Fire Prevention Techniques

Fire Prevention Day: exists to raise awareness of techniques that can prevent disasters, and to recognize the work of the fire fighters.

One of the greatest threat to any business is fire; it can destroy almost everything in minutes. You can never be too careful when putting a fire prevention strategy in place. The gov.uk fire statistics (2013) show that in the months from April-September showed 140 fire fatalities in England alone. As a result we must have known fire prevention strategies put in place to reduce the amount of fires. Main duties in the creation of a fire prevention strategy are:

Carry out a fire risk assessment
Identify the fire safety measure required
Use risk reduction techniques
Ensure ongoing control and reviews of the policies put in place
Comply with fire safety regulations

The main causes of fire in the workplace are:

Faulty Electrics:

This is one of the biggest causes of workplaces fires, loose wires, overloaded plugs and old equipment. All equipment used by an employee has to have passed a PAT test to ensure that it its safe to use. PAT testing ensures the quality of all electrical equipment and guarantees said item is safe to use.
Rubbish & Material Waste:

Not only is waste a trip hazard but also extremely flammable, in most cases waste will aid the spread of a fire. Correctly storing and disposing of waste is a must, this must be in line with HSE requirements. Colour coded wheelie bins are convenient for many types of waste. When stored correctly waste is less likely to spread fire or ignite.

Cooking Appliances:

There are many opportunities in kitchens for fires to start those to do with cooking appliances usually include walking away from cooking appliances that are in use, burning food and faulty appliances. Prevention techniques such as staff training can avoid certain incidents. Conducting risk assessments and providing the correct firefighting equipment where needed (firefighting is not advised unless you are a trained professional).

The most commonly used fire extinguishers in kitchens are as follows. Wet chemical extinguishers which are suitable for Class A and Class F fires. Class A fires include solid combustible material such as wood and textiles. Class F fires include large burning oils found in the form of frying pans and cooking oils. Wet Chemical extinguishers lay a cooling blanket on top of the burning liquid to prevent re-ignition. However, such extinguishers are not suitable for use on other types of fire.
CO2 Fire extinguishers are more commonly used as there suitable for use on Class B & Electrical fires. Class B fires include flammable liquids such as burning oils. Electrical fires include fridges and other equipment used in the kitchen. Extinguishers found in kitchens are most commonly C02. This is due to C02 not being able to conduct electricity. In addition the residues that C02 leaves behind are not harmful to people or the environment. This makes clean up easier. However, Activating a C02 extinguisher in a confined space should not occur due to C02 being an asphyxiant.

Heating Appliances:

One of the greatest fire risks. These become a fire risk when covered, placed near flammable items and not replacing each item when old.

Combustible Materials:

Storing combustible materials and liquids is a legal requirement as part of HSE law. CoSHH cupboards are colour coded according to contents. All cupboards have gone through rigorous fire testing. As a result of this testing each cupboard will withstand fire for a limited amount of time. Lockable cupboards are available for: hazardous chemicals, acids & alkali’s, agro-chemicals and flammable substances. Each cupboard will have its own composition unique to each group of chemicals which will protect the combustible materials from spreading the fire and severity.

CoSHH Cabinet – Caution Harmful Substances
Arson:

The willful fire setting can devastate a workplace and prevention measure such as adequate security systems, fire-proof shutters and sprinkler systems. These will not stop fires but will reduce the likelihood or severity of a deliberate attack.

Your staff must have training in fire evacuation, marshaling and how to use equipment to ensure that the fire prevention strategy does not fail. Finally staff must not to fight fires themselves, phone the fire brigade and get out of the building.

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