Fire Precautions

The current industrial dispute, which probably affects the cover provided by your local fire brigade, suggests that it would be wise to keep the levels of fire safety provided under review.

If you do need to call the Fire Brigade dial 999.
Do not rely on the fire alarm transmitting the call automatically.

Calls re-directed by call receiving stations will not always be answered. This could lead to prolonged delays or even no response at unmanned or closed sites.

Arrangements for answering automatic alarms and passing on 999 calls should be checked with the alarm companies to ensure adequate coverage.

The Fire Risk Assessment below will guide you towards a more comprehensive check. Further information about the dispute is available from the BBC.

A. Undertake a Housekeeping check

• Portable heaters should be secure and not close to combustibles
• No light bulbs near combustibles or other stored materials
• Electrical wiring, equipment in good condition
• Sockets controls being observed
• Proper controls being observed
• No accumulations of combustibles

B. Check fire safety measures

• Fire exits and exit routes unobstructed and available for use
• Fire shutters in correct position
• Emergency lighting and exit signs on/charging
• Fire points/extinguishers unobstructed and available for use
• Fire detection and alarm systems in proper working order
• Sprinkler system valves in correct position and good working order

C. Staff Readiness

• Check that fire wardens/fire marshals have been appointed
• Has a fire drill been carried out within last 12 months?
• Have all staff received training in the correct fire procedures?

D. Maintenance

• Have all fire extinguishers/hose reels been inspected recently by a competent person?
• Has the sprinkler system been serviced and maintained in last six months?
• Have fire pumps/generators been test1 run recently?
• Are diesel pump and generator fuel tanks full?
• Are dry/wet risers in working order and unobstructed?

Fire Risk Assessment

It is a requirement of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 that a Fire Risk Assessment is made. To download and print a copy of this Fire Risk Assessment as a Word document, please click here.

This assessment should identify the measures needed to comply with Part 2 of the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 (as amended), which seek to safeguard the safety of employees and other persons who may be affected in case of fire.

The assessment should be undertaken by the employer in every workplace, which is to any extent under his control. When the employer does not control the workplace, the person who has this responsibility or obligation in relation to the repair, maintenance or safety should undertake the assessment.

The Fire Risk Assessment need only be recorded where there are 5 or more employees. It may be helpful to involve them when making the assessment and they should be informed of the results.

In smaller workplaces, even though it is not a legal requirement to record the assessment, the methodical approach detailed below should ensure that all the hazards are identified.

English Heritage has adopted the policy of recording all their Risk Assessments.

The Fire Risk Assessment should be reviewed if there is a reason to suspect that it is no longer valid, or if there has been a significant change in the matters to which it relates.

Further guidance is contained in the booklet 'Fire Safety an Employers Guide' obtainable from The Stationery Office.

It should be noted that this method of Risk Assessment is only one of many methods.