When considering fire safety management identifying fire hazards is essential. For a fire to start, there must be three things:
- a source of ignition;
- fuel;
- oxygen.
If anyone is missing, a fire can’t start. Avoiding the three coming together, therefore, reduces the risk of a fire occurring.
Identifying Fire Hazards – Sources of ignition
You can identify potential ignition sources in your premises by seeking out possible sources of heat which could ignite material within your premises. Sources can include:
- faulty electrical equipment, including equipment brought in by contractors;
- lighting equipment;
- hot surfaces;
- obstructed ventilation;
- your central heating boiler;
- naked flames;
- arson;
- cooking appliances, flues and filters;
- cigarettes, matches and lighters;
- electrical, gas and oil heaters
- hot work, e.g. welding.
Identifying Fire Hazards – Sources of fuel
Anything that can burn can fuel a fire. You need to look out for things that will burn easily. Some of the most common ‘fuels’ are:
- flammable liquids or solvents, such as alcohol, white spirit, cooking oils and cigarette lighters;
- flammable chemicals, such as cleaning products
- flammable gases like liquefied petroleum gas (LPG);
- point of sale display material and stands;
- clothing, curtains and blinds;
- stationery;
- soft furnishings; and
- litter and waste products, particularly items such as shredded paper
Identifying Fire Hazards – Sources of oxygen
The oxygen that can feed a fire is all around us in the air. This is why it is vital to keep ventilation points, such as fire doors closed. Other sources of oxygen can be found in materials such as:
- chemicals (oxidising materials), which can give a fire additional oxygen and help it burn for longer. These chemicals are identified on their container (and COSHH – Control of Substances Hazardous to Health data sheet) by the manufacturer who can advise on how to use and store them safely;
- oxygen supplies from cylinders, e.g. the oxygen used in welding processes;
Wherever there is the potential for all three to come together, there is a risk of fire, and so it is vital that you keep them from combining through all reasonably possible means.
RV Fire Systems Fire Safety Experts
To get expert advice on all aspects of fire safety management such as fire safety training and installation of fire detection and fire fighting equipment in the North West region call us on a number below:-
Manchester Fire Alarms 0161 826 0480
Preston Fire Alarms 01772 970411
Blackpool Fire Alarms 01253 804199
Blackburn Fire Alarms 01254 367611
Clitheroe Fire Alarms 01200 439333
