ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS FOR FIRE SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE

Fire safety should be a priority for every organisation, regardless of the time of year.

From electrical faults and machinery fires to flammable materials and battery-related incidents, workplace fires can happen in any setting.

Organisations such as the NFCC have highlighted the importance of reviewing workplace fire safety measures and ensuring the correct equipment is in place.

With this in mind, now is a great opportunity to assess your current arrangements and identify any areas for improvement.

Here, we’ll share some top fire safety products for organisations to consider. 

WHY FIRE SAFETY SHOULD BE A TOP PRIORITY

Fires aren’t limited to fields and woodland areas. They can affect homes and businesses across the country.

Recent workplace and warehouse fires across the UK have included:

• Horizon Kitchen in Essex.
  A showroom and workshop were destroyed by a fire and subsequent explosion, along with other business units.
• Premier Labels Warehouse in Essex.
  Following a warehouse fire, the main structure of this building completely collapsed.
• A Barking Industrial Estate in East London.
  125 firefighters attended this large warehouse fire, which severely damaged a commercial building.
• Oxgate House Business Park in North London.
  This major warehouse fire destroyed a two-storey commercial building and affected 200 businesses.
• A Tottenham Industrial Estate in North London.
  A two-storey warehouse used for vehicle maintenance was destroyed by fire, along with 20 vehicles.

As you can see, fire isn’t just a safety concern. It can also cause significant damage to your business premises, stock, and equipment.

In this way, the financial and operational repercussions stretch far beyond the incident itself.

DEALING WITH FIRE RISKS IN THE WORKPLACE

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) requires all workplaces to have a fire risk assessment in place.

As part of this, you’ll need to:

1. Identify fire hazards
2. Identify the people at risk
3. Implement protection measures
4. Create clear records and provide training
5. Continually review your fire risk assessment and revise it where necessary

But fire safety awareness and planning isn’t just about meeting fire regulations.

It’s also essential for:

• Protecting workers and visitors
• Minimising operational disruption
• Preventing damage from spreading
• Protecting stock, equipment, and assets
• Protecting neighbouring businesses and communities 

ESSENTIAL FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Every workplace should have appropriate fire safety equipment and signage based on the risks identified in a fire risk assessment.

In this guide, we’ll cover some products that may be required, including:

• Fire extinguishers
• Fire safety signage
• Fire blankets and sand

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Most workplaces will need suitable first-aid fire-fighting equipment, such as fire extinguishers.

Not only do fire extinguishers help businesses comply with fire safety legislation. They’re also essential for enabling a quick response in the event of a fire.

With the correct fire extinguisher and appropriate training, employees may be able to tackle small fires before they escalate. This can help stop the fire from spreading and reduce damage.

Fire extinguishers should only be used by trained individuals when it is safe to do so. If a fire is spreading rapidly or poses an immediate risk, your team should evacuate the area and contact the emergency services.

FIND THE RIGHT FIRE EXTINGUISHER TYPES

The types of fire extinguishers your workplace needs will depend on the risks present.

There are 5 main types of fire extinguishers in the UK:

1. WATER FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Water fire extinguishers are effective against Class A fires (those started by combustible materials like wood or paper). 

2. FOAM FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Foam fire extinguishers form a smothering foam seal over the surface of a burning material to prevent reignition. They’re effective against both Class A fires and Class B fires (fires involving flammable liquids like petrol).

3. POWDER (ABC) FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Powder fire extinguishers use dry powder to put out fires. They’re extremely versatile and suitable for most types of fire.

4. CO2 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

CO2 fire extinguishers are ideal for Class B fires. They’re also non-damaging to electrical equipment and machinery, making them a great choice for electrical fires.

5. LITHIUM-ION FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Lithium-ion fire extinguishers are a recent innovation. At SMI, we stock the world's first lithium-ion fire extinguisher.

These fire extinguishers are specifically designed to tackle lithium-ion battery fires involving equipment such as mobile phones, laptops, power tools, and electric scooters.

FIRE SAFETY SIGNAGE

Workplaces need appropriate fire safety signage.

The right signage can prevent a fire from occurring in the first place. And in the event of a fire, it can even save lives.

It does this by:

• Reducing confusion
• Directing people to fire exits
• Identifying fire-fighting equipment
• Highlighting fire safety equipment (like alarms)

FIND RELEVANT FIRE SAFETY SIGNS

The exact fire safety signs needed in your workplace will depend on your fire safety risk assessment.

Fire signage categories include:

1. FIRE EXIT AND ESCAPE ROUTE SIGNS

These help to guide workers and visitors to safety. 

Here are some examples:

• Fire assembly point
• Fire exit running man arrow up
• Fire exit running man arrow down
• Fire exit running man arrow up left
• Fire exit running man arrow down right

2. FIRE FIGHTING AND EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT SIGNS

These direct workers and emergency services to important equipment.

Examples include:

• Dry riser
• Fire alarm
• Fire blanket
• Fire hose reel
• Fire extinguisher
• Emergency evacuation chair

3. FIRE ACTION AND EMERGENCY INSTRUCTION SIGNS

These tell workers and visitors what to do in the event of a fire.

For instance:

• Fire action
• Your fire marshals are
• In the event of fire, do not use this lift
• In case of emergency, break glass to open

4. FIRE HAZARD, WARNING, AND PROHIBITION SIGNS

These communicate information that can help to prevent fires from occurring.

They include:

• No smoking
• No naked lights
• Flammable sign
• Fire door keep shut
• Danger highly flammable

OTHER SPECIALIST FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT

Fire extinguishers aren’t the only fire-fighting equipment that can elevate fire safety in your workplace.

Fire safety blankets, sand, and other equipment can also play an important role.

When it comes to fire-fighting equipment, it’s not a case of choosing one solution over another. Rather, it’s all about the nature of the fire risks in your setting.

FIND THE RIGHT FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT

The right fire-fighting equipment for your workplace will depend on the risks identified in your fire risk assessment.

Specialist equipment may include:

1. FIRE BLANKETS

Fire blankets can be used to smother small fires by cutting off the oxygen supply. These are especially useful for clothing fires (as the blanket can be placed around a person) and small cooking fires.

2. BATTERY FIRE BLANKETS

Standard safety blankets are ineffective against lithium-ion battery fires, such as those caused by phones, e-bikes, or battery storage. On the other hand, battery fire blankets can be used to contain and limit the spread of these fires.

3. FIRE SAND

Fire sand can be used to smother small fires caused by spills of flammable liquids. Not only can sand smother the flames, but it can absorb and contain the liquid too.

4. FIRE BUCKETS

Where fire sand or water is used to fight fires, you’ll need a way to get it where it’s needed. A fire bucket is a simple solution for carrying water or sand where it needs to go.

TURN FIRE SAFETY AWARENESS INTO ACTION

Being fire safety aware is only the start. Once you’ve identified the risks present in your workplace, you’ll need to procure the right products to improve fire safety.

At SMI, we stock a wide range of fire safety products, ranging from safety signage to fire equipment like extinguishers, fire blankets, and sand. 

We also stock first aid equipment like burns kits for if the worst happens.

Not sure what equipment would best suit your requirements?

Our dedicated account managers are sector experts who can offer bespoke compliance guidance and product recommendations for your organisation.

That way, you can be confident you’re investing in a safer, more compliant workplace.

Shop fire safety signage and equipment now, or get in touch with our team for help.