Bryson is the leading importer, manufacturer and distributor of fixings, temporary protection and safety products, focused on fast, direct supply to Retail and Leisure Fit-out Contractors across the UK.

1. Fire Safety in the UK
Workplace
Bryson

2. England’s fire and rescue services (FRSs) attended a total of 576, 040 incidents in 2018/19.
Compared to the previous year, this was a two per cent increase. Of these incidents,
182,825 were fire-related.
Employers can prevent fires from happening by taking precautionary measures. In case of
fire emergencies, developing and implementing the right procedures, based on the
company’s safety and security policy, will avoid injuries and loss of life.
Common fire safety hazards
Fires start because of three things: a heat source, fuel and oxygen. Sources of ignition
include lighting, heaters, electrical equipment, naked flames, smokers’ materials and
anything else that causes sparks or extreme heat. Sources of fuel include paper, plastic,
wood, foam, rubber, loose packaging materials, furniture and waste.
Factories and industrial warehouses typically store large amounts of vapours and flammable
liquids. Flammable liquids can instantly ignite when they come into contact with a naked
flame or spark. Dust build-up can also cause explosions in poorly ventilated, enclosed
spaces.

3. Preventive measures to ensure fire safety
Building owners and employers must conduct regular fire safety risk assessments to ensure
they meet their legal obligations. Risk assessments need to identify the probable causes of
fire, sources of ignition, substances that burn and the people who are at risk. Based on their
findings, appropriate and adequate safety measures are put in place to reduce injuries and
casualties during fire emergencies.
Once the risks have been identified, employers can protect workers by doing the following:
• Keep flammable substances and sources of ignition apart
• Avoid the build-up of flammable rubbish
• Install smoke detectors and fire alarms
• Prevent hazards that could lead to accidental fires (e.g. ensure that heaters cannot be
knocked over)
• Install fire-fighting equipment and fire hazard warning safety signs
• Keep fire exits and escape routes unobstructed and clearly marked at all times
• Regularly review and update the fire safety risk assessment
Local fire and rescue authorities can also provide advice to employers who are unsure if
their risk assessment is being carried out properly. There are also professional risk assessors
who have the expertise to perform comprehensive assessments.

4. Sources:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/toolbox/fire.htm
https://www.bryson.co.uk/category/SiteSet-
UpSafetySafetySignsFireSafetySigns
https://www.gov.uk/workplace-fire-safety-your-
responsibilities/fire-safety-and-evacuation-plans