Fire safety when working in homes

[Guest AlisonHol]

I have a domestic cleaning business. I am writing my H&S policy and am unsure on the fire safety for staff due to working in homes? Please could you advise?

[Tom Sutton]

I am afraid this is a very difficult question because domestic premises are not subject to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. However it could be classed as a workplace for your cleaners but as you do not have control, you are not the Responsible Person and therefore no duties, that also applies to the occupants of the house/flat.

However I think you do have a moral duty for the safety of your employees and should insist on a Fire Service, fire risk assessment which is provided free by your local FRS. The instruction to your employees should be if there is a fire, Get out, Stay out, Call the fire service out.

I shall research this further as I have said it is a difficult one and hopefully get back in the future.

[Tom Sutton]

As I have said above you have no physical control in the clients premises but you can make your employees fire safety aware and if they feel unsafe they can discuss it with the owner or as a last resort, leave. There are many website devoted to "home fire safety" and if you surf the web they are readily available.

Check out http://www.firesafe.org.uk/category/domestic-premises/ https://www.gov.uk/firekills http://www.london-fire.gov.uk/SafetyAtHome.asp

Use this information to train your staff, you will find guidance, leaflets and all sorts of information regarding home fire safety.