Introduction to Fire Safety Management

Table 6.1 Sources of information available when developing a safe system of work
Source of information Comment
People – a safe system of work should be designed to:
➤ Ensure the person doing the work has the right
mental and physical capabilities
➤ Ensure adequate training is provided
➤ Promote safe behaviour
➤ Ensure employees are properly motivated towards
safe working
➤ Ensure the correct level of supervision is exercised
to ensure compliance with the system.
Equipment – a safe system of work should ensure that:
➤ All equipment, including any personal protective
equipment, is suitable and fi t for its intended use
➤ Safety specifi cations are considered such as ergonomics,
noise, etc.
General principles of control
Employees that undertake Vital source of information on how the work is actually undertaken, or how it is likely to be
the operation or task undertaken. Previous knowledge of similar activities, the hazards and risks. History of faults,
failures and success
Very valuable asset as part of the legally required consultation process
Legislation, ACoP and Provide minimum standards required by law. For example, Confi ned Space Regulations require a
guidance issued by system of work for confi ned spaces and the ACoP goes on to identify the main elements to
enforcing authorities consider when designing the safe system including the use of permit to work
Enforcement bodies Verbal or written information provided while in face-to-face contact during an inspection
themselves
Guidance from trade Written information from these bodies can take the shape of guidance notes such as in the case
bodies of Fire Prevention on Construction Sites published by the Construction Confederation and the
Fire Protection Association. This guide provides information on, among others, arrangements for
storing fl ammable liquids and LPG
British, European and These documents detail the minimum industry standards that should be applied and are often
International standards cross-referenced by other guidance such as in the case of Building Regulations Guidance
Approved Document B that cross-references BS 5839 Part 1 Code of practice for system design,
installation, commissioning and maintenance of fi re detection and alarm systems for buildings
Manufacturer’s information The range of information available is vast, e.g. how to test and maintain systems, chemical
and guidance hazards and personal protective equipment that should be used to protect against residual risks
Risk assessments and The information from previously completed risk assessment and JSA records provide a backbone
job safety analysis on which to formalise a safe system of work
Organisation’s policy, Information from existing policies and procedures such as those relating to the management of
procedures and standards vehicles may provide a basis from which to determine the safe systems for reversing or refuelling
vehicles
Safety event investigations The fi ndings and recommendations contained in an investigation report may assist in reviewing
the safe system of work
Results of health surveillance The results are likely to be able to confi rm that the effective use of PPE has reduced exposure or
not and that the system is effective or not
➤ Any specifi c risks presented by the equipment are
controlled
➤ There are adequate maintenance procedures to
ensure equipment remains in an effi cient state
➤ Emergency shutdown procedures have been
established
➤ Any training required for safe operation of the equipment
is provided.
Materials – materials must be safe during use or
processing:
➤ Any materials used during the work process must
be considered, including any by-products created
during the process
➤ Appropriate waste disposal measures should be
employed
109