As the festive season approaches, businesses in Swindon and Wiltshire, are urged to prioritise fire safety to safeguard their premises and ensure a secure environment during this celebratory period.
Ellie Gray, the Business Fire Safety Manager at Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service, said: “During the festive season, shops can have large amounts of extra stock, decorations are usually hung up, and there can be seasonal employees who perhaps don’t know the processes as well as other staff.”
Gray asserts, “Many businesses struggle to recover after the devastation of a fire. Hence, we encourage everyone to invest time in ensuring their premises are as safe as possible.”
Every business is legally obligated to have a fire risk assessment. However, Gray advises businesses to revisit and amend these assessments to reflect changes in internal layouts, additional lighting and decorations, or any factors that may impact fire safety precautions.
Key risks highlighted for businesses to address include:
- Safe storage of extra stock to prevent blockages in thoroughfares or doors.
- Proper disposal of additional packaging, such as cardboard.
- Maintenance of safe escape routes and fire exits.
- Ensuring seasonal staff are well-versed in fire safety procedures.
- Placement of decorations away from alarm sensors and heat sources.
- Avoiding overload of plug sockets by using gang extension leads and ensuring electrical items undergo a portable appliance test (PAT).
- Avoiding blockage of access or communal areas in residential provisions above the business.
While businesses seek ways to cut costs in the face of rising energy prices, Gray warns against compromising fire safety measures. Key considerations include:
- Regular maintenance and testing of fire safety systems for both safety and legal compliance.
- Fulfilling the legal requirement for a “suitable and sufficient” premises fire risk assessment.
- Keeping staff training updated to ensure everyone is well-prepared in the event of a fire.
For additional guidance on cost-effective safety measures, businesses can visit DW Fre Safety. Detailed information on amending fire risk assessments for the festive season can be found at Business Fire Safety.
