Health & Safety Update (August 2010)

Most Common Cause of UK Fires?

Arson is still the most common cause of fire in the UK, according to Aviva's commercial claims data.

The data shows that one in five fires were caused by arson, year-on-year since 2005, ahead of any other cause of fire, like electrical faults, heating appliances, processes or smoking materials. The actual financial costs of fires rose to a record high of £1.3 billion in 2008.

Some people are of the opinion that a determined arsonist cannot be stopped. However, the reality is that the vast majority of arson attacks can either be deterred or their effects controlled. All businesses are potential targets for deliberate fires.

Many risk management measures can be introduced to deter fire setting, and often at little or no cost to a business.

For example:  

• keep rubbish bins at least 10m from the building
• raw materials should be delivered to the site on an 'as-needed' basis
• take steps to make sure all doors and windows are secured at the end of each day
• safely store any flammable materials.  

Many large fires are started out of business hours, often at night. Where premises are not continuously occupied, a named individual should be made responsible for securing the building at the end of each working day. Doors and windows should be secure, alarm systems on, and combustible materials and flammable liquids safely stored away.

We at Mentor can reduce the potential for arson and minimise the risk to your business by carrying out a fire risk assessment - this is the key. Contact your consultant or the 24/7 Advice Service for more information.