Every workplace in the UK should know how to provide for the access and egress of all disabled people that may work or visit their premises. The Fire and Disability 2008: Special Report from Workplace Law aims to provide responsible persons with all the information they need to reconcile fire safety and disability.
As well as the legal requirements provided by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), the report covers:
- guidelines – British standards, Building Regulations, Government guidance;
- management procedures – evacuation plans, risk assessments, ‘buddy’ systems;
- building procedures – refuges, evacuation chairs, emergency lighting;
- essential information on the range of auxilliary aids available to assist disabled people in an evacuation; and
- any other specific fire safety considerations arising from different disabilities.
There are around ten million adults covered by the provisions of the DDA whose safe evacuation from the workplace rests with ‘responsible persons’ within the organisation (employers or any other person who may have control of any part of the premises) rather than the Fire Service.
This special report will help you to make sure every person and every option is considered and catered for when planning for a fire situation.
Key questions answered:
- Can the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 work alongside each other?
- What do I need to do to make sure an evacuation happens safely?
- What training should I be carrying out to make sure everyone is prepared for a fire?
- What features does my workplace need to have to make sure all people are alerted if a fire breaks out?
About the authors
Su Peace of Qequality, began working as an Access Officer in 1983 in Bradford, just before the Bradford City Fire. This sparked an interest in means of escape for disabled people, and since then she has lobbied to improve the situation. She now works with Department of Communities and Local Government and the Building Research Establishment in formulating new legislation on means of escape.
The report also contains contributions from Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Disability Rights Commission, as well as contributions from other access and egress consultants who have specialised in specific areas of inclusion.
 | This is a downloadable publication |
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