Not all fires are accidents. Deliberate fires can damage buildings, disrupt businesses and put lives at risk. The good news is that a few practical steps can make a premises a much harder target.
Think like an opportunist
Most deliberate fires are opportunistic. Someone sees easy access to combustible material and takes the chance. Your aim is to remove the opportunity.
Practical steps
- Move waste away from the building. Keep wheelie bins, skips and pallets well away from walls, windows and eaves. Locked bin stores or chained bins are better still.
- Secure the perimeter. Good fencing, gates and locks make casual access harder.
- Light up vulnerable areas. Well-lit yards and entrances discourage trespassers.
- Consider CCTV and alarms. Visible cameras and intruder alarms deter and help with investigation.
- Lock up properly. Close windows, lock doors and secure letterboxes. A letterbox can be a route for a deliberate fire, so some premises fit a metal box on the inside.
- Store flammable materials safely. Keep flammable liquids and gas in secure, designated areas.
- Keep the site tidy. Overgrown plants, litter and stored stock outside invite trouble.
- Watch for early warning signs. Graffiti, small fires in bins and break-ins can be a sign of trouble ahead. Tell the Gardaí.
Include arson in your risk assessment
Your fire risk assessment should consider how fires could start, including deliberate ones, and what happens if one does. Make sure your alarm, escape routes and compartmentation work as they should.
Your duties
The Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 expect a person in control of premises to take reasonable measures to guard against outbreak of fire. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 requires employers to manage workplace risks. Looking at security as well as safety is part of a thorough approach.
Speak to Safer Solutions
A fire risk assessment will help you spot vulnerabilities you may not have noticed. Call 086 275 9728 or email info@safersolutions.ie and we will be happy to help. Learn more about fire risk assessments in Ireland.