Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) employ a number of inspectors (also known as Fire Safety Enforcement Officers) whose job is to enforce fire safety law. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 deals with fire safety measures in England and Wales. They do this by carrying out fire safety inspections at a variety of workplaces across the country. They are not legally required to give notice of an upcoming inspection, although they may often do so.
What Will They Be Checking?
An inspection will usually consist of checking out the physical state and layout of the premises as well as looking at the management of fire safety. They may give advice, talk to employees or take photographs. They will check the condition of fire doors, assess potential fire hazards and look for possible sources of ignition – for more details on this, see the HSE toolbox.
They will also check that the number of designated fire wardens meets the legal requirement, that the correct signage is being used and that the contents of the fire box are correct. Additionally, they will check that any fire extinguishers have been tested, that emergency lighting tests have been carried out and that the relevant fire blankets are provided in areas such as kitchens.
What Might They Ask For?
Inspectors may ask to see your official policies and materials that you use to induct new employees to make them aware of the fire safety regulations and procedures on the premises. They may also ask to see a record of fire drills that have been carried out and any reports of any incidents that have occurred. They will want to see your current fire risk assessment as well as your detailed personal and general evacuation plans (PEEPS and GEEPS).
If you do not currently have a formal Gloucester fire risk assessment, specialist companies such as http://keloscape.co.uk/fire-risk-assessment/ can provide you with one for a negotiable fee.
What Might They Do If They Find a Problem?
Inspectors have the power to take action in a number of ways to deal with what they see as a breach of fire law. Depending on the seriousness of the breach, these steps range from giving informal advice right through to closing down premises and initiating a prosecution against the people responsible.
Simple measures that help you pass an inspection
The best preparation for an inspection is fire safety that works every day, not just on the day. Larger workplaces should have designated fire wardens. Their role isn’t limited to emergencies; they should keep an eye out for hazards, check escape routes are clear and help keep everyone’s training up to date. That training needs refreshing regularly, especially as staff change.
Fire doors are one of the most common problems inspectors find. They only work when closed, so they should never be wedged or propped open, and their closers and seals should be checked. Escape routes and exits must be kept free of stock and clutter. Some premises also benefit from sprinklers or water mist systems. Mist systems use a fine spray rather than a large volume of water, which can limit water damage while still controlling a fire. Regular fire drills round off the picture and show that procedures work in practice.