Unfortunately statistics show that the most common cause of fire in commercial businesses is arson. In most cases businesses are seriously affected by a major fire. Our simple checklist below will help you keep your business and property safe.
What you need to know:
A fire risk assessment is the responsibility of the property owner or employer – this is a legal responsibility that if not adhered to can end in serious fines or imprisonment. A fire risk must be carried out to keep staff safe and protect your business as well as providing a service to the community.
A fire risk assessment will also help you identify vulnerable areas of your property and allow you to make a sensible ranking of your property which will enable you to reduce the risk of arson, as it will highlight areas that will require more attention.
Lowering Your Risks.
- Consider all the ways a potential arsonist could start a fire – both inside and outside the property.
- If you have been a victim previously or if the local area has had any fires recently make sure the Police are informed so they can be vigilant.
- Don’t ignore any small fires that may have taken place – this could be signs of something worse to come.
- Other forms of vandalism for example graffiti / damage should be cleared up as soon as possible as this could make the area a target for minor arson.
- Staff training should highlight the risks of arson and staff should report any suspicious behaviour
Everyday Checks.
- Make sure at the start of the day (first thing) fire hoses and extinguishers are ready for use, fire doors are not wedged open and fire escape doors are unlocked
- Visitors to your premises should not have access to staff only areas and high security business operations must maintain their security
- At lights out at close of the day, make sure there are no combustable materials lying around, no unauthorised people are left within the building and that all windows and doors are securely locked and bolted (if necessary). Never forget to turn on alarms and security lighting.
- Once a week, make sure all security alarms, smoke alarms and sprinklers are fully functioning.
Checks!
Our checklist below gives you a few pointers in reducing your risk of an arson attack or break in.
- Check that all doors and windows are in good order and that all locks are working
- Know everyone that holds a key – make a list of these people and chase anyone who has not returned a key
- Good security around your perimeter will reduce interest from burglars / vandals or arsonists.
- Consider CCTV cameras or a form of security lighting
- If there are any gaps under doors make sure they are as narrow as possible to stop lighted paper, rags or fireworks from being pushed under them
- Look at potential routes that could entice intruders, flat roofs, drain pipes etc, make sure you have an extra layer of security around all possible entries
- Keep all metal and storage bins locked
- Make sure your letterboxes have a metal container fitted on the inside
- Limit the number of entrances in use – but be careful not to block an fire exits
- Larger businesses may consider a security guard at the main entrance of the property
- If your property is based in a shopping centre make sure the security manager is always there, if not, make sure this is reported
- If you have a special danger area within a warehouse make sure it can only be accessed by authorised members of staff
