In this article we look at how business owners can ensure fire-safety practices are still kept at the forefront of everyone’s mind. It sheds light on the importance of reviewing fire-risk assessments during a time when many business models are shifting to accommodate both remote and on-site workers.
With commercial fires up 46% during lockdown, it’s crucial to understand and become increasingly aware of the damage fire risks can have on a business when left undetected and unresolved. Fires can be a devastating experience for all, resulting in irreversible physical damage and, arguably more importantly, the unseen destruction of jobs, livelihoods, families and homes.
While the risk of fire can never be completely eradicated, there are things you can do to help minimise the problem. More than simply guarding against a worst-case scenario, this is about making sure your business is as robust as possible. In other words, ensuring that you have in place effective protection long before a 999 call is required. All businesses with more than four employees must keep a written fire-risk assessment, although it is also a good idea to do this if you employ fewer staff. A fire-risk assessment forms the basis of all fire-safety procedures and preventative actions.
As businesses return to their premises, it’s a good idea to evaluate how things may have changed since the first wave of Covid-19. Many premises remain either closed entirely, open for reduced hours or are operating with reduced staff. Even if you completed a fire-risk assessment just before the pandemic began, it may need revisiting in light of these recent changes.
For example, the amount of stock put into storage or the number of people using the building may have changed, and new risk factors may have emerged. Have employees trained as fire marshals been furloughed since the pandemic or unable to return to work? Any one of these factors being changed will require you to fill out a new fire-risk assessment.
Key things to consider as an initial return-to-work checklist:
Appoint and train new fire-safety officers if required
For small businesses in particular with less than 20 employees it is essential that a minimum of one person in your business is fire-safety trained. This individual should be well trusted and present on the premise most of the time during working hours.
Educate all employees
After being trained, the fire-safety officer should be given time with all employees to educate them about the correct procedures to follow in the event of a fire. Employees should also be trained to spot potential fire hazards and who they need to report these potential hazards too.
Carry out regular checks
The fire-safety officer should be checking all fire-related equipment such as fire alarms, fire extinguishers and door guards on a regular basis (preferably weekly). During these checks potential fire hazards noticed should be raised and the correct actions to fix these hazards implemented.
Display safety signage throughout business premises
Throughout your premise’s signage relating to fire safety and procedures in the event of a fire should be displayed. For best practice:
- Any fire doors not fitted with a system that closes when a fire alarm sounds should have a ‘Fire door keep shut’ sign attached to them
- Assembly points clearly marked away from the building
- Any fire alarms that can be sounded by an individual in the event of the fire clearly marked
- Finally, one or more signs should be displayed prominently, outlining the correct procedure to follow in the event of a fire. A map of the premise should also be included underneath this sign clearly showing where all the fire-safety-related equipment mentioned above is located.
If on the other hand, your building remains unused – due to Covid-19 or other factors – it’s important to realise your responsibilities. Empty buildings are at increased risk of break-ins and arson, and failure to comply with best practice can put you at risk of insurance invalidation:
- Ensure that all keys to the building are accounted for and recovered. If any are missing, it is highly recommended that the locks are changed as soon as possible
- Apart from essential services such as lighting or fire and security systems, disconnect all services and utilities at the perimeter of the building
- In winter, maintain temperatures at or above 4°C to avoid frost damage to any sprinkler system or other essential water services. Drain down all tanks except those which specifically need to be used
- Remove as much combustible material as you can, especially litter and scattered paperwork
- Secure letter flaps, install an anti-arson metal box inside and redirect mail
Given the variety of business premises it’s difficult to say what’s likely to be a cause of fire in any one situation – which is why it’s essential to have an up-to-date fire-risk assessment carried out by someone who can provide a more in-depth assessment aligned with your ways of working. It is also important to keep on hand a Fire Safety Logbook to record fire-protection information, including the dates when fire-safety equipment is tested and maintained, when fire drills are held, and training is given to members of staff. The log will come in handy when your premises are inspected by the fire authority – they demonstrate how you have complied with the regulations. You also need to record the details of any fire-related incidents, how they were dealt with, and whether or not injuries were sustained.
If your premises are largely empty due to Covid-19 restrictions, you must ensure you have a protection method in place that isn’t primarily dependent upon people, such as fire extinguishers or fire hoses.
While you can never have too many systems in place to protect your business from fire, there are a few key ones to consider:
Fire extinguishers
There are different fire extinguishers for different types of fire. Your fire-risk assessment will contain information on the ignition and fuel risks that are in your building and you should ensure that the correct type of device is selected, either mounted on the wall or a special stand with a label that shows the types of fire the extinguisher is suitable for and basic operating instructions.
Sprinkler systems
Modern Automatic Fire Suppression Systems, commonly called sprinklers, can save lives and livelihoods. They provide protection from fire damage and, most importantly, give people a greater chance of getting out if there is a blaze. If you’re unlucky enough to have a fire, they can significantly reduce the cost of the damage it causes by reducing its spread and severity.
Monitored smoke and fire alarms
Whether your building is currently unoccupied or you’re starting to return to work, having a monitored smoke detector and fire alarm allow you to rest easy knowing that even if the battery is low or there’s a technical fault, they’re still effective. Fire alarm systems such as those from ADT are monitored 24/7/365 which help you rest assured knowing you can depend on your system and our team to take care of things even when you’re not close by.
Fire hose reels
A level up from extinguishers, fire hose reels offer a quick and inexhaustible flow of water. They can be installed by a single technician, minimising disruption to your business, and in an emergency they’re easy to identify and use.
Emergency lighting
All firefighting equipment and alarms, emergency routes and exits must be well lit. That includes lighting at every door, corridor, floor level, staircase. Your emergency lighting should, of course, be tested regularly. In the event of a fire, you’ll want to get out quickly and safely.
For more information, go to www.adt.co.uk
About the Author
Peter Lackey, Safety Expert at ADT Fire & Security has previously served as a firefighter, offshore survival instructor and mines rescue team member specialising in firefighting.
