ABSTRACT
We all take risks all the time. Whether it is crossing the road, driving to work or watching television. The risk may vary from being knocked down, to being in a car accident or suffering ill health due to lack of exercise. The same can be said of fire safety in buildings. As long as we occupy buildings where there is a chance that ignition sources and combustible materials may be present together, there will be a risk of death and injury due to fire. We need not be too fatalistic, however, this simply identifies the need to manage the risk. It also indicates that although we should work towards reducing risk, the ultimate goal of zero risk is not a realistic expectation.
