Please note: This safety advice is offered as guidance only. If in doubt, Get out, Stay out and get the Fire and Rescue Service out!
The deliberate setting of fires can be a threat to life and property.
Business Fire Safety – Need to know essentials:
If you own, manage or operate a business you have a legal duty to ensure you and your staff know what to do to prevent a fire in the workplace and how to escape if fire does break out:
- All businesses need a competent person to undertake a fire risk assessment which will then inform them of what they need to do next
- Properly manage ignition sources and combustibles – ‘No fuel – No fire.’ Follow the Good Housekeeping advice below
- Train your staff, make sure they understand how to evacuate the building and how to raise the alarm
- Put appropriate arrangements in place to maintain and manage things like emergency lighting systems or ventilation – they are all there to help people to escape a building
- Think about business continuity – Follow the Protect your premises advice below and consider storing data offsite and have suppression systems to protect premises (sprinklers etc)
Good housekeeping:
- Waste is a potential fuel source for fire, ensure that waste management is covered in your businesses Fire Risk Assessment
- Waste should be in a secure area, away from buildings, not accessible through perimeter fencing
- Skips, recycling containers and bins should be kept away from building eaves or canopies
- Entrances and exits should be clear at all times
- Keep external areas clear and tidy so intruders are visible and there is less to interest opportunists
- Plan ahead for busy periods when you have more stock or waste materials
Protect your premises:
- Make perimeters secure and consider installing security lighting and CCTV (to support a prosecution needs to be 4 megapixels and 1080p res)
- Consider installing anti-arson letterboxes on entry doors
- Have a clear signing in and out procedure for staff and visitors
- Report vandalism and anti-social behaviour they may lead to fire-setting
- Remember to change codes regularly especially when staff leave the organisation
Involve and inform staff:
- Staff are your biggest asset and a vigilant workforce can protect your business
- Have a clear process for opening and closing premises to ensure the site is secure
- Ensure staff know about fire prevention and have a process to report concerns
Report deliberately started fires to West Mercia Police here or call 101 (always call 999 and ask for the Fire Service if there is an active fire)
If you have any information about someone deliberately starting fires call Crimestoppers Arson Alert on 0800 555 111 or online here
To contact the prevention team about arson prevention, please email firecrimeofficers@shropshirefire.gov.uk or call 01743 260200