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In line with current Government advice regarding ‘social distancing’ and the management of the Covid 19 virus, it looks as though many people are likely to be working from home at least for the immediate future. However, it is important to remember that employers have a duty of care for all of their employees and that the requirements of the health and safety legislation apply to homeworkers in just the same way as it does to employees when working in the office.
According to ACAS, an employer is responsible for carrying out a risk assessment to check whether the employee’s home workplace is suitable for the tasks they will be carrying out and is also is responsible for the equipment it supplies to the employee for homeworking.
As a minimum, the employer should ensure that a homeworking employee is provided with suitable furniture, a phone, IT equipment and internet connection and most importantly, a fire extinguisher.
Fire Depot Managing Director, Laurie Pollard commented, “For employees working at home we would suggest a small, general purpose fire extinguisher such as a Firechief 'easy-use' 1kg powder extinguisheror a Firechief 600g Powder Extinguisher - the smallest extinguisher in the Firechief range - would be an appropriate choice for the likely fire risks. Alternatively the environmentally friendly, non-compressed and propellant free Firechief Flamebuddy which is available in two handy 150ml and 300ml sizes or the Firechief Flamebuster aerosol extinguisher 500ml or 750ml which is suitable for tackling most types of fire, including electrical ones’.
Other products we would advise every employee has in their home are a fire blanket and a first aid kit. Alternatively, the Firechief Home and Travel Safety Pack would be an ideal solution since it includes a 1kg powder extinguisher, 1x1m fire blanket and a first aid kit, all in one box.
A further consideration given that the majority of those working from home will be using both laptops and mobile phones, is the importance of them being provided with a Firechief Lith-Ex Extinguisher. This is the world's first Fire Extinguisher to effectively tackle Lithium ion battery fires in devices such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, toys, power tools and electric scooters and is therefore invaluable.
You can find more information and an ACAS checklist for Homeworking employees here.
Fire Depot has been the UK's favourite fire safety supplier for over 50 years. We know the fire protection and prevention business inside out. Our experienced team can offer advice and guidance about any product or fire safety application. For expert help and advice, please contact the Fire Depot team on 0330 999 2233, email us at sales@firedepot.co.uk or visit www.firedepot.co.uk to see our full range of fire safety products.
