FIRE SAFETY IN A WORKPLACE

One of the biggest threats to your staff and to your business is fire. As an employer you need to focus on two things:

1. Minimising the risk of a fire breaking out – remember prevention is the best cure
2. Ensuring that there is a clear and efficient procedure in place, should a fire occur
3. The following actions must be carried out by the responsible person:

• • • ‘Carry out a fire risk assessment of the premises and review it regularly
    • Tell staff or their representatives about the risks you’ve identified
    • Put in place, and maintain appropriate fire safety measures
    • Plan for an emergency
    • Provide staff information, fire safety instruction and training.’

The fire risk assessment should be carried out at least annually and must be conducted and a ‘written record kept’ if a business has more than five people. The fire risk assessment (FRA) should follow a set procedure to help identify fire hazards and the risk to people and property. The goal is to evaluate all risks so they can be either reduced or eliminated. The findings must then be recorded. It is also necessary at this stage to produce an emergency plan which should consider the following items:

• • Keep emergency routes and fire exits free from obstruction
  • The evacuation plan (including disabled personnel)
  • The fire alarm system
  • Fire doors
  • Fire detection and warning
  • Location and types of firefighting equipment
  • Fire safety training for staff
  • The provision of fire safety information to employees and visitors or building users
  • Passive fire protection
  • Frequency of fire drills
  • The location and containment of dangerous substances that could cause or exacerbate a fire.