Most fires in business premises are not caused by anything unusual, but by small oversights repeated for years. These are the situations we see most often in the field.
1. Blocked escape routes and exits
Pallets, boxes or locked doors on the evacuation route. In a fire every second counts, and exits must be clear and clearly marked.
2. Overdue fire extinguishers
An extinguisher that hasn't been inspected may not work when needed. Check the label with the last inspection date on each unit.
3. Hydrants behind stock or furniture
A hydrant cabinet must be accessible and visible. If you can't reach it within seconds, it practically doesn't exist.
4. Untested electrical installations
Electrical installations are one of the most common causes of fire. Periodic testing detects overheating, poor connections and overloaded circuits before they cause problems.
5. Employees don't know how to react
Many employees have never held an extinguisher. Hands-on training and evacuation drills make a huge difference in the first minutes of a fire.
6. Outdated documentation
The fire protection plan and evacuation maps must match the current layout and use of the building. After renovation or a change of activity they need updating.
Quick check
Walk through your premises and check exits, extinguishers and hydrants. If you're not sure everything is in order, we can carry out a complete fire safety check and tell you what needs fixing.
This article is for information only. Exact obligations depend on the regulations for your activity and territory, so contact us for an assessment of your situation.