Some of the Common Fire Safety Errors we find when performing FRA’s.

We know that it can sometimes be difficult to always maintain good fire practice. As much as you may strive for perfection, it’s easy for bad habits to come into play as people take shortcuts or hide stuff away for another day.

To try and prevent you from making these same mistakes, we’ve compiled a list of 5 common fire safety errors that we find when completing Fire Risk Assessments.

1) Unsafe Storage Cupboards – Distribution Boards

Getting the office decorated to help spread the festive cheer is all well and good but once the festivities are over, what happens to those bagged up Christmas decorations? We often see them stored carelessly away in cupboards that also contain dangers like distribution boards. Unsafe storage cupboards are a common error, people store electricals, and combustible materials away, without assessing the potential risks. Make sure that your business storage is done so in a way that is safe, neat and tidy.

what are the four types of Fire Risk Assessment

2) Fire Doors – Propped Open

Some people may see a fire door, and think it’s just any other door, but fire doors are an important fire safety tool for any building. We often find fire doors propped open, sometimes with fire extinguishers as door stops! This could lead to disastrous consequences in the event of a fire and cause unnecessary wear to the fire extinguisher and fire door, hindering their functionality if required.

“A fire door is designed to reduce/stop the spread of fire and smoke. If the door is propped open, it is unable to function as it should.”
Tom Lewis – Head of Fire Risk Assessments.

3) Extension Leads – Daisy Chains and Coiling

Extension leads maybe a useful tool in your office or business, but it’s important to know the dangers of misusing them. Often when we are completing FRA’s, we will find extension leads plugged into other extension leads. This “daisy chain” can cause the extension lead to overload which could potentially be a cause of fire. Another simple, but common error, is having extension leads coiled up. All extension leads should be fully unwound to avoid potential overheating. Finally, if extension leads are being used frequently, consideration should be given to the installation of additional sockets.

4) Office Heaters – Under Desks

You or your employees may feel the cold over the winter months but heaters under the desk can be a huge fire risk. Whilst heaters should never be placed under desks, in our experience, when they are, they are also left on unattended. For safe practice, all heaters should be used in open spaces away from any combustible materials.

5) External Escape Routes – Not Maintained Or Cleared

In the event of a fire, it’s necessary that all escape routes are clear and safe to use. Too often we find routes covered in fallen leaves, branches, blocked by rubbish or even parked vehicles. In the event of a fire this could make evacuation dangerous or not even possible. Keeping on top of escape route maintenance could save lives.

We hope this article has been useful and it has given you food for thought when it comes to ensuring the fire safety of your business or property.

It can be easy to cut corners when it comes to fire safety but the result of doing so can be devastating. People may not even be aware that what they are doing is dangerous, which is why we have listed just some of the most common fire safety errors here.

Feeling unsure about any fire safety issue and want to discuss it further? Then please don’t hesitate to get in touch using the contact form below.

UKFC provide 100s of business with their annual Fire Risk Assessments across any sector, anywhere in the UK. Our detailed friendly reports include detailed action points to address issues quickly and efficiently.