Fire Safety – the things we see (Part 1 of several)

I thought it was about time I shared some of the pictures of things that I have seen while done a fire safety visit. It must be said that some of these picture make you wonder about what passes through the minds of employers!

Most employers are significantly better than the pictures below may have you think.

This is a simple example of site security over-riding the need for readily accessible exit routes.

I have seen many variations on this theme and (like many of you) I have heard many excuses.  I have also been told (many times) that “it is not usually like that. We normally remove it at the start of the working day ….

This next picture is worth taking a couple of minutes to look at:

You will notice the fire escape door a few feet off the floor – then you will notice the (small) fixed ladder – then you will notice the bike blocking off the access to the door – then the bar across the door and so on.

This is taking the concerns over site security a bit too far.

I’m pleased to report that this matter was dealt with very quickly. An alternative escape route was provided and fire signage and extinguishers were moved to sensible places.

In this case, the key is in the Foreman’s Office – really unhelpful if ever the fire escape route is needed!

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Don’t let security get in the way of safety! The picture below shows an all too common case of the fire exit being securely locked: security first and safety? – not even thought about.