Business

What are the fire risk factors considered when conducting a risk assessment for business insurance?

Here are some basic points that are important in an assessment of fire safety within a business. These are just basic points as there is more depth into fire and several regulations that come into play depending on the Industry type, for example Flammable, spray painting, manufacturing etc.

Fire equipment

• Fire equipment is to be serviced on an annual basis by an accredited service provider.
• Fire equipment must be wall-mounted and clearly visible at all times by means of signage.
• Fire equipment must not be obstructed and therefore required to be accessible at all times.
• Client is to ensure that he/ she complies with the National building regulations regarding fire equipment (Amount/ Type) required according to occupied floor area and business type.
• Emergency escape routes/doors must not be obstructed and if locked a key must be freely available. It is required that either the emergency escape doors remain open during working hours or break glass key box systems are installed in the vicinity of the doors.
• Combustible materials stored outside and in direct contact with the structure increases the risk of fire. All combustibles should be stored more than 5m from the structure.

Electrical

• Flammable material to be stored at least 1m away from electrical power points, light fittings and Electrical distribution board.
• Electrical wiring and/or power points being exposed at the premises could lead to possible fire or injury. All exposed wiring must be safely concealed and utilized in a safe manner throughout the premises.
• Light fittings that are loose must be secured correctly.
• Distribution boards that are open and have no cover exposes circuits and switches to dust build-up and is considered to be a fire risk. A cover must be fitted accordingly.
• Wall plugs being over-loaded must be discontinued.

LP Gas / Cylinders

• LP Gas is to be installed and stored according to regulations.
• Installation of LP Gas is to be done by an approved accredited service provider.
• Client is to ensure that the quantity LP Gas used/ stored do not exceed the allowed amount according to National building regulations.

 

Also view:

Safety from Fire at the Workplace/ Business 

Burns and Treatment of Burns – Frequently asked Questions

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