WINTER 2021 FIRE SAFETY Be Safe and Strong when it comes to fire Fire risk assessments are key to businesses ensuring they comply with the law and keep people safe Figures suggest that 80 per cent of businesses that have a significant fire never recover, or fail within 18 months. So, West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is committed to helping firms reduce the risk from fire and comply with The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Businesses must ensure that any changes to the use of their buildings or staffing levels do not affect the safety of employees or visitors Business owners have a legal duty to ensure they comply with the fire safety order and protect staff, as well as other people who are legally on or around their premises, from fire. WMFS offers Safe and Strong visits to businesses, during which its operational crews discuss fire prevention, looking at common causes of fire and how these can be addressed. Complying with fire-safety law starts with businesses doing a fire risk assessment to identify hazards and people at risk, and to evaluate, remove or reduce risks. Their findings should be recorded, an emergency plan prepared, and training provided to staff and the assessment should be reviewed and updated regularly. As people return to their workplaces after the coronavirus lockdowns, businesses must ensure staff, and any new employees, are given the correct induction and fire-safety training. This will help them understand any risks, as well as the procedures for the building, including: What is expected of them and where to go in the event of a fire How to raise the alarm Fire extinguisher use. Take stock of safety Fire risk assessments help a business: Identify emergency routes and exits, fire-detection and warning systems, and firefighting equipment Remove dangerous substances, or store them safely Create a plan for emergency evacuation Identify the needs of vulnerable people including the elderly, young children, or those with disabilities Provide information to employees and other people on the premises Formulate fire-safety training. Fire marshals and wardens also need to know how to do their role safely. In addition, businesses must ensure that any changes to the use of their buildings or staffing levels do not affect the safety of employees or visitors, that the business can still operate safely, and that equipment provided under the fire safety order is tested and maintained effectively. Any changes should be reviewed within the fire risk assessment. If you are unsure about any of your fire-safety provision including changes made as part of your COVID-19 measures consult a competent fire risk assessor. They will be able to guide you through the process and ensure you are meeting your legal duties. Author credit: Ian Jones, West Midlands Fire Service Image: Guzaliia Filimonova For more information, visit the WMFS website or, to arrange a visit, contact your local fire station or call 0330 058 9000. Festive fire safety advice The run-up to Christmas is a very busy time of year for many businesses, so it is important to consider your fire-safety requirements. This will mean different things to different businesses, but some simple rules work across all areas: Review your fire risk assessment when making any changes to the use of your building be that because of greater stock levels, increased bookings, or more people or staff When reviewing safety measures, consider the means of escape from the building. Ensure they do not become blocked by increased stock or changes to the layout of your premises, and that they are still able to deal with the number of people who will be there Ensure new or temporary staff receive induction training, so they are aware of your procedures and what is expected of them in an emergency. During December, the fire service is running its annual Christmas campaign to ensure public safety, including spot checks on businesses to look at their means of escape and occupancy numbers. Advice and support can be obtained from your fire risk assessor or via your local fire and rescue service, or visit Gov.uk For further information, please contact your local Trading Standards Service