Waste is a fire safety hazard, insurer claims

Over ten per cent of businesses are incurring a fire safety risk from the way they store their waste, an insurer claims.

Norwich Union Risk Services (NURS) warns waste or recycling packed near to a business property presents a serious fire risk.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, combustible waste must be taken into account as part of a company's risk assessment.

Martin Hartley, a property risk specialist for NURS, says commercial waste stored outside is an "arson attack waiting to happen".

He recommended businesses to see if they can secure a waste site at a distance from their premises and to make sure it is disposed of on a regular basis.

Wooden pallets being stored next to buildings are another hazard, he adds.

In addition, the storage of wooden pallets near to, or up against, buildings increased the chances of a major fire taking place.

He claims arson now accounts for nearly half of commercial fires.

According to the London Fire Brigade, the cost of damages incurred by fire amounts to millions of pounds, from which businesses rarely recover.

It recommends companies undergo fire safety training courses to minimise risk.