A fire can spread quickly and have devastating effects. Businesses must be very careful to assess fire risks and avoid taking any unnecessary risks that could endanger their employees or the businesses around them. There are many environments where a fire can start, but some are more dangerous than others.
Buildings and equipment stored in the construction industry, for example, are deemed high-risk. The three main elements that cause a fire are ignition, oxygen and fuel. The most dangerous areas are those that are being renovated, demolished, or rebuilt due to exposed electrical wiring or dry wood. Construction work can involve sparks, sawing, or soldering. These are the sources of ignition.
Fuel to keep a fire burning can also be found in construction environments, including adhesives, wood, plastics, and even the lethal Liquid Petroleum Gas. Scaffoldings and roofing materials can also act as fuel. To ensure everyone’s safety, a fire risk assessment must be conducted. Simple steps can also be taken to prevent fires. Extinguishers must always be available. For P50 Foam Extinguishers, visit https://www.lsfiresolutions.co.uk/fire-extinguishers/ecoextinguishers/p50
Retail businesses must also have a plan in place that will prevent a fire from erupting and how to handle one in a worst-case scenario. Fire risk assessments are essential to identify hazards, reduce risks and determine what actions should be taken in case of fire. Retailers should be aware of the dangers of combustible materials coming into contact with an ignition source. This is why you need to keep smoking areas away from entrances and exits to avoid a discarded cigarette becoming a fire source. Other potential hazards include security breaches, where arson may occur, faulty electrical wiring in the building and kitchens.
The kitchen is the most dangerous place, so make sure that you have the right fire blankets and extinguishers. The staff should be taught how to use equipment and what extinguishers are suitable for which types of fires.
