Fire safety alert for businesses coming out of lockdown
As lockdown restrictions begin to ease, local businesses and key holders are being urged to make sure that fire safety isn’t compromised by measures designed to stop the spread of Covid 19.
Inverclyde Council and the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS) are encouraging anyone who operates a building that is open to the public to make sure that the people who work in their building, the people who visit it and the building itself are protected from fire.
Councillor Tommy McVey, Convener of Inverclyde Council’s Local Police & Fire Scrutiny Committee said, “Measures to keep people safe from Covid 19, such as plastic screens at checkouts, could affect fire safety measures like sprinklers and smoke detectors.
“And while it is important to observe the two-metre social distancing rule wherever possible, it is vital that if there is a fire, people get out of the building as quickly and safely as possible, using every available means of escape.
“Queues outside businesses should also be set up so that they don’t get in the way if the emergency services have to get into the building quickly.”
Alasdair Perry, the SFRS Deputy Assistant Chief Officer (DACO) for Prevention and Protection, said, “A thorough fire safety risk assessment should be carried out as soon as possible by all businesses and duty holders. We know that businesses owners and duty holders will naturally be both excited and anxious about preparations to reopen.
"During the last few months many of these workplaces will have understandably and correctly taken measures to protect staff from the spread of Covid 19.
"We are therefore urging all dutyholders to consider if these measures could have any impact on their fire detection or fire safety measures.
"For example, it is possible that screening installation, along with any increased loading or materials in the premises, may obstruct automatic fire detection apparatus such as smoke alarms.
"We would also ask businesses to, please, manage any external queuing systems safely and effectively to ensure safe access for emergency service vehicles.
"These are important factors to consider and that is why we are urging people to review fire safety measures to ensure staff, communities and assets remain safe from fire.
“We realise social distancing is in place, but in the event of a fire alarm activation or emergency, the message remains to exit the building safely, quickly and by the nearest available exit.
"Evacuation strategies affected by staffing levels should be revisited to ensure they are still robust and adequate staff numbers exist to support any evacuation of people from a building, including residents
"These are challenging times for us all, but it's vital to consider the risk and the devastating effects fire can have at all times.
"We are here to help keep you safe, but you can help us by taking steps to ensure the risk of fire within your business or premises is reduced and you comply with fire law."
The SFRS is also keen to reach out to those who operate holiday rentals or receive paying guests where demand may significantly increase due to restrictions on foreign travel.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Perry said, "With the threat of Covid 19 ongoing, there's a strong possibility more people will choose to holiday at home this year.
"We're therefore asking those who rent out properties to ensure their fire safety risk assessment is up to date, that those visiting are kept safe and aware of what fire safety measures are in place and they know what to do in the event of a fire.
"These have been trying times for the whole country, but we cannot become complacent and must continue to work together to drive down the risk of fire across Scotland."