subject: Health And Safety Signs - Low Cost Necessities [print this page] In my years as a property manager of different commercial areas, I have dealt with different kinds of business from different industries. I've dealt with manufacturers, distributors, banks, schools and the like. One thing I am known for is the emphasis on safety and in particular, fire safety. It is a huge disaster waiting to happen but unlike an earthquake, it can be easily prevented or quelched with the right fire fighting equipment, practice and knowledge. Sometimes budget is an issue for these companies and I do understand that there is a lot of other things a business must invest on. This is why the very first thing I recommend is the simple installation of health and safety signs: low cost but absolutely essential if used properly.
By law, any establishment is actually required to have such signs among other things. This is a result of the Fire Safety Order (FSO) of 2005 ratified effectively in 2006. This means that a license should be obtained by the business from the government upon inspection of its establishment as satisfactory in terms of fire safety. This is understandable as the United Kingdom is well known sadly, for the frequent occurrence of fires despite our well educated populace. In my opinion, this is quite often a case of recklessness on our part, and this article aims in its own little way through informing starting businesses and even currently operating companies, to help this predicament and this reputation our country has when it comes to fires.
Health and safety signs are one of the first of fire fighting equipment obtained in any place particularly where there are a number of corridors, elevators, rooms and the like such as the case in schools, hospitals and office buildings. A good thing to know is that the first function of a sign isn't to give directions - it is to be noticed. This is why they are usually bright colored with clear arrows and signs and placed in areas where they can be seen easily. They will point to different key locations and safety equipment such as fire exits, fire extinguishers, first aid kits and the like. A good number of them even give directions on how to use the equipment such as in breaking open panic bolts.
While by themselves health and safety signs they DO cost low to buy and install, installing them CORRECTLY is another thing altogether. For the best results, it is always good to consult with your local fire authorities in accrediting your establishment as satisfactory in terms of fire safety. They will get into specifics - such as at what height and at what points to install the signs and other fire fighting equipment fit for your establishment. Yes, they are low cost but the whole of safety accreditation costs quite a sum. If you are planning to start a business here in the United Kingdom, take note of this as part of the cost that you must invest in.
