Introduction to Fire Safety Management

part of the control measures relating to hazardous materi-
als, under the regulations, particularly in relation to fi re 
and explosion. These are detailed elsewhere in this book.

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Introduction to Fire Safety Management
54
3.9
The provision of buildings
As part of their responsibilities employers and respon-
sible persons are required to ensure that the workplaces 
under their control are safe and fi t for purpose so far as 
is reasonably practicable.
Whether the building or work facility is owned, 
leased, or used as part of a shared building (e.g. where 
more than one employer occupies a building) those in 
control are obliged to establish formal arrangements for 
the management of all aspects of safety including fi re.
Much depends upon the responsible person and/or 
employer undertaking an assessment of, not only their 
work activities but also the suitability of the building 
or facility to allow them to undertake their operations 
safely. It is true to say that a large proportion of organ-
isations do not undertake suffi ciently rigorous examin-
ation of these areas prior to procuring their facilities.
detailing how equipment operates and its mainte-
nance schedule
➤
Any previously issued fi re certifi cate or conditions of 
licence issued by an enforcing authority
➤
The Health and Safety File as required under the 
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 
2007 (CDM).
Following the introduction of CDM in 1995 and subse-
quent changes that came into effect in 2007, the require-
ment was established to complete a health and safety 
fi le when undertaking any new building or refurbishment. 
The contents of this fi le are now probably the single 
most important source of information relating to newer 
buildings for those involved in the ongoing management 
of fi re safety.
The main intention of the regulations is aimed at the 
design and management aspects of the project and will 
have the greatest effect at the planning stages. To that 
end the regulations identify certain ‘key parties’ involved 
in a construction project and impose duties upon all of 
them for the safe completion of the project.
These key parties are:
➤
The 
Client
➤
The 
Designer
➤
The CDM Coordinator
➤
The Principal Contractor
➤
Other 
Contractors.