In Scotland, fire safety duties for non-domestic premises, including schools, colleges and universities, are set out in the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
Key Responsibilities
Employers must adhere to the following key responsibilities to ensure fire safety:
- Fire Safety Risk Assessment: Employers must conduct regular fire safety risk assessments to identify potential fire hazards and implement measures to mitigate these risks. This includes evaluating the safety of the building structure, fire detection and alarm systems, and emergency evacuation procedures.
- Fire Safety Measures: Employers must implement appropriate fire safety measures based on the risk assessment. This includes installing and maintaining fire detection and alarm systems, providing adequate fire-fighting equipment, and ensuring clear and accessible escape routes.
- Emergency Evacuation Plans: Employers must develop and regularly update emergency evacuation plans. They must ensure that all staff and students are familiar with these plans through regular fire drills and training sessions.
- Maintenance and Testing: Employers must regularly maintain and test all fire safety equipment and systems. This includes fire alarms, emergency lighting, and fire extinguishers. Employers must keep records of all maintenance and testing activities.
- Training and Awareness: Employers must provide fire safety training for all staff and students. This includes training on the use of fire-fighting equipment, understanding fire safety procedures, and knowing how to respond in the event of a fire.
- Special Considerations: Employers must ensure that fire safety measures take into account the needs of all individuals, including those with disabilities. This includes making provisions for the safe evacuation of disabled persons.
Advice for Health and Safety Representatives
The onus for ensuring a safe workplace lies with the employer. It is their duty to ensure that a Fire Risk Assessment is done and that a suitable fire safety policy is in place and being implemented. Union health and safety representatives should consider fire safety as part of their workplace inspections, or even do separate workplace fire inspections.
- Review Policies and Procedures: Ask to see the employer’s fire safety policies, procedures, and reports, including the fire risk assessment.
- Inspect Records: Request records of inspections for fire and electrical equipment, and details of any flammable chemicals.
- Consultation: Ensure the employer consults you on the appointment and use of any fire safety consultants.
- Fire Safety Inspections: Conduct regular workplace inspections using a fire risk checklist.
- Engage with Members: Talk to members about fire safety, especially those who act as fire wardens.
- Immediate Action: If any risks pose imminent danger, contact the local fire station for advice.
Other non-fire Emergency Situations
Many employers have introduced policies to cover other emergencies such as an intruder entering the premises, bomb threats and storm damage etc. These arrangements should be treated as any other set of H&S instructions to employees with adequate information, training and support provided for all affected individuals. Health and Safety Representatives should be consulted on risk assessments in the normal way.
