The government reported that there were around 145,000 fires last year in the UK, a statistic which, although has declined in recent years, is still very alarming and, more importantly, very preventable. If you are a business owner, fire safety is vital for your employees’ safety and your business's credibility as there is stringent governmental legislation you must meet. 2005’s Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order has meant that fire certificates are no longer recognised and your business requires a risk assessment. Read on for more information about the precautions a business needs to take into account, tips to improve fire safety, and how EK Fire Protection can help.
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are legally required for all business properties and help combat fires by spraying a chemical in order to put out or at least suppress a fire. The six main types of fire extinguishers are water, foam, CO2, powder, water mist, and wet chemical, each type having a use for different types of fires. For example, water fire extinguishers are used only on solid combustibles (i.e. wood or textiles) whilst wet chemical extinguishers are used purely for cooking oil fires. For your fire risk assessment, it is important for a business to have the correct class of fire extinguishers fitted in the office, they must be regularly tested, and employees must be educated on how and when to use them.
Fire Safety Signs and Emergency Lights
An underrated precaution essential for a business’ fire safety is emergency lighting and fire safety signs. These lights remain on even when the mains supply of the building is cut, as in the event of a power failure, circuitry in the fixture activates the lights, guiding employees out of the building to safety. The fire safety sign designer must obey certain regulations depending on the size of the building, and this is something you should consider when installing emergency lighting.
Fire safety signs are a potential life-saver that ensures your business is ready for whatever occasion, whilst also helping your business’ fire risk assessment.
Fire Alarm Installation
Fire alarms are another excellent method of fire safety for your business, as the device responds to rapid changes in heat, alerts your business’ employees and allows them to find safety before it’s too late. What is useful about fire alarm installation is that it can be adapted to the premises of your business, from small to large offices, and is always incredibly effective. If you are interested in fire alarm installation, be sure to ensure the fire alarm system you receive is up to date and complies with British Standards - if it is not, this will be noted on the fire risk assessment
EK Fire Protection
After the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order in 2005, employers became solely responsible for fire safety in the workplace, and it is their responsibility to ensure that full fire safety measures are in place. If you need assistance with fire safety, EK Fire Protection have a wide range of services, ranging from fire risk assessments to fire alarm installation and fire safety signs. Give us a call at 01304 210909 for free advice, or contact us online.
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