Fire Safety Tips For Businesses

Fire Safety Tips For Businesses

Fire safety plays an important role in managing the business.The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 dictates that fire risks must be assessed and action must be taken to prevent issues arising.Here are just a few tips to help you ensure your business is compliant with the law and people are safe.

Carry out a fire risk assessment

A fire risk assessment plays a fundamental part in any fire safety plan, so it’s wise to make this one of your first steps.Your fire risk assessment must identify:

Potential fire hazards.

Take heaters, electrical equipment, naked flames, sources of ignition, and smoking areas.

Who is at risk?

In the event of a fire, everyone within the building will be at risk. Consider how these people are affected and how well-equipped they are to escape safely. Members of staff, for example, should have a good understanding of the building’s layout, but guests, customers and visitors will need extra support and guidance.

What is your evacuation plan?

Consider whether any changes need to be made so that everyone can evacuate the building safely. Question whether you have sufficient sources of fire detection and prevention so that action can be taken quickly.Record your findings. When carrying out a fire risk assessment, keeping a record of your findings is essential. Not only can this help you implement life-saving safety measures, you can also protect yourself from a legal standpoint.Keep your fire risk assessment updated. Your risk assessment must be regularly updated, particularly following any changes to your building.

Train your staff

In the event of a fire, your staff will play an important role. When a fire alarm sounds, most guests and customers will look to staff for guidance. By ensuring that your staff are prepared, you can increase the likelihood everyone gets out quickly.Make sure your employees know of the nearest escape routes, have a thorough understanding of their responsibilities, and are willing to play an active role in keeping the premises as safe as possible.

Have regular evacuation drills

The average person has grown used to fire drills, having experienced their fair share of practise runs from the days of primary school right through to their time in the workplace. But when fire drills become routine, it’s not uncommon for people to pay very little attention and forget what to do in an emergency. Make sure your employees not only know their primary escape route but they also know alternatives in case that option is blocked.The above fire safety tips for hospitality sector can help you lay the groundwork for a thorough and reliable fire safety plan, but there is so much more to consider. To learn more about your responsibilities and find out how you can make your business as safe as possible, please get in touch with AFFS