Arson Prevention Advice at Work

Combustibles

Many fires in the workplace are caused by deliberate ignition of combustible items stored too close to the building. Ideally, you should try to maintain a gap of at least eight metres between the external walls of any building and combustibles.

Common targets for arsonists, (predominantly youths or young children), are;

• pallets
• skips
• undergrowth/bushes
• vehicles
• sheds
• portacabins

Check the outside of your buildings as a matter of urgency! Act where appropriate!

Bins

Bins are a 'God-send' to the arsonist. On wheels, they can be pushed against the building. Contained within, there is plenty of 'fuel' that is often removed and stacked against external doors before being ignited. Keep bins in a locked compound or bin room. If this is not possible, chain the bins to an immovable object, well clear of buildings or other property. Try to use bins that have lockable lids (usually by 'Allen' key).

Letterbox

Do you need it? If you do, ensure a metal mailbox is provided on the inside. If you don't...consider sealing it up! A metal mailbox will contain most burning materials, (including fireworks), pushed through the letter flap. If the flap is well fitted and maintained properly, it will close following the introduction of a burning item, thereby restricting the oxygen supply to feed the flames. Intumescent letter flaps and mail containers are also available, offering the added advantage of containing any liquid accelerant (such as petrol), introduced through this opening.

Perimeter Fencing

Ensure any breaches are repaired promptly. Consider providing notices which may serve as a deterrent to opportunist intruders.

Intruder Alarm/Security Lighting/CCTV

If provided.... ensure they are maintained fully functional and utilised at all appropriate times.

If using CCTV, please ensure your tapes are replaced regularly to ensure a high standard of picture quality. Remember, your video footage may be used in court as evidence.

External Doors

Ensure gaps, (particularly at the bottom), are kept to a minimum.

Building Security

Maintain a rigid 'lock-up' regime whenever the building is vacated.

Neighbours

Try to promote good relations with neighbours, especially those who overlook your property. Encourage them to contact the Police if they see intruders within your grounds, or observe anything of a suspicious nature involving your premises.

Fires Which Have Self-Extinguished

Always request Fire Service attendance, (using the '999' system), for any incidence of fire, even when it appears a fire has self-extinguished. Remember, the Fire Service are constantly looking for patterns, or trends, in respect of all fires. The Arson Task Force specifically look for patterns where fires are caused by deliberate ignition. Your fire could be the missing 'piece' from the 'jigsaw'!

For further information on the above products or services, please refer to your local trades directories or press