Workplace safety is essential to the well-being of your employees, customers, visitors and others on your business premises. There are several checks, inspections and certificates that should be carried out and obtained to best protect those in the property. There are many areas which pose potential risks. In this guide, we will look at three important and potentially high-risk areas of concern;
● Fire safety
● Electrical safety
● Gas safety
Fire Safety
Fire Risk Assessment
Fire safety certificates are no longer issued for most businesses. However, businesses must adhere to strict fire safety rules and regulations. The same principles behind the certificate are in full force, and failure to meet the relevant regulations and safety standards can result in fines.
The Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order (2005) covers fire safety requirements for businesses. These regulations require that non-domestic premises undergo fire risk assessments. An assessment details the risks and likelihood of a fire and outlines and monitors measures to reduce the risks. The fire risk assessment will highlight ways to reduce the risk of a fire, stop it from spreading, and control or put it out. This will include supplying fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment, properly installing fire doors and alarms and providing appropriate fire safety training.
You can learn more about the fire risk assessment process in our guide to The Steps of a Fire Risk Assessment.
Electrical Safety
EICR (Fixed Wire Testing)
An electrical installation condition report (EICR) is an assessment of a property's electrical systems and installations. It covers all hard wiring, including lighting, sockets, and distribution boards. Over time electrical installations can deteriorate from regular wear and tear, overuse or accidental damage. Without regular inspections, the damage can go unnoticed and installations can become hazardous, leading to electrical shocks, burns, and worse. An EICR assessment will highlight these issues so that the necessary repairs can be made. An electrical certificate can illustrate compliance with laws and regulations such as the Health and Safety at Work Act.
PAT Testing
Portable Appliance Testing are safety checks for appliances. They combine visual inspections and electronic tests. Inspections and testing should only be carried out by those with the appropriate skill to do so. In low-risk environments, a competent staff member may carry out the visual inspection component, provided they have sufficient knowledge and training. The testing aspect, however, requires more specialised knowledge and equipment and is commonly carried out by a qualified electrician.
Pat testing is not strictly a legal requirement. UK law does, however, require businesses to maintain electrical equipment in good condition. PAT testing is a good way to meet these requirements and is commonly used across industries.
To make sure you’re getting the right information on PAT testing check out these PAT Testing FAQs from HSE.
Gas Safety
Gas Safety Checks
Gas safety checks should be carried out on all gas appliances each year. Any faults which are discovered must be recorded along with details of remedial work carried out. Gas safety check records should only be issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer and only once all checks have been completed. A landlord must ensure remedial work is completed to fix any faults identified in a gas safety check. They must also make sure any faulty appliance is only used once the issue has been rectified.
Book A Fire Risk Assessment
At London Fire Solutions, we are experts in one of the three core areas we have covered: fire safety. We offer a comprehensive suite of commercial fire safety services to help ensure the highest safety standards. As well as the initial fire risk assessment, we manufacture, install and maintain fire doors, supply fire safety equipment, and much more.
Speak with a fire safety expert today to arrange a fire safety risk assessment for your business!
Learn more about fire safety
To discover more about keeping yourself and your employees safe, take a look at our blog. We have many insightful guides on fire safety to help you reduce your risk. Here are a few recommended reads: