Fire procedures factsheet

Effect and importance

Each year many people die or are seriously injured as a result of fires at work. Fires cost UK businesses millions of pounds as a result of damage to property, loss of business, fines, compensation claims and insurance premiums.  Sometimes this can result in the end of small businesses. 

The effects of fire can be minimised by having effective controls and procedures in place.

Current legislation

The Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to:

• Carry out a fire risk assessment of the workplace
• Identify any employees who may be at more risk if a fire occurs, for instance disabled employees
• Record any significant findings of fire risk assessment
• Provide and maintain all necessary fire precautions
• Provide information, instruction and training to employees about the fire precautions
• Nominate employees to undertake any special roles required under the fire plan, for instance the taking of registers, the evacuation of certain areas of the building etc