As the year draws to a close and Christmas is approaching, December is a time when celebrations are underway. Fire safety can often be overlooked during the festive season particularly in an office environment.
Statistics published by The Home Office state that Fire and Rescue services attended 14,308 fires in non-dwelling (commercial) buildings across the UK in 2019/2020. As stated by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) order 2005, businesses are legally required to provide adequate training, information and instruction for individuals with fire safety responsibilities.
In this blog post we highlight the importance of fire safety and reveal some of our top tips on how you can stay fire safe within the workplace this Christmas.
Declutter - In the event of a fire, cluttered areas can pose a severe fire hazard. Combustible materials such as books and paper increase the chances of the fire spreading quicker than anticipated. Additionally, cluttered areas can block fire door exits or pose an obstacle for escape routes. By ensuring the office is clutter free, you are creating a work environment that is both aesthetically pleasing and safe.
Let there be light - Christmas decorations are part of the Christmas period with lots of businesses choosing to decorate their offices to bring some of the festivities to the workplace. Christmas lights are often found on a tree and adorning the walls of the office, however with this comes its own set of risks. All fairy lights should be purchased from a reputable retailer and conform to British standards. Furthermore, cables should be tucked away and not pose a trip hazard and lights should always be switched off at the end of the day and not left switched on overnight.
Chain reaction - Paper chains, garlands and tinsel should be kept away from lights, radiators, and any other electrical equipment such as printers or computers.
With our comprehensive portfolio of fire safety courses, there is something available to suit every requirement. From fire warden training to fire extinguisher training, all our courses are accredited and delivered by our experienced trainers. Consisting of a variety of multimedia presentations and exercises, our courses are designed to equip delegates with the knowledge and skills to confidently implement fire safety measures within the workplace. Below are some of our upcoming course dates for 2022, simply click the link to view more:
10 – 14 January – Fire Risk Assessor Course (5 day) – London
10 – 14 January – Conversion to Fire Manager (5 day) – London
07 – 11 February – Fire Risk Assessor Course (5 day) – Warrington
07 – 11 February – Conversion to Fire Manager (5 day) – Warrington
28 Feb – 4 March – Fire Manager Advanced Course (5 day and project) – London
15 – 18 March – Managing Fire Safety Course (4 day) – Warrington
You can book your place on one of our upcoming courses here. Due to high demand and limited availability, we encourage booking your place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
If you have any questions about our courses or any other general queries please get in touch with our friendly team and we’ll be happy to help.