Churches can better understand the risk of fire by undertaking a church risk assessment. By carrying out this assessment and implementing appropriate precautions, the likelihood of a fire in your church can be significantly reduced.
Most church fires are caused by defective electrical installations or portable appliances, arson or hot works undertaken by contractors.
By appropriately managing these risks you can significantly reduce the chances of a fire starting in your building.
Watch our fire safety video
Fires in churches can have a devastating effect. As well as damage to property, there is also a risk to life to be considered. When fire damage does occur this can affect local communities, disrupting local user groups and the outreach activities of the church Typical hazards include:
- Defective electrical wiring and apparatus
- Faulty or poorly maintained heating systems
- Candles
- Arson
- Hot works during a repair
- Lightning strikes
Managing fire risks
You will need to manage the fire risk at your church appropriately.
- Implementing and maintaining appropriate fire precautions
- Implementing appropriate fire safety arrangements
- Providing adequate firefighting and fire detection equipment
- Providing emergency routes and exits
- Implementing procedures to deal with emergencies and serious and imminent danger
- Appointing someone competent to assist you
- Providing adequate training and information
- Cooperating with others where appropriate.