The Fire Safety Order legally requires businesses to accept full responsibility for detecting and lowering the risks of any fire hazard. Identifying hazards includes an examination of hazardous substances, safety procedures and environments susceptible to fire and explosion. Finding a fire safety hazard in the work place greatly lowers the risks of fire, enforces a mentality of prevention, and provides a safe place for employees and members of the public.

Under the 2006 Fire Safety Order businesses are held responsible to conduct their own fire risk assessments. These measures have several intentions, with general fire prevention and public safety being the main concern. The order requires reducing in the risk of fire on the property and the risk of the fire spreading, the establishment of escape routes from the premises safely and effectively and a plan of action to fight a containable fire. It also requires the provision of appropriate means of detecting and warning about fires and states that all staff must be appropriately informed and trained about emergency procedures. Identifying fire hazards in the work place is the first step in fire prevention and safety. Legally, a business is held accountable to meet these requirements.

A fire risk assessment begins with the identification of potentially dangerous substances and practices that increase the risk of a fire starting. Examining daily work activities that have the potential to be a fire hazard and which can put employees and the public at risk. Identification of dangerous and hazardous material, how they are used and stored, potential sources of ignition, and the development of explosive environments are all required in a fire risk assessment. Get More Info Fire Watch Guards

 

Poorly stored chemicals such aspetroleum products, paints, varnishes, and solvents should be closely examined. Keeping these dangerous substance quantities to a minimum, as well as using and storing these materials in a safe and responsible manner will greatly reduce the risks of a fire hazard. This includes keeping substances that are incompatible separated.

Dust is a major concern as well. When mixed with the air dust is often responsible for creating an explosive atmosphere. As an example dust may accumulate in the air due to sanding or milling within an area of poor ventilation and create a fire safety hazard. Avoiding environments that are extremely dry and warm are also easy ways to eliminate the risks of fires starting.

It is important to assess any fire hazard within daily activities as well as less routine instances such as cleaning and maintaining a building. Containing and releasing any vapors or dust via ventilation and avoiding potential ignition sources during work activities will prevent an explosive environment from developing and lower the risks for fire hazards. These precautions should be taken into consideration with the development and upkeep of the building and work space.

Identifying these fire hazards and creating an acceptable plan in case of ignition will greatly reduce risks, preventing a possible catastrophic or deadly event.  The storage, use, ventilation, and environment in which chemicals are used are all important factors in reducing potential fire hazards. Maintaining proper work procedures, regular building maintenance and conscientious behaviour will all help to keep your business safe and in accordance with the Fire Safety Order.