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Arson Threat Assessment
Added: (Fri Dec 16 2005)
Arson Threat Assessment
So you have completed your risk assessment, all your significant findings have been recorded and delegated, have you properly considered arson?
The likely cause of most fires in the work place is malicious or suspicious ignition. Effective Fire Safety Management is reliant upon the diligence and responsiveness of staff to any situation that may encourage the arsonist.
Rubbish skips, bins and combustible material control and management is essential to deprive the opportunist arsonist of the fuel they need.
All employees should be able to identify the risk and the appropriate actions they need to adopt. Below is your arson check list:
Has there been any occurrence in the last 12 months?
Deliberate ignition is the most common cause of industrial fires. Any series of small, unexplained fires should be fully investigated and reported.
Is the perimeter fence of the site secure?
Vandalism is a common cause of arson. Site security measures are often an effective means of fire prevention. Security lighting can also help deter unauthorised site entry.
Are all windows secured at night?
Fires are often caused as means of destroying any evidence that intruders or vandals may leave behind.
Is there an enclosed receptacle to capture items delivered through the letterbox?
Arsonists often use an incendiary device disguised within a small parcel and deliver it when the building is unoccupied.
Are regular security checks made of the visitor’s toilets?
Toilets make an ideal target area for arsonists. Other preferred target areas include clothes or other items on display, hidden within furniture or other fixtures, waste baskets, windowsills and entrance lobbies.
Is the visitor access control procedure adequate?
Consideration should be given to restricting access to high-risk areas where flammable materials or large quantities of combustibles are stored. The easy recognition of staff uniforms will assist the identification if any unauthorised entry.
Has staff been informed of their actions upon receipt of a threatening call?
A guidance sheet should be used. Staff who may answer calls made from outside your organisation should have a copy at hand.
This arson threat assessment is taken directly from the Means of Escape Fire Safety Audit. Solutions Fire Safety Ltd (www.solutionsfiresafety.co.uk) provides this easy to use, step by step guide to risk assessment to hundreds of companies around the UK.