Business Frequently Asked Questions 2
How can I stop arson in the workplace?
Did you know that the most serious fire risk to your premises is from deliberate fire.
If you own or manage a business then the following questions should be considered.
- Are perimeter fences secure and in a good state of repair?
- Are entrance gates kept to a minimum and well supervised?
- Is security lighting installed and operating efficiently?
- Is CCTV installed?
- Is access to the roof via drainpipes and trees denied?
- Are access doors to the building kept to the minimum compatible with the requirements for means of escape?
- Are these access doors available only from the inside (secured by a single fastening operated without the need for a key)?
- Are windows and skylights intact and secured outside of working hours?
- Do you stack combustible storage against the outer wall of the building or adjacent to the perimeter fence?
- Has there been any recent examples of vandalism and graffiti in the area?
- Is there an effective access control system?
- Has an intruder alarm been installed?
- Are critical areas of the building illuminated out of working hours?
- Is there an effective system for the secure storage of raw materials and finished products?
- Is waste material kept to a minimum and securely stored?
- Is access to flammable liquids, gases and other chemicals denied to the intruder?
- Is access to ignition sources denied to the intruder?
- Are contractors adequately supervised?
- Are you aware of any discontent amongst members of staff?
Further information
More detailed guidance on minimising arson in the workplace can be obtained from the Arson Prevention Bureau:
Arson Prevention Bureau
www.arsonpreventionbureau.org.uk