FAQs Business Fire Safety and Fire Prevention

There are many FAQs related to fire safety in the workplace, including, but not limited to:

• Who is responsible for completing a fire risk assessment? 

• How can fire incidents be prevented?

• What practices prevent fires from starting?

• What are three basic fire safety principles you should follow at work?

We will look at these particular FAQs in this article.

• Who is responsible for completing a fire risk assessment?

The responsibility for completing fire risk assessments in the workplace falls to the employer, or business owner. They are able to nominate a responsible person to take care of fire safety in the workplace, and this person would identify all the fire risks in the building.

How can fire incidents be prevented?

Fire incidents in the workplace can be prevented by minimising the following risks, which are common causes of fire:

• Neglect or poor maintenance of electric wirings that result in short circuits
• Improper waste storage and disposal can be a fuel for fires. They can also block possible exits
• Cooking appliances or any heating appliances can be a source of fire when placed near combustible materials or furniture
• Arson makes up a large percentage of fires caused on business premises, and can cause devastating consequences to a company
• Human error. From using equipment incorrectly to not reporting faulty machinery, accidents can easily occur without the proper training in place
• Smoking employees who discard cigarette or matches carelessly

• What practices prevent fires from starting?

Fire prevention measures can include elements such as:

• Prohibition on smoking
• Positioning of heat sources to prevent contact with combustible materials
• Systems of work to prevent accumulation of easily ignitable paper

• What are three basic fire safety principles you should follow at work?

There are many steps you can take to ensure fire prevention in your workplace, and keep your staff safe. What follows are three important basic fire safety principles to follow:

• Take fire precautions: Routinely check the workplace for any potential fire hazards. By communicating fire precaution and stressing a clean, protected work environment, you're taking an imperative step to protect your work site.
• Know emergency procedures: To prevent fatalities or injuries, it is vital to initiate an evacuation plan. At all times, fire exits and evacuation routes must be cleared of any obstacles. Fire alarm systems/detectors can be necessary on each floor.
• Install fire detection systems, such as fire alarms: ISE Fire can equip your business premises in Northants with the right fire alarm for your company. Simply get in touch for a free business premises audit.

If there's a fire and you haven't met your legal duties to keep people safe, you could be fined and may even spend time in prison. Learn about your legal obligations here if you are a company based in the Northamptonshire or Milton Keynes area.