Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

Weekly
• Operate torches and replace batteries as required
including self-contained
 
• Repair or replace any defective unit
units and torches
Monthly
• Check all systems, units and torches for state of repair and apparent function
Annually
• Full check and test of systems and units by competent service engineer
• Replace batteries in torches
Fire-fi ghting equipment
Weekly
• Check all extinguishers including hose-reels for correct installation and 
including hose-reels
apparent 
function
Annually
• Full check and test by competent service engineer
Table 13.2
Maintenance and testing of fi re equipment

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Fire hazards and control
221
emergencies. But the problems this raises are seldom 
great. Employers should:
➤
identify everyone who may need special help to 
get out
➤
allocate responsibility to specifi c staff to help people 
with a disability in emergency situations
➤
consider possible escape routes
➤
enable the safe use of lifts
➤
enable people with a disability to summon help in 
emergencies
➤
train staff to be able to help their colleagues.
Advice on the needs of people with a disability, including 
sensory impairment, is available from the organizations 
which represent various groups. (Names and addresses 
can be found in the telephone directory.)
People with impaired vision must be encouraged 
to familiarize themselves with escape routes, particu-
larly those not in regular use. A ‘buddy’ system would 
be helpful. But, to take account of absences, more than 
one employee working near anyone with impaired vision 
should be taught how to help them.
Staff with impaired hearing may not hear alarms in 
the same way as those with normal hearing but may 
still be able to recognize the sound. This may be tested 
during the weekly alarm audibility test. There are alterna-
tive means of signalling, such as lights or other visual 
signs, vibrating devices or specially selected sound 
signals. The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (19–
23 Featherstone St, London EC1) can advise. Ask the fi re 
brigade before installing alternative signals.
Wheelchair users or others with impaired mobility 
may need help to negotiate stairs, etc. Anyone selected 
to provide this help should be trained in the correct 
methods. Advice on the lifting and carrying of people 
can be obtained from the Fire Service, Ambulance 
Service, British Red Cross Society, St John Ambulance 
Brigade or certain disability organizations.
Lifts should not be used as a means of escape in 
the event of a fi re. If the power fails, the lift could stop 
between fl oors, trapping occupants in what may become 
a chimney of fi re and smoke. But BS 5588: Part 8 
provides advice on specially designed lifts for use by the 
disabled in the event of a fi re.
Employees with learning diffi culties may also require 
special provision. Management should ensure that the 
colleagues of any employee with a learning diffi culty 
know how to reassure them and lead them to safety.