Effective Fire Safety Arrangements in the Workplace

1 Introduction
2 Fire safety legislation
3 Fire safety arrangements in the workplace
4 Summary
5 Related articles on Designing Buildings

[edit] Introduction

Fire safety is an important aspect of managing workplaces and protecting employees, visitors and other people who may be affected by workplace activities. Fires can result in fatalities and injuries, as well as damage to buildings, equipment, stock and business operations. Effective fire safety arrangements therefore seek to prevent fires from occurring, provide early warning if a fire occurs, limit fire and smoke spread, and ensure that people can evacuate safely.

The precise legal requirements vary across the UK. Employers and other duty holders must assess the fire risks associated with their premises and activities and implement appropriate preventive and protective measures. Effective arrangements normally include fire risk assessment, control of ignition and fuel sources, suitable means of escape, fire detection and alarm systems where required, appropriate firefighting equipment, emergency procedures, information and training, and suitable inspection and maintenance arrangements.

[edit] Fire safety legislation

The principal legislation governing fire safety in non-domestic premises differs between the UK nations. In England and Wales, the main legislation is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which applies to most workplaces and other non-domestic premises. In Scotland, fire safety in most non-domestic premises is principally governed by Part 3 of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006. In Northern Ireland, the principal legislation includes the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and the Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010.

These regimes place duties on those responsible for premises to assess and manage fire risks and implement appropriate fire precautions. The extent and nature of the duties depend on the premises, their use, the people at risk and the hazards present. Failure to comply can result in enforcement action and, in serious cases, prosecution.

[edit] Fire safety arrangements in the workplace

[edit] Fire risk assessment

A fire risk assessment is the basis for determining appropriate fire safety measures. It should identify sources of ignition and fuel, the means by which fire and smoke could spread, people who may be at particular risk, and the adequacy of existing fire precautions and escape arrangements.

The assessment should consider the characteristics and use of the premises, including work activities, storage arrangements, electrical and heating equipment, combustible materials, hazardous substances and any processes that could generate heat or sparks. It should also consider people who may require assistance to evacuate, including disabled people, visitors and contractors.

Fire risk assessments should be reviewed when significant changes occur and periodically to ensure that they remain suitable. The findings should be recorded where required and used to establish an appropriate programme of preventive and protective measures.

[edit] Prevent ignition and control fuel

Good housekeeping is an important part of fire prevention. Accumulations of combustible waste, packaging, paper, textiles and other materials can increase the likelihood and severity of a fire. Waste should be removed regularly and combustible materials should be stored in suitable locations and kept away from sources of ignition.

Sources of ignition should be identified and controlled. These may include electrical equipment, heating appliances, hot work, naked flames, smoking materials, cooking equipment and processes that generate heat or sparks. Where hot work is undertaken, suitable controls should be established to prevent ignition of combustible materials.

Electrical installations and equipment should be appropriately designed, installed, used, inspected and maintained. Measures should be taken to avoid damaged cables, defective equipment, overloaded circuits and unsuitable use of electrical appliances.

[edit] Provide fire detection, alarm and firefighting equipment

The fire risk assessment should determine the need for fire detection and alarm systems. Where provided, these systems should give an appropriate warning to people who may need to evacuate and should be regularly inspected, tested and maintained. Systems may incorporate automatic fire detection, manual call points, audible alarms and visual alarm devices, depending on the requirements of the premises.

Fire extinguishers and other first-aid firefighting equipment should be selected according to the types of fire that could reasonably occur and the risks identified by the fire risk assessment. Common extinguisher types include water, foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide and wet chemical extinguishers. Their suitability depends on the fire class and circumstances; for example, water extinguishers should not be used on fires involving energised electrical equipment or flammable liquids where they are unsuitable.

Fire extinguishers are intended primarily for dealing with small fires where it is safe to do so. They are not a substitute for preventing fires, providing adequate means of escape or ensuring that the fire and rescue service can be called promptly. Equipment should be suitably positioned, readily accessible, clearly identified and maintained.

[edit] Maintain means of escape and fire protection

Escape routes should be kept available, unobstructed and suitable for the number and characteristics of people who may need to use them. They should lead to places of safety and should be appropriately protected from fire and smoke where required. Emergency exits and escape routes should not be used for storage or obstructed by equipment, furniture or other materials.

Fire-resisting construction, compartmentation and fire doors may be required to restrict the spread of fire and smoke and protect escape routes. Fire doors and associated hardware should be correctly installed and maintained, and should not be wedged or otherwise prevented from performing their intended function.

Emergency lighting and safety signs may also be required to assist evacuation, particularly where normal lighting may be affected by a fire or where the layout of escape routes makes additional guidance necessary.

[edit] Establish emergency procedures and provide training

Employers and other responsible persons should establish procedures for responding to a fire. These should address how a fire is reported, how the alarm is raised, how the fire and rescue service is contacted, how people are evacuated, where they assemble and how the safety of occupants is accounted for.

Procedures should take account of the needs of people who may require assistance to evacuate. Where appropriate, individual emergency evacuation plans or other arrangements should be established for people who may have difficulty using the normal means of escape.

Staff should receive appropriate information and instruction about the fire risks in their workplace, the action to take in an emergency and the location and operation of relevant fire safety equipment. Training should be proportionate to the nature of the workplace and the risks identified by the fire risk assessment.

Fire wardens, also known as fire marshals, may be appointed to assist with routine fire safety duties and emergency evacuation. There is not, however, a general UK-wide legal requirement for every workplace to have a specified minimum number of fire wardens. The number and responsibilities of fire wardens should be determined according to the circumstances of the premises and the findings of the fire risk assessment.

[edit] Inspect, test and maintain fire safety measures

Fire safety measures need to remain effective throughout the life of the workplace. Fire alarms, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, fire doors, smoke control systems and other fire protection measures should be inspected, tested and maintained as appropriate.

Records should be kept where required to demonstrate that relevant inspections, tests, maintenance and training have been undertaken. Any defects that could affect fire safety should be addressed promptly.

[edit] Summary

Effective workplace fire safety depends on an integrated approach rather than a single precaution. Fire risks should be assessed and controlled, ignition and combustible materials should be managed, suitable detection and warning systems should be provided where required, and means of escape should be maintained. Firefighting equipment and other protective measures should be appropriate to the risks and properly maintained.

Emergency procedures should be understood by those who work in the premises, with suitable arrangements for visitors and people who may require assistance to evacuate. Regular review, inspection, maintenance and training help ensure that fire safety arrangements remain effective as the workplace, its occupants and its activities change.