Fire safety law in work and public places

Fire detection and warning systems

The types of equipment you need depend on your business premises and should be determined by your fire risk assessment. You must have a fire detection and warning system. You may need different types of detectors, depending on the type of building and the work carried out in it. You should also make special arrangements for people with hearing or sight impairments.

Fire fighting equipment

The types of equipment you need depend on your business premises. You’ll need to have any equipment properly installed, tested and maintained and train your staff to use them if necessary.

Maintenance and testing

You must carry out regular checks to make sure that:

• all fire alarm systems are working
• the emergency lighting is working
• you record any faults in systems and equipment
• all escape routes are clear and the floor is in good condition
• all fire escapes can be opened easily
• automatic fire doors close correctly
• fire exit signs are in the right place

Fire drills and training

You need to train new staff when they start work and tell all employees about any new fire risks. Training should be specific to your building and include any significant findings from you fire risk assessment. Staff training should be recorded in individual staff training records.

You should carry out at least one fire drill per year and record the results. You should also collate and review feedback from those taking part and take action where necessary.  You must keep the results as part of your fire safety and evacuation plan.