The laws are getting stiffer in regards to holding business owners responsible for personal safety of all who go to that location. One of the areas where they are cracking down has to do with possible fire hazards. Statically, most fires can be prevented if the right precautions and efforts were in motion. A fire risk assessment can help you to identify where your business falls.
If you are doing everything right, you can feel great knowing you are reducing potential risks to your employees, customers, and the building. The more efficiently you operate, the less likely it is that you will need fire and rescue services. If they are sent to put out a fire at your business, they are also going to conduct an investigation.
Negligence
If you are found to be at fault due to various factors in the facility, you may have to pay a huge fine. You may be facing criminal charges as well as putting the future of your business on the line. Your insurance company may not pay for the damages either. All of this can become a nightmare. However, it can be avoided if you take part I a fire risk assessment.
Based on the results, you can take action to reduce your risk of a fire occurring. When you have done everything within reason to lower that risk, you aren't going to be held responsible. You won't have to worry about being charged with negligence in the event there is ever a fire.
Exits
One of the common problems discovered with a fire risk assessment is the exists aren't clearly marked. There may not be an evacuation plan in place. There needs to be more than one exit and there needs to be a backup plan. Ideally, your employees should practice this evacuation at regular intervals. Exits can't be blocked and they need to remain unlocked from the inside.
Smoke Detectors
Make sure your business is in compliance with the locations of smoke detectors. They can be an early warning when there is a fire. This can help aid with getting everyone out of the area unharmed. It can also provide time to put out the problem with the help of fire extinguishers rather than dealing with a full blown fire scenario.
Fire Extinguishers
You need to test your fire extinguishers regularly too. They don't do you any good just sitting there. When someone accesses the device and pulls the pin, the expect it is going to spray out the foam. That can't happen if there is a leak or there is another problem with the fire extinguisher. Part of your fire risk assessment should include placement and testing.
Assistance
A professional company can come in and do the fire risk assessment for you. Bringing a new set of eyes to evaluate the situation works best. They are going to see things you overlook because they are trained to know what to look for. They can give you a detailed list of any potential hazards they identify.
Yet that is just the start of what they offer. They can also go through that list with you and create a plan of action. Once you have implemented the changes, they can come back in. They can go through the entire fire risk assessment again for you. It is going to feel great when they give you a 100% on that updated report!
Such an inspection should be done on an annual basis. This will help to keep the certification current. Make sure you have all of the documents signed. They can help you to save money on insurance premiums, offer peace of mind, and help you to promote the safest environment possible for your day to day business operations.
