Business Continuity

 

Business continuity covers a wide range of disasters that may affect your business but for the purposes of this document we are covering the effects of a fire breaking out.

  

It is important then when writing your businesses fire planning you also take time to consider the impact of fire on your business and what possible safeguards you can put into place.

It is advisable to carry this out as part of your fire risk assessment process and overall fire safety management.

 

 

The following are basic considerations for business continuity, and you should always ensure that your plan is tailored to your business:

 

 

• Ensure contract agreements are in place and up to date for restoration of premises after fire.

• Has temporary accommodation been considered to allow your business activities to continue?

• Are alternate service providers readily available to maintain customer relations?

• Is adequate insurance cover in place and possible cover against loss of revenue and relocation of premises?

• Keep important documentation in Fireproof Cabinets / lockers.

• Ensure computer systems are backed up and you can access your data from other locations.

• Will you be able to carry on paying staff and if so for how long?

 

 

Individual roles of various staff should the plan need to be put into practice.

Without processes in place a significant fire within your workplace could result it in:

 

• Loss of work to competitors

• Failures within your supply chain

• Loss of reputation

• Human Resources issues

• Health and Safety liabilities

• Higher insurance premiums

 

 

The aim of pre-planning is to ensure you can return to business as soon as practicably possible so along with the fire risk assessment and putting plans in place you are giving yourself and your business the best chance of carrying on.

To see if your business is ready to withstand a disaster event download our business continuity assessment:

Business Continuity Assessment