A fire protection company is to highlight tough new safety rules on commercial properties.

Brendan Stones, general manager of Air Care, said new legislation, likely to be passed later this year, will give the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service (BFRS) new powers to promote fire safety and protection in buildings from design to construction.

“There is no doubt that the Act has the potential to have a significant impact on all commercial buildings and landlords really should make themselves aware of what they might have to do in order to comply,” said Mr Stones.

The new Fire Safety Act will adopt standards set by the US-based global National Fire Protection Association, which cover all commercial buildings, ranging from office blocks to shelters for the homeless and warehouses.

A new building will also have to comply with the new standards before it is given a fire certificate, which will have to be renewed every five years.

Air Care will join forces with representatives with the BFRS and overseas partners of Air Care at a seminar on the legislation at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute on January 26.

“The Fire Service will give a presentation on the new Act which, I think, will be invaluable to commercial property owners. The new Act is all encompassing and is excellent in terms of improving safety,” said Mr Stones.

He added that, while Air Care is best known for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning services, it also has a fire safety division specialising in fire alarms, and fire sprinkler and pump maintenance and testing.

Furthermore, the company works with Canadian firm Troy Life and Fire Safety to install alarm and sprinkler systems.

“With the new fire code that will likely be enacted this year, we are taking a proactive approach to fire safety which is why we have also invited the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service along to this event to provide additional information,” said Mr Stones.

The seminar is by invitation. Anyone interested in attending should contact bstones@aircare.bm.