Fire Regulations Checklist

This checklist will take you through the essentials of fire safety to ensure that you are compliant with fire regulations to prevent the risk of a fire occurring, or worst case, ensure swift and safe measures are taken in the event of a fire. 

What is Fire Safety?

Fire safety refers to the precautions and measures taken to prevent fires, reduce the risk of fire-related injuries, and minimise damage if a fire occurs. It includes practices like installing smoke alarms, maintaining fire extinguishers, creating evacuation plans, and educating people on fire prevention and response techniques.

What are the Common Causes of a Fire?

Electrical Malfunctions and Office Equipment – Faulty Wiring, Overloaded Circuits, Malfunctioning Electrical Equipment, Overheating Equipment

Fix: 

• Inspect and maintain electrical systems and equipment
• Don’t overload power strips and circuits
• Replace damaged or frayed wires
• Qualified electricians must carry out all checks, repairs and work
• Ensure proper ventilation for high-energy equipment
• Turn off equipment when not in use, especially overnight
• Keep equipment free from dust and debris - this can act as fuel when overheating occurs

Kitchen Incidents – Burning, Unattended Cooking, Flammable Materials Near Heat Sources 

Fix: 

• Never leave cooking appliances unattended (including toasters, microwaves and kettles)
• Ensure the kitchen area is clean and tidy to prevent a buildup of dirt or grease that could fuel a fire
• Flammable materials, including cleaning products, should be stored in accordance with instructions and kept away from heat sources
• Install fire extinguishers or fire blankets close to areas of vulnerability

Create a Fire Safety Plan

Conduct a Fire Risk Assessment 

• Identify Potential Hazards: Evaluate the workplace to identify sources of ignition, fuel, and oxygen that could contribute to a fire
• Assess Risks: Determine the level of risk associated with each hazard and prioritise them based on the potential impact and likelihood of occurrence
• Document Findings: Record all identified hazards, risks, and the measures needed to mitigate them

Develop Evacuation Procedures

• Designate Evacuation Routes: Establish clear, accessible evacuation routes and ensure they are free of obstructions
• Identify Emergency Exits: Mark all emergency exits with signs
• Create Assembly Points: Designate a safe assembly point where employees can gather after evacuating the building
• Post Maps and Instructions: Display evacuation maps and procedures throughout the workplace, especially in high-traffic areas

Install and Maintain Fire Safety Equipment

• Smoke Alarms and Detectors: Install smoke alarms and detectors in key areas, ensuring they are regularly tested and maintained
• Fire Extinguishers: Place appropriate types of fire extinguishers throughout the workplace, ensuring they are easily accessible and regularly inspected
• Fire Blankets and Sprinkler Systems: Install fire blankets in kitchens or areas with high fire risk and ensure sprinkler systems are functional and regularly maintained
• Emergency Lighting: Install emergency lighting along evacuation routes and exits to guide employees during a power outage

Assign Roles and Responsibilities

• Fire Wardens: Designate fire wardens to assist with evacuations and ensure all employees are accounted for
• First Aid Officers: Assign first aid officers to provide initial care for injuries until medical help arrives
• Communication Coordinators: Appoint individuals responsible for communicating with emergency services and coordinating the response

Train Employees in Evacuation Procedures

• Fire Safety Training: Provide comprehensive fire safety training for all employees, covering prevention, evacuation procedures, and the use of fire safety equipment
• Regular Drills: Conduct regular fire drills to ensure employees are familiar with evacuation procedures and can respond quickly in an emergency
• Special Training: Offer additional training for fire wardens, first aid officers, and other designated roles

Communicate the Plan

• Distribute the Plan: Ensure all employees have access to the fire safety plan and understand its contents.
• Hold Meetings: Conduct meetings or briefings to discuss the fire safety plan and address any questions or concerns.
• Post Information: Display key components of the plan, such as evacuation routes and emergency contacts, prominently throughout the workplace.

Review and Update the Plan

• Regular Reviews: Schedule regular reviews of the fire safety plan to ensure it remains up-to-date and effective.
• Post-Incident Evaluation: After any fire-related incident or drill, evaluate the response and make necessary adjustments to the plan.
• Stay Informed: Keep abreast of changes in fire safety regulations and industry best practices to incorporate them into your plan.

Essential Fire Safety Equipment

• Smoke Alarms and Detectors – Detect smoke and alert occupants to the presence of fire
• Fire Extinguishers – Used to extinguish small fires before they spread
• Fire Blankets – Smother small fires or wrap around a person whose clothing has caught fire
• Sprinkler Systems – Automatically activate to release water when a fire is detected
• Emergency Lighting – Provide lighting along evacuation routes and exits during power outages
• Fire Doors – Designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke between compartments within a building. Ensure these doors are fitted with a Fire Door Seal that expands upon contact with heat and has a Fire Door Hinge to prevent warping in the event of a fire
• Install Door Hold Open Devices – These legally hold fire doors open, and in case of a fire, will automatically close to prevent a fire from spreading
• Exit Signs – Luminous signs that mark emergency exits
• Fire Alarms – Manually or automatically activated alarms that alert occupants to evacuate
• Emergency Evacuation Kits – Kits containing first aid supplies, flashlights, and other essential items for safe evacuation and immediate care

In Case of a Fire 

• Remain calm and sound the alarm to alert others
• If safe, call 999 and report the fire
• If trained, use a fire extinguisher or fire blanket to put the fire out
• If the fire is still there, evacuate immediately, avoid using lifts, take the stairs and assist others to the assembly point
• It may be necessary to cover your nose and mouth if there is smoke
• Call 999 if this hasn’t been done already and wait for the emergency services to arrive
• Do not re-enter the building unless advised by emergency services
• Wait and listen to instructions from the emergency services

For more information on fire door safety, read our blog post about fire door hinges.