Fire safety can feel like a lot to keep on top of, especially when you’re running a business. There are fire risk assessments to think about, staff training, fire extinguishers, alarms, emergency lighting and plenty of other things that need regular checks.
So, we’ve put together some commercial fire safety FAQs to answer a few of the questions we’re asked most often.
What is commercial fire safety?
Commercial fire safety covers all the measures you have in place to prevent fires, protect people and make sure everyone can get out safely if a fire does happen.
Depending on your premises and the risks involved, this could include:
- Fire risk assessments
- Fire alarm systems
- Fire extinguishers
- Emergency lighting
- Fire safety training
- Fire evacuation procedures
- Fire doors and escape routes
- Fire safety signage
The exact requirements will be different for every business. An office, school, warehouse and restaurant will all have different risks, which is why your fire safety arrangements should be based on your individual premises.
Do I need a fire risk assessment for my business?
If you’re responsible for a business or other non-domestic premises in England, you will generally need to have a fire risk assessment in place. A fire risk assessment looks at the potential fire hazards within your premises, who could be at risk and what you need to do to reduce those risks.
It’s not simply about having a document on file. The assessment should help you understand what needs to be done to keep the people using your building safe. If your business moves premises, changes how the building is used, carries out alterations or introduces new equipment or processes, your fire risk assessment may need to be reviewed.
How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?
There isn’t one set timescale that applies to every business.
Your fire risk assessment should be reviewed regularly and whenever there is a significant change that could affect fire safety.
For example, you may need to review it if:
- You move into new premises
- You change how your building is used
- You carry out building or refurbishment work
- There are significant changes to your staff or visitors
- You introduce new equipment or processes
- There has been a fire or near miss
- You identify a new fire risk
Think of your fire risk assessment as something that should be kept up to date, rather than something you complete once and forget about.
Do my employees need fire safety training?
Yes. Employees should be given suitable information and training about fire safety and what they need to do in an emergency.
This should include your fire procedures, evacuation arrangements and what to do if they discover a fire or hear the alarm. New employees should receive appropriate information when they start, while refresher training should be provided when necessary. Good fire safety training doesn’t need to be complicated. The most important thing is that your employees know what to do if the alarm goes off.
How often do fire extinguishers need servicing?
Fire extinguishers need to be regularly checked and maintained to make sure they’re still in good working order and suitable for the risks within your premises.
As a general rule, portable fire extinguishers should receive regular inspection and maintenance by a competent person, with annual servicing normally recommended.
It’s also important to carry out routine visual checks to make sure extinguishers are:
- In their correct location
- Clearly visible and accessible
- Not damaged
- Not showing obvious signs of corrosion
- Not obstructed by furniture, stock or equipment
An extinguisher might look perfectly fine on the wall, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s ready to use. Regular servicing helps make sure your equipment is there when you need it.
How do I know which fire extinguisher I need?
Different types of fire require different types of extinguishing equipment.
For example, the risks in an office won’t necessarily be the same as those in a commercial kitchen, workshop or warehouse. Your fire risk assessment should identify the potential fire risks within your premises and help determine the appropriate firefighting equipment. This is why it’s not a good idea to simply buy a few extinguishers and assume your fire safety is covered.
You need the right type of extinguisher, in the right location and properly maintained.
What other fire safety equipment might my business need?
Fire extinguishers are only one part of your wider commercial fire safety arrangements.
Depending on your premises, you may also need:
- Fire alarm systems
- Emergency lighting
- Fire detection
- Fire exit signs
- Fire doors
- Fire blankets
- Evacuation plans
- Other firefighting equipment
All of these systems need to be properly maintained and checked so they’re ready to work when they’re needed.
At Saracen, we can help businesses with a range of fire protection services, including fire alarms, fire risk assessments, fire extinguisher servicing, emergency lighting and fire safety training.
Can Saracen help with commercial fire safety?
Absolutely.
Saracen Fire Protection works with businesses across a wide range of sectors, providing practical fire protection and security services for commercial premises.
We can help with fire risk assessments, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting and fire safety training, as well as ongoing servicing and maintenance.
If you’re unsure about your fire risk assessment, need your extinguishers serviced, want to arrange fire safety training or simply want some advice about your current arrangements, get in touch with Saracen Fire Protection on 01675 628999.