Arson Prevention Strategy | Part Two – Means of Entry

Arson is one of the most destructive forms of vandalism and many businesses feel they are powerless to prevent it. However, there are steps that can be taken to ensure your premises are more fire safe and to prevent the likelihood of arson occurring.

Last week's blog article on the subject of arson prevention looked at prevention via security systems and lighting.  This week, we move on to discuss building entry methods and begin to touch upon fire detection and protection systems.

Obvious means of entry: The level of protection required for the outside of your building is usually provided as a consequence of the general construction of the building. However, two areas, which will attract the attention of someone attempting to gain unlawful entry, will be doors and windows.

Doors are susceptible to attack in a number of ways. These may include; the use of tools to drill or grind exposed hinges, the spreading of frames, the removal of panel sections, the application of pressure on the door with a vehicle (usually via a chain attached to the letterbox or similar aperture). Any precautionary measure should aim to combat these techniques. 

One of simplest, cheapest and most important actions to be taken in deterring a potential arsonist is the fitting of a metal container to the inside of the letterbox slot. This will retain any burning papers, flammable liquids or fireworks that may be introduced through the letterbox itself.

The vulnerability of windows as an access point can be reduced a number of ways, for example;

 

• The fitting of window locks can in some cases be a sufficient deterrent. However, it is to be remembered that keys to window locks can be easily obtained or duplicated.
• The fitting of internal steel bars grouted into the surrounding masonry (horizontal tie bars should be fitted at intervals to prevent springing). NB: bars should only be fitted in consultation with the local fire brigade as certain windows may be used for rescue purposes.
• The provision of roller shutters or alternative toughened glazing.

Alternative means of entry:  Some of the more common entry methods to be protected against, aside from doors and windows, include the following;

• Climbing through skylights, ventilation ducts or other service inlets. Such vulnerable points and aids to climbing, eg. drain pipes etc., should be highlighted during the fire risk assessment process and measures must be taken to prevent their use.
• As tools left around could be used to force entry, all site tools should be stored securely at the end of each working day or removed from the site.
• The use of stacked materials and equipment at the perimeter of the building may allow access to roof areas.

Once an arsonist has broken through the outer perimeters of your premises - the yard if applicable, and then the actual walls of your building - you may think that there is little to be done. However, this is the point at which automatic fire detection systems along with fire suppression installations can begin to protect your property and the life of any persons within.

Next week's blog will look at detecting a fire in its earliest stages and preventing spread, along with ways in which you and your staff can modify existing procedures to help prevent an incidence of arson in the premises.

Complete Fire Safety Management is the only fully comprehensive online fire risk assessment, fire safety training and fire procedures system available to individual or multi-site businesses. If you would like more information, please contact Peter Gyere on 020 8668 866.