Fire Safety Regulations
As the responsible person for the event/function, you have legal duties with regard to the safety of those persons assisting or attending the event.
Before the event or functions you should be aware of the following:
- There are no fire detection or alarm systems in the premises. You will need to decide how a fire will be detected (e.g. regular checks throughout the event) and how people will be warned if there is a fire;
- How the evacuation of the premises will be carried out.
- What staff, assistants and organisers will do if they discover a fire.
- Where people should assemble after they have left the premises and procedures for checking whether the premises have been evacuated. (Muster point is Community Centre Grass Area)
- Identification of key escape routes and exits, how people can gain access to them and escape to places of safety;
- Arrangements for fighting fire; (Fire extinguishers should only be used by those sufficiently trained and competent.)
- Specific arrangements for high fire-risk areas. (E.g. cooker, kitchen area)
- How the fire and rescue service and other necessary services will be called. (E.g. there is a phone available at the Royal British Legion)
- Procedure for meeting the fire and rescue service on their arrival and notifying them of any special risks (E.g. any highly flammable materials) and/or missing persons;
- What instructions staff/assistants will need and the arrangements for ensuring that this training is given;
- Limitations on the number of people. (The capacity of the hall must not exceed 180)
- That fire exit doors open freely;
- Checking that all escape routes are clear of obstructions and combustibles
- Checking that Fire Exit lighting is switched on. (The switch is beneath each light)
- It is recommended that Portable Electrical Appliances are PAT tested.
Before the event or function you should decide:
- The arrangements for means of escape for disabled persons;
- The duties and identity of staff/assistants who have specific responsibilities if there is a fire;
- The arrangements for the safe evacuation of people identified as being especially at risk, such as those with disabilities, children, members of the public and visitors.
- Who will be responsible for calling the fire and rescue service and any other necessary services;
- Who will meet the fire and rescue service on their arrival and notifying them of any special risks;
- Your plans to deal with people once they have left the premises, especially children.
- At the start of the event or function you should notify those present about:
- The no-smoking policy;
- How they will be warned if there is a fire;
- Who is supervising and how to identify them;
- Location of exits and escape routes;
- Taking only valuables immediately to hand but not to go to collect other belongings;
- The location of the muster point; and
- What will happen after that. (E.g. re-entry to the building only after it has been cleared by a Fire Officer)
During the event or function you should ensure that:
- Escape routes and exits do not become blocked inside and outside the building;
- The no-smoking policy is adhered to;
- No naked flames are started (E.g. Candles)
- Rooms do not become overcrowded;
- Noise levels do not drown out the method you have decided as a warning to people that there is a fire;
- If necessary, the number of persons are limited or controlled.