Fire Safety Regulations

Fire Safety Regulations

As the responsible person for the event/function, you have legal duties with regard to the safety of those persons assisting or attending the event.

Before the event or functions you should be aware of the following:

• There are no fire detection or alarm systems in the premises. You will need to decide how a fire will be detected (e.g. regular checks throughout the event) and how people will be warned if there is a fire;

• What staff/assistants/organisers will do if they discover a fire;

• How the evacuation of the premises will be carried out;

• Where people should assemble after they have left the premises and procedures for checking whether the premises have been evacuated. (Muster point is Community Centre Grass Area)

• Identification of key escape routes and exits, how people can gain access to them and escape to places of safety;

• Arrangements for fighting fire; (Fire extinguishers should only be used by those sufficiently trained and competent.)

• Specific arrangements for high fire-risk areas. (E.g. cooker, kitchen area)

• How the fire and rescue service and other necessary services will be called. (E.g. there is a phone available at the Royal British Legion)

• Procedure for meeting the fire and rescue service on their arrival and notifying them of any special risks (E.g. any highly flammable materials) and/or missing persons;

• What instructions staff/assistants will need and the arrangements for ensuring that this training is given;

• Limitations on the number of people. (The capacity of the hall must not exceed 180)

• That fire exit doors open freely;

• Checking that all escape routes are clear of obstructions and combustibles

• Checking that Fire Exit lighting is switched on. (The switch is beneath each light)

• It is recommended that Portable Electrical Appliances are PAT tested.

Before the event or function you should decide:

• The arrangements for means of escape for disabled persons;

• The duties and identity of staff/assistants who have specific responsibilities if there is a fire;

• The arrangements for the safe evacuation of people identified as being especially at risk, such as those with disabilities, children, members of the public and visitors.

• Who will be responsible for calling the fire and rescue service and any other necessary services;

• Who will meet the fire and rescue service on their arrival and notifying them of any special risks;

• Your plans to deal with people once they have left the premises, especially children.

At the start of the event or function you should notify those present about:

• The no-smoking policy;

• How they will be warned if there is a fire;

• Who is supervising and how to identify them;

• Location of exits and escape routes;

• Taking only valuables immediately to hand but not to go to collect other belongings;

• The location of the muster point; and

  • What will happen after that. (E.g. re-entry to the building only after it has been cleared by a Fire Officer)

During the event or function you should ensure that:

• Escape routes and exits do not become blocked inside and outside the building;

• The no-smoking policy is adhered to;

• No naked flames are started (E.g. Candles)

• Rooms do not become overcrowded;

• Noise levels do not drown out the method you have decided as a warning to people that there is a fire;

• If necessary, the number of persons are limited or controlled.