Introduction to Fire Safety Management

Figure 1.17
Emergency routes and exits
Door closer
Fire door
Keep shut

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Introduction to Fire Safety Management
16
Inspectors have the authority to enter and inspect 
premises if they have reason to believe such a visit is 
appropriate. In addition to inspecting the premises them-
selves, such a visit could involve interviewing respon-
sible persons, inspecting records, taking samples and 
making whatever other enquiries are deemed necessary 
to determine whether or not the responsible persons are 
complying with the provisions of the Order.
1.4.3 Other supporting legislation
There are numerous pieces of legislation that support the 
HSWA, MHSW and RRFSO. These are dealt with later in 
the book.
In terms of the principal legislation that has an impact 
on the management of fi re safety the list includes:
➤
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
➤
The management of electrical supplies, systems 
and equipment has a direct bearing on fi re safety 
due to the high incidence of fi res started by elec-
trical sources – the regulations set a minimum 
standard for the management of electrical sup-
plies, systems, etc.
➤
Workplace (Health Safety and Welfare) Regulations 
1992
➤
A range of issues are covered by the regulations 
and include the maintenance of workplace equip-
ment, ventilation and lighting (including emer-
gency lighting) doors and windows.
➤
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 
2007
➤
All construction work comes under the CDM 
Regulations. These regulations require the pro-
duction of a ‘Construction Phase Plan’ for activi-
ties taken during construction and a ‘Health and 
Safety File’ to be produced following completion 
of the project. The regulations allocate role and 
responsibilities to key parties from client or devel-
opment company through to contractors under-
taking the actual works.
➤
Also covered in these regulations is the require-
ment to plan for emergencies, including fi re 
during construction, alterations and maintenance 
operations.
➤
Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992 (as 
amended)
➤
Require all UK manufacturers and suppliers of 
new machinery to make sure that it is safe and fi t 
for purpose. The regulations also apply to refur-
bished secondhand machinery. Manufacturers 
have duties which include the provision of safety 
information to those who may use, maintain, etc. 
the equipment (fi res can result from bearings run-
ning dry, friction, etc.)
➤
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 
1998
➤
As in the case of the Supply of Machinery (Safety) 
Regulations 1992 (as amended) the duty is to 
ensure that work equipment is safe and fi t for the 
purpose; however, in PUWER the responsibilities 
are directed toward the employer. Training and 
the requirement to establish an ongoing mainte-
nance regime are also included the regulations.
➤
Environmental Protection Act 1990
➤
This key piece of legislation identifi es roles and 
responsibilities for key parties in the management 
of pollution from emissions and discharges into 
the environment. It also covers the management 
of waste and establishes the requirement for the 
management of controlled waste including that 
as a result from fi re.
➤
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres 
Regulations 2002
➤
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive 
Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) are 
concerned with the preventive and protective 
requirements against the risks (fi re or explo-
sion) from dangerous substances that are used, 
stored, etc. in the workplace. These regulations 
interact strongly with the RRFSO with many simi-
lar facets.
➤
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 
Regulations 2002 (COSHH) (as amended)
➤
COSHH is the key set of regulations that are 
concerned with the management of hazardous 
materials within the workplace. A detailed piece 
of legislation that places duties upon employers, 
employees and the self-employed to manage 
hazardous chemicals safely, from avoidance 
through to personal protective equipment (PPE).