Going into a place of work is something that millions of people do all over the world. However, if this commercial setting is not fire-safety conscious, then everyone inside the building is at risk of serious harm and grave peril. Fire safety, therefore, is a definite point of discussion and should be a top priority for every commercial building owner and management team alike. Here’s how it can be made a priority and some common, but smart, strategies to put into place.
Professional Installation Options
The safest bet for a commercial environment is to invest in a professional fire safety risk assessment and installation appointment. The most viable option is to reach out to a company with tailored provisions that understands the requirements and brings experience to the table, such as https://lucidfiresecurity.co.uk/fire-safety-systems/. This will ensure that your entire building is properly protected and there have been no stones left unturned. This has three major benefits to keep in mind.
Number One: Life-Saving Adjustments
The first and most obvious advantage is that a professional service is the one best placed to create preventative and life-saving changes in the building environment. All employees and clients who walk through the door will be protected by the expertise that went into the fire safety arrangements, and it will inevitably be the difference between saving lives and losing people if a fire breaks out.
Number Two: Regulation Compliant
It also guarantees that your commercial property will be completely up to spec regulations-wise, which is handy for both insurance purposes and to avoid any fines that may head your way. In order for an insurance policy to be active and valid, you have to meet certain conditions, and fire safety will definitely feature.
Number Three: Protecting The Asset
The last point is about protecting the asset overall. If a fire breaks out and you are not protected, there is an inevitable risk that there will be a significant amount of irreparable damage. However, with certain systems set up beforehand, the risk naturally decreases, and there could be a hope that the property won’t be condemned.
Practical Factors
There are additional practical moves that any commercial business can make to protect both the asset and the people inside of it. These may be simple strategies, but they are highly effective when it comes to saving lives and promoting wellness.
Clearly Marked Fire Exit Routes
The first and most important task at hand is to mark out the designated fire exit routes. These should be lit-up signs that are impossible to misinterpret. When the alarms sound, people can follow these instructions and exit the building safely without getting lost in the chaos.
Evacuation Training
It is essential that every commercial building has regular training for everyone who works there. The purpose is to inform and advise on how to respond to any potential fire and how to co-exist with a conscious mindset about the dangers and preventative strategies. This is better as a mandatory requirement and should be a part of the initial onboarding for all new members of staff as well.
Getting to Know the Main Risks
If you don’t know the primary risks, there are fewer opportunities to mitigate them. This section covers the most common dangers in commercial settings and how to circumvent them as well.
Smoking Areas
While smoking is less common than ever, there are still people who enjoy a cigarette and partake in smoker’s breaks throughout the workday. However, this remains one of the biggest dangers for commercial environments because of improper extinguishing and incorrect disposal factors. Therefore, there is enough evidence here to support any company with an active smoking area to also complete active monitoring and reviews. Preferably, this could take place after each smoke break so that there are minimal opportunities for fires to start.
Clutter and Rubbish Areas
Whether it’s an act of arson or a complete accident, if the rubbish storage area is neglected, then this is also a big fire provoker. Accidental fires are a real thing, and they are more likely to happen if there is a big pile of unattended waste sitting around waiting for disaster to strike. It also increases the risk of essential fire exit routes becoming blocked or inaccessible.
Appliance Monitoring
Further to the points above, there is a pressing need for frequent appliance monitoring. Most commercial settings have a shared kitchen and various types of appliances or technology equipment on the premises. Whether it is a dozen computers or charging points in communal areas, everything requires attention. Appliance monitoring means bringing people up to speed with understanding how to use the shared equipment and what their responsibilities are, too. It also entails regular check-ups for things like kettles, fridges, and charging points throughout the office or retail space.
Lack of Safety Awareness
As mentioned above, staff training and compliance are an integral part of what makes a commercial building safe. Without core information sessions, or when attendance lapses, there is a general risk of employees who just don’t know about dangerous habits. A lack of information always makes workplaces more hazardous!
Why Is Fire Safety Important at Work?
The answer to this is almost self-explanatory, but let’s dive in regardless. Fire safety is important above all else because it keeps people safe, informs them of common dangers, and ensures the building is acting to prevent fire risks at all times. This has a knock-on effect in that staff feel looked after during their shifts, which promotes better engagement and productivity. It also supports insurance policies and a culture of safety throughout the building, which are great for reputation and financial purposes alike. Ultimately, there is no escaping the issue at hand. Fire safety is non-negotiable, and every company should have a tailored approach to addressing the core problems.
This hot topic will continue to be discussed for years to come. As long as there are commercial fires, there will be actions that need to be undertaken to make things better. It is, fortunately, easy enough to establish sensible routines and preventative strategies.
