All Salons owners and employees depend on the continued ell being of their Salon for thier livelihood. A serious fire can easily disrupt the day to day running of the Salonand in some cases even put them out of business. Major fires can be started by arsonists, misuse of electrical equipment, smoking materials, mechanical head and sparks, rubbish burning or other causes. The spread of fire thoruhgout the premises may be assisted by waste, electricla insulation, packaging materials, stock or flammable liquids suchy as dyes or liquids.

As part of management's responsibilities to reduce fire risks a system of self inspection can be introduced involving the use of an "Internal Fire Inspection Report". A self-inspection system should help to identify prblems, which could, if left unattended, lead to a serious loss. Involving employees in an inspection system may help to ensure that they become aware of fire hazards and develop self-discipline to produce a working environment where the thret of fire is greatly reduced.

The "Internal Fire Inspection Report" illustrates the type of document required for a self-inspection system. THe list is not exhaustive and you may find some of the items unnecessary, especially if they form part of another inspection programme. ONe overall report for the whole premises will often suffice for smaller businesses.

Frequency of inspection will be dependent on many variables including changes in occupation, building alternations, staff turnover and the number of items requiring action found in previous reports.

Depending on such factors the inspections could be carried out on a weekly, monthly or quarterly basis.

An essential part of the audit is to ensure that there is a response to adverse pointsw raised, otherwise those reponsible for undertaking the inspections will fee that the system is not justifiable and it will lose credibility.

A system should therefore be devised involving management and the Salon's employees to ensure that eh audit reports are logged and the items requiring further attention actioned. As part of this process those who undertake the inspections hsould be kept informed of the remedial actions being taken. By undertaking these actions you aer assured of peace of mind that all employees are aware of this potential daily risk and ways to reduce it.

To get copy of the 'Self Inspection Form' please contact Patrick or Laura at Gunn Robinson O'Higgins who will be delighted to send you out a copy free of charge.

Barry O'Higgins, Gunn Robinson O'Higgins Ltd Telephone: 01-2835252