Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
When considering who will be involved with the audit
process the following factors may also prove useful:
based upon appropriate 'benchmarking' standards such
as those found in BS 8800, BS 5588 Part 12.
The initial status review should provide the organisa-
tion with details of where they currently stand in relation
to managing fi re risks. The review should be carried out
by competent persons in consultation with the workforce
or its representatives.
The results of the initial status review should:
➤
The availability of auditors:
➤
For the length of time necessary to undertake
the audit
➤
With the necessary skills
➤
The level of audit experience required
➤
The requirement for fi re safety knowledge or tech-
nical expertise
➤
Be documented
➤
Become the basis for developing and imple-
menting the fi re safety management system and
arrangements
➤
Any requirement for audit training
➤
The cost implication of using internal or external
auditors
➤
The risk of an internal auditor being overfamiliar or
satisfi ed with the company's arrangements, com-
pared with the approach of an external auditor
➤
Provide a baseline from which continual improve-
ment can be measured.
The initial status review should establish to what extent
existing arrangements are in place for:
➤
The potential for a lack of understanding of unfamili-
arity, particularly where complex technical fi re safety
systems or processes are involved.
➤
Identifying and meeting the requirements of relevant
legislation and regulations dealing with fi re safety
management issues
➤
Identifying and implementing best practice and per-
formance in the organisation's employment sector
and other appropriate sectors (e.g. from relevant
Government guidance industry advisory committees
and trade association guidelines)
11.5
Reviewing performance
As with audits, safety reviews are an essential part of a
management system. These reviews are closely linked
to the active monitoring process; they assist in providing
feedback of the adequacy of the fi re safety management
system to the management team and the responsible
person.
In line with enforcement authority guidance and
current standards, it is recommended that reviews
should be conducted regularly (at least annually) so
that decisions on how and when to rectify substandard
conditions and failures in the management system can
be taken, prior to there being a loss, failure or potential
enforcement action.
➤
Obtaining or developing guidance on fi re safety
management and making it available throughout the
organisation
➤
Consulting and disseminating information through-
out the organisation
➤
Identifying, anticipating and assessing hazards and
risks to safety and health arising out of the work
environment and work activities
➤
Developing and implementing effective workplace
precautions to eliminate hazards and minimise risk
➤
Developing and implementing effective preventive
and protective measures to manage fi re risk
➤
Measuring and evaluating fi re safety management
performance
11.5.1
Initial status review
➤
Ensuring the effi cient and effective use of resources
devoted to fi re safety management.
According to safety management system guidance,
including that of BS 8800, an initial status review should
be carried out in organisations that do not have an estab-
lished fi re safety management system. The initial status
review should provide information on the scope, adequacy
and implementation of the current management system.
Where no formal fi re or occupational health and
safety management system exists the initial status review
should serve as a basis for establishing what arrange-
ments should be made to ensure an effective system is
implemented.
Many organisations will have established a system
and therefore the initial status review is likely to be
Many organisations utilise the initial review to prepare
policy, organisational arrangements, planning and imple-
mentation processes and measuring and monitoring
programmes based upon the fi ndings of the report.
11.5.2 Regular reviews
Regular reviews also enable organisations to take into
account changes in legislation and guidance, particu-
larly with regard to any standards that affect fi re safety
