Who is responsible for fire safety in the workplace?

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WORKPLACE FIRE safety solutions are crucial to keeping employees and property safe. Where does the responsibility lie, and what measures should be in place?

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Fire safety is a crucial aspect of workplace health & safety. But, who is responsible for making sure suitable solutions are in place? Who is responsible for making sure fire doors are in working order? Who should ensure visitors are aware of the evacuation plan? Here’s everything you need to know about fire safety in the workplace and who is responsible.

Why Is Workplace Fire Safety So Important?

Because fire safety regulations change often, many workplaces do not realise their fire safety isn’t up to scratch. Workplaces should never neglect their fire safety- this puts lives at risk, as well as property, and could void any insurance claims. Also, workplace fires are a lot more common than you probably think.

Employers should do everything in their power to ensure their employees are safe at all times! Also, without proper fire safety, businesses can be destroyed if a fire breaks out. This unfortunate event could completely ruin a business, especially if the insurance company won’t cover the cost of damage if correct fire safety measures weren’t in place when the fire broke out.

Who Is Responsible For Workplace Fire Safety?

The responsibility for fire safety in commercial buildings used to lie with the fire services; this is no longer the case. It now lies with the following;

Landlords
Employers
Owners
Occupiers
Anyone who has control of the premises, e.g. risk assessor or business manager

These people are known as the ‘responsible person/people’. If there is more than one responsible person, they must work together to ensure all fire safety responsibilities are met. Ultimately...the responsible people need to establish who the responsible person is!

The Responsibilities

It is down to the responsible person/people to ensure all fire safety in the workplace is in place and adequately maintained. Here are the two main targets of all workplace fire safety:

Any fire risks are removed, reduced, or managed with appropriate fire safety measures. This is to protect lives and property.
Everyone inside the building can evacuate quickly & safely if a fire breaks out. And, they know how to do this.

To Install and Maintain Fire Safety Measures

Fire Doors

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 states it is a legal requirement that all fire doors are correctly installed & maintained. They must be kept free of obstructions at all times. The responsible person must ensure there are enough fire doors in the building, and they are regularly inspected by a professional under the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS).

Fire Stopping

It is down to the responsible person to ensure that fire stopping is installed in workplace buildings. This helps to control fire and smoke throughout structures- professionals must install this. Why? Because it is only fully effective when done correctly, with suitable materials, meeting legal safety standards.

Fire Alarm Systems

It is up to the responsible person to ensure an adequate number of fire alarms are installed. Any room that houses a fire risk, for example, a kitchen, must have a fire alarm installed. Fire alarms in all workplaces should be tested weekly by carrying out a fire drill. This ensures they are in good working order. Any fire alarm installed in a workplace must be marked with a current BSI Kitemark or European (CE) safety mark.

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are crucial fire safety measures for workplaces. The responsible person must ensure all extinguishers in the building are serviced annually by a competent person, somebody with a BAFE qualification or equivalent.

For more information, visit www.lfsfire.co.uk