Monday 12 May 2014

Undertaking An Adequate Arson Risk Assessment

By Essie Osborn


It is possible to reduce the risk of arson by complying with the necessary regulations that have been implemented. Potential threats should be identified in advance and protection measures implemented. Every organization should document their fire safety control policies to ensure that they are protected from potential arson attacks.

To commence the procedure, there are specific steps to follow. The first is to undertake an arson risk assessment, followed by management procedures, risk reduction and the method of implementation. There are several ways in which a risk assessment can be done.

It is important for the assessment to be recorded and to be reviewed regularly. It should start with the identification of the building's most vulnerable sections. Equipment controls such as the sprinkler valve controls, hydrant placement and other items related to fire prevention, should be reviewed. These points are potential sabotage targets if it is open to access by unauthorized people.

The levels of combustible materials on the premises and potential ignition sources should be reviewed. The methods of storage of hazardous materials should be checked, as should the areas that are most vulnerable. The task group undertaking the assessment should give due consideration to where combustible waste is stored in the building and assess if this is handled safely.

The team should check all existing security measures to determine if they are sufficient. Assessments should include access control to the installations of fire safety mechanisms. The delivery of hazardous material to the building should be monitored regularly. This may involve the installation of monitoring cameras. Adequate and visible security measures will act as a deterrent to potential arsonists. They will remain aware of the organization's fire safety systems and know that it is being monitored at all times.

Fire safety management procedures should be implemented. This should include inspection of the fire safety systems. Physical checks should be done on sprinkler control valves to ensure that they have been placed in the open position. Safety housekeeping should be done. This includes inspecting fire doors to ensure that they are all closed properly.

Adequate training should be offered to all occupants of the premises about the dangers of arson and how they can help in preventing it. Measures to reduce risk should be introduced. Opportunities that exist to start a fire should be considered and reduced. This includes the consideration of suitable storage spaces for hazardous materials, providing suitable lighting in high risk sections and clearing combustible and hazardous waste on a regular daily basis. Implementing suitable procedures and policies, training and advanced risk assessment will offer the building management ways in which they can prevent possible fire threats.

To overcome many of the potential problems, there are management teams to carry out scenario scenes for possible sabotage acts related to their fire systems. This is usually based on events that could happen and how the team and others will handle the scenario. It provides the responsible team with practical training related to an arson attack. It also allows them to re-assess their procedures for adequacy. It gives the team the opportunity to determine if the other people on the premises are fully aware of their responsibilities and how they handle it.




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