04/06/2024

The Complete Guide to Fire Safety for Businesses

One of the most critical aspects of safety management in any business is fire safety. With stringent UK regulations and standards, it’s essential to have a comprehensive understanding of fire safety protocols and practices to protect your business, employees, customers, and assets. As a fire safety expert, Sygma is here to guide you through the process.

What is Fire Safety?

Fire safety refers to the procedures implemented to reduce the fire risk and limit its spread should it happen at your business. The goal of implementing fire safety measures is to reduce the risks for employees and anyone else accessing the premises.

A “responsible person” is responsible for assigning fire prevention tasks and actions necessary in case a fire breaks out. Fire safety in businesses is highly regulated, and the rules and legislation on this topic should be clearly communicated to all employees in your business.

Fire safety includes considering fire-resistant building materials, safe and secure work practices, safety training, prevention initiatives, and more. This comprehensive guide to fire safety in businesses details the importance of fire safety, relevant legislation, and how Sygma can help.

The importance of fire safety in the workplace

Fire safety in businesses is paramount. It ensures the protection of your building and the employees in it. It is a legal requirement that must be implemented in buildings and should be communicated to all employees.

Fire safety in businesses is essential because;

• It reduces the risk of accidents and injuries that involve employees and anyone else accessing the premises.
• It reduces the risk of damage to the building.
• It instates customer’s trust.
• It protects against fines.
• It protects jobs that might be lost in case of extensive building damage.
• It protects the entire business that might be at risk in case of extensive damage.

 

Who is responsible for fire safety in businesses?

The individual responsible for fire safety in businesses is the person in charge of the premises. Therefore, employers, building owners, building occupiers, landlords, building managers, facilities managers, and office managers could all be responsible for fire safety. According to regulations, this person is called the “responsible person.” Responsibilities might be shared between several individuals, particularly when premises are shared.

What are the responsibilities?
The responsible person or persons should follow the government’s guidance to ensure they implement all the necessary actions. They should regularly review and conduct the fire risk assessment if it is not done. They should also;
Inform and educate employees on the risks and actions in case a fire breaks out;
Implement the fire and safety measures;
Plan in case of emergency;
Deliver training to employees and anyone else accessing the premises.

Fire Safety in the workplace legislation

Following fire safety rules and regulations for businesses is important in ensuring the safety of your premises and employees. Here, we detail the fire risk assessment, fire prevention procedures and more.

Fire Risk Assessment

A thorough fire risk assessment is critical for any effective fire safety strategy in businesses. This assessment involves identifying potential hazards, evaluating the risk of a fire occurring, and determining measures to be implemented to avoid these risks. Conducting a fire risk assessment should be the starting point for every business, regardless of size or industry.

Fire Prevention

Preventing fires before they occur is key to safeguarding your business. Simple measures such as proper storage of flammable materials, regular maintenance of electrical systems, and implementing smoking policies can significantly reduce the risk of fire. It is crucial to educate employees about fire prevention best practices and encourage their active participation in maintaining a safe work environment. Sygma engineers can attend sites to train staff members on how to get the best from the fire panel and complete regular testing.

Fire Protection

Investing in adequate fire protection systems at your business is essential for minimising the impact of a fire. This includes installing fire alarm systems that detect smoke or heat, sprinkler systems that suppress fires, and ensuring clear and unobstructed escape routes for quick evacuation. These systems help save lives and minimise property damage in the event of a fire.

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Fire Drills and Training

Regular fire drills and employee training are vital components of an effective fire safety plan. Conducting realistic drills helps familiarise employees with evacuation procedures and ensures they know how to respond calmly and efficiently in an emergency. Training sessions should cover topics such as using fire extinguishers, recognising fire hazards, and understanding evacuation protocols.

Fire Safety Record Keeping

Maintaining detailed records of fire safety activities is essential for demonstrating compliance with regulations and identifying areas for improvement. Documentation should include fire risk assessments, maintenance logs for fire protection systems, and incident reports detailing any fire-related incidents or near misses. Keeping accurate records not only ensures regulatory compliance but also helps track the effectiveness of fire safety measures over time.

Importance of Staying Prepared, Benefits of Good Fire Safety Practices

Staying prepared for a fire emergency can make the difference between a minor incident and a catastrophic event. Implementing robust fire safety practices not only protects lives and property but also safeguards your business reputation and reduces the risk of costly disruptions. By prioritising fire safety, businesses can create a safer work environment, enhance employee morale, and build trust with customers and stakeholders.

Following British Standards BS-5389-1

BS-5389-1 highlights the importance of maintenance procedures for fire detection and alarm systems. It stresses the importance of routine testing to ensure system reliability and familiarise occupants with alarm signals. Weekly testing recommendations include operating manual call points, confirming signal reception at control equipment and alarm receiving centres, and testing audibility. Monthly attention includes starting emergency generators and inspecting standby power supply batteries. These tasks should be performed by competent individuals with proper training and knowledge.

Third-party certificated organisations, such as Sygma, are recommended for servicing. Routine servicing is not a review of system design but a verification of functionality and serviceability.

How can Sygma help?

Confirm cause-and-effect programs, check standby power supply capacity, verify zone plans, and follow manufacturer’s guidelines for video fire detectors. Report any defects found during inspections to premises management and maintain records of inspections and tests.

Conduct a thorough inspection and study existing records to ensure effective future servicing. Document major areas of non-compliance and communicate them to premises management. We’ll also arrange for emergency callouts to deal with faults or damage. All faults should be recorded, and repairs should be arranged promptly with our customer care team.

Take responsibility for system modifications to ensure that they do not compromise system compliance. A member of our engineering team will then carry out essential testing and documentation updates. These recommendations ensure that fire detection and alarm systems remain effective and compliant, even under non-routine circumstances such as changes in servicing organisations, repairs, modifications, false alarms, fire incidents, or prolonged disconnections.

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Get in touch

Businesses can mitigate the fire risk and protect their employees and assets by conducting thorough fire risk assessments, implementing preventative measures, investing in fire protection systems, conducting regular drills and training, and maintaining detailed records. Remember, when it comes to fire safety, being proactive is key. Take the necessary steps today to ensure a safer tomorrow for your business.

For more information on fire safety solutions tailored to your business needs, contact Sygma today.