Prevention of Fire, Asset Protection and Business Interruption
Fire Prevention

• The possibility of arson by intruders or even a disgruntled employee should be considered.
• Premises should be suitably secured against unauthorised access.
• Combustible waste or storage should not be stacked close to the building.

• areas with readily ignitable, or large quantities of, combustible materials (e.g. store rooms, loading bays, post rooms, studios and edit suites or areas where loose or waste tape may exist);
• infrequently visited areas such as plant rooms;
• areas with high value or broadcast-critical control equipment.
• To avoid surreptitious smoking where there is a widespread prohibition, a designated smoking area(s) should be provided.
• Where smoking is permitted, suitable ashtrays should be provided.
• Contents of ashtrays should not be mixed with other waste.

• Fixed electrical installations and portable appliances should be subject to periodic inspection and test.
• Use of personally owned equipment by employees should be avoided unless subject to inspection and test prior to use.
• Use of multi-way adapters and extension leads should be avoided where possible. Only those that are fused should be used.

• Use of portable heaters should be strictly controlled; any used should be of a suitable type (not radiant bar electric fires or lpg heaters).
• A clear space should be kept around all sources of heat, and guards should be used where appropriate.

• A clear space should be kept around any cooking appliance.
• Deep fat fryers should have a high temperature cut out and should preferably be protected by a fixed extinguishing system.
• Grease filters; extract ductwork and grease traps should be cleaned regularly.
• Suitable fire extinguishers and fire blankets should be provided in kitchens.

• Rubbish and waste should be removed on a regular basis. link to environment waste
• Any temporary storage of rubbish should be kept in a suitable location and not in staircases or corridors.
• Rubbish/storage should not be allowed to accumulate in 'hidden areas' (e.g. plant rooms and risers).
• Combustible items should not be stored on escape routes.
• Where this is not feasible, the following conditions must be met:
• In certain locations it may be acceptable for limited storage to be allowed in fire resistant cupboards.
• Approval will be required from the Fire Risk Manager and the Fire Authority.

Loose Video and Audio Tape

• Dedicated metal waste bins with self closing, close fitting lids should be available in all areas where loose tape is handled.
• Video and audio tape cassettes stored in offices should be kept in cabinets with lockable or self closing doors.