Fire

Most fires are preventable and there is an obligation on employers, such as the council, to take steps to prevent fires and to provide suitable procedures to follow if a fire is discovered within the workplace. The key tool used for this is the Fire Risk Assessment.

The fire risk assessment should identify what could cause a fire to start, such as sources of ignition (heat or sparks) and substances that burn, and the people who may be at risk. Once these risks have been identified then appropriate action to control them must be developed and implemented. The ideal situation is that significant risks should be avoided altogether or, if this is not possible, mechanisms that reduce the risks and manage them should be introduced, this will include:

• keeping sources of ignition and combustible/flammable substances apart
• avoiding accidental fires, for example making sure temporary heaters cannot be knocked over, or have combustible items fall on them.
• Ensuring good housekeeping at all times, for example avoiding the build-up of rubbish that could burn.
• Not storing combustible items against or in close proximity to the building.

The assessment process should also evaluate how to protect people if there is a fire, for example:

• Consider how to detect fires and how to warn people quickly if a fire starts, for example, installing smoke alarms and fire alarms or bells,
• Have the correct fire-fighting equipment for putting a fire out quickly,
• Keep fire exits and escape routes clearly marked and unobstructed at all times,
• Ensure all team members and other building users (where appropriate) receive appropriate training on procedures they need to follow, including fire drills.
• The nature and content of any Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans

The arrangement section MA17 Fire provides information on all of the above and should be used by managers to ensure relevant procedures are in place within their respective properties.

Fire Risk Assessments will be undertaken by the Service Health and Safety Officer and Property Specialists from Housing and Technical Services. The Fire Risk Assessment must be available onsite for enforcement officers to view if required.

Recent changes have taken place to the criteria required for Fire Service attendance at a fire alarm, details of this and the actions needed locally can be found at Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals - UFAS

For further advice on Fire Safety, please contact the Health and Safety Team. Scottish Fire and Rescue should only be contacted after discussion with the H&S Team.