The Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 - As amended

From the 1st October 2006 an amendment to the above Act will take effect.

The emphasis of the new law is to reduce the risk and prevention of fires by placing greater onus on the Employer. An Employer is defined as:

• A person responsible for a business premises
• An Employer
• Self employed with a business premises
• A Charity or Voluntary organisation
• A Contractor with a degree of control over any premises.

Private Homes are not included within this legislation.

Also from this date, Fire Certificates will be abolished making the Employer solely the responsible person for preventative and protective measures, including fire detection and warnings, means of escape, fire fighting equipment, emergency planning and staff training, maintenance and testing of all fire fighting equipment.

Fire Risk Assessment

The purpose of a Fire Risk Assessment is to identify where fires could occur and who could be at risk, employees, customers and visitors. It should identify the preventative and protective measures required, and, once these areas have been identified, the appropriate steps should be taken.

You should take into account:

• Sources of ignition
• Combustible materials in the workplace
• Structural features
• People at risk from fire
• Controls that may need to be introduced during maintenance or refurbishment work.

Fire Detection and Warning

This varies from workplace to workplace but generally the warning signal should be distinctive and capable of being heard throughout the workplace. Larger premises should be fitted with an electrical fire warning system complying with BS 5839-1:2002.

Provision of Fire Fighting Equipment

Portable Fire fighting equipment is usually acceptable for most work places of normal or low risk. As a general rule of thumb, one 9 litre water extinguisher for 200 square metres of floor space and a minimum of one per floor is the norm. Extinguishers designed for specific hazards should be placed near the hazard. Other extinguishers should be mounted on brackets or stands, preferably near an exit or escape route and clearly indicated.

Means of Escape

A means of escape MUST be provided which will be determined by working activities, the number of employees, the type of building etc.

These Escape routes should :

• Be kept clear at all times
• Lead directly to the nearest open air
• Allow evacuation of staff quickly and safely
• The number of routes should be adequate
• Accessible at all times eg .Emergency doors should not be locked
• Be clearly indicated.

Emergency Planning and Staff Training

All staff must receive the appropriate information and training in emergency procedures. In accordance with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers must appoint and train personnel to act as Fire Wardens to assist in emergency evacuations.

Maintenance and Testing of Fire Safety Equipment

Regular checking and maintenance of all fire extinguishing and detection equipment must be done, and a record kept of this.

Finally, some key action steps:

• ASSESS THE FIRE RISK IN YOUR WORKPLACE
• CHECK FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM SYSTEM
• CHECK MEANS OF ESCAPE
• PROVIDE SUFFICIENT FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT
• CHECK AND MAINTAIN FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT, KEEP RECORD OF
• PROVIDE ADEQUATE INSTRUCTION AND TRAINING
• PRACTISE EVACUATION REGULARLY
• APPOINT AND TRAIN FIRE WARDENS