Fire Safety in the Workplace
Look around your workplace - eliminate the hazards
Install a fire detection and alarm system to give early warning
Prepare an evacuation plan & practice it regularly
Fire Control Strategies
- Active Controls
- Passive Controls
- Management Controls
Purpose of Active Controls
- To alert occupants to emergency conditions
- To initiate emergency response
- To enable occupants extinguish small fires
- To ensure defined and visible route of escape
- To ensure a constant supply of water
Equipment Types
- Fire Detection & Alarm Systems
- Escape/Emergency Lighting
- Fire Extinguishers
- Hose Reels
- Hydrants
- Fixed Fire Systems
Detection & Alarm Systems
- Must be installed serviced and maintained to IS 3218:1989
- Must be mains powered with battery backup
- Fire Alarm panel must be Checked for faults daily
- Weekly Checks
- 3 Monthly Check by a competent person certified
- 12 Monthly Check by a competent person certified
- Retain Records
Break Glass Units
Emergency Lighting
- Escape Lighting
- Must be installed serviced and maintained to IS 3217:1989
- Inspect Weekly
- 3 Monthly Check by a competent person certified
- 12 Monthly Check by a competent person certified
- Retain Records
Emergency Exit Signs
 
To IS no. 132 of 1995 standard
Fire Extinguishers
- Installed serviced and maintained in accordance with IS. 291- BS. 5306
- Selection Based on Risk Assessment by supplier
- Should be positioned about 1m off the ground
- Inspect Monthly for evidence that they work
- Test & Inspect Every 12 Months by supplier
- Discharge Test 25%
- Retain Record of checks and servicing
Passive Fire Protection
- Fire safety must taken into account when designing building or changing
the use of an existing building
- Fire Safety Certificates are required for all building construction,
alterations, extensions. (see section on Fire Safety Certificates)
- Furnishings and fitting to be of required standards
Fire Doors
- Stop the spread of fire and smoke for a period of time
- A fire door can not stop the spread of smoke and fire if its open
- Should be fitted with a self-closer
- Must be kept shut - no wedges holding open
- Can have electromagnetic hold open device connected to fire alarm
Fire Training
- Statutory Requirement to have staff trained
- Training must be specific to your organisation
- Training must be by a competent provider
- It must be assessed and repeated regularly
Fire Drills
- Fire Drills must be held minimum twice a year
- Simulate one exit blocked by fire
- Choose safe assembly area
- A procedure must be put in place to ensure the premises is vacated
- Keep a record & record any problems encountered
Record Management
- All workplaces must have a Fire Safety Register
- Management functions
- Assigned duties
- Record of drills/evacuation
- Inventory of fire protection equipment
- Details of inspection & test including Certificates
Fire Prevention – General Housekeeping
- Give Heat sources adequate space for heat to dissipate
- Don’t overload electrical sockets
- Turn off all electrical appliances after use
- Avoid the buildup of papers and refuse
- Store combustibles appropriately. Not along escape routes. Not under
stairs
- Maintain adequate means of escape
- Keep escape routes clear of all obstructions
To Summarise
- Identify risks in your workplace and eliminate hazards
- Install service and maintain a Fire detection and Alarm system &
Emergency Lighting
- Provide service & maintain Fire Extinguishers
- Train staff and practice fire drills
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