News on 22 November 2000
New research sponsored by intelligent alarm signalling company BT RedCARE
shows UK business is unprepared for fire with over 50% of small businesses
failing to have a fire alarm.
This is despite earlier reports of British companies suffering an average
£2m a day loss from fire related damage (see
News story). The latest survey also supports the research finding
that 36% of small businesses remain unaware of their legal obligation
to produce a written fire risk assessment.
According to the findings, only 44% of all systems installed have the
ability to raise the alarm automatically, alerting the fire services through
an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC).
While 81% of hotel and catering companies have a fire alarm system installed
on their premises, almost two thirds of companies in the property, retail,
transport and communications sectors do not have automatic fire protection.
Jim Winter, fire sector manager at BT RedCARE, commented on the survey:
"It is very disturbing that 51% of small businesses have no alarms
installed on their premises. In the hotel/catering sector, despite the
prevalence of alarm systems, only 30% are connected to an alarm receiving
centre probably due to a tendency to rely on people raising the alarm.
However, in the panic of an evacuation taking the initiative to call the
fire brigade is often overlooked.
"It appears that the wholesale sector, which scores highly with 60
per cent of all alarms being monitored, appreciates the location of many
warehouses means that a bells only alarm activation can easily go unnoticed.
It is by no means only isolated properties that need the total vigilance
of a continuously monitored alarm. All small businesses should take note
of Home Office statistics that estimate 67% of all fires occur outside
office hours. Continuous monitoring of the detection system is the only
way to ensure swift, efficient notification of the emergency services."
Jaqueline Jeynes of the Federation of Small Businesses said: "The
research shows a disturbing lack of understanding of fire regulations
among small businesses in some UK regions and business sectors. The fact
that many small businesses are left totally exposed to the threat of fire
is very worrying. We support any activity, which aims to protect life
and property by increasing awareness of fire prevention among employers."
The Fire Protection Association spokesperson Peter Cowland, added: "Every
business is required to carry out a fire risk assessment and we are working
hard with companies like BT RedCARE to promote the benefits of doing so.
The BT RedCARE research will enable us to focus activity in specific regions
and sectors to ensure the number of small companies who are aware of their
risk assessment responsibilities rises further and faster. Even the smallest
fire in a factory or office can cause great disruption and we want to
work with companies to reduce the risk and cost of fire to UK business."
