If you own a business, or if you are the employer, the law says that you have a duty to ensure that the workplace is made as safe as possible from the hazard of fire. It also says that should a fire occur, the people working for you must all be familiar with fire escape routes so that they have the best possible chance of escaping unscathed. 

In order for this to be the case there are a number of measures that every employer and business owner should take. It should also be instilled into every employee that they have a responsibility to themselves and to their fellow employees to act safely and responsibly in the workplace at all times. With that in mind, here are the top 5 fire safety tips for the workplace.

1 – Start with a proper fire-risk assessment

Your workplace fire-risk assessment should start by identifying the main fire hazards. From there it should be possible to know which of the employees, if any, are likely to be most at risk in the event of a fire. An emergency plan can then be drawn up on that basis and reviewed regularly. Employees should also be trained in basic fire safety and should have regular fire drills.

2 – Maintain the safest possible working area

Keep the workplace tidy at all times. When there is clutter with things stacked on floors, it can provide both fuel for a fire and a possible obstacle hazard to anyone trying to escape from a fire. If the workplace has a need for combustible materials to be stored, ensure they are kept to a minimum and that they always comply with regulations.

3 – Work safely 

Maintain all appliances and machines in the workplace regularly to avoid the possibility of overheating. Make sure that all repairs are carried out by a qualified professional. Ban smoking in the workplace and designate a safe area for any smokers to use.

4 – Keep fire escapes and fire exits clear at all times

There should never be anything obstructing or restricting a fire escape or exit. The law requires fire doors to be kept closed, and not propped open at all times as well. In busy workplaces it can be easy to relax the rules as this may be more conducive to more efficient working, but in the case of a fire, it can also be the cause of people dying unnecessarily.

5 – Install approved fire warning and detection systems

You should have all fire detectors and alarms tested at regular intervals to ensure they are maintained in good working order. You should also post the appropriate emergency telephone number, along with the full postal address of the workplace in a number of easily seen locations, especially close to any telephones.

You should have fire extinguishers able to cope with both open flame and electrical fires available at easy to find locations. One fire extinguisher for every 200 square metres of workplace area is approximately right, and of course, you should ensure they are regularly maintained and inspected.