Fire safety and risk assessment

Introduction

Each year people die or are seriously injured as a result of fires at work. Besides loss of life, fire costs UK business millions of pounds, from damage to property, loss of business, fines, compensation claims and insurance premiums.

Many fires can be avoided by taking fire precautions. If a fire does break out, the effects can be minimised by having effective controls and procedures in place.

In England, Scotland and Wales, rules introduced in October 2006 replaced most existing fire safety legislation. Fire certificates are no longer required, and the emphasis is on preventing fires and reducing risk. These rules come into force in Northern Ireland in 2009.

Anyone who has some control over premises must take reasonable steps to reduce the risk from fire and make sure people can safely escape if there is a fire. The regulations apply to all non-domestic premises.

This guide provides an overview of the rules and how to comply.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• Who is responsible for fire safety?
• Duties of the 'responsible person'
• Fire risk assessment
• Building evacuation plans and fire safety equipment
• Building work and fire safety
• Fire drills and training
• Record, review and revise your fire safety plans
• Here's how I introduced a fire safety policy

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