North Wales Fire and Rescue Service will be sharing business fire safety advice and information with business to encourage them not to overlook fire safety.

The call comes as part of the National Fire Chiefs Council's (NFCC) Business Safety Week which runs from the 5th - 11th September. The campaign aims to make businesses aware of their fire safety responsibilities and staff have information to help prevent and respond to fires in the workplace.

Many fires in the workplace are preventable and many businesses never recover after a fire incident. Simple measures on reducing risks and ensuring staff know how to respond if a fire should happen keeps people safe and makes business sense.

At this time of year many businesses will be preparing for the Christmas period and may also be impacted by the current cost of living crisis. Any changes to the way businesses operate can impact fire safety so we urge them ensure they have reviewed Fire Risk Assessments to reflect any changes.

Many smaller businesses may have accommodation above or adjacent to them and the week will also highlight fire safety for these premises.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service encourage residents living above a business to check they are protected from any fire risks and businesses to ensure they don’t compromise people’s homes. Residents and business owners can both approach the fire service for advice.

There’s plenty of advice and support for businesses from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service so we encourage anyone that has questions or may not be sure about fire safety to contact us so we can help.

Bob Mason, Prevention and Protection Manager from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “During Business Fire Safety Week our team will be visiting and giving advice to businesses across the region which also have residential accommodation situated above or within their commercial premises. Any fire in the commercial premises could affect the residential parts, and at night may go unnoticed until well developed.

“Without adequate fire separation between the two uses, a fire in the commercial part of the premises could result in the loss of your home. Without adequate fire warning arrangements and a safe escape route, a fire in the business could also tragically result in the loss of your life. It is vital that occupants are alerted to a fire and they must be able to safely escape from the building.

“We’re here to help our local businesses and protect residents across the region – please do get in touch with us for help and advice.”

Gavin Tomlinson NFCC’s chair for protection and business safety said “Fire and rescue services are committed to helping all types of businesses reduce the risk of fire in the workplace and be compliant with fire safety law. We don’t expect businesses to be experts - that’s’ why we are here to provide help and advice.

“We encourage any business to work with their fire service to help prevent fires to help them remain productive, safe and legal.”

Contact details for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s Business Fire Safety Teams across the region are available here - At your business - Keeping You Safe - North Wales Fire And Rescue Service (gov.wales)