It’s clear that fire safety in the workplace is important. Due to the nature of workplace premises, there are a whole host of fire hazards and ignition sources that need to be managed correctly, not to mention the number of occupants that need to be able to evacuate the building safely in the event of a fire.
According to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the person in control of fire safety is known as the ‘responsible person’. This is usually whoever is in charge of the building, and can be any of the following:
- Employer
- Building owner
- Occupier
- Landlord
- Facilities or building manager
If there is more than one person assigned as responsible, then they can share the responsibility equally. This might happen on shared premises, where the landlord and business owner are both responsible.
Employers may also assign a member of staff to the role of fire marshal or fire warden who would oversee all fire strategies and report to the employer to ensure all fire safety practice is being implemented.
Fire Safety Responsibilities in the Workplace
The responsible person assigned to ensuring fire safety in the workplace must review and manage a vast range of fire safety protocols, which include:
Fire Risk Assessments
A fire risk assessment should be reviewed at least every 12 months to ensure that it is up to date, and a new assessment should be carried out by a competent individual, or a professional, every three to four years.
A comprehensive FRA must be documented, and all findings must be recorded, regardless of the number of employees. Prior to regulation changes on October 1st, 2023, a written fire risk assessment was only mandatory where there were 5 or more employees.
A fire risk assessment will highlight any areas of concern and any hazards can then be removed or rectified.
Learn how to carry out a fire risk assessment.
Fire Alarms
The responsible person should ensure that the correct number of fire alarms are installed throughout the workplace. All fire alarms should also be marked with a BSI kitemark or a European safety mark.
Fire Doors
Fire doors should be kept accessible at all times and free from any obstructions. They should be in working condition and it’s important that a trained professional inspects them regularly to ensure they are fit for purpose in the event of a fire.
Read our blog for more information on fire door safety regulations.
Fire Drills
The responsible person for fire safety would be in charge of organising regular fire drills for all occupants of the workplace, to ensure everyone is clear on procedure in the event of a fire and to identify any risks or hazards that may impede escape.
The responsible person should then work to put any hazards in light of the fire drills right.
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers should be available and inspected regularly for any damage. They should also be serviced regularly by a qualified person.
Conclusion
Fire safety in the workplace is an important responsibility and encompasses many different aspects from risk assessments, good housekeeping, fire safety equipment and evacuation plans.
The responsible person can be different building to building however it’s imperative whoever is in charge is aware of their role and responsibilities and they are carried out regularly to ensure the workplace is safe for everyone who uses and visits it.
If you have any concerns over the fire safety of your premises and would like any advice on our fire stopping products, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our technical team at [email protected] or 02920 857 959.
