Regular inspections should take place when work is ongoing to ensure risk assessments and procedures are being followed. From a fire safety point of view this includes, particularly for maintenance and construction work on existing buildings checking that escape routes are kept clear, fire call points and fire extinguishers are not obstructed, and that no combustibles are present if hot work is taking place. When carrying out hot work contractor workers should be familiar with the operation of portable extinguishers that are in position in the event of fire outbreak. This is often a requirement of pre-contract documentation. In the UK. many organisations require contractor workers to carry " Safety Passports ", issued through recognised schemes to demonstrate they have been trained in issues such as fire prevention, risk assessment, housekeeping, and permit to work use. Actions to minimise risks from arson In the UK, the Cheshire Fire and Rescue service recommends the following actions to help reduce the risk of arson: When closing down your business adopt a thorough closedown procedure considering:
External doors are locked Internal doors are closed No unauthorised persons are left on the premises No accumulation of waste or rubbish Alarms are switched on
• Report accumulated or abandoned refuse to your local authority. Don’t let it become a target for arson. • Anti-social behaviour is often linked to arson. Report such behaviour through your local neighbourhood policing team or neighbourhood watch team. • Protect your commercial property. Seek advice on security, good lighting and CCTV will often act as a deterrent to the criminal. • Take responsibility and think of ways in which someone could start a fire inside or outside of your property. Act on any issues you find. • Arson attacks on farms and small holdings do happen. Take simple precautions to reduce the likelihood of this happening. Lighting around barns and outbuildings will deter the opportunist thief and the would-be arsonist. In addition, consider the following action to prevent an arson attack: • Address perimeter security with suitable fencing and gates if possible. • Secure access to the premises and consider roller shutters to external doors and windows. • Consider active measures such as CCTV, intruder alarms, night-time illumination. • Never store combustible materials such as pallets, vehicles, against external walls of the premises. • Use enclosed and lockable waste skips and bins and site them a safe distance away from buildings. • Secure wheeled bins in designated positions with chains or similar and arrange for bins to be emptied regularly. • Prevent bushes, tree growth, close to your premises. A dry period will turn such vegetation into a good source of fuel for the arsonist. • Beware of children gaining access to the site, particularly during school holidays.
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