Introduction
Commercial buildings are fire magnets. The reason is that these spaces are meant to maximize accommodation for commercial purposes.
As a result, having fire deterrent measures is quite important for such buildings.
For a commercial building fire deterrent, being aware is not enough. There needs to be a sense of proactivity to get the job done effectively.
In this article, we will examine how commercial buildings can be made fireproof through regulation, proactive measures, and proper training.
So, let’s dive right in without further delay.
Primary Causes Of Commercial Building Fires
Before we can understand how we can make a building fireproof, we need to understand the primary causes that can lead to commercial building fires. Here are some of the most common causes listed by PAS 9980 guidelines:
- Heating equipment in old commercial buildings is fitted with furnaces, boilers, and radiators from the last century. These are obsolete and can become excessively hot. Therefore, causing unprecedented fires.
- Smoking is another issue in commercial buildings that can lead to major fires, which are difficult to manage. Such fires generally start when cigarette butts are carelessly disposed.
- Arson is an uncommon cause, but it cannot be ruled out. Arson refers to intentionally starting a fire with the hopes of causing damage or harm. Therefore, no fire-prone areas of a commercial building can be left unsupervised.
- Finally, we have electrical equipment failure as a probable cause of fire. This is a common cause because electrical equipment failures in modern commercial buildings are rampant. They can pose a hazard, as most electrical failures are undetectable until it’s too late.
There can be numerous other reasons why a fire can break out in a commercial building. Still, authorities have stated that these are some of the common reasons for fires in the UK. Therefore, being aware and vigilant is of paramount importance.
Fire Deterrent Measures In Commercial Buildings in the UK
Just imagine a fire has broken out, and the emergency stairwells are crowded. Everyone is panicking, and things are becoming borderline chaotic and dangerous.
Sounds grim, right? Now imagine the same situation but with more clarity and training.
People follow a single queue, and everyone is trained to handle themselves in these situations.
As an employer or building manager, here are some steps you must take to ensure safety and prevent such situations altogether.
Here we go!
#1 Following PAS 9980 Guidelines For Construction
Good offense is a great defense. This might sound out of context, but hear us out. We have already mentioned PAS 9980, but what does it entail? PAS 9980 is a detailed guideline that highlights how fire spreads through the external walls.
Therefore, we suggest that you refer to the guidelines while constructing or renovating commercial spaces.
The UK authorities have made these guidelines compulsory. After construction, buildings need to pass a fire risk appraisal of external walls (FRAEW).
The assessment has been made compulsory after the tragic Grenfell incident, which took the lives of 72 individuals.
Therefore, go through the finer details of the clauses to understand why you need them and how they can be passed.
#2 Promoting Safety Training
Training the staff of a commercial space to handle themselves during a fire is the second point you must ensure if you want to make your workplace free of fire incidents.
Training people equips them to become capable individuals who can handle themselves during critical incidents.
The training module should be divided into four sections. The first is a comprehensive training module, where employees receive thorough training on what to do in the event of an emergency. The second is the regular refresher course, which summarizes the extensive training.
The third module is the hands-on experience where people are put through a fire drill and compelled to take on the situation they are in and act proactively.
Finally, there is the communication module, where people are taught the correct way to communicate during a workplace fire emergency.
#3 Establishing Emergency Evacuation Routes
The training will be incomplete if you do not establish and effectively utilize proper evacuation routes. This is why it is crucial to develop clear evacuation routes that enable individuals to find their way out.
Every office in the building must have a detailed map of all the exit routes available in case of a fire.
The map should be thorough and easy to read. So that people could take the best route when things become chaotic.
Practice drills should be conducted frequently and taken seriously by both management and employees.
The drills must follow a specific scenario and include multiple exit routes to prevent any single route from becoming too congested. Additionally, build a system that takes accountability into account.
#4 Installing Fire Detection Systems
Another important tip is to install proper fire detection systems. Fire detection systems are already commonplace in modern commercial buildings. However, they are mostly basic and obsolete.
There needs to be regular or frequent updation of fire detection systems for the best result.
The latest fire detection systems are retrofitted to ensure that there is no damage to commercial properties or life.
Sprinklers are one of the most common and useful fire detection systems that buildings must have.
Sprinklers are automatically triggered when a fire occurs. As soon as it is activated, it begins to sprinkle water.
#5 Dedicated Smoking Zones
Lastly, you must create dedicated smoking zones. Smpoking zones are important since they allow building authorities to keep tabs on fire hazards. Carelessly disposed cigarette butts are quite dangerous.
Therefore, creating a dedicated smoking zone will help keep surveillance.
The best practice when constructing a smoking zone is to situate it outside the main building, but within the compound. Therefore, minimizing fire risks.
Making Safety A Habit
Safety should not be a one-off thing. It must become a habit or second nature for everyone working in a commercial building.
This will not only make people more capable but will also alleviate extra pressure from management.
During a crisis, the management can actively focus on controlling the fire. So that commercial property damage remains under control.
Therefore, making safety a habit is the way to go forward.
