How do I manage fire safety?

The management of fire safety in a building is a prime function of any manager. The terms manager or management should be taken to apply to the person who has overall control of the premises at any particular time whilst people are present.

A common cause of fatalities in fires is the failure of the occupants of buildings, whether staff or members of the public, to take the appropriate action when fire is discovered or the alarm is raised. Only effective management combined with appropriate staff training can ensure that the correct actions are likely to be taken and that occupants will be able to escape safely.

Management needs to be aware of the statutory requirements regarding the maintenance of means of escape, fire warning arrangements, portable firefighting equipment, escape lighting, fire safety instructions to staff, etc.

Whatever the size of building there should be no doubt as to the person or persons with whom the responsibility lies. He or she needs to be fully aware of all the fire safety features provided in the premises and the reasons for their provision.

An essential part of the management's duties in respect of fire safety is the training of staff. All staff, including part time members, cleaning staff and contractors need to be familiar with the actions to be taken in the event of fire, with how to call the fire and rescue service, basic fire prevention and with the exits and exit routes provided.

Fire safety training needs to be a continuous feature commencing on the first day of appointment of new staff and continuing in the form of regular refresher training. The training should be based on written instructions appropriate to their specific responsibilities in the event of emergency and should be delivered by a competent person.

Staff with specific duties in the event of fire and staff having a supervisory role should receive additional training and detailed instruction in their own duties.

The basis of fire safety is the fire routine. Staff need to know how to act on discovery of fire or on the raising of the alarm. It is essential that the management draw up an effective routine which covers all possible types of situation, from a false alarm, to a major incident. The fire routine needs to take into account the types of activities which take place in the premises, the fire precautions that are provided and above all the fire warning system that is available. The fire routine may be drawn up following the fire risk assessment of the premises.

Management is responsible for ensuring that all necessary fire safety features are available and in working order and that no undue fire risks are present. Experience has highlighted the importance of ensuring that exit doors can be easily and immediately opened, that exit routes are free from obstruction, are lit and that combustible waste has been removed.

Management procedures should ensure that control is exercised over parking of vehicles on service roads used for fire service access, so that appliances are not obstructed and are able to proceed to within the required distance of any fire main, foam or other inlets.

Good housekeeping will reduce the chances of fire starting, and will minimize its spread if fire does break out. it is vital that all employees are aware of the particular risks associated with hazardous substances and practices that may be encountered.

Where additional risks are introduced anywhere in the building, advice needs to be obtained from the appropriate authorities.

Definitive guidance will be found in:

• The Approved Code Of Practice to the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
  ISBN 0 71 762 488 9
  Available from HSE Books.
• British Standard 5588 | Part 12 | 2004 Managing fire safety
  ISBN 0 580 44586 0.
  Available from the British Standards Institute.

Business Fire Safety
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