FIRE, FIRE!
“Fires can have devastating effects and it’s vital that yard owners take all the preventative measures they can to minimise the fire risk,” says Oonagh
Meyer, head of approvals at the British Horse Society.
“Situations will differ in every yard and some may be at greater risk than others due to their location or accessibility. If the yard is remote, for example, then the response by the emergency services may well take longer.”
It is a legal requirement for all businesses, including riding schools, to have a preventative plan and emergency plans in place to identify the procedure to follow in case of fire or other emergencies.
“It is important to ensure that all staff, as well as clients, are fully informed about the yard’s fire procedures,” advises Oonagh. “Emergency plans must include priority communications, and measures to safely extricate people and horses. Practising a fire drill and evacuation procedure on a regular basis is best practice.”
The preventative measures to take should include, but are not limited to: Displaying clear NO SMOKING signage. Undertaking regular de-cobwebbing. Storing flammables appropriately in terms of location and accessibility. Having regular electric safety checks by a qualified electrician.
Ensuring that all electrical equipment that comes onto the yard is compliant with PAT testing requirements. Consideration of the location of the muck heap and hay/straw storage in relation to other buildings.
Additionally, the BHS advises centres to contact their local fire brigade for locationspecific advice and instructions, such as how to find the yard and the exact location of the water supply for speedy access. Consider using the what3words app.
Lots more useful information on fire safety can be found at bhs.org.uk/ stable-fire-safety.