As we’ve been highlighting lately, fire risk assessments are a must now for the workplace. In the most serious cases ignorance can lead to injury or death but failure to comply to the 2005 Regulatory Reform of the Fire Safety act can mean a possible prison sentence. A recent case saw a Preston landlord end up before a judge for putting lives at risk for failure to abide by fire safety rules and told he could end up in jail.
A fire emergency evacuation plan also known as FEEP is a document that businesses should prepare that covers all action to be taken by staff in the event of a fire. It also should include additional steps such as arrangements for calling the fire brigade and training required.
It is highly advisable for any company to nominate members of staff to implement the fire action plan (at least one person is required by law to be a “Responsible Person” within the company assigned to oversee risk assessment and internal policies relating to fire safety) and give them adequate training in fire fighting / evacuation procedures.
As a guide the following items should be considered within the workplace:
- Fire wardens/marshals (responsible person)
- Fire fighting equipment provided (extinquishers, blankets)
- Fire prevention equipment (smoke detectors)
- Fire Emergency Evacuation Plan
- Calling the fire brigade
- Places of assembly and how to monitor visitors (roll call, sign in book)
- Action on discovering a fire
- Power isolation (if safe)
- Protocols for ensuring clutter free environment
Stay safe and call us today on 0333 331 7052
