Fire safety

There are several health and safety statutory requirements governing fire safety in the workplace. 

These include:

• the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 which places a general duty on employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees and others
• the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 which places specific responsibilities on employers and duty holders to manage the fire safety of their premises and to minimise any fire risks

Our fire safety policy (HSP 10.1) (DOCX, 270KB) applies to all Essex County Council premises. It helps us to follow these regulations by making sure that we are:

• protecting the safety of employees, contractors and visitors
• protecting our properties and business processes
• implementing the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
• ensures that the installation and workmanship of fire doors and other fire stopping complies with Part B (Fire) of the Building Regulations
• providing adequate fire precautions, protections and procedures
• giving employees and visitors appropriate information, instructions and training
• monitoring our environments and systems effectively

Personal emergency evacuation plans and form

Whether it’s a drill or a genuine evacuation, it’s important that employees and volunteers understand the need to evacuate the building and where they should assemble. 

Our policy on personal emergency evacuation plans explains the procedure for fire evacuation and give guidance to managers on helping people who are unable to leave the building without assistance to stay safe in the event of a fire.

Personal emergency evacuation plans policy (HSP 9.47) (DOCX, 440KB)

Form for Personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEP) (HSF 035) (DOCX, 49KB)

Fire marshal list, duties and training 

Our fire marshal volunteers are a vital part of this process and help to make sure that all our colleagues are safe in the event of a fire. All fire marshals should carry out a fire marshal monthly check (HSF 037) (DOC, 37KB).

To contact a fire marshal in your work location, see the fire marshal list (XLXS, 103KB).

In the event of a fire, direct people to the right assembly point using a Fire Action Sign (HSF063), (PPTX, 80KB). 

Following a drill, the incident co-ordinator should fill out a fire drill feedback form. 

Fire marshal training 

Free fire marshal training is available. Booking details are on our health and safety training page. 

Paid time off for fire marshals 

Fire marshals are entitled an additional half day of paid holiday (pro rata for part-time) in recognition of commitment to the council’s fire safety. 

Fire marshal notice board poster 

The Corporate Business Continuity team generate first aider posters for major buildings (Causeway House, County Hall, Ely House, Essex House, Goodman House, Magnet House, Stanwell House and Freebournes). 

This poster template should only be used to display fire marshal contact information in any other council buildings. 

Fire marshal list poster template (HSF061), (PPT, 155KB)