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10 TRENDS & APPLICATIONS Dental Tribune United Kingdom Edition | 5+6/2017 Establishing fire safety measures in dental practice By Stuart Collyer, UK © wisawa222/Shutterstock.com Fire prevention is far easier than trying to recover from a fire. Being a dentist, you will be familiar with the need to carry out regular checks on your patients to spot po- tential problems before they become major ones. This preventative ap- proach should be applied to your fire safety procedures and equipment too. Just like any other business, com- plying with fire safety regulations, like the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 here in the UK, is an obligation. By carrying out a fire risk assessment, you can secure the longevity of your business by reduc- ing the likelihood of a fire starting, as well as preparing for the worst. In fact, studies have shown that over 70 per cent of businesses that have been involved in a major fire either do not reopen or subse- quently fail within three years. Fire prevention is far easier than trying to recover from a fire. More importantly, a fire risk assessment ensures the safety of your staff and patients. Thank- fully, fully meeting the regulations is not as difficult as one might ex- AD pect, but failing to do so comes with the risk of a large fine and even a prison sentence. The five stages of a fire risk assessment By completing a fire risk as- sessment, you will gain a full un- derstanding of your business in terms of the activities that are car- ried out and the risks present. By going through the five steps, you will have made your dental sur- gery safer and compliant. – Step 1: Identify all potential com- bustibles and possible sources of ignition. – Step 2: Consider all the relevant people who are at greatest risk from fire. – Step 3: Remove or reduce the risks of fire as far as possible and take precautions. – Step 4: Prepare for an emergency with fire safety equipment, by providing correct training and by having a plan of which every- one is aware. – Step 5: Record any findings and regularly review the assessment to keep it up to date. The risk assessment should be recorded at all stages, including the actions you have taken along the way. If you hire five or more members of staff, it is a require- ment to have written proof that you have fulfilled your duty as a responsible business owner. Dental practice fire hazards For a fire to burn, it needs heat, fuel and oxygen. With one or more of those elements removed, a fire is instantly less likely to break out. Therefore, you need to identify those items that can burn and po- tential sources of a fire and keep them separated. Possible sources that can cause a fire are radio- graphic and other electrical equip- ment when they overheat, are mis- used or are faulty. This can be avoided with regular inspection and servicing by professionals. Heaters, cooking equipment and smoking materials are other risks. There is also the possibility of arson. When looking around for po- tential fuel sources, there are many to consider, including med- ical supplies, toiletries, aerosols, furniture, clothing, cleaning prod- ucts, and waste. In a dental prac- tice, the oxygen stored in cylin- ders can be a fire and explosion risk if damaged or used incor- rectly. It is therefore important to take particular care in their use and storage. Identify those at risk The next step is to consider the people who could potentially be present on your premises at the time of a fire. Of course, this in- cludes staff and patients, but also take into consideration agency staff, contractors and other visi- tors to your practice. There may be particular individuals who would need assistance in making a swift escape in an emergency. Those with mobility issues, such as the elderly and disabled, are particu- larly at risk, as are children. Think specifically about the best way of getting those people safely down any stairs. You may find that an evacuation chair is vital, as is train- ing staff in how to use such equip- ment.