5 common fire safety mistakes

When it comes to fire safety, there are a few mistakes that we see much more commonly than others. These are the things that can often let a business that is otherwise compliant down during an assessment and it’s crucial that all bases are covered to ensure a safe environment that’s fully up to standard.

1. Failure to run regular fire alarm and evacuation drills

Regular, surprise fire drills are essential to ensuring all staff members know what to do in the event of a fire. Many businesses run one and think it’s a tick in the box and fail to repeat the process regularly. Of course, in this case, new starters will not know what to do and other staff may forget the process. Ensure they are reminded with regular surprise drills.

2. Failure to have a fire safety plan (or review it)

A fire safety plan should outline in detail the steps to be taken in the event of a fire. All staff should be familiar with the fire safety plan and educated as to its contents. Many businesses may write a fire safety plan, but most fail to regularly review it and ensure it’s up-to-date and relevant.

3. Failure to train employees on using extinguishers

If staff are expected to use extinguishers in the event of a fire, it’s essential that they have received the relevant training on how to do so and how to select the correct extinguisher. Trained staff can stop a fire at its source and ensure it doesn’t spread and cause more damage or risk to life. However, it’s also important for staff to know when to fight a fire and when to evacuate.

4. Failure to maintain electrical equipment

Faulty or poorly maintained electrical equipment is one of the most common sources of a fire. Quite commonly we see electrical items with frayed or exposed wires and broken sockets in use on business premises. All electrical equipment should be regularly reviewed to ensure it does not present the risk of starting a fire.

5. Failure to keep fuel sources separate from potential ignition points  

For a fire to occur all that’s need are these three things; an ignition point, fuel and oxygen. Of course, oxygen is everywhere, which is why it’s essential that potential fuel and ignition points are managed safely. For example, stacking paper too close or on top of the boiler system may present a significant risk of starting a fire!

Walker Fire can help

Call us on 0800 731 3630 or email uk@walkerfire.com to arrange a free site survey and receive a no-obligation quote for your business’s premises.