02 Sep Be prepared this Business Safety Week
Are you a business owner? If so, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has some top tips to keep you, your workplace, and your employees safe from fire. This comes as part of Business Safety Week which runs from 6 – 12 September 2021.
Last year the service attended 29 industrial building fires, and with more businesses returning to the workplace, ensuring your premise is safe has never been more important.
Risk assessments
Any changes to your building or the way that you work must be reflected in your risk assessment. This ensures that the number of risks and hazards are kept to a minimum.
Fire doors
Always keep fire doors closed to help contain a fire to one room and minimise fire spread. Hold-open devices can be purchased to keep your doors open when required, but close on the activation of a fire alarm.
Electrical items
Make sure that the electrics within your buildings are regularly tested and that individual electrical appliances are PAT tested to avoid accidental fires. It is also important to make sure that plug sockets are not overloaded.
Escape routes
Keep internal and external escape routes clear at all times to ensure that staff can safely leave the building in the event of a fire. It is also important that your emergency lighting is maintained to keep you and your staff safe in the event of a power cut.
Staff training
Update your staff training regularly, especially if the business has recruited new employees or has made changes to procedures, such as a change in escape routes. This will ensure your staff know what to do in an emergency.
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service also runs fire safety training for businesses throughout the year. Visit their website for more information: www.westsussex.gov.uk/frsct.
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