Your business is growing considerably and now is the time to look across the border. Your eye has fallen on the Netherlands. A busy little country with many favorable benefits for entrepreneurs. In the Netherlands they speak perfect English, the tax climate is favorable, and the work ethic is very good. But when you settle in the Netherlands, there are certain things you need to consider once you have acquired an office building.
One of these issues is the safety of your staff and the fire safety of your building. This article provides information on the rules around (fire) safety in the Netherlands.
Safety and fire prevention
Did you know that there are an awful lot of laws surrounding the safety of business premises and the fire prevention (in Dutch: brandpreventie) measures to be taken? If you rent your business premises, you don’t have to worry about the ‘big’ things. After all, the owner of the premises is responsible for making sure there is a fire alarm system and creating escape routes. Also, if work is being done on the fire alarm system, the owner has to hire a fire watchman (in Dutch: brandwacht huren) during the work.
Of course, as a tenant, you should be strict about no-smoking, and it is a good idea to buy only furniture made of fire-retardant materials. It’s also important to properly mark ‘dangerous’ points in the premises. For example, is there a step that is a bit lower and could cause people to trip? Then paint it bright yellow to make it stand out and prevent unnecessary accidents!
A well-stocked first aid kit
Speaking of accidents: they happen often and quickly. And when was the last time you looked in your first-aid kit? Make sure it’s always fully stocked and that everyone knows where to find the first-aid kit.
In addition, it is compulsory to have one or more employees who can act as a emergency response officer. Did this employee change jobs recently? Then it is essential that another employee goes through that training. This can also be on your checklist around safety during the move!
Practise evacuating
Sometimes an escape route is in a corner where employees don’t often go. Nevertheless, it is important that they know how to evacuate from the building as quickly as possible and what to do in such a situation. That is why it is interesting to practice evacuating unexpectedly very occasionally. Better be safe than sorry!
