Fire

Fire safety in your workplace

by Mark Rowe

As some businesses run a higher risk of fire than others, the level of fire safety measures required in your organisation depends on the type of enterprise you run. The health and safety of staff and visitors is paramount in every working environment, however, and using properly regulated fire safety supplies is not only crucial but, in most cases, required by law, writes Paul North.

The person responsible for fire safety must also ensure that supplies are maintained to the required standard. If you have sub-standard equipment or fail to take the necessary preventative measures, you will face enforcement action by the fire authorities, and potential prosecution.

What types of fire safety equipment might you need in your business? Although not every business will be required to install all of the following measures, you will need to put in place some fire prevention equipment, as well as training your staff in how to use it.

– Sprinkler systems incorporated into all floors and areas of the building;
– Appropriate fire extinguishers for your business type, properly maintained and certificated;
Fire hose reels;
– Fire alarms, and possibly other fire detection systems;
– Emergency lighting; and
– Fire doors and fire escapes.

Checking that your fire-related supplies meet the current standards is a vital part of fire safety, so what do you need to do on a practical basis?

Checking that fire equipment meets regulatory standards

Fire extinguishers often prevent smaller fires from spreading throughout a building, and are a crucial part of your fire prevention measures. Initially, you need to make sure they are the appropriate type for your business. In general, businesses need a minimum of two fire extinguishers on each floor, potentially including foam, water and CO2 extinguishers, depending on the risk. Once installed, the pressure gauges should be checked on a monthly basis, and a full maintenance check, service, and certification carried out by a qualified and BAFE-accredited fire safety expert every year.

If you don’t have regulated fire safety equipment in your workplace

The Fire Service carries out regular inspections at UK commercial and industrial premises. If your fire safety supplies are found to be sub-standard, or you don’t have the required supplies in place, you will face further action.

Failing a fire safety check is a serious offence, with some of the smaller breaches attracting heavy financial penalties of up to £5,000. The fire authorities issue three types of notice, depending on the seriousness of the breach:

•Alterations notice

If your business has been identified as presenting a high fire safety risk, or changing the use of the premises would create a high risk, the Fire Service will inform you via an alterations notice.

•Enforcement notice

Should your business fail a fire safety inspection, you may receive an enforcement notice detailing the changes needed, and a deadline by which they should be made.

•Prohibition notice

A prohibition notice will be issued if the fire authorities believe your premises present a significant and immediate risk to the health and safety of your staff or members of the public. In these cases, access will be either restricted, or completely prohibited.

Fines and other penalties for non-compliance

As we mentioned earlier, non-compliance with fire regulations results in heavy fines, and failing to use regulated fire safety supplies would be considered a breach of regulations. Unlimited fines for serious non-compliance are very common, with prison sentences also being handed down in some circumstances.

About the author

Paul North, Head of Operations of Preston-based Fire & Water Supplies, has more than 15 years’ experience advising key staff in both private and public sector operations on their fire safety requirements. Visit www.fireandwatersupplies.com.

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