This September, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is supporting two business fire safety campaigns to encourage safety in the workplace – Business Safety Week (Monday, 11 – Sunday, 17) and Fire Door Safety Week (Monday, 25 – Friday, 29).
Paul Hutt, Fire Safety Manager, said: “All businesses are responsible for keeping their staff and their buildings safe. Business Safety Week and Fire Door Safety Week are suitable reminders to reread official safety legislations, review your Fire Risk Assessments, and complete thorough checks of your business’ fire safety measures.
“Remember, your fire service is here to help. We can provide a wide range of tips and guidance on our website and hold quarterly Online Fire Sessions, which can be booked online, all aimed at helping you to achieve Fire Safety compliance”.
In addition, there are further resources available online to help you assess the risks in your premises and then decide what measures you may require. If you have any queries, please contact your local Fire Safety Office.
To keep your business safe:
- Follow the latest fire safety legislation and ensure all measures are adhered to.
- Review your Fire Risk Assessments – making sure they are up-to-date and still fit-for-purpose.
- Reduce the risk of arson by properly disposing of rubbish and installing working security camera to act as a deterrent.
- Discontinue use of damaged and fault electrical equipment – test your working equipment regularly.
- Test your fire warning systems, emergency lighting and smoke alarms regularly.
- Keep all fire doors and escape routes clear and unlocked at all times – never prop open fire doors as this is unsafe and will negatively impact the functionality.
- Ensure that all signs for fire doors are clearly visible.
- Check that your fire doors are fit-for-purpose by completing the simple Five Step Fire Door Check:
- 1. Certification. Look for a label, a plug or similar marking to show that it’s certified and follow the instructions. All ironmongery such as locks, latches, closers and hinges must be CE marked and compatible with the door leaf’s certification.
- 2. Apertures. Altering the door for glazing apertures and air transfer grilles will makes certification void.
- 3. Gaps and Seals. Check that the gap around the door frame is constant and around 3 to 4 mm. Also check that CE Marked hinges are firmly fixed with no missing screws. Ensure seals are fitted at the top and sides of the door.
- 4. Closers. Check that the closer shuts the door onto the latch from any position – check from 75mm from the closed position.
- 5. Operation. Ensure the door closes correctly around all parts of the frame.
For more business safety guidance, please visit our Safety at Work webpage and NFCC Business Safety Week.
For more information on fire doors, please visit Fire Door Safety Week.