Arson, the intentional act of setting alight a property, poses a significant threat to businesses. With nearly 60% of businesses not ever being able to fully recover after a fire, it is critical that businesses have sufficient fire safety systems and procedures in place. This crime has the potential to destroy businesses as a result of extensive property damage that consequently incurs serious financial loss, and in unfortunate cases results in loss of life. In this article, we cover protecting against arson and how to prevent fires from causing extensive damage.
Arson is a continuing issue that businesses across a range of industries are having to address and adapt security strategies to. With almost a fifth of workplace fires identified as arson, this growing threat has the capability of causing millions of pounds in damage.
Whilst all industries are at risk of such a threat, those found to be most vulnerable are industrial premises such as warehouses or manufacturing facilities, and retail premises, which include shops and supermarkets.
The risks that arson poses to businesses are extensive. Not only do they result in significant financial losses but also cause serious disruption in business operations due to enforced closure and safety regulations. Furthermore, such intentional fires can cause employees to feel unsafe in the workplace and damage the company’s reputation. Given the severe consequences of arson, it is crucial that all businesses are taking proactive steps to protect themselves from the occurrence of these fires.
To ensure your business is not one of the many that is completely destroyed by a fire, implement the following measures.
Fire risk assessments are a crucial part of identifying areas of weakness, and potential fire hazards. Through identification of these areas, businesses are able to introduce suitable measures to mitigate their risks. Risk assessments should be carried out regularly and ensure that all factors are considered. This includes everything from building layout to pre-existing fire protection systems. The importance of conducting fire risk assessments is laid out in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which puts into law the need for businesses to conduct these assessments.
Another way for businesses to protect themselves against arson is by installing a range of fire protection systems across their premises. Detection systems such as smoke detectors, heat sensors and fire alarms mean fires can be detected in the early stages and trigger response systems that can prevent further damage. Fire suppression systems stop the developing risk and extinguish fires quickly and efficiently.
A simple yet effective way to deter intruders and arsonists is maintaining high levels of security when closing for the day. Some of these simple yet overlooked steps include:
Furthermore, introducing physical security systems such as surveillance cameras and security lighting can be a further deterrent for criminals, keeping your business safe during out of hours.
Although technologically driven detection and prevention systems can prove highly effective, passive protection still plays an important role in fire prevention. Fire-resistant doors, walls and floors are just a few of the passive protection measures that come out as highly effective at controlling the spread of workplace fires.
In the case of arson attempts when employees are present, it is important that businesses have comprehensive emergency response plans in place to react to this threat. Key elements that should be clearly outlined and defined, include evacuation routes, assembly points and emergency services alerting. A way to minimise the risks these fires pose requires all staff to be well trained. This can be achieved through specifically designed training programmes and regular fire drills.
If you are a business that stores flammable materials on your site, extra precautions should be taken to control the access and availability of these substances. As a potential point of weakness, that could be taken advantage of by arsonists, flammable materials should be stored in specific, highly secure areas that are only accessible through strict access control systems, ensuring only authorised staff have access to these.
At BusinessWatch, we want to help protect all businesses, from factories and warehouses to shops and restaurants. Our services are made to ensure the greatest level of security across your sites. We understand the critical threat that arson poses for businesses across the country and therefore offer a comprehensive range of services to make sure your business is equipped with the most up to date fire prevention and detection systems to prevent and respond to arson attempts. We offer the following services to maximise your business protection against arson:
We can help your business to develop a good quality fire risk assessment in accordance with PAS79-1:2020, the British Standard specification and method for taking fire risk assessments.
Our range of training programmes which includes fire awareness, fire extinguisher, fire warden and fire door inspection training courses to ensure all employees are suitably trained.
Our consultancy services include supporting your business to develop fire escape and fire alarm zone planning as well as premises information plates.
From gas and electrical fires to VESDA detection systems and room integrity testing, here at BusinessWatch, we can ensure maximal security.
The installation, maintenance and monitoring of fire alarms and passive fire protection systems.
If you are interested in introducing our services into your business’ fire protection plan, get in touch at 0330 094 7404 or click here to enquire online.
