Fire Safety – common problems

In my business, we visit lots of premises to carry out fire risk assessments and to help people with their fire safety.

One of the disappointing things that turns up again and again is blocked and/or obstructed fire escape routes. We hear all to often that “its not usually like this” or “what can you do?”

Sadly, it is usually like this and there are things that can be done about people putting stuff in the escape routes. For one thing: visiting the premises and walking around the site. For another, raising it with the relevant parties. For a third thing, after raising it with them and not getting an improvement you can inform them that it will be disposed of if it is not removed. As a landlord or controller of premises, you are courting prosecution if you do not manage fire safety in the parts of the premises over which you have control or influence.

Several companies, including some well known big names, have been on the receiving end of enforcement action for failing to manage fire safety – and fire escape routes in particular. The recent fire tragedies in Bangladesh reinforce this point in a dramatic fashion.

It does not take a genius to work out that if the fire escape is blocked then it is not really a fire escape route. If it is a fire escape route, then simple fire safety management  should lead to it being clear at all times. It may be necessary to walk round the premises regularly to stay on top of the situation.