What is Business Safety Week?
Business safety week is an opportunity for the NFCC supported by fire and rescue services to make small and medium sized businesses aware of their fire safety responsibilities in the workplace. It is a chance to let these businesses know that there is help and advice available for them all year around to achieve compliance with necessary regulations, including fire safety.
NFCC Top Tips
- New screens installed in businesses to assist social distancing requirements must not obstruct smoke detection.
- Businesses must have enough staff trained on evacuation procedures to cover sickness or shift changes.
- Ensure measures to support social distancing do not impact evacuation procedures or the ability of emergency services to help you – keep fire exits clear!
- Protect your business from arson by having adequate security measures in place whilst your premises is vacant.
- Help your fire service by reducing false alarms. Have your fire alarm system maintained by a 3rd party accredited company to avoid this. Did you know that false alarms currently account for approximately 40% of all emergency call outs?
It is important to ensure that any safety measures implemented into your business to protect from COVID-19 do not impact the existing fire safety measures and your business remains safe for the return of staff and customers.
This week, the NFCC urges the Fire Rescue Service (FRS) to work with Responsible Persons (RPs) to remind them that in managing their full suite of risks, the need to maintain and inform a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment must remain a priority.
In the next few days we will be sharing more tips to help keep your business safe. Contact us for advice on how we can implement fire safety and security measures in your workplace, protecting your people and property.
