10.2 Preventing Fire and Fire Spread

Control measures to minimise the risk of fire in the workplace

The best way to keep a workplace fire-safe is to prevent fires from starting. Fire prevention rests on simple ideas taken from the fire triangle: control fuel sources, control ignition sources, use a good system of work and keep good housekeeping.

Control of fuel sources

• Where flammable gas or vapour could be present, carry out a full risk assessment and consider the need for gas detection equipment.
• Identify all flammable materials so the proper controls can be put in place.
• Identify the use of substances with flammable vapours, for example some adhesives.
• Reduce quantities of flammable materials to the smallest amount needed to run the business, and keep them away from escape routes.
• Replace highly flammable materials with less flammable ones.
• Store the remaining stocks of highly flammable materials properly, outside, in a separate building, or separated from the main workplace by fire-resisting construction.
• Provide clearly marked, separate storage for flammable chemicals, gas cylinders and waste materials.
• Train employees in the safe storage, handling and use of flammable materials.
• Keep intermediate bulk container (IBC) storage areas secure to deter casual vandalism.
• Sites with large stocks of IBCs should consider drainage in the event of fire.

Control of ignition sources

Poor control of potential ignition sources is a common cause of workplace fires. Several measures reduce the risk, for example:

• Electrical equipment should be inspected and tested routinely to make sure it is safe, which prevents faults that could cause sparks or overheating. Check both portable appliances and fixed installations.
• Hot work should be controlled with a permit-to-work system unless it is carried out in a purpose-built area such as a welding bay in a workshop.
• Smoking should be controlled in the workplace. In some countries it is illegal to smoke in indoor workplaces. Even where it is not, company policies can ban or restrict it. In every case, give attention to the safe disposal of smoking materials.
• Cooking and heating appliances should be used carefully and supervised closely. In particular, they should not be left unattended.
• Mechanical heat, such as friction from machinery and bearings, can be controlled by routine maintenance.
• Deliberate ignition can be controlled by good security arrangements for the workplace. A perimeter fence, security staff at entrances, CCTV and security lighting can all help.

Use of safe systems of work

Systems of work must be designed to minimise fire risk. How far this goes, and the exact procedures, should be decided through the risk assessment. An example of a safe system of work applied to fire safety is the use of a permit-to-work system to control hot work, where a naked flame or other significant ignition source will be created.

Good housekeeping

Good housekeeping is fundamental to fire safety and may be achieved by:

• keeping the area free of waste, by removing it regularly, for example by emptying full litter bins, so that it does not build up and become a fuel source
• keeping it tidy, so that combustible and flammable materials are returned to safe storage after use, for example solvents returned to the solvent store
• keeping fuel and ignition sources apart, for example by making sure fan heaters are not obstructed
• keeping pedestrian routes clear, for example with nothing blocking the fire escape door, so they can be used in a fire evacuation
• cleaning cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease build-up and, in catering, cleaning ventilation ducts regularly for the same reason
• regularly inspecting, and clearing non-essential flammable materials from, parts of the workplace that are not normally occupied, such as basements, store rooms and any area where a fire could grow unnoticed

Summary notes for Element 10 · Cheat sheet · Glossary. A study aid, not published or endorsed by NEBOSH.