Fire Risk Assessments in Bolton and Greater Manchester for Pubs, Clubs, Bars and Restaurants

 

There isn’t a week that goes by without a major fire incident damaging properties and endangering life in what is a high-risk sector in the Northwest. Bars, clubs, pubs, and restaurants are at particular risk of fire due to multiple factors:

 

Cooking Equipment: These establishments often have kitchens with cooking equipment such as grills, deep-fat fryers, and ovens that can be potential sources of fire if not properly maintained and used.

 

Electrical Equipment: Bars, clubs, and restaurants use a variety of electrical equipment, including sound systems, lighting, refrigeration units, and more. Electrical faults can lead to fires.

 

Flammable Materials: These venues often have a lot of flammable materials, such as furniture, decorations, and alcohol, which can fuel a fire.

 

High Occupancy Levels: These establishments often have high numbers of people in a confined space, increasing the risk and potential impact of a fire.

 

Alcohol: The presence of alcohol can not only fuel a fire but also impair people’s judgment and reaction times, making it harder to respond effectively in the event of a fire.

 

Smoking Areas: Although smoking is generally not allowed inside these venues, improperly discarded cigarettes in outdoor smoking areas can still pose a fire risk.

 

Arson: We have seen horrific and wilful arson attacks in the UK in this sector by disgruntled customers. Inadequate storage of wasted and rubbish is also a common issue.

 

For these reasons, it’s crucial for these establishments to have robust fire safety measures in place.

 

Fire emergency planning is crucial for the safety of patrons and staff in bars, pubs, restaurants, and nightclubs. Here are some best practices:

  

·      Fire Risk Assessment: Conduct regular fire risk assessments to identify potential fire hazards and people at risk. Evaluate these risks and decide on necessary precautions.

·      Fire Safety Policy: Establish a clear fire safety policy. This should include details of all fire safety measures in place and the responsibilities of staff in maintaining these measures.

·      Fire Detection and Warning Systems: Install appropriate fire detection and warning systems, and ensure they are regularly tested and maintained.

·      Fire Fighting Equipment: Provide suitable fire-fighting equipment, such as fire extinguishers and fire blankets, and ensure staff are trained in their use.

·      Escape Routes: Ensure there are sufficient escape routes and exits, and that these are clearly marked, and kept clear at all times.

·      Emergency Lighting: Install emergency lighting to ensure escape routes can be safely used in the event of a power failure.

·      Fire Safety Training: Provide regular fire safety training for all staff. This should include training on how to respond to a fire alarm, how to use fire-fighting equipment, and how to evacuate the premises. All staff should have a thorough fire training as part of their induction on day one of their employment.

·      Evacuation Plan: Develop a clear evacuation plan and ensure all staff are familiar with it. This should include details of assembly points and procedures for checking whether the building has been evacuated.

·      Liaison with Emergency Services: Establish procedures for calling the emergency services and providing them with any necessary information about the premises.

·      Regular Reviews: Regularly review and update your fire safety measures and procedures to ensure they remain effective and account for any changes to the premises or staff.

 

If your fire risk assessment is due, contact us today for a compliant, cost effective and timely service. We always use PAS 79-1:2020 formatting for our reports to ensure a thorough report.