Introduction to Fire Safety Management

➤ Appliances must be so designed and constructed
as to minimise the risk of explosion in the event of a
fi re of external origin
➤ Appliances must be so designed and constructed
that failure of a safety, controlling or regulating
device may not lead to an unsafe situation
➤ Appliances must be so constructed that gas release
during ignition and reignition and after fl ame extinction
is limited in order to avoid a dangerous accumulation
of unburned gas in the appliance
➤ Appliances intended to be used in indoor spaces
and rooms must be fi tted with a special device
which avoids a dangerous accumulation of
unburned gas in such spaces or rooms
➤ Appliances must be so constructed that, when used
normally, there will be no accidental release of combustion
products
➤ Parts of the appliance which are intended to be
placed in close proximity to the fl oor or other surfaces
must not reach temperatures which present a
danger in the surrounding area.
15.20 The Gas Safety (Installation and
Use) Regulations 1998 (SI 2451)
These regulations focus on the safe installation and use
of gas appliances. Some of the key requirements are
summarised below:
➤ Installation is only carried out by competent persons
(they must be registered with CORGI – the Council
for Registered Gas Installers)
➤ General safety precautions are met during installation
including:
➤ Ensuring the gas fi tting is of good construction
and sound material
➤ Working in such a way as to prevent a dangerous
release of gas
➤ Not searching for gas leaks with a source of
ignition
➤ Not installing a gas storage vessel in a basement
or cellar
➤ Gas fi ttings are properly supported and protected
➤ Alterations to existing fi ttings do not adversely affect
the safety of the fi tting
➤ An emergency control (isolation valve) is provided
before gas is fi rst supplied in any premises
➤ Gas appliances are not installed unless they can be
used without danger to people
➤ Flued domestic gas appliances must be connected
by fi xed rigid pipes
➤ Installers of gas appliances must not leave the appliance
connected unless it can be used or is sealed
off from the gas supply
Summary of key legal requirements
➤ Flues are suitable and in a safe position
➤ Only room sealed appliances must be installed in
bath/shower rooms
➤ Gas fi re or heaters intended to be used in sleeping
accommodation must be room sealed appliances or
incorporate a safety device to shut the device down
➤ Appliances are only used if they are safe
➤ Landlords must ensure that gas appliances are
tested at 12 monthly intervals.
15.21 The Health and Safety
(Consultation with Employees)
Regulations 1996 (SI 1513)
The Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees)
Regulations 1996 (HSCWE Regs) only apply where
employees are not represented by union appointed
safety representatives (see the Safety Representatives
and Safety Committees Regulations 1977).
15.21.1 Duty to consult – regulation 3
The employer is required to consult with their employees
in good time on matters relating to their health and
safety and, in particular:
➤ The introduction of any measure which may affect
their health and safety
➤ The employer’s arrangements for appointing or nominating
competent persons under the Management
of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (see
later)
➤ Any information the employer is required to provide
under other relevant legislation
➤ The planning and organisation of any training the
employer is required to provide under other relevant
legislation
➤ The health and safety consequences of the introduction
of any new technologies into the workplace.
Note: The supporting guidance makes it clear that consultation
involves both listening to the views of employees
and taking account of these before any decision is
made.
15.21.2 Persons to be consulted – regulation 4
The employer must either:
➤ Consult with their employers directly or
➤ Consult with one or more persons from a group of
employees where the group has elected that person
or persons to represent them. (Persons elected
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