The Building Regulations 1991 impose fire safety requirements on all new buildings, extensions and modifications which cover matters such as:

• means of escape
• structural stability
• fire resistance of elements and structure
• compartmentation to inhibit the spread of fire
• reduction of spread of flames over surfaces of walls and ceilings
• space separation between buildings to reduce the risk of fire spread from one building to another
• access for fire appliances and assistance to the fire brigade.

The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 also require all employers to carry out a risk assessment of anything that is likely to prove detrimental to the Health & Safety of their employees. They are also required to take reasonable & adequate action to ensure all safeguards are suitable and sufficient.

When a fire occurs in a workplace there is a risk that employees may become trapped or injured. The Fire Precaution (Workplace) Regulations 1997 therefore place further obligations upon all employer's to risk assess and identify where fires may break out in their workplace and who might be put at risk by this eventuality. These Regulations deal with further fire precautions above and beyond those required by the building Regulations and include:

• means of detection and giving warning in case of fire
• the provision of means of escape
• the provision of a means for fighting fires
• the training of staff in fire safety

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