What to keep in mind when moving office
Moving office can be a massive task. There’s so much to think of to make your transition into your new space goes smoothly. Whilst ensuring that the crucial elements of an office move are completed, making sure that your fire risk requirements are checked-off can be overlooked. You may also forget to make sure you have the right equipment to deal with any potential fire hazards in your new abode.
We break down what you need to consider in your new space, and what steps you need to take to keep your business and staff safe.
Veteran Fire Safety - Moving Office? Prioritise Your Fire Safety
Importance of fire risk assessments
A new space presents its own challenges. Moving offices means that you are now based in a space that is unfamiliar to you. This presents its risks with fire safety. Firstly, setting up your office equipment can lead to fire risks being overlooked. This can include improper use of extension cables, and storing boxes and items in condensed areas that can lead to a more vigorous fire if flames appear.
Secondly, you may not be aware of the state of the electrical equipment that may have been left for you to use. Not only this, but you won’t be aware of the condition of electrical outlets. An unfamiliar space will bring a lack of awareness of possible or existing issues when it comes to fire safety.
By having a fire risk assessment in your new space, you’ll become knowledgeable of what is posing a risk in your office. Whether it’s fire equipment that you’re lacking, establishing fire escape routes or allocating fire warden responsibility to employees, you’ll make your new office safer.
Identifying new fire hazards
New office spaces come in all shapes and sizes. Having slightly different features and their own unique elements, fire hazards can be singular in each different, new office space.
For example, if your new office has a basement, this poses significant fire hazards and risks that need to be considered, ensuring a safe exit route for employees. If your building has a historical structure, you need to make sure that it meets fire regulation standards and is a safe area to work in.
Areas in your new office that can pose a fire hazard include:
Kitchen. By using different appliances, this can lead to electrical overload. Also, the heat from kitchen appliances can cause the start of a fire if the wrong items or materials are near heat-dispersing appliances.
Storage room. If you’ve had lots of deliveries, or neglected old items, these are sometimes left to be forgotten about in a storage room. By having a large amount of clutter, overloaded storage rooms can provide more fuel to the fire with more items and materials to burn.
Server room. An unmanaged, non-serviced server room can be a threat. With untested and possibly older electrical equipment all in one space, you want to make sure that the threat of electrical faults isn’t present.
Essential fire safety equipment for moving offices
You need to be aware of what fire equipment you need when moving offices, to make sure that your new space is equipped to deal with hazards if they are presented.
Firstly, you need the right amount of fire extinguishers, and the right types. By knowing what types of fires can be caused in each space, you’ll be armed with the right extinguishers for the correct situation.
Fire alarms and fire detection systems need to be present throughout your new office, and properly functional. Strategically placing fire alarms to detect fires and alert employees is critical. By continually testing and servicing your fire alarms, this ensures peace of mind that your fire alarms will be functional in event of a fire.
Emergency lighting and signage are vital pieces of fire safety equipment that make your new workspace safer. By defining fire exit routes in situations of limited visibility, a safer exit is presented for employees in new, unfamiliar spaces.
Installation and implementation
To ensure fire safety in your new office space, it's essential to engage professionals who can conduct fire risk assessments and install fire alarm systems effectively.
Implementing regular maintenance and keeping detailed records will allow you to track the condition of your fire safety equipment, ensuring you have updated reports on its status when you first move in.
Establishing a fire evacuation plan and designating an employee to oversee fire safety will enhance your team’s understanding of fire safety procedures in your workplace.
Regularly practising fire safety drills and providing training on new fire safety equipment will improve your employees’ ability to respond swiftly in emergencies.
If you require a fire risk assessment or need new fire equipment for your office, please contact us to learn how we can help make your new workplace as safe as possible.
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