Fire Protection in the workplace
When you have your own business, there are some key things to think about re fire protection. Here is some food for thought to make sure you are fully covered and compliant!
Are you buying premises?
If you are buying premises, then it will be your responsibility to ensure that the building complies with the current legislation (The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005).
This includes all aspects from including Fire Risk assessment, Fire Alarm, Fire Extinguishers, Emergency lighting, Escape routes, Fire Doors & Staff training along with basic general Housekeeping.
Are you renting premises?
If you are renting premises, then you will still have the same responsibilities to comply with the current legislation (The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005).
However, you would need to check with your landlord to confirm exactly what Fire safety measures he has in place. EG. If the premises have a shared Fire alarm or escape routes, then these may fall under their control.
Are you moving into managed office space?
If you are moving into managed office space, then you will still have the same responsibilities to comply with the current legislation (The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005).
However, it will be more than likely that the Company who manage the building will have the main parts of the fire safety in place, but you should check with them what is included in your contract.
Are you working from Home?
It is advisable to contact your own insurance company for guidance on their specific requirements.
How many people are you going to have within your business?
This is important as this will determine if you need to have a Documented Fire Risk assessment in accordance with The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
If you have 5 or More persons, then a FRA is required.
Who is responsible for your Fire safety?
The person ultimately responsible is yourself as the owner of the business. It is your responsibility to ensure the safety of your building for both staff and any visitors. You can do this utilising your own knowledge or using industry professionals to advise.
Specific things to consider.
- If there was a fire in your building, how would you let everybody know so they can evacuate.
- If there was a small, localised fire how would you expect you staff to deal with this.
- How would your staff and customers escape from the building safely?
- Are your staff trained in what to do in the event of a fire?
- Are you fully compliant with Fire safety regulations?
If you have an accountant, they should be your first stop for business advice. If you don’t have an accountant or they can’t help, BuBul has a wide range of experts available. For more fire safety advice, contact our expert* Richard on LinkedIn.
*We’ve picked experts we know and trust who are good at what they do. All of them will give you at least an extra 30 minutes free advice if you contact them and would then charge their normal prices. They don’t pay to be on BuBul and don’t give us any money from anything they earn as an expert.
