How do fires start?

- Heat—a source of ignition (example: faulty or misused electrical equipment)
- Fuel—something that will burn (example: soft furnishings, dry waste or packaging materials)
- Oxygen—found in the atmosphere (example: natural airflow through doors and windows from air-conditioning systems)
**If any one of these is missing, a fire cannot start. It is important that steps are taken to avoid the three coming together and thereby reduce the changes of a fire occurring
What you can do to prevent fire:
- Read the Fire Emergency Plan and be aware of your escape routes
- Keep fire doors shut at all times (or, if held open on automatic releases, keep them clear)
- Ensure escape routes are clear
- Close windows and doors at night
- Report any damage to fire detection, warning or firefighting equipment
- If you see, or smell smoke, raise the alarm and investigate immediately
- Be aware of the risks from any flammable, highly combustible or hazardous materials used or stored on premises
You should know:
- How and where to raise the alarm
- Location of, and where appropriate—how to use fire-fighting equipment
- Locatiooh n of escape routes
- If you are responsible for any visitors on site, how to direct them to a fire exit
- How to open emergency doors
- Your assembly point
- The authorized procedure for a return to the workplace
What to do in case of fire:

- Operate the fire alarm usually at the nearest fire alarm call point
- Follow our fire emergency and evacuation procedures
- Contact the fire and rescue service if you are designated to do this
- Use the correct type of portable fire extinguisher (if safe to do so and you have received training) to try and put out a small fire
- Where appropriate, stop machines and processes and isolate power supplies
- Evacuate the premises using the nearest designated fire evacuation route or alternative route.
- Report to assembly point
Employees must co-operate with their employers to ensure the workplace is safe from fire and its effects. They must not do anything that will place themselves or other people at risk.