Fire Safety in the Workplace

Fire is one of the greatest threats to a business. It can start almost anywhere and can destroy everything in its path. You can never be too careful when it comes to preventing a fire in the workplace.

Common Causes of Fire

• Electricity – neglect and misuse of wiring and electrical appliances.
• Refuse/rubbish – accumulating in work/storage areas.
• Smoking – discarded cigarettes, matches, inadequate ashtrays.
• Heaters – Portable heaters can be knocked over, poorly sited or inadequately guarded. All heaters could overheat if obstructed.
• Hazardous goods – includes materials such as paints, adhesives or other chemicals.
• Arson – by mischievous children and adult fire raisers, facilitated by ineffectively secured buildings.
• Specific hazards – machinery in dusty environments, heated equipment (e.g. soldering irons), blow lamps, cutting and welding equipment, flammable liquids. carry out a fire risk assessment

The main duties placed on the Responsible Person are to:

• Carry out a fire risk assessment
• Identify the fire safety measures required as a result of your assessment
• Use risk reduction principles to implement the safety measures
• Ensure that ongoing control and reviews of the fire safety measures are carried out
• Comply with any additional fire safety regulations
• Keep the assessment under review and keep relevant records.

No related posts.