Office buildings have many fire hazards, especially when they are contained within a multi-storey or multi-occupancy building. Therefore, it is important to follow the fire safety regulations which are in place. This includes conducting the following activities:
- Conducting regular fire risk assessments
- Implementing fire evacuation procedures
- Ensuring the right equipment is in place
- Providing training for fire safety officers
Each business should have a designated ‘responsible person’. This will be either the Director, Office Manager, Landlord, or Building Manager. They should ensure that the fire safety regulations are adhered to and checked upon regularly.
How often should a fire risk assessment be completed?
A fire risk assessment should be completed at least once per year, or when there has been significant change within the business. This is to ensure that there aren’t any new dangers or risks to the staff or the building.
You should keep a written record of your fire risk assessment, regardless of how many employees there are within the business.
How to create a fire evacuation plan
According to the government website, your fire evacuation plan should prove that you have:
- a clear passageway to all escape routes
- clearly marked escape routes that are as short and direct as possible
- enough exits and routes for all people to escape
- emergency doors that open easily
- emergency lighting where needed
- training for all employees to know and use the escape routes
- a safe meeting point for staff
Your safe meeting point should be far enough away from the building to avoid any heat, smoke, or falling debris. You should ideally have a list of all employees to hand so that you can ensure everyone has been evacuated from the building.
Your building will be regularly inspected by a local fire safety officer, and you will be fined if you do not have the correct procedures in place.
What fire safety equipment does my business need?
Your business should legally have a fire detection and warning system in place, and this should be regularly tested. Fortnightly tests are recommended, and staff should be made aware that the alarms will be tested at a certain time.
Fire fighting equipment depends upon the premises. For example, if there are large commercial kitchens, you will need to ensure there are fire blankets, and wet chemical fire extinguishers. Your fire safety officer will be able to provide you with further advice if you are unsure on the equipment required.
Fire safety training in the workplace
A fire drill should be completed at least once per year, to make sure that your members of staff are aware of the fire safety procedures, and your fire assembly point. This is especially important for companies with a high staff turnover, and in some cases we would suggest ensuring a fire drill is carried out every 6 months.
Another option is to provide fire safety training for a few members of staff, so that they can become in-house officers and guide the team to safety. This will often involve a 1-2 day course in order to receive their certificate.
It is also important to ensure an external company is hired to check your fire alarms and fire protection equipment. For large offices, alarm tests should be conducted much more frequently, either weekly or bi-weekly.
If you are looking for fire protection equipment, check out our range of passive fire protection, or contact our team for more information.
