Fire & Security Matters Issue 6: Arson

15/06/2015 jackslisonde08_emfireadmin Comments Off

KEEP YOUR BUSINESS SAFE FROM ARSON

Did you know fires that are lit deliberately are often more damaging than accidental fires?It’s partly due to the fact they’re lit using multiple points of ignition and in vulnerable parts of a building. They’re frequently assisted by the use of flammable liquids or other accelerants and are usually started at a time when it’s far less likely the fire will be discovered quickly.

Start off by making an arson risk assessment part of your overall workplace fire risk assessment. If you need some ideas about what you can do to protect your business against the risk of arson, here are some suggestions.

1. LOCK UP CAREFULLY

Because it’s so easy to overlook an open window or to assume someone else will deal with it, consider having a named individual responsible for securing the premises when it’s unoccupied. As well as checking that all external doors and windows are closed, they should also make sure all internal fire doors are shut too.

2. REVIEW YOUR EXTERNAL STORAGE OF MATERIALS & WASTE

Storing materials and rubbish close to buildings creates a serious fire hazard. If they’re ignited, the fire can quickly spread to the building itself. So move them away from buildings to create a clear space of at least 10 metres.

If you have to store them closer make sure you use non-combustible lockable containers. Don’t overfill them and lock them shut outside of working hours. And make sure waste is regularly removed so you don’t get a build-up of rubbish.

3. PROTECT THE PERIMETER

You need your perimeter fence or wall to offer the first line of defence so it needs to be an obstacle as well as a deterrent. So check it’s high enough and strong enough to deter entry. Make sure there are no significant gaps beneath it and secure it by padlock when the site isn’t occupied.

4. SECURITY LIGHTING

Arsonists don’t like being spotted. And that makes security lights a very good cost effective deterrent. If you can, illuminate all your premises but, if that’s not practical, concentrate on any particularly vulnerable areas. Install lights as high as possible to increase their coverage and also to protect them from being vandalised by would-be arsonists (or anyone else for that matter).

5. SAFEGUARD YOUR LETTER BOXES

A letter box offers arsonists an easy way to push burning materials into your building. You can minimise this risk by providing locked letter boxes outside the premises or fitting metal containers on the inside of letter slots to help contain fires. If you’ve any unused letter box slots, seal them over.

6. DO SOME GARDENING

Vegetation is fuel for a fire and cover for an intruder so get your gardening gloves on (or get someone else to) and cut it back. Arsonists don’t only look for opportunities outside buildings. Some will try to get inside too (possibly to commit another crime first before attempting to cover their tracks by starting a fire).

Look out for any overhanging trees that may provide access to skylights. And once you’ve pruned trees, have a quick check to see if there are any other ways an intruder could gain access to upper parts of your premises. Put suitable measures (like anti-climb paint) in place if there are.

7. INSTALL ELECTRONIC SECURITYDEVICES

There are many reasons why it pays to install electrical security devices and preventing arson is one of them. So if you don’t already have them, consider whether it would make sense to invest in security cameras and alarms. They don’t only act as a deterrent but in the case of cameras will help with investigating crimes if necessary.

8. START AT HOME

We may be business owners or employees but the fact is many of us will be parents too. Unfortunately some older children regard playing with fire as fun so make sure they fully understand the dangers to themselves as well as to other people and buildings.