In the event of a fire, every staff member has specific responsibilities to ensure a swift and safe evacuation. Fire safety is not just the duty of fire wardens or managers—it requires teamwork and awareness at all levels. Should an incident occur at your establishment, your staff needs to be aware of fire safety protocols and should be cool-headed enough to make stressful decisions. Read below to find out the responsibilities and legal obligations that staff and personnel have should a fire incident occur.
Who is Responsible for Enforcing Fire Safety?
The enforcement of fire safety exists on every tier and in different sectors. Here’s who’s responsible for enforcing fire safety:
Government Level Responsibilities
At the government level, fire safety regulations are established and enforced to protect lives and properties. Various agencies oversee compliance and provide guidance to businesses and individuals. The two main bodies involved in fire safety enforcement at the local level are Fire and Rescue Services and Local Authorities.
Fire and Rescue Services
Fire brigades are responsible for:
- Conducting fire safety inspections of buildings
- Providing guidance on fire safety measures
- Enforcing fire safety regulations
- Investigating the causes of fire incidents
- Issuing fire safety certificate
- Performing fire risk assessments
- Taking necessary action when safety regulations are breached
Fire and rescue services are the first line of defence when it comes to enforcing fire safety protocols in commercial or residential buildings. Fire safety services have advanced proficiency when it comes to identifying fire hazards and threats to the current infrastructure of a building. The advice of fire and rescue services cannot be ignored when it comes to the best protocols for the safety and evacuation of the residents of a building.
Fire and rescue services are also your best bet when it comes to investigating fire-related accidents and discovering their cause to prevent further accidents. When regulations are not followed, they have the right to issue notifications or impose fines to achieve compliance.
Local Authorities
Local councils help by:
- Ensuring building plans comply with fire safety standards
- Collaborating with building control officers
- Granting planning permission
- Overseeing the fire safety of public buildings
- Coordinating with fire services
- Addressing fire safety-related complaints
Local authorities work closely with Fire and Rescue Services to oversee fire safety within their jurisdictions. It’s the job of the local authorities and councils to oversee all current and new structures and see if they comply with fire safety regulations.
Local councils are primarily responsible for overseeing essential facilities such as schools, hospitals, and government buildings. Local authorities must inspect and ensure these buildings are up to modern safety standards. They also serve as a point of contact for the public to report fire safety issues and work with fire services to address any concerns raised.
Building Owner Responsibilities
Property owners and landlords have significant responsibilities when it comes to fire safety. They must ensure that the buildings they own or manage comply with all fire safety regulations, keeping occupants safe from potential hazards.
Property Owners Must:
- Maintain a valid fire risk assessment
- Ensure fire safety equipment is fully operational
- Keep all escape routes unobstructed
- Provide staff with fire safety training
- Display appropriate fire safety signage
- Maintain accurate fire safety records
- Promptly address any identified fire safety issues
Property owners must conduct thorough fire risk assessments to identify hazards and implement necessary safety measures. Keeping fire exits and escape routes clear is also a critical responsibility, as any obstruction can delay evacuations and increase risks during an emergency.
Property owners must also make sure that employees have the proper training so they can comprehend evacuation protocols. Additionally, employees need to be proficient in using fire safety equipment.
Landlords’ Special Duties
If you rent out a property, you must:
- Install and maintain working smoke alarms
- Fit carbon monoxide detectors where necessary
- Arrange annual gas safety inspections
- Ensure all furniture meets fire safety standards
- Supply tenants with essential fire safety information
- Keep escape routes clear at all times
- Fit proper fire doors in compliance with regulations
Additional fire safety responsibilities fall on landlords, especially when it comes to residential premises. For the protection of tenants, functional carbon monoxide and smoke detectors must be provided. Making sure that furniture satisfies fire safety regulations lowers the chance of a fire spreading quickly, and yearly gas safety inspections assist avoid fires brought on by malfunctioning gas equipment.
Clear fire safety instructions, including instructions on evacuation protocols and emergency contacts, should be given to tenants when they move in. Another crucial duty is to maintain clear common escape routes so that inhabitants may leave promptly in the event of an emergency. In the case of a fire, installing and maintaining fire doors helps stop smoke and flames from spreading.
First Response: What to Do When You Discover a Fire
The first moments after discovering a fire are critical. Staff members should act swiftly and follow established protocols to minimise risk. If you discover a fire, raise the alarm immediately by activating the nearest fire alarm point.
Call the emergency services by dialling 999, providing key details such as the building’s name, address, and location of the fire. If it is safe to do so, assist in evacuating people at risk, closing doors to contain the fire and preventing smoke spread. Never attempt to extinguish a fire unless you have been trained and have a clear escape route.
What Responsibilities Do All Staff Have During a Fire Incident?
During a fire incident, all employees must follow fire safety procedures to ensure a safe evacuation. Staff should remain calm, stop their activities immediately, and proceed to the nearest fire exit.
It is essential not to use lifts and to close doors behind them to contain the fire. Staff must assist visitors and those who may require help while ensuring that no one re-enters the building until it is declared safe.
Employees should be familiar with fire evacuation routes and assembly points and must follow instructions from fire wardens or managers. To ensure familiarity with these roles and responsibilities, fire drills and other training can be beneficial.
How Many Fire Marshals Should There Be in Your Workplace?
The number of fire marshals required depends on factors such as the size of the premises, the number of employees, and the level of risk associated with the workplace.
A general guideline is to have at least one fire marshal for every 50 employees in a low-risk environment. However, in high-risk workplaces, such as those with flammable materials, additional fire marshals may be necessary.
It is mandatory for fire marshals to have extensive training. They need to be familiar with the responsibilities of a fire marshal in the event of a fire incident.
Legal Duties and Regulations Governing Workplace Fire Safety
The UK fire safety regulations applicable to workplace fire safety include the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, with which both employers and employees must comply. Employers must perform fire risk assessments regularly, provide staff training in fire safety, and keep firefighting equipment in working order. Fire safety policies should be updated from time to time to check for compliance and effectiveness.
What Are Your Legal Responsibilities Under Fire Law as an Employee?
All employees are legally bound to cooperate in observing fire procedures and complying with fire safety measures. This includes attending fire safety training, knowing evacuation routes, and reporting fire hazards. Employees are strictly expected to ensure that they do not compromise fire safety protocols by obstructing fire exits.
What 4 Actions Would You Take in the Event of a Fire?
In a fire emergency, the four key actions to take are:
The RACE Method
- Rescue: Assist those in immediate danger if it is safe to do so.
- Activate: Raise the alarm and notify emergency services.
- Contain: Close doors and windows to slow the spread of fire and smoke.
- Evacuate: Leave the building calmly and proceed to the assembly point.
Special Responsibilities for Different Staff Members
Some staff members need to take on extra responsibilities to comply with fire safety protocols.
Fire Wardens
- Wear a high-visibility vest for easy identification
- Ensure their designated area is fully evacuated
- Assist individuals in leaving the building safely
- Secure all doors after evacuation
- Check smaller spaces, such as toilets and storage rooms
- Report to the fire controller with an update
- Supervise and maintain order at the assembly point
When it comes to overseeing evacuations, fire wardens are essential. They are in charge of making sure their designated areas are free of obstructions and helping anyone who might require assistance to exit the premises. Closing doors protects escape routes and slows the spread of the fire. Fire wardens report to the fire controller after taking attendance at the assembly point.
Reception Staff
- Contact the fire brigade immediately
- Retrieve the visitor logbook
- Collect the staff attendance register
- Proceed to the designated assembly point
- Assist in verifying that all individuals are accounted for
Receptionists are often the first point of contact during emergencies. Their primary duty is to alert emergency services and ensure that all visitors and employees are accounted for at the assembly point.
First Aiders
- Take first aid kits to the assembly point
- Be prepared to administer first aid if needed
- Assist injured individuals as necessary
- Coordinate with emergency responders if required
First aiders provide essential medical assistance during fire emergencies, treating minor injuries and coordinating with emergency responders for more serious cases.
Department Managers
- Ensure all team members evacuate safely
- Inspect their assigned areas before leaving
- Report to the fire controller with relevant details
- Help maintain organisation at the assembly point
- Communicate any important information regarding the incident
Department managers oversee their teams during evacuations, ensuring everyone follows procedures correctly. They report any issues to the fire controller and assist in maintaining order at assembly points.
All Employees Must:
- Adhere to all fire safety procedures
- Report any potential fire hazards
- Familiarise themselves with evacuation routes
- Participate in regular fire safety training
- Keep fire exits clear at all times
- Use workplace equipment responsibly
- Assist in emergency situations where possible
Managers’ Extra Duties
- Ensure their team complies with fire safety policies
- Report any fire safety concerns or issues
- Maintain a safe and hazard-free environment
- Provide fire safety training for new staff
- Regularly inspect and test fire equipment
- Keep fire risk assessments up to date
- Maintain comprehensive fire safety records
Health and Safety Executive
- Develop and implement workplace safety regulations
- Investigate major fire-related incidents
- Enforce fire safety regulations
- Collaborate with fire services to improve safety
- Offer guidance and expert advice on fire safety
- Take legal action against serious breaches of regulations
Important Things to Remember
Here are some points you should always remember in the event of a fire emergency.
Do Not:
- Use lifts during an evacuation
- Re-enter the building under any circumstances
- Stop to retrieve personal belongings
- Run, push, or create unnecessary panic
- Treat the situation lightly or make jokes
- Leave the assembly point without authorisation
- Obstruct fire exits with any objects
Do:
- Remain calm and act swiftly
- Walk in an orderly manner without rushing
- Assist others who may need help evacuating
- Follow all given instructions carefully
- Stay silent and attentive at the assembly point
- Report any missing persons to fire marshals
- Wait for official confirmation before re-entering the building
Conclusion
Fire safety is an essential concern and, therefore, a shared responsibility that requires training, accountability and compliance with safety protocols. If you are in the role of staff or manage staff at your establishment, you need to ensure that they understand these responsibilities fully to ensure a safer workplace.
For more information on fire safety protocols and fire risk assessments, contact us or book a consultation today!
