In a more light hearted post we have analysed the risks to your work place on bonfire night and created an intriguing infographic which highlights the do’s and don’ts on bonfire night.
Is your office in danger in the heat of bonfire night?
We are approaching that fateful night, the anniversary of the night that the infamous Guy Fawkes tried to obliterate the Houses of Parliament. We all love bonfire night, the toffee apples, the fireworks and the occasional sparkler! But, going hand in hand with bonfire night are danger and our favourite friend health and safety (and rightly so!). In Britain statistics show that around 1000 people visit A&E on average during the month surrounding bonfire night as a result of fireworks. The prevalence of fireworks and bonfires make the night a healthy and safety nightmare and we are concerned for you and your office’s safety. Luckily we are here to provide you with a list of essential do’s and don’ts to make sure that your office is safe around bonfire night.
Dont’s
Make your hallway an obstacle course – hallways and corridors are usually employees access networks to fire exit so by clogging these spaces you are obstructing their ability to safely exit the building.
Overload your electrical sockets like a game of Tetris. Overloading your electrical sockets can mean that they overheat and burst into flames. Therefore, if your electrical sockets look like you are building a miniature skyscraper then you need to take action.
Think taping loose wires is problem solved – we have all been there, taping up the power cord as it hands on there on its last life. However, the loose sparks can easily catch on flammable materials and create a fire and therefore this is a safety no no!
Lock fire exits and fire extinguishers – this is one of the most frustrating fire safety issues for Keith Lard. Do not in any case make the ability to put out the fire or escape a fire inaccessible for obvious reasons.
Set off fireworks indoors – though the infamous incident with Balotelli might sounds like a better way to get a front row sear to the firework display without braving the November cold we can assure you that it is an incredibly dangerous and insane act and we recommend with any doubt that you do not attempt it.
Make a bonfire in your office – there are numerous quirky and hipster ideas for everything from office design to coffee shops to beards. We are here to tell you that making a bonfire insider your office is not a hipster way of having a bonfire. It is in fact very dangerous and we insist that you do not attempt this.
Give your office pet the front row seat to the firework display – firework displays are terrifying for many animals with an estimated 45% of dogs in the UK being afraid when they hear fireworks. Therefore, make sure that if you do have an office pet that they are inside.
Burn your fire safety assessment on the bonfire – ever office must have a fire safety risk assessment so we therefore, recommend that you do not use your assessment as fodder for the fire.
Do’s
Let’s face it nobody want to undertake the 11- metre hurdles in the onset of a fire. Therefore, for safety purposes, make sure your hallways are clear of any clutter.
Make sure your sockets are evenly distributed and that not too many appliances are being used at once.
Check your cords regularly for wear and tear and then if you identify any damage replace the power cord.
Make sure that there are fire extinguishers and exits accessible at all the times.
Abide by the fireworks code to safely enjoy the pleasures of a fireworks display. The code is:
If you are thinking of planning a bonfire then there are numerous considerations that have to be taken into account. Firstly, situate the bonfire in an open space away from any buildings, trees or power cables. Inform local services that you are planning to undertake a bonfire. Make sure spectators are situated well back from that bonfire, never put forewords on a bonfire, don’t burn dangerous aerosols, paint tins or foam filled furniture and never use flammable liquids like paraffin or petrol.
Make sure that your pets are indoors and situations away the noise. Also, in order to further comfort your pet put on some background noise such as TV. For dogs make sure they are thoroughly walked before the evening takes place. If your pet isolates themselves in a corner do not force them out as this can cause them further discomfort.
Make sure that you have undertaken a full fire safety risk assessment and that is it regularly updated identifying all fire hazards and people at risk. Bonfire night is a night to be thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. So, whether you are at work or home, make sure that follow our essential safety tips to keep you out of danger in the heat of bonfire night!
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<a href=”https://www.buildinginteriorsgroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/bonfire-night-infographic.jpg”><img class=”alignnone size-full wp-image-248″ src=”http://buildinginteriors.bluelogic.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/bonfire-night-infographic.jpg” alt=”Bonfire inforgraph” width=”212″ height=”1420″ /></a>