What to do between our visits

What to do

• Work through your action plan, starting with the highest-priority actions.
• Keep evidence of completed work, such as photos, invoices, contractor reports or logbook entries.
• Review your assessment regularly and after significant changes to the premises, how they're used or the people using them.

Write in your logbook

• The date each action was completed and who completed it.
• Where you keep the evidence, such as photos, invoices or contractor reports.
• The date of each review and any changes to your premises or fire safety arrangements.

Call us if

• You're unsure what a recommendation means or where to start.
• You're planning building work or a change in how the premises are used.
• You've received a letter or notice from the fire and rescue service or your insurer and aren't sure what it means.
• An action needs a contractor and you'd like to talk through the recommendation. We don't carry out repairs, but we can help clarify what the report recommends.

How to use one: PASS

Which extinguisher for which fire?

The right equipment depends on the fire risk in your premises. Follow the instructions on your own equipment and the training you've received.

What to do

Check that:

• Each extinguisher is in its designated place, securely mounted on its bracket or stand.
• Its sign is visible and nothing is blocking access.
• The pin and tamper seal are in place.
• The pressure gauge, if fitted, is in the green.
• There is no obvious damage, corrosion or other deterioration.

Write in your logbook

• The date of each check and who carried it out.
• Any problems found and what was done about them.
• Any time an extinguisher was used, even partly.

Call us if

• An extinguisher has been used, even partly. It may need recharging or replacing.
• The pin or tamper seal is missing, or the pressure gauge isn't in the green.
• An extinguisher is damaged, rusty, leaking or missing.
• An extinguisher is missing from its designated position or can't be accessed.

What to do

• Use the test switch or key. You only need to flick it on briefly. You don't need to leave it on, and you shouldn't.
• Check that each emergency light and illuminated exit sign comes on during the test.
• If your system tests itself, check that each status indicator shows normal operation.
• Make sure lights and signs aren't obstructed or covered.

Write in your logbook

• The date of each test and who carried it out.
• Any light that failed or showed a fault, and when the problem was fixed.

Call us if

• You can't remember where the test switch is or how to do the test.
• You're changing the layout or moving an exit and need to consider the emergency lighting.

We don't carry out repairs. A qualified electrician or other appropriately competent contractor will need to investigate and fix faults.

What to do

• Check the plug, cable and casing for damage, exposed wires or other signs of wear.
• Look out for signs of overheating, burn marks or a burning smell.
• If an item appears damaged, stop using it. Disconnect it if safe to do so, label it “Do not use” and keep it out of use until it's been repaired and checked by a competent person or replaced.

Check it for visible damage before first use. New equipment doesn't automatically need formal PAT testing. The checks and testing needed depend on the equipment, how it's used and the environment.

Write in your logbook

• Any item that failed and what action was taken.
• New equipment added to your workplace and the checks or maintenance arrangements made for it.

Call us if

• You've bought new equipment and aren't sure what checks it needs.
• An item has failed and you're unsure what to do next.
• You're not sure which equipment needs formal testing or how often.

What to do

• Arrange refresher training at appropriate intervals, based on your premises, risks and staff responsibilities. This can be an internal session that you run with your team. 
• Include fire safety in new starters' induction.
• Make sure someone is available to take on each fire marshal role when a trained member of staff leaves.
• Revisit your fire procedures and staff training when the building, layout or evacuation arrangements change.

Write in your logbook

• Who was trained, when and on what.
• Refresher training and practice evacuations, including when they took place.

Call us if

• You've taken on new staff or need more fire marshals trained.
• A course certificate is approaching its renewal date.
• Your building, layout or evacuation arrangements have changed and you need to update your training.

What to do

Check that:

• Each door closes fully by itself and the latch engages, where fitted.
• Any fitted seals or strips are undamaged and haven't been painted over.
• The door, frame and any glazing are free from obvious cracks or damage.
• Nothing is wedging the door open. Only use a suitable hold-open system designed to release the door when required.

Write in your logbook

• The date of each check, who carried it out and which doors were checked.
• Any damage or faults found and when they were fixed.

Call us if

• Someone is planning to cut into, alter or fit new hardware to a fire door.

We don't carry out repairs. A competent fire-door contractor or joiner should investigate and carry out any necessary repair or alteration.