Farms present unique fire risks. The combination of combustible materials, machinery, livestock, and weather conditions creates a challenging environment where fire safety must be a top priority. Each year, UK farms suffer significant losses due to fires, many of which could be prevented with proper precautions and preparedness. Here, we take a look at the critical aspects: prevention, planning, and best practice.
Unique Fire Risks
Due to their operational activities and the typical materials stored on-site farms face some unique fire hazards, including:
Combustible Materials: Hay, straw, silage, and grains are common on farms and are highly flammable, particularly when stored in large quantities.
Machinery and Equipment: Tractors, combines, and other agricultural machinery often use flammable fuels and can generate heat or sparks, especially when poorly maintained.
Electrical Systems: If a farm has ageing electrical systems that may not meet modern safety standards, the risk of an electrical fire increases
Chemical Storage: Fertilisers, pesticides, and other chemicals can contribute to fire risks if not stored properly.
Arson: Unfortunately, arson is a growing concern, with farms often targeted for no apparent reason.
Fire Prevention
Prevention is better than cure, especially when it comes to fires.
Safe Storage of Flammable Materials: Store hay and straw away from other buildings, machinery, and ignition sources – ideally, in a separate, well-ventilated building. Be sure to regularly check silage and grain storage areas ed for overheating, which can lead to spontaneous combustion.
Electrical Safety: Have a qualified electrician inspect the farm’s electrical systems, particularly in older buildings, to ensure they meet current safety standards.
Install residual current devices (RCDs) to prevent electrical fires by shutting off the electricity supply in case of faults.
Have your electrical equipment PAT tested annually.
Machinery Maintenance: Perform regular maintenance on all farm machinery to prevent overheating, fuel leaks, and mechanical failures.
Clean machinery regularly to remove dust, oil, and other combustible materials that could ignite.
Safe Chemical Handling and Storage: Store chemicals in a secure, well-ventilated, and fire-resistant area, away from other combustible materials.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for storage and handling, ensuring that chemicals are clearly labelled and accessible only to trained personnel.
Security: Install security lighting, alarms, and CCTV to deter arsonists. Report any suspicious activity to the local police immediately.
Preparing for Fire Emergencies
Even with stringent preventive measures, preparing for potential fire emergencies is crucial and developing a fire safety plan is a good idea. Some things to consider include:
Evacuation Routes: Make sure everyone knows how to leave a building, where to report to and what their role is should a fire break out. Don’t forget livestock evacuation and have your plan displayed prominently in all farm buildings.
Firefighting Equipment: Do you have sufficient firefighting tools, including our new Fire Safety Stick, fire extinguishers, water hoses, and fire blankets. Ensure they are regularly serviced and accessible. Place your fire extinguishers in strategic locations, such as near machinery, fuel storage, and in farm buildings.
Fire Drills: Hiring a professional to deliver training to farm workers and family members in basic fire safety, including how to use fire extinguishers and respond to a fire emergency, is a good idea, as are weekly fire drills to ensure everyone is familiar with evacuation routes and procedures.
Responding to a Fire
If a fire does break out, swift and effective action is essential to minimise damage and protect lives:
1. Raise the Alarm: Immediately alert everyone on the farm and call 999.
2. Evacuate: Follow the emergency plan to evacuate all personnel and, if safe, the livestock.
3. Contain the Fire: If safe, use a Fire Safety Stick, fire extinguishers or water sources to tackle small fires, but never put yourself at risk.
4. Provide Information: When the fire brigade arrives, give them detailed information about the fire’s location, any potential hazards, and the whereabouts of people or animals still at risk.
Fire safety on UK farms is a matter of life, livelihood, and heritage. By understanding the unique risks associated with agricultural settings and implementing a robust prevention and emergency plan, farmers can protect their property, animals, and loved ones from the devastating effects of fire.
If, after reading this, you think you need to replace or buy any new fire-fighting equipment, then please don’t hesitate to call us on 01522 695272 or call into our trade counter on Pioneer Way, off Doddington Road in Lincoln (LN6 3DH).
