For most businesses, recent years have brought about changes to the way they operate, whether it’s enabling staff to work from home, or making changes to their office spaces.

Regardless of the changes, it’s important to ensure they don’t have a negative impact on fire safety. A little time invested now could prevent a catastrophic event in future that could jeopardise the business.

So what do you need to consider?

Fire Risk Assessments

Every business employing five or more people has a legal requirement to complete a fire risk assessment which should be reviewed when changes occur that could significantly affect the plans that have been put in place.

Any changes could also impact insurance policies so it’s worth taking time to carefully check and review.

Office Reorganisation

The reorganisation of desks and workstations could affect safety systems such as smoke and heat detectors, emergency lighting and sprinklers so it’s vital to get these checked and serviced by a competent engineer to ensure they still are working and fit for purpose.

Exit Routes

Reorganisation of the internal space means staff may now take a different route to exit the building in an emergency so this must be rehearsed with regular fire drills to familiarise people with any changes. Staff may be working in different areas of the building and special arrangements like buddy systems for those with mobility problems should be reviewed.

With so many internal changes it’s important to ensure exits are kept clear and self-closing fire doors are checked to ensure they work properly.

Fire Marshals

Fire marshals play an important role in safety and changes to working hours and people’s locations could mean plans need to be updated. If more staff are working from home, are some of them trained fire marshals who would be needed in an emergency? It may be necessary to train more marshals and draw up rotas to ensure adequate cover is provided in your business.

Absolute Protection Group can help review your fire safety plans and ensure your business is fully covered. Click here for further information or call 01622 437838 to book an appointment.