Policy 28: Fire Safety Policy

Simplyfruit (Ire) Ltd is committed to ensuring a safe working environment for all employees, contractors, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our operations. As a food manufacturing company, we recognise that fire presents a significant risk due to the presence of electrical equipment, production machinery, packaging materials, oils, cleaning chemicals, and storage areas.

The company is committed to reducing the risk of fire by implementing effective preventive measures, properly maintaining equipment and systems, training employees, and ensuring clear emergency procedures. We will comply with all applicable fire safety legislation and ensure that appropriate measures are in place to protect people, property, and business operations.

All employees are required to fully comply with this policy and follow the fire safety procedures applicable to their work areas.

Responsibilities

Senior management is fully responsible for ensuring that effective fire safety measures are implemented throughout the site. This includes allocating sufficient resources for fire prevention, emergency planning, training, equipment maintenance, and risk assessment activities.

Appointed responsible persons oversee the day-to-day management of fire safety. This includes ensuring that fire risk assessments are completed and reviewed, fire alarms and emergency systems are maintained, evacuation procedures remain effective, and fire drills are carried out regularly.

Managers and department heads are responsible for ensuring that, within their areas of responsibility, fire exits, escape routes, and firefighting equipment remain unobstructed and accessible. They must also ensure that employees understand emergency procedures and promptly report any fire hazards or unsafe conditions.

All employees are responsible for working safely and must take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others. Employees must follow fire safety procedures, participate in training and evacuation drills, promptly report hazards, and avoid any activity that could increase the risk of fire.

Fire Prevention Arrangements

Good housekeeping standards are essential to reduce the risk of fire within the premises. Waste materials, packaging, and combustible substances must not be allowed to accumulate in production, storage, or service areas. Spills involving oils, fats, or other flammable substances must be cleaned immediately.

Electrical equipment used on site must be suitable for its intended purpose and maintained in a safe condition. Faulty equipment, damaged cables, or overloaded sockets must be reported immediately and not used until repaired or replaced.

Particular care must be taken when carrying out maintenance activities involving welding, cutting, grinding, or other hot work. These activities may only be carried out under an approved permit-to-work system and with appropriate control measures in place.

Flammable chemicals and cleaning products will be safely stored in designated areas in accordance with manufacturer instructions and COSHH requirements. Smoking and vaping are only permitted in designated external areas away from production and storage operations.

Fire Detection and Emergency Equipment

The company will provide appropriate fire detection, alarm, and firefighting equipment throughout the premises. This includes fire alarms, detectors, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, and any additional systems identified through the fire risk assessment process.

All fire safety equipment will be regularly inspected, tested, and maintained by competent persons at specified intervals. Employees are prohibited from interfering with, misusing, or obstructing any fire safety equipment or emergency escape routes.

Emergency Evacuation Procedures

In the event of a fire or fire alarm activation, all employees and visitors must evacuate the building immediately using the nearest safe exit. Personal belongings must not be collected, and no one may re-enter the building until permitted by the emergency services or the person in charge of the incident.

Where it is safe and practical to do so, equipment may be shut down prior to evacuation; however, no one must delay leaving the building in order to do so.

Designated fire marshals will assist with evacuation procedures, check allocated areas where safe to do so, and report to the assembly point coordinator. All persons must proceed directly to the designated assembly point and remain there until further instructions are given.

Training and Information

All employees will receive fire safety information and instruction as part of their induction training. Refresher training will be provided periodically, as well as when significant changes occur in the workplace.

Fire drills will be conducted regularly to test emergency arrangements and ensure that employees are familiar with evacuation procedures. Records of training, drills, equipment maintenance, and fire safety inspections will be retained by the company.

Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are significant changes to the site, work activities, staffing, or relevant legislation. Reviews will also be carried out following any fire incident, near miss, or based on fire risk assessments or audit findings.

The company is committed to the continual improvement of fire safety standards and expects full cooperation from all employees in achieving this objective.