New fire safety rules put employee capabilities in spotlight

Marsh, the insurance broker and risk adviser, is recommending that organisations based in England review their health and safety procedures following the introduction of the Fire Safety (Employees' Capabilities) (England) Regulations 2010 which came into force for England on 6 April.

The new regulations require employers to take into account employees' capabilities regarding fire-related health and safety when entrusting fire-related tasks to them.

The introduction of these new regulations plugs a gap created by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order by adding fire safety to the general health and safety requirement to take employee's capabilities into consideration when assigning tasks.

Kevin Molloy, leader of health and safety in Marsh's Risk Consulting Practice, said: "As these regulations apply to people already in position as well as future appointments, all employers should review their current fire-related health and safety appointments. In order to ensure that their organisation is fully compliant with the new regulations, employers need to ensure a worker has the ability to carry out all tasks assigned.

"For example, fire wardens should know which areas they are required to sweep if the alarm sounds, how to help evacuate individuals with mobility problems safely and competently and have the ability to give instructions under the stress of a fire incident."