Adequacy of refuges and evacuation procedures

[Davo]

Redone
The problem is that fire is a different mindset to H & S and most H & S officers can't or won't get their heads round that.
As for taking the odd ceiling tile out to have a butchers, not your job is it?

Now my boss has been on a two day course he understands the difference and we have employed a very respected member of this forum to look at some of our more complex premises.
I always knew I was out of my depth on those.
I say to those organisations sending in H & S inspectors they might be able to spot the bleeding obvious but the nuances, no chance.

davo
my opinion only folks

[Midland Retty]

Ive found alot of Health and Safety Officer to be very knowledgeable on Fire Safety so I think it's a generalisation to say H&S officers dont know much about Fire Safety

Yes I do come across the odd few who don't really have a grasp, but Ive found that with company fire safety officers too.

[Redone]

Ive found alot of Health and Safety Officer to be very knowledgeable on Fire Safety so I think it's a generalisation to say H&S officers dont know much about Fire Safety

Yes I do come across the odd few who don't really have a grasp, but Ive found that with company fire safety officers too.

I'm sure there are aware types out there.  I'm not saying the H&S practitioners don't know much about fire safety, only the ones that I have met. These have admitted they do not have sufficient knowledge to deal with this area, and don't consider it their job.  

Davo, I cannot resist taking tiles out for a gander, and if there's access to the roof space...Joy.

[lambie]

There are aware types out here who recognise the need for suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and work toward evacuation procedures that are comprehesive and workable. As one H/S officer I recognise the specific importance of fire safety and work closely with our FRS to ensure that we educate and assist in making RP responsible. As for the odd ceiling tile, I been in more voids and roof spaces to last a lifetme.

[Ricardo]

Ive found alot of Health and Safety Officer to be very knowledgeable on Fire Safety so I think it's a generalisation to say H&S officers dont know much about Fire Safety

Yes I do come across the odd few who don't really have a grasp, but Ive found that with company fire safety officers too.

There are aware types out here who recognise the need for suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and work toward evacuation procedures that are comprehesive and workable. As one H/S officer I recognise the specific importance of fire safety and work closely with our FRS to ensure that we educate and assist in making RP responsible. As for the odd ceiling tile, I been in more voids and roof spaces to last a lifetme.

I agree with both Midland and Lambie here, I have come across various H & S practitioners who believe they have a sound knowledge of fire safety issues and fire safety law, and some do, but just like some fire fighters and serving fire safety officers I know, who claim they know their stuff, there are some who are clearly out their depth.

[Ken Taylor]

Just to say that some of us in the H&S profession have notched up some fire experience and qualification, Redone, and included fire safety within our remit - but I do agree that others seem as lacking in that area as a number of visiting fire officers have appeared in both general health and safety and requirements for evacuation management.  More information and training is clearly needed in each other's disciplines these days.

[wee brian]

Lets face it - none of us really know all the answers. This isnt helped by a lack of clear standards for fire safety.

[Midland Retty]

Lets face it - none of us really know all the answers. This isnt helped by a lack of clear standards for fire safety.

Very true

[ST1878]

Has anyone read this document? Are there not lots of inadequacies with it? Not least;

1. Reference to Workplace Regulations? What about the RRO?
2. HSE Employers Fire Safety Guide 1999? Isn't this also now gone?
3. BS5588 Part8 referenced a lot. What about BS 5588 Part 12 and the requirements of Building regs?

Really strange for a report released so recently.

[Midland Retty]

Has anyone read this document? Are there not lots of inadequacies with it? Not least;

1. Reference to Workplace Regulations? What about the RRO?
2. HSE Employers Fire Safety Guide 1999? Isn't this also now gone?
3. BS5588 Part8 referenced a lot. What about BS 5588 Part 12 and the requirements of Building regs?

Really strange for a report released so recently.

Which report is that?

[jokar]

The one in post 1.

[ST1878]

Sorry Midland,

The one that started this particular thread - 'The Adequacy of Refuges, Escape Stairs & Management Procedures' recently issued by CLG

[Midland Retty]

Sorry Midland,

The one that started this particular thread - 'The Adequacy of Refuges, Escape Stairs & Management Procedures' recently issued by CLG

Ahhh that one.... sorry with you now!

Erm all I can say really is that alot of the content seems a tad out-dated in parts!

Expect a hasty revision soon perhaps, Government style!

[Ken Taylor]

I really must read beyond the executive summary some time - it just didn't seem too urgent at the time!