Fire Service Circular No 59/1976 (TRU Ref L6.12B.59.76)
Fire Precautions Act Circular No 23/1992 (TRU Ref L6.12D.23)
Dear Chief Officers Letter 8/1995 (TRU Ref L6.12C.08.95)
Guide to Explosives Act 1875 (TRU Ref L6.05.3.EX.01)
8.10 Making changes A fire risk assessment contains detailed information on the type and location of fire safety systems. If you are going to make any changes to your building that may affect your safety, the appropriate authorities should be informed. You should do this before you:
• make extensions or alterations to the building;
• change the internal layout - this includes furniture and equipment if it could affect the means of escape;
• make changes to, or alter, any fire protection installations; and
• intend to store explosives or highly flammable materials.
This also applies to information about any new owners or occupiers in the building.
If you are thinking of making changes, prepare a plan showing details of your proposals. It may help to superimpose these onto a copy of your fire risk assessment plan(s).
You can submit copies of these plans to your local fire service and ask them for any additional advice and guidance. A fire safety officer may take a look at your proposals you may let you know if they are satisfactory. They may also be notified of any requirements or changes that are needed to maintain the fire safety standards.
Once you feel certain that your plans are sufficient you must also make sure the works are carried out in a safe manner, e.g., the means of escape and other safety systems remain available and unobstructed. If you think this may not be the case, contact your fire safety officer for advice.
Once the alterations are complete you should inform visitors and staff of any changes in fire safety arrangements which may affect them. If these are extensive, fire evacuation drills should be carried out.
9.0 Emergency evacuation procedures A major factor in fatalities caused by fire, in particular in non-domestic premises is the situation that the occupants did not know what to do (or where to go) during the incident.
By developing and implementing planned and rehearsed evacuation procedures, this factor will be greatly reduced.
There is no single generic fire procedure, and procedures need to be developed for each building, taking into account all aspects such as the purpose and use of the building, number of occupants, disabled occupants, materials, environment. These points will be recapped and others developed as you work through the element.
A requirement of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is that risk assessments of the workplace are undertaken and the results of the risk assessment should be used to equip that building with appropriate safety devices, in particular, fire detectors, fire alarms and fire-fighting equipment.
Procedures should then be developed that take into account the use of such provisions along with any precautions and methods to be followed in the event of a fire.
The procedures aim typically at three principal groups:
• The person(s) discovering a fire.
• Persons who are to evacuate the premises only, meaning this group has no duties in the event of the evacuation.
• Employees who have special duties to undertake when a fire warning is given.
Procedures must cater for the evacuation of able-bodied and disabled persons. (Procedures for disabled persons are covered in more detail in a later section).
The fire procedure should be a formal document and be given to all employees; in addition, the procedure should also be displayed at key points throughout the premises.
Copies could be placed at the pedestrian entry to the premises and a clearly defined area in the works canteen.
Along with the written text, a copy of a simplified floor plan should be included which as well as showing exits routes also shows no-go areas in case of evacuation; symbols such as the no entry sign can be used to cater for people with reading difficulties and employees whose first language is not English.
The text and the floor plan can be included in the employees’ handbook; the employee's signature of receipt for this serves as written confirmation that they have seen it.
In addition to the specific requirements of the procedures, it can also be an advantage to include a ‘general statement’ which may help to engage employees with the need for such procedure.
9.1 Example of a general statement General Statement.
In the event of a fire, the safety of life shall override all other considerations, such as saving property and extinguishing the fire.
If a fire is discovered, the alarm shall be raised immediately by the operation of a break- glass call point or other appropriate method. This should be the first action taken on the discovery of any fire, however small. The management does not support the view that the alarm should be raised only in the event of a "large" fire.
All employees are authorized to take this action if they believe there is a fire; no permission should be sought from any other person. The management will always support employees who operate the fire alarm system in good faith, regardless of whether or not it is ultimately determined that a fire existed.
The management does not require persons to attempt to extinguish a fire, but extinguishing action may be taken if safe to do so. Guidance on the circumstances under which fire fighting should be avoided or discontinued will be included in staff fire safety training.
Immediate evacuation of the building must take place as soon as the evacuate signal is given.
All occupants, on evacuation, should report to the pre-determined assembly points.
Re-entry to the building is strictly prohibited until the fire brigade officer in charge declares it safe to do so. Silencing of the fire alarm system should never be taken as an indication that it is safe to re-enter the building.
Employees should report any concerns regarding fire procedures so that the management can investigate and take remedial action if necessary.
The following are simplified examples of procedures and use the previously mentioned
groups as headings:
• The person(s) discovering a fire.
• Immediately operate the nearest fire alarm call point.
Do that First.
• Ensure no one is in immediate danger.
• Prepare to evacuate.
• If you are competent to, attack fire with the correct appliance provided but without taking personal risks.
• Leave the building promptly.
• Shut doors behind you where you can.
• Observe any specific instructions about isolating equipment or services.
• Use your nearest route.
• If you find smoke blocking your route, then go a different way.
• DO NOT use the lifts.
• DO NOT block the exit.
• Once you are out of the building, go to the assembly point.
• Always move away from the building and keep the entrances clear for the Fire Brigade.
• DO NOT go back into the building until you are specifically told to do so.
Helping others that you may encounter:
• DO escort out any visitors, members of the public etc.
• DO assist any disabled people who require assistance.
• If there are disabled or injured people or others who cannot leave the building then tell the Fire Wardens EXACTLY where they are. (Which Floor/Stairwell or Room Number.)
Employees who have special duties to undertake when a fire warning is given.
Titles given to employees with special duties are commonly accepted as Fire Wardens and Fire Marshalls. These titles should not be given to people in an arbitrary manner and must be supported by appropriate training.
Fire Warden.
In the event of a fire or evacuation:
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