Offices are full of things that can go wrong and potentially cause a fire when least expected. A fire risk assessment is crucial to highlight potential problems before they happen.
Check Electrical Equipment
Overloaded power sockets, long chains of extension leads left switched on and left on all night, all add up to create some of the biggest fires in office environments. Performing a Fire Risk Assessment can help identify these potential fires before they occur and highlight measures to prevent them.
Keep Escape Routes Clear
Fire doors must be able to close fully and self latch. All means of escape must be kept clear of obstruction at all the time and there must be a signed exit from all corridors. Where exit signs are required to be lit then ensure they are.
Account for Everyone in the Building
Include assessment of numbers present at peak times and also consideration of lone workers working outside of normal hours. Include confirmation that the last person to leave the building has adequate knowledge of procedure and can raise an alarm if required.
Review How Paper and Materials Are Stored
Office areas with a high volume of paper, cardboard, packaging etc accumulate these materials quickly. All such storage should be kept away from heat sources. Also clear out any piles under desks or in service cupboards of all such materials.
Match Detection to Your Layout
Detection in open plan areas and partitioned rooms needs to be sufficient to suit the layout. A Fire Risk Assessment Northamptonshire assessor can check your detection system to see if it is adequate for the various rooms within your offices. If you are looking for Fire Risk Assessment Northamptonshire, see //isefireproducts.co.uk/fire-risk-assessments/northamptonshire.
Record Findings and Assign Responsibility
Document all the hazards found, actions required and the responsible person for each. Unless you have assigned a person and given them a time frame for completion, remedial actions are likely to be forgotten.
A record of up to date Fire Risk Assessments is as important as the Fire Risk Assessment itself.
