| Don’t get burned by the new UK fire regulations | | | | focus on the safety in the case of fire of all relevant |
| New fire safety regulations came into force in | | | | persons. The assessment should pay attention to |
| October 2006, how will they affect your business? | | | | those at special risk, such as disabled people, those |
| In 2004 (England and Wales) fire and rescue services | | | | with special needs, young persons and must include |
| attended over 33,400 fires in non-domestic buildings. | | | | consideration for any dangerous substances. The fire |
| These fires killed 38 people and injured over 1300! | | | | risk assessment will help you to identify risks that can |
| Fire also costs money. The cost of a fire can be high | | | | be removed or reduced and help you to decide the |
| and afterwards many businesses do not reopen. In | | | | extent of the general fire precautions you need to |
| 2004, the costs as a consequence of fire, including | | | | take. |
| property damage, human casualties and lost business, | | | | If the organization or business employs five or more |
| were estimated at £2.5 billion | | | | people you must record the significant findings of the |
| As an employer or responsible person you must | | | | assessment. Regardless of the number of employees |
| carry out a fire risk assessment which is required to | | | | it is good practice to record your significant findings. |
| focus on the safety in the case of fire of all relevant | | | | So What is a Fire Risk Assessment |
| persons. | | | | A fire risk assessment is an organized and methodical |
| Introduction | | | | review of your premises, what activities are carried |
| The new legislation effective from 1st October 2006 | | | | out and the likelihood that a fire could start. |
| requires employers and others responsible for | | | | The aims of the fire risk assessment are: |
| buildings to comply with the new Fire Safety Law! | | | | • To identify any fire hazards |
| Previously it was the responsibility of the Fire | | | | • To reduce the risk of those hazards causing |
| Authority to ensure compliance with fire safety law | | | | harm |
| and this was managed via local fire brigades. | | | | • To decide what physical fire precautions and |
| Publication of “The Fire Safety-An Employers | | | | management arrangements are required to ensure |
| Guide” by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) | | | | the safety of people in your premises should a fire |
| in 1999 stated the advent of a new employer led | | | | start. |
| approach towards fire safety at work in the UK. This | | | | Your assessment will consider “what if” |
| was necessary to bring the UK in line with European | | | | scenarios and consider such key components as: |
| Union directives. | | | | • Sources of Ignition |
| New reforms will see a much greater need for | | | | • Sources of fuel |
| employers to comply with fire protection law. The | | | | • Sources of oxygen (air) |
| new law means that employers will need to produce | | | | • Persons at risk |
| fire risk assessments and introduce action plans to | | | | • Means of Escape |
| minimise the risk from fire and the consequences | | | | • Fire Detection and Warning |
| should one arise. | | | | • Means of Fighting Fire |
| So the new law will; | | | | • Emergency Planning. |
| • Emphasise preventing fires and reducing risk | | | | What Next? |
| • Make it your responsibility to ensure the safety | | | | Your fire risk assessment should clearly demonstrate |
| of everyone who uses your premises and in the | | | | that, as far as is practicable and reasonable you have |
| immediate vicinity | | | | considered the needs of all relevant persons. Whilst it |
| • Do away with the need for fire certificates | | | | is possible for a simple fire risk assessment to be |
| The importance of your responsibilities should not be | | | | completed by the responsible person, in the real |
| under estimated. | | | | world employers have other things to think about, |
| Does this affect me? | | | | like earning a living. |
| If you manage, own or you are the responsible | | | | All this may seem daunting however there is help |
| person for offices, shops, factories, hospitals, hotels, | | | | available, there are service providers who are able to |
| care homes, places of assembly and so on, the | | | | supply you with a fire risk assessment as required by |
| answer is almost certainly yes! In fact the Fire | | | | this new legislation. |
| Precautions (Workplace) Regulations cover all | | | | You have the option of completing your risk |
| premises that people have access to except for | | | | assessment online via the Internet or by contacting |
| single domestic premises. | | | | local service providers who will attend your premises |
| What Do I Need To Do? | | | | and complete a survey of the facilities. Your local fire |
| As an employer or responsible person you must | | | | services are always available to offer advice. |
| carry out a fire risk assessment which is required to | | | | |