Am I Responsible for My Fire Doors?

Recent experiences have shown that smaller businesses are unsure of their responsibilities when it comes to their premises fire doors. Lets try and assist........

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the primary legislation governing workplace health and safety in Great Britain, establishing duties for employers and employees to ensure a safe working environment. Employers have to provide a safe working environment that is properly maintained and where operations within it are conducted safely.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 outlines the responsibilities of employers and employees to ensure health and safety in the workplace.

Every employer shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment of:

(a)the risks to the health and safety of his employees to which they are exposed whilst they are at work; and

(b)the risks to the health and safety of persons not in his employment arising out of or in connection with the conduct by him of his undertaking

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 sets out that building operators in England and Wales should appoint a ‘Responsible Person’ to manage all fire safety precautions including fire doors. This 'Responsible Person' might be the employer, the building manager/agent or building owner. Their legal responsibilities include a duty to reduce the risk of fire spreading within the premises.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to the following:

• All business premises (even if it is part of your home)

• Premises used for charity or voluntary work

• Public buildings such as schools, hospitals, & entertainment venues

• Accommodation for paying guests such as self-catering units, camp or caravan sites and B&B's

• Communal areas of HMOs, blocks of flats and maisonettes

As you can see, businesses are required by various legislation to protect their employee's and occupants. Fire doors play an important part in reducing the risk of fire spreading through a building. It is a legal requirement under the above legislation to have fire doors inspected on a regular basis by a 'competent person', and that the information from these inspections is recorded.

Consider the following:

• Costs if your business is closed down by local enforcing agencies for non-compliance

• Costs in the unfortunate event of a fire and you are found to be legally responsible as your business was not compliant

• Costs of having regular inspections carried out by accredited inspectors

Will let you decide......