When you are running a business, your primary focus is often on growth, customer satisfaction and profitability. However, one crucial aspect you should also be thinking about is fire safety. A good fire protection system is a regulatory requirement but it is also a vital part of your business’ overall risk management strategy.
What does the law say about fire safety?
The law is clear, businesses must comply to the fire safety regulations primarily set out under the Regulatory Refrom (Fire Safety) Order 2005. If you fail to comply, you can receive severe penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment. There is also the reputational damage that can come from being found to be non-compliant.
What should you be doing?
- Fire Risk Assessments – regularly conducting assessments to identify fire hazards and implement necessary precautions.
- Installing/maintaining a robust fire protection system that can be monitored 24/7 in accordance with your risk assessors’ recommendations.
- Record Keeping – Maintaining records of fire safety equipment maintenance, fire drills and training
What does a robust fire protection system need?
- Smoke and heat detectors – these are the first line of defence, alerting occupants to a fire before it becomes unmanageable.
- Emergency lighting and signage – these guide people to exits, especially in smoke-filled or dark environments, ensuging a safe evacuation
- Remote monitoring – ensure your business and staff are protected 24/7 whether you are on-site or not
A GBSG fire system has 4 main benefits:
- Integration – our fire system integrates with your other security solutions across one or multiple sites
- Future proof – our systems are modular and can be expanded over time as your business needs change
- Work with your building – The system can control equipment such as lifts, fire shutters, ventilation and air conditioning units
- Tailored – Every system we build is unique to the needs of that business, we work with you to build a system that is right for you
read our case study about a recent installation at Westfalia Fruit in Spalding.
We have also written a blog about the fire safety and the building safety act announced in October 2023.
