Introduction to Fire Safety Management

Table 8.1
An arson risk assessment model (an example – government crime reduction toolkits)

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Causes and prevention of fi re
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Business operations and activities
The type of operations or activities that an employer or 
occupier undertakes can also be a target for an arsonist.
Those companies who undertake work that makes 
use of animals as part of research, or who hold personal, 
secure data that may be used against a person or 
organisation, are potentially at risk. It may be that 
specialist tools and equipment are in use or a particu-
lar piece of plant or machinery is stored which could 
be stolen and sold on for profi t, any of which may be 
attempted to be hidden by the use of fi re.
Gathering information about pressure groups that may 
pose a threat and liaising with local police and fi re services 
may assist in managing the threat of arson. Information is 
often kept by insurance companies, who may also provide 
guidance with regard to prevention, some of which may 
be required for insurance to be offered.
Taking simple steps such as ensuring that stock and 
valuable items are secured out of the away and outside 
general view, particularly those on transient sites such 
as in the construction sector, also assist in managing 
arson as arson attacks often follow acts of petty theft 
and vandalism.
Minimising the availability of combustible materials 
to the arsonist, managing items such as skips and other 
refuse containers and securing fl ammable chemicals that 
could be used as accelerants are all part of the arson 
risk reduction measures that a company could adopt to 
prevent this risk of arson and subsequent losses that 
would be likely to occur following an attack.
8.4