As a business owner or manager, you’ve got a lot of demands on your time. It can be easy to let the seemingly less urgent matters slide. But fire can be cataclysmic for any business. Endangering lives, destroying equipment and premises, and businesses often never recover. So, staying on top of fire safety in the workplace should always be a priority.
Our 10 Workplace Fire Safety Tips
Below is our simple guide and 10 essential safety tips for fire safety in the workplace:
Fire detection - Every business in the UK is legally obliged to have a fire detection system installed. Smoke alarms are a must – you should have at least one on every level of your business, more in larger premises. Exit signs and emergency lighting can save lives. While fire escape ladders should be installed where relevant.
Risk assessment - The only way you can really be prepared for a fire is to understand the risks. Carrying out a thorough and regular fire safety risk assessment is the first step towards preventing fires.
Emergency planning - Once you’ve carried out your risk assessment, you need to work out what is needed in the event that a fire does take place. This should include fire warning systems, planned fire escape routes, and evacuation procedures.
Employee fire safety training - As part of your emergency planning, you need to ensure that all of your employees know what to do should a workplace fire happen. This should include how to raise the alarm, how to evacuate the building,
designated meeting points, and who the fire wardens are. View our Regulated Fire Safety course here.
Fire wardens - Every business should have at least one designated fire warden. Fire wardens should undergo full workplace fire safety training, and their role is to coordinate fire evacuation. They will also be responsible for creating and maintaining fire safety practices.
Fire Safety Workplace Drill - Fire drills are one of the best ways to ensure fire preparedness is to conduct regular fire drills which should be organised by your designated fire wardens.
Fire extinguishers - Understanding which fire extinguisher to use where and when can be integral to safely preventing fire spread before it gets out of hand. Make sure that you – and your fire warden – know which extinguisher to use on each fire type, how to safely store your extinguishers, and how to safely use them.
Fire safety signs - Having clear fire safety signs in prominent positions can help to ensure the safety of all site visitors.
Electrical safety - Where there is electrical equipment, there is a potential fire risk. Make sure all equipment is safety approved. Don’t overload sockets. Ensure ventilation around equipment. Conduct PAT tests. And dispose of faulty equipment immediately.
Good housekeeping - Fire needs fuel to spread. So, keep your workplace uncluttered. Ensure fire exits, evacuation routes and stairs are accessible at all times. Minimise packing materials. And store flammable materials and liquids in line with COSHH regulations.
There were more than 14,000 non-domestic fires in the UK in 2019. Seventeen resulted in fatalities. By taking care, and making sure that the correct measures are in place, you can help ensure that your business doesn’t become a statistic.
If you would like tailored advice on fire safety in the workplace or want to book fire safety training for your business or organisation, then get in touch with Train Direct call tel. 0330 223 5586, email. info@traindirect.co.uk or complete the form at the bottom of this page to request a call back.
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