UP IN SMOKE: TOP FIRE SAFETY MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
In 2023 British firefighters responded to a staggering 600,000 incidents across the country including, 138,000 fires. Whilst a majority of these fires occurred in the home a whopping 13,297 took place in commercial and non-residential buildings.
Retail and hospitality premises are among the most at-risk non-residential buildings for fire. Together, they accounted for 2,527 incidents, a significant share of all non-domestic fires. Unfortunately, these fires can be especially intense as retail and hospitality environments are designed to be welcoming and comfortable, but that often means they contain:
Flammable décor such as curtains, wall coverings and seasonal displays.
Combustible furniture and fittings including seating, shelving and counters.
Large quantities of stock, much of it highly flammable, such as clothing, packaging and paper goods
Multiple ignition sources including cooking appliances, portable heaters, electrical equipment, lighting and faulty wiring
In hospitality, there is an additional danger, with kitchens presenting a constant fire risk due to open flames, hot oils and high-powered appliances combined with the fast pace of service where safety checks can be missed.
According to recent government stats the most common causes of non-residential fires are as follows:
- Faulty Fuel Supply – whether this is for Gas leaks, electrical supply problems or a defective fuel supply to an electrical device (such as a fryer or oven) these accounted for 1443 fires in 20233/24.
Faulty Appliances and Misuse of appliances: The electrical items we bring into and use everyday at work can be a major source of fire, whether it’s the long-suffering breakroom Microwave, the ever popular coffee machine a neglected kitchen fryer – malfunctioning appliances caused 2773 commercial fires in 2023/24.
Storage of articles next to heat sources – Whilst it may seem like common sense not to store flammable items next to something hot, but in 2023/24 over 900 fires were started this way.
Careless handling of fire/hot coals – It goes without saying that your handling hot items or dealing with naked flames (a pizza oven, patio heaters, decorative torches) that extra care needs to be taken, especially as mishandling flames caused 681 fires in 23/24.
While accidents can happen to anyone, there are practical steps you can take to reduce the risk of fire and protect your business. The Fire Industry Association, the UK’s largest fire protection trade association, lists some of the following fire safety tips:
1. Conduct Regular Fire Risk Assessments
All commercial buildings must carry out regular Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs). But an assessment alone is not enough, any issues found need to be resolved without delay. Many businesses struggle with this stage, here at AMPM we specialise in this type reactive maintenance. We have extensive experience working alongside fire assessment companies to ensure your building is brought up to standard quickly and effectively.
2. Keep Fire Exits and Escape Routes Clear
Escape routes must be clear, easily accessible, and properly maintained. This applies to both emergency exits and fire doors, which must meet safety standards, remain unobstructed, and be in good condition. A recent study revealed that 75% of fire doors fail to meet required standards, with 31% incorrectly installed from the start. Fortunately, at AM Planned Maintenance, we have extensive experience in this type of property maintenance, including refitting fire doors and maintaining emergency exits to ensure full compliance.
3. Ensure Easy Access to Fire Extinguishers
Did you know that fire extinguishers have a 93% success rate in putting out fires when used correctly? Because of their effectiveness, UK law requires them to be clearly labelled with luminous signs and easily accessible at all times. At AMPM, our handyman services, part of our planned maintenance team, can install, inspect, and signpost your extinguishers. We also provide reactive maintenance around these areas to ensure they remain fully accessible whenever needed.
4. Collaborate with Fire Safety Professionals: When it comes to safety, it’s always best to follow expert advice. We strongly recommend consulting with qualified fire safety professionals. At AM Planned, we specialise in reactive maintenance and work closely with these experts to carry out remedial work quickly and with minimal disruption, ensuring your property meets all required standards.
With the risk and cost of fire being so high, it is vital that companies stay vigilant with both planned and reactive maintenance. Planned maintenance helps prevent problems before they arise by regularly checking and servicing equipment and safety systems. However, unforeseen issues can still occur, which is where reactive maintenance plays a crucial role—quickly addressing any faults or hazards as they emerge to keep your premises safe and compliant.
https://www.fia.uk.com/news/top-10-fire-safety-tips-for-businesses.html
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/fire0301-previous-data-tables