www.mawwfire.gov.uk
Reducing the risks
Take Responsibility
- In any business, the owner or manager is responsible for fire safety.
- As the responsible person, you need first to think of all the ways in which someone could start a fire deliberately - inside or outside the premises.
- Have there been small fires in your premises previously? Have you heard about other fires occurring locally? If so, tell the police and be on the look-out. Small fires are all too often a warning of worse to come.
- Be on the look-out for other forms of vandalism. If graffiti or damage is not cleared up immediately, it can make the area a target for minor arson - which can quickly become more serious.
- As part of staff training, remind all employees of the arson threat and ask them to report any suspicious behaviour - by anyone!
Check and check again !
- First thing each business day ensure that fire extinguishers and hose reels are ready for use, fire escape doors are unlocked and fire doors are not wedged open.
- Carry out periodic inspections to ensure that all parts of the premises are safe, there are no "hidden" fires, and that the drill for dealing with unattended items can be put into immediate effect.
- If your business welcomes numerous customers or suppliers onto the premises, ensure that they do not have access to staff-only areas. More secure sites need to maintain their security.
- Before locking up for the night, make sure that there are no obvious dangers left behind and that no combustible material is lying around, no unauthorised people are left on the premises, all doors and windows are securely fastened, alarms and security lighting are switched on.
- Each week, check that the security system, smoke alarm and sprinkler system are fully operational.
Be vigilant
- Are you a target? Most arson fires affecting business start outside the premises. The culprits are often young vandals who's motive is to cause trouble. They are opportunists who light their fires with anything readily to hand - rubbish, packaging, waste in open skips etc.
- How easily could a fire be started or an incendiary device be concealed? Arsonists also strike inside the premises - a member of staff with a grudge, or others trying to make a point or cover up another crime.
© Gwasanaeth Tân Ac Achub Canolbarth a Gorllewin Cymru | © Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service