Most fires are preventable. Those responsible for workplaces and other buildings to which the public have access can avoid them by taking responsibility for and adopting the right behaviours and procedures.
General Fire Safety Hazards
Fires Need 3 things to start:
- A source of ignition (heat)
- A source of fuel (Something that burns)
- Oxygen
What do you need to do?
As an employer you must carry out a fire risk assessment and keep it up to date. Based on the findings of the assessment, employers need to ensure appropriate fire safety measures are in place to minimise the risk of injury or loss of life in the event of a fire.
To help prevent fire in the workplace, your risk assessment should identify what could cause a fire to start, ie sources of ignition (heat or sparks) and substances that burn, and the people who may be at risk.
Once you have identified the risks, you can take appropriate action to control them. Consider whether you can avoid them altogether or, if this is not possible, how you can reduce the risks and manage them. Also consider how you will protect people if there is a fire.
- Carry out a fire safety risk assessment
- Keep sources of ignition and flammable substances apart
- Avoid accidental fires, eg make sure heaters cannot be knocked over
- Ensure good housekeeping at all times, eg avoid build-up of rubbish that could burn
- Consider how to detect fires and how to warn people quickly if they start, eg installing smoke alarms and fire alarms or bells
- Have the correct fire-fighting equipment for putting a fire out quickly
- Keep fire exits and escape routes clearly marked and unobstructed at all times
- Ensure your workers receive appropriate training on procedures they need to follow, including fire drills
- Review and update your risk assessment regularly
Fire Safety Equipment
Your fire safety equipment, including fire extinguishers and alarms is vital ensuring everyone in the workplace is safe. All your equipment needs to be checked, maintained and serviced to ensure it is in full working order.
In terms of servicing, your equipment should be serviced by a fully competent person like Prestige Safety Services.
Make Sure Employees know what to do in case there is a fire in the workplace
Make sure employees know the fire evacuation plan and also know how to use a fire extinguisher, familiarise them with the different types of extinguishers which are in place and how to discharge them.
How Can We Help?
At Prestige Safety Services We offer accredited Fire Safety Training:
Fire Safety Awareness Level 1 – This qualification develops Learners’ basic fire safety awareness. It includes what to do in the event of an emergency, the principles of fire risk control and the basics of practical fire safety.
Fire Safety Awareness Level 2 – This qualification develops Learners’ fire safety awareness. It includes how fires are caused, the risks associated with fire and what we can do to control fire risks in the workplace. It also covers the principles of fire safety management at work, fire safety inspection, fire safety risk assessment and the legal requirements related to fire safety in the workplace. Understanding the role of a fire warden is a key component of this qualification.
At Prestige Safety Services we are able to carry out fire extinguisher servicing and maintenance at competitive rates delivering you cost saving solutions to ensure your compliance with the law.
If you would like a free, no obligation quote then please do not hesitate to get in touch