As workplaces continue to relax COVID-19 restrictions and life returns to a more recognisable reality, an increasing number of businesses are welcoming higher volumes of staff onto their premises once again.
While many companies are embracing the new ‘hybrid working’ model, where employees split their time between onsite and working from home, it is essential that businesses prepare for the return of their staff by ensuring the correct health and safety procedures are in place.
Fire safety is one such issue that becomes increasingly important the more staff who are working onsite. Some industries, such as manufacturing and construction, were unable to work from home during the pandemic, but it is still the perfect time to consider fire safety as normality returns.
In this article, we will discuss fire alarm regulations and how they can be implemented in your workplace.
You are responsible for fire safety in business or other non-domestic premises if you are:
If you fall into one of these categories, you are known as the ‘responsible person’. If there is more than one responsible person in your business, you should work together to ensure you are compliant with regulations.
As the responsible person, you must carry out the following fire safety tasks:
As an employer, it is your responsibility to ensure your employees are protected from hazards and unsafe working environments. This includes complying with fire safety regulations.
Despite this rule, commercial properties are not legally required to have fire alarms installed as per UK regulations. However, businesses must have an “appropriate fire detection system” in place. Smaller premises with less than five members of staff can typically rely on shouting to one another or alerting fellow employees that there is a fire; however, larger properties with more staff should install a fire alarm in order to ensure all workers are kept safe.
For specific guidance on what kind of fire detection system would be appropriate for your workplace, please refer to this advice from the London Fire Brigade.
There are many different types of fire alarms to choose from, including both manual and automatic options. The three main types of fire alarm systems are as follows:
The most important factors to take into account are:
Fire alarm regulations state that a fire alarm should be tested regularly by the business owner or another responsible person. Frequent testing is extremely important because there could be serious consequences if an alarm is not checked and a fire does break out.
At a minimum, your fire alarm system should be tested at least once a week. The government also recommends that your fire alarm system undergoes a check-up by a reliable contractor twice a year.
You should enlist a responsible individual or organisation that carries the British Approvals of Fire Equipment certification to carry out these checks.
To get more specific legal guidance on your fire safety responsibilities in this area, please consult the official government advice, or the Health & Safety Executive’s fire safety risk assessment guide.
For recommendations on which fire alarm system might work best for your property, give SafetyBuyer a call on 0800 043 1061.