Ensuring workplaces are COVID-19 safe has been of the utmost importance for business owners, but the need to ensure that workplaces continue to be a fire-safe environment is still just as important.
When people are allowed back into offices and workspaces, businesses must keep in mind that they need to prevent, protect, and respond to workplace fire incidents in line with regulations and guidelines.
Fire risk assessments and emergency plans
It’s vital for employers to review fire risk assessments and crisis plans to make sure they remain up to date
It’s vital for employers to review fire risk assessments and emergency plans to make sure they remain up to date and that they continue to have all the necessary actions in place to reduce the risk of fire in their workplaces.
For a business owner, here are some questions they need to be asking themselves before employees come back to work.
Is There A change in terms of risk in the workplace?
With many operations on pause or working at a reduced capacity, as they kick back into “business as usual” the risk environment could have created some additional fire issues that need to be taken into account.
Additionally, with so much focus on the pandemic, many companies may have unintentionally fallen behind on dealing with fire safety issues.
Are all fire safety still effective, is fire kit working properly?
They’ll need to ensure that all the fire equipment is working properly and all care checks are up to date
They’ll need to ensure that all the fire equipment is working properly and all maintenance checks are up to date and complete.
If the workplace has been empty for a while, it’s only natural that this hasn’t been an issue, but before welcoming employees back, they’ll need to make sure that everything is in hand.
Have they done fire extinguisher checks? Are all fire alarms and emergency lighting working? Does anything need servicing? Has there been an increase in staff? Are they trained in fire procedures and the building layout? They need to answer these questions to ensure the safety of the employees.
Have there been any workspace layout changes?
Social distancing guidelines or the addition of any safety equipment may have changed the workspace in terms of layout, and also travel distances to escape routes if one-way systems are in place.
Make sure that fire risk assessments and associated recommendations remain appropriate for the current layout, not the old one, and that fire detection and fire equipment has not become obstructed in any way. If they have any doubts, then they would recommend reviewing the fire risk assessment.
Remember that fire safety compliance stays as vital as ever
The last year has provided many challenges to businesses across all sectors, but despite the distractions and disruptions, fire safety still remains as important and critical as ever.
If they’re in need of fire risk assessments for the workplace before they welcome employees back, including help with fire extinguisher checks and maintenance, contact them at Total Fire Group. A fire safe environment protects the building, the employees and the business – don’t underestimate its importance.
