When we think about fire, catastrophic scenes can spring to mind. But when you consider that it was man’s first form of heating and cooking, we realise that it has played an integral part in developing the human species.
It is only when fire is not managed carefully that it becomes hazardous. Flames and smoke can spread quickly causing untold damage to people, animals, property, and the environment.
Whether a fire is started intentionally or by accident, the heat and poor visibility caused by smoke can make it very difficult to deal with effectively. And sadly, in some cases even more difficult to escape safely.
Know the Risks
Fires can start in a variety of ways, either by accident, human error, or with intent to cause harm. Faulty electrics, kitchen mishaps, overloaded plug sockets, discarded cigarettes and storage issues with combustible materials can all be to blame for fires. If these risks are identified and dealt with accordingly then the likelihood of fire breaking out is much reduced.
PAT testing of electrical equipment should be routinely carried out, and appropriate measures taken to ensure the safety of people inside the building.
Prevention
Minimising the risk of fire is important; take the risks seriously and put measures in place to counter them. Installing fire alarms, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers together with a comprehensive fire safety plan will minimise the risk of fire taking hold, should it break out.
As fire safety awareness has grown, there has been an overall decrease in fires over the last decade or so. Fire brigades are focussing more resources on fire prevention and advice on fitting smoke detectors and fire alarms. Fire Safety companies are also now serving the domestic sector as well as the commercial.
Installation of Fire Safety Equipment
No environment or area is immune from the risk of fire. Therefore, installation of early warning systems will maximise the chances of a safe escape. Alarms will sound loudly to warn people that fire or smoke has been detected. Action can then be taken immediately to evacuate the building as safely as possible, and emergency services called.
Make an Action Plan
Compile a plan including safety routes out of the building, and the fire assembly point. Decide who should be responsible for the use of fire extinguishers if they are needed. Whether you are at home or at work, share this information, and practice a drill; what could take minutes to practice could ultimately save lives.
If you employ 5 or more staff, you have a legal obligation to carry out a Fire Safety Risk Assessment. Swift Fire & Safety have assessors qualified to do this; we will ensure your building meets the required standards, ensuring peace of mind.
Training
Knowing how to respond in the event of a fire is a valuable skill. The actions of one person can have an impact on everyone around them and training will ensure that everybody knows what to do in an emergency situation.
Training should be continuous in order to stay up to date. If your workplace has new staff, they will need to be trained, and refresher courses will be needed if your company moves premises. Any change that affects the fire safety risk in your building will need to be addressed and appropriate training given.
Your duty of care is to the people within your building and by providing adequate training it ensures that everybody knows safety procedures, which will reduce the risk of injury, and even death, during a fire. Your business will be protected, and a small fire could be contained, preventing it from becoming a huge blaze.
Fire and smoke damage can have huge financial consequences for any business. Can you afford to take any chances?
You can find more information about our fire alarm installation service here.