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Conformance and Regulatory Affairs Manager, Fireco

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Tom Welland is Conformance and Regulatory Affairs Manager at Fireco, which manufactures fire-door closing solutions.
September 1, 2014

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Stop Arson Around

adult man hand holding matchstickArson costs the economy £53.8m a week – it’s the single most common cause of fire in businesses.

Each week in the UK there are 2,213 Arson attacks, with an average of two deaths and 53 are injuries.

Of those attacks 360 Businesses or public buildings are damaged or destroyed. If you consider that after a serious fire 43% of businesses close and 29% close within three years, you ignore the threat of arsonists at your peril.

Deliberately started fires can be particularly dangerous and damaging because they generally develop faster than accidental ones, partly because the arsonist will sometimes use accelerants such as petrol and possibly block open fire doors to ensure rapid spread.

Of all of the fire risk reduction measures that can be taken, most benefit may come from the action taken to reduce arson.

Weak points

The vast majority of attacks are down to the opportunist arsonist. It is hard to predict an attack but you can make yourself less of a target. By conducting a suitable risk assessment you should be able to highlight the weak points in your property.

Being on the lookout for recent small fires in the area is a good indication that you may be at risk.

If graffiti or other forms of vandalism have not been cleaned up promptly it can make suggest your location is at more of a threat. Part of your staff training should also cover arson, remind staff of the dangers and ask them to report any suspicious immediately.

In a lot of arson attacks it has been found that everything a vandal needs to start a fire has been left within easy reach. Keep rubbish skips and waste bins clear of the buildings, preferably in a secure compound.

You should make sure all combustible rubbish is regularly removed and kept in a safe, secure area while awaiting disposal.

You should also ensure the outside of the premises are well lit and, if practical, secure the perimeter. Remember one of the best fire detectors is you.

You should make thorough inspection of your buildings windows and doors, ensure they are no easy ways to gain access. A good idea is to fit secure metal letterboxes on the inside of letter flaps to contain anything that may be pushed through.

Although in most instances arson is an opportunist attack there is also the possibility of an vindictive attack. Attacks may come from ex members of staff or resident’s relatives with a grudge to bear against your business.

You should make sure you know the whereabouts of any keys to your property and if you have a key pad entry that the numbers are changed when a member of staff leaves.

An arson attack may come in the form of a simple outdoor bin fire or it may be a more vicious case of some breaking into the premises, wedging doors, disabling alarms and starting a fire in an area that is not likely to be found easily. Most attacks occur at night which is when you are most vulnerable.

This is where the importance of a suitable risk assessment is highlighted. Your fire fighting equipment should be in good working order, your staff trained competently in their use and your fire alarm should be giving an early warning.

You cannot completely cover yourself from the threat of arson but by keeping your fire risk assessment a “live” document throughout the year you will be able to strengthen your protection from it.

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