Do I need to have fire marshals in the workplace?
Fire Safety: Do I need to have trained fire marshals in my workplace?
Yes.
Fire Safety Basics: Written January 2025 by Ben Holroyd - BH training solutions founder
In the UK, protecting everyone from fire at work is a big deal. The law requires businesses to have fire marshals to keep employees, visitors, and buildings safe. Here's a plain guide to what the law says about fire marshals, their roles, and how they help maintain safety.
The Law:
The main fire safety law in the UK is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, also called the Fire Safety Order. The Fire Safety Order puts the responsibility for fire safety on the "responsible person" (usually the employer or building owner).
The key points are:
· Assess Risks: The responsible person must find and reduce fire risks in the building.
· Plan for Safety: They must make plans for fire safety and emergency situations.
· Fire Marshals: They need to appoint and train fire marshals to help with these tasks.
· Maintain Safety: Regular checks and maintenance of fire safety equipment and procedures are required.
Not following these rules can lead to penalties such as fines or even legal action. The goal is to ensure everyone in the building stays safe from fire hazards. Employers must keep up with their fire safety duties, regularly train staff, and review their fire plans to stay safe and compliant.
Choosing and Training Fire Marshals:
The Fire Safety Order says that employers must appoint competent people, including fire marshals, to help with fire safety and implementing emergency evacuation procedures. This ensures quick action in case of a fire or any other emergency where the building needs to be evacuated. Fire marshals need to be trained properly to know their duties. Although there's no specific course required, the training should fit the workplace's specific risks.
Fire Marshals' Duties:
Fire marshals have several key tasks to prevent fires and help in emergencies:
1. Regularly checking for fire hazards in the workplace.
2. Helping create and follow fire safety plans and evacuation procedures.
3. Teaching staff about fire safety and how to use fire equipment.
4. Keeping an eye on fire safety measures like exits, signs, and firefighting tools.
5. Leading during fire drills and real emergencies, guiding people safely.
6. Working with the fire brigade and giving them needed info.
Summary:
Appointing fire marshals is a legal must in the UK. It helps businesses be ready for emergencies and keep everyone safe. Employers should have qualified fire marshals, provide proper regular training, and regularly check their fire safety plans. This not only protects people but also meets the legal requirements under the Fire Safety Order.
Why Trained Fire Marshals Are Essential in the Workplace?
Having trained fire marshals at work is incredibly important for several reasons:
1. Spotting Fire Risks Early: Fire marshals know how to find potential fire hazards, like faulty wiring or blocked exits, before they become big problems. By fixing these issues right away, they help prevent fires.
2. Being Ready for Emergencies: If a fire does happen, fire marshals are trained to act quickly. They know how to lead evacuations, guide people to safety, and use fire equipment. Their quick response can turn a potential disaster into a controlled situation.
3. Clear Communication: During an emergency, communication is key. Fire marshals relay important information, like evacuation routes and assembly points, to ensure everyone knows what to do. Their calm demeanour helps keep everyone composed.
4. Helping Firefighters: Fire marshals aren't firefighters, but they have basic training to handle small fires before the professionals arrive. Their actions can contain a fire, buying valuable time.
5. Ongoing Fire Safety: Fire marshals regularly review and update fire safety plans, conduct drills, and train staff. Their proactive approach ensures the workplace is always ready for any fire-related emergencies.
In Summary:
Trained fire marshals are crucial for workplace safety and legally required. They prevent fires, lead during emergencies, communicate effectively, assist firefighters, and ensure continuous fire safety. Employers should invest in training fire marshals to protect everyone and comply with legal requirements. When it comes to fire safety, every moment and action matters.
If you need any further advice or you require some relevant accredited on-site training BH training solutions are here to help and guide you. Just click here to get started: