Workplace Law has published a special report, containing guidance on dealing with fire safety and disability. The report covers the legal requirements, government guidelines and procedures employers need to make sure every person and every option is considered and catered for when planning for a fire situation.

Every workplace in the UK should know how to provide for the exit of all disabled people that may work or visit their premises. The Fire and Disability 2008: Special Report from Workplace Law aims to provide "responsible persons" with all the information they need to reconcile fire safety and disability.

There are around 10 million adults covered by the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) whose safe evacuation from the workplace rests with "responsible persons" within the organisation (employers or any other person who may have control of any part of the premises) rather than the Fire Service.

As well as the legal requirements provided by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the DDA, the report covers:

• government guidelines – British standards, Building Regulations, government guides;
• management procedures – evacuation plans, risk assessments, ‘buddy’ systems;
• building procedures – refuges, evacuation chairs, emergency lighting;
• essential information on the range of auxilliary aids available to assist disabled people in an evacuation; and
• specific fire safety considerations arising from different disabilities.

This special report will help employers to make sure every person and every option is considered and catered for when planning for a fire situation.

The Fire and Disability 2008: Special Report is available to be downloaded immediately from the Workplace Law website.

Notes to editors

 

1. 1. The Workplace Law Network is the fastest growing legal support service in the country. Some of the UK's biggest employers, including KPMG, Tesco, the BBC and Powergen turn to us for expert advice on the law of the workplace and how it affects them.
   The Workplace Law Network provides legal support to over 50,000 employers and managers. They know the law does affect them, in all areas of their business. From personnel and employment issues to health and safety and premises management, it's vital to know where you stand.

 

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