Recent events have shown how vulnerable we can be to fires when the temperature rises. Bonfires, BBQs, electrical faults or even a simply discarded cigarette stub can start what can turn out to be a catastrophe.

However,  we should be as equally concerned about the risk of fire at any time of the year and not just when the weather is red hot, as fires aren’t seasonal and can start at any time of any day or night throughout the whole year!

Within the UK workplace, on average 30 people die and 2,000 are seriously injured as a result of fires annually. Then there’s the damage to property, loss of business, fines, compensation claims and insurance premiums which cost the economy over £6 billion. 75% of businesses that have a fire within the first year of their trading will never trade again.

People responsible for fire safety in businesses or other non-domestic premises:

• Employers.
• Property owners.
• Landlords.
• Occupiers.
• Anyone else with control of the premises, eg: facilities managers, building managers, managing agents or risk assessors.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) give you a good start point in recognising your responsibilities and also with setting out a sensible plan that identifies the risks:

• Carry out a fire safety risk assessment.
• Keep sources of ignition and flammable substances apart.
• Avoid accidental fires, eg make sure heaters cannot be knocked over.
• Ensure good housekeeping at all times, eg avoid build-up of rubbish that could burn.
• Consider how to detect fires and how to warn people quickly if they start, eg installing smoke alarms and fire alarms or bells.
• Have the correct fire-fighting equipment for putting a fire out quickly.
• Keep fire exits and escape routes clearly marked and unobstructed at all times.
• Ensure your workers receive appropriate training on procedures they need to follow, including fire drills.
• Review and update your risk assessment regularly.

It is also worth checking with your local fire department to find out what help and assistance they can offer in relation to fire safety, advice on fire extinguishers and the installation of smoke detectors and/or carbon monoxide alarms.

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