Fire Safety Signs in the Workplace

Tracy — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 09:12:52 +0000

There are many fire safety signs in the workplace we are being asked to adhere to; ‘Keep 2 Metres’ apart being the major one at the moment. But signs can become so familiar that we forget they are there! Look around your office building, the supermarket, indeed virtually any indoor space and you’ll see signs everywhere. In an emergency would you know what those signs mean and how you should react to them? It could mean the difference between getting to safety or not.
When it comes to fire safety, taking the correct action can be lifesaving. Especially if you are returning back into work after being home in lockdown. Remember Fire Safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Here in the UK, we use standardised signage, but do you know what they mean?

Fire Safety Signs – Colour Coding

Firstly though, you will notice that fire safety signs are also colour-coded. Each colour designates a certain category:

Red signs are related to fire equipment. Fire extinguishers, for example, are always red, though the class of extinguisher is denoted in a different colour.
Blue signs mandate an action on your part. Such actions are both mandatory and simple, like keeping a fire door closed.
Green signs refer to guidance, helping you navigate your exit away from danger.

Keep this in mind as we go through all of the signs in this blog.

Keep Fire Door Closed

Admit it, you’ve seen them wedged open, quite often by using a fire extinguisher!

Fire doors can withstand high temperature and will save lives and property. Precious time for you to be able to evacuate the area and shut the fire behind you. They won’t put the fire out, but they can hold it off and possibly slow down the spread of a fire. If you wedge one open it may as well not be there.

If you come across a Fire Door without a viewing window, do not open it. How do you know if a fire is the other side? Does the handle feel hot, if so, do not open it.

Fire Action

These are quite often shown on the wall in common areas, it’s there for a reason – read it. Fire equipment and a fire alarm points are usually near by.

You should never tackle a fire unless you have no choice or the fire is clearly not going to spread and is very small and contained. Note that this sign also displays the number for the fire brigade and the assembly point.

Fire Alarm

Would you push that button or break that glass?

Fire spreads very quickly so hitting the alarm could save a life. The most common alarm button is the ‘break glass’ kind. So would you sound that alarm? If you think there is a fire, far better to raise the alarm early, than to just carry on and wait for someone else to do it. At the very least, let your Fire Marshal know you think there might be a fire.

Fire Extinguishers

Hopefully everyone in your building will have Fire Safety training, which covers the use of fire extinguishers and whether or not it is adviseable to use them. Usually there will be the fire alarm button nearby and if your building has them, an emergency call button for anyone with limited mobility.

Evacuation Chair

These are used to move persons with limited ability, who might not be able to evacuate themselves. You will find these in the stairwell and should be next to the Evac Chair sineage. This chair, as with all other fire quipment, should only be used in an emergency and your Fire Marshal will advise on how to use it.

In Conclusion

So to go back to the beginning, the signs are always there, it is just whether or not we pay attention to them. Look up and around, make a point of knowing what they are for. They could save your life, your property and those around you. Don’t wait until it is too late and it is already an emergency. Remember Fire Safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Will you learn fire safety signs in the workplace with fire safety training?

It’s really easy to get started with an online training course. We have multiple courses for you to choose from, so please click here to view all of our available online options.

All of our online courses are available 24/7 and can be started immediately after purchase. You can download a verifiable fire training certificate straight away upon successful completion too.

Alternatively, you can give our friendly customer support team a call on 01327 552160 or email us at hello@smarthorizons.co.uk to discuss your training needs and to receive a personalised quote for your training.

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Free Fire Risk Assessment

admin — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 09:00:47 +0000

Home » Fire Safety Signs

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Fire risk assessments are an essential feature of fire safety in the workplace. However, is it possible to save time and effort on completing a personalised fire risk assessment by downloading one from the internet instead?

Fire Safety in the Workplace

In all commercial premises across the United Kingdom, fire safety is of paramount importance. Not only should you ensure that your staff receive accredited fire safety training, you should also complete regular fire risk assessments.

If more than 5 individuals work on your business premises, ensure that you create a written record of every fire risk assessment you carry out. Furthermore, refer to this written record upon every assessment and update any changes to fire safety procedure on the premises.

What is a Fire Risk Assessment?

A fire risk assessment should:

Identify potential fire hazards on the premises
Identify individuals who may be at risk in the event of a fire,
Evaluate ways to reduce these risks
List fire escape routes
Detail a fire assembly point

In your fire risk assessment, you should cater for any individuals on the premises, at any time, who are disabled or vulnerable. Additionally, you should clearly mark the location of fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, emergency lighting and fire exits, as well as any other fire equipment.

Your fire risk assessment should be relative and specific to your workplace; templates can only bring you so far.

Who should complete one?

The ‘Responsible Person’ on your premises should undertake fire risk assessments.

Responsible persons can be landlords, business owners, building managers, employers, tenants, facilities managers or agents. Ensure that every member of staff on your premises is aware of the responsible person and their duties.

Can I get a free fire risk assessment?

If you see a company advertising a free fire risk assessment, be wary. Every business needs to take responsibility for creating a fire risk assessment specific to their premises. Moreover, two locations will have the same layout, features, staff, or equipment.

However, it is possible for businesses to be offered a free fire risk assessment template, such as these assessment guides available from the GOV.UK website, which provide a standard template for businesses who are creating their own fire risk assessments from scratch.

Can I pay someone to complete my fire risk assessment?

Most businesses should be able to create and carry out their fire risk assessments without the help of an expert. However, if you do not have the time or resources available to complete a fire risk assessment, consider hiring a professional risk assessor.

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