2.6 Fire Safety |
Contents
1. Summary of Duties
In the event of fire, the three most important actions are, in chronological order, to:
- raise the alarm
- summon the fire brigade
- evacuate the building - attempts to extinguish the fire should only be made if it is safe to do so.
A significant factor in multiple fatality fires in non-domestic premises is the incorrect response of building occupants. There is therefore a need for well-planned and rehearsed fire procedures. A properly considered procedure should be formulated for each building, rather than attempting to use a "standard" fire procedure in all buildings. On the other hand, in a large company in which people move between buildings, it is appropriate that identical or very similar procedures apply.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO) and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006 require the establishment of appropriate procedures, including safety drills, to be followed in the event of serious and imminent danger and a sufficient number of competent persons to implement those procedures to be nominated. The responsible person is also required to take measures in relation to the arrangements for action to be taken in the event of fire on the premises, including the provision of instruction and training to employees and appropriate measures to mitigate the effects of the fire.
2. Procedure
In the event of fire, the safety of life shall override all other considerations, such as saving property and extinguishing the fire.
If a fire is discovered, the alarm shall be raised immediately by the appropriate method (such as operation of a break glass manual call point). This should be the first action taken on discovery of any fire, however small. The company refutes the notion that the alarm should be raised only in the event of a "large" fire.
All employees are empowered to take this action if they believe there is a fire; no authority should be sought from any other person. The company will always support employees who operate the fire alarm system in good faith, regardless of whether or not it is ultimately determined that a fire existed.
Responsibility for summoning the fire brigade is outlined in the fire procedures.
The company does not require persons to attempt to extinguish a fire, but extinguishing action may be taken if it is safe to do so.
Immediate evacuation of the building must take place as soon as the evacuate signal is given. (Employees will be familiar with the procedure through the staging of regular fire evacuation drills.) All occupants, on evacuation, should report to the predetermined assembly point(s) in the home - for Children's Homes, these are outlined in Statements of Purpose, for Foster Carers, they are agreed with carers.
Re-entry of the building is strictly prohibited until the fire brigade officer in charge declares it is safe to do so. Silencing of the fire alarm system should never be taken as an indication that it is safe to re-enter the building.
Employees should report any concerns regarding fire procedures, so that the company can investigate and take remedial action if necessary.
Arrangements for Securing the Health and Safety of Workers
The company will, in consultation with employees and their representatives:
| 1. | ensure that any person with a disability that may impact on their ability to react to a fire alarm or evacuate the premises is given suitable assistance |
| 2. | appoint persons to be responsible for specific procedures in the event of fire, including:
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| 3. | regularly stage fire evacuation drills, inspect the means of escape, and test and inspect fire-fighting equipment and fire warning systems |
3. General Guidance
- Activate the nearest and/or safest fire alarm on discovery of any fire, however small. Do not wait until you have informed another person, such as a manager, switchboard operator, fire warden, security control room operator, etc.
- If fire procedures involve informing a continuously manned location on site, do so, provided this action is taken from a place of safety after operating the fire alarm system.
- Do not rely on automatic fire warning systems; summon the fire brigade without delay by the usual method as automatic methods of transmission can fail.
- Only attempt to extinguish a fire if it is safe to do so. Guidance on the circumstances under which fire fighting should be avoided or discontinued is included in staff fire safety training.
- Evacuate the building as soon as the evacuate signal is given. (Employees should be familiar with the procedure through the staging of regular fire evacuation drills.) Do not wait to conclude meetings or telephone calls or to collect belongings.
- Switch off any equipment which, if left unattended, may itself constitute a fire hazard.
- As you make your escape, close doors, particularly those designated as fire resisting doors.
- Report to the predetermined assembly point(s). Do not re-enter the building until the fire brigade officer in charge declares it is safe to do so.
- Fire wardens. Check that each area of the building has been evacuated and report this to the nominated person(s) at the designated evacuation assembly point(s).
- Fire incident controller. Liaise with the fire brigade on attendance and arrange such assistance from the company as the fire brigade may require.
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