Insurance Matters by Rees Astley Ltd, Insurance Brokers and Independent Financial Advisors
By Nick Jacques
A key message from the National Fire Authorities is that you should not overlook your fire safety responsibilities whilst dealing with pandemic issues.
You cannot take your eye off the ball when it comes to fire safety, even in these unusual times. A fire can happen at any time, in any workplace and easily put you out of business.
By Nick Jacques
A key message from the National Fire Authorities is that you should not overlook your fire safety responsibilities whilst dealing with pandemic issues.
You cannot take your eye off the ball when it comes to fire safety, even in these unusual times. A fire can happen at any time, in any workplace and easily put you out of business.
As well as your standard fire safety inspection, you or your nominated fire officer(s) should check that staff have not inadvertently compromised your fire safety practices to meet Covid-19 rules.
Covid safety measures
Because of all the variations that have been adopted in the work place you need to pay extra special attention to ensure your safety measures are still being met as you intended.
Has keeping the workplace well ventilated to avoid the spread of the disease compromised your fire safety plan? For example, propping open a fire door, which is illegal.
Ensure:
Arson
Premises are prone to arson attacks where they are easily accessible or unattended.
Adequate security to prevent unauthorised access to your business premises can help to deter an arsonist looking for an easy target. Depending on your individual business, security arrangements can range from sturdy fences and gates to CCTV, alarm systems or onsite security personnel.
Faulty equipment
There have been many incidents of fires where online purchases such as phone and battery chargers have been of substandard quality resulting in flames!
You should consider making it best practice not to have unattended devices left charging overnight or near inflammable materials such as soft furnishings, cleaning materials, chemicals etc.
Reviewing your fire safety measures
With so many changes in the working environment, now may be a good time to dig out your fire safety policy and check what actions you may need to take to ensure your workers and business premises remain fully protected from the risk of a fire.
Insurance requirements
It is a condition of business insurance that policyholders adhere to statutory instruments such as Fire Safety Legislation and Safety at Work Regulations. Failing to do so could invalidate your policy(ies) in the event of a loss.
Rees Astley Insurance Brokers can help review fire plans and make recommendations for protecting a business against worse case scenarios, as well as advising on the best insurance products to meet a business’ requirements.
We are also available during the year to provide expert advice, to answer questions, to make changes or to help in the event of a claim.
For more information about fire risks or your business insurance call Nigel Kennedy on 07951 120328 or email [email protected].
Covid safety measures
Because of all the variations that have been adopted in the work place you need to pay extra special attention to ensure your safety measures are still being met as you intended.
Has keeping the workplace well ventilated to avoid the spread of the disease compromised your fire safety plan? For example, propping open a fire door, which is illegal.
Ensure:
- Fire extinguishers are both visible and accessible.
- Office furniture that has been moved for social distancing purposes has not blocked fire exits or safe routes.
- Fire doors are kept closed and are not blocked inside or outside.
Arson
Premises are prone to arson attacks where they are easily accessible or unattended.
Adequate security to prevent unauthorised access to your business premises can help to deter an arsonist looking for an easy target. Depending on your individual business, security arrangements can range from sturdy fences and gates to CCTV, alarm systems or onsite security personnel.
Faulty equipment
There have been many incidents of fires where online purchases such as phone and battery chargers have been of substandard quality resulting in flames!
You should consider making it best practice not to have unattended devices left charging overnight or near inflammable materials such as soft furnishings, cleaning materials, chemicals etc.
Reviewing your fire safety measures
With so many changes in the working environment, now may be a good time to dig out your fire safety policy and check what actions you may need to take to ensure your workers and business premises remain fully protected from the risk of a fire.
Insurance requirements
It is a condition of business insurance that policyholders adhere to statutory instruments such as Fire Safety Legislation and Safety at Work Regulations. Failing to do so could invalidate your policy(ies) in the event of a loss.
Rees Astley Insurance Brokers can help review fire plans and make recommendations for protecting a business against worse case scenarios, as well as advising on the best insurance products to meet a business’ requirements.
We are also available during the year to provide expert advice, to answer questions, to make changes or to help in the event of a claim.
For more information about fire risks or your business insurance call Nigel Kennedy on 07951 120328 or email [email protected].
