During Business Fire Safety Week, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s firefighters were out and about amongst local businesses to raise awareness of fire safety issues for employers and employees.

Last Thursday, Pembrokeshire command’s business fire safety department visited the Jewson Builders Merchants at Haverfordwest (pictured).

Watch Manager, Keith Jenkins said: “September is a popular time for businesses to recruit temporary staff to cover the winter seasonal peak. New employees may not have the same level of fire safety awareness as permanent members of staff.

“Our aim is to rise fire safety awareness, especially in the run-up to Christmas, by helping businesses to manage their fire safety risks and hazards.

“Saving lives and safeguarding businesses against financial and commercial loss is of key importance, particularly in these competitive times when growth and sustainability are a priority.

“Therefore, we urge businesses to heed the following safety messages: Do Your Employees Know The Drill?, Arson It’s Your Business and Reducing False Alarms.”

Do Your Employees Know The Drill?

A statistic by Ironmongery Direct (2014) noted that 22 per cent of employees, on hearing a fire alarm at work, would wait to see what others would do before taking action.

Reducing False Alarms

Information on reducing false alarms can be obtained from the Fire Industry Association publication entitled ‘Guidance for Responsible Persons on False Alarm Management of Fire Detection and Alarm Systems’, available at www.fia.uk.com

Protect your business from arson attacks

Store rubbish away from buildings

Rubbish should not accumulate

Review security and access to your site

Report anti-social behaviour to the police and share information with neighbouring businesses

Report evidence of any fire to your local fire service

Fit anti-arson letterboxes