How’s the homeworking going?
Well we’re into week two of our countries lock down. Those that can, have been asked to work from home but what are the safety implications, which need to be considered:
- How does it impact on others living in the same property?
- How do you set up a safe workstation?
- With everyone trying to use technology, does this create more hazards?
- Many employees are not usually directly involved in Health & safety will they know what to look out for?
Not everyone has the luxury of spare rooms to set up an office, therefore we all need desk space, access to electric sockets and wifi, as well as peace and quiet to concentrate. In our mission to achieve this, we must ensure that we’re:
- Not overloading the sockets.
- Not blocking doorways and walkways.
- Not locking doors which prevent a quick exit.
- Not letting cables trail over floors and walkways.
- Not letting stationery/paperwork build up.
What to look out for and how to keep safe
There are many fire safety procedures, you would implement in your place of work, which can also be used in your home. For example:
- Checking your smoke alarm/heat detection regularly, to ensure it is working.
- Having an emergency plan in place and making sure that everyone understands what to do in case of a fire, especially children. Where do they run to if they hear the smoke alarm at night? Who do they call?.
- Switching off all your charging plugs when not being used, so they don’t overheat.
- If you have long charging cables, make sure they are not trailing, causing a trip hazard.
- Uncoil any extension leads fully, as coiled electric wires build up heat.
- Stationery/books/combustible materials can feed a fire, so storing them safely away from anything which could start a fire, will help prevent a fire starting. Especially when not being used and at night time.
- Closing doors at night, especially around the high risk areas, like your kitchen. This can help delay the spread of fire.
More help and advice
Many Fire services have issued some advice on how to stay safe and what to look out for, these include Greater Manchester https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2020-03-23/greater-manchester-firefighters-urge-residents-to-be-safe-at-home/ , Cumbria Fire & Rescue https://www.cumbriacrack.com/2020/03/24/fire-safety-warning-as-many-work-from-home-to-stem-spread-of-covid-19/ and North Yorkshire Fire service have a You Tube video https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4ImIHnyh571tLaETbfLnog
Here at fire risk assessments, we’re monitoring our emails and will respond to any enquiries. We’ll also be posting any information on our Website and Facebook page. Keep well and keep safe.