Who controls yours?

As an employer, building owner, landlord, facilities manager or tenant you’re responsible for fire safety within the premises. On some occasions, this will involve multiple parties (for example a landlord and a tenant) working together – those involved must understand what their responsibility is, and what they need to do to deliver!

Remember this applies to all non-domestic properties. If you are unsure what non-domestic premises are, think about whether your location is

• A workplace or commercial unit

• A building the public has access to

• A common area in a multi-occupied building

What you need to do…

For the folk that fall in to the above categories, from a fire safety perspective your goal is to minimise the risk of injury or loss of life in the event of a fire.

You will need to ensure that the following arrangements have been considered and arranged:

• you have a designated ‘Responsible Person’. Their job is to makes sure certain duties are carried out, and that action is taken to both prevent fire and prevent injury or death.

• a ‘Fire Risk Assessment’ is completed and reviewed regularly. This can be part of your overarching business risk assessment or a specific ‘fire risk assessment’.

• employees are made aware of the hazards associated with the environment and its activities.

• appropriate fire safety measures (based on the results of your risk assessment) are in place and maintained. Ensure its easy to access.

• There is a plan for emergencies.

• employees are provided with information, fire safety instruction and training. Including completing fire evacuation drills.

Finally, most fires are preventable, so aim for good practices.

• Reduce the quantity of flammable substances stored to a minimum

• Keep sources of ignition well away from flammable substances & items

• Maintain good housekeeping

• Ensure equipment is positioned so as not cause a fire

If you would like further guidance on fire safety precautions or fire risk assessment, please feel free to get in touch with a member of the Health and Safety Works family. We’ll be more than happy to help.

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In January the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) shared with the Industry and Regulatory Forum their changes to the Welding control standards including the need for Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV). This change will affect all businesses conducting welding operations in the UK.

This change has occurred following the reclassification of welding fumes to a group one carcinogen. It is now understood that all forms of welding fume can cause cancer.

The following raised control standards will be applied:

Where welding operations are undertaken indoors LEV should be used. If LEV is unable to control fume capture then Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is also required.

RPE will be worn whilst conducting welding operations outdoors.

These raised control standards are effective immediately. They will be enforced under COSHH Regulation 7.

The HSE will be releasing confirmation of these changes, and appropriate information shortly.

In the meantime, as a business, if you conduct any welding operations, it is advised that you review your risk assessments and controls to ensure they meet the new standard.

Further guidance can be found on the BOHS Welding Fume Control Selector Tool - see Breathe Freely website. Alternatively, you can contact a member of the health and safety works family to discuss your specific needs.

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