Frequently Asked Questions |
Workplaces |  | |
 How many and what type of fire extinguisher do I require?
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There are various types of portable fire extinguishers for dealing with different types of fire situation. It is important that the right extinguisher is supplied for the risks involved. You should carry out a risk assessment of your workplace to ascertain the risks. In general terms you should have one general purpose fire extinguisher for every 200 square metres of floor area and at least one per floor. Specialist extinguishers should then be provided at strategic points for any special risks found. |
Should I wait for a visit by the Fire Officer so that he can identify any action required under fire safety law? | |
No. You will need to prepare a fire risk assessmentand emergency plan. These should be available at any inspection.
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I own a building that is used as a work premises, but I lease it out and have no direct involvement. Do any regulations apply to me? | |
The Fire Safety Order applies to any person who has control over a workplace. You should ensure your tenants are aware of the Fire Regulations and co-operate with them to ensure compliance. In multi-occupied buildings, the owner also has a responsibility to maintain the common areas of the building. |
Where can I find information on fire safety legislation with details on how to comply? | |
Aside from the information provided on this web site, we strongly recommend that you obtain a copy of the fire safety guide for your building type and "Management of Health and Safety at Work, approved code of practice". Both guides are available from HSE Books and through good booksellers. |
I own a small hotel and don't employ anyone. Which regulations apply to me? | |
The Fire Safety Order applies to all hotels. You therefore need to carry out a fire risk assessmentand emergency action plan as part of your Fire Safety Assessment of the building. |
Who should carry out a fire risk assessment? | |
The Fire Safety Order allow for any competent individual to carry out an assessment. This can be done through a suitable training course. You will need to be able to demonstrate that an appropriately qualified individual completed the assessment.
There are a number of organisations willing to undertake risk assessments and you may find details in the phone book business pages or carry out a risk assessment. If you use 'outside' firms to conduct a risk assessment for you, you should satisfy yourself that they are suitably competent and qualified. Any risk assessment however, is a live document and any changes that occur in your workplace must be reflected in the assessment. It is therefore recommended that assessments are produced in house and continually reviewed. The results of which must be shared with the workforce. |
My building has a fire certificate. Do I need to take any other fire safety action? | |
Yes. Fire Certificates are no longer valid and as such you will need to carry out a fire risk assessment and emergency plan. |
I am a Managing Agent. Do I have any responsibilities under the legislation?
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The Fire Safety Order applies to any person who has control over a workplace or public building. You should ensure the tenants are aware of the Fire Safety Order and co-operate with them to ensure compliance. In multi-occupied buildings, you may also have a responsibility, on the owner's behalf, to maintain the common areas of the building. |
I am just one of the businesses in a large, multi-occupied building. Who has responsibility here?
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Each occupier will be responsible for their areas of the building. For common areas, (escape routes/staircases) you will need to work together, where necessary with the managing agent and owner of the premises, to ensure the safety of the occupiers. |
I have a small business and only employ one or two people. Do I need to be aware of Workplace regulations?
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Yes, you need to be aware of the Fire Safety Order. As part of which, you will need to carry out a fire risk assessment and emergency action plan even where there is just one employee. Where you have five or more employees, the findings must be recorded in writing. |
I am self-employed. How am I affected by the legislation? | |
The Fire Safety Order is not aimed at the self-employed, though you may be located in premises that contain employees and your safety will be maintained by the existance of the fire safety measures in place. Where possible, you should adopt fire safety practices such as those contained in the Fire Safety Order. |
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My employer does not seem to be complying with fire safety legislation. What should I do? | |
You should first discuss your concerns with your employer through the appropriate channels and procedure for your place of work. If your concerns are not resolved and you feel you and your colleagues are at risk, you should contact your local fire safety centre. |
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For further Fire Safety information and advice contact:
The Fire Safety Helpline on 01926 466282 between 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Wednesday.
National Community Fire Safety Centre Website www.firekills.gov.uk
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