All workplaces at a minimum must have:
Fire Alarms
It is a requirement by fire legislation that adequate means of detecting and raising the alarm in the event of fire shall be provided in a workplace. All fire alarms must be accessible, simple to use and adequately signed.
In small workplaces this could be as simple as a rotary bell or a single mains electrical battery backed up alarm. In larger buildings a more complex fire alarm system would be necessary determined by the life risk and / or the processes being undertaken. If the building contains a sleeping risk for example you must provide an electrical fire alarm system with automatic fire detection.
Fire Extinguishers
It is a requirement that all workplaces be equipped with fire extinguishers. When deciding on the type, size and quantity of fire extinguishers it is important to determine what activities, processes and hazards are present. It is important that all your fire extinguishers are maintained in a serviceable condition and ready to use at all times.
New fire extinguishers are totally red in colour, this is to conform to European Standard EN3 that stipulates that all fire extinguishers manufactured after December 1997 must be totally red in colour. However, within the UK there is a requirement for 5% of the body to have the old colour coded system. So a Foam fire extinguisher now is red with a 5% cream band or rectangle on the body.
Lighting of escape routes
All escape routes including external ones must have sufficient lighting for people to see their way out safely. Emergency escape lighting may also be needed in areas of the workplace without natural daylight or are used at night.
Emergency lighting needs to function not only on the failure of the normal lighting but also on a localized failure if that would present a hazard.
Emergency Escape Lighting:
• Indicate the escape route clearly,
• Provide illumination along escape routes to allow safe movement towards final exits,
• Ensure that fire alarm call points and firefighting equipment can be easily located.
In addition to emergency escape lighting, it may be necessary to provide other forms of emergency lighting for safety reasons, for example to ensure that manufacturing processes can be shut down safely.
In smaller workplace and outdoor locations with few people, the emergency escape lighting could be as simple as battery operated torches placed at suitable locations where employees can quickly access them to assist with their escape.
Fire Signs & Notices
It is imperative that all buildings and equipment have the necessary signs and notices to assist occupants in their actions in the event of fire. Signs for the purpose of identifying escape routes must display a pictogram. Fire action posters must contain the correct information, be periodically reviewed and be located prominently throughout the premises with all staff aware of their responsibilities.
Fire Equipment Maintenance
All fire equipment must be maintained at periodic interval by a competent persons for more information please click here
