The Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations took effect on 1 December 1997. Every organisation must now undertake an assessment of the fire risks in the same way that you undertake other health and safety assessments in order to maintain a safe working environment.

What do the regulations ask for?

• If five or more employees, a formal Fire Risk Assessment should be carried out and a record kept of the findings and any measures taken.
• Suitable fire fighting equipment and fire detection systems should be provided and maintained.
• Adequate means of escape in case of fire and the appropriate fire and safety signage displayed.
• The production of an effective fire action plan
• The training of all staff – what to do in the event of a fire and how to operate fire safety equipment
• All fire fighting equipment should properly maintained and regularly tested.

December 1999 Amendment

From December 1999, the requirement for a risk-based approach to fire safety management has been extended to cover employees who control workplaces where a fire certificate is currently in force.

It is also likely that the role and direction of the Fire Brigades activities will change, with the adopting of a "policing" role on workplaces similar to that exercised by the HSE Inspectors, where they will use your own self-assessment of fire risks as their starting point.

Click here to see the full text for the 1997 Fire Precautions Regulations