Fire Prevention

1. Look around your workplace - eliminate the hazards
2. Install a fire detection and alarm system to give early warning
3. Prepare an evacuation plan & practice it regularly

Fire Control Strategies

• Active Controls
• Passive Controls
• Management Controls

Active Controls

Purpose of Active Controls:

• To alert occupants to emergency conditions
• To initiate emergency response
• To enable occupants extinguish small fires
• To ensure defined and visible route of escape
• To ensure a constant supply of water

Equipment Types

Fire Detection & Alarm Systems

• Must be installed serviced and maintained to IS 3218
• Must be mains powered with battery backup
• Fire Alarm panel must be Checked for faults daily
• Weekly Checks
• 3 Monthly Check by a competent person certified
• 12 Monthly Check by a competent person certified
• Retain Records

Escape/Emergency Lighting Systems

• Escape Lighting
• Must be installed serviced and maintained to IS 3217
• Inspect Weekly
• 3 Monthly Check by a competent person certified
• 12 Monthly Check by a competent person certified
• Retain Records
   

Emergency Exit Signs -S.I. no. 132,1995- Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Signs) Regulations, 1995

Fire Extinguishers

• Installed serviced and maintained in accordance with IS. 291
• Selection Based on Risk Assessment by supplier
• Should be positioned about 1m off the ground
• Inspect Monthly for evidence that they work
• Test & Inspect Every 12 Months by supplier
  • Discharge Test 25%
  • Retain Record of checks and servicing

• Hose Reels
• Hydrants
• Fixed Fire Systems

Passive Controls

• Fire safety must taken into account when designing building or changing the use of an existing building
• Fire Safety Certificates are required for all building construction, alterations, extensions. (see section on Fire Safety Certificates)
• Furnishings and fitting to be of required standards

Fire Doors

• Stop the spread of fire and smoke for a period of time
• A fire door can not stop the spread of smoke and fire if its open
• Should be fitted with a self-closer
• Must be kept shut - no wedges holding open
• Can have electromagnetic hold open device connected to fire alarm

Management Controls

Fire Training

• Statutory Requirement to have staff trained
• Training must be specific to your organisation
• Training must be by a competent provider
• It must be assessed and repeated regularly

Fire Drills

• Fire Drills must be held minimum twice a year
• Simulate one exit blocked by fire
• Choose safe assembly area
• A procedure must be put in place to ensure the premises is vacated
• Keep a record & record any problems encountered

Record Management

• All workplaces must have a Fire Safety Register
• Management functions
• Assigned duties
• Record of drills/evacuation
• Inventory of fire protection equipment
• Details of inspection & test including Certificates

Fire Prevention – General Housekeeping

• Give Heat sources adequate space for heat to dissipate
• Don’t overload electrical sockets
• Turn off all electrical appliances after use
• Avoid the buildup of papers and refuse
• Store combustibles appropriately. Not along escape routes. Not under stairs
• Maintain adequate means of escape
• Keep escape routes clear of all obstructions

To Summarise

• Identify risks in your workplace and eliminate hazards
• Install service and maintain a Fire detection and Alarm system and Emergency Lighting
• Provide service and maintain Fire Extinguishers
• Train staff and practice fire drills

Fire Safety Register

All workplaces and public buildings must have a robust fire safety management system. This includes the maintenance of a Fire Safety Register on the premises.

The Fire Safety Manager who is responsible for the implementation and oversight of the fire safety programme should keep a Fire Safety Register as a complete record of all fire safety matters on the premises.

We have provided a template for a Fire Safety Register below: