The local fire authority cannot do the risk assessment for an employer nor check whether it has been done properly. However, should an assessment indicate that significant works or expenditure is required, they will provide advice to ensure that the most effective methods of complying with the regulations are undertaken for the premises. Fire authorities will usually recommend minor improvements, with a time period for completing the work, in an informal letter. They have formal powers for use in serious cases: Enforcement Notice: requiring more important work to be done within a stipulated time period Prohibition Notice: prohibiting or restricting use of the premises with immediate effect until such time as it has been made appropriately safe Alterations Notice: requiring precautions to be taken at premises where any proposed changes to the building would pose a significant increase in risk Failure to comply with these notices is a criminal offence and the fire authority may prosecute in the Courts. Fire precautions All volunteers must be trained in what they should do in the event of a fire. Below is a list of what they need to know: Action to be taken upon discovering a fire Action to be taken upon hearing the alarm Raising the alarm, including the location of alarm call points and internal indicator panels How to call the Fire Brigade (you may need to dial a number to get an outside line) The location and use of fire fighting equipment Appreciation of the importance of fire doors and the need to close them on hearing the alarm The location and isolation of power supplies What to do when there is an evacuation of the building All new volunteers should be taken on a tour of the building, pointing out escape routes on their first session. Volunteers must know about fire precautions and be included in practice evacuations. Remember at all times, we must all make sure that: Escape routes are kept free from obstruction Fire doors are kept shut Doors are closed at night Concerns regarding fire precautions are reported As part of the overall risk assessment for the role, you will need to complete a fire risk assessment and take appropriate steps to manage the risks for each volunteer role.
The local fire authority cannot do the risk assessment for an employer nor check whether it has been done properly. However, should an assessment indicate that significant works or expenditure is required, they will provide advice to ensure that the most effective methods of complying with the regulations are undertaken for the premises. Fire authorities will usually recommend minor improvements, with a time period for completing the work, in an informal letter. They have formal powers for use in serious cases: Enforcement Notice: requiring more important work to be done within a stipulated time period Prohibition Notice: prohibiting or restricting use of the premises with immediate effect until such time as it has been made appropriately safe Alterations Notice: requiring precautions to be taken at premises where any proposed changes to the building would pose a significant increase in risk Failure to comply with these notices is a criminal offence and the fire authority may prosecute in the Courts. Fire precautions All volunteers must be trained in what they should do in the event of a fire. Below is a list of what they need to know: Action to be taken upon discovering a fire Action to be taken upon hearing the alarm Raising the alarm, including the location of alarm call points and internal indicator panels How to call the Fire Brigade (you may need to dial a number to get an outside line) The location and use of fire fighting equipment Appreciation of the importance of fire doors and the need to close them on hearing the alarm The location and isolation of power supplies What to do when there is an evacuation of the building All new volunteers should be taken on a tour of the building, pointing out escape routes on their first session. Volunteers must know about fire precautions and be included in practice evacuations. Remember at all times, we must all make sure that: Escape routes are kept free from obstruction Fire doors are kept shut Doors are closed at night Concerns regarding fire precautions are reported As part of the overall risk assessment for the role, you will need to complete a fire risk assessment and take appropriate steps to manage the risks for each volunteer role.
Found-Operations-Manual-v007.docx