Fire evacuation drills are standard. However, this only informs you of what to do after a fire has already broken out. It does nothing to tell you of the active measures you can undertake that will prevent the start and spread of fire in your home or workplace.
In the unlikely case a serious fire breaks out, you need to have effective fire-stopping methods installed by an accredited company to meet regulations.
We have provided you with a few simple pieces of advice for protecting yourself and increasing your knowledge of fire risks and prevention methods.
Fires in the Home
You spend the majority of your time in your home. Every day you use multiple appliances that pose a fire risk, so it is vital to know the potential risks to ensure your and your family’s safety.
Cooking
2 in 5 home fires start in the kitchen, particularly while cooking. If an active appliance is left unattended even for a matter of seconds, it can lead to an uncontrollable blaze.
Grease fires are most common. They are considered Class-B and occur when oil or fat becomes too hot and ignites. It is most likely to happen in an unattended pan; therefore, you must keep an eye on your cooking at all times.
You cannot extinguish grease fires as easily as others, and they quickly become out of control. If the fire is still manageable, you can stop it by covering it with a metal pan lid. It is also worth keeping a small chemical fire extinguisher nearby.
Prevention tips:
Keep dish towels and rags away from hob rings or open flames
Roll-up long sleeves
DO NOT leave cooking unattended - if needed, turn off your appliance and return to it later.
Test your smoke detectors monthly
Electrical Appliances
Your house is full of wires, lights, and devices. These all use electricity, often all at once, and put a high demand on your electricity sources. Modern sockets and extensions should be surge protected and display their protection label. However, this does not eliminate the risk of an electrical fire.
Prevention tips:
Try not to overload your sockets
Turn off all lights and turn off appliances at the wall when going to bed
Keep curtains and wooden furniture away from electricity sources
Don’t charge your devices overnight
Test your smoke detectors monthly
Open Flames
Fireplaces and log burners have become increasingly popular features in living rooms over recent years. They are a great way to heat your home but come with an increased risk to modern central heating methods. Your fireplace must be clean before lighting a fire. Also, make sure all wood/coal has burned down before leaving it unattended for the night.
Candles can also pose a fire risk if left unattended or placed near fabrics such as curtains or upholstery.
You should never smoke cigarettes indoors for the sake of other people’s health. However, they also increase the possibility of fire. Ashtrays are particularly dangerous if cigarettes are still burning. We advise that smokers stand at least 25 feet away from a building and dispose of their cigarettes safely.
Fires in the Workplace
Any office or workplace is legally required to have fire safety equipment installed in line with regulations. This equipment ensures everyone in the building’s safety. It also protects building owners from being liable for any injuries or casualties during a fire.
Fire doors
Every door in a commercial building should be a certified fire door. Fire doors serve a crucial function by containing fires in one room for up to an hour, giving anyone inside the building enough time to evacuate.
Your fire doors will likely be labelled, but if not, they are easy to identify. They will be heavier than regular doors, be self-closing, and form a seal when shut. If you are unsure of your fire doors’ safety, you can arrange a building survey with us.
Fire Drills
These are mandatory procedures for any employees working indoors. They should take place semi-regularly to ensure everyone’s knowledge is fresh and up to date. Knowing how to evacuate a building safely and where to gather is imperative during the case of a real fire. It helps to keep everybody as safe as possible and get them to safety efficiently.
Prevention tips:
Basic fire training for every employee
Don’t leave any cooking unattended
Keep liquids away from wires and devices
Ensure all heating and electrical equipment is well maintained
Fire safety should always be a priority in both your home and your workplace. We recommend checking that your fire prevention and fire-stopping methods are in place and in safe working order. If you have any further questions about the safety of your home or work building, then do not hesitate to contact us.
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