Fire Regulations
The Fire Regulations
The Workplace Fire Regulations have changed (1/12/99).
The revised Fire Precautions Act includes Fire Safety measures in the work place to ensure that all workers are safe from fire risks at all times.
This Act puts the responsibility of assessing Fire Risk on to the employer. This means it is the employer's duty to do the relevant Risk Assessments to ensure all employees work in a safe environment.
All necessary and adequate precautions must be taken to minimize all possible risks once a Fire Risk Assessment has been completed.
The Act places a duty on all employers to carry out a written assessment of the work place (Risk Assessment) and to identify all possible risks so they can be minimized immediately.
If employers fail in this duty they could be liable for prosecution. Employers must provide safe systems in accordance with the current Fire Regulations and ensure that these are tested regularly.
All fire extinguishers and alarms on the premises must be tested frequently and regular fire drills must be carried out to make sure everyone is knows exactly what to do in the event of a fire.
All employees must be made aware of the Fire Regulations so that they know what to do on discovering a fire and can quickly carry out correct evacuation procedures.
Employee training in the Fire Regulations is very important if the employer is to fully protect the business and the workers.
Any visitors and members of the public who may be on the premises must also be made aware of these procedures in the event of a fire.
These matters are now the employer's responsibility for their employees and the building occupied. The employer must also keep and up-date the Health and Safety records which includes includes staff training and equipment testing.
The Fire Risk Assessment
A thorough Fire Risk Assessment carried out regularly is now absolutely vital to a business if it is to comply fully with current Health and Safety standards in the work place.
A Fire Risk Assessment is needed if the business employs 5 or more people and it is serious offence if employers fail to comply.
A Fire Risk Assessment is not the same thing as a Fire Certificate. Depending on the number of employees you have, you may need both to ensure you comply with current safety regulations.
Ask your insurance company or brokers if there is a discount where you show that you regularly carry out Fire Risk Assessments and otherwise fully comply.
Never rely totally on this information which relates primarily to England & Wales. Before taking action or not, seek expert advice with the full facts of your case and all documents to hand.
