Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

13.8.3
Stage 2 – Identify location and persons 
who are at signifi cant risk
Consider the risk to any people who may be present. In 
many instances and particularly for most small workplaces 
the risk(s) identifi ed will not be signifi cant, and specifi c 
measures for persons in this category will not be required. 
There will, however, be some occasions when certain 
people may be especially at risk from the fi re, because of 
their specifi c role, disability, sleeping, location or the work-
place activity. Special consideration is needed if:
➤
sleeping accommodation is provided
➤
persons are physically, visually or mentally 
challenged
➤
people are unable to react quickly
➤
persons are isolated.
People, such as visitors, the public or other workers, 
may come into the workplace from outside. The asses-
sor must decide whether the current arrangements are 
satisfactory or if changes are needed.
Because fi re is a dynamic event, which, if unchecked, 
will spread throughout the workplace, all people present 
will eventually be at risk if fi re occurs. Where people are 
at risk, adequate means of escape from fi re should be 
provided together with arrangements for detecting and 
giving warning of fi re. Fire-fi ghting equipment suitable for 
the hazards in the workplace should be provided.
Some people may be at signifi cant risk because they 
work in areas where fi re is more likely or where rapid fi re 
growth can be anticipated. Where possible, the hazards 
creating the high level of risk should be reduced. Specifi c 
steps should be taken to ensure that people affected are 
made aware of the danger and the action they should 
take to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
13.8.4 Stage 3 – Reduce the risks
If the building has been built and maintained in accord-
ance with Building Regulations and is being put to its 
HEATERS WITH
NAKED FLAMES
GAS COOKER WITH NAKED
FLAMES TO WARM FOOD
PAPERS &
FANCY
GOODS
ETC.
STORAGE & TEA
AREA
DISPLAY WITH POSSIBLE
LIGHTERS ON CARDS
PERSONS
ESPECIALLY
AT RISK
SHOULD A FIRE
OCCUR IN THE
SERVING AREA
THIS PERSON
MAY BE
TRAPPED BY
THE FIRE
SHELVES
NEWSPAPER
RACK
LOOSE PAPER ETC.
C
O
U
N
T
E
R
W.C.
DRINKS
FRIDGE
HEATER
HEATER
Figure 13.7
Simple line diagram to identify fi re hazards.

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