Factories and warehouses are prone to a number of risks, but fire can be one of the most devastating.
Warehouse/Factory
Warehouse/
factory
Fire Safety Vigilance: Protecting Factories and Warehouses from Devastating Risks
Factories and warehouses are prone to a number of risks, but fire can be one of the most devastating. The size of the site, variety of materials and presence of clutter all mean that fire safety has to be dealt with extremely vigilantly, and risk assessments carried out on a regular basis.
Top 4 reasons for a fire in warehouse / factory
- Extractor fans – equipment designed to extract dust can become hot or clogged up, posing a fire risk in itself
- Faulty electrics – poorly fitted and designed cables and other electrical devices can be prone to breakage and heat generation
- Faulty equipment – poorly maintained machinery and equipment can be prone to electrical fires and the accumulation of debris
- Arson – Arson is a rare but constant threat, and efforts should be made to prevent it. Combustible materials should not be left in easily accessible locations, such as a skip at the side of a building, and security measures should be used to deter intruders, including lighting, security fences and cameras if necessary
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 there is a requirement placed on the “Responsible Person” to carry out a fire risk assessment – to identify any possible risks, to reduce or remove those risks and to implement any precautions necessary to ensure that persons on the premises could be alerted and would be able to escape safely in the event of a fire occurring.
- Protect lives by taking action now
- Ensure compliance – you may face an unlimited fine and even time in prison if you don’t meet your legal obligations
- It makes good business sense – the Association of British Insurers reported that around 60% of private businesses never recover from a fire.
