Fire safety regulations - frequently asked questions

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Fire safety regulations - frequently asked questions

Question:		I have not had a visit from the brigade recently, do I need an inspection?
Answer:		Not necessarily. Make sure your fire risk assessment is up to date. The Brigade's current inspection program is focussed on higher risk premises.
Question:		Can I make structural alterations?
Answer:		Yes, however, all premises should contact building control. Review your fire risk assessment to ensure fire safety will be satisfactory during and after the work.
Question:		How often should I carry out staff training?
Answer:		With sufficient frequency to ensure all staff can cope in an emergency.
Question:		How do I carry out a fire risk assessment?
Answer:		Follow the advice in the Fire Risk Assessment Guides - Fire Safety - Risk Assessments.
Question:		Can the brigade carry out my risk assessment for me?
Answer:		No, the Brigade has to remain impartial because we enforce the fire precautions in the workplace regulations.
Question:		Do I need signs to indicate the position of fire fighting equipment?
Answer:		Only if the fire fighting equipment is not clearly visible
Question:		I want my staff to get out, not fight the fire. Must I have fire-fighting equipment?
Answer:		Yes, fire-fighting equipment must be provided to, if necessary, enable staff to evacuate the premises.
Question:		How can I improve fire safety on my farm?
Answer:		Carry out a risk assessment. Train your staff and devise a fire action plan. Provide appropriate fire fighting equipment for your buildings. Have all electrical equipment checked regularly. Consider a ban on smoking. Consider establishing a permit to work system for contractors - especially for hot work. Contact the police for advice on security to prevent arson. Tell the brigade about any water supplies on the farm and if possible provide good access to them for our pumps. If possible do not burn rubbish. If you do , never leave the fire unattended, have fire fighting equipment standing by, make sure the fire is completely out before leaving it.
Question:		Is it safe to have a bonfire?
Answer:		Yes providing you: NEVER use liquid fuels to light it. Keep it to a reasonable size. Do not burn dangerous or toxic items such as aerosols, tyres, tins, liquids. Consider the effects of wind blown sparks and smoke on to your neighbours property. Do not have a bonfire near thatch, buildings or flammable undergrowth. Do not have a bonfire during drought conditions. Have a garden hose standing by. Never leave a bonfire unattended. Make sure the bonfire is completely out before leaving it. Consider the alternatives – recycling, composting.
Question:		What type of self closing device should I use?
Answer:		Fire resisting doors that are required by your risk assessment to be self-closing should be fitted with a British Standard Institute approved device. Regular maintenance should be carried out to ensure the device closes the door fully, overcoming any latch resistance. If the self closing device is automatic, (ie; activated by the fire alarm) this action should be checked during routine fire alarm testing.