Fire Safety Policy. Billy Hanafin H & S and Operations Officer. Fife Cultural Trust. Version 1.0 October 2013 Page 1

Transcription

1 Billy Hanafin H & S and Operations Officer Version 1.0 October 2013 Page 1

2 1. General The Trust is a responsible employer that takes its Fire Safety duties seriously. For that reason, this policy has been devised to help the Trust comply with its legal obligations to staff and visitors under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order The Trust is committed to taking all reasonably practicable steps to ensure the health, safety, welfare of staff, visitors, contractors and other persons who may be affected by its activities. This policy addresses our obligations under The Order that requires us to: Develop a policy to minimise the hazards associated with fire Reduce the risk of an outbreak of fire Reduce the risk of the spread of fire Provide a means of escape Demonstrate preventative action Maintain documentation and records in respect of Fire Safety Management This also forms part of the Trust s general Health & Safety Policy. 2. The Responsible Person The Trust has appointed a Health and Safety and Operations Officer who is charged with the responsibility of ensuring the safety of the staff and any person who legally enters the building and the surrounding grounds and of anyone not on the premises but who may be affected. The responsible body must ensure that the competent persons carry out Fire Safety Risk Assessments. 3. Fire Marshals The Trust s Fire Marshals are designated individuals from each building or facility unit and in bigger units departments, so as to ensure each physical area within each facility may be adequately evacuated and procedures implemented. There will be trained Fire Marshals in Management, Reception, Administration and Offices, Maintenance & Caretakers, Kitchens and Catering. The Marshals: Make contact with the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service Assist in evacuations Provide essential information to the Fire & Rescue service Version 1.0 October 2013 Page 2

3 4. Competent Persons The Trust will appoint Competent Persons to carry out the following duties: Carry out risk assessments Advise Fire Marshals Assist with Fire Drills The Competent Person(s) will be Billy Hanafin, Health and Safety and Operations Officer, Ext (Direct Line) Mobile: Documentation & Records The Trust documents and keeps records to prove that we have acted responsibly. The following records will be kept in good order, up to date and available for inspection at any time in the Health & Safety Manager s office: This (copies will also be available in each department and on the Staff Notice Board) Fire Evacuation Procedures Copies of all Risk Assessments Records of all fire training and induction A record of all fire drills (at least 2 per annum) listing all participants, evacuation time and any comments for corrective action Records of weekly tests of Fire Alarm system, sounders, detection and Final Fire Exits Periodic testing of Emergency Lighting system Annual tests and inspection of Fire Alarm System and Fire Fighting Equipment by an competent contractor All scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of the fire detection and alarm system Records of inspection, risk assessment and maintenance of workplace and electrical equipment, storage of combustible substances and other hazards identified within Fire Safety Records of any unwanted alarm activations and corrective action Plans of the building Version 1.0 October 2013 Page 3

4 6. Duties of Employees All staff have a duty to take reasonable steps to ensure that they do not place themselves or others at risk of harm. They are also expected to cooperate fully in complying with any procedures that the Trust may introduce as a measure to protect the safety and well being of any staff and visitors. 7. Communication The Trust will ensure that any person it employs (directly or indirectly) is provided with all information relating to fire safety and consult with our employees on all matters of and arrangements. We will keep staff informed of any changes to our Fire Risk Assessment and fire safety procedures. Fire Safety training will form part of the induction for all new employees. We will also ensure that all visitors and contractors on our sites, are briefed in the evacuation procedures and are not left alone unless they are aware of and familiar with all available escape routes. 8. Procedures The organisation has introduced the following procedures to ensure the highest standards of fire safety: Fire evacuation procedures will be practiced at least twice annually and more often where possible All staff will be given ongoing refresher training and induction training upon commencing employment. Further training will be given if there are any changes that affect fire safety All employees will be given training in the use of fire extinguishers, whether or mot they have been give specific fire fighting duties All escape routes will be established, kept in good working order and free from combustible materials and obstruction at all times. Operation of fire exit doors will be checked and recorded in the Fire Log Book Fire fighting equipment will be provided. In general, this means fire extinguishers but additional provision of fire blankets or hoses may be made, where deemed appropriate by the findings of the fire risk assessment All fire related equipment, will be regularly serviced and maintained by a competent contractor. If any person notices defective or missing equipment, they must report it to the Competent Person An appropriate fire detection and alarm system will be provided. This will be tested regularly and all staff advised of such tests. The type Version 1.0 October 2013 Page 4

5 and extent of the system provided will be based on the findings of the fire risk assessment Emergency lighting will be provided for all escape routes where applicable. The extent of the system provided will be based on the findings of the fire risk assessment The risk of fire spread will be controlled by the provision of fire resisting construction and fire/smoke resisting doors. These provisions will be kept in good order as part of our planned maintenance schedule. All staff are required to ensure that any fire door remains closed at all times Any other safety systems provided, will be checked regularly to ensure correct operation, e.g emergency lighting, fire doors etc Appropriate signs and notices will be displayed giving clear instructions to employees and others in the event of fire. Additionally, signs will be provided to indicate the position of fire extinguishers, alarm call points and to indicate emergency escape routes In the normal course of their work, management, cleaners and maintenance staff will make it their business to ensure that staff, visitors and other users of the building, keep exits and lobbies clear of debris, furniture etc, that doors are not propped open, extinguishers have not been removed from their brackets and fire signs and notices have not been removed This policy will be included in contractual terms and conditions of employment. Failure to adhere to its contents will be handles through the Disciplinary Procedure 9. Risk Assessments The Competent Person shall make, record and review and where applicable, revise Fire Safety Risk Assessments at regular intervals in accordance with The Order. They will also be carried out if there has been any significant physical change to the layout of the building, staircase or change of use. The Fire Safety Risk Assessment will take into account anyone who may enter our premises, whether they are employees, visitors, members of public or contractors. Particular attention will be paid to those with disabilities or special needs. Team Leaders and Facility Managers, have a duty to identify all hazardous substances and other potential or actual hazards and make this information available to those persons carrying out the risk assessment. Version 1.0 October 2013 Page 5

6 This Policy Statement will review regularly and updated as necessary. The Trust s Board endorses this Policy and is fully committed to its implementation. Version 1.0 October 2013 Page 6