Fire Safety – Are You Leaving Yourself Wide Open?

Fire Safety – Are You Leaving Yourself Wide Open?

As Fire Door Safety Week approaches, it’s the ideal time to consider whether your premises are compliant with statutory property regulations.  Conducting regular property compliance inspections not only ensures the safety of occupants, but also helps protect business leaders from potential legal repercussions.  Read on for five top tips for an effective property compliance inspection strategy.

First and foremost, it is essential to understand the obligations around property compliance. You should be aware of the legislation and the requirements outlined within it, including fire safety regulations and guidelines related to fire doors, emergency exits, evacuation plans, and other relevant safety measures.

Consider these five top tips to help stay compliant:

1. Assign a responsible person: Designating a staff member or team to oversee property compliance is crucial. This person should have a good understanding of relevant regulations, conduct regular inspections, and keep detailed records of any action taken to address compliance issues.
2. Maintain accurate records: Keep comprehensive records of inspections, testing, and maintenance activities. This helps to demonstrate compliance with regulations and ensures that any necessary repairs or replacements can be promptly identified and carried out.
3. Schedule regular inspections: Regularly assess your property for compliance. This may involve engaging external professionals to conduct detailed assessments or employing specialised software that can track compliance and generate reports accordingly.
4. Provide staff training: Educate employees about their role in maintaining property compliance. This includes fire safety training, evacuation procedures, and how to properly use fire safety equipment.  A well-informed team can complement the efforts of the responsible person in ensuring compliance.
5. Stay up-to-date with regulations: Monitor any updates or changes to relevant regulations to ensure ongoing compliance. Participate in industry seminars, consult professional bodies, and stay connected with fire safety associations to keep on top of any evolving requirements.

By fulfilling obligations and implementing these top tips, business owners can streamline the process of statutory property compliance inspections.  Not only will this help adhere to regulations and guarantee the safety of occupants, but it will also protect businesses from potential legal consequences.  Remember, ensuring compliance is a continuous effort that requires diligence and commitment.

Follow this link for more practical tips and information about the importance of fire doors.