Office Fire Safety
With the relaxation of restrictions and the government imposed ‘work from home’ order shortly to be removed, are you ready to head back to the office? This will already be a daunting time for most office workers having been away from the office for almost 18 months, but Fire Safety needn’t add to those worries!
This month’s blog hopes to help you understand what is important, who is responsible and why you should be prepared when heading back into the office.
So, who is responsible for fire safety in the office?
Dependant on the type and size of the business, this role might lie with several different people. From the landlord, Directors and Managers to dedicated fire safety officers, it is important to identify who oversees communicating fire safety procedures to employees. It is also important that all employees are aware of who oversees the fire safety for the company.
The responsibility of the dedicated person includes but is not limited to.
- Informing all staff about the risks identified
- Enforcing and maintain fire safety measures
- Planning for an emergency
- Providing fire safety training and information
- Carrying out and regularly reviewing fire risk assessments.
Did you know, you can be fined or even go to prison if you do not follow the correct fire safety regulations.
Common hazards in the workplace
Although you may feel your office is a safe space for your employees, it’s surprising how many hazards there actually is that you may not be aware of!
Offices tend to be filled throughout with electrical devices. From computers and telephones to the kettle in the kitchen. If not checked and PAT Tested correctly, you could be in real danger of faulty wires and electrical goods causing a fire. Periodic checks are paramount in reducing the impact that an electrical fire can cause.
As well as ensuring all devices are safe and in good working condition, it is important that your employees are aware of the fire safety evacuation plans and designated routes to vacate the building safely and orderly in the event of a fire. Without a plan, there could be serious consequences - a safe exit is vital in avoiding the loss of lives. Keeping these routes clear of combustibles is also vitally important for offices, these routes should not be used for storage!
Routes should be clearly signposted so that in the event of a fire, everyone is aware of the way out of the building. When panic sets in, people are likely to forget all that you have told them so ensuring adequate signage is clearly visible will remind them how and where to leave the building safely.
You should also make special arrangements for people with mobility needs, for example make sure there are people to help wheelchair users get downstairs if there’s a fire.
The importance of fire safety training
Many of the risks in offices can be minimised with adequate training. By implementing a robust fire safety training scheme, confusion will be reduced, and confidence will be restored amongst employees. Most importantly, it could be lifesaving. Not all training needs to take up huge chunks of your working week, it can be simple fire drills every now and then to remind people of their responsibilities and exit routes. Awareness sessions can also be enormously beneficial in expanding the knowledge of employees and ensuring everyone can work together seamlessly in the event of a fire to reduce the devastating impacts that it could cause.
It is also necessary to ensure that all fire safety equipment is tested and maintained.
You must carry out regular checks to make sure that:
- all fire alarm systems are working
- the emergency lighting is working
- you record any faults in systems and equipment
- all escape routes are clear, and the floor is in good condition
- all fire escapes can be opened easily
- automatic fire doors close correctly
- fire exit signs are in the right place
Fire Risk Assessments
It is the duty of the responsible person to carry out and regularly view the fire risk assessment. If your business has five or more people in it, you must keep a written record.
To carry out the Fire Risk Assessment, you must;
- Identify the fire hazards.
- Identify people at risk.
- Evaluate, remove or reduce the risks.
- Record your findings, prepare an emergency plan and provide training.
- Review and update the fire risk assessment regularly
Your local fire and rescue authority visits premises to check the fire risk assessment and fire prevention measures are appropriate. Fire safety officers should help you understand the rules and comply with them.
They can also act if they think your fire safety measures are not adequate. For example, they might issue an informal notice suggesting safety measures. They could also give you a formal fire safety notice. They’ll tell you how to fix the problems described in the notice.
