FIRE & ELECTRICAL SAFETY
IS YOUR FIRE SAFETY TRAINING UP TO DATE?
In order to avoid costly or even deadly situations, Karen Trigg, South East
Business Development Manager of Allegion UK, urges businesses to invest time and money into staff training for fire safety.
Keeping your training up to date regarding fire safety and fire door hardware comes with a whole host of benefits for your business. Doing so will mean you will reduce the risk of facing unnecessary fines and a potentially damaged reputation. Yet, new research from law firm Hugh James revealed that 16% of Brits work for a company where not a single fire drill has been carried out in the last twelve months. Even more worrying is that the poll of 2,000 full and part-time employees found that almost half haven’t received workplace training on what to do in the event of a fire.
Clearly, some employers are not taking training as seriously as they should. Of course, some employees will say it costs too much time and money. However, if you neglect fire safety training for employees, history will reveal that you may be treading a dangerous path.
PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE A 2016 survey revealed that of 2000 people, over half (54%) didn’t know what to do in the event of a fire. That’s over half of the population who would be none the wiser if a fire broke out.
Take Oxford Street’s New Look store in London. The retail premises caught fire back in 2009 and criticism arose in light of its lack of staff training. One of the customers, Joanne Weaver said: “Staff within the shop did not seem to have a plan to evacuate people. They went from no cause for alarm, to panic.” She went on to suggest that no real direction was given in terms of advice or assistance.
The retailer subsequently faced fines amounting to £400,000, a fractured reputation, and a building in ruins. It’s only speculation, but had the staff received the appropriate fire safety training, New Look may not have been charged with such a large fine. What’s more, the
fire itself could have been tackled earlier resulting in less damage to both the building and the store’s reputation.
STARTING WITH YOUR FIRE DOORS Understanding what to check when inspecting fire doors is useful knowledge to retain, helping to prevent a worst case scenario. Moreover, the improper use of fire doors is just as threatening to fire safety.
A 2016 SURVEY REVEALED THAT OF 2000 PEOPLE, OVER HALF
(54%) DIDN’T KNOW WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE.
Wedging a fire door open, a particularly common offence made by many, may render your fire door obsolete. Fire doors need to remain closed to effectively prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Keeping a fire door open could put your business at risk legally, should it be judged that a person’s life be at risk as a result.
Additionally, keeping your emergency escape routes clear is crucial. Fire doors with a blocked passage are dangerous and unnecessary.
It’s essential practice to make sure staff members understand the correct use of all fire doors within your establishment to maintain maximum safety in the event of a fire.
CORRECTLY INSTALLING HARDWARE Training on fire safety hardware doesn’t end in-house. Checking that installers have been correctly trained is imperative. Locksmiths installing your hardware also need an acute knowledge on fire safety hardware. Electro- mechanical hardware, intended to be an aid for doors and often installed by locksmiths, can be susceptible to damage and accidents if installed incorrectly.
The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) seeks to establish a licensing scheme to approve locksmiths. MLA ensures regular checks with approved companies, such as vetting, maintenance inspections and locksmith qualifications. As a result, companies which have been “MLA approved” appear more reliable, trustworthy, qualified and professional.
By being accurately trained on the product and its application, and by following appropriate risk assessments, potential hazards can be avoided and controlled.
www.allegion.co.uk 20
www.tomorrowshs.com
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