- Another key reason why it is important to make sure that employees are aware of fire escapes is so that everyone can work together to keep escape routes are clear at all times. Resist temptation to store boxes and other large items in corridors and doorways, a few moments of convenience could quickly turn into a deadly obstacle in the event of a fire.
It is also very important that vulnerable people are not left behind. If your business employs individuals with disabilities such as a wheelchair user, you will need to ensure that your evacuation procedures address their needs and provides methods of evacuation that allow them to swiftly leave the premises in the event of an emergency. Again demonstrating the value and necessity of a fire risk assessment.
Fire Safety & Christmas Decorations
Christmas is a time for celebration, however before you get the fairy lights and other decorative items out, make sure that you fully consider the fire safety risks of your decorative choices.
For example, make sure that you do not decorate the office in such a manner that fire safety signs cannot be easily located, and make sure that access to any fire fighting equipment such as fire extinguishers and fire blankets is not hindered by your decorative choices.
It’s also important to take care not to overload sockets with Christmas decorations. So whilst it may be tempting to daisy-chain extension leads, you must limit yourself to one extension per socket; plugging an extension lead into another extension lead increases the risk of overloading and thus increases the risk of fire. Additionally, make sure that you check the current rating of the extension lead and the current rating of the appliances which are plugged-in. For example, if the maximum wattage of the lead is 3000W, the total current rating of the appliances cannot exceed 3000W otherwise it could overheat and cause a fire.
Finally, make sure that any appliances are tested before you plug them in. It’s highly likely that any fairy lights you are using for office decoration have been left in a storage box at the back of a cupboard since last Christmas. So make sure that they are checked before you plug them in.
Contact The Diamond Fire & Security (UK) Ltd Team For More Information
If you would like more information regarding the fire detection solutions and fire alarm systems that are available from the Diamond Fire & Security (UK) Ltd team, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of staff. Our friendly and dedicated team will be happy to assist you with your enquiry.
If you would like to speak to a member of our staff, you can get in touch with us by calling 01234 825018. However, if you would prefer to contact our team via email, please send any questions you have to us at info@diamondsecurity.co.uk.