All businesses must carry out a fire risk assessment and have a fire safety plan in place. Ensuring a clear fire safety procedure could save lives. In the wake of the terrible tragedy at Grenfell Tower it is imperative to take a fresh look at the assessments and procedures you have in place at the minute, in case these are in need of updating or re-considering.
As an employer, take some time to consider the below from Michelle Hay.
Improve your fire safety knowledge
Can people evacuate quickly and effectively? – Practice an evacuation and record what went well, not so well and, make changes to improve. Tell everyone about the changes and keep practicing until it’s the best it can be.
Training works – Giving people the right information about fire safety is a legal requirement. It works. Once people understand the potential effects of a fire, they change their behaviour for the better, for good.
Give people responsibilities for their own safety – Employee engagement is the best method of continual compliance in any workplace.
What’s behind the door? – Final exit doors must be checked every day to make sure that they are unlocked and that there is nothing behind them to hinder an evacuation.
Poorly maintained equipment causes fires! – Have all your electrical equipment checked regularly and have a reporting procedure in place for employees to use.
Keep fire doors shut – Fire doors are in place to stop the spread of fire, make sure they’re not wedged open.
Arson is the cause of 45% of fires – Check your areas outside the building and remove or enclose anything that might be tempting to an arsonist.
Is your fire alarm system working? – Where are your ‘call points’, lights and smoke detectors? Your alarm should be tested weekly.
What are your fire emergency procedures? – Everyone must know what to do if they discover a fire or hear the fire alarm.
Keep a record of all fire safety actions and review them at least annually.