By definition, emergencies are unexpected, serious and require immediate action. That’s why it’s important for businesses to prepare for them, minimising the impact they have on your business. In this post, we’ll look at some of the most critical emergencies to be aware of and the best approach to prepare your business.
While risks can vary depending on specific sectors, some threats are simply universal. Two of the most prominent in that respect are fire and power loss.
There are a wide range of issues that can cause a fire, from a discarded cigarette to a faulty electrical appliance. In short, no business is immune. That’s why it’s important to have the right equipment in place in case of a fire.
First of all, you need the right kind of smoke detectors to identify the fire in the first place. Ionisation smoke alarms are required for flaming fires, while photoelectric are a better fit for smouldering fires. You can also invest in heat alarms which detect changes in heat, for environments like kitchens where high heat and smoke are not always dangerous.
On top of that, businesses need an effective fire alarm system to alert staff to the danger of a fire. Crucially, all of this equipment needs to be fully functional whenever it’s called upon.
Another potential threat to businesses comes from power loss. This could be down to a power cut affecting the local area, a leak which triggers a power outage or just a fault within your electrical system.
In this case, emergency lighting is the number one priority. Above all else, staff need to be able to find their way out of the potentially unsafe building. Emergency lighting achieves this, clearly signposting the exit routes and illuminating the way for a safe exit.
Whether it’s a fire or power cut, emergencies can strike at any time for your business. That’s why it’s important to be proactive rather than reactive.
It’s no use finding out your emergency lights don’t work when the power has gone out. Or realising your fire alarms didn’t sound after a fire has ripped through your premises.
The solution is to have emergency equipment regularly tested. A fire risk assessment should be carried out on your premises annually, with fire alarms serviced to make sure everything is ready for action.
Similarly, emergency lighting should be tested at least once a year, including a three-hour duration test. Shorter monthly tests can also be performed, where power is turned off to activate emergency lighting, enabling a visual check for any issues.
On top of these checks, you can minimise the risk of an emergency by having your electric system checked and appliances PAT tested, which will minimise the risk of fires or power cuts as a result of faulty electrics.
Volta Compliance offers a range of vital electrical services to keep Leeds businesses prepared for an emergency. Our fully certified electricians can provide regular fire alarm servicing and emergency lighting testing as well as EICR reports and PAT testing for compliance and peace of mind.
To find out more or get a no-obligation quote for your business, simply email [email protected].
