Fire safety for small businesses

A fire is a terrible occurrence, not just in terms of property destruction, but also in terms of the potential for loss of life if it spreads.

Small businesses must have strategies and processes in place to avoid fires and to assist in the recovery of their operations in the case of an unexpected incident. In this article, we will take a look at some excellent tips that will help ensure efficient fire safety for your small business.

FIRE STRATEGY – HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? SPEAK TO AN EXPERT

Is your small business fire safe?

The fire services suggest using the following checklist to help your small business avoid fire damage:

1. Avoid storing or accumulating combustible goods, such as packing materials or rubbish in public locations, such as areas directly outside your business premises.
2. Ensure that all equipment is repaired and kept clean according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. When the business is unattended, if feasible, turn off the equipment.
3. When your business is unattended, lock all doors, windows, and other entry points, and make sure your business has appropriate lighting to prevent trespassers.
4. Ensure that you have a properly maintained and working fire alarm system, such as remote serviced alarm systems, sprinkler systems, thermal or smoke alarms, and so on.
5. If your company keeps hazardous products, be sure that their storage and usage meet all legal standards.
6. Ensure that you have a documented and practiced fire escape strategy that includes a complete list of employees and planned meeting spots.

D.S.E.A.R – DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES AND EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES REGULATIONS. SPEAK TO AN EXPERT

Damage reduction and disaster recovery checklist

This checklist is recommended by the fire department to help your small business in minimizing fire damage and ensure a quick recovery:

1. Ensure that all of your employees have received enough training on what to do in the event of a fire.
2. Make sure you understand what information is critical to your business’s success. This should contain contingency plans to secure and/or recover any critical information (both hard copy and digital), such as supplier and client lists, business contracts, and insurance information.
3. In your contingency plan, consider establishing an off-site secure place to keep essential information.
4. Keep in mind that smoke from a fire can confuse you and that you cannot see through smoke.
5. Always make sure your business has adequate fire insurance.

    

   If you believe your employees need training, please call us at 0800 999 11 25. Regular employee and fire marshal training is conducted at your location and customise our training to your company’s requirements.

We can provide you with a customised fire safety training which are available either online or at your place of work.