How to defend your office whenThe Dragons Attack
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order is the main piece of legislation that governs the fire safety practices of commercial enterprises in the UK, covering everything from risk assessments to fire-fighting equipment standards. However, there is one crucial area that is overlooked in the reform: how to defend your place of work from a dragon attack.
Can you find all the easter eggs? Look out for the yellow hotspots!
Probably not the best idea to keep a dragon from its eggs, especially if you then bring those eggs into the confined space of an office environment. Not only will you incur the wrath of an angry dragon, but they could also block exits and become a fire hazard!
As the first defence against minor fires that could escalate into bigger ones, fire extinguishers are a vital piece of equipment in any office. Different extinguisher types are needed for different types of fire, such as dry powder for flammable gasses and water for dragon flames.
Fire alarms are crucial for warning staff and visitors as to the presence of a blaze - whether caused by arson, cooking equipment, overloaded electrics or a mythical, fire-breathing creature. Wireless alarms are ideal for large office areas, and can be controlled from a central panel.
In the event of a fire, normal lighting may be disabled and excessive smoke can make visibility poor. This makes emergency lighting an integral part of all fire safety systems, as they indicate where fire exits are located - all the more important when a scaly, winged lizard is setting the place ablaze.
As the primary means of escape during a blaze, fire exits must be be kept clear of obstruction at all times and clearly marked. Intumescent seals are required in order to prevent smoke from travelling from room to room, and fire doors should be self-closing by definition. In most cases, they cannot be opened from the outside - even when attacked by dragon fire...
Good for fighting dragons; bad for fighting fires.
In order to carry out effective risk assessments and fire warden duties, sufficient training must be provided by qualified fire safety experts. This will give your company the requisite number of trained wardens in order to ensure safety is upheld. As yet, there is no section of the training that deals with dragon attack.
All workplaces must have qualified fire wardens (as legally enforced by the Regulatory Reform) who act as guides during evacuation procedures.
Through training courses, they will learn the requirements for an effective evacuation, as well as how to look after fire safety equipment and reduce hazards within the workplace. As yet, there is no section of the training that deals with dragon attack.
The build-up of incorrectly disposed of rubbish outside a building is a major cause of fire at premises throughout the UK, whether accidental, opportunistic arson or via the fiery breath of a dragon. As part of the fire risk assessment required by the Regulatory Reform, the designated ‘responsible person’ is in charge of ensuring that all potential fire hazards are identified and removed.
Protect Your Business
Here at Elite Fire we are experienced fire industry professionals and specialise in the supply, installation and maintenance of a huge range of fire safety equipment, including fire alarm systems and fire extinguishers. We can ensure that you fulfil all your legal obligations when you call upon our assistance. So whatever your requirements, contact us today for a professional, affordable fire protection company you can trust!
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