Regulations

Expand All Collapse All Portable Appliance Testing (PAT Testing) Regulations The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 This puts the duty of care upon both the employer and the employee to ensure the safety of all persons using the work premises. This includes the self employed. The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 "Every employer shall make suitable and sufficient assessment of: • The risks to the health and safety of his employees to which they are exposed whilst at work, and • The risks to ensure the health and safety of persons not in his employment arising out of or in connection with the conduct by him or his undertaking." The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 "Every employer shall ensure that work equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair." The PUWER 1998 covers most risks that can result from using work equipment. With respect to risks from electricity, compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 is likely to achieve compliance with the PUWER 1998. PUWER 1998 only applies to work equipment used by workers at work. This includes all work equipment (fixed, transportable or portable) connected to a source of electrical energy. PUWER does not apply to fixed installations in a building. The electrical safety of these installations is dealt with only by the Electricity at Work Regulations. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 "All systems shall at all times be of such construction as to prevent, so far as reasonably practicable, such danger." "As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as reasonably practicable, such danger." "'System' means an electrical system in which all the electrical equipment is, or may be, electrically connected to a common source of electrical energy and includes such source and such equipment" "'Electrical Equipment' includes anything used, intended to be used or installed for use, to generate, provide, transmit, transform, rectify, convert, conduct, distribute, control, store, measure or use electrical energy." Scope of the legislation It is clear that the combination of the HSW Act 1974, the PUWER 1998 and the EAW Regulations 1989 apply to all electrical equipment used in, or associated with, places of work. The scope extends from distribution systems down to the smallest piece of electrical equipment. It is clear that there is a requirement to inspect and test all types of electrical equipment in all work situations.   Emergency Lighting Regulations The Building Regulations 2000 These regulations detail the design and construction characteristics of a building. Approved Document B details the fire safety requirements for new buildings and the major refurbishment of existing premises. Table 9 of this document shows the locations that must be provided with emergency lighting. It now defines that in addition to escape routes, all open areas larger than 60m² must be illuminated in the event of the failure of the normal lighting supply. It also clarifies that emergency lighting is needed for all parts of schools that either do not have natural light or are used outside normal school hours. The regulations require that systems comply with BS 5266-1, the code of practice for emergency lighting. The Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 This directive controls the way that the building will be used and the equipment and systems needed to safeguard the occupants. The legal requirement is that - “Emergency routes and exits requiring illumination must be provided with emergency lighting of adequate intensity in case the lighting fails”. The law is explained and the rules for compliance are given in a joint Home Office and Health & Safety Executive document - “FIRE SAFETY - An employer’s guide”. Main points from the guide are: • The employer has legal responsibility for compliance • Although the legislation uses and modifies the Fire Precautions Act 1971, it now covers all premises where people are employed • Any site with five or more employees must keep a formal record of Fire Risk Assessment. This should evaluate the site and detail the measures taken to ensure the safety of the premises • If the premises already have a fire certificate to the latest standards the employer still needs to provide a risk assessment, but it is unlikely that they will need any additional equipment. If however the fire certificate was issued prior to 1999, when BS 5266-1 was revised, the risk assessment needs to check whether improvements are needed to meet the latest standard • The evaluation of areas with a fire risk assists when deciding which areas need protection, e.g. a school chemical laboratory may be smaller than 60m² but still need emergency lighting, as combustible materials and sources of ignition would be present. • The assessment of the location of employees and any visitors to the site assist in determining the most appropriate escape routes. • The guidance to the directive gives detailed requirements for the suitability of escape routes and calls for the installation of emergency lighting to be in accordance with BS 5266-1 • It recommends that advice on the installation should be given by a competent person who specialises in emergency lighting systems. • Continued maintenance and testing must be correctly carried out, to comply with the directive. • The equipment used must be capable of being demonstrated as of adequate quality. Compliance with the appropriate British Standard, or other approved third party scheme, gives evidence of this. The standard for luminaries is BS EN 60598-2-22. ICEL 1001 registration endorses the spacing data of these luminaries. The standard for central battery systems is BS EN 50171 Note: When the premises are being assessed for risk, shortcomings in other areas of fire protection can be compensated for by improved levels of emergency lighting and fire alarms. Compliance with BS5266-1:1999 is deemed to comply with these requirements. The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 This regulation requires the adequate provision of signs protected by emergency lighting. It details that signs should be located at all final exits and also on the escape routes at any location where the route may be in doubt. Other Requirements In addition to fire safety legislation, some workplaces require a licence from the Local Authority, including theatres and cinemas, sport stadiums and premises for public entertainment, music, dancing, gambling and the sale of alcohol. Other premises must be registered with the Local Authority and be inspected by the Fire Authority, including nursing homes, children's homes, residential care homes and independent schools. Both licensed and registered premises have to pass a fire inspection to confirm that they have systems complying with BS 5266-1 for the emergency lighting and BS 5839 for fire equipment. Records of a system are now essential to maintain the validity of approvals and licences. Emergency Lighting - System Design This section provides guidance on system design to meet BS 5266 Parts 1 and 7: 1999 and so achieve compliance with legislation. Design Objective BS 5266, when referring to the provision of Escape Lighting in section 4.2, requires that when the supply to all or part of the normal lighting in occupied premises fails, escape lighting is required to fulfil the following function: (a) To indicate clearly and unambiguously the escape routes. (b) To provide illumination along such routes to allow safe movement towards and through the exits provided. (c) To ensure that fire alarm call points and fire fighting equipment provided along escape routes can be readily located. (d) To permit operations concerned with safety measures. BS 5266-1 recommends that discussions should be held prior to commencing the design, to establish the areas to be covered, the method of operation, the testing regime and the most suitable type of system. These discussions should include the owner or occupier of the premises, the system designer, the installer, the supplier of the equipment and the fire authority. TESTING AND LOG BOOK The Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 require that appropriate testing is performed to maintain compliance of the system. The system should include adequate facilities for testing and recording the system condition. These need to be appropriate for the specific site and should be considered as part of the system design. Discussions with the user or system designer should identify: - The calibre and reliability of staff available to do the testing - The level of difficulty in performing the test - If discharge tests need to be done outside normal working hours, or phased so only alternate luminaries are tested in buildings that are permanently occupied The testing requirements in the code of practice are: • Function test All emergency luminaries should be tested be breaking the supply to them and checking that they operate satisfactorily. The supply must then be restored and the charging indicators must be seen to be operating correctly. This test must be performed at least once per month and the results logged • Discharge test The luminaries must be tested for their full rated duration period and checked for satisfactory operation. The supply must then be restored and the charging indicators rechecked. This test must be performed at least annually and the results logged Note: BS 5266-1: 1999 allows a one hour test to be performed as an alternative every six months for the first 3 years of the system, but the guidance document to the Fire Precaution Regulations calls for the annual test at all stages of equipment life. MANUAL TESTING If manual testing is utilised, the following points should be considered: • Is a single switch to be used? Unless the whole building is to be switched off, a separate switch should be used for each final circuit. As the feed to non-maintained circuits must be taken from the switch this will probably mean that the building will have to be walked around twice, once to check the luminaries and once to check that they are recharging • Are luminaries to be individually switched? In practice, only a single walk around the building will be needed. However, the test switches could spoil the décor of the building and they must be of a type that is tamper proof. • After the tests, the performance of the luminaries must be logged. COMMISSIONING CERTIFICATE BS5266 Pt 1: 1999 and the European Standard both require written declarations of compliance to be available on site for inspection. These consist of: • Installation quality. IEE regulations must have been conformed with and non-maintained fittings fed from the final circuit of the normal lighting in each, as required in BS 5266 • Photometric performance. Evidence of compliance with light levels has to be supplied by the system designer. Photometric tests for Cooper Lighting and Security luminaries are performed at BSI and spacing data is registered by the ICEL scheme. Therefore copies of the spacing data in this catalogue provide the verification required. • Declaration of a satisfactory test of operation. A log of all system tests and results must be maintained. System log books, with commissioning forms, testing forms and instructions are available from Cooper Lighting and Security. MAINTENANCE Finally, to ensure that the system remains at full operational status, essential servicing should be defined. This normally would be performed as part of the testing routine, but in the case of consumable items such as replacement lamps, spares should be provided for immediate use. Fire Alarm Regulations The choice of fire alarm system depends on the building structure, the purpose and use of the building also current legislation. In new or altered buildings the enforcement body is the local building control, and Approved Document Part B Fire Safety is the relevant guidance. In all existing buildings subject to The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 the Responsible Person, as defined in the order, has to conduct a fire risk assessment. This FRA will decided the appropriate British standard necessary to provide a suitable and sufficient solution for the premises. The enforcement body is the Fire and Rescue Service and the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLC) have published a number of guidance documents for premises subject to the RR(FS)O. This is particularly important since none of the legislation gives any detailed information on the type of system required but the guidance usually indicates appropriate British standards. The appropriate standards for installation of a fire alarm are BS 5839-1:2002+A2:2008 Code of practice for system design, installation, commissioning and maintenance and BS 5839-6:2004 Code of practice for the design, installation and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in dwellings. A number of British Standards relating to fire alarm systems are listed at the end of this guidance and should be read in conjunction with the following information. This guidance contains brief descriptions of the major components which go to make up a fire alarm system. The design check notes are intended to highlight the variables which can exist and need to be considered whilst designing and compiling a specification for component parts. It is not the object of this note to consider the details of different circuit types or to discuss their relative merits. MANUAL CALL POINTS There are two basic types each containing a breakable front plate of either glass or plastic. The call point for use in open circuit systems contains contacts held open by the pressure of the front plate. Breaking the plate closes the contacts and initiates an alarm. Call points for closed circuit systems operate in the reverse manner, the contacts being held in the closed position and open upon the breaking of the Front plate. Alarm testing facilities are normally provided for open circuit points. Closed circuit points do not necessarily require this facility since the circuits are continuously under test. Flameproof call points are available, also handle operated points for use in areas where broken glass may cause a hazard. In certain instances internal telephone systems may be used. Specification and Design check notes • Open circuit, closed circuit, fault monitored circuit • Surface, flush mounting • Weatherproof, internal location • Spare breakable material • Contact rating suitable for load under alarm conditions • Special call points for flameproof or special hazard areas • Hammer for call points with breakable front plates ALARM SOUNDERS Many types of alarm sounders are available and include: • Dome bells - operating mechanism contained within the bell. • Bells with operating mechanism external to the bell. • Electronic solid state sounders with mono or multi tone output normally in the range of 800 - 1000 Hz. • Small sirens operating in the range of 1,200 - 1,700 Hz. • Sirens ranging widely in size from 0.17kw to 11kW generally operating in the frequency range of 400 - 800 Hz. • Horns operating in the range of 300 - 400 Hz and either motor or pneumatic operations. An alarm noise level of not less than 5 decibels above ambient should be provided in general areas for adequate audibility but in sleeping areas a minimum level in the order of 65 decibels and 75 decibels at a bed head to wake sleeping occupants. It should be noted that most dome hells are intended for use with flush conduit or wiring systems. For surface wiring or conduit installations surface mounting adaptor boxes are normally required. Generally bells, electronic sounders and small sirens are available for use with 6, 12, 24 and 48V DC and 12, 24 and 240V AC. Sirens are normally operated at mains voltage, single or three-phase depending on the motor rating. Outdoor sirens should be fitted with heaters and thermostats to protect against low temperature conditions. Public address systems may be used for alarms, and visual signals may be used in special circumstances .Specification and Design Check notes • Operating voltage • AC/DC • Installation with surface or flush conduit system • Internal or weather-proof installations • Bell gong size • Colour • Motor rating of sirens, note some sirens are rated for continuous duty whilst others are rated for limited time periods. • Television interference suppression DETECTOR HEADS These can be divided into two main types Heat detectors and Smoke detectors. • Heat detectors • Heat sensitive point detectors Point detectors can again be subdivided to a further two types. • Fixed temperature which will operate when it is exposed to a pre-determined temperature. Normally fixed temperature detectors employ a fusible alloy element which must be replaced after the detector has operated. Different temperature rated elements are available to take account of varying ambient air temperatures. • The second type operates on the rate of temperature rise. The rate of rise temperature detector may also include a fusible element for fixed temperature operation. Both types are suitable for inclusion in open, closed or line monitored systems. Linear detectors These can take the form of a heat sensitive cable which will operate, at a predetermined temperature, as an open circuit device. Melting of the cable insulation provides a short-circuit between conductors. After operation the destroyed length of cable must be replaced. Linear detectors may be used in large areas such as warehouses. Alternative types of linear detector exist including the heat pneumatic operating on the rate of rise principle. Specification and Design Check notes • Open, closed, fault monitored circuits • Temperature setting for fixed temperature fusible elements • Spare fusible elements • Surface or flush mountings • Temperature setting for fusible elements in the rate of rise detection., if included • Mounting height • Spacing to manufacturer's recommendations • Rate of rise detectors located in positions where abnormal increase in temperature is likely, e.g. space heating equipment, industrial processes • Smoke Detectors There are three basic types operating by ionization, light scattering and light obscuring. Ionization These generally contain two chambers. One is used as a reference to compensate for changes in ambient temperature, humidity or pressure. The second contains a radioactive source, usually alpha particle, which ionizes the air passing through the chamber where a current flows between two electrodes. When even invisible smoke enters the chamber the current flow decreases. This drop is used to initiate an alarm. Light obscuring In the obscuring type the smoke interferes with a light beam between a light source and photo cell, the variation in photo cell output being used to initiate an alarm. This type of detector is normally used to protect large areas with the source and photo cell positioned some distance apart. Light scattering The light scattering detector operates on the Tyndall effect, a photo cell and light source are separated from each other by a darkened chamber such that the light source does not fall on the photo cell. The passage of smoke into the chamber causes the light from the source to be scattered and fall on the photo cell, the cell output being used to initiate an alarm. The light scattering and light obscuring detectors both, detect visible smoke. The ionization detector and light scattering detector are normally each a single unit suitable for BESA conduit box mounting. In some models the smoke detector head is attached to the main body by a bayonet fixing for easy removal for maintenance or replacement. It should be noted that some detectors are suitable for two-wire circuits whereas others require three or four wire connections. Smoke detectors require a continuous power supply. Under quiescent conditions they draw a current of some 100 micro amps, and under alarm conditions, some 45 milliamps. This needs to be borne in mind when sizing the power supply. Smoke detectors generally operate on 24 DC Refer to British Standard Codes of Practice and manufacturers literature for information regarding the positioning of smoke detectors. Detectors are not suitable for positioning in kitchens, near fireplaces or areas with excessive exhaust fumes, or within 2m of air supply ducts or diffusers. Specification and Design Check notes • Open or closed circuit • Fault monitored circuit • System voltage • Surface or flush mounting • Detector operated indicator • Two or three-wire system • Quiescent current demand • Smoke detector location • Spare detector heads CONTROL OF INDICATING PANELS Two basic types of fire alarm system exist: • Manual systems • Automatic systems which may be completely automatic or include manually operated devices. Panels for automatic systems are fully specified in British Standards. This requires that circuits are monitored continuously and that both audible and visual indication is provided for fault and fire alarm conditions .Further requirements include that alarm sounders may only be silenced manually, after which the control panel must provide audible and visual signals until the system is reset. Silencing of alarm sounders must not prevent the alarm being raised in other zones. It should be noted that the standards require all fault/alarm indicator lamps to be in duplicate or a single lamp with audible signal of lamp failure. Control and indicating panels may include facilities for operation of ancillary services such as fixed fire extinguishing, door closing etc. Specification and Design Check notes • Number of zones required • Surface or flush mounting • Maximum alarm load per alarm zone • Automatic system, compliance with British Standard • Manual system compliance with British Standard • Maximum current per detector zone • Maximum detectors per zone • Open, closed or fault monitored system • Single or two stage alarms • Provision for connection to remote manned centre • Provision for conduit and wiring compatible with building conduit and wiring system • Provision for operation of ancillary services POWER UNITS British Standards refer to power supplies for both automatic and manual systems. It recommends that a fire alarm system should operate at a voltage not exceeding 50V between conductors, or 30V AC or DC to earth, although it does not rule out the possibility of using voltages not exceeding 250V.A fire alarm system must have its own exclusive power supply. The fully charged battery must be capable of maintaining the system in full operation for 48 hours and afterwards operate the alarm for 30 minutes. For manual system in sma1l buildings alternative power systems may he accepted by the appropriate authority and British Standards, three possible alternatives exist, • An AC mains power supply unit and standby primary battery, each independently able to meet the maximum alarm load with provision for automatic changeover to and from the standby battery as necessary. Fault waning must be provided for failure of the power supply unit. The primary battery capacity must be able to supply standing load for 72 hours and maximum alarm load for 30 minutes. • Direct from AC mains supply • Where no mains supply exists, a primary battery with one held in reserve. The battery capacity must be such as to supply the standing load for 90 days plus maximum alarm load for 30 minutes. The maximum demand load for equipment not complying with the British Standard is defined as the load resulting from the simultaneous operation of 5% of zone circuits with a minimum of two, and for any additional load imposed on a battery when the AC mains supply to the system is disconnected, British Standards requires that battery and charging equipment should incorporate automatic control features to maintain the battery within limits specified by the manufacturer and take into account any quiescent load imposed on the system. The charger should be capable of charging the battery from a discharged state together with supplying the quiescent load and fault signals. Within 24 hours the condition should be such that the battery would provide the standing load for 72 hours (24 hours if connected to a remote manned centre) and supply the load resulting from alarms originating in two separate zones for one hour. If the system provides emergency evacuation signals it should be capable of supplying the full evacuation alarm load for 10 minutes. here a system is not connected to a remote manned centre and the building is unoccupied for more than 72 hours the British Standard requires that either the battery capacity should be increased to account for the total unoccupied period, or inspection at intervals of less than 72 hours should be adopted. Specification and Design Check notes • System voltage • Automatic systems compliance with British Standard • Manual systems compliance with British Standard • Battery charger output • Battery capacity • Indication of battery and/or mains supply failure • Mains supply servicing F/A system only • Secondary battery exclusive to fire protection system • Where system voltage exceeds extra-low voltage compliance DIVERSION RELAYS AND SUPERVISORY BUZZERS No British Standard exists specifically for this item and indicating panels. A diversion relay permits the audible signal until the system is reset. Specification and Design Check notes • System voltage • AC or DC • Open or closed circuit system • Surface or flush mounting • Current rating of alarm system SELF CONTAINED FIRE ALARM UNITS These units normally incorporate break glass contact, fire alarm sounder, battery and charger. The units are suitable for small hotels, shops, guest houses etc. A single sounder can be expected to give a 3 hour alarm. This reduces to one hour when three additional 6 bells are installed. Self contained units incorporating smoke detectors are also available, They normally include visual and audible indicators of the circuit and power supply faults in accordance with the British Standard. Specification and Design Check notes • Open, closed or fault monitored circuit • Smoke detectors to be incorporated • Operating voltage • Number of additional bells • Resistance of connecting cables • Spare glasses for contact • Mains supply connection for unit • Spare cartridge fuses WIRING AND INSTALLATION Recommendations as to suitable types of wiring and cables are included in the British Standard together with minimum conductor sizes, It also indicates suitable cable types for monitored or non monitored circuits according to the type of installation. The Institution of Electrical Engineers Regulations for the Electrical Equipment of Buildings, Regulations refers to the necessary segregation of fire alarm circuit wiring. Provision should be made for end line devices to be fitted where necessary on line fault monitored Specification and Design check notes • Conductor rating for alarm load and volt drop requirements • Compliance with the British Standard and IEE Regulations for Segregation of Services • Cable type and installations suitable for monitored or non monitored systems • Earthing in accordance with the IEE Regulations • Cables suitable for ambient air temperature • Mains voltage power supply to control equipment in accordance with the Regulations • For surface laid insulated and sheathed cables protection provided where mechanical damage or attack by rodents or where cables are installed less than 2.5 metres from floor • MICC cables provided with PVC sheaths in corrosive or damp situations CONNECTION TO FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE • British Standards discuss the various methods available. The alternative methods are: • Direct monitored line • Shared multiplex line to a commercially operated central fire alarm depot and from there by direct line to the fire brigade • VF remote control system • A 999 auto dialler non-monitored, not necessarily reliable and not approved for insurance purposes. • British Standards include the requirements for control and indicating panels for remote manned centre's other than those operated by the local authority fire brigade. STATUTORY REGULATIONS In addition to government legislation, byelaws and local policy documents exist, created by local authorities at both district and county level, demanding the installation of fire alarm systems. These vary from area to area and advice must be sought from the appropriate local authority on any regulations in force. BRITISH STANDARDS RELEVANT TO FIRE ALARMS Fire Alarm British Standards BS 5839-1:2002+A2:2008 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings. Code of practice for system design, installation, commissioning and maintenance BS 5839-2:1983 Specification for manual call points has been superseded by BS EN 54-11:2001 Fire detection and fire alarm systems. Manual call points BS 5839-3:1988 Fire detection and alarm systems for buildings. Specification for automatic release mechanisms for certain fire protection equipment BS 5839-4:1988 Fire detection and alarm systems for buildings. Specification for control and indicating equipment has been superseded by BS EN 54-4:1998 Fire detection and fire alarm systems. Power supply equipment and BS EN 54-2:1997+A1:2006 Fire detection and fire alarm systems . Control and indicating equipment BS 5839-6:2004 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings. Code of practice for the design, installation and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in dwellings BS 5839-8:2008 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings. Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of voice alarm systems BS 5839-9:2003 Fire detection and alarm systems for buildings. Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of emergency voice communication systems Guides to BS 5839 BIP 2109:2008 The Design, Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance of Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems: A Guide to BS 5839-1 (3rd edition) BIP 2044:2004 A Guide to BS 5839-6:2004 BIP 2124:2009 The Design and Installation of Voice Alarm Systems. A Guide to BS 5839-8 Associated British Standards BS 5446-2:2003 Fire detection and fire alarm devices for dwellings. Specification for heat alarms BS 5446-3:2005 Fire detection and fire alarm devices for dwellings. Specification for smoke alarm kits for deaf and hard of hearing people BS 3632:2005 Residential park homes. Specification BS 4422:2005 Fire Vocabulary BS 5979:2007 Remote centre's receiving signals from fire and security systems. Code of practice UK Fire Safety Regulations New fire safety regulations were recently passed that affects all workplaces in England and Wales. While many workplaces have the basic precautions in place, there are many that don’t. Once you know the basics, such as how to assess the risk and what fundamental safety measures are required, fire safety is not a difficult topic, and the new fire safety regulations will be easy to implement. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, as it is known (or RRO), is designed to turn almost all the earlier pieces of UK fire safety legislation into one all-inclusive law. Here is a short précis of the important parts of the Order that concern all those who run a business or institution situated in a building, based on key words used and their meanings: • Responsible Person: the person who owns or controls the business or premises • Competent Person: this could be an employee or an outside contractor appointed and trained to carry out fire fighting duties, contact the emergency services, and assist in evacuations • Enforcement: failing to satisfy the applicable articles of the Order may result in a fine or up to two years imprisonment • Fire Risk Assessment: if the responsible person employs 5 or more people, or if the premises are licensed, or if the inspector wants it, this vital plank of the Order must be officially documented Application The Fire Safety Order applies to all buildings in use, except domestic premises and some kinds of premises that are a specific risk and where other regulations apply. It also places duties on a ‘responsible person’ not only to protect employees but members of the public. Don’t forget that every building is going to be different - different fire hazards in different places affecting different people. Fire Risk Assessment The Law requires that Risk Assessment be done, consistent with most of the new regulations regarding health and safety. It is important to consider how a fire would affect the people in the building, starting with those immediately at risk from the fire. The outcomes of the Risk Assessments must be presented in writing where five or more people are employed, in line with many other regulations. Fire Prevention One of the reasons for Fire Risk Assessment is to lessen the chances of fire occurring. A fire prevention plan should be easy to put together and should be a matter of common sense for most workplaces. Some measures to consider include making sure rubbish is not stored near the premises, and ensuring that the electrical wiring is tested and inspected frequently. Fire Precautions There are a number of general fire precautions required by the regulations but it is important to remember that every workplace is different and every work location has different needs. What works in one building might not work elsewhere. The most important fire safety regulations to consider include: • A whistle or an electric fire alarm, or some other kind of fire warning • Automatic fire detectors might be needed in some buildings, especially if a fire could be a risk to people if it is not detected (such as a two-story building) or there are large numbers of people in the building • There must be fire extinguishers in the building, not only to maintain exits while people evacuate but also to control small fires • There must be enough fire exits in the building for the numbers of people who use it and exits must lead as directly to safety as possible • Exits must be clearly marked with exit signs and they must be kept clear and readily available • Fire exit routes might need to be protected so that the smoke and flames won’t affect people evacuating the building • Emergency lighting might be needed in some situations to light exit routes and rooms in the event of a power failure • Fire equipment must be maintained and looked after, so that they are in working order • There must be a fire procedure for the building, outlining people’s responsibilities and the evacuation plan in case of fire