Moving into a new premises can be a daunting task for any company which is why it is important to plan everything well in advance, ensuring that the move goes as smoothly as possible. Not only do you need to arrange for all your services to be relocated and your post to be redirected but any safety protocols need to be put into action.
To get you started we take a look at 5 safety checks that are a must when moving your business:
Fire Safety
Creating a clear and concise fire evacuation procedure is a must for any business. Take a look at your floor plan and ensure there are enough exit routes for all employees to exit the building easily in the event of fire. You will also need to check what fire extinguishers you need. Different types of extinguishers tackle different types of fires, from carbon dioxide for electrical fires to water for wood, paper and plastic. If you already have the correct extinguishers then now would be a good time to check they are all still in date.
Electrical Equipment
Faulty electrical equipment is a common cause of accidents and injuries in the workplace which can be easily preventable. Moving to a new premises often means investing in new equipment which is why it is important to ensure any new kit you have ordered is PAT tested by a professional. This would also be an ideal time to check your existing electrical equipment is in good working order and has been tested recently.
First Aid
The health and safety regulations state that ‘adequate and appropriate’ first aid equipment and training is provided by the employer to ensure it is a safe place to work. It is therefore important that you carry out a thorough assessment of your new premises in order to determine how many people will need to be trained in first aid and what first aid equipment you will require. Locate the best place (or multiple places) to store your first aid equipment, this needs to be easily accessible by your first aiders in the case of an accident.
Floor Safety
Ensure that all flooring materials are sufficient for the type of work being carried out in these areas. Different situations require different levels of grip for example if you work in an area prone to wet floors then the level of grip needs to be much higher than in an area which is not. The best way to asses whether your flooring is adequate is to hire a professional to carry out a pendulum slip test. Using an expert such as National Testing also means you can usually get the results the same day.
Stair Safety
Stairs are one of the main causes of falls in the workplace so ensuring the stairs in your new building are well lit with adequate handrails is important. It is also beneficial at this time to review the health requirements of your employees, making certain their new place of work meets any required needs. If anybody has mobility issues it may be worth adding handrails to both sides of the stairwell for increased stability. You can find National Testing’s full guide to stair safety by clicking here