Fire Safety Measures

Escape routes and exits

It is most important that all escape routes from the premises are identified and kept clear of obstructions at all times people are at work. They should be clearly indicated with directional signs which conform to the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 or BS5499 (those with the 'Running Man' symbol). Fire exit doors should not be locked. If it is necessary for them to be kept secure, then fastenings not requiring the use of a key should be used to allow doors to be opened immediately from within.

Portable fire fighting equipment

Fire extinguishers must be provided, suitable for dealing with small fires involving the types of materials and hazards which exist in a particular workplace. The illustration shows a range of extinguishers, colour coded in line with the latest British Standard, and their intended uses. Current practice is that all extinguishers are red with zones of colour indicating their contents. Former practice was that the whole of the extinguisher cylinder was coloured to indicate its contents. Either type is still suitable for use but it is a good idea to have extinguishers of the same style at each fire point. Whatever kind is provided, ensure that they are inspected and tested by a competent person on a regular basis, and keep a record of such maintenance.

Fire alarms

If people are to escape from a fire then they must be warned of the danger at the earliest possible time. Every workplace must therefore be provided with a suitable fire alarm. In very small businesses all that may be required is a manual gong or a simple break-glass electric fire alarm. In larger premises or workplaces with fire hazards that pose a more serious threat to life and the smooth running of the business, a more elaborate installation may be necessary.

Automatic fire detection

Where serious hazards are present it is advisable that an automatic fire detection system be installed. Whether the installation consists of simple point-type detectors or is a fully addressable analogue system, it should be designed, installed and serviced according to the appropriate British Standard.

In the event of a fire, the alarm will then be raised automatically, allowing staff to evacuate the premises without delay and the fire brigade to be called. Many fires occur outside normal working hours, so clearly it is of benefit to have the installation continuously monitored by a remote receiving centre, to alert the fire brigade automatically.

Preventing the spread of fire

Since smoke and heat from a fire can spread rapidly through a building, it is important that any fire-resisting doors provided in the premises are kept shut at all times, especially where they are protecting designated escape routes such as stairways and corridors. This will ensure that the fire is confined in the area of origin and keep escape routes available for use. Remember, failing to protect escape routes by allowing fire-resisting doors to be tied or wedged open can be an offence under fire safety legislation.

Good housekeeping

This is the term used for maintaining a workplace in a tidy, uncluttered and, hence, safe condition. Observing good housekeeping includes the prompt removal of combustible waste, packing materials and old furniture from the premises. It also involves ensuring that escape routes are available and free of obstruction and that electrical fixtures and fittings are properly maintained.