This list gathers the practical basics of fire-loss prevention – factually, with the insurance angle included. It doesn't replace fire-safety legislation or a qualified professional: the company's official fire-safety obligations are set by the applicable regulations and, where needed, a fire-safety professional.
In brief:
- Fire safety carries a double stake: preventing the loss and protecting the payout – neglect costs you both.
- Four pillars: extinguishing equipment, electrical safety, storage order, discipline around hot work.
- A documented inspection is evidence at claim time – its absence is a source of dispute.
Equipment and inspections
- ☐ Fire extinguishers: the right number and type, current inspection, easily accessible?
- ☐ Are the periodic inspections of the electrical system (touch-protection, lightning protection) current and documented?
- ☐ Has the annual maintenance of heating and heat-generating equipment been done?
- ☐ Are escape routes and emergency exits clear and marked?
- ☐ If fitted: is the fire-alarm system maintained, and does the alert reach the right people?
Order and storage
- ☐ Is combustible waste (paper, shavings, packaging) removed regularly – not piling up against the wall?
- ☐ Are flammable materials and chemicals stored separately, labelled, and in the prescribed way?
- ☐ Is the area around machinery clean – dust, oil, and shavings removed regularly?
- ☐ Are power strips and extension leads not overloaded; is any damaged cable kept out of use?
- ☐ Is smoking confined to designated areas – and is that actually enforced?
Hot work and the insurance angle
- ☐ Is welding, cutting, and other hot work carried out only with a permit, supervision, and a follow-up check?
- ☐ External contractors on site: do the fire-safety rules apply to them too – and do they know it?
- ☐ Are the policy's fire-safety requirements known – and are they met?
For the insurance background, see the fire article; for the full prevention picture: loss prevention on site. If a fire has already happened: how fire-claim settlement works.
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This article is for information purposes only and contains general information; it does not constitute an offer or insurance advice. The precise content of insurance contracts is determined by the insurers' policy terms in force at any given time.
