Fire Safety Policy
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act businesses are required to prepare and maintain a written health and safety policy which should also include the fire safety policy.
It is the Fire Safety Order that places the duty of responsibility on the businesses responsible person that they should effectively plan, organise, control, monitor and review the protective measures required.
Key Features
Statement of Commitment
This is your businesses aim for fire safety the factors that will affect it and how management will monitor its performance.
It should explain how every member of staff is responsible for fire safety in the workplace and should be made available to anyone associated with the company.
Organisation
The policy should include the roles and responsibilities of those involved in the making of it.
It should be clear as to which role has been assigned to which member of staff so they can carry out their duties accordingly.
A businesses fire safety can also be outsourced to external contractors should the company prefer.
Roles include:
Responsible Person
Competent Person
Management of Services and Buildings
Accommodation
Staff
Contractors
Visitors
Arrangements
Fire hazards must be identified and the risks established by way of a fire risk assessment before measures of protection can be introduced.
This is a requirement under the Fire Safety Order and it must be carried out.
Arrangements include:
Fire Risk Assessment
Disabilities
Maintenance and Testing of Equipment
Fire Drills
Staff Training
Monitoring and Review
It should be remembered that every business is different in terms of size, employees and type of work carried out and the above are just some of the key features included in a plan.
Each businesses fire safety policy should be adapted and unique to the individual business and relevant information included.
We can assist you in writing your Fire Safety Policy unique to your business and the work that is carried out on your premises.
