Introduction to Fire Safety Management

particularly good indicator of a security company’s 
competency if they have such information readily avail-
able. Keeping a log of such incidents may help in assess-
ing the likelihood of an arson attack occurring.
Perhaps one of the most cost-effective measures 
against the arsonist is an alert and motivated workforce. 
All staff should be reminded to challenge those they do 
not know. It may be that a simple ‘Can I help you?’ may 
be suffi cient to deter a potential arsonist.
Figure 8.10
CCTV with infrared lights reduce the likeli-
hood of arson attack
Figure 8.11
Risk of arson may increase when companies 
are targeted by political activists

---

Introduction to Fire Safety Management
146
Step 1
Look at the building and what goes on within it. Note the possible ways in which 
Study the vulnerability of the building:
fi res could be started deliberately. Identify the vulnerable points both inside and 
(a) Externally
outside the building and in the external areas within the building perimeter. In 
(b) Internally 
addition, consider the area in which the business is located in order to assess the 
likelihood of an arson attack in the neighbourhood.
Step 2
A key element of the arson risk assessment is to identify, and reduce as far as is 
Identify the fi re hazards: 
practical, the sources of ignition and combustible materials that are available to
(a) All possible sources of ignition
the opportunist arsonist. Although it is recognised that these cannot be eliminated
(b) Flammable liquids and gases, 
completely, steps can be taken to eliminate or reduce the threat (see step 4). Steps 
combustible materials (including waste),
should be taken to identify voids, unprotected ducts, unstopped gaps around 
furniture or furnishings and combustible
services and similar features.
elements of the structure
(c) Structural features that could lead to the
spread of fi re
Step 3 
All staff should receive appropriate training so as to be aware of the danger of arson
Identify the people who could start fi res
and the threat that it presents to life and jobs. Everyone should take part in regular
deliberately: intruders, visitors and members
fi re drills and be aware of the need to assist people with any form of disability.
of staff. Also consider the people that will be 
affected, especially anyone with a disability
Step 4 
Where possible, action should be taken to remove potential sources of ignition, 
Eliminate, control or avoid the threat 
fl ammable liquids and combustible materials from the workplace. It may be 
possible, for example, to replace a fl ammable solvent with a non-fl ammable one 
with similar properties. Checks of the premises should be made last thing at 
night, especially when contractors have been present. A fi re risk assessment should 
be undertaken and appropriate action taken as necessary.
Step 5 
Ensure that the best use is made of existing security measures before considering
Consider whether the existing security
new, complex or expensive installations or procedures. For example, many
provisions are adequate or need
intruders enter buildings through windows or doors that are left insecure so ensure
improvement 
that a check is made at the end of each day, other security measures that should 
be considered include:
●
Perimeter protection
●
The strength of the building envelope
●
Access control
●
The detection of intruders
●
Security lighting
●
CCTV systems
●
Staff relations
●
Awareness of activities of pressure groups who could target the premises.
Step 6 
Much can be done, often at little cost, to reduce the threat of arson and limit 
Consider whether the existing fi re safety
the horizontal and vertical spread of fi re; effective compartmentation is a key
provisions are adequate or need
element in reducing the damage caused by fi re. The installation of a sprinkler
improvement 
system that will not only sound the alarm but will automatically fi ght the fi re is a 
further advance in protection.
Step 7 
Allocating the risk category need not involve complex mathematical formulations. A
Allocate the risk category and record the
simple low, medium or high categorisation for each part of the premises may be
fi ndings 
suffi cient.
Step 8 
The business continuity plan should have a clearly defi ned purpose. Key members
Prepare a business continuity plan 
of staff should be identifi ed and their roles defi ned. Key contractors should be listed 
with their contact points. Provision should be made for staff welfare as well as 
practical steps to ensure that the effect on business operations is minimised. A 
copy of the plan should be kept off the site.
Step 9 
The assessment should be reviewed if the nature of the business, the number of
Carry out a periodic review of the assessment 
staff, the materials used or the character of the neighbourhood changes 
signifi cantly.