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The Fire Precaution (Workplace) Regulations 1997

 

Fire precaution regulations deals with general fire prevention, to include:

• Means of detection and giving warning in case of fire
• The provision of a means of escape
• Means of fighting fire
• The training of staff in fire safety

Regulation 3

This applies to all employers with respect to all workplaces and control of the workplace (including maintenance, repair & safety) excluding:

• A construction site
• Mine or offshore installation
• Ship, aircraft, locomotive or rolling stock
• Work in fields, woods or other agricultural or forestry land which is not inside the building
• Prisons

Regulation 4

This details what every workplace should have, including:

• Appropriate fire fighting equipment, fire detector and alarms
• Non-automatic equipment that is easily accessible, simple to use and indicated by signage

Regulation 5

When carrying out a risk assessment the following should be considered

• Routes to emergency exits should be kept clear at all times
• Emergency routes to be as direct as possible
• The number of evacuation routes should be in proportion to the number of people in the buildings at any one time
• Sliding or revolving doors should not be used in an event of an emergency
• Emergency routes and exits should be indicated with appropriate signage
• Routes and exits requiring lighting should have sufficient back lighting in place

Regulation 6

All equipment should be regularly maintained as appropriate to ensure it is kept in full working order

Updated

The regulatory reform (Fire Safety) order 2005 requires the controller or employer of the premises to reduce and safely manage risk from fire.  The order is enforced by the local fire and rescue service although the HSE are still involved with particular industries and establishments i.e. chemical and construction sites.  The local authority may be the enforcing authority for particular establishments such as sports grounds or places of entertainment. 

A fire safety policy and risk assessment are a legal requirement where 5 or more persons are employed however it is good practice to have something in place regardless and should be carried out by a competent person.  Depending on the nature of your business it might be necessary to source specialist advice.
If you are based in a shared property there is an absolute duty to cooperate, coordinate and exchange information how fire safety will be managed by each responsible person.

Your premises should have a register of fire log book which should detail all training, fire drills, testing and maintenance.

It is important to be aware that a Fire Officer can ask to see your current fire risk assessment and log book at any time, they are also entitled to inspect a premises at any time and have the power to issue improvement and prohibition orders if it is concluded that there is a breach of order.