Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) is offering businesses fire safety advice as part of the National Fire Chiefs Council's (NFCC's) Business Safety Week 2019.
The campaign runs from 9th - 15th September and aims to provide those who are with responsibility for businesses and public buildings with information and advice to reduce the number of fire incidents and false alarms in the workplace, both of which impact business safety and productivity.
Reviewing risk assessments
The week encourages all businesses to ensure they have taken the steps required by law to protect their business and employees from fire. Advice will also be given on preventing arson attacks, reducing false alarms, and if needed fire safety advice for premises with sleeping accommodation adjacent or above them.
In the UK electrical fires account for around 33% of accidental fires in the workplace
The lead-up to Christmas can be a busy time for businesses so the NFCC are calling on people to take the opportunity now to review risk assessments and escape plans in preparation for Christmas as they may take on extra stock and new or seasonal staff. Statistics show that in 2017-18 there were 19,033 fires in UK businesses with about 30% (5,293) being deliberately set. In the UK electrical fires account for around 33% of accidental fires in the workplace.
Misuse of electrical equipment
These fires can be due to electrical faults or misuse of electrical equipment. A rise in these fires is seen during the Christmas period. By law, employers should make sure equipment is installed, maintained and used correctly, whether it is owned or leased by the business.
NFCC’s Protection and Business Safety Vice Chair Guy Keen, said: “About one-third of fires in the workplace are due to electrical faults and misuse of electrical equipment. The majority of these fires are likely to be preventable by taking some simple measures, businesses can learn about how to make their premises and their staff safer from fire. We know that many small businesses never recover from the damage caused by fire, so it is really important to factor in fire safety particularly as part of preparations in the run-up to Christmas.”
Regular free workshops
We’d encourage business owners to get in touch with us and find out more about the help available"
Head of Fire Protection for CFRS, Group Commander David Lynch, said: "Fires have a huge effect on businesses of any size, so it’s really important that we work with them help prevent them in the first place.”
"We’d encourage business owners to get in touch with us and find out more about the help available. We’d also encourage them to join us at one of regular free workshops designed to help businesses better understand and conform to fire safety legislation relevant to their trade and the premises in which they operate.”
Throughout the week, CFRS will sharing safety messages across social media, following a day in the life of a Fire Protection Officer, and sharing an insight into to how the Service works with local business to keep them safe.
