Business risk going up in smoke with lack of arson prevention measures

Businesses across the UK are risking their premises, employees and even their very existence by not taking enough measures to minimise the growing threat of arson.

With Government figures now putting the annual cost of arson to the UK economy at well over 2bn, a survey by Croner Consulting, the UKís largest provider of in-depth advice and practical support for businesses, has found that 52 per cent of companies do not take any specific precautions against arson attacks.

Only 35 percent of health and safety professionals who responded to the survey on Cronerís www.healthandsafety-centre.net website say they do have arson prevention measures in place, while a significant 13 percent are unsure of their company policy on the subject.

Loss of business and property damage due to fire costs UK companies an estimated 200 million a year. In 2001 there were almost 2,500 deliberate fires set in UK retail premises.

The Government recently announced a 4m investment in the new Arson Control Forum to help tackle this issue, but Trevor Davies, senior health and safety manager at Croner Consulting, believes companies should also take their own measures to cut the risk of arson attacks.

He says: Everyone hopes that the worst wonít happen to them, but figures show that arson attacks on businesses are on the increase and a major blaze could easily put a company out of business.

Owners/occupiers and managers of businesses have a legal responsibility for fire safety and we are advising them to put procedures in place to protect them from arson attack.

With the number of malicious fires rising by almost 50 per cent in the last six years, arson prevention measures need to be part of any companyís health and safety policies alongside other security measures they already have in place, such as anti-virus software and intruder alarms.

Preventative measures neednít be costly and can often come down to common sense. Croner Consulting recommends businesses look at the following measures and install the most appropriate to their business.

Ensure piles of combustible material, such as packaging or rubbish bags arenít left outside premises

Include guidance on arson in staff fire prevention training

Encourage staff to be extra vigilant. Ensure gaps under doors to the street are as narrow as possible Install a metal box on the back of the letterbox - this should minimise damage caused by lighted materials pushed through from the outside

Invest in CCTV cameras, fences and security patrols to keep unwanted visitors away from company premises Use external fire resistant paints, these can slow down or stop attacks.

Croner Consulting helps businesses devise and implement their health and safety policies in all areas of health and safety compliance. Its Business Support Helpline offers support and advice to businesses on health and safety and other regulatory driven areas.