Introduction to Fire Safety Management

15.3.3 Section 3 – General duty of the employer 
and the self-employed to other persons
Employers and the self-employed are required to carry 
out their undertaking in such a way that, so far as is rea-
sonably practicable, they do not expose other persons 
to risks to their health and safety.
15.3.4 Section 4 – General duty on persons in 
control of premises
This section applies to all persons who have control of 
non-domestic premises and requires that, so far as is 
reasonably practicable, the premises, the access, egress 
and any plant or substances provided for use there are 
safe and without risks to the health of anyone using the 
premises, plant or substances provided there whether 
for work or not.
It should be noted that common parts of residential 
premises are deemed to be non-domestic premises and 
fall within this section.
15.3.5 Section 5 – Emissions
This section was repealed by the Environmental 
Protection Act 1990.
15.3.6 Section 6 – General duty on 
manufacturers and suppliers
Section 6 places duties on persons in relation to both 
articles and substances for use at work.

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Summary of key legal requirements
347
Anyone who designs, manufactures, imports or 
supplies any article for use at work must:
➤
ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the 
article is designed and constructed so that it will be 
safe and without risk to health while it is being used 
(including setting, cleaning and maintenance)
➤
carry out tests or examinations as necessary to 
comply with these duties
➤
provide adequate information (including any revisions) 
to those supplied with the article on the safe use of 
the article (including dismantling and disposal).
Anyone who erects or installs any article for use at work 
must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the 
article is safely erected or installed.
Anyone who manufactures, imports or supplies 
substances must:
➤
ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the 
substance will be safe and without risks to health at 
all times while it is being used, handled, processed, 
stored or transported by a person at work or in a 
premises covered by section 4 (above)
➤
carry out tests or examinations as necessary to 
comply with these duties
➤
provide adequate information (including any revi-
sions) to those supplied with the substance on any 
risks to health or safety posed by the substance, the 
results of any testing and information about condi-
tions necessary to ensure the safe use of the sub-
stance (including disposal).