Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

Fire hazards and control
211
designed use, it is likely that the means of escape provi-
sions will either be adequate, or it will be easy to decide 
what is required in relation to the risk. Having identifi ed 
the hazards, the next stage is to reduce the chance of 
a fi re occurring and spreading, thereby minimizing the 
chance of harm to persons in the workplace. The prin-
ciples of prevention laid down in the RRFSO should be 
followed at this stage (see section 17.17.5). These are 
based on EC Directive requirements and are therefore 
the same as those used in the Management Regulations. 
See Chapter 6.
Evaluate the risks
Attempt to classify each area as ‘high’, ‘normal’ or ‘low 
risk’. If ‘high risk’, it may be necessary to reconsider the 
principles of prevention, otherwise additional compensa-
tory measures will be required.
Low risk
– Areas where there is minimal risk to persons 
lives, where the risk of fi re occurring is low, or the poten-
tial for fi re, heat and smoke spreading is negligible and 
people would have plenty of time to react to an alert 
of fi re.
Normal risk
– Areas will account for nearly all parts 
of most workplaces; where an outbreak of fi re is likely 
to remain confi ned or spread slowly, with an effective 
fi re warning allowing persons to escape to a place of 
safety.
High risk
– Areas where the available time needed to 
evacuate the area is reduced by the speed of develop-
ment of a fi re, e.g. highly fl ammable or explosive mater-
ials stored or used (other than small quantities under 
controlled conditions). Also where the reaction time to 
the fi re alarm is slower because of the type of person 
present or the activity in the workplace, e.g. the infi rm 
and elderly or persons sleeping on the premises.
Determine if the existing arrangements are adequate, or 
need improvement.
Matters that will have to be considered are:
➤
means for detecting and giving warning in case of 
fi re – can it be heard by all occupants?
➤
means of escape – are they adequate in size, number, 
location, well lit, unobstructed, safe to use, etc.?
➤
signs – for exits, fi re routines, etc.
➤
fi refi ghting equipment – wall mounted by Exits, 
suitable types for hazards present and suffi cient in 
number?