Deliberately started fires are a serious threat to business premises of all kinds. It is a problem that effects all sections of the population and is not confined only to urban areas.

Arson in the countryside, be it an isolated rural farm or a business in the local market town, can be devastating especially when you take into account the distances fire appliances may have to travel to reach the scene of the fire and the possibility of delayed calls to the fire service due to the remote nature of the fire.

When the public hears the word "arson" it often conjures up the idea of revenge, fraud, financial gain or ideology but by far the biggest threat comes from vandalism. Those involved are generally children or adolescents who set fire to combustible material left easily accessible to them for no reason other than a mindless urge to be destructive.

UK fire statistics indicate that of some 4000 fires each year in retail and distribution premises around 35% are malicious. There are many more small fires dealt with by staff that are mistakenly not reported to the Fire Service. A substantial number of these fires are deliberate.

Assessing the Risk

By carrying out a risk assessment, addressing the vulnerable areas and adopting some simple measures, it is possible to substantially reduce the risk. Many risk reduction procedures involve little or no cost but are simply part of good management practice and will, of course, be welcomed by insurers. Set out below are some of the precautions that can be taken to protect your business.

Reducing the Risk

The majority of deliberate fires in commercial and industrial premises are started in waste material left easily accessible to the arsonist.

• Waste material should not be allowed to accumulate anywhere on the premises, in yards or loading areas or at perimeter fences.
• Any waste should be stored in metal containers with lockable lids and should be located in areas inaccessible to vandals or arsonists ideally in a secure area.
• Skips should be emptied regularly and should be sited at a safe distance, ideally 8 metres from any building or at least far enough away so that any fire that is started in the skip can not spread to that building.
• Never leave pallets, plastic crates or trays in open yards adjacent to the premises, vandals and arsonists frequently use them to start fires.

At closedown it is essential for a responsible person to check:

• External doors are locked
• Internal doors closed
• Windows closed and locked
• No unauthorised persons left on the premises
• No accumulation of waste or rubbish
• Alarms switched on
• Lights switched on as required

It is essential that when considering security and locking of doors and windows that any fire legislation applicable to the premises in respect to means of escape is not compromised. If you are in any doubt, contact your local fire safety officer who will be pleased to advise you.

We have attached a series of risk assessment sheets and check lists to assist you in carrying out a risk assessment of your premises and maintaining a high level of fire safety awareness. These are very simple to use and should only take a few minutes of your time but could help to prevent the devastating consequences of a fire.

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