Fire safety is an important part of running any workplace, but who is actually responsible for making sure employees understand fire safety?
It’s a question many business owners and managers ask. In particular, they want to know how to improve fire safety awareness and ensure employees know what to do if a fire occurs.
The short answer is that fire safety is a shared responsibility. However, legal responsibility depends on the type of premises and who has control over it.
For most workplaces, this is the Responsible Person. This could be an employer, owner, landlord, occupier or another person who controls the premises. In some situations, there may be more than one Responsible Person. In these cases, they must work together to meet their fire safety responsibilities.
Everyone in the workplace also has a role to play in helping to prevent fires and keeping themselves and others safe.
Below is what businesses need to know.
Who is the Responsible Person for fire safety in the workplace?
Under UK fire safety legislation, the identity of the Responsible Person depends on the type of premises and who has control over it.
In a workplace, the employer will generally be the Responsible Person if they control the workplace. However, responsibility can also sit with an owner, landlord, occupier or another person who controls the premises. There can also be more than one Responsible Person, particularly in shared premises.
The Responsible Person has several important duties. These include carrying out and reviewing a fire risk assessment, putting appropriate fire safety measures in place, planning for emergencies, and providing staff with fire safety information, instruction and training.
Is fire safety awareness the responsibility of the Responsible Person?
Yes. The Responsible Person must make sure employees receive appropriate fire safety information, instruction and training.
This should include making sure employees understand their workplace fire safety arrangements. They should also know what to do if a fire occurs.
The exact information and training required depends on the workplace and the risks identified through the fire risk assessment.
Fire safety awareness may include making sure employees understand:
- What to do if they discover a fire
- How to raise the alarm
- What the fire alarm sounds like
- Where the emergency exits and escape routes are
- Where to go during an evacuation
- The importance of keeping escape routes clear
- How to report fire hazards
- The workplace’s emergency procedures
The aim is to give employees the information and training they need. As a result, they can understand the fire safety measures in place and the actions they should take in an emergency.
What is a Fire Risk Assessment?
A Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) assesses the fire risks within a premises. It identifies potential fire hazards, who could be at risk, and the measures needed to prevent fires and protect people.
The Responsible Person must ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is completed. They must also record the findings. The assessment should consider areas such as fire hazards, people who may be at risk, emergency routes and exits, fire detection and warning systems, firefighting equipment and emergency procedures.
A Fire Risk Assessment isn’t a one-off exercise. It should be reviewed regularly to keep it suitable and up to date. This is especially important if there are significant changes to the premises, the people using it or the activities taking place.
UK fire safety guidance does not set a fixed legal expiry date for a Fire Risk Assessment. However, industry best practice recommends carrying out an annual internal review alongside a more detailed reassessment every three years. For some low-risk premises, a period of up to five years may be appropriate.
The assessment should also be reviewed sooner if there have been significant changes to the premises, working practices or the people at risk. It should also be reviewed if there is reason to believe the existing assessment is no longer valid.
A suitable Fire Risk Assessment helps the Responsible Person understand the fire risks within the workplace. It also helps identify the appropriate fire safety measures, procedures and training.
Do employees have responsibility for fire safety awareness?
While the main legal duties sit with the Responsible Person and other relevant duty holders, employees also have an important part to play.
Employees must take reasonable care of their own safety. They must also consider the safety of others who could be affected by their actions. In addition, they should cooperate with their employer and follow the fire safety procedures that have been put in place.
For example, employees should avoid blocking fire exits, follow workplace evacuation procedures and report hazards or concerns where appropriate.
Good fire safety relies on everyone understanding their responsibilities and taking them seriously.
Who is responsible for fire safety training?
The Responsible Person must ensure employees receive adequate fire safety training that matches the workplace and the risks identified.
The Responsible Person does not have to deliver the training personally. Instead, a business may choose a competent external training provider to deliver appropriate fire safety training for employees, fire wardens or fire marshals.
The type and level of training depends on the workplace, the risks involved and the responsibilities given to individual employees.
Employers should provide fire safety training when employees first start work. They should also repeat it periodically. The appropriate frequency depends on the circumstances and should be considered as part of the fire risk assessment. In addition, businesses may need to provide extra training when an employee’s role or responsibilities change, or when new equipment, technology or working practices create new or increased risks.
For example, a business may provide general fire safety awareness training for its workforce. It may also provide additional training for employees with specific fire safety responsibilities, such as fire wardens or fire marshals.
What is the role of a fire warden or fire marshal?
Some businesses appoint employees to take on specific responsibilities during an emergency.
Depending on the workplace, these may include roles such as Fire Warden or Fire Marshal.
Their responsibilities may include helping with evacuation procedures, supporting colleagues during an emergency, and assisting with workplace fire safety arrangements.
The exact duties of a fire warden or fire marshal depend on the organisation and its emergency procedures.
However, appointing fire wardens or fire marshals does not remove the overall responsibilities of the Responsible Person. Instead, trained and competent people can help implement the fire procedures already in place.
Why is fire safety awareness important?
A fire can develop quickly, and employees need to know how to respond without unnecessary delay.
Good fire safety awareness helps employees understand the procedures that are in place and what they should do if an emergency occurs.
It also helps businesses identify potential hazards and encourage safer behaviours in the workplace.
The Responsible Person must ensure employees receive adequate fire safety training so they understand the fire safety measures in the premises and the actions they need to take to protect themselves and others.
Fire safety isn’t simply about having fire extinguishers or alarms in place. People also need to understand the procedures and know how to respond.
How can businesses improve fire safety awareness?
Once a workplace fire risk assessment has been completed, businesses can put appropriate measures and procedures in place to help keep people safe.
This could include:
- Providing fire safety information as part of employee induction
- Giving employees clear information about emergency procedures
- Providing appropriate fire safety awareness training
- Training employees who have specific fire safety responsibilities
- Carrying out suitable fire drills
- Keeping fire exits and escape routes clear
- Regularly reviewing fire safety arrangements
- Encouraging employees to report fire hazards
The aim is to create a workplace where everyone understands the importance of fire safety. Employees should know what is expected of them and how to respond in an emergency.
Need help with fire safety training?
Understanding who is responsible for fire safety awareness is an important first step. However, businesses also need to make sure their employees have the appropriate knowledge and training for their workplace.
At 1st Choice Safety Training & Consultancy, we provide fire safety training for businesses and organisations, including fire awareness and fire marshal and fire warden training.
Our experienced trainers can help your team understand their responsibilities. They also build the knowledge and confidence needed to respond effectively in an emergency.
If you’re unsure what fire safety training your business needs, get in touch with 1st Choice Safety Training & Consultancy to discuss your requirements.
