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Mistakes you could be making right now

By Mark Palmer,

Help & Safety At Work

NEVER before has fire safety been so highly scrutinised, since The Fire Safety Order 2005 was introduced and, of course, the tragic events of the Grenfell fire last year.

Lessons will and must be learnt and changes implemented to ensure that in modern day Britain this sort of thing never happens again. The Hackitt report is now in progress to make the necessary changes. My experience of over 20 years visiting all types of premises is that the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ are miles apart – to say the least!

In some instances, business owners, responsible person/s for the workplace or those appointed in charge of fire safety often care but are unaware of what’s involved to make them compliant.

Listed below are some things to be aware of:

1. DESKTOP – There should be a physical inspection of the building – some assessments are carried out using a template from a computer, so no-one actually views the premises

2. YES/NO – In most instances answering questions with Yes or No will not be deemed suitable and sufficient – you must add commentary and justification

3. ACTION PLAN – The assessment must conclude in an action plan with ranking and suitable timescales

4. HIGH RISK/TECHNICAL – If you are not trained and competent, the chances are you’ll be avoiding the main risks and could be prosecuted!

5. GUIDANCE – Often overlooked. You should be working to the right legislation, supporting documents and British Standards

6. SHARE – Tell your employees and pass on significant findings of the assessment

7. KEEP IT CURRENT – Is your report current; a true reflection of the premises?

8. PROCEDURES AND ARRANGEMENTS – It is essential that all occupants know what to do in the event of a fire and deploy the evacuation strategy effectively

9. IGNORE – Have you acted on the findings or just filed the report away until next time?

10. COMPETENCE – The person completing the assessment can be prosecuted

To avoid slipping up, feel free to call us on 01832 735874 or drop us an email

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