Fire Prevention
To ensure that your workplace is maintained as safe as possible it is essential that the following areas are implemented:
Training - All employees, full or part time, should receive regular fire safety training so that they are aware of the following:
What to do if they discover a fire
- How to raise the alarm of fire
- What to do if they hear the fire alarm
- Where fire extinguishers are located and how to use them if it is safe to do so
- Escape routes from the building and how to operate fire exit doors
- The location of the emergency assembly point(s)
- How to call the Fire and Rescue services
- Arrangements for the evacuation of customers, visitors or those with special needs
- The dangers associated with obstruction of fire exits and wedging open of fire resisting doors
- Any specific hazards relevant to the site
Housekeeping – The importance of good housekeeping should never be underestimated and regular checks of the following should take place:
Ensure that all fire escape routes to and from fire exit doors are kept clear
- Regularly clear work areas of rubbish especially below racking and other rarely accessed areas
- Store all flammables and combustibles safely away from sources of ignition
- Clearly identify the smoking policy and ensure that it is enforced
- Empty waste bins/skips regularly
Protect from Arson – Arson remains the biggest cause of fire in the workplace; to ensure the risk of arson is kept to the minimum ensure that:
- Waste skips or combustible items are stored away from the sides of buildings
- The site is secured at the end of the working day and that access is controlled during working hours
Maintenance – Ensure that all equipment and machinery, especially electrically powered items and heating plants are regularly maintained. Regular testing of all portable electrical appliances (PAT) should take place.
