REGULAR
REMEMBER, REMEMBER
Once upon a time fireworks were only set off in the UK to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night. However, lower prices, manufacturing advances and easier access now mean that the ‘firework season’ has been extended and associated anti-social behaviour has become a major issue. James Shaw of insurance broker Darwin Clayton, sets out the steps business should take to avoid being caught out
As the nights draw in, any building – including commercial and industrial premises – is at risk of damage from the anti-social use of fireworks. Property owners and managers need to be concerned about potential costs and challenges to business continuity that may follow an incident.
The risks posed by fireworks, whether as a result of anti-social behaviour, or merely an accident caused by burning debris, can be significantly reduced by observing the following basic precautions:
• Ensure that all areas of the premises are made secure at the end of the working day and doors, windows, skylights and other possible means of entry through which fireworks could be introduced are properly closed and locked.
• In areas where the risk of anti-social behaviour is perceived as high, consideration should be given to protecting letterboxes internally with proprietary metal containers, designed to contain fires from lighted materials such as fireworks. A number of such products are widely available, including those which incorporate an automatic fire extinguisher, offering enhanced protection.
• Take particular care to ensure that all yards and open areas surrounding the
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premises are clear of accumulated rubbish and that waste bins are appropriately located (where possible at least 10m from the building and at least 2m from the site perimeter or as far away from doors, windows, canopies or overhanging roofs as possible) and secured.
• Timber pallets, plastic crates and other combustible materials stored in the open should be kept to a minimum and located a suitable distance away from the buildings.
• Flammable liquids and gases should be confined to their designated storage facilities.
• Vegetation surrounding the buildings should be cut back and removed.
Halloween and bonfire night, and the days running up to them, are traditionally some of the busiest nights of the year for the police and the fire brigade, and so are the most important time to implement these measures. However, they apply to other events which attract the use of fireworks, such as New Year celebrations and Diwali, and for reducing the risk of malicious fires at any time of year.
THE YEAR-ROUND THREAT Fire may be one of mankind’s greatest discoveries, but our ongoing fascination
Tomorrow’s Cleaning November 2015 | 31
with flames has a dark side and not just during firework season. According to UK fire statistics, over 40% of fires in business premises and over 20% in residential properties are the result of arson. Arsonists are not generally choosy and any premises could be subject to attack, but those most at risk include schools, abandoned/ unoccupied buildings, places of worship and animal research establishments.
RISK AND SECURITY
ASSESSMENTS All businesses should have an arson risk assessment carried out by a competent person as part of their overall fire risk assessment, as required under fire safety legislation. The assessment should be formally documented and reviewed periodically.
Security decisions should also be driven by the arson risk assessment and incorporate any specific requirements of insurers.
By taking the necessary steps to deter anti-social behaviour at your premises, fireworks can once again be seen as entertainment and not a potential threat to your business.
www.darwinclayton.co.uk
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