The county of Kent has continued to attract more and more people looking to start new businesses. This has meant increased opportunities for locals, whether skilled or unskilled. As recently as 2015, Kent was amongst the top 50 rapidly growing counties in the UK.

As more businesses continue to come to Kent, it is important for compliance with health and safety guidelines to be at the forefront of all operations. Both employers and employees need to have a clear understanding of their roles in the management of health and safety.

Fire safety remains one of the most important health and safety topics. In addition to causing deaths and injuries, fires also destroy livelihoods. This is because most workplaces destroyed by fire are likely to never be rebuilt.

Here are some tips to help prevent workplace fires and ensure you meet Health and Safety standards in Kent:

Fire extinguishers

Always check to confirm that fire extinguishers can be readily used at any given moment. Check the gauges to be sure that they are fully charged. If they are not, call for maintenance immediately. At the same time, all workers should be encouraged to learn how a fire extinguisher is operated.

Accessibility

The electrical access area should be easy to access at all times. Storing equipment or other material in this area hinders people from shutting down the power in case of an emergency. Emergency exits, fire fighting equipment and sprinklers should never be blocked at any point.

Let qualified personnel handle electrical hazards

Malfunctioning electrical installations and faulty wiring are amongst the most common causes of workplace fires. No electrical repairs should be handled without express authorisation and proper qualifications.

Safe storage of flammable material

Flammable chemical materials should always be stored in an area that has adequate ventilation. Always read labels and safety data sheets of substances to assess their flammability or any other fire related hazards.

Proper housekeeping

In addition to providing fuel during fires, clutter also prevents people from accessing emergency equipment and exits. Keep the entire workplace free of clutter and always observe all clearances when arranging materials. Oily rags should be placed in covered metal containers. These containers should be emptied regularly.

Emergency numbers

Emergency telephone numbers should be posted next to all telephones in the workstation. This quickens access whenever a fire starts in any area. Everyone should be encouraged to take responsibility and report any problem or problem areas so that they can be rectified.

Smoking zones

There should be no smoking in areas where chemicals are stored or contains storerooms. Have a designated smoking area for workers who might want to smoke while on the job. All smoking materials should be extinguished safely and immediately after finishing.

Building security

Building fires can also be the result of arson. Always lock up all access points. Any suspicious activity or persons should be reported immediately. Combustible rubbish should not be left near or outside the building.

Health and Safety and Fire Safety in Kent

Fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone in the organisation needs to always stay alert and be willing to report anything that has the potential to cause a fire. Also, knowing what to do in case of a fire is just as important as the safety precautions.

If you have any questions about Health and Safety or Fire Safety please contact Risk Safety Services on 0843 523 0410.