Protecting Your Business Unit Or Warehouse From The Risk Of Fire
If you own a business unit or warehouse and you keep goods stored in it, then you may want to consider how safe those products are from the threat of fire (as well as from theft).
If you take the security and safety of your business, premises and staff seriously, you may be surprised to know that every year many thousands of businesses are damaged by fire but over 40% of these businesses are never re-established.
Insurance companies often refuse to meet claims because building regulations and Loss Prevention Council requirements have not been met.
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The building regulations state that openings in fire resisting walls or partitions must have a door with an equivalent fire rating to that of the wall or partition. This is not always the case and if you are not sure it is a relatively simple task to check. (Call the Industrial Door Emergency Number on 01935 473708 for a quick response free assessment.)
You may also want to perform a more general fire risk assessment, here are some tips for what you could look for:
Fire Exits:
Fire Exits should be free from any blockages, packages, containers or anything else that would hinder their operation in an emergency. Apart from the obvious threat of preventing an exit in an emergency it can also help to cause panic in a fire situation. Fire exit procedures should be posted throughout the building at keep staff and visitors informed of what to do in an emergency.
Fire Alarms:
Fire Alarms should be regularly inspected and tested. These tests should occur at least once a week and annual fire/ emergency evacuation drills should be performed with staff to ensure they are familiar with exit and assembly points.
Fire Extinguishers:
Fire Extinguishers should also be regularly maintained in accordance with the manufactures recommendations and fire regulations and should be sited in the most appropriate points within easy reach when necessary. Training and Instruction Guides should be available to ensure the right type of extinguisher is used and the safety of individuals is also highlighted in their use.
Flammable Material:
The storage of flammable material is governed by the type and characteristics of the substance. Guidelines for the storage and handling of such material is normally supplied by the manufacturer. Typically it will state the environmental conditions required, including temperature and ventilation. Other combustible material such as paper and cardboard boxes can also prove a threat if poorly stored and may be a fire risk.
Fire Resistant Shutters:
Fire Doors and Shutters can greatly inhibit the spread of fire, giving business owners and emergency services the opportunity to remedy the fire before it causes irreversible damage or injury.
Fire Shutters from Wessex Industrial Doors are custom designed to your specification and differ from standard Roller Shutters in that they are designed to provide 1/2, 1, 2, or 4 hour fire resistance. They can be manufactured in any size with a variety of operating modes.
Door Repair and Maintenance:
Regular maintenance and quick action if repairs are required are essential to provide on-going protection of your business premises and goods. As soon as you detect and malfunction of your doors or shutters contact your maintenance provider to remedy the situation as soon as possible.
This ensures that the Fire Doors or Shutters are as effective as possible in their job, which is to protect your business, your staff and your goods as much as possible.
If your business doesn't currently have fire resistant doors or shutters fitted, it may be worth talking to a specialist Industrial Door Manufacturer such as Wessex Industrial Doors who will be able to advise you on what options are available.
Consider these doors as an investment, they are very durable and can last for many years and provide the time you need should a fire occur.
If you would like to find out how Wessex Industrial Doors can help you improve the Fire Protection of your Business Premises, or for more information on the Benefits of Fire Resistant Roller Shutters and Doors, get in touch on 01935 473708, Email: enquiry@wessexindustrialdoors.com or visit our website www.wessexindustrialdoors.com
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