WHAT ARE THE DUTIES OF THE


RESPONSIBLE PERSON? Legislation says that, if you are an employer or a person having control over premises, you are responsible for the safety of everyone who might lawfully be on your premises. This includes employees, visitors or members of the public in the immediate vicinity of your premises (i.e. at an open-air entertainment venue) who might be affected by a fi re. The Responsible Person, either on their own or with


The


any other Responsible Person, must do their best to make sure that everyone on the premises, or nearby, can escape safely if there is a fi re. You should pay particular attention to people who may have a disability or anyone who may need special help. You must address the following issues: • Carry out a fi re risk assessment and identify possible hazards and risks


Responsible Person


SO WHO DOES FIRE SAFETY LEGISLATION


APPLY TO? The law applies to you if you are: • Controlling the premises • An employer or self-employed person • Responsible for a part of a dwelling that is used for business purposes


• A charitable or voluntary organisation • A contractor with a responsibility for maintenance of any premisesor, for example, the fi re protection measures in the premises. Contractors and consultants carrying out fi re risk assessments also have duties under the legislation


• Providing accommodation for paying guests • The owner or managing agent of a block of fl ats in England and Wales


In any building where there is more than one Responsible Person, they must all work together to co-operate, co-ordinate and share information with others as far as is necessary to comply with regulations.


• Take general fi re precautions • Principles of fi re prevention are to be applied • Fire safety arrangements, fi re safety policy and procedures


• Take account of those particularly at risk, i.e. very young people; those with special needs or disabilities; and people working with dangerous substances such as fl ammable liquids


• Provide suitable arrangements to warn people of a fi re in the building such as, a Fire Detection and Alarm (FD&A) system


• Eliminate or reduce risk from dangerous substances (chemicals etc.)


• Additional emergency measures in respect of dangerous substances


• Provide adequate means of escape in the case of a fi re such as suffi cient and suitable fi re exits; fi re doors and compartments; signs, notices and emergency lighting


• Take measures for fi re fi ghting e.g. fi re extinguishers • An effective fi re emergency plan to be followed in the event of a fi re


• Maintenance of all fi re safety systems and equipment • Ensure capabilities of employees who are given special tasks in terms of fi re safety and fi re procedures, and provide training to all employees and others who may need it


• Regularly review all these processes and amend if necessary


BEST PRACTICE GUIDE TO FIRE SAFETY |5


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