We strongly encourage anyone spotting any breach of practice to either engage with the premises manager or to notify the local fire brigade. Here are some examples and the cost to rectify the issues which have been sent in to Firescout.
" " All extinguishers must be mounted or placed on a stand, for easy identification and to stop unauthorised repositioning. But the legal height limit for hanging extinguishers is 1.5m to the top of the handle for under 4ltr/4kg or 1.0m for over.
" " Fire exit signage should follow the standards for the particular area (i.e. Euro or British standards). They should also be clear and easy to follow. Signs like this can create doubt or even be difficult to spot as they aren't like the other safety signage.
" " This extinguisher is in a visible, accessible place, but in an emergency the pulpit could be cumbersome to move, increasing time to access or even cause accidents. Access to fire extinguishers must never be restricted.
" " Fire escape routes must be kept clear at all times. Even if there are gaps around obstacles, during an emergency there may be smoke and people might be rushing, so it's important to make sure the area is tidy.
" " This blockage may only take a few seconds to remove, but every second is vital in the event of a fire. Access to fire extinguishers must never be restricted, and they should be sited in highly visible locations, not hidden in a corner.
" " An emergency exit must be operable at all times. Whilst a tamper seal is acceptable, a padlocked chain is certainly not and must never be left in place when premises are occupied. This could cost lives in an emergency.
" " A transit chair will allow you to transport people, but is no more suitable than a standard office chair at descending stairs. Evacuation chairs allow controlled descent of stairs with auto-braking tracks.
" " Fire extinguishers should always be accessible easily, so that a fire can be tackled without delay. This hose is wrapped around the extinguisher and in a panic you would struggle to untangle the extinguisher.
" " This restriction of the fire exit width could be very dangerous if people are trying to push through this route in a panic, especially if there is also smoke. It would lead certainly to a fine if the fire brigade should visit.
" " Cutting a hole like a cat flap into a fire resistant door renders the fire protection of the door useless. Smoke will be able to come through the cat flap and the plastic will melt when the fire reached the door.