It's all about raising awareness. Fire starts when heat (source of ignition) comes into contact with fuel (anything that burns) and oxygen (air). You need to keep sources of ignition and fuel apart. Think about heaters, lighting, naked flames, electrical equipment, and hot processes such as welding, cigarettes, matches and anything else that gets very hot or causes sparks. 

Packaging, rubbish and furniture could all burn, just like the more obvious fuels such as petrol, paint, varnish and white spirit but you have to also think about all manner of materials plus what the building that you inhabit is made of.

Everyone is at risk if there is a fire, particularly the vulnerable, where an additional duty of care is owed, or because someone is not familiar with the premises, such as visitors or customers. Children, the elderly or disabled people are especially vulnerable so we will make you aware of all possible scenarios and the appropriate actions to put in place before any unfortunate incident.

The risk assessment must:

• Include consideration of dangerous substances
• Be reviewed regularly and kept up-to-date
• Take account of employees classed as vulnerable which includes young people, disabled, and expectant mothers
• Recorded where there are five or more employees
• The record of assessment must include the significant findings; the measures which have been taken or will be taken to meet the Order; identify groups of people especially at risk
• A risk assessment must be carried out before any new work with a dangerous substance is undertaken. 

It is important to keep your risk assessment under regular review. Over time, the risks may change. If you identify significant changes in risk or make any significant changes to your plan, you must tell others who share the premises and where appropriate re-train staff.

Call Fire Safety Sussex now on 07925 389539 for a FREE consultation or to make an appointment.