Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service (MFRS) is urging businesses that have reopened their doors not to overlook fire safety and ensure it remains a top priority in the workplace. The call comes after many businesses had to implement and enforce new ways of working due to the pandemic.
MFRS is reminding businesses about the everyday fire risks in the workplace and both the legal and moral responsibility to ensure premises are safe from fire. Many businesses had to respond quickly to the pandemic once they were allowed to reopen and while revisiting risk assessments, fire safety may not have been at the forefront of planning.
Fire safety staff
MFRS is backing the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) Business Safety Week – which runs from 6th to 12th September – and encouraging business owners and responsible persons (RPs) to ensure they review their fire risk assessments.
MFRS is backing the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) Business Safety Week
MFRS staff, including operational firefighters and fire safety staff, will be visiting businesses across Merseyside throughout the week to offer free help, advice, and guidance to help minimize the risk of fire in the workplace. Station Manager Steve McManus, from MFRS’ Fire Safety Department, said: “We know it has been a challenging 18 months for businesses and we want them to get back to work so they can continue to make their valued contribution to the economy and local communities.”
COVID secure measures
“However, it's vital that businesses continue to prioritize fire safety and take steps to ensure staff is suitably trained, fire equipment is checked and maintained and any COVID secure measures do not compromise fire safety. Fire can have a devastating impact on a business with many never recovering. That’s why we are committed to working closely with our local business communities to ensure they are aware of what they can do to reduce the risk of fire and keep their business, staff, and customers safe.”
Some of the key areas of focus during the week will be fire risk assessments and ways to reduce false alarms. Around 44% of fire service call-outs in the UK are as a result of false alarms. Not only do they impact business productivity, but they increase pressure on fire service resources and time, both of which could be spent on dealing with genuine emergencies and community prevention and protection activities.
Keeping business safe
There were more than 4,700 deliberate fires in businesses in the UK in 2019-20
Advice is also available to businesses on reducing the risk of arson by taking simple steps to protect premises. There were more than 4,700 deliberate fires in businesses in the UK in 2019-20 and most attacks are unplanned and opportunist crimes.
Top tips for keeping the business safe: Remember, where COVID secure measures remain in place, they should not adversely affect fire safety. Keep exit routes clear and available for use.
- Is the staff adequately trained?
- Does the staff know what to do in the event of a fire?
- Does the staff know the building evacuation plan?
- Is the staff aware of the fire exit routes?
- Is someone nominated to dial 999?
- Is the staff expected to use fire extinguishers and, if so, are they trained?
Fire risk assessment
- Is the fire risk assessment up to date? - The fire risk assessment should be completed by a competent fire risk assessor. It is usually reviewed at least every 12 months and if there are any changes that may affect the fire safety of the premises. Such as changes to the premises, processes, and/or management system.
- Does the fire alarm work? - An alarm test should be carried out on a weekly basis using a different call point each time and it should be subject to an annual test by a suitably qualified engineer.
- Does one have enough fire extinguishers for the premises? - Extinguishers should be checked weekly and have an annual test by a qualified engineer.
- Are the exits clear? - Escape routes should be kept clear and designated fire exits should not be blocked by furniture or excess stock. DO NOT prop open fire doors, even if this is intended to minimize contact between staff and door handles. Fire exit doors should be available for use whenever the premises are occupied. Fire doors should be maintained in good condition so they can perform the job they are designed to do.
- Do self-closing devices work?
- Are the intumescent strips and smoke seals around the edge of the door frame undamaged?
- Do the fire doors close snugly against the frame?
- Are they free from damage (e.g. from stock trolleys)?
- Is the business protected against arson?
- Make sure the business premises are secure out of hours.
- Ideally, all rubbish should be removed from the site on a regular basis and stored securely until collection.
- Keep all entrances and exits of the building clear at all times.
- The stock should not be kept in excessive amounts.
- Lighting, CCTV, and fencing will deter criminals.