Fact Sheet No. 4

Fire Marshals - The Front Line of Defence

A well-trained team of Fire Marshals is not only a legal requirement for many firms, but it can also have a dramatic effect on the safety and security of your business. This factsheet is designed to introduce you to some of the concepts of Fire Marshals and help you formulate a structured approach to your company’s fire safety planning.

Fire Marshals Factsheet

The Role of the Fire Marshal
Prevention is better than cure
Daily Fire Safety Checks
Weekly Fire Safety Checks
Annual Fire Safety Checks
Are you doing enough?

Sample Extract

To protect your workplace you should ensure a full daily check is carried out before it is vacated. You should make sure:

Where possible all windows and doors are closed – including those held open by automatic release units
Electrical equipment not in use is switched off and where possible unplugged
All smokers’ materials have been properly extinguished
All naked flames are extinguished and where possible portable heaters are switched off
All flammable materials including waste is moved to a safe place

Don’t forget general security. Over one third of all fires in the UK are caused maliciously. The Home Office estimates that over 40% of all fires in the workplace are caused by arson, with costs of over £360 million; 80% of companies suffering from a major fire never recover. Fire prevention makes good business sense.

Your daily practice of good housekeeping will help to minimise the risks, but it could be worth reviewing your security procedures and emergency plan. Ask yourself what would happen if a fire started in the early hours of a morning or a weekend. Are there detection measures in place and who would call the fire brigade?