The Management of Fire Safety
General Fire Precautions
Measures to reduce the
risk of fire and the risk of spread of fire include:
Means of escape
These are routes leading
from a workplace to a place of safety. These include clear spaces
across rooms, corridors and staircases and should be checked
daily. These measures should also be provided for disabled
persons especially those with mobility problems such as wheelchair
users.
Securing the means of escape so that it can be safely and effectively used
This means that escape
routes should be kept clear of obstruction, have suitable exit
signage and be adequately lit with emergency lighting in the event
of a power failure.
Means for
fighting fires in workplaces
This means the provision
of fire extinguishing appliances to be determined by the size and
layout of the workplace and the nature of the substances that might
burn. Such appliances should be checked by a competent person
on an annual basis.
Means for
detecting fire and giving warning in case of fire in
workplaces
This means the provision
of a fire alarm system and detection system which should be
appropriate to the type of risk e.g. a hand gong on a short term
production set to an electrical fire alarm system with call points,
sounders and fire detection as in the case of a larger studio
complex or office block.
The instruction
and training of employees
This refers to making
staff aware of fire procedures, escape routes, assembly points and
a general awareness of the causes and effects of fire.
This should be carried
out on induction, six monthly by fire drills and normal
annually.
For more details,
see Training.
Measures to
mitigate the effects of fire
This includes where
appropriate such measures as fire suppression systems such as
sprinklers, gaseous systems and water fog systems. These are
automatic in operation and deal with fires in high risk areas that
are not normally staffed. These systems are also used to
prevent business and asset loss in high value
equipment.
Maintain in an
efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair,
premises, facilities, equipment and devices provided for fire
safety purposes.
This means that in
workplaces, all fire related products and facilities must be
maintained by competent persons at laid down periods within British
and other local standards.
Maintain records
of maintenance and training of staff.
For a working example,
see the new Communities and Local Government Fire
Safety Risk Assessment - Offices and Shops publication.
