Fire precautions

The Fire Precautions (Places of Work) Regulations 1992 replaced and extended the old Fire Precautions Act 1971 as from 1 January 1993. These Regulations are aligned with standard practice in EC Directives in placing the responsibility for compliance on the employers. They require employers not only to assess risks from fire,but now to include thepreparation of an evacuation plan,to train staff in fire precautions,and to keep records. Workplaces with fewer than 20 employees may require emergency lighting points and fire warning systems. The self-employed who do not employ anyone but whose premises areregularly open to the public may only require fire extinguishers and warning signs; they will,however,need to be able to demonstrate that there is a means of escape in case of fire. Where five or more persons work on the premises as employees,all assessments need to be recorded in writing.
Most of these requirements were already covered by existing legislation. The prime differences are the recording of assessments,the provision of training,and the requirement that means of fighting fire, detecting fire and giving warning in case of fire,be maintained in good working order.Car Repair Talk's forum.