Fire Safety Basics for New Businesses

Starting a new company can often feel more like an uphill struggle with so many different things to deal with and organise. Sometimes business fire safety precautions can just feel like one more thing on a list of a hundred to do and may even slip to the bottom of your priorities.

If you are moving into a new office though then making sure your fire safety procedures are right from the beginning will ensure you, your staff and your business are safe. Below are some top tips to help you get the basic fire safety in place at your new office or retail location.

• Fire doors are one of the key ways of preventing fire from spreading so check that these are working properly, are labelled clearly and that there are no obstructions either blocking the doors or propping them open.

• Check the number of fire extinguishers in the office. If you don’t have any or if the existing ones are out of date then invest in new ones which are appropriate for tackling different fires, such as electrical or oil fires. Fire extinguishers should be positioned so that people don’t have to travel more than 75 foot to reach one.

• There should be a clear escape route out of the building which is clear from obstructions and well labelled and lit. If another company’s belongings are blocking the fire escape route then ask them to keep it clear as this could save their lives in an emergency as well.

• Check the external doors are unlocked when people are in the building.

• When you move into an office it can take a while for wiring and leads to be sorted out but powering your appliances and machines with proper wiring rather than extension cables and plugs will greatly reduce the risk of fire.

• Remove any accumulated rubbish which has been left behind by other occupants or which is stored in communal areas as this can be ideal fuel for fires.

• If the building has a sprinkler system then ensure the sprinkler heads are not obstructed by tall pieces of furniture or have anything hanging from them.

• As soon as you move into your new premises you should make sure that all your employees know what to do in the event of a fire including how to exit the building safely.

• Arrange a fire drill as part of your fire safety procedures so staff know what to do in an emergency and where to congregate safely outside.

• Make sure you update your fire prevention training and complete a fire risk assessment so you are aware of any hazards which are in your building and so you know how to prevent a fire from breaking out.

To make sure you’re fully covered, ask a professional company for advice and guidance on making your business and premises as fire proof as possible.