Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot!
Over the last 2 months there has not been a week go past without the mention of a fire, from a local heath, to a house or a commercial building. The lack of rainfall means that fires are getting more and more common.
Unfortunately, short of a Rain Dance we cannot help with the Rainfall, however, we are able to give you some pointers to reduce the risk of fire affecting your business.
Risk Assessment
The best starting point is to identify and reduce the risk of fire in your business by carrying out a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA). If you have five or more employees or your premises are licenced, you are required by law to have an FRA. This document will assist you to identify and reduce the risk of potential fire hazards.
Maintenance
A ‘looked after appearance’ will not only look appealing to your customers, new and old, it will play a part in the protection against arson. If a building looks like it is occupied and cared for, by removing graffiti or repairing damage, it does actually make a difference.
Security
It is now common practice that buildings are alarmed during the hours the business is closed. However, what about during the working day? You need to ensure that unauthorised people are excluded from ‘Staff Only Areas’ and staff should be encouraged to challenge strangers when found in un-authorised areas.
Denial of Fuel
We do not only mean, Petrol etc. Any flammable item that fuels a fire should be removed from the building on a regular basis or kept in a locked metal cabinet. Also anything such as wooden pallets, and other combustibles, must be kept in a secure compound outside and at an acceptable distance from the building.
Electricity
Electrical faults are the second largest causes of fire in buildings, after arson. However, this risk can be reduced by regular maintenance of fixed and portable appliances. Installation, repair work and testing should be carried out by a qualified, competent electrician every 5 years, whereas portable items need to be regularly checked by a competent person. Your staff should also be encouraged to report any danger signs that they notice.
Smoking
Since the smoking ban in 2007 has reduced this hazard, there is still a risk to those that allow people to smoke outside their building. Supply a ‘butt bin’ or a ‘fire bucket’ so that extinquished cigarettes are disposed of appropriately. Disiplinary procedures should be in place for anyone caught smoking within the premises.
Food Preparation
Equipment used in Food Preparation must be installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Even though it has been installed properly a fire can easily start in the extraction system due to the build up of grease. If this occurs fire can spread quickly through the building. So ensure that there is minimal build up of grease by employing a contractor to regularly clean the system. The recommendation is every 3 months* for heavy use(12-16 hours a day), every 6 months* for moderate use (6-12 hours a day) or annually* for light use (2-6 hours a day).
Seasonal Considerations
Retailers need to be even more alert at seasonal times, such as the Fireworks and Festive season. The selling of fireworks does require a special licence along with specialist storage and selling precautions.
Hot Work
Various trades use some form of ‘hot-work’ whether it is soldering, welding or re-bitumening roofs, everyone has to be aware of the safety precautions and control measures that have to be implemented. A hot work permit is for use by whoever is involved in any job involving heat and should be readily available for inspection. Your insurers are also to be made aware of any ‘hot-work’ involved in your role or being carried out within your premises by a third party.
If you are unsure or need some advice on the above please do contact our property expert, David McGowan on 01473 408428 or email him on mcgowand@wmibl.co.uk
* These periods are merely suggestions, timescale confirmation would need to be sought from an expert on the regularity of cleaning.
We would like to thank Aviva Insurance for use of referencing material for the above article.
