What to include in a fire safety policy

The policy should set out the arrangements in place to protect everyone on the premises from fire and show the organisation's commitment to fire safety.

It should describe how people will be warned and evacuated in the event of a fire, clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of key staff. It should also explain how fire safety advice is obtained, how fire risk assessments are carried out, and how fire safety systems and equipment are kept in good working order.

In simple terms, it's a plan that shows how you manage fire risks and make sure everyone knows what to do to stay safe and usually includes:

• The responsibilities of the responsible person and staff.
• Details of fire prevention measures (like safe storage, maintenance, and housekeeping).
• Procedures for raising the alarm and evacuating safely.
• Information about fire safety equipment (such as alarms, extinguishers, and exits).
• Arrangements for training staff and carrying out fire drills.
• How records and reviews will be kept up to date.