4 Ways That Fire Risk Assessments Can Help Your Business
Fire risk assessments can help you save lives
Having a premises for your business comes with a number of responsibilities. With safety being a priority, you need to be in a position where if a fire emergency occurs, you are prepared to reduce any potential damage. Fire risk assessments help you do just that.
Property, equipment and people are at risk if you are not properly poised to deal with emergency situations. By having a fire risk assessment, this can eliminate potential fire hazards, which could end up saving lives. By reducing the chances of a fire halting the functionality of your business, the importance of taking time to stay safe cannot be understated.
With over 7500 workplace fires in 2023, the risk of fire is ever-present, meaning that it’s a non-negotiable task to maximise your business’ safety. We run through 4 key reasons as to how a fire risk assessment can save lives.
1. Understanding fire risks
There’s a host of different reasons for fires to start. Keeping on top of all avenues of fire risk will help with prevention and gives you a better understanding of your premises.
Overloaded electrical sockets are a common issue. If too many appliances are in the same socket, this can create fire-starting threats. Devices need to be appropriately plugged into multiple sockets, without overloading the same one.
Combustible materials can also prove to be a pain. Even though it may be handy to store wasted materials in a spare space, this poses as a large fire hazard. If there is an ignition for fire, this can dramatically increase the threat of flames.
Faulty electrical equipment is often a prime suspect. Old or untested equipment can pose a threat. Replacing the equipment isn’t always necessary, as long as you consistently get it tested on a yearly basis.
In terms of fire ignition, any heat sources that aren’t properly looked after can cause havoc. Radiators and space heaters are just two examples of sources of heat that when mixed with the wrong recipe of hazards, can cause substantial fire risks.
Unclear or unrehearsed procedures, whether that be a fire drill or having a devoted fire warden, can maximise the potential amount of damage. By communicating clear instructions on a regular basis, this can help reduce fire risk and increase safety.
There are, of course, many more risks of fire. These can all be uncovered in a fire risk assessment.
2. Utilising fire risk assessments
Fire risk assessments are crucial as all possible risks of fire are identified. This not only provides you peace of mind that your business remains safe, but allows professionals to identify any risks that you may not be aware of.
As time goes on, things can change. There may be new circumstances or changes that have invalidated any of your previous fire risk assessments, which is why it is crucial to regularly check the state of your property, to guarantee that you are staying safe.
Whilst it is crucial to own all fire equipment necessary to deal with any hazards, these do expire, or their functionality is impacted over time. Because of this, checks on equipment will result that in the case of its usage, you can be certain that you can rely on what you have.
Fire risk assessments also define your best emergency routes, appropriate warning systems and the need for any equipment. By sorting these aspects of an emergency plan and communicating this information to your staff, your safety increases, and the risk of fire decreases.
3. Essential fire safety equipment
Firstly, signs are critical. Whilst you are able to verbally convey information to members of your business, having visible reminders of procedures is great. Not only this, but signage that act as a reminder to best practises in the workplace to reduce the risk of fire is of equal importance.
Fire extinguishers are a must. However, you need the right ones. You can have different extinguishers for different materials, meaning that for full effect, you need to be equipped with the right extinguisher. Fire risk assessments will provide you with the information you need, so you can be certain that you will have the right extinguishers for your property.
Smoke alarms are one of the most important aspects of fire prevention. By having a reliable system, as well as regular checks certifying their functionality, you can be reassured on them in the event of a fire.
4. Training and emergency procedures
A key starting point in an emergency procedure is a fire detection system. Making sure that you have the right fire detection system for your business and premises is critical to detect and raise awareness of a fire in relevant situations.
Having a clear plan of who calls 999 in event of emergency is critical. A well planned and rehearsed procedure can speed up the process of emergency services arriving to assist with any issues.
Clear escape routes need to be planned in all areas that are suitable for everyone. This enables people to exit the building safely, in the quickest amount of time. By defining a safe meeting point, this allows the fire warden to determine if everyone is safe, which can be communicated efficiently to the emergency services upon arrival.
By rehearsing all of these aspects and providing thorough training, this makes use of fire risk assessments, and will ensure a timely response to any emergency situations.
The true benefits of a fire risk assessment
By utilising fire risk assessments, you can be assured that your business has not only minimised the risk of a fire but is in the best position possible in the event of a fire breaking out.
By identifying faults, having the correct equipment and carrying out fire drills, you and your staff will be positioned with the correct knowledge to tackle any emergency situation should they arise.