Fire risk assessment not only requires that you check what’s inside your premises but also outside it. Sometimes, even though we’ve carefully planned everything, it’s others’ doings that can derail it all.

So, in today’s episode of The Interesting Health and Safety Podcast, Colin urges you to observe what’s around you. Who works around the site? Will the activities be a threat to your business and workers’ safety? What are their precautionary plans? It’s important to review your fire risk assessment now reducing the risk and ensuring the safety of the people. Start tuning in to know more.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Colin recalls the fire incident that happened in an illegal vodka distillery last 2011. According to the investigation, the explosion might have been caused by a lit cigarette. The said explosion killed five people and had left a few of the workers injured.
• It’s important that you are well-informed about the activities that happen in your facility. Such illegal activities might not only hurt your business but also your workers.
• Set up a system wherein you can oversee every operation and every process inside your industrial plant. Evacuation plans should also be in place just in cases of emergencies.
• Review your fire risk assessment immediately. If you haven’t had one, then speak to a fire safety specialist about what things to do.
  • Get your electric equipment inspected regularly.
  • Conduct fire drills. Make sure everyone, from manager to workers, know the emergency procedures.
  • Install smoke detectors, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and escape route plans.

BEST MOMENTS

• “The tragedy didn’t just affect the families of those injured and killed, but also those of the businesses working near the facility of the explosion.”
• “Wherever you work, it’s good to talk to your neighbours. Be comfortable about how their activities could affect you.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

• Boston explosion: five dead in huge fireball during ‘illegal vodka brewing operation’ | The Telegraph

ABOUT THE HOST

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

This is the belief that Colin is passionate about and through his consultancy Influential Management Group (IMG) is able to spread into the industry.

Colin works at a strategic level with company owners and board members. He helps business leaders establish and achieve their health and safety ambitions.

He has developed a number of leading competency improvement programmes.

That are delivered across industry and his strengths are his ability to take a practical approach to problem-solving and being able to liaise at all levels within an organisation.

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and supports H& S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

He is a Post Graduate Tutor at Strathclyde University and a highly sought-after health and safety speaker and trainer.

He has a Post Graduate Certificate in Safety and Risk Management, an engineering degree, and is a Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).