Employers Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities for ensuring Health & Safety in the workplace, including safety from fire rests with the Employer.

The new Regulations apply to an employer who employs one or more workers (excluding domestic servants), in a workplace for which he has responsibility.

Risk Assessment

The employer has to assess the likelihood of fire, and the consequences for those in the workplace, and take appropriate action to reduce or eliminate such risks.

Where five or more people are employed, a record must be made of the significant findings of the risk assessment, and any group of employees identified as being especially at risk.

The assessments are to be made by a "competent person", who has sufficient training, experience, knowledge and other qualities to properly perform his functions. Fire Risk Management Solutions Ltd. has a "competent person" available.

Fire Risk Assessment

A "Fire Risk Assessment" is designed to enable the competent person to look at those areas in the workplace where the risk of fire may arise, and make appropriate comments and observations.

If fire occurs in a workplace, there is a risk that people will be trapped by fire or injured as they attempt to escape. The purpose of the risk assessment is to identify where fires may start in the workplace and anyone who may be put at risk from fire.

Staff or their representatives should be informed of the findings of the fire risk assessment and a copy of any written findings made available.

A review of the fire risk assessment needs to be carried out at reasonable intervals and also if significant changes to the workplace, working practices or if staff have changed.

In some cases, a brief response only will be necessary, to confirm the adequacy of existing arrangements in place. However, where a particular risk is identified which may require an in depth assessment, then advice or information should be sought from a specialist.

Staff Training

No matter how good the provisions for fire prevention and protection it will not be effective if the people concerned are not given the necessary instruction and training.

Every employee should be given instruction, training and refresher training in:

1. the means of escape in case of fire;
2. the action to be taken in case of fire;
3. the location and method of operating equipment provided for fighting fires;
4. the location and use of fire alarms.

Fire marshals and other persons who may be identified in the emergency plan (required as part of the fire risk assessment) must receive additional instruction and training appropriate to their responsibilities.