Staff Responsibilities During a Fire Incident: A Complete Guide
Introduction
This guide answers a common question: What responsibilities do all staff have during a fire incident? We also provide additional information regarding employees’ responsibilities for fire safety in the workplace—specifically, what each person must do.
Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility and requires teamwork from government authorities to every staff member. When a fire breaks out, each staff member has important jobs to do.
Each person’s actions can make a big difference in ensuring a quick and safe evacuation. This guide explains who is in charge of enforcing fire safety and outlines what to do during a fire emergency. It details what everyone needs to do to keep people safe. Remember, staying calm and following these steps can save lives.
Read Summary:
This guide explains what everyone needs to do during a fire and how fire safety is enforced. Fire safety is a group effort involving government agencies, local councils, building owners, and employers. Fire brigades check buildings for safety and enforce fire laws, while local councils make sure public buildings follow these rules.
In a fire, all employees should remember the RACE method: Rescue people in danger, Activate the fire alarm, Contain the fire by closing doors, and Evacuate safely. Fire wardens help with evacuations, reception staff look after visitors, and managers ensure everyone follows safety rules.
Important points include not using lifts, keeping exits clear, and staying calm. Regular training and fire drills are key to being prepared. If fire safety rules are ignored, there can be serious consequences like fines. Good teamwork and clear communication are essential for everyone’s safety during a fire.
Who is Responsible for Enforcing Fire Safety?
Government Level Responsibilities
Fire and Rescue Services
Fire brigades are responsible for:
- Inspecting buildings for fire safety
- Giving fire safety advice
- Enforcing fire safety laws
- Investigating fire incidents
- Issuing fire safety certificates
- Carrying out fire risk assessments
- Taking action when rules aren’t followed
Local Authorities
Local councils help by:
- Checking building plans meet fire safety rules
- Working with building control officers
- Giving planning permission
- Making sure public buildings are safe
- Working with fire services
- Handling complaints about fire safety
Building Owner Responsibilities
Property Owners Must:
- Have a valid fire risk assessment
- Keep fire safety equipment working
- Make sure escape routes are clear
- Train staff in fire safety
- Have proper fire safety signs
- Keep good fire safety records
- Fix any fire safety problems quickly
Landlords’ Special Duties
If you rent out property, you must:
- Provide working smoke alarms
- Install carbon monoxide detectors
- Have yearly gas safety checks
- Make sure furniture is fire-safe
- Give tenants fire safety information
- Keep escape routes clear
- Have proper fire doors
First Response: What to Do When You Discover a Fire
The RACE Method
Everyone should remember RACE – it’s an easy way to remember what to do first:
- R = Rescue people in immediate danger
- A = Activate the fire alarm
- C = Contain the fire (close doors and windows)
- E = Evacuate or Extinguish (if safe and trained to do so)
Raising the Alarm
If you find a fire:
- Break the glass on the nearest fire alarm point
- Call the fire brigade by dialling 999.
- Tell them:
- The building’s name and address
- Where the fire is in the building
- If anyone is trapped
- Your name and phone number
Everyone’s Basic Responsibilities
When You Hear the Fire Alarm
- Stop what you’re doing right away
- Turn off any equipment you’re using (if safe to do so)
- Close windows if you have time
- Close doors behind you as you leave
- Don’t collect personal belongings
- Walk calmly to the nearest fire exit
- Help others if they need it
- Go to the assembly point
- Stay there until you’re told it’s safe to go back
Helping Others
You should:
- Guide visitors who don’t know the building
- Help anyone who has trouble walking
- Make sure no one uses the lifts
- Keep people calm
- Listen to fire wardens’ instructions
Workplace Responsibilities
Employers
Every employer must:
- Appoint a responsible person for fire safety
- Write a fire safety policy
- Do regular fire risk assessments
- Train staff in fire safety
- Have fire evacuation plans
- Maintain fire safety equipment
- Keep fire safety records
- Report fire incidents
The Responsible Person
This person’s job is to:
- Manage daily fire safety
- Update fire risk assessments
- Arrange staff training
- Check fire equipment
- Keep records
- Work with fire services
- Make sure rules are followed
Special Responsibilities for Different Staff Members
Fire Wardens
Fire wardens must:
- Put on their high-visibility vest
- Check their area is empty
- Help people evacuate
- Close all doors
- Check toilets and other small rooms
- Report to the fire controller
- Keep people at the assembly point
Reception Staff
Reception staff need to:
- Call the fire brigade
- Take the visitor book
- Take the staff register
- Go to the assembly point
- Help check everyone is present
Department Managers
Managers should:
- Make sure their team leaves safely
- Check all their areas
- Report to the fire controller
- Help keep order at assembly points
- Pass on important information
First Aiders
First aiders must:
- Take first aid kits with them
- Go to the assembly point
- Be ready to help anyone who needs first aid
- Work with emergency services if needed
All Employees Must:
- Follow fire safety rules
- Report fire hazards
- Know evacuation routes
- Attend fire training
- Keep fire exits clear
- Use equipment safely
- Help in emergencies
Managers’ Extra Duties
Managers need to:
- Make sure their team follows rules
- Report fire safety problems
- Keep their areas safe
- Train new staff
- Check fire equipment
- Update risk assessments
- Keep good records
Health and Safety Executive
They help by:
- Making workplace safety rules
- Investigating serious incidents
- Enforcing safety laws
- Working with fire services
- Giving safety advice
- Taking legal action if needed
Important Things to Remember
Do Not:
- Use lifts
- Go back into the building
- Stop to collect personal items
- Run or push
- Make jokes or panic others
- Leave the assembly point without permission
- Block fire exits with anything
Do:
- Stay calm
- Walk quickly but safely
- Help others who need it
- Listen to instructions
- Keep quiet at assembly points
- Report any missing people
- Wait for the all-clear
Special Situations
If You’re with a Visitor
You must:
- Take charge of your visitor
- Show them the nearest fire exit
- Guide them to the assembly point
- Stay with them
- Report their presence to the fire warden
If Someone is Disabled
- Know who needs extra help
- Follow their personal evacuation plan
- Use evacuation chairs if available
- Ask others to help if needed
- Tell fire wardens where they are
If You Find a Blocked Exit
- Stay calm
- Go to another exit
- Tell others the exit is blocked
- Tell the fire warden
- Help guide people to other exits
Using Fire Equipment
Fire Extinguishers
Only use them if:
- You’re trained
- The fire is small
- You have a clear escape route
- Someone is with you
Fire Blankets
Use them for:
- Small fires in kitchens
- Covering people whose clothes are on fire
- Only if you know how
After the Fire
Your Responsibilities
- Stay at the assembly point
- Wait for instructions
- Report any information about the fire
- Help keep people calm
- Only return when told it’s safe
Back in the Building
When allowed back:
- Check your area
- Report any damage
- Help get things back to normal
- Write down what happened
- Think about what you learned
Regular Fire Safety Duties
Every Day
- Keep fire exits clear
- Report blocked exits
- Check fire doors close properly
- Know where fire equipment is
- Keep your area tidy
Every Week
- Check you remember:
- Where exits are
- Where assembly points are
- What the alarm sounds like
- Who your fire warden is
- How to raise the alarm
Training and Practice
Fire Drills
During practice drills:
- Treat them like real fires
- Follow all procedures
- Go to assembly points
- Help new staff understand what to do
- Learn from mistakes
Regular Training
You should:
- Attend all fire safety training
- Ask questions if unsure
- Practice using equipment
- Know evacuation routes
- Update your knowledge regularly
What Happens If Rules Aren’t Followed
Consequences Can Include:
- Warning notices
- Improvement orders
- Fines (sometimes very large)
- Building closure
- Legal prosecution
- Prison sentences in serious cases
- Bad publicity
Common Problems
Things often going wrong include:
- Blocked fire exits
- Broken fire equipment
- Missing fire signs
- Poor staff training
- Bad record keeping
- Ignored safety reports
- Failed inspections
Working Together
Good Practice Means:
- Everyone knows their job
- Regular communication
- Quick problem fixing
- Good record keeping
- Regular training
- Clear procedures
- Working fire equipment
Getting Help
You can:
- Ask fire services for advice
- Talk to safety consultants
- Join safety groups
- Get professional training
- Use online resources
- Work with other businesses
- Share good ideas
Conclusion
Everyone has a part to play in fire safety. The most important things to remember are:
- Know what to do before a fire happens
- Stay calm during an emergency
- Help others when you can
- Follow instructions
- Take all alarms seriously
- Keep learning about fire safety
Remember, good preparation and staying calm can save lives. If you’re ever unsure about what to do, ask your fire warden or manager. It’s better to ask questions now than during an emergency.
Safety is everyone’s job – by knowing and following these responsibilities, you help keep yourself and others safe during a fire incident.
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