Seven Common Fire Risk Assessment Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
A fire risk assessment is only useful if it is accurate, current and acted on. These are some of the mistakes we see people ask about. Using a generic template. Your building, people and processes are specific to you. The assessment should reflect that. Not walking the whole premises. Stores, roof spaces, plant rooms and […]
Smoke Detectors, Heat Detectors and Beyond: Choosing the Right Detection
Not every part of a building needs the same type of fire detector. Using the wrong type can mean late warnings or constant false alarms. The common types Smoke detectors: typically used in offices, bedrooms, corridors and escape routes where early warning matters. Heat detectors: often used where smoke or steam would cause false alarms, […]
Fire Blankets: When to Use One and When to Walk Away
A fire blanket is a simple, useful piece of equipment for small fires in kitchens and canteens. Used properly, it can smother a pan fire quickly. Used at the wrong moment, it puts people at risk. Where a fire blanket helps Small fires in pans and fryers where it is safe to approach. Fires involving […]
Fire Safety in Stockrooms and Storage Areas
Stockrooms and storage areas often hold a lot of combustible material in a small space, and they are not always checked as closely as the rest of the premises. They are an important part of any fire risk assessment. Common problems Goods stacked too high or too close to lights, heaters and sprinklers. Boxes and […]
Ice Machines and Drinks Dispensers: Overlooked Legionella Risks
When people think about Legionella they think of showers and tanks, but any equipment connected to the water supply can be part of the picture, including ice machines, drinks dispensers, coffee machines and misting equipment. They should be covered by your Legionella risk assessment. Why they matter These units hold or pass water, sometimes at […]
Fire Safety for Community Halls, Churches and Clubs
Community halls, churches and clubs are often run by volunteers, used by many different groups and open at irregular times. Those features can make fire safety easy to overlook. If you manage one, you are likely to be the person in control of the premises; see who is the person in control for fire safety. […]
Extension Leads and Electrical Fire Risks at Work
Electrical faults and overloaded sockets are a common cause of workplace fires, and many are avoidable. Looking at how electrical equipment is used is a sensible part of any fire risk assessment. Extension leads Use them for temporary needs, not as permanent wiring. Do not plug one extension lead into another. Check the total load […]
Fire Exits and Escape Routes: Keeping Them Clear and Usable
If there is a fire, people need to leave quickly. Blocked or locked exits are among the most serious problems an assessor can find, and they are easy to put right. This is a practical guide to keeping escape routes safe as part of your fire risk assessment. Keep routes clear No stock, boxes, bins, […]
Christmas Fire Safety for Workplaces in Ireland
Decorations, parties and extra visitors all change the fire risk in a workplace at this time of year. A few simple checks can keep the festive season safe. Your fire risk assessment should be reviewed if what you do in the building changes. Decorations Choose decorations that are flame retardant where possible, and keep them […]
How to Read Your Legionella Risk Assessment Report
A Legionella risk assessment report can run to many pages, and it is easy to file it away without acting on it. Knowing how to read it helps you turn it into a practical plan. What a good report usually contains A description of the premises and its water systems, such as tanks, hot water […]