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Fire Safety Advice for London Residents and Workers
Fires require three things in order to ignite; an ignition source (heat), a fuel source (anything that burns), and oxygen.
Heaters, lighting, naked flames, electrical equipment, smokers' products (cigarettes, matches, etc.) and anything else that might grow very hot or create sparks are all sources of ignition. Wood, paper, plastic, rubber, or foam, loose packing materials, trash debris, and furniture are all fuel sources. The air surrounding us is a source of oxygen.
What should I do?
Employers (and/or building owners or occupiers) must conduct and maintain a fire safety risk assessment. This method is similar to health and safety risk assessments and can be performed as part of an overall risk assessment or as a standalone exercise.
Based on the assessment's conclusions, employers must ensure that adequate and appropriate fire safety measures are in place to reduce the risk of harm or death in the case of a fire.
To assist avoid workplace fires, your risk assessment should identify what could start a fire, such as sources of ignition (heat or sparks) and flammable substances, as well as the persons who may be at danger.
Once you've identified the risks, you can take the necessary steps to mitigate them. Consider whether you can avoid them entirely or, if it is not possible, how you can lessen and manage the risks. Consider how you will protect individuals in the event of a fire.
Follow these 9 steps to ensure your home or place of work is as safe as it can be from fire:
1. Conduct a risk assessment for fire safety.
2. Keep sources of ignition and flammable chemicals separate.
3. Avoid inadvertent fires, for example, by making sure heaters cannot be pushed over.
4. Maintain proper housekeeping at all times, for example, by avoiding the accumulation of rubbish that could ignite.
5. Consider how to detect fires and rapidly notify people if they start, such as by installing smoke alarms, fire alarms, or bells.
6. Have the necessary fire-fighting equipment to quickly extinguish a fire.
7. Always keep fire exits and escape routes properly marked and unobstructed.
8. Ensure that your employees receive adequate training on the processes they must follow, including fire drills.
9. Regularly review and update your risk assessment.
If you need help or assistance with any fire safety matters, contact a suitably qualified fire risk assessor or fire risk assessment company like London Fire Associates, who will be happy to offer you help and guidance on any fire safety issues or concerns that you may have.