A straightforward guide to fire safety

Fire regulations and fire safety can appear complex, but are essentially straightforward and not difficult to implement.

Every business needs to appoint a staff member responsible for fire safety, and should have a fire risk assessment. If you have five or more employees, the assessment must be written down. You can use a professional fire assessor, though this is not mandatory.

The accessor will identify potential fire risks, and assess the state of the alarms and escape routes used to evacuate the building in case of fire.

An assessment is also concerned with equipment. Fire extinguishers must be in good working order and have an annual maintenance test.

Fire safety signs need to be displayed. Signs include fire action notices, fire exit signs, fire alarm call point signs and warning signs. All signs need to be clearly visible and in the appropriate locations.

Unless you work in a very small area or a small shop where a shout of ‘FIRE’ can be heard by everyone, you will need a fully working fire alarm. This should be an automatic system that sounds the alarm when smoke or flames are detected. The alarm should be regularly tested to make sure everyone in the building can hear it.

Emergency lighting is required in case the normal lighting fails in a fire.

The last part to reducing fire risks is staff training and fire drills so that all members of staff know what to do and what not to do in case of fire.