If the answer to any question is "NO" action should be taken to put matters right

Index

• Cleanliness and Tidiness
• LPG Cylinders
• Storage
• Maintenance of Buildings
• Flammable Liquids
• Machinery
• Space Heating and Lighting
• Smoking
• Damage Control
• Fire Protection Equipment
• Staff Training

Cleanliness and Tidiness

• Are the staff encouraged to tidy their personal work places?
• Are the premises kept clear of combustible process waste and refuse?
• Are metal receptacles with closely fitting lids available for waste such as floor sweepings?
• Are separate clearly labelled containers provided for waste and special hazards - flammable liquids, swarf, paint rags, oily rags?
• Are waste containers removed from the building at the end of each working day or more frequently if necessary?
• Is waste put in a safe place awaiting disposal - not accessible to the public?
• Is the burning of waste on site prohibited?
• Are cupboards, lift shafts, spaces under benches, gratings, conveyor belts and similar places kept free from dust and rubbish?
• Are pipes, beams, trusses, ledges, ducting and electric fittings regularly cleaned?
• Are areas in and around the building kept free from accumulated packaging materials and pallets?
• Are metal lockers provided for employees clothing?

LPG Cylinders

• Are liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders stored safely, preferably in a fenced compound outdoors at least 2m away from any boundary fences? Is the store used only for cylinder storage?
• Are empty cylinders treated in the same manner, but kept separate and labelled empty?
• Are permanent warning notices prominently displayed prohibiting smoking and naked lights?
• Are cylinders stored with their valves uppermost?

Storage

• Are fire doors, exits, fire equipment and fire notices kept unobstructed?
• Are storage areas accessible to fire fighters?
• Are stack sizes kept as small as is practicable in the circumstances?
• Are there clear spaces around stacks of stored materials and adequate gangways between them?>
• Are stacks stable and not liable to collapse easily?
• Are stocks of material arranged so that sprinkler heads and fire detectors are not impeded and are the required clearances beneath this equipment maintained?
• Is storage kept in this right place - excessive quantities in process areas avoided?
• Is access to storage areas restricted to those who really need to be there?
• Are stocks kept well clear of light fixtures and hot service pipes?
• Are storage areas inspected regularly and at the end of the working day?

Maintenance of Buildings

• Is every point of entry to the site and building secure against intruders?
• After close down of operations are all doors, windows and gates checked and secure?
• Is the building regularly inspected for damage to windows, roof and walls?
• Are the grounds surrounding the premises kept free of combustible vegetation by regular grass cutting and scrub clearance?
• Are all outside contractors supervised while on the premises and their work authorised by "permit to work" and "hot work permit" schemes?

Flammable Liquids

• Are all stocks of flammable liquids kept in purpose-built flammable liquid stores?
• Is the flammable liquid store kept uncongested and tidy?
• Are flammable liquids carried in specially designed safety containers and not in open cans and buckets etc. ?
• Are quantities of flammable liquids in use kept to a minimum and when not required returned to safe storage?
• Are flammable liquids kept away from possible sources of ignition?
• Are suitable spark reducing tools provided for use in places where there may be flammable vapours?

Machinery

• Does all machinery and equipment receive regular scheduled maintenance?
• Is lubrication adequate?
• Are motors and all moving parts of machinery kept clean to prevent overheating?
• Is machinery located so as to prevent congestion among machines and materials?
• Are drip trays used where necessary and emptied regularly?
• Are oil leaks and drips absorbed with mineral absorbents, not sawdust?
• Is there adequate provision of cleaning materials - wipes, cloths and so on?
• Are vents on motors and other equipment kept free of blockages to prevent overheating?

Space Heating and Lighting

• Are there restrictions on using unauthorised heaters?
• Are combustible materials at a safe distance from appliances and flues?
• Is care taken that no materials are left on heaters?
• Are portable heaters securely guarded and placed where they cannot be knocked over or ignite combustibles?
• Are goods kept clear of lighting equipment?

Smoking

• Is smoking prohibited in all but designated "smoking" areas?
• Are the non-smoking regulations strictly enforced?
• Where smoking is permitted is there an abundant supply of non-combustible receptacles for cigarette ends as distinct from containers for waste?
• Are these receptacles emptied at least once a day?

Damage Control

• Where it is possible are goods stored clear of the floor?
• Are drains provided and are they kept clear of blockages by routine inspection and cleaning?
• Are duplicate copies of important records kept in another building?
• Have contingency plans been drawn up to enable production to recommence with the minimum of delay in the event of a fire occurring?

Fire Protection Equipment

• Are hydrants, fire extinguishers, fire alarms and sprinkler systems regularly maintained by qualified people?
• Are fire doors kept closed?
• Are routine checks made to ensure equipment has not been obscured, moved or damaged?
• Are notices informing staff what to do in the event of fire prominently displayed?
• Is the fire alarm tested weekly?

Staff Training

• Are new staff instructed in fire procedures and shown the fire escape routes on their first day at work?
• Have fire wardens been appointed and trained in their duties?
• Have staff received training in the previous 6 months.

If the answer to any question is "NO" action should be taken to put matters right.