How to make sure your business is on top of fire safety
A fire can be catastrophic for a business, and it can take months or even years to fully recover from the repercussions of such an event. Any enterprise that has experienced even a minor fire knows the troubles and losses it brings. It is much better to take precautions to prevent a fire instead of waiting for one to wreak havoc on your business. Even if you run an online business, it is important to think about the fire risks of any location where you or your employees work.
Here’s what your businesses needs to do to stay on top of fire safety and avoid unnecessary issues.
Fire safety awareness and training
A company must educate its staff on all aspects of fire safety, from the fire-triangle theory and RACE & PASS procedures to the overall contingency policies. It is important for employees to be knowledgeable of different types of fires and the various equipment used to extinguish each of these.
Employees should also be aware of the responsible fire safety officers in their department or area, the assembly point, and other important aspects of fire safety procedures. It is also critical to teach staff how to use the alarm system in case of fire. Regular fire drills should be conducted so that employees get practical experience of evacuation procedures.
Make compliance a priority
Fire-related fatalities in the UK have reduced to half over the last two decades, and the main reason for this is compliance with strict regulations. Every business must all relevant laws and regulations when it comes to fire safety, such as appropriate equipment, regular inspections by qualified agencies like PHS Compliance, evacuation plans, efficient staff training, and regular fire drills.
Wiring and electrical installations must comply with regulatory norms and be periodically inspected for any insulation damage, loose contacts, or chances of short circuits. Qualified compliance professionals can make a thorough risk assessment of the existing security arrangements, advise regarding any corrections required to meet regulations, and also perform accurate safety auditing.
Install safety equipment
You need to ensure that your site has all relevant safety devices installed, such as fire extinguishers, fire detection systems, and alarms. Safety equipment must also include smoke detectors, sprinklers and associated plumbing, fire hose reels, and safety gear. Additional protection is possible by using furnishings like curtains, carpets and cushions made from fire-retardant materials. Similarly, doors and wooden panels should be fabricated from fire-safe substances. Lighting is also important: fire exits, passages and corridors must be adequately lit, with emergency lighting in place.
Develop a contingency plan
Every business should have a strictly observed contingency plan. It should include clear instructions on evacuation procedures as well as what to do when someone discovers a fire. The policy must state, in clear terms, the differences in handling minor and major fire incidents, names of key contact people, and the numbers to contact in an emergency. Proper signage must be used in appropriate locations for fire exits and must be well-lit. All charts, signs, and instructions must be clear, concise, easily visible and accessible.
Follow standard safety practices and good housekeeping
All electrical equipment such as switches, sockets, and cables must meet quality standards, and all staff must use electrical devices as per standard safety instructions. Flammable waste materials like cardboard boxes and papers must be discarded efficiently because they could act as a catalyst in case of fire if they are allowed to accumulate.
In smoking areas, staff and visitors must extinguish cigarette butts fully and put in an ashtray instead of tossing them on the ground. Any device with a flame, from cigarette lighters to critical lab equipment, must be used according to safety norms. Additionally, hazardous chemicals must be stored and handled with care.
Keep dedicated fire safety personnel
It could be a worthwhile investment to have one or more staff members qualified in fire-fighting. In large organizations, this usually comes under the responsibility of the Health and Safety Department. They can educate other staff and provide hands-on training in using safety equipment like fire extinguishers. Safety personnel should also be responsible for scheduling fire drills and awareness training.
Most importantly, they can take responsibility for safety documentation and keep track safety equipment’s periodical maintenance, expiry, and inspection dates. Communication with compliance agents and managing their visits will also be smoothly managed by dedicated security staff.
Final thoughts
A company can save itself from enormous losses, not to mention regulatory penalties, by observing proper safety and security procedures and prioritizing compliance. As the impact of a fire can last for years, the best and most prudent action to take is to prevent it from breaking out in the first place. Having adequate security equipment and policies in place is a good starting point. However, a well-trained workforce and strict observance of regulatory measures are also indispensable to protect your business and interests, and keep your staff motivated.
