Scope

CERT Property (The Company)  is a responsible employer and property manager that takes our fire safety duties seriously. For this reason, we have formulated this policy to help us comply with our legal obligations to staff and visitors under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (The Order)

This policy addresses our obligation under the order that requires the company to:

•       Develop a policy to minimize the risks 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 preventive action

Due to its importance, this fire policy also forms part of our overall health and safety policy.

1.0 Responsible Person

The company has  appointed a ‘responsible person’ who is charged  with the  responsibility to ensure  the safety of our employees, any person  who may legally come into our premises and anyone not on the premises but who may be affected. The persons appointed on each site are the Asset Managers for that site.

N.B Where responsibility is shared with other responsible persons (e.g. adjacent premises, Landlord / Tennant or multiple tenancy building) we are required to co-operate by sharing information and collaborating in provision of measures.

2.0 Competent Persons

The company will appoint competent  persons (typically the site Asset Manager and/or Community Coordinators) to carry out the following duties:

•       Fire Warden(s)

•       To carry out fire fighting duties

•       Make contact with the emergency services

•       Assist in evacuations.

The names and duties of all competent  persons  will be displayed on the safety notice board(s) within the premises.

NB. A competent person can only be regarded as competent if they have the appropriate level of training, experience, and knowledge. 

3.0 Documentation & Records

The keeping of good records allows the company to demonstrate it has discharged its duties in relation to fire safety . The following records will be kept in the Fire Safety and Documentation File located in the management office at each site.

• The fire safety policy

• Fire evacuation procedures

• Detailed records of all fire training.

• A record of all fire drills (at least one every six months) listing all attendees, evacuation times and any comments.

• Records of weekly tests of fire alarms, fire exits.

• Records of weekly flow tests of sprinkler systems (where fitted)

• Records of wet and dry tests of dry rising mains (where fitted

• Record of annual inspection and test of all fire fighting equipment

• Records of periodic tests of emergency lighting (where fitted)

• Records  of all  scheduled  and  unscheduled  maintenance  of fire  detection  and  alarm systems

• Records of the annual Fire Risk Assessment, recommendations and remedial works

• A Schedule of works for all Fire Safety Systems

• An up to date copy of the Fire Evacuation Plan

4.0 Occupiers Duties

All occupiers of properties managed by CERT Property 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 co-operate fully with us in complying with any procedures that we may introduce as a measure to protect the safety and well-being of our staff, occupiers and visitors.

5.0 Communication

We will ensure that any person we employ (directly or indirectly), and of occupiers of spaces managed by CERT Property, are provided with all information related to fire safety and consult with our employees on all matters  of fire safety policy and arrangements.  We  will keep  staff and occupiers informed of any changes  that  are  made  to our fire safety procedures  and fire risk assessment. We will also ensure  that all visitors to our premises are briefed in the evacuation procedures  and not left alone unless they are aware of, and familiar with, all available escape routes.

6.0 Procedures

The company has introduced the following procedures in order to maintain high standards  of fire safety

• A fire  risk  assessment has  been  undertaken  by a  competent  person,  which   will be reviewed annually. However, more frequent reviews will occur if there are changes  that will impact  on its  effectiveness. These may include  alterations  to the premises  or new work processes.

• The fire evacuation procedures will be practiced at least once every six months. 

• All  employees and occupiers  will  be  given  training,  including  ‘the  action  to  be  taken’  when  they commence   employment or occupation and  will  receive  refresher   training  as  appropriate.  Further training would  be  required if  there  were  any change  that  may affect  fire  safety.  All training will be provided during normal working hourse.

• All   escape   routes  will  be  established,  kept  in  good  working  order  and  free  from obstruction at all times. Operation of fire exit doors will be tested and recorded in the fire log on a weekly basis.

• Fire fighting equipment  will  be provided.  In  general,  this  means  fire extinguishers  but additional provision of fire blankets, hoses  or sprinklers may be made  where deemed appropriate by the findings of the risk assessment.

• All fire  related  equipment  will  be  regularly  serviced  and  maintained  by a  competent person. If any employee or occupier notices defective or missing equipment, they must report it to a manager.

• An appropriate fire detection and alarm system will be provided. The type and extent of the alarm system  provided will be based  on the findings of the risk assessment. Alarm systems will be tested regularly. Staff and occupiers will be told when a test is scheduled.

• Emergency  lighting will be provided for escape routes where applicable. The need for and the extent of the system will be determined by the findings of the risk assessment.

• The  risk of fire spread  will be controlled  by the provision  of fire resisting  construction, and or fire/smoke resisting doors. These provisions will be kept in good order as part of our regular  maintenance  schedule.  All  employees and occupiers are required  to ensure  that  any fire door provided remains closed at all times.

• Any other safety systems provided will be checked regularly to ensure correct operation, where necessary e.g. emergency lighting, fire doors etc.

• Appropriate  signs  and  notices  will  be  displayed,  giving  appropriate  instructions  to employees and occupiers in the event of a fire. In addition, signs will be provided to indicate the position  of fire extinguishers,  fire alarm  call points  and, to indicate the emergency exit routes.

7.0 Documentation

Detailed in the “Fire Safety and Documentation” folder at each site are the following which are reviewed annually by the site Asset Manager;

1.  Overview and Important Contacts

 Schedule of Works

2. Fire Strategy (where applicable)

3. Fire Risk Assessment

4. Fire Evacuation Plan

5. Fire Equipment Floor Plans

6. Weekly Call Point Testing Records

7. Monthly Emergency Lighting Testing Records

8. Fire Evacuation / Call Point Activation Incident Reports 

9. Method Statements;

   1. Weekly Fire Alarm Test

   2. Monthly Emergency Lighting Test

   3. 6 Monthly Managed Evacuations

10. Maintenance and Servicing Records

    1. Call Points

    2. Fire Alarm Sounders

    3. Fire Panel

    4. Smoke Detectors

    5. Fire Extinguishers

    6. Sprinklers (where applicable)

    7. Dry Risers (where applicable)