Follow this advice to stay safe at work
Ensuring the safety of your workplace is paramount, and you play a crucial role in making it happen. Here’s the basics you need to know
Legal Responsibilities
If you manage a building or run a business, you’re obligated by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order to minimise fire risks and ensure safe evacuation procedures in case of a fire.
Who’s Responsible?
You are considered the ‘responsible person’ if you fall into any of these categories:
- Employer.
- Owner.
- Landlord.
- Anyone else with control over the premises.
If there are multiple responsible persons, it’s essential and a legal duty to collaborate to fulfil your obligations.
Specific Duties
As the responsible person, you must:
- Conduct regular fire risk assessments and update them as needed.
- Inform your staff or their representatives about identified risks.
- Implement and maintain appropriate fire safety measures.
- Have an emergency plan in place.
- Provide staff with necessary fire safety information, instruction, and training.
You can read about how to keep your premises safe from fire by visiting Government guidance for those with legal dutiles web page.
Types of Premises Covered
The Fire Safety Order applies to all premises other than single private dwellings, including
- Workplaces and commercial buildings
- Premises accessible to the public
- Common areas in residential buildings with multiple occupants
- Shared Premises. In shared spaces, where there might be multiple responsible persons, coordination is key to ensure everyone’s safety. The landlord, freeholder, or managing agent is typically responsible for common or shared areas
Building Regulations
Fire Safety advice for Workplace Managers and Business Owners.
Ensuring the safety of your workplace is paramount, and you play a crucial role in making it happen. Here’s the basics you need to know
Legal Responsibilities
If you manage a building or run a business, you’re obligated by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order to minimise fire risks and ensure safe evacuation procedures in case of a fire.
Who’s Responsible?
You are considered the ‘responsible person’ if you fall into any of these categories:
- Employer
- Owner
- Landlord
- Occupier
- Anyone else with control over the premises, like a facilities manager or risk assessor
If there are multiple responsible persons, it’s essential and a legal duty to collaborate to fulfill your obligations.
Specific Duties
As the responsible person, you must:
- Conduct regular fire risk assessments and update them as needed.
- Inform your staff or their representatives about identified risks.
- Implement and maintain appropriate fire safety measures.
- Have an emergency plan in place.
- Provide staff with necessary fire safety information, instruction, and training.
You can read about how to keep your premises safe from fire by visiting Government guidance for those with legal dutiles web page.
Types of Premises Covered
The Fire Safety Order applies to all premises other than single private dwellings, including various non-domestic premises, including:
- Workplaces and commercial buildings
- Premises accessible to the public
- Common areas in residential buildings with multiple occupants
- Shared Premises. In shared spaces, where there might be multiple responsible persons, coordination is key to ensure everyone’s safety. The landlord, freeholder, or managing agent is typically responsible for common or shared areas.
Building Regulations
If you’re constructing new premises or making alterations to existing ones, you must comply with building regulations and seek building control body approval.
This involves incorporating fire safety measures into your plans. Further guidance on this subject can be found on the government website.
Remember, by following these basic guidelines, you contribute significantly to maintaining a safe environment for everyone in your workplace.
Stay informed, stay safe.
