When your staff arrive for work each morning it’s unlikely that what to do in the event of a fire is uppermost in their mind.
Employers (and/or
building owners or occupiers) are required to carry out a fire safety risk
assessment and keep it up to date. Based on the findings of the risk assessment
employers are required to ensure that adequate and appropriate measures are in
place to minimise the risk of injury or loss of life in the event of a fire.
In order to help
prevent fire in the workplace your risk assessment needs to identify what could
cause a fire to start (for example something that could cause heat or a spark),
and materials that could burn (for example paper or cardboard), and the people
who may be at risk.
Once the risks
are identified, appropriate action can be taken to control them. You will need
to consider whether you can avoid the risks altogether, or, if this is not
possible, identify the steps you can take to reduce and manage the risks. You
also need to consider how you will protect people if a fire does occur.
You will need to
consider:
- Emergency routes
and exits - Fire detection
and warning systems - Fire fighting
equipment - The removal or
safe storage of dangerous substances - Staff fire safety
training - An emergency fire
evacuation plan - The needs of
vulnerable people for example those with disabilities - Providing
information to employees and other people on the premises
Once complete your fire safety risk assessment must be reviewed regularly and changes made where necessary.
Not sure where to
start or in need of some guidance? Here at Fire and Electrical Safety we can
help.
