In this article we are going to look at how you can identify fire hazards in the workplace and what you can do to reduce the risk of a fire starting in your building.
A fire needs three things to start:
- Ignition source
- Fuel
- Oxygen
If any of these three elements is missing then a fire can’t start. Taking steps to avoid the three coming together will reduce the risk of a fire starting.
Fire Hazards
Here’s a list of potential fire hazards that you can look for in your building:
Ignition Sources
You should seek to keep anything which could ignite a fire well away from any “fuel”. This can be done when you do your fire risk assessment on a regular basis but should be considered at all times to reduce risk of fire.
- Lit cigarettes or matches
- Naked flames
- Sparks from welding equipment
- Faulty electrical equipment
Fuel
The material you store and the way in which you store it should be considered. Some materials have to be stored in certain ways under legislation, such as chemicals (for which you would normally need a permit from HSE). The storage of other substances needs to be thought about carefully. Anything you store, from waste paper to flammable liquids, should be kept well away from any ignition source and stored safely. Examples could include:
- Wood, paper or card
- Flammable liquids (eg paint thinner)
- Flammable gas
- Waste material
- Wood shavings
Check Premises Regularly
It’s important that you look around your premises regularly to identify any potential fire hazards. It’s amazing how quickly an area can change especially if you have many staff using that area. A regular walk round can put your mind at rest and reduce fire risk.
Teach Employees
It is essential to teach your employees the importance of safe storage and fire risk. If they know the importance of keeping ignition sources and fuel sources separate it will help you manage your fire risk and keep people and premises safe.
How we can help
I’d be more than happy to chat to you about how to reduce fire risk at your premises. To get in touch click here to go to our “contact us” page.
