining why it is so important to have regular water checks and how you can prevent any growth of legionella bacteria, which can cause a severe lung infection known as Legionnaires’ disease.

Topics have included weekly flushing, the thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) and monthly temperature testing.

So, what is left to consider when it comes to ensuring safe,…