Fire safety is crucial for any business; however, the importance of this topic has undoubtedly risen over recent years.
The Chief Fire Officer’s Association has estimated that 60% of private businesses never recover from a fire and in October and November 2017 alone, a Kettering Italian restaurant was hit by a second arson attack causing significant damage and a major fire at Darby restaurant, The Palfrey, caused extensive damage after a blaze passed through the buildings’ two floors and roof space.
These are just two of multiple cases reported and yet it would appear that despite a continual influx of news items regarding restaurant fires across the UK, fire safety negligence is still rife.
Shockingly, 90% of small business owners are unaware of their responsibility to conduct a fire-risk assessment, including 39% of pub landlords and restaurants. It is clear a more acute understanding of fire safety measures and regulations is needed within the industry.
Many of the business owners questioned within this sample admitted that they were unaware that fire safety legislation applied to them, particularly those in smaller rented units who often assumed the building owners were ultimately responsible instead. Others suggested that fire safety was a secondary consideration when budgets were tight. With particular regards to restaurants and the hospitality industry, which may be characterised largely by heavy duty equipment, open flames and electrical appliances; these attitudes are highly concerning and pose a threat to both employees, and the business’ financial security.
Experts from Knightsbridge Fire and Security, who largely cater for independent bars, restaurants and hotels fire security requirements, not only recognise how vital fire safety is in these environments but also appreciate the need for adaptable solutions and a personalised approach that means small business and restaurant owners can keep on top of their requirements. They advise the following:
- Take responsibility & be aware of the legislation:
All employers, business owners or landlords must take responsibility for fire safety. The Regulatory Reform (fire safety) Order 2005 states that the ‘responsible person’ must carry out fire assessments, identify risks and put safety measures in place; with not doing so holding the consequence of fines or even prison sentences. If there is more than one ‘responsible person’ e.g. in a multiple occupied building, then these individuals must work together to meet these responsibilities and make any necessary changes. This fire safety order also applies if a business has paying guests, such as restaurants.
- Educate staff
The responsible person must inform staff or their representatives of any risks identified, and any precautionary safety measures which have been implemented and maintained. The responsible person must also plan for an emergency, providing staff with all relevant information, fire safety instruction and training.
- Outsource if required:
In small premises, a fire assessment may be clear enough for the responsible person to conduct using any of the free templates available online. However, as a small business expands, employing more staff, the responsible person may no longer have all of the knowledge necessary to conduct this assessment to a level considered “suitable and sufficient” for the fire authority. A good risk assessor may help with this process, covering fire safety in relation to wider issues such as: emergency exit routes and signage, fire detection and warning systems, an emergency fire evacuation plan, testing and maintenance regimes, and the needs of vulnerable diners such as the elderly or those with disabilities.
Should you require further assistance with your fire assessment requirements or fire security maintenance, contact Knightsbridge Fire & Security at 02070 995 552 or [email protected].
