Introduction to Fire Safety Management

Introduction to Fire Safety Management
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control measure and to ensure that the issue does not 
recur it may be prudent to consider reminding staff via an 
e-mail or memo and ensuring such issues are included 
on the monthly fi re safety inspection/tour programme.
The existing control measures in place are that 
the travel distances calculated for people to escape 
meet current Building Regulations guidance. The main 
corridors and staircase enclosures are provided with 
protection that meets a minimum of FR30 standard 
and that fi re detection systems have been installed to 
provide advanced warning.
The fi re policy currently in place details all the key 
issues in relation to fi re but has not been amended to 
take into account disabled persons.
Worked example 4 – Persons in premise unaware of fi re
An employer (responsible person) occupies an offi ce building which is also provided with a basement 
storage facility and plant rooms at roof level. A fi re alarm system to BS 5839 is installed throughout the 
premises. The system includes frangible break glass points and audible sounders which are fi tted through-
out the premises and into all units. Additional visual alarms are fi tted within the plant room areas in proxim-
ity to equipment which is designated as a ‘noise zone’. The entire system was installed by an approved 
competent company and in line with the policy is tested weekly by the facilities management team.
The policy and documentary records also indicate that the system is tested and inspected on an annual 
basis by a competent engineer. The audibility of the system is checked at regular intervals when testing the 
alarm by the facilities management team and employee feedback (a memo is sent to staff requesting infor-
mation if they are in an area in which they cannot hear the alarm).
The call points are readily accessible and clearly identifi able with appropriate signage.
During the visual element of the risk assessment it was noted that one of the warning devices in the base-
ment storage area had been obstructed by storage materials.