TABLE OF CONTENTS The key to effective safety management, once the risks have been identified, is to establish and implement a control strategy. The control measures that are implemented to secure the safety of all those at work or who may be affected by the work or work processes should reflect the legal requirements, as a minimum standard, and any technological advances that have been made.
The term prevention when used in relation to fire has often been interpreted to mean preventing a fire starting in the first place, which clearly is the most effective way to deal with fire risk management. In current legislation and guidance, however, the term prevention relates to the need to prevent persons being harmed or loss being sustained.
The management of fire risks both in relation to primary fire hazards (ignition, fuel, oxygen) and secondary fire hazards (those preventing people escaping safely in the event of a fire) will be discussed in greater detail later within the book allowing this chapter to focus on strategies of control as they relate to safety management as a whole.
The fundamental principles of prevention that are included in both the RRFSO and the MHSW are supported by a range of additional legislation, approved codes of practice and guidance each providing assistance when considering the control measures that may be required to reduce the risks to the lowest level reasonably practicable.
A responsible person (under the RRFSO) and/or employer (under the MHSW) are legally required...
