Other Links

Many churches already take precautions against fire by attention to means of escape, the provision of fire extinguishers and some parts of the premises may have been covered by a fire certificate because of the activities licensed to take place in them.

The Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 require minimum fire safety standards in places where staff are employed.  Churches are affected because of the employment of organists, cleaners and employees of organisations using the church premises.

Exemption in part

Some churches have a current fire certificate for part of the premises - for entertainment or a playgroup, for example.  That requirement still applies - that part of the premises is not covered by the new regulations.  But in all other areas, and in church buildings without a certificate, the new regulations apply.

What has to be done

Where churches already take sensible fire safety measures little more will usually need to be done.  In order to comply, however, it is necessary first to work through a checklist:

• Assess the fire risks
  
• Check that a fire can be detected in a reasonable time and that people can be warned
  
• Check that people can get out of the building safely
  
• Check fire fighting equipment
  
• Check that people know what to do in the event of a fire
  
• Check and maintain fire safety measures
  

This should be done by the church and, if more than five people are employed, a record made in a Church Property Log Book.  If such a log book does not already exist, a new one should be established.

Further action

The fire safety systems and procedures required by the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 are dictated by the level of risk. They include Fire fighting and detection (Part 2, Regulation 4), Emergency routes and exits (Part 2, Regulation 5) and Maintenance (Part 2, Regulation 6).

The fire risk assessment examines the potential causes and effects of fire in a workplace, and the people who are at risk, using the current relevant British Standards, Building Regulations and other benchmark standards.

A risk assessment should be carried out for each significant risk taking account of the controls and preventative measures and level of management, recommending actions where the residual risk level is unacceptable.  You should assess the risks for ALL who come to your premises, including groups who use the premises, and not forgetting children and disabled people.

On church premises fire hazards may include the use of lighted candles, unsafe electrical wiring and extension leads, unguarded heaters, furniture upholstery, rubbish or work in the kitchen.

Suitable exit signs and emergency lighting are necessary for licensed premises.  Temporary exit signs with portable battery units can usually solve a problem in churches used occasionally for assemblies such as concerts or public meetings.
Loose chairs in churches should be clipped together when used in rows of four or more chairs with a maximum of twelve chairs in a row.  With large assembly spaces, of 250 chairs or more, consult the Fire Safety Officer regarding the fixing of chairs to the floor.

Doors on escape routes should be fastened for security in such a way that they can be readily opened without a key.

Fire fighting equipment shall be provided in all areas.  As a general guide, one 9-litre water extinguisher, or the equivalent, should be provided for every 200 square metres of floor space.  Specialist extinguishers should be located in areas deemed to offer significant, or unusual, risks.  Your local Fire Officer will always be available to give up-to-date advice.

Adopt a 'NO SMOKING' policy for all the premises with signs displayed accordingly.
Electrical installations require regular inspection by a competent person (241).
As many fires are caused by intruders, the importance of external security measures should be explored.

Conclusion

Common sense and a knowledge of your buildings and activities should enable your church officers to take "sensible and appropriate fire safety measures" as required.