How to Prevent Fires

As almost every building contains some flammable materials, the most effective way of preventing fires is to control potential sources of ignition and keep them away from flammable substances. 

Frequent inspections of the workplace, good housekeeping and an alert and aware workforce, should ensure that the chances of a fire starting are kept to a minimum.

Common causes of fire and prevention include the following:

Faulty electrical wiring, damaged plugs and sockets, faulty electrical equipment

• Premises Managers to arrange for five yearly checks on permanent electrical installations. Building Services arrange these checks on Corporate premises they are responsible for. They also offer this service to others who buy  back a service package
• School Managers arrange for regular portable appliance testing (PAT) at frequencies recommended in section 10.3, Health and Safety Policies and Procedures
• Facilities Management arranges for PAT Testing within Corporate buildings they are responsible for
• Users of electrical equipment to check portable equipment before use

Overloaded electrical supply

• the total loading on each single three pin socket must not exceed its recommended maximum in most cases this will be a maximum of 13 amps
• ensure sufficient sockets are available before purchasing additional electrical equipment
• install extra sockets, first checking with an electrician/ Building Services to ensure capacity in the ring main
• limit use of extension leads wherever possible; they may be used for PC set ups provided the overall loading does not exceed 13 amps. Daisy chaining whereby one extension lead is plugged into another must be avoided.
• only use extension reels with an automatic resettable safety cut off switch
• follow the maximum rating for extension reels, and ensure they are fully unwound
• remove all multi socket adaptor plugs to reduce risk of overloading

Electrical equipment left switched on when not in use (unless designed to be left switched on)     

• identify equipment which can and cannot be switched off and unplugged when not in use or at night e.g. portable fan or radiant heaters. Portable heating appliances are a common cause of fires
• clearly allocate responsibility for unplugging equipment

Careless disposal of smoking materials in designated smoking areas

• ensure “No Smoking” Policy is enforced
• ensure contractors are aware of BCC and school’s smoking policy
• provision of cigarette waste bins, which are regularly emptied

Accumulation of rubbish, paper and other combustible materials which can catch fire easily or be used by arsonists

• remove rubbish daily to secure waste bins
• secure waste bins with chains to the ground or in a secure compound to prevent them being moved by vandals to set fire to the building
• remove unwanted furniture or stock regularly
• ensure items are not stored on fire escape routes even temporarily; corridors and staircases which are classed as sterile areas should be kept free from combustible materials and ignition sources
• ensure items waiting to be disposed are not stored against external walls, e.g. furniture, or other combustible material as they could be used by vandals to set fire to the building

Inappropriate storage of combustible materials

• keep at least a 1 metre sterile area around light fittings and fuse boards. Lights always produce heat and if placed too close to a fuel or combustible material may start a fire
• fit linked (to the fire alarm) smoke detectors in store rooms that are not frequently used to provide early detection
• ensure combustible materials are not stored in boiler rooms. Boiler rooms should be kept as a sterile area
• undertake regular housekeeping inspections

Excess or careless storage of flammable substances

• keep only minimum quantities of flammable substances
• keep flammable substances away from all heat sources
• ensure flammable substances are stored in a flammables storage cabinet; small amounts can be stored safely elsewhere e.g. Science Prep Rooms
• larger quantities will require special storage, e.g. petrol for grounds maintenance equipment
• ensure storage containers are kept closed, e.g. petrol cans
• ensure LPG cylinders are stored in a locked outdoor container
  • away from building entry/exit points and drains;
  • away from heat and ignition sources;

Careless use of portable heaters, e.g. LPG and electric fan heaters.  Portable heating appliances are a common cause of fires

• portable heaters should only be used as a temporary measure and in approved areas
• position all LPG and fan heaters away from furniture, pedestrian routes etc.
• ensure portable heaters are switched off after use; do not leave unattended
• staff must be made aware of the risks involved
• ensure portable heaters are regularly checked
• ensure fan heaters do not overload extension leads/reels

Obstructing the ventilation of heaters, machinery, electrical appliances

• ensure ventilation grilles are not obstructed with clothing, paper or other items (including grills on a computer or microwave oven).

Poorly maintained equipment

• ensure all equipment, machinery and plant is regularly inspected and maintained in accordance with manufacturers or in-house instructions. Machines and tools of all descriptions have the potential to start fires, whether because of an electrical fault; a blocked air vent causing overheating; or an overheating bearing or cutting edge

Cooking and other activities involving heat sources

• ensure all staff are adequately trained
• ensure equipment is suitable for the tasks
• ensure safe working procedures e in place for controlling fire risk
• ensure pupils/ trainees are suitably supervised

Carelessness by contractors and maintenance workers carrying out hot work – cutting, welding

• ensure contractors comply with the Council’s policy on use of Hot Work Permits. See Code of Practice on Contractors. (Refer to section 9.4)
• ensure contractors remove or protect all surrounding combustible materials before they start work
• ensure contractors check where they have been working for smouldering fires before leaving the building.
• ensure that appropriate firefighting equipment is available before work starts
• ensure contractors do not smoke on site or are informed where the smoking area is.