Fire Safety law in the UK applies to any place (though there are a few exceptions, including domestic premises). They exist to help reduce the risk of fire and ensure the safety of people from harm cause by fire. It is vital that every business and building owner understands what is required of them.
Who is a Responsible Person, as stated in Fire Safety Laws?
The Responsible Person in a workplace is an employer. If it is not a workplace the ‘Responsible Person’ is the occupier, or the building owner.
The law requires the ‘Responsible Person’ to ensure the safety of people in the event of fire.
A ‘Responsible Person’ must ensure that a fire risk assessment has been completed and is kept up to date.
The use of a fire safety log book will help you prove compliance with Fire Safety Regulations. It should be completed following an inspection, testing or maintenance of any of the Fire Safety provisions required by the Fire Safety law.
Who does this law apply to?
Everyone (…well almost)!
Where the Fire Safety Order applies, legal duties are imposed on any person who has at least some control over any activities which affect the premises.
In a workplace, an employer must comply with Fire Safety Law. Employees also have a duty to ensure premises are fire safe, as do contractors or other people at work.
In other premises, including for example, places of worship or the communal parts of an apartment building, the building owner, any managing agent and all occupiers have legal duties, in relation to activities which may impact on the fire safety in the building.
What do I have to do?
If you are the responsible person for the premises you must carry out and regularly review a fire risk assessment. This will identify what you need to do to prevent fire and keep people safe. You must keep written records if you employ 5 or more people.
Who can help me?
If you are the Responsible Person you may choose to complete your own fire risk assessment.
To comply with the law, any person appointed to undertake fire safety measures must be regarded as competent. This means that they must have sufficient training, experience or knowledge to enable them to complete a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.
What if I don’t comply?
Your local fire and rescue authority will visit premises to check the fire risk assessment and fire prevention measures are appropriate. Fire safety officers should help you understand the rules and how to comply with them.
If they think your fire safety measures are not adequate, they can take action. This could be an informal notice suggesting safety measures or a formal fire safety notice. They’ll tell you how to fix the problems described in the notice.
There could be a penalty fine or prison time if fire safety regulations are not followed.
How can Equiptest help me?
Understanding your responsibilities can be daunting. Equiptest can give you support and advice on how to improve your fire safety, along with undertaking your Fire Risk Assessment.
Once you have a fire risk assessment it is important that you understand and schedule regular testing and maintenance of your fire safety equipment, including;
• Fire extinguishers servicing
• fire alarm testing
• wet and dry risers testing
• emergency lighting testing
• fire hydrants testing
• sprinkler system servicing
• smoke ventilation maintenance.
We can perform servicing and maintenance on all these vital fire safety measures. We will always provide certificates of inspection and update records correctly to show compliance with fire safety laws. Our knowledge and experience enable us to plan and undertake robust fire safety checks to ensure equipment is in good working order in case of an emergency.
Contact us to find out more.
