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Testing smoke alarms can help to save lives

Companies have been urged to test the smoke alarms on their premises as part of fire risk assessments to ensure they are keeping their employees safe.

A new government campaign, backed by celebrities such as broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan and boxing champion Amir Khan, is encouraging people to take the Push It Pledge and test their smoke alarms every week.

Sir Terry said that he had been the victim of a house fire and that his smoke alarm had helped to save the lives of him and his family.

The government's chief fire and rescue adviser Sir Ken Knight said only a working smoke alarm could detect a fire and therefore help to save lives.

Companies can ensure their employees are protected by having a smoke alarm on each floor of their properties, alongside their fire risk assessments.

Earlier this year, a haulage company from Leicester was fined £5,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,900 after failing to complete a fire risk assessment when it stored large amounts of liquefied petroleum gas.

Quantum Risk Management are a leading Health and Safety Consultancy

Posted on 03/03/2010

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