Why Fire Safety is Important In the Workplace

Making sure a workplace is fire safe is crucial – both for your employees and the general public. Fire is unpredictable and can have devastating consequences if the right measures aren’t in place. Even if you haven’t had a fire, you could be fined or go to prison if you do not follow fire safety regulations. However, with the right fire measures in place, you can:

1. Prevent fires;
2. Minimise damage;
3. Save lives;
4. Meet legal requirements.

How to Prevent Fires In The Workplace

This might seem obvious, but the best way to prevent fires, minimise damage and save lives is to ensure fires can’t happen in the first place. There are simple but important steps you can take towards fire prevention, some of which are required by law:

• Complete a fire risk assessment – required by law.
• Create and deliver a fire safety plan – required by law.
• Keep fire safety documents, including a fire safety log book, which will help you identify any potential fire risks and strategies.
• Regularly inspect fire alarms and extinguishers.
• Train your new and existing staff.
• Keep fire exits clear.
• Keep the workplace clean and as hazard free as possible.

You should also ensure your workplace has:

• Fire alarms – every business premises must, by law, have a fire detection and warning system in place.
• Smoke detectors.
• Carbon monoxide detector.

• Fire call points.
• Fire extinguishers (of all kinds).
• Fire blankets.
• Emergency lighting.
• Fire safety and exit signs.
• Escape routes – and an escape ladder if required.
• You should also have fire evacuation chairs available for anyone who might need one.

It is also a good idea to have some first aid equipment for minor burns in the event of a small fire or other related accident. However, you should always refer to the NHS if you’re unsure how to treat a burn or scald – or ring 111 for medical advice and 999 in the case of emergencies.

All of this begs the question: who is responsible for preparing, maintaining and delivering fire safety measures?

Who is Responsible for Fire Safety?

Each workplace must have a person responsible for fire safety. According to GOV.UK, you’re the responsible person if you are:

• an employer;
• the owner;
• the landlord;
• an occupier;
• anyone else with control of the premises, for example a facilities manager, building manager, managing agent or risk assessor.

As the responsible person you must:

• carry out a fire risk assessment of the premises and review it regularly;
• tell staff or their representatives about the risks you’ve identified;
• put in place, and maintain, appropriate fire safety measures;
• plan for an emergency;
• provide staff information, fire safety instruction and training.

At morSafe, we stock all of the supplies that you need to maintain fire safety within the workplace, with free next day delivery available.