UK summers are often joked about as being virtually non-existent. However, recent summer months have seen temperatures reach record highs not seen in decades, so those outdated preconceptions that the UK never gets warm seem to be, fading into obscurity.
However, while there is every reason to celebrate the summer sun intensifying and temperatures rising, it’s crucial to remember that these weather changes carry immense risks for human health and safety and our infrastructure.
Fire Risk in Summer
The risk of fire might seem like a small one if your premises have been retrofitted with enterprise-grade fire sprinkler systems and so on. However, fire safety should always be a top priority, especially considering the warmer months bring unique hazards that require prevention and constant vigilance. As temperatures rise, there is often a noticeable uptick in reported fires in both commercial and residential areas.
Excessive heat, acrid and dry conditions, increased electrical loads powering air conditioning units or fans, commercial renovation projects, off-season refurbishments in schools, extended staff holidays – the list of potential summer fire catalysts impacting commercial and industrial facilities goes on. This is why understanding some of the common types of summer fire risks is crucial for developing an effective seasonal fire safety strategy to protect your people, premises, and productivity.
Most businesses do not slow down in the summer, but it’s important to ensure that the products we utilise to keep us cooler – or to maximise our enjoyment of the summer sun – are not taken for granted. Let’s examine some of the key summer fire dangers businesses should watch out for, along with tips on how to minimise them and keep operations running safely all season long.
Outdoor Fire Hazards
Summer naturally lends itself to more outdoor business activities, such as networking events, open-air conferences, expos or even just spending more of the working day in the fresh air. It’s common to see businesses set up food preparation areas, heat sources and other equipment that could, unintentionally, make easy fire ignition points.
Here are a few key areas to focus on:
- Smoking areas – Stray embers or ash can ignite combustible materials which is why proper receptacles for disposing of smoking materials are critical. Avoid positioning cigarette disposal bins or towers near any flammable materials, and ensure these are regularly maintained.
- Grassy patches – Many UK fires begin on heathland or grass when dry foliage can ignite. Discarded debris or litter can catch fire and spread quickly, especially when naked flames are allowed to burn in uncontained or unsupervised areas.
- Cooking equipment – Outdoor cooking is a great social occasion for businesses, with BBQs and grills being widely used. These must be properly distanced from building ventilation points and vegetation to avoid smoke inhalation or excessive build-up of grease. Fire extinguishers should always be on standby.
- Portable heaters or fire pits – Similarly, fire pits and patio heaters need to be carefully positioned away from anything combustible, always attended to, and fully extinguished before leaving the area.
Indoor Fire Hazards
Most everyday summer business activities involving flames can be easily supervised with risks averted with awareness and preparation. Indoors, however, a different level of oversight is needed.
As hot summer conditions linger on, offices may take advantage of more extended usage of systems running on electricity to keep temperatures at a more manageable level.
Be sure to pay attention to:
- HVAC systems – Frequently inspect air conditioning systems and ventilation units, as well as the fans, motors, and ductwork for any signs of excessive debris buildup. Dust accumulation or potential electrical short risks can be caught early with regular cleaning and maintenance, ensuring that systems can work unencumbered for extended periods during peak summer months.
- Overuse of electrical energy – With increased electrical loads, the risk of circuit overloads, frayed wiring, and even potential electrical distribution equipment failures increases rapidly. Monitor your daily usage closely during peak times and consider load balancing.
- Workplace hazards – Summer is a popular time for facility renovations, maintenance work, construction projects and more work permits being issued due to the lower levels of foot traffic. If you oversee overseeing these projects, ensure proper safety equipment and protocols are enforced.
- High fire load areas – Stock rooms, shipping containers, warehouses, and other storage units contain more combustible materials than most other commercial spaces. These facilities require round-the-clock temperature and environmental monitoring particularly when properties are most vulnerable after dark.
How to Prevent Heightened Fire Risks
So how can businesses prepare for these summer fire safety challenges? Conduct comprehensive risk assessments well in advance, for a start. Also, update emergency plans for increased occupant use of outdoor areas. Make sure your fire extinguishers, alarms and smoke detectors are working with regular testing, and enforce regular refresher fire safety training for all staff – even if they are on temporary contracts.
To ensure your facility is fitted with the highest quality fire prevention systems, then look no further than Applications Engineering. Our fire safety products are designed to ensure complete facility protection year-round. From full fire sprinkler systems and temperature sensors to pressure switches and flow meters – we have you covered with reliable products that can offer premium protection for your commercial premises.
Contact us today to see how we can elevate your fire safety systems for a cost-effective price. We’ll evaluate your requirements and recommend the ideal fire prevention equipment, all while prioritising our signature fast delivery promise.
Filed under: Advice and Information