Fire-risk assessment
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New legislation means employers must carry out fire-risk assessments of their premises. But don't panic - all the necessary steps are straightforward enough, even if you haven't undertaken one before, as Kat Knight discovers
The introduction of new regulations in October 2006 means that the previous system of fire-safety certificates for premises has been abolished. The employer or 'responsible person' for the premises or building must carry out a fire-risk assessment of their premises if they haven't done so previously.
"The new system requires you to evaluate the fire risks at your premises and take steps to remove or reduce them," explains Dr Jacqueline Jeynes, business adviser at health and safety consultancy Opal Services. This need not be complicated. "The complexity of your fire-risk assessment will reflect the complexity of your premises and operations," advises David Amess, managing director of JDA Risk Management. "It should be simple if you're a small business with basic premises." Five steps There are five recommended steps you need to carry out, starting with identifying fire hazards. "Look for sources of ignition," says Amess, "such as people smoking or anything that could cause sparks. Identify sources of fuel, such as cleaning fluids, stationery or waste. Consider whether anything encourage the spread of fire. Do you keep your rubbish under the stairs, for example, which would block your escape route if fire broke out?" "Then identify people at risk," continues Jeynes. "Think about who might be in or near your premises who would need to know about your fire-protection systems - including employees, people in adjoining buildings, visitors or contractors. Are any of these more at risk than others?" Evaluate the risks you have identified and act to eliminate or minimise them. "You must provide preventative and protective measures," explains Amess. "Control sources of ignition and the use and storage of flammable materials." This might mean banning smoking in the workplace or ensuring that paints or solvents are kept locked away outside your building. Record your findings and plan how you would deal with a blaze. "This depends on the size of your workplace and the likelihood of fire," says Amess. "It might be as simple as installing fire extinguishers and fire blankets, while larger premises might need a building-wide alarm and sprinkler system." Fire plan As part of your plan, keep your staff trained in how to respond to fire. "You must have management systems in place," stresses Jeynes, "so that everyone knows what to do. Plan safe means of escape and allocate responsibility for raising the alarm, calling the fire brigade and ensuring everyone is evacuated and accounted for. Carry out regular fire drills, too." Finally, review your assessment regularly (at least once a year) and update it when circumstances change considerably, for example, if you expand the size of your premises. "You're legally obliged to carry out a fire-risk assessment," says Amess. "You must go through the process and show that you have done so. Look sensibly and objectively at what might conceivably happen - you could be endangering your employees, yourself and your business if you don't," he concludes.
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