Fire risk management should be a top priority for businesses in every type of industry.
Property fires can have a number of causes, including arson, outdated electrical wiring, bushfires and activities such as cooking or hot work (grinding or welding).
Reducing the risks
For fire to take hold and spread, three conditions are needed – oxygen, heat and fuel. This makes it crucial to reduce fuel loads and separate flammable items from heat sources at your premises.
This may involve removal of debris and dead vegetation, safe storage of flammable materials and chemicals, and ensuring combustible items such as rags are kept away from hot tools.
Other risk reduction measures include updating old wiring, safe use of electrical equipment, high premises security, locking away vehicles and securing refuse bins.
It’s also important to make sure your fire safety equipment is maintained and that you and your employees are fully trained in its use. This includes knowing which extinguisher to use for each of the different fire classifications.
But even with the best fire safety measures in place, fires can still happen. So make sure your fire insurance is also up-to-date to protect your business against financial loss.