Dorset businesses urged to make fire safety a priority
The warning has come from the National Fire Chiefs Council.
As many businesses across the county start welcoming people back into their workplaces, they are being asked to make sure fire safety is a top priority.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, lots of people started working from home so the NFCC are reminding companies about the everyday fire risks in the workplace.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging business owners to ensure they review fire risk assessments.
The authority say they need to consider the potential risk that Covid secure measures may, in some cases, compromise fire safety:
- New screens must not obstruct smoke detection or sprinkler heads
- Business must have enough trained staff to support evacuation procedures
- Ensure measures to support social distancing do not impact evacuation procedures, exit doors or the ability of emergency service to help you
- Protect your business from arson
- Help your fire service by reducing false alarms - which currently accounts for about 40% of all emergency calls
Group Manager Tim Gray, said:
"The last few months have undoubtedly been difficult and challenging for many people and businesses. As such, we want to make sure that whilst businesses address the changes needed in response to Covid-19, they remain fire safe in doing so. Fire can have a devastating impact on businesses, with many never recovering after an incident.
We are encouraging businesses to firstly review their Fire Risk Assessments, and to contact us for advice should they need any support. Our goal is to keep all businesses working safely."
Advice and information can be found by visiting dwfire.org.uk/business-fire-safety.