HSE publishes research on fire risks at workplaces containing flammable substances

HSE Press Release E242:02 - 20 December 2002

A study into the effectiveness of current UK guidance on fire safety in workplaces containing flammable substances has found that the most significant cause of incidents is a failure to follow the guidance.

The research report, published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), found that good safety management, including the use of risk assessments, implementation of safe work procedures based on published guidance and training staff, is key in reducing fire risks when handling and using flammable materials in the workplace.

It also concluded the greatest number of fires occur during the use of flammable liquids, or when they are present whilst carrying out another work activity.

The research concentrated on 'process fire precautions', that is concerned with preventing fire and limiting its development should a fire occur. Specifically the adequacy of the current advice on the safe handling and use of flammable substances in the workplace and the control of ignition sources was studied. General fire precautions covering such matters as means of escape were not considered except in those instances where the initial effects of the fire impacted on these.

Incident data from a number of sources, including that reported to HSE under the Reporting of Incidents, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) has been reviewed and examples presented to illustrate fire incidents and their causes by substance type and workplace activity.

A risk assessment model was proposed that enables the risk from handling and using flammable materials in the workplace to be determined. This will allow the type of flammable material present, the manner in which it is being handled and used, and the frequency and familiarity of carrying out the task to be taken into account and thus enable the key risk parameters to be determined.

John Sawyer, a specialist inspector with HSE's gas and chemical process safety unit, said:

"This report highlights the type of incidents that are likely to occur in workplaces handling flammable substances, and confirms the need for the implementation of effective safety management systems to ensure that published guidance is followed."

Notes to editors

Fire risk assessment for workplaces containing flammable substances, RR 040 is available on the HSE website at www.hse.gov.uk/research/index.htm.

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