Feature
Facilities Managers: The First Line Of Defence
Fire safety is far more than what is seen installed in a building. It’s more than just fire extinguishers; it’s often the first line of defence – and it can, and does, save lives. All businesses need a robust fire risk assessment and subsequent protocol that can be implemented by the right personnel onsite. The appropriate strategy should identify potential fire hazards, assess the risk of those hazards, and crucially, set out how to manage or mitigate the risk.
In many businesses that are not large enough to afford a specialist fire security team, it is expected that operations personnel, such as Facilities Managers, should manage these risks and remain informed on emerging issues that could impact the safety and security of the building. Yet Facilities Managers often have a large remit of responsibilities, managing the day-to-day, having eyes over every facet of the business and its teams. If anyone knows where employees are taking shortcuts that could be increasing fire risks, then it’s someone who has expert knowledge of the building and visits it very regularly.
That insider knowledge makes Facilities Managers invaluable when it comes to identifying and addressing fire risks.
The Real Risks
Some of the most common fire hazards are the result of small details that are easy to overlook. For example, bringing in a toaster that isn’t PAT tested to make their breakfast in the office; the routine fire alarm maintenance being pushed back; an exit route blocked by piles of boxes; a fire door propped open to allow in some breeze, or hazardous materials stored too close to heat sources.
1:
https://www.fia.uk.com/news/
fires-and-their-economic-toll-on-uk-businesses.html fmuk 29
Fire Safety: A Culture - Not A Checklist
Even with the correct assessment procedures in place, emergencies, fire risks and hazardous situations can still present. What matters is a business’s preparedness to face all eventualities, which minimises the risk to not only human life, but also subsequent building damages, which means operations are likely to be able to resume more quickly.
Whilst it starts with a robust fire risk assessment, what follows is just as critical. Businesses need to prioritise ongoing training for all their personnel, including fire marshal training, evacuation plans that factor in accessibility, clearly defined responsibilities in case of an emergency, and appropriate response procedures in place.
The goal should be a culture where everyone feels confident playing their part in fire safety, no matter their role. Facilities Managers, with their deep involvement in risk assessment, training, and emergency response, are key to making that a reality.
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