The Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 as amended

fire service international ltd

"Not more bureaucracy" -"Get some competent help then"

The following is a brief extract from the

Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 as amended

The Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 as amended cover places of work where one or more persons are employed. e.g. commercial, universities, hospitals, shops, hotels, offices.

The Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 as amended state that premises with over 5 workers must have a written fire risk assessment detailing the appropriate fire safety work required, though some premises can be exempt.

Following the fire risk assessment the employer must where necessary in order to safeguard the safety of employees in case of fire and to the extent that it is appropriate, provide:-

Emergency exit routes and doors;

The final emergency exit doors must open outwards and not be sliding or revolving;

Emergency lighting to cover the exit routes where necessary;

Fire-fighting equipment, fire alarms and where necessary fire detectors.

Fire Exit signs, fire alarms and fire fighting equipment must be provided with pictograph signs - Health and Safety (Safety Signs & Signals) Regulations 1996.

Employers must train employees in fire safety following the written risk assessment.

An emergency plan may have to be prepared and sufficient workers trained and equipped to carry out their functions within any such plan.

All equipment and facilities such as fire extinguishers, alarms systems and emergency doors should be regularly maintained and faults rectified as soon as possible. Defects and repairs must be recorded.

Employers must plan, organise, control, monitor and review the measures taken to protect employees from fire whilst at work and if more than five employees, then a record must be maintained.

Employers must appoint an adequate number of competent persons to assist them to comply with their obligations.

Persons shall be regarded as competent where they have sufficient training, experience, knowledge, and other qualities properly to perform their functions to conduct the fire risk assessment.

If employers intentionally or recklessly fail to comply they will be guilty of an offence.

There are a number of other technical and specific Regulations.

N.B. The above brief extract of the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 as amended do not constitute the actual Regulations to which reference should be made. Fire Service International Ltd accept no responsibility for any person failing to refer to the Regulations or their enforcing authority.

These are some questions that need to be considered by a "competent person":-

1.  Does furniture cause only an acceptable fire risk?

What constitutes an "acceptable" risk?

2.  Are there sufficient exits for the number of people present?

How many exits are "sufficient" and what is the occupancy factor - the limit on the number of people to be present

3.  Are are all escape routes adequately lit?

What is "adequate " illumination for an escape route?

4.  Are all vents and service ducts etc suitably protected where appropriate to prevent the spread of fire, heat or smoke?

What is "suitable" protection and where and what is "appropriate"?

5.  Is there sufficient fire fighting equipment of the correct type?

What is "sufficient" and what is the "appropriate" type?

6.  Have all staff received adequate training from a competent person?

What is "adequate" training and who is "competent" to deliver it?

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