Fire safety in commercial premises
Health and Safety laws mean that employers and/or commercial property owners have a responsibility to keep the people in their buildings safe. Fire safety is one of the most important areas of Health and Safety as fire can be so destructive.
Fire Safety Risk Assessment
Regular risk assessment should be carried out to identify and minimise the chances of a fire starting. However, sometimes fires can start even when all the necessary preventative actions have been taken. This is when employers need to consider how they would keep everyone safe in the event of a fire.
The Heath and Safety Executive (HSE) provides the following advice on how minimise risk of fire and how to implement fire safety measures:
- Carry out a fire safety risk assessment
- Keep sources of ignition and flammable substances apart
- Avoid accidental fires, eg make sure heaters cannot be knocked over
- Ensure good housekeeping at all times, eg avoid build-up of rubbish that could burn
- Consider how to detect fires and how to warn people quickly if they start, eg installing smoke alarms and fire alarms or bells
- Have the correct fire-fighting equipment for putting a fire out quickly
- Keep fire exits and escape routes clearly marked and unobstructed at all times
- Ensure your workers receive appropriate training on procedures they need to follow, including fire drills
- Review and update your risk assessment regularly
The Law
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 covers general fire safety in England and Wales.
Routes to emergency exits must be kept clear at all times and ‘lead as directly as possible to a place of safety’. Article 14 (g) states that ‘emergency routes and exits must be indicated by signs’ as it may not be the normal route someone takes around the premises.
The distance to a fire meeting point or safe place should be as short as possible and government guidelines state the distance to be from 25 to 60 meters depending on the risk of fire at your premises, and the number of exits.
Fire exits should be instantly recognisable even if you are not familiar with the building; signs, lights and hatching all indicate a safe exit in case of a fire.
Parallel Lines Health and Safety Line Marking
Health and safety markings aren’t just there to provide walkways for employees, to hatch off no-go areas, or protect machinery; they are also there to highlight important, and life-saving, equipment and directions such as to fire doors and fire escapes.
In busy warehouses and factories it’s paramount that everyone can leave the building quickly and safely if necessary. We can provide markings for dedicated walkways and clear visual signs to fire exits, and ensure they are marked to be kept clear of stock or debris.
Discover the different types of line marking services available from Parallel lines that will help keep your employees and visitors safe when inside your building.
Get in touch to discuss your requirements today.