LHL Fire Safety

Are all flammable fuels, gases and chemicals stored correctly?

Are oxygen cylinders and oxidising substances stored appropriately to minimise fire risk?

Are all materials that need to be stored separately kept apart?

Are sources of ignition adequately controlled?

Have suitable measures been taken to reduce the risk of arson, including the avoidance of combustible materials stored close to buildings?

Are combustible materials, e.g. paper, dry waste, kept to a minimum and properly stored?

Are electrical sockets being used safely and not overloaded?

Are portable electrical appliances subject to PAT testing?

Has the fixed electrical wiring been subject to a test and inspection within the last five years? Note that this is recommended three years for higher risk premises.

Is the use of portable heaters appropriately controlled?

Are there signs displayed where needed to highlight fire hazards, i.e. smoking rules, gas storage, flammables?

Are smoking rules adhered to?

Are all rubbish bins emptied regularly?

If paper is recycled, are storage vestibules emptied regularly?

Are combustible and flammable materials kept away from ignition sources?

Are high housekeeping standards maintained?

If there is a risk of an explosive or flammable atmosphere developing, are the risks assessed and properly controlled?

Are all fire extinguishers in their designated places, readily accessible and in good condition, including fire blankets and hose reels where applicable?

Have fire extinguishers been serviced within the last twelve months?

Are all fire doors and doorframes free from damage with fire doors closing properly under their own weight, where fitted with closing devices?

Are all fire doors either kept shut or held open on a device which releases automatically in the event of a fire alarm?

Are fire doors signed correctly on both sides of the leaf (except for cupboard doors which are to be signed on the front only)?

Have breaches of floors, or compartments been filled with fire resistant materials, e.g. holes made for pipes and cables?

If there is a fire sprinkler system is it subject to a weekly pressure/bell test and routine servicing?

Are there service and testing arrangements for fire-fighting lifts, lightning protection and rising mains, where present?

Are escape routes kept clear?

Can all fire exits be opened immediately and easily?

Are all fire exits clearly identifiable?

Are directional signs in place to direct occupants to the fire exits?

Are metal fire escapes in good condition?

Is there an effective means of raising the alarm which can be heard throughout the building(s)?

Are evacuation plans displayed?

Is the fire alarm system routinely serviced and also tested weekly?

Is the fire alarm panel showing that the system is fully functional?

Is there a zone plan adjacent to the alarm panel?

Is there sufficient emergency lighting covering internal and external escape routes?

Is emergency lighting subject to monthly activation testing and annual discharge testing?

Is there a designated fire assembly point?

Is there a designated smoking area?

Is it well positioned and free of debris?

Is the fire risk assessment up to date?

Are there written fire arrangements for the premises designating responsibilities for fire safety and outlining emergency procedures?

Are all staff named in the procedures still fulfilling these roles?

Have staff with specific responsibilities under the procedures, been trained in their role, e.g. fire marshals, those testing the alarm?

Has a manager been given overall responsibility for fire safety for the premises and are they named within the written fire arrangements?

Do all staff know what the fire alarm sounds like?

Have all tests identified as necessary in your fire risk assessment been completed and recorded?

Are fire drills being undertaken at the frequency identified in your risk assessment (usually six monthly, but more frequent for higher risk premises)?

Are there records of fire drills and have improvements been made if deficiencies were identified?

Are false alarms investigated and action taken as necessary to prevent further occurrences?

Are all Fire Action Notices clearly displayed and completed properly?

Have all staff been trained in what to do in the event of a fire or on hearing the fire alarm?

Are new starters instructed in the fire procedure on day one?

Have sufficient numbers of staff, including fire marshals, been trained in the practical use of fire extinguishers?

Are there arrangements to call the fire brigade to all suspicions of fire?

Are visitors made aware of emergency arrangements or otherwise kept under supervision at all times?

Are there suitable arrangements for checking that the premises has been evacuated?

Have staff who need a personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEP) assisted in developing one and is it up to date?

If any staff require a PEEP, are others trained in how to implement it?

If there is a need for special evacuation arrangements for groups of visitors with disabilities, have these been put in place?

Are there routine fire safety inspections?