Fire safety in the workplace plays a crucial role in preventing injury or property damage. Every year, more than 2,000 workplace accidents caused by fires or explosions are reported to insurance companies. In addition, fires in the workplace also result in significant economic losses and, in half of all cases, lead to bankruptcy.
The most common causes of fires in the workplace are:
- Incorrect use of work equipment, machinery, or operating materials
- Lack of or inadequate training for employees
- Insufficient awareness of the risks involved in handling hazardous substances and flammable materials
- Defective electrical systems and equipment
- Inadequate maintenance¹
Occupational Safety and Fire Safety in the Workplace
In addition to regulations from government agencies and insurers, employers have a legal obligation under occupational safety law to ensure fire safety in the workplace. Under Section 3 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (ArbSchG) , the employer is obligated to ensure the safety and health of employees. Thus, pursuant to Sections 5 and 6 of the ArbSchG, the employer must evaluate working conditions and conduct a risk assessment. In addition, pursuant to Section 19 of the ArbSchG, the employer must establish measures for first aid, firefighting, and the evacuation of employees in the event of an emergency. To this end, the employer may designate, equip, and train specific individuals.
At the same time, the Workplace Ordinance (Arb.StättV) supplements the provisions of the ArbSchG regarding fire safety in the workplace. The review of workplace requirements, as well as the identification and correction of potential fire safety deficiencies, should be conducted regularly through a fire safety inspection.
The employer or business owner is responsible for conducting these inspections and may delegate this task to internal or external fire safety officers. As a general rule, a fire safety inspection should be conducted at least once a year. Depending on the size of the company or specific risks, more frequent inspections may be necessary to ensure that fire safety standards are consistently maintained.
For more information on inspecting a facility for deficiencies in preventive fire safety, see our blog article “Fire Safety Inspection with Checklist”
Fire Safety Officers in the Workplace
In general, responsibility for fire safety measures lies with the company or a designated person. However, fire safety in the workplace is also a shared responsibility of the entire workforce.
Consequently, the following individuals play a key role in fire safety at the workplace.
Business Owners and Managers
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (ArbSchG), the employer is required to conduct a risk assessment, take fire hazards into account, and implement preventive measures. This includes providing and maintaining the necessary fire extinguishing equipment. In addition, the employer must conduct annual fire safety and evacuation training in accordance with Section 12 of the ArbSchG.
Good to know: CWS offers fire safety training online, at a branch location, or at your facility.
Fire Safety Officers
A fire safety officer actively advises and supports those in charge at the workplace on all matters related to preventive, defensive, and organizational fire safety. They identify risks and recommend measures to ensure optimal and legally compliant fire safety at the workplace. In addition, they can also oversee the training and continuing education of employees, such as fire safety assistants.
The duties of a fire safety officer can be performed by a trained employee or an external fire safety officer . Important: Fire safety officers must be appointed in writing by the employer in accordance with the BetrVG (Works Constitution Act).
Fire Safety Assistants
As a general rule, every company should train at least 5% of its employees as fire safety and evacuation assistants in accordance with §10 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (ArbSchG), ASR A2.2, and the risk assessment. Depending on the size of the company and the risk assessment, a larger number may also be required.
Fire safety assistants are responsible for quickly extinguishing fires in their early stages and for evacuation in the event of an emergency. To this end, they receive expert and regular training on how to respond in the event of a fire and how to use fire extinguishing equipment.
Occupational Safety Specialists
Occupational safety specialists typically work closely with the fire safety officer to integrate the measures taken into operational procedures and to regularly monitor their implementation.
They regularly inspect the workplace to identify potential fire hazards or deficiencies. In addition, they educate and remind the workforce to comply with fire safety and occupational safety measures.
Safety Officers
Safety officers assist the employer in preventing workplace accidents and communicating accident hazards to the workforce.
Employees
All employees must, as a general rule, support fire safety measures through their behavior and follow instructions in an emergency. This means that in an emergency, they must report a fire, warn others, and provide assistance. In addition, they should participate in annual fire safety and evacuation drills.
Do you have any questions about fire safety in the workplace?
¹German Social Accident Insurance Association (DGUV) (2020): DGUV Information 205-001 Workplace Fire Safety in Practice, available online at: https://publikationen.dguv.de/widgets/pdf/download/article/324