Preparing for a fire is important for any business and, should a fire occur, preparation could be the difference between surviving or not. The HSE recently found that the average cost to repair a workplace fire was around £44,000, with 80 per cent of businesses never fully recovering
Whilst it is the duty of the employer to ensure risks are controlled and that correct legislation, such as the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order are followed, employees also have a legal duty too. Employees should fully co-operate with safety procedures and take reasonable care for the safety of themselves and others.
Electrical faults are one of the most common causes of workplace fires and by having regular PAT testing and ensuring that electrical equipment is well maintained, you will reduce the risk of fire.
When a fire is detected, it’s important that fire alarms and smoke detectors alert people and an evacuation process takes place. In noisy environments, there should be extra precaution for signs of danger as alarms may not be as audible.
By conducting regular risk assessments and ensuring staff are fully aware of fire safety, you can all help reduce the likelihood of a workplace fire. Not only will staff feel secure but they will also appreciate their employer taking safety seriously.
Adam Maidment is a writer for imperative training, the largest independent first aid training provider in the UK. Find out if you’re qualified to carry out fire safety here.
