A Brief Outline on Fire Safety Legislation
Since 1st October 2006 the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 came into force. This legislation applies to the majority of premises and workplaces in the UK and firmly places the responsibility for compliance on a responsible person. This nominated person is responsible for carrying out and producing a risk assessment for the premises, create a policy and use these to develop procedures, provide staff training and practice fire drills and evacuations.
It is the responsibility of the responsible person to provide clear means of escape, signs and notices, fire detection and alarms, emergency lighting and the suitable fire fighting equipment. If the responsible person does not comply with the RRFSO 2005 they could be prosecuted possibly facing a fine/prison sentence as well as putting their customers, staff, stakeholders and livelihood at risk. For more information on the RR(FS)O CLICK HERE (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1541/contents/made ) to view the legislation in full.
Your local fire and rescue service is responsible for enforcing legislation, they can audit your premises and will look at your risk assessment to see if it efficiently covers your premises.
What Standards Relate to Fire Protection Equipment – To be completed
BS EN 3 – Portable Fire Extinguishers
BS 7939 – Specification for portable fire extinguishers for use on cooking oil fires (classF)
BS 6165 – Specification for small disposable fire extinguishers of the aerosol type
BS EN 1869- Fire blankets
Selection, Installation and servicing of fir equipment
BS 5306 – Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises
This includes:
BS5306 Part 3 – Code of Practice for the inspection and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers
BS5306 Part 8 – Selection and installation of portable fire extinguishers (code of practice)
BS EN ISO 9001:2008 -
BAFE
‘Established in 1984, BAFE is a non-profit making organisation dedicated to improving standards in fire protection. Companies who are registered to BAFE schemes demonstrate a commitment to service excellence’. (BAFE Home Page)
SP203
SP101
ST104
What are the Responsible Persons Duties?
REWRITE: What does the responsible person have to do?
The responsible person must ensure the safety of employees and other relevant persons by managing-
Fire risk assessment
Fire Safety Policy
Fire Procedures
Fire Drills
Means of Escape
Fire Alarms and Emergency Lighting
Fire Doors and Compartments
Fire Extinguishers and Signage
Maintenance is carried out
