Campaign Toolkit

Business Safety Week 2020

#BusinessSafety2020

7th-13th September

Toolkit for participating fire & rescue services

Business Safety Week - Overview

Business safety week is an opportunity for NFCC, supported by Fire and Rescue Services to make small and medium sized businesses aware of their fire safety responsibilities in the workplace, and is a chance to let these businesses know that there is help and advice available for them all year round.

The aim is to help small to medium sized businesses to work with fire and rescue services to make sure they are complying with the law and reduce their risk of fire especially in response to the recent challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. As lockdown measures have eased and more people return to premises, there is a corresponding increase in the Protection risk. There is the potential risk that the COVID Secure measures which are required to open some premises, may in some cases, compromise fire safety measures.

We want to ensure the practical measures put in place make premises COVID-19 safe, such as social distancing for staff and customers, do not impact on fire safety measures in the workplace. It is vital that FRS work with Responsible Persons (RPs) to remind them that in managing their full suite of risks, the need to maintain and inform a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment (FRA) must remain a priority.

NFCC will also highlight how Primary Authority advice can continue to support businesses via co-odinated or direct partnerships to help them comply with necessary fire safety regulation in additional to guidelines and other regulation.

The information has been prepared as businesses are now open or planning to open imminently. As the Covid-19 situation is constantly under review it might be some messages may not be appropriate at the time of the campaign for your area, for example if a local level restrictions have been put in place. So review information to ensure it is relevant to local areas for the time. Information and advice from NFCC for businesses is hosted on the NFCC website here : https://www.nationalfirechiefs.org.uk/COVID-19

If necessary updated information will be added so worth making sure you have our latest information ahead of campaign week.

#BusinessSafety2020

*https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/707785/Building_a_Safer_Future_-_web.pdf

Statistics 2018 - 2019

NFU Mutual claims that statistics depict a 46% rise in the number of commercial fire claims from 22 March 2020 to 31 July 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. https://www.fsmatters.com/Building-owners-urged-to-maintain-fire-safety

Primary Authority

Primary Authority is an alternative method for businesses to comply with regulation.For many businesses compliance and regulation can be overwhelming and even more so when we consider the additional pressure COVID-19 has placed on businesses which may struggle not just with new and changing guidelines but also the economic impact of the the pandemic on their business and local area. Since 2017 any type of business, or pre-business, including one which trades in only one local authority area can participate in Primary Authority partnership. There are two ways of getting involved. For larger, more complex businesses, operating across a number of local authority areas or if your business has specific regulatory challenges, then a direct partnership may be the best option.For other businesses a co-ordinated partnership may be best. This can be achieved through a trade association or a franchisor.In both cases the advice given must be followed to ensure compliance.

During the COVID-19 pandemic many Fire and Rescue Services have been supporting business through Primary Authority and continue to do so as restrictions are lifted and more premises are open to the public and employees.

During the week the NFCC will highlight some examples of how premises are opening in line with safer workplace guidance and have been supported though Primary Authority partnerships.

Press Release

Businesses urged not to overlook fire safety by National Fire Chiefs Council

Business across the UK which have had to make changes due to COVID-19 are being urged to make sure fire safety remains a top priority.The call comes from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) as many have had to implement/enforce new ways of working due to the current pandemic. NFCC is reminding businesses about the everyday fire risks in the workplace - and there is both a legal and moral responsibility to ensure premises are safe from fire.Many businesses had to respond quickly to the pandemic once they were were allowed to reopen and while revisiting risk assessments, fire fire safety may not have been at the forefront of planning.As part of NFCC's Business Safety Week - which runs from 7th- 13th September - XXX FRS is encouraging business owners and Responsible Persons (RPs) to ensure they review Fire Risk Assessments. they should also seek guidance and advice to help them keep their premises and occupants safe from fire.Businesses must consider the potential risks that the COVID secure measures - which are required to open some premises - may in some cases, compromise fire safety measures.

· New screens must not obstruct smoke detection· Business must have enough trained staff to support evacuation procedures· Ensure measures to support social distancing do not impact evacuation procedures or the ability of emergency service to help you· Protect your business from arson· Help your fire service by reducing false alarms - which currently accounts for about 40% of all emergency calls

Mark Andrews, NFCC's Business Engagement Lead said:" It's been a difficult and challenging time for so many people, and Fire and Rescue Services want to make sure that as businesses address changes needed in response to Covid-19, they remain fire safe. Fire can have a devastating impact on business with many never recovering after an incident.We are here to support businesses if they need advice and guidance so we ask them to review Fire Risk Assessments and help us to keep your business working safety."

The campaign can be followed on social media using the #BusinessSafety2020. Additional advice from name of FRS can be found insert link to FRS website or contact our Business Safety Team - insert contact details for FRS BST

Launch Day 7 September

NFCC Activity Suggestions for FRS Activity

Reminder tweet

Please schedule for 9am Friday 4th September :

Next week is @NFCC_FireChiefs Business Safety Week. @Name of FRS will be offering advice and help on fire safety in the workplace in response to #COVID19, so look out for #BusinessSafety2020

NFCC will issue a press release to national press

NFCC will tweet ahead of the week to publicise the campaign using #BusinessSafety2020

NFCC have created a launch tweets- see below and please take part

We will use the #BusinessSafety2020 please try and use this on social media as this helps with monitoring and evaluation

Please issue a release to your local press contacts. There is a suggested release within this toolkit but feel free to create your own or edit to fit local need. Please reference the fact this campaign is nationwide and other FRSs will take part.

NFCC's Building Safety Team provide regular updates, information and advice to FRS on Protection activity. This is accessed via NFCC workplace. For support in accessing contact NFCCAdminSupport@NationalFireChiefs.org.uk

Suggested social media messaging

• This week is @NFCC_FireChiefs Business Safety Week. It'sbeen a challenging time during #COVID19 but fire safety lawstill applies so follow #BusinessSafety2020 for advice onstaying compliant and safe.

• Businesses may have had to make changes to keep staffand customer safe during #COVID19 #BusinessSafety2020will give you guidance on ensuring these protection measuredo not impact on fire safety in the workplace

• If you have any questions about fire safety in the workplace,please contact us @NameofFRS for guidance#BusinessSafety2020

Check that your website is linking to the latest NFCC advice for businesses, these have been updated regularly some site are linking out of date versions https://www.nationalfirechiefs.org.uk/COVID-19Scroll down to NFCC Protection guidance and check There is also NFCC guidance for schools, FRS guidance for auditing premises and Risk-Based Desktop Appraisal all of which can be linked to Business Safety Week and FRS activities.

Fire Risk Assessments - 8 & 13 September

Suggestions for FRS Activity

Suggested social media messaging

• If you are now open for business, you must review your Fire RiskAssessments and record changes. Information and guidance tohelp businesses can be found here https://bit.ly/2MOBnW1#BusinessSafety2020020

Use the campaign week to promote any relevant courses/webinars, or phone advice from your fire and rescue service for businesses.

If you have information on your website or downloads available for businesses please link to them on social media during the week- it doesn't have to link to NFCC website.

• Here are some points to consider when reviewing your Fire RiskAssessment For guidance can be found here https://bit.ly/2MOBnW1 #BusinessSafety2020

• You must review your Fire Risk Assessments to reflect anychanges in your business. This is legal requirement. If you areunable to to this yourselves you must appointment a competent firerisk assessor. Guidance can be found here https://bit.ly/3iraoO2#BusinessSafety2020

All Fire Risk Assessments must be regularly reviewed but it is especially important that they are reviewed due to the impact of COVID-19 on businesses.

Regardless of the recent situation,and whether changes have had to be made to business in response to it, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order was not and has not changed, reduced or been removed. It remains a legal requirement.Fire Risk Assessments must be reviewed to ensure they are suitable and sufficient. Likewise, if future changes are made as businesses move back to pre-lock down practices,those FRAs will again need to be reviewed.

This document Fire Safety Risk Assessment - 5 key step is useful and can be considered in conjunction with any change made to the workplace.

It is not only a legal requirement to review FRAs but it is important as part of business continuity planning and detailed guidance can be found here for various businesses.

FRS continue their regulation of the Fire Safety Order as well as provide advice on moving to a new normal. Where possible, FRS should be engaging in their normal regulatory activities.

Impact of changes on fire safety 9 & 12 September

• Businesses - Have you had to make changes to fire exit routes?If so, record changes and ensure they are communicated to staff.See our advice on fire exits #BusinessSafety2020

It is paramount that businesses consider the impact of changes they have made to make their premises COVID-19 safer and impact these could have on fire safety measures.

This is touched upon in asking RPs to review their FRAs but this messaging will go into a little more details of what needs to be addressed.

Suggested social media messages

• Fire doors can only offer protection if they are closed. They arelifesaving, providing protection from smoke, fire and access to ameans of escape #BusinessSafety2020

• Schedule as twitter threadProtection measures in response to #COVID19 must not impactfire safety measures. Ensure:Plastic screens don't obstruct smoke alarms, sprinklers or firealarm call pointsFire service can quickly access your building in the event of afireYou have enough trained staff on duty to manage evacuations#BusinessSafety2020

• If lockdown disrupted maintenance of fire safety systems, contact yourservice engineer to review them and resume a regular schedule oftesting and checks and keep a recordFire alarms - weeklyEmergency light - monthlyExtinguishers - monthlyFire doors - monthly#BusinessSafety2020

• We are all encouraged to maintain social distancing to help preventthe spread of #COVID19. But, in the event of a fire alarm or fire drill,please leave the building quickly and safely by the nearest availablefire exit. #BusinessSafety2020

• If you have new staff or have revised evacuation procedures due to#COVID19 you must staff have been trained and they know the drill inthe event of an incident #BusinessSafety2020

• Don't forget to think about the impact of new working practices onvulnerable people in your premises. You may need to review theirPersonal Emergency Evacuation Plans #BusinessSafety2020

Arson Prevention 10 September

NFCC ActivitySuggestions for FRS Activity

Review your local arson profile and target resources accordingly.

Use the NFCC Arson Reduction Strategy and look to work in Partnership during Business Safety Week. Most FRSs already have localised arson prevention information. Use Business Safety week to review, refresh and give the arson reduction impetus a new push.The Fire Protection Association have provided a free guide Unauthorised occupation on non-residentail premises - guide to managing the risk, which contains useful informationTarget messages to business groups if local restrictions mean they must close for a short period. Consider speaking to local businesses that have increased footfall and stock).Useful information around disposal of waste and waste products due to COVID-19 can be found here

Businesses may remain closed, may not be in a position to reopen or have changed ways or working which could make them at greater risk of arson.

*www.stoparsonuk.org/arson/Insurers.php

NFCC has a Safer Business: Information and advice to reduce deliberate fires, (click box to access)This can be updated with your own FRS details if you need a leaflet for your area

Social media messages• If you've had to increase security to protect closed premises during lockdown,double check these measures are suitable if you are back in business and do

not adversely affect fire safety measures #BusinessSafety2020

• If your business has had to adapt due to #COVID19 you might need to review your waste collection arrangements. Ensure waste can be safely stored anddoesn't build up. don't let it become fuel for arsonists #BusinessSafety20202020

•

• If you are not ready or cannot reopen your business, ensure you have taken steps to reduce the risk ofarson affecting your premises #BusinessSafety20202020

• If your business has been impacted by anti-social behaviour report it - share information withsurrounding businesses - review your security and housekeeping. It can be a precursor to arson #BusinessSafety20202020

False Alarms 11 September

NFCC Activity

Suggestions for FRS Activity

If possible, review local false fire alarms in businesses. Many may have fallen behind on maintenance or changed practices which are leading to these and may need advice.

Use local stats to highlight this issue in your area, or case study for business you have worked with to reduce incidents.

• Fire and Rescue Service have been working through#COVID19 to keep communities safe. If you have just got backto business help us by reducing false alarm call outs ( link toadvice on FRs website) #BusinessSafety2020

• Check any changes working practices, such as new stafftesting alarms or changing the use of an area, are not leadingto false alarms call outs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKD7katMS5k #BusinessSafety2020

• It's estimated that false fire alarms cost the UK economy£1billion a year. How much are they costing your business? Ifit's a persistent problem your local fire service may charge youfor false alarms. Get in touch for advice #BusinessSafety2020

• Due to restrictions because of #COVID19 your business mayhave fallen behind with maintenance and testing of fire alarmssystems. Make sure you get back on track and help reduce theincidents Fire Service must respond to #Business2020

Check your webpages are going to this new link not the old CFOA website) www.nationalfirechiefs.org.uk/Unwanted-fire-signals

Video advice to reduce false alarms for business - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKD7katMS5kWhilst FRS continue to deal with the impact of COVID-19 on operations and communities, asking businesses to ensure they are reducing false alarm incidents is important to reduce pressure on resources and time

Suggested social media messaging