Who Is Responsible For Fire Safety In A Workplace?

As set out in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsibility of fire safety lies with the employer, building owner, occupier,  landlord, or anyone else with control of the premises. Some of their duties include identifying any risks, ensuring good housekeeping, providing the correct training and fire-fighting equipment and keeping all fire escape routes clear at all times. 

Depending on the size and nature of the business, employers may also assign a member of staff in the role of a fire marshal to oversee all fire strategies, which includes conducting fire risk assessments and establishing evacuation procedures. Carrying out a fire risk assessment will highlight all high risk factors within the workplace meaning that you can follow the appropriate steps to reduce the risk of fire, such as removing the items or storing them safely.

The person responsible for fire safety in the workplace should also conduct regular fire drills. This would involve checking that the fire alarm works as well as getting all staff to evacuate the building and meeting at the assigned fire assembly point away from the workplace. 

Are Fire Marshals A Legal Requirement In The Workplace?

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 doesn’t explicitly state that all workplaces must appoint a fire marshall. However, with fire being one of the biggest dangers in any workplace, appointing a person (or persons) who have the skills and the competence to ensure fire safety best practices are followed is essential to ensure the safety of everyone within the business. 

How Many Fire Marshals Do I Need?

The number of fire marshals required per workplace varies depending on a list of factors, including:

• The size of the premises
• Number of people working on the premises at one time
• Accessibility 
• Number of floors in the building
• Who will be on the premises 

To calculate how many marshals your business needs, you will have to have a fire risk assessment carried out by a specialist. 

Essential Fire Safety Equipment For The Workplace

In the event of a fire in a workplace, having the right equipment is essential for alerting employees and potentially extinguishing the fire before it grows out of control. Below are 4 pieces of fire safety equipment that are absolutely essential to have in the workplace.

General Purpose Smoke Alarm

A smoke alarm works by emitting a loud noise when smoke is detected, allowing the fire marshal to call the fire department and ensure everyone gets out safely. 

Fire Extinguisher

Having a fire extinguisher in your workplace is absolutely essential and can help put out the fire before the emergency services arrive. It is also crucial that the correct extinguisher is placed in the right area since they are meant to combat different types of fires. 

Learn how to use a fire extinguisher here.  

Fire Blanket

Fire blankets are typically installed in kitchens; however, they are also used within educational and industrial settings. The sheet is used to smother the flames, starve them of oxygen and extinguish the fire before it gets out of control. 

For all of your fire safety needs, take a look at MoreSafe’s wide range of fire safety products, which range from fire extinguishers to fire alarms and everything in between. We also stock fire safety signs to show the location of fire fighting equipment and to help gather people to safe areas in an evacuation.

Written by Kate, for MorSafe Supplies.