There are regulations surrounding the use and maintenance of Fire Safety equipment for non-domestic premises in England and Wales. These are detailed in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which offers guidance for fire and rescue authorities and other bodies, about their duty to enforce fire safety in non-domestic premises.
Fire Safety Equipment
There is a hope that fire safety equipment never has to be used, but it is vitally important that it will function properly if the worst were to happen.
The term Fire Safety Equipment covers many aspects that contribute to fire prevention. The tools, devices and elements of equipment include
- Fire Alarms
- Fire Extinguishers
- Emergency Lighting
- Fire Doors
- Hose Reels
- Sprinklers
- Fire blankets
- Signage
Not every item listed above is compulsory, but the size and type of your building will determine exactly which of these is needed.
Fire Safety Equipment Maintenance
All Fire Safety Equipment on your premises should be maintained and serviced regularly. It is imperitive to have these checks carried out to not only meet legislation, but to protect every person in your premises.
Failing to keep up with maintenance and servicing of your equipment could be costly in the long run. If equipment fails through neglect, the repurcussions could be huge.
Electing a responsible person to take on the responsibility of Fire Safety is recommended; this person would oversee the organisation of all necessary maintenance and tests to ensure all equipment meets the required standards. This information should then be entered into a Fire Safety Logbook.
Fire Extinguisher Maintenance
In the case of fire extinguishers, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires them to be present in all commercial premises, and to be serviced annually. We offer this service here at Swift Fire & Safety.
In order to ensure that extinguishers are in good working order, they should be checked by a competent person, ideally a certified expert. Serveral checks need to be made including making sure that:
- The extinguisher is in date
- The extinguisher hasn’t been interfered or tampered with
- The weight and pressure are correct
- The instructions are clearly visible
- The pin and hose are in tact
- The extinguisher is in visibly good condition
Your certified expert will inform you of any action if it is needed and will advise you if and when old extinguishers need to be replaced. The visit should be recorded in the Fire Safety Logbook. You will be issued with a service label to prove the service has been carried out, which is important for Fire Safety Inspections.
Knowing how to use extinguishers effectively and safely can save lives and reduce damage should a fire start. Be sure you are compliant with Health and Safety Regulations and fully prepared for the unthinkable.
Fire Safety Policy
According to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) order 2005, every business must have a Fire Safety Policy. It should explain the general safety policy in place, the duties of the elected responsible person, any training information, equipment and testing and any events relating to fire safety.
This demonstrates commitment to Fire Safety and prevention.
Swift Fire & Safety offers a variety of fire prevention and protection services throughout Peterborough and Cambridge to keep your business up to standard. If you’d like more information you can call us on 01733 602955, email info@fireandsafety.com or click here.