If you’re a business owner, then your top priority undoubtedly is to keep your commercial premises safe from electrical fires. Electricity is one of the major causes of accidental fires in commercial and residential buildings in UK, as each year over 10,000 electrical fires which are caused by faulty wirings or appliances occur. As we use electricity every day, it’s important that it is used correctly to avoid any dangerous consequences. So, here are some simple tips you should follow in order to prevent an electrical fire. Don’t overload power sockets Overloading sockets is one of the most common errors that…
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The fire triangle is a well-known model for showing the three key elements required for a fire to form and sustain itself, which are heat, fuel and oxygen. In this article, we take a closer look at the fire triangle and explore its up-to-date alternative: the fire tetrahedron. We’ll also examine how the removal of just one of these elements can prevent or extinguish a fire. What is the fire triangle? Otherwise known as the combustion triangle, the fire triangle model represents three sides of a triangle, each showing a vital element needed to create and sustain a fire. The sides…
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To ensure that you’re fully prepared in the event of a fire starting on your premises, it is of the utmost importance for you to have installed appropriate fire safety signs around the building so that everybody knows what to do in an emergency. In this month’s article, we’ll be looking at what each one of these signs means to help you give your property the highest level of security when it comes to fire safety. Prohibition Signs These signs are designed to warn a building’s occupants of the potential fire hazards certain behaviours may encourage, and therefore prohibit said behaviour….
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In the event of a fire, safety is paramount. Building evacuation plans should be well-known and followed and fire alarm systems and fire fighting equipment must be present. The most common fire fighting equipment is the fire extinguisher, and within your workplace or commercial building you’ll find one closeby. Although easily identifiable, it is not unusual for an individual to be unable to effectively use a fire extinguisher in the event of a fire. In this article, we shall be explaining how and when to use a fire extinguisher. How to use a fire extinguisher In order to be able to…
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Offices fires can occur at any time, even with all of the appropriate safety checks and precautions in place. Office fires will have the potential to harm staff, destroy documents and equipment, or even harm neighbouring offices or buildings. So here at Protect & Detect, we’ll be outlining the most likely places and causes for your office fire to occur and how you can minimise the risks. In the Kitchen A large number of offices have a kitchen available. Employees will most likely utilise this space more than others, and so it’s important the kitchen is kept safe and secure. It…
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Unfortunately, senses and mobility deteriorate slowly as people get older, making it increasingly difficult to do the things they found easygoing in their youth. Ultimately, this puts the elderly at greater risk of injury or worse if a fire started than the youthful. As such, it is of the utmost importance that we prepare our properties and businesses for the potential outbreak of fire adequately and thoroughly to ensure the elderly we care for remain in the safest hands at all times. In this article, we will be discussing the fire safety methods you should employ to increase the safety of…
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Portable appliance testing (PAT) is a crucial aspect of maintaining the safe usage of electrical equipment and complying with health and safety standards. It applies to any electrical equipment which is plugged into a standard wall socket, not just what you may think of as prototypical appliances; for example, it would encompass testing of devices like computers, photocopiers, vacuums, power tools and even arcade games. PAT testing is a great way to meet the requirements of the Electricity at Work Regulations (1989) which is legislation making it mandatory to keep electrical equipment in the workplace in safe working order. It is…
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A workplace fire would be catastrophic for any company. As of 2017, according to government statistics, approximately 25,000 fires occur in England and Wales each year. Often, businesses don’t recover from a fire, so it’s important that the correct measurements are in place to help prevent them. Install fire detection systems It a legal requirement for any business operating in the UK to install fire detection and alarm systems. Some are set off automatically and others may need to be manually operated. If the latter is the case, ensure your employees know how to use it. All alarm and detection systems…
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In order to prevent a fire from occurring at work, particularly in larger industrial premises with more potential risks, organisation and preparation is key. In light of this, this month the team at Protect & Detect will be providing a thorough checklist for your factory, so you can identify and eliminate any dangers. Tidiness From stray materials to poorly labelled containers, failing to keep your factory in order can lead to disastrous consequences. Here are some tips to keep your premises risk free: Make sure that the premises is kept clear of combustible process waste and refuse. This will help to…
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Ensuring fire extinguishers are properly mounted in your property is essential in order to meet British Standards regulations for businesses and rented properties. The right location, the correct height and the appropriate accessories are all paramount when installing fire extinguishers. Where to mount fire extinguishers? Choosing the right location for installing your fire extinguishers can make all the difference further down the line, so getting it right is key. Ideally, fire extinguishers should be placed in a visible and easily reached location and along, but without obstructing, the evacuation route. By doorways and corridors, landings and lobbies are all excellent positions…
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