Introduction to Fire Safety Management

8.4.4 Heaters and heating systems
The preceding paragraphs detail the hazards associ-
ated with electrical and gas systems which are also 
common to those sources of energy used by heaters 
and heating systems. As has already been discussed, 
the poor design, inappropriate installation and lack of 
planned preventive maintenance are all causes of fi re. 
It is therefore appropriate to ensure that systems are 
designed, installed and subject to planned preventive 
maintenance.
Systems should be designed in such a way that if a 
hot product is able to heat areas such as ducting, which 
runs through the building, the areas should be lined with 
fi re/heat resistant materials to prevent them coming 
into contact with combustible materials and therefore 
ensuring competent designers are appointed is a signifi -
cant risk management step.
The installation of any heaters and heating systems 
must be undertaken by competent engineers install-
ing to the design specifi cation. It is also likely that these 
engineers will be retained to undertake the planned 
preventive maintenance of the system to ensure that it 
remains safe and fi t for its intended purpose.
The maintenance programme must take into 
account specifi cally rotating or moving parts which must 
be kept lubricated to ensure they do not run dry.
It is likely that if designed correctly, combustible 
materials will not come into contact with any component 
parts of a heating system; however, given the human 
factors involved, physical barriers, awareness training 
and regular inspections are likely to be needed to 
ensure that combustible or fl ammable materials do not 
come into close proximity with the systems or prevent 
the correct air circulation by obstructing ventilation 
grilles, etc.
8.4.5 Chemicals and LPG (hazardous materials)
The vast proportion of chemicals used in the workplace 
are classifi ed under CHIP and therefore fall under the 
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 
(COSHH). These chemicals together with liquefi ed 
petroleum gas (LPG) may also fall under the Dangerous 
Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 
(DSEAR), each of which requires the effective manage-
ment and control of risk.
When considering the management of chemicals 
and LPG, formalised procedures must be produced, 
implemented and monitored in relation to their use, 
storage, transportation and disposal.
Appropriate training in all areas including the 
handling of chemicals and LPG gas cylinders is critical 
to securing the safety of all those in the workplace and 
others who may be affected.