Alarms, exits, fire doors and what staff should know

Alarms, exits, fire doors, protected routes and assembly points are elements of the building's fire-safety system. Staff do not need to be technical experts, but they must understand the purpose of these features and avoid undermining them through convenient shortcuts.

Fire doors are a clear example: they slow the spread of smoke and fire. If a door is wedged open, damaged or prevented from closing, that protection is reduced. The same risk applies when escape routes are used for storage or staff are unsure which exits are safe to use.

Simple staff-level checks

• Know the nearest safe exits.
• Keep routes clear.
• Do not wedge fire doors open.
• Notice alarms, signs and damaged equipment.
• Know where the assembly point is.

Manager focus: compromised controls

Fire-safety features only protect people if staff let them do their job.