Responsible Persons

The First “Responsible Person” in England and Wales Fire Safety must be dealt with by the “Responsible Person”. This person is defined as potentially being a 

  • Employer 
  • Owner 
  • Manager 
  • Occupier
  • Of any and all of the following: Businesses, Buildings, and Spaces

That is used for anything other than domestic or dwelling purposes. This responsible person is ultimately the one who must ensure that all: 

  • Guests 
  • Customers 
  • Visitors 
  • Employees

Are properly protected by: 

  • Risk reductions 
  • Evacuation procedures 

Areas with the first “Responsible Person”

A First responsible person will need to be designated for all of the following types of places: 

  • Offices 
  • Shops
  • Factories
  • Warehouses: Extra care may need to be taken depending on what is stored here.
  • Hospitals
  • Schools
  • Pubs/Bars
  • Cafes/Restaurants
  • Temples/Churches / Mosques/Synagogues/Mandir / Any other worship centre
  • Community Centres
  • Sports Facilities
  • Shared Accommodation Centres – EG student housing, refugee centres
  • Hostels/Hotels
  • Tents/Marquees/Other temporary structures
  • Rented properties 

As part of their responsibilities, the first “Responsible Person” must appoint a group of competent individuals to be the second group of responsible people – AKA Fire Wardens.

A Fire Warden’s responsibilities are based around Fire Prevention and Fire Procedures: 

  • Prevention-Risk: Fire Wardens must identify potential risks present in the work environment. They then need to classify if these are low, medium, or high risks, determine what aspects make this risk fit that category, and then report this to the first “responsible person”. 
  • Prevention-Routes: Fire Wardens must inform everyone of the proper exits and routes to use in the event of a fire. They need to keep said routes clearly accessible and clearly labelled.
    FIRE WARDEN BOX 

As part of their responsibilities, the first “Responsible Person” must appoint a group of competent individuals to be the second group of responsible people – AKA Fire Wardens. 

  • Prevention – Readiness: Fire Wardens need to be fully trained on how to use fire extinguishers, how to activate emergency lighting, and be aware of any other fire/other emergency equipment in the building. 
  • Prevention – Readjustment: Fire Wardens need to stay up to date with any and all changes in the law, and changes to the building. If these changes make previous fire procedures obsolete or unsafe, the Fire Wardens need to re-adjust existing plans accordingly. 

First Responsible Person Duties

In quick summary here are the distinct responsibilities of the first and second responsible persons – IE the Employers and the Wardens
Employer Duties 

  • Keeping fire safety equipment (alarms, hoses, emergency lights etc.) in good working order 
  • Creating a fire plan and organising evacuation procedures 
  • Providing all staff with fire safety training 
  • Advising all staff of potential fire safety risks 
  • Keeping a fire risk assessment up to date 
  • Have the procedures for fire safety properly recorded for inspection & safety purposes

Note: The last point there only applies if 

  • Your business employs 5 or more people 
  • You need a license to operate your business (Pub/Entertainment venue etc.) 
  • An alteration notice requiring recording is in force 

Warden Duties 

  • Updating and developing fire evacuation procedures and emergency plans 
  • Monitoring the upkeep and operation of all fire safety equipment 
  • Arrange fire drills and fire risk assessments – assess the results of each afterwards 
  • Monitor the workspace for potential fire risks 
  • Assist in the event of a fire by helping during evacuations, or potentially fighting the fire directly 

Employees have responsibilities for their own fire safety also. These are as follows: 

  • Familiarising themselves with the fire exits 
  • Obeying the instructions of fire wardens in the event of an emergency 
  • Participate fully in all fire drills 
  • Informing the first or second responsible person of any issues that could prevent them from exiting safely in the event of an emergency. 
  • Attend training where it is offered, or arrange follow-up training if it cannot be received at the time 

Summary

What we have learned? 

  • A sweeping overview of fire safety and the importance of it. 
  • Fire causes indiscriminate and devastating damage to thousands of UK businesses every year. 
  • A source of ignition, fuel, and oxygen – these three are essential elements for a fire to start. 
  • Every workplace should have a responsible person who will make sure that fire safety measures are in place and will remain active at all times. 
  • Familiarise with various types of fires and learn the techniques of dealing with these fires.