Don’t get burnt by latest fire reform!
Fire is allegedly man’s greatest friend, yet possibly his worst enemy?
Fire, the simple combination of 3 elements Fuel, Heat & Oxygen, can strike when you least expect it and when it occurs in business usually it has significant if not calamitous consequences. So do you know what do in an emergency situation, are you and your business prepared, can it cope with the by products of Fire; smoke, heat and water? Here are some simple and effective actions, no matter what size your company, to prevent or reduce the effects:
have an emergency plan and ensure individuals know what it is and what actions they need to take
store business critical data, back ups, important documents, copies, etc in different locations in the building, preferably in a fire proof cabinet where in wont get affected by water used to tackle the fire eg off the floor
review, reduce and control sources of heat and fuel eg paper, substances, heaters, blow lamps, etc; store them in a cupboard or cabinet if possible The biggest change in Fire Safety Management for over a third of a century will come into force later this year - The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO).
The FSO introduces the new ‘Self Regulation’ philosophy followed by many of the new day regulations requiring you to undertake and implement various actions. Principally the FSO requires you to:
Conduct a suitable & sufficient fire risk assessment
Consider who may be especially at risk eg vulnerable individuals
Eliminate or reduce risks, implement precautions to deal with those remaining
Apply specific measures relating to flammable or explosive materials
Implement emergency planning
Review arrangements periodically
All business and organisations should be aware of these important changes, their new duties & responsibilities and implement appropriate actions to eliminate, reduce and control Fire and its consequences. Finally if you or your business has either a Fire Certificate or exemption granted under the Fire Precautions Act 1971 these will be no longer valid after the introduction of the FSO.
For assistance in this or any other Health, Safety, Environment or Facilities Management issues contact Tern Associates who would be pleased to advise you on these matters.
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