# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
SAFE ISOLATION & LOCK OFF KIT - Electricians’ toolbox 🧰 essential

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Most fires are preventable. Those responsible for workplaces and other buildings to which the public have access can avoid them by taking responsibility for and adopting the right behaviours and procedures.

This page provides general advice on fire safety. We have separate guidance on substances that cause fire and explosion.

General fire safety hazards

Fires need 3 things to start:

a source of ignition (heat)

a source of fuel (something that burns)

oxygen

Sources of ignition include:

heaters

lighting

naked flames

electrical equipment

smokers' materials (such as cigarettes, matches)

anything else that can get very hot or cause sparks

Sources of fuel include:

wood

paper

plastic

rubber or foam

loose packaging materials

waste rubbish

furniture

Sources of oxygen include the air around us.

What you have to do

Employers (and/or building owners or occupiers) must carry out a fire safety risk assessment and keep it up to date. This shares the same approach as health and safety risk assessments and can be carried out either as part of an overall risk assessment or as a separate exercise.

Based on the findings of the assessment, employers need to ensure that adequate and appropriate fire safety measures are in place to minimise the risk of injury or loss of life in the event of a fire. Remember to review and update your risk assessment regularly.

To help prevent fire in the workplace, your risk assessment should identify what could cause a fire to start, such as sources of ignition (heat or sparks) and substances that burn, and the people who may be at risk. Once you have identified the risks, you can take appropriate action to control them. Consider whether you can avoid them altogether or, if this is not possible, how you can reduce the risks and manage them:

keep sources of ignition and flammable substances apart

avoid accidental fires, for example make sure heaters cannot be knocked over

ensure good housekeeping at all times, for example avoid build-up of rubbish that could burn

Also consider how you will protect people if there is a fire:

Consider how to detect fires and how to warn people quickly if they start, for example, installing smoke alarms and fire alarms or bells

Have the correct fire-fighting equipment for putting a fire out quickly

Keep fire exits and escape routes clearly marked and unobstructed at all times

Ensure your workers receive appropriate training on procedures they need to follow, including fire drills

More information can also be found on GOV.UK: Fire safety in the workplace: Who's responsible.

Example

Packing waste

The law

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order covers general fire safety in England and Wales.

In Scotland, requirements on general fire safety are covered in Part 3 of the Fire (Scotland) Act, supported by the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations.

In the majority of premises, local fire and rescue authorities are responsible for enforcing this fire safety legislation. HSE has enforcement responsibility on construction sites and on ships under construction or undergoing repair.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
General advice on fire safety and guidance on substances that cause fire and explosion

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Fire Extinguishers - The First Line of Defence | YPO

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our supplier, Chubb explains why regular maintenance of fire extinguishers is an essential part of fire safety strategy and advice on fire prevention.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
CSCS Test Revision - Health and Safety Signs Test - CSCS Mock Test

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn all the important CSCS safety signs you will need to know and the meanings behind each of the signs colour, this could save your life.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Transformers Explained - How transformers work

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Ohms Law Explained - The basics circuit theory

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
DC parallel circuits explained  - The basics how parallel circuits work working principle

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
DC Series circuits explained - The basics working principle

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Electrical Current Explained - AC DC, fuses, circuit breakers, multimeter, GFCI, ampere

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Solenoid Basics Explained - Working Principle

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Test your Other knowledge with this 13-question quiz. Ideal for practice, review, and assessment with instant feedback on Wayground.